HMS Bergbau AG (ISIN: DE0006061104, WKN: 606110), a leading independent commodities trading and marketing company, announced preliminary and unaudited IFRS figures for the first half of 2026, revealing a significant increase in revenue and profitability. The company's revenue rose by approximately 71% to around EUR 1.1 billion, compared to EUR 643 million in the same period last year. EBITDA, including one-off items, reached EUR 22.5 million, up from EUR 8.3 million in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA, excluding one-off effects of EUR 8.4 million from the consolidation of the South African mining company Hoshoza Resources Vryheid, stood at EUR 14.1 million.
The strong performance underscores HMS Bergbau's successful transformation into a diversified commodities company. During the first six months, the company achieved its best-ever trading performance in bulk products and liquid fuels, with March and April being the most successful months in terms of tonnage handled. Activities in the metal ores sector were also significantly expanded, including an exclusive off-take agreement for the entire chromite ore output from the Langpan mining project in South Africa for a minimum of eight years.
A key milestone was the start of production at HMS's coal mines in South Africa and Botswana. Both mines are expected to reach full production by the end of 2026, making substantial contributions to earnings. Dennis Schwindt, CEO of HMS Bergbau, commented: "We are very satisfied with our performance in the first half of the year. All business divisions have performed well and are contributing to our growth. Our trading business has performed very well; we were able to more than offset the restrictions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz through increased trading in South-East Asia. We are particularly pleased that our coal mines have started production. Over the course of the rest of this year, we will gradually ramp up production there. We then expect to see corresponding positive contributions to earnings."
Following the strong first half, HMS confirmed its full-year forecast for 2026, projecting revenue to rise to EUR 2 billion and adjusted EBITDA to increase from EUR 23.1 million in 2025 to EUR 35 million. The exact further impact from the ongoing activities at Hoshoza Resources Vryheid cannot yet be determined. The full 2026 half-year report will be available for download from 30 September 2026 on the company's website, www.hms-ag.com, under the Investor Relations section.
These results highlight HMS Bergbau's robust growth trajectory and its strategic shift from a pure trading house to a vertically integrated commodities company. The successful start of mining operations diversifies revenue streams and enhances long-term stability. With a strong trading business and expanding production capabilities, HMS is well-positioned to capitalize on global commodity demand, despite geopolitical challenges such as the Strait of Hormuz closure. The confirmed guidance indicates management's confidence in sustained momentum for the remainder of the year.
