Siltronic AG has released its financial guidance for 2026, projecting group sales to be in the mid-single-digit percent range below the previous year's preliminary figure of EUR 1,347 million. The company anticipates an EBITDA margin between 20 to 24 percent, compared to 23.5 percent in 2025, as it navigates what executives describe as a challenging market landscape.
The guidance accounts for several significant headwinds including unfavorable exchange rate effects, declining 200 mm wafer business, continued price pressure outside long-term agreements, and the full-year impact of closing the SD production line. The forecast assumes an exchange rate of EUR/USD 1.18, compared to EUR/USD 1.13 in the previous year. On a comparable basis excluding exchange rate effects and the SD line closure, sales are expected to be roughly in line with 2025 levels.
CEO Dr. Michael Heckmeier explained that while AI-driven end markets are supporting 300 mm wafer volume, positive developments in the memory segment have not yet fully reached the wafer industry. "Many of our customers are currently benefiting from high prices while simultaneously being capacity-constrained - and these bottlenecks are also slowing growth in individual end markets such as smartphones and PCs," Heckmeier stated. The company expects a decline in 200 mm wafers this year due to stronger inventory reduction by customers in the power segment.
Depreciation is projected to increase significantly in 2026 to between EUR 490 and 520 million due to investments in the 300 mm business, resulting in operating profit (EBIT) being substantially below the previous year's preliminary figure of EUR -26 million. Capital expenditure will be substantially reduced to between EUR 180 and 220 million, compared to EUR 369 million in 2025. However, since payments for capital expenditure will noticeably exceed this level, net cash flow is expected to remain in the range of the previous year's preliminary figure of EUR -85 million.
The company's full and audited Annual Report 2025 will be published on March 12, 2026, providing more detailed financial information. Siltronic operates as one of the leading wafer manufacturers globally, with production sites in Asia, Europe, and the USA, employing approximately 4,400 people worldwide. Silicon wafers serve as the foundation of the modern semiconductor industry, enabling chips for applications ranging from computers and smartphones to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
For additional information about the company, visit https://www.siltronic.com. The original press release containing these forward-looking statements is available through https://www.newmediawire.com. The company notes that actual results may differ from projections due to factors including changes in macroeconomic conditions, exchange rates, competitive pressures, and market acceptance of products.
