SMT Scharf AG, a leading supplier of transport and logistics systems for underground mining, has revised its forecast for the 2026 financial year downward following a sharp decline in revenue and operating earnings in the first nine months. Based on preliminary figures, the company reported consolidated revenue of EUR 51.5 million for the period, compared with EUR 70.9 million in the same period of 2025. Operating earnings (EBIT) fell to EUR 0.0 million from EUR 2.4 million a year earlier, according to the release distributed via NEWMEDIAWIRE.
The weak performance was primarily driven by lower investment activity in the relevant markets for coal mining and tunnel logistics, which led to a significant decline in new systems business. In addition to lower contribution margins due to reduced revenue, the third quarter was burdened by the unexpected termination of a tunnel project in the Middle East, resulting in non-recurring charges of EUR 0.6 million from the recognition of provisions.
Against this backdrop, and with customers’ willingness to invest expected to remain subdued in the fourth quarter, the Managing Board has adjusted its full-year guidance. Consolidated revenue is now expected to range between EUR 75 million and EUR 85 million, down from the previous forecast of EUR 95 million to EUR 115 million. EBIT is projected to range between EUR -0.5 million and EUR -1.5 million, compared with the prior range of EUR 1 million to EUR 2 million.
CEO Longjiao Wang emphasized that the company remains focused on consistently implementing its strategy and expanding its business with an extended product portfolio. He noted targeted sales partnerships, such as with the CFH Group in Kazakhstan and South Africa, and ongoing development of the electromobility product portfolio. The company’s 19-seat personnel carrier and 8-tonne cargo vehicle have already received MA certification in China, confirming their suitability for safe use in potentially explosive underground environments.
For readers tracking raw materials mining, the revision underscores persistent headwinds in mining equipment demand, particularly in coal. SMT Scharf’s systems are used worldwide in hard coal mines as well as in mines for gold, platinum and other metals, and the company also supplies chairlifts and rubber-tyred diesel and electric vehicles for mining and tunnelling. The slowdown in new systems business may signal broader caution among mining operators, which could affect equipment suppliers and related services across the sector.
Despite the near-term challenges, Wang expressed confidence in the group’s medium- and long-term prospects, citing attractive business opportunities. The full quarterly report as of 30 September 2026 will be published on 29 October 2026. Further information about the SMT Scharf Group is available at www.smtscharf.com. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
