Trading Update 1Q26

21 Apr 2026 09:09 CEST

Solid order book amid challenging market conditions

First quarter 2026 highlights

* Order intake 1Q26 of €215.4 million (-7% versus 1Q25, flat at constant currencies), overall impacted by geopolitical uncertainty, while showing strength in Entertainment.  
* With a positive book-to-bill ratio, the orderbook at the end of 1Q26 strengthened to €536.0 million, an increase of 9% since year-end 2025.
* Sales 1Q26 of €180.6 million, -15% versus 1Q25, impacted by a strong currency exchange effect (sales were -8% at constant currencies) and affected by delayed order conversion and cautious customer decision-making

Orders and sales 1Q26

Order intake in the first quarter of 2026 was €215.4 million. Entertainment delivered order growth year-over-year, supported by continued momentum in the Cinema replacement cycle and premium formats. Healthcare orders declined versus a strong comparison base last year, particularly in the Americas. Diagnostic displays continued to show solid activity, particularly in EMEA. Enterprise orders were impacted by a cautious investment climate, mainly in the Americas, with Control Rooms showing resilience in EMEA and growth markets. Overall, the Group’s order book strengthened versus year-end 2025 and remains solid, underpinned by strategic customer relationships and an increasing share of software‑driven solutions.
Group sales in the first quarter amounted to €180.6 million, including a significant currency headwind of €14.0 million. Sales were impacted by the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, mainly in the Americas, while EMEA was more resilient, despite impact in the Middle East. Entertainment remained the largest contributor, with Cinema growing in EMEA and the Americas.  In Enterprise, Meeting Experience faced a weak investment climate, and focused strongly on the launch of ClickShare Hub, evangelizing the market channels and ramping up certified bundles. Meanwhile Control Rooms performed very resiliently, benefiting from increased attention to security and critical infrastructure. Healthcare sales saw growth for diagnostic displays, offset by lower volumes in surgical solutions.

 
Quote of the CEO, An Steegen

"Our first quarter is clearly not where we want it to be. It unfolded against a backdrop of heightened uncertainty, particularly in the US and the Middle East. 
Our order book and market shares remain solid and give us confidence in our ability to re-accelerate when market conditions normalize.  Meanwhile, we are taking concrete actions to protect profitability through disciplined cost focus. Strategically, we are sharpening our focus on the areas where we see structural demand drivers and clear differentiation.
Entertainment continues to perform well, while Enterprise is more challenged, particularly in Meeting Experience, where the BYOD‑agnostic market is contracting."

Outlook 2026 

The following statements are forward looking on a like-for-like basis and actual results may differ materially
In the current environment, the pace and timing of customer investment decisions and order conversion remain uneven across end markets. If current macro‑economic conditions and geopolitical tensions persist, Barco may not be able to continue to hold to its previously communicated full‑year guidance.
Barco will update its outlook together with the publication of its first‑half 2026 results, including the integration of VerVent Audio Holding.
Barco maintains its long‑term strategic guidance. As the business continues to shift from CAPEX to OPEX models, the company targets organic growth towards €1.1 billion, a 15% EBITDA margin and 15% recurring revenues by 2028.

Acquisition of VerVent Audio Holding 

Following the announcement of the intended acquisition of VerVent Audio Holding, Barco confirms that the share purchase agreement has been signed. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed by end of April.

Read the full press release in attachment.

2026-04-21-pr-1q26-results.pdf