Fitch Lifts Schaeffler's Outlook to Positive on Expected Leverage Improvement

12:33 AM EDT, 09/14/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Fitch Ratings on Sept. 11 affirmed its long-term issuer default rating on Schaeffler (SHA0.F) and its parent, IHO Verwaltungs, at BB+ and BB, respectively, and changed the outlooks to positive from stable. The outlook revision reflects the rating agency's expectation that IHO's consolidated leverage profile will fall below the thresholds for a positive rating action by the end of 2027. The rating also reflects the German automotive and industrial supplier's solid business profile and improved profitability in the first half. However, Fitch also noted the company's lowered expectations for group sales and margins in 2028 amid weaker global automotive volumes and slower adoption of electric vehicles.