Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) reports a strong first half of the 2024/2025 financial year, with incoming orders exceeding expectations and a high order backlog providing a solid foundation for projected sales volumes in the second half of the year. This positive outlook is attributed to strong demand for HEIDELBERG’s products, particularly in the packaging solutions segment, and successful orders received at the drupa trade show.
The company’s order backlog of €953 million is a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year, and sales for the first half of the year were €915 million, meeting expectations. HEIDELBERG CEO Jürgen Otto states, “The forecast sales volume for new machines has already been almost entirely met with orders and our production operations are running at full capacity. We can be confident that we will achieve our targets for the year.”
The company’s strong performance is also reflected in its results after taxes, which dropped in line with the lower adjusted EBITDA to €-35 million. However, the second quarter saw a positive result after taxes of €7 million, showing improvement from the first quarter. HEIDELBERG CFO Tania von der Goltz credits the company’s active cost management for the improvement in free cash flow, which was €-102 million for the first half of the year but improved to €2 million in the second quarter.
The packaging solutions segment remains a growth driver for HEIDELBERG, with incoming orders increasing by 9.7 percent to €675 million in the first half of the year. The company’s positioning as a systems integrator and total solution provider in the packaging market has contributed to its strong position in this sector. HEIDELBERG also sees opportunities for growth in China and the Asia-Pacific region due to its local production and market position.
Despite the challenges posed by a volatile market, HEIDELBERG is confident in its annual forecast and expects sales for the 2024/2025 financial year to be in line with the previous year’s figure of €2,395 million. The company also plans to focus on strategic growth measures in the packaging, industry, and service segments, as well as cost reduction efforts. HEIDELBERG encourages interested investors to visit their Investor Relations portal and Press Lounge for more information about the company.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.