Wienerberger cuts its earnings outlook as housing demand stays weak
Wienerberger lowered its 2026 operating earnings outlook to 640–650 million euros as new housing construction remained weak and input costs increased. The building-materials producer expects subdued third-quarter results and is accelerating cost reductions. Management has also begun a strategic review, with another update planned alongside its November publication of its first-nine-month figures.
Economics & Markets··Night
Annual outlook falls below the previous target
The Austria-based building-materials producer Wienerberger lowered its 2026 operating earnings outlook to 640–650 million euros. The revised range concerns earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, known as EBITDA. It follows weak new-housing demand and higher input costs. The company’s latest trading update was published on 6 October.[1], [2]
The previous annual outlook had been 700 million euros, compared with 760 million euros at the start of the year. For the third quarter, Wienerberger expects revenue of approximately 1.2–1.3 billion euros and operating EBITDA of approximately 170–180 million euros. These quarterly figures remain company estimates ahead of its scheduled results publication.[1], [2]
New housing and input costs weigh on factories
The seasonal pickup in construction after the summer holidays was weaker than the company anticipated in September. Residential new-build activity remains under pressure in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada. Renovation and infrastructure have developed more steadily, but that relative stability did not outweigh weakness in new housing. Demand and factory utilisation remained lower across several areas.[1]
Energy, raw-material and logistics costs rose significantly from the end of August. Wienerberger responded with additional sales initiatives, price increases and faster efficiency measures. The company said these measures had not fully offset the extra cost inflation during the third quarter, although their effects would emerge progressively.[1]
Management starts a review across the businesses
Interim chief executive Gerhard Hanke and his team have started a strategic review across the businesses. They are also accelerating cost reductions with stated aims of strengthening profitability, lowering leverage and improving the returns generated by the group’s assets. The first-nine-month results are due on 12 November, when management also plans an update on these initiatives.[1]
Wienerberger operates more than 200 production sites and employs more than 20,000 people worldwide. Its businesses supply building-envelope products for new construction and renovation, alongside water and energy infrastructure. Products include bricks, clay roof tiles and pipes. In 2025, revenue reached 4.6 billion euros and operating EBITDA was approximately 754 million euros.[1]
