Now a tires-only supplier, Continental AG says it achieved "very good results" during the third quarter of 2026.

During the quarter, Continental achieved consolidated sales of $3.9 billion, a decline "mainly due to the sale of the Original Equipment Solutions business area at the beginning of February 2026," according to Continental officials.

"Before exchange rate effects and changes in the scope of consolidation, organic sales declined by 1.5%."

However, during the third quarter of 2026, Continental achieved a 6.7% increase in operating results, coming in at $46.8 million.

Continental has raised its outlook for the adjusted EBIT margin and adjusted free cash flow for continuing operations.

"This was primarily due to the strong earnings performance in Europe, where the tire manufacturer further improved on last year’s good foundation. In Asia, Continental once again posted very good results.

"In North and South America, earnings were negatively impacted by weak replacement markets," say Continental officials.

"Overall, higher sales of ultra-high-performance tires (UHP tires, 18 inches and above), slightly positive exchange-rate effects, lower tariff impacts and successful commercial measures taken in response to higher raw-material prices contributed to the positive performance. Weak automotive markets, however, weighed on the original equipment business."

CEO comments

"We delivered another very good quarter in the tire business," says Continental CEO Christian Kotz. "We have raised our outlook in line with these results and head into the challenging final stretch of the year in a strong position. For the year as a whole, we now expect the earnings margin and free cash flow figures to exceed our initial projections."