# Kalmar reports stronger orders despite lower quarterly earnings

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/kalmar-reports-stronger-orders-despite-lower-quarterly-earnings/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-10-29T15:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-29T09:04:27+00:00
- **Section:** Business / Company Results
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Cargo Handling, Electrification, Equipment Orders, Financial Results, Kalmar, Logistics Equipment, Material Handling, Port Equipment, Q3 2026

Kalmar Corporation reported a significant increase in orders received during the third quarter of 2026, supported by demand for cargo-handling equipment, while quarterly sales remained broadly stable and operating profitability declined compared with the previous year.

The Finnish equipment manufacturer recorded orders worth €458 million between July and September, an increase of 22% from €375 million in the corresponding period of 2025. Its order book reached €1.004 billion at the end of September, compared with €977 million at the end of 2025.

Quarterly sales amounted to €433 million, down 1% from €436 million a year earlier. Growth in the Services segment largely offset a modest decline in Equipment sales, while market demand remained stable and the recovery in North American equipment demand continued.

## Equipment demand and profitability

Kalmar reported an operating profit of €52 million for the third quarter, compared with €60.7 million in the previous year. Comparable operating profit decreased by 6% to €56.4 million, while the comparable operating profit margin declined to 13.0% from 13.8%.

Profit for the period amounted to €38.6 million, compared with €44.7 million a year earlier, while basic earnings per share decreased to €0.60 from €0.70.

The Equipment segment generated €310 million in new orders, representing an increase of 36% year over year. Segment sales reached €281 million, compared with €286 million in the third quarter of 2025, while its comparable operating profit margin stood at 12.6%.

The Services segment recorded sales of €153 million, an increase of 2% from €150 million in the previous year. Its comparable operating profit margin reached 17.6%, compared with 18.5% a year earlier, although the company noted an improvement compared with the preceding three quarters.

Kalmar also reported stronger demand for equipment included in its eco portfolio. Orders received for these products increased by 32% to €216 million, representing 47% of total quarterly orders. However, eco portfolio sales declined by 7% to €187 million, accounting for 43% of consolidated sales.

## Cash generation and full-year outlook

Cash flow from operations before finance items and taxes increased to €81.6 million during the quarter, compared with €25.6 million in the corresponding period of 2025.

Kalmar also reported progress under its Driving Excellence efficiency programme, achieving approximately €54 million in annualised gross efficiency improvements by the end of September. The result exceeded the company’s original target of €50 million for the end of 2026.

During the quarter, Kalmar opened a fully automated Test Centre in Ljungby, Sweden, designed to test electric and diesel-powered material-handling equipment under demanding operating conditions. The facility is intended to support product reliability and development activities.

For the first nine months of 2026, Kalmar recorded sales of €1.332 billion, an increase of 6% year over year. Orders received rose by 4% to €1.358 billion, while comparable operating profit increased by 3% to €167.7 million.

The company maintained its full-year guidance, expecting a comparable operating profit margin above 12.5% in 2026.

Kalmar also acknowledged delivery delays in the Asia Pacific region and warned that continued disruption to freight movements, transport routes and component supplies could extend these delays. Management expects overall market demand during the next six months to remain approximately at the levels recorded in recent quarters.

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Cite as: "Kalmar reports stronger orders despite lower quarterly earnings", pelavox., 29 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/kalmar-reports-stronger-orders-despite-lower-quarterly-earnings/