Koenig & Bauer publishes its report on the first half of 2025, confirming its positive business performance.

At the heart of the company’s performance are the systematic measures it is bundling under the motto “Focus in Action.” These have already generated a significant improvement in earnings and are laying the foundations for further profitable growth.

The publication of the report coincides with the 40th anniversary of the company’s stock exchange listing. This milestone is being recognized at a capital markets day in Frankfurt/Main.

“The figures for the first half of the year are clear proof that we are headed in the right direction,” says Dr. Stephen Kimmich, CEO of Koenig & Bauer AG. “With specific initiatives such as ‘AI Empower 25’ and the pioneering spirit being imbued through forward-looking technologies such as battery coating, we are demonstrating that we are not merely managing but also actively shaping the transformation process.”

Details of Strong Business Performance

Group revenue climbed by 3.5% to €550.4 million in the first half of the year. This was driven in particular by the second quarter, which saw revenue grow by 7.0% to €298.2 million. At €1,096.3 million, the order backlog was up 7.4% on the previous year. This marks the highest figure in the company’s recent history.

Order intake reached €606.9 million in the same period. This is a solid figure given the muted demand in the wake of the uncertainties surrounding US tariffs and the large order intake that had been registered in connection with drupa in the previous year.

The positive trend is particularly evident in profitability, with operating EBIT improving by 69.1% year-on-year to €-9.6 million. This performance benefited from the planned savings under the “Spotlight” program.

On balance, free cash flow amounted to €-83.7 million (previous year: €-27.7 million). This is mainly due to the expected increase in net working capital.

“In view of the challenges arising from the new trade policies in the United States, our focus on strengthening profitability is more important than ever,” says Dr. Alexander Blum, CFO of Koenig & Bauer AG. “The high order backlog provides us with a solid basis for this. We are systematically leveraging the measures under our “Spotlight” program to gradually and sustainably improve the group’s profitability through enhanced efficiency and cost management.”

Forty Years on the Capital Market and Outlook

This marks not only the publication of the figures for the first half of the year but also the 40th anniversary of the initial listing of the Koenig & Bauer share on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange on Aug. 6, 1985.

Koenig & Bauer confirms its full-year guidance for 2025. The Executive Board anticipates a slight increase in revenue to €1.3 billion, accompanied by higher operating EBIT in a corridor of between €35 million and €50 million.

The historically high order backlog and additional savings from the “Spotlight” focus program are providing the underpinnings for this forecast.

At the same time, the company is monitoring the trade policy situation. The new tariff cap of 15% on the majority of EU exports, which applies from Aug. 1, 2025, together with the current EUR/USD exchange rate, will make Koenig & Bauer’s presses and equipment more expensive in the United States.