Coface

Coface lowers its global growth forecast for 2026 to 2.3 percent and warns of persistent supply-chain disruptions, high energy prices and a rising wave of insolvencies. The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and high oil prices are increasing transport and production costs; companies report longer delivery times and margin pressure. As a result, country ratings were downgraded particularly in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam), as well as in parts of Africa and Kuwait. Coface expects corporate insolvencies to rise by around 6 percent and governments’ fiscal headroom to be constrained. » More on finanzen.net

Credit insurer Coface has significantly revised its forecast upward and now expects global corporate insolvencies to increase by around 6 percent in 2026 (previously 2.8 percent). For Germany a rise of about 5 percent is forecast, with strong increases expected in the US (+8%), France (+8%) and Japan (+7%). Drivers include weaker growth, higher key interest rates, tighter lending standards, increased energy and procurement costs, and geopolitical uncertainties. Cyclical and capital‑intensive sectors such as construction, chemicals and textiles are particularly affected; small and medium‑sized enterprises are seen as especially vulnerable. » More on finanzen.net

Coface reported a net profit of €53.6m for Q1 2026, a RoATE of 11.0% and stable revenues of €465m, after which the share price rose about 2.9%. The services segment grew strongly (business information +12%, collections +40%) and the net loss ratio was 37.6%, contributing to a net claims-and-expenses ratio of 70%. For 2026 the company expects downwardly revised global growth amid persistent inflation and plans massive investments in data, connectivity and AI to diversify revenue sources. » More on de.investing.com