Despite challenges, the company was able to achieve its annual targets and expects higher profitability in 2025.
Koenig & Bauer closed the 2024 financial year with a strong Q4 and achieved all sub-targets defined in November 2024. Operating EBIT for the fourth quarter totalled €46.5 million (previous year: €32.0 million), supported by a strong order situation and efficiency improvements.
Sales of € 1,274.4 million were achieved for the full year 2024, with an adjusted operating EBIT of € 25.8 million, adjusted for special items from the „Spotlight“ focus programme and the leading drupa trade fair. The special effects for „Spotlight“ and drupa were accepted in order to secure future growth and profitability, according to the statement.
Strongest order situation in recent history
The high demand resulted in incoming orders of € 1,402.7 million (+8.9 % YoY) and a year-end order backlog of € 1,039.8 million (+14.1 % YoY). This is the highest level in the company's recent history and serves as a strong starting point for 2025.
„Achieving our targets underlines the operational resilience of our company. drupa has strengthened our innovative power and intensified our dialogue with customers.“
Dr Andreas Pleßke, CEO of Koenig & Bauer
Future prospects: Higher profitability expected for 2025
For 2025, Koenig & Bauer is forecasting slight revenue growth to €1.3 billion and an increase in operating EBIT to €35 - 50 million. Achieving these targets will depend heavily on global economic and geopolitical developments.
In the long term, the company is targeting sales of € 1.4 - 1.5 billion with an EBIT margin of 5 - 6 % for 2026.
Source: Koenig & Bauer AG
