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Stihl and Husqvarna face challenges in garden equipment market
Major garden equipment manufacturers are navigating shifting market conditions and environmental factors. Stihl has lowered its 2026 revenue forecast, now expecting a slight decline in the low single-digit percentage range. CEO Michael Traub attributed this downward revision to drought conditions in Europe, which reduce the growth of grass and shrubs, thereby lowering the demand for cutting tools. While Stihl does not currently plan to close German plants or reduce staff, Traub noted that producing battery-powered devices in Germany is not economically viable due to high labor costs, though gasoline-powered professional equipment production remains stable.
Husqvarna reported an operating loss of 334 million SEK in the third quarter, compared to a profit of 141 million SEK in the previous year's quarter. The company cited lower sales volumes, an unfavorable product mix, inventory reductions, and increased raw material and logistics costs as primary drivers. Despite the loss and a 2% decrease in net sales to 9,012 million SEK, Husqvarna's stock price rose by 5.8%. The company also announced plans to shift the production of battery-operated handheld devices from Europe to Asia.
Entities
Europe · Germany · Husqvarna · Michael Traub · STIHL
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Drought in Europe is the main reason for Stihl's lowered revenue forecast. www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Stihl does not currently plan to close its German plants. www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Husqvarna is moving production of battery-powered handheld tools from Europe to Asia. www.it-boltwise.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Stihl expects a low single-digit percentage decline in 2026 revenue. www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de
- [● 2 SOURCES] Stihl produces 25% of its goods in the USA and 25% in China. www.ad-hoc-news.de · www.oldenburger-onlinezeitung.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Husqvarna's net sales decreased by 2% to 9,012 million SEK. www.it-boltwise.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Husqvarna's stock price rose by 5.8% despite the operating loss. www.it-boltwise.de
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Husqvarna reported an operating loss of 334 million SEK in the third quarter. www.it-boltwise.de