Porsche sold fewer cars, but made much more money – how did that happen?

Porsche reported a 4,250% surge in operating profit to €1.74 billion in the first nine months of 2026, despite a 16% drop in vehicle deliveries and a 5.9% decline in revenue. The reasons include a low comparison base, efficiency measures, and reduced exposure to the Chinese market.

Luxury carmaker Porsche published its financial results for the first nine months of 2026, showing a 4,250% jump in operating profit to €1.74 billion. This came despite a 16% decline in vehicle deliveries and a 5.9% drop in revenue, which stood at €25.28 billion. The main explanation for the surge is a low comparison base: in the same period last year, the company recorded an operating profit of just €40 million, after €2.7 billion in restructuring costs. Additionally, Porsche is in the midst of an efficiency drive that includes cutting thousands of jobs. A key part of the strategy is reducing exposure to the Chinese market, due to growing competition from local brands, while the US has become the company's largest market. Analysts expect 2027 to be a trough year, with a recovery starting in 2028.

Porsche sold fewer cars, but made much more money – how did that happen?