CALIDA GROUP enhances efficiency – portfolio simplification
Oberkirch/Lucerne - Despite improved profitability, the Calida Group, based in the Swiss canton of Lucerne, reported lower revenue in the first half of 2026 and posted a net loss of 0.6 million Swiss francs. The lingerie manufacturer is selling the Cosabella brand and has decided not to proceed with its previously announced share buyback program.
Swiss lingerie manufacturer Calida reported revenue of 93.7 million Swiss francs in the first half of 2026. This represents a 7.9 per cent decline compared with the same period last year. According to a statement, adjusted EBITDA doubled to 3.0 million Swiss francs, while operating income (EBIT) improved from a decline of 1.8 to a decline of 0.3 million Swiss francs. Overall, however, the group reported a loss of 0.6 million Swiss francs. In the same period last year, it posted a profit of 0.9 million Swiss francs, largely due to the sale of a factory building.
Sales at the American lingerie brand Cosabella plummeted by 36.6 per cent, from 6.8 million to 4.3 million Swiss francs. The Calida Group is selling the brand to the New York-based Crown Brands Group. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price. With the sale, the Calida Group aims to focus on its core brands, Calida and Aubade, while simplifying its corporate structure.
The Calida brand generated revenue of 62.7 million Swiss francs in the first half of the year, a decline of 5.0 per cent. Aubade generated 26.7 million Swiss francs in revenue, down 7.8 per cent. Calida improved its gross margin in direct sales, while Aubade achieved almost double-digit growth in e-commerce revenue. "Through targeted measures across the organization, product development and brand communication, the Calida Group enhanced efficiency and further strengthened the competitiveness of Calida and Aubade," Group CEO Thomas Stöcklin is quoted as saying.
The Board of Directors has also withdrawn the previously announced share buyback program for up to 2 per cent of the company’s share capital. It cited the ongoing strategic review and the need to maintain financial flexibility as the reasons for the decision.
For the full year, the internationally active group, headquartered in Oberkirch, confirmed its target of achieving an operating EBIT margin of more than 6 per cent, while continuing to expect subdued consumer sentiment in its core markets.
