Business & Finance
HEIDELBERG anticipates a very strong second half to financial year 2024/2025
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Thanks to a high order backlog of € 953 million, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) anticipates that the second half of financial year 2024/2025 will be strong, while current developments over the quarters reflect the pronounced seasonality that is to be expected. This positive outlook is based on strong incoming orders in the first half of the year, which are 7.4 percent up on the previous year, at € 1.273 billion. Sales of € 915 million were within expectations, due to purchasing restraint ahead of the drupa trade show (previous year: € 1,092 million).
“HEIDELBERG is starting a very strong second half of the year. We are now ramping up the utilization of our production capacities so we can work through our order backlog in the third and fourth quarters quickly and profitably,” says HEIDELBERG CEO Jürgen Otto. “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.”
HEIDELBERG is still particularly strong in and around China. Incoming orders in the Asia Pacific region recorded the clearest growth in the first six months of the current financial year, increasing by approximately 10 percent.
Based on strong order levels, the company anticipates a clear increase in sales in the second half of the current financial year in particular. When adjusted for special items, the
EBITDA margin in the first six months of financial year 2024/2025 was 3.4 percent (same period of previous year: 9.2 percent) and was impacted in particular by lower sales in Q1 and by expenses related to drupa. Strict cost discipline had a positive impact in the reporting period. This is another reason why EBITDA improved significantly compared to the first quarter from € -9 million to € 40 million. During the period under review, there were no special items that require adjustment. Compared to the same period of the previous year (€ 33 million), the result after taxes after six months dropped in line with the lower adjusted EBITDA to € -35 million. In the second quarter, the result after taxes was positive, at € 7 million (same quarter of previous year: € 23 million).
After the first half-year, free cash flow
was, as anticipated, € -102 million (same period of previous year: € -28 million). It improved significantly in the second quarter, creeping into positive figures, at € 2 million. “Our active cost management is increasingly bearing fruit by considerably improving free cashflow over the course of the year,” reports
HEIDELBERG CFO Tania von der Goltz. “Consistent cost control over the coming months will play a big part in the success of the current financial year. Furthermore, the anticipated improvements in results in the second half of the year will have a positive impact on the free cash flow.”
Packaging solutions segment remains growth driver –
annual forecast confirmed
Compared to the same period of the previous year, the packaging solutions segment was able to increase incoming orders in the first half of the year by around 9.7 percent to € 675 million, thereby contributing approximately 53 percent to the total volume. Megatrends in the packaging market are first and foremost the growing demand for packaging that is both sustainable and high-quality. This is where the positioning of HEIDELBERG as a systems integrator and total solution provider has a positive impact, helping to further expand its very strong position in the packaging market. The company also anticipates further growth opportunities in China due to its location benefits. In the print solutions segment, incoming orders rose in the same period by around 5.5 percent to € 594 million.
Beyond the packaging business, HEIDELBERG wants to capitalize on other strengths. The company is characterized by a high export ratio, as over 80 percent of its business is generated outside of Germany. In particular, the company sees further growth opportunities in China and the Asia-Pacific region thanks to local production and a very strong market position. Beyond Asia, HEIDELBERG benefits globally in the service business from a large installed base of machines that are connected to HEIDELBERG via a cloud. Networking allows the efficiency of the systems to be improved, preventive maintenance to be planned and software updates to be installed.
Taking into account the expectations and assumptions published and presented in the 2023/2024 management report, the Company continues to expect sales for financial year 2024/2025 to be in line with the previous year’s figure (previous year: € 2,395 million). The adjusted EBITDA margin is also expected to be similar to the previous year’s figure (previous year: 7.2 percent). The high order backlog resulting from the successful drupa trade fair and the continuous focus on margins and costs will provide a sound basis for the achievement of the targets. In future, the focus will primarily be on strategic growth measures in the Packaging, Industry and Service segments, as well as further cost reductions.
Image material and further information about the company are available in the Investor Relations portal and Press Lounge of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com.
Further information:
Corporate Communications
Florian Pitzinger
Phone: +49 151 67968774
E-mail: [email protected]
Thomas Fichtl
Phone: +49 6222 82-67123
E-mail: [email protected]
Investor Relations
Maximilian Beyer
Phone: +49 6222 82-67120
E-mail: [email protected]
Important note:
This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates made by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Even if the company management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, actual future developments and future actual results may deviate considerably from these assumptions and estimates due to a variety of factors. These factors may include, for example, changes in the overall economic situation, exchange rates and interest rates as well as changes within the graphic arts industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft provides no guarantee and assumes no liability that future developments and the actual results achieved in the future will correspond to the assumptions and estimates made in this press release.
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Business & Finance
EU’s Regulatory Shift: A Boon for Small Tech Firms
New EU regulations targeting tech monopolies promise to level the playing field, offering unprecedented opportunities for smaller tech companies to thrive. Explore how these changes could reshape the industry.
In a decisive move aimed at curbing the dominance of technology giants, the European Union has implemented a suite of new regulations designed to foster competition and innovation within the industry. Announced by the European Commission on May 21, 2026, these measures are part of a broader strategy to dismantle monopolistic practices and empower smaller players in the tech sector. The Financial Times reported that this regulatory shift could herald a new era for startups and small businesses, offering them a unique opportunity to compete on a more level playing field.
For years, the EU has tussled with tech behemoths over issues ranging from data privacy to market monopolies. These latest regulations, however, mark a significant escalation in the EU’s efforts to promote fair competition. By targeting the monopolistic practices that have long stifled smaller competitors, the EU aims to dismantle barriers that have historically protected the interests of large corporations. This shift is timely, as innovation increasingly emerges from smaller tech companies that often lack the resources to challenge established giants.
The current regulatory framework introduces stringent measures that impose limits on data sharing, promote transparency in algorithms, and mandate interoperability between platforms. These measures, as detailed by the European Commission, aim to dismantle the walls that have allowed tech giants to corner markets and stifle competition. Smaller firms, often more agile and innovative, stand to benefit immensely. By ensuring that platforms cannot unfairly prioritize their own services, these regulations open doors for startups to enter markets previously dominated by a few large players.
Market analysts have noted that these changes could lead to a renaissance in tech innovation across Europe. Smaller companies, unburdened by the constraints of battling entrenched incumbents, are likely to experiment with new technologies and business models. For instance, the requirement for interoperability could lead to the development of new collaborative platforms that challenge existing ecosystems. As a result, consumers may see a surge in diverse product offerings tailored to specific needs, driven by smaller companies eager to carve out niche markets.
The response from tech giants has been predictably cautious. While some have expressed willingness to comply, others have raised concerns about the potential for stifling innovation and increasing operational costs. However, proponents of the regulations argue that true innovation thrives in competitive environments. By breaking the hold of tech monopolies, the EU is not only fostering a fairer market but also driving the industry towards a more dynamic and responsive future.
Looking ahead, these regulatory changes could catalyze a shift in the global tech landscape. As smaller companies gain traction and challenge the status quo, the ripple effects may extend beyond Europe, influencing regulatory approaches worldwide. This development promises to reshape the dynamics of the tech industry, offering a glimpse of a future where innovation is driven by diversity and competition, rather than the dominance of a select few.
Business & Finance
AI Revolutionizes Cryptocurrency Trading with Real-Time Analysis
AI algorithms are transforming cryptocurrency trading by offering real-time analysis and unprecedented efficiency. This article explores the technological advancements and their impact on the crypto market.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cryptocurrency trading landscape, a fact made clear by recent reports from Bloomberg. The integration of AI algorithms into trading strategies is providing unprecedented real-time analysis and efficiency, a development that is attracting significant attention from investors eager to capitalize on the volatile yet lucrative crypto markets.
In May 2026, Bloomberg highlighted how AI technologies are enabling traders to process vast amounts of market data at speeds unattainable by human analysts. This capability allows for the detection of patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, offering a competitive edge to those who harness these tools. The real-time nature of these analyses means traders can make decisions based on the most current market conditions, enhancing the potential for profitable trades.
The application of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical reality transforming investment strategies. For instance, hedge funds and institutional investors are increasingly relying on machine learning models to predict price movements and optimize trading algorithms. These models can analyze a myriad of factors, from market sentiment to historical price data, adjusting trading strategies dynamically in response to new information.
AI’s role in enhancing trading efficiency is particularly crucial in the cryptocurrency markets, where volatility is a constant challenge. The ability to swiftly process and react to market changes can mean the difference between a lucrative trade and a significant loss. This agility is driving interest from tech-savvy investors who are keen to leverage innovation for financial gain.
However, the rise of AI in cryptocurrency trading is not without its challenges. Regulators are grappling with the implications of these technologies, as traditional oversight mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. There is an ongoing debate about the need for new regulatory frameworks to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of AI in cryptocurrency trading are substantial. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely to drive further innovation in the financial sector, offering new opportunities for growth and investment. Investors and firms that can effectively integrate AI into their trading strategies are poised to thrive in this new digital era.
The future of cryptocurrency trading appears increasingly intertwined with AI technology. As more traders adopt these advanced tools, the market dynamics will likely shift, favoring those who can adapt quickly to technological changes. The ongoing integration of AI into cryptocurrency trading not only heralds a new era of financial innovation but also underscores the transformative power of technology in shaping the future of finance.
Business & Finance
The Rise of Green Finance in Europe: Challenges and Limitations
Explore the burgeoning field of green finance in Europe, focusing on the critical challenges and limitations that could shape its future. This article provides a thorough analysis of the barriers to sustainable investment growth and the potential implications for investors.
As the sun rises over Europe’s financial districts, a new wave of investment strategies is beginning to take shape. Green finance, a term that encapsulates financial investments flowing into sustainable and environmentally friendly projects, is gaining traction across the continent. However, beneath the surface of this promising trend lie significant challenges that could impede its progress.
The current landscape of green finance in Europe is characterized by an increasing number of funds and initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development. The European Union has been at the forefront, implementing a comprehensive framework that encourages green investments. This includes the EU Green Deal and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which aim to direct capital flows towards sustainable economic activities. Despite these efforts, the journey towards a universally green financial system is fraught with obstacles.
One of the primary challenges facing green finance is the lack of standardized definitions and metrics. What exactly constitutes a ‘green’ investment can vary significantly across regions and sectors, leading to confusion and inconsistency. This lack of clarity can result in greenwashing, where investments are marketed as sustainable without meeting rigorous environmental criteria. The absence of a unified taxonomy complicates efforts to assess and compare the sustainability of different financial products.
Moreover, the transition to green finance is hindered by the existing financial infrastructure. Traditional financial systems are deeply entrenched, often prioritizing short-term gains over long-term sustainability. This systemic inertia makes it difficult for green initiatives to gain a foothold. Additionally, many investors are still skeptical about the profitability of sustainable investments, perceiving them as risky or less lucrative compared to conventional options.
Another significant limitation is the uneven distribution of green finance across Europe. While countries like Germany and the Nordic nations have made substantial progress in integrating sustainable practices, others lag behind due to economic and regulatory disparities. This imbalance poses a challenge to achieving a cohesive and effective green finance strategy across the continent.
The role of technology and innovation in overcoming these challenges cannot be overstated. Advancements in fintech, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, have the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency in green finance. These technologies can help track and verify the environmental impact of investments, thus building trust and credibility in the market.
Despite these hurdles, the future of green finance in Europe holds promising opportunities. As awareness of climate change grows, so does the demand for sustainable financial products. Investors are increasingly recognizing the long-term benefits of aligning their portfolios with environmental goals. Furthermore, regulatory pressures and societal expectations are likely to drive more companies towards sustainable practices, thereby expanding the scope of green finance.
In conclusion, while the rise of green finance in Europe is a step in the right direction, it is not without its challenges. Addressing the issues of standardization, infrastructure, and regional disparities will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of sustainable investments. As Europe navigates these complexities, the outcome will not only shape the future of its financial markets but also its commitment to a sustainable global economy.
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