HMS Bergbau AG, a leading independent commodities trading and marketing company based in Germany, has published final figures for the first half of 2026, confirming preliminary results and demonstrating substantial growth. Revenue rose to EUR 1.1 billion from EUR 0.64 billion in the prior-year period, while EBITDA including one-off items climbed to EUR 22.5 million from EUR 8.4 million. Adjusted for one-off effects related to the first-time consolidation of South African mining company Hoshoza Resources Vryheid, operating EBITDA was EUR 14.1 million. The company noted that because it previously prepared accounts under German Commercial Code (HGB) rather than IFRS, year-on-year comparisons are limited.
The strong performance was fueled by HMS's traditional bulk commodities business and its liquid fuels and lubricants segment, established in 2025. The company benefited from sustained high demand for coal products in emerging and developing economies. The International Energy Agency now expects global coal consumption to rise by 1.2 per cent to almost 9 billion tonnes in 2026, a reversal from its earlier forecast of a slight decline. HMS also significantly expanded its metal ores activities and brought metallurgical coal mines in Botswana and South Africa into operation during the period. Regional crises in the Middle East and their impact on global energy supply had no negative effect on the company's business.
The implications of these results are significant for HMS and the broader commodities sector. The doubling of revenue and near-tripling of EBITDA underscore the company's ability to capitalize on shifting global energy dynamics, particularly the unexpected resilience of coal demand. By bringing new mines online and expanding into liquid fuels and metal ores, HMS is diversifying its revenue streams and reducing reliance on any single commodity. This strategic expansion positions the company to benefit from ongoing infrastructure and industrial growth in emerging markets, where coal remains a critical energy source. Furthermore, the successful integration of Hoshoza Resources Vryheid demonstrates HMS's capacity to execute on its vertical integration strategy, gaining direct access to production assets. The fact that geopolitical tensions in the Middle East did not disrupt operations highlights the robustness of HMS's global supply chain and its diversified geographic footprint across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
For investors and industry observers, the final figures confirm that HMS's growth trajectory is not merely a blip but a structural improvement. The company's ability to generate EUR 14.1 million in adjusted operating EBITDA in just six months signals strong underlying profitability. As global energy markets continue to evolve, HMS's dual focus on traditional bulk commodities and newer liquid fuels positions it as a versatile player capable of adapting to regulatory and demand shifts. The full half-year report is available on the company's website, www.hms-ag.com, under Investor Relations. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
