07 May 2026 | Thursday | Company results
Q1 2026 Group performance
Roy Jakobs, CEO of Royal Philips:
“We delivered a good start to 2026, with strong order intake growth at 6%, comparable sales growth of 4% and margin expansion of 40 basis points, reflecting disciplined execution against our plan in an uncertain macro-environment. Sales grew across segments and was led by North America and Europe.
We are moving forward with full energy on our new plan to accelerate profitable growth, built on three strategic pillars: focused segment-specific strategies, differentiated platform-based innovations, and disciplined execution.
We are proud to remain the number one MedTech patent applicant in Europe and to have secured regulatory approval for key AI-powered innovations such as SmartHeart, which automates cardiac MR imaging planning in one click. Our unique, differentiated platforms drove strong demand by combining hardware, software and AI. DeviceGuide gained regulatory approval, adding AI-powered real-time guidance to complex cardiac procedures on the Azurion image-guided therapy platform. Our OneBlade grooming platform resonated with customers by providing superior experience and versatility in use.
Disciplined execution underpins our progress as we navigate an increasingly dynamic macro-environment. In response to external pressures, we are focused on what we can control: stepping up productivity actions to offset the impact of tariffs and higher cost inflation, keeping our savings plans on track, and further strengthening our supply chain. At the same time, we are intensifying commercial and service excellence to reach more customers and consumers through our innovations. With quality at the heart of our operations, our entire team is dedicated to delivering better care for more people.”
Group and segment performance
Comparable order intake increased 6%, driven by growth in both Diagnosis & Treatment and Connected Care and continued strong performance in North America and International Region. Group comparable sales increased 4%, with growth across all segments led by Personal Health.
Adjusted EBITA margin increased 40 basis points to 9.0%, mainly driven by higher sales and underlying gross margin, supported by recently launched innovations and productivity, despite the impact from higher tariffs and cost inflation. Income from operations increased to EUR 241 million. Free cash flow totaled EUR 28 million.
Diagnosis & Treatment comparable sales increased 2%. Adjusted EBITA margin was 9.8%, up 30 basis points, mainly driven by higher sales and productivity, partly offset by higher tariffs and cost inflation.
Connected Care comparable sales increased 3%. Adjusted EBITA margin declined 60 basis points to 2.9%, mainly due to the impact of higher tariffs and cost inflation, partly offset by productivity and higher sales.
Personal Health comparable sales increased 9%. Adjusted EBITA margin increased 60 basis points to 15.8%, driven by higher sales and productivity, and partly offset by higher tariffs, advertising and promotions spend, and cost inflation.
Innovation highlights
Productivity
Disciplined cost management and productivity initiatives delivered EUR 126 million in savings in the quarter. Philips is on track to deliver EUR 1.5 billion in savings under its 2026-2028 productivity program.
Outlook
Philips reiterates its full-year 2026 outlook:
Philips 2026 outlook includes currently known information, including tariffs, within an uncertain macro environment. It excludes any potential International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff refunds. It excludes ongoing Philips Respironics-related proceedings, including the investigation by the US Department of Justice.
Capital allocation
To cover certain of its obligations arising from its long-term incentive plans, Philips will repurchase up to 4 million shares. At the current share price, the shares represent an amount of up to approximately EUR 91 million. The repurchases will be executed through one or more individual forward transactions, expected to be entered into in the second and/or the third quarter of 2026, in accordance with the Market Abuse Regulation and within the limits of the authorization granted by the company’s General Meeting of Shareholders. Philips expects to take delivery of the shares in Q4 2028.
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