The 40 companies listed on the Dax are projected to achieve record profits in 2026. According to Handelsblatt, despite ongoing challenges such as the war in Iran, high oil prices, and US tariffs, the companies increased their net profits in the first half of the year by 13.5 percent, reaching 68.3 billion euros. The last Dax company presented its balance sheet for the completed quarter on Thursday, including the energy provider RWE.
Based on strong performance during the initial six months, analysts estimate that the Dax companies will increase their total annual net profits by nearly 14 percent, reaching 127.7 billion euros-a level unprecedented in modern German economic history. These figures are based on calculations from the Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI), utilizing data provided by the financial specialist Bloomberg.
In the record year of 2021, the Dax companies had achieved 123.5 billion euros in profits. However, in 2021, the automotive giants BMW, Mercedes, and VW still generated about 50 billion euros. This year, these three automakers are expected to earn only marginally more than 17 billion euros. Over the first half of 2026, the net profits of these three car manufacturers fell by 19 percent, totaling 8.1 billion euros.
At least 13 Dax companies are expected to reach record profits in 2026. These high-performing firms include the insurers Allianz and Munich Re, the software developer SAP, and industrial giants such as Airbus, Heidelberg Materials, Hochtief, Gea, and Rheinmetall.
