Accelleron goes full throttle
The shares of ABB spin-off Accelleron can carry the momentum of the previous year into 2026. The turbo manufacturer from Baden, Switzerland was able to present convincing figures for the past financial year - sales rose by over 20 percent. This growth was driven in part by the data center boom, where Accelleron turbos are used in emergency power generators. However, geopolitical developments such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz directly affect the core business of shipping - how is the company dealing with this?
A success story continues
Accelleron is one of the most successful spin-offs in recent Swiss stock market history. Since the spin-off from parent company ABB, Accelleron's shares have increased fivefold in value (TradingView, 17.03.2026). This was no coincidence - the manufacturer of turbochargers for heavy diesel engines impressed in its core business and now holds around 50 percent of the market share in this sector (FuW, 12.03.2026). This year, however, the focus was on a different area. The rapid development of artificial intelligence and the associated investments in the construction of data centers came in handy for Accelleron. Energy-intensive computing processes are required to operate large AI language models. In 2025, large tech companies such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta etc. had no intention of stopping building data centers that could handle these computing processes. However, this is accompanied by a high demand for electricity, with diesel-powered emergency generators also being used to step in during peaks or power outages. These generators use turbochargers to increase efficiency and performance - which is exactly where Accelleron comes in.
Accelleron emerged directly from the turbocharger business of the Swiss-Swedish industrial group ABB, which originally wanted to sell this division. As no suitable buyer could be found, ABB decided to float the profitable turbocharger division, which did not fit in with its electrical engineering core business, as an independent entity. The shares of Accelleron were listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol ACLN in October 2022.
Growth through diversification and innovation
Accelleron has managed to assert itself in a highly competitive market through targeted diversification and innovative approaches. In addition to the traditional marine turbocharger business, the company has successfully expanded its activities into the field of emergency power supply for data centers. This strategic decision proved to be a good fit, as the global data center boom has triggered an rising demand for reliable and powerful emergency power solutions.
The figures speak for themselves: in the high-speed segment, which includes emergency power generators for data centers, Accelleron recorded impressive sales growth of 34 percent to USD 334 million in 2025 (FuW, 12.03.2026). The rising demand for diesel-powered emergency power generators is due to the increasing strain on power grids caused by the expansion of data centers. Especially in the USA, where the expansion of data centers is progressing rapidly, the need for reliable backup power solutions has increased enormously (Latitude Media, 09.03.2026).
Another advantage of Accelleron lies in its global network of service stations, which enables the company to carry out repairs and maintenance quickly and efficiently - a decisive competitive advantage, especially in the shipping sector, where time and reliability are of the utmost importance (FuW, 12.03.2026).
Challenges and future prospects
Despite its impressive successes, Accelleron also faces challenges. Geopolitical uncertainties, such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, could impact the company's shipping business. Nevertheless, demand for CO₂-saving dual-fuel engines in the shipping sector remains strong, which could continue to benefit Accelleron (FuW, 12.03.2026).
In the area of emergency power solutions for data centers, however, the dependence on diesel-powered generators could be put to the test in the future. Although diesel generators currently offer unbeatable reliability and scalability, the increasing importance of sustainability and the development of alternative energy solutions could lead to a shift in demand in the long term (Hosem Power, 08.03.2026).
Nevertheless, Accelleron remains optimistic. The company plans to further expand its market position and expects organic sales growth of 9 to 14 percent and a stable EBITA margin (Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Amortization) of around 25 percent for the current year (Cash.ch, 12.03.2026). The introduction of a share buyback program worth CHF 100 million and the increase in the dividend by 20 percent underline the company's confidence in its future development (Cash.ch, 12.03.2026).