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HEIDELBERG starts the 2024/2025 financial year with a strong order volume from drupa

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  • Strong second half-year expected thanks to high order backlog
  • As expected, sales and EBITDA down year-on-year in the first quarter due to reluctance to buy ahead of drupa
  • Growth potential: cooperation with Canon for industrial digital printing in the commercial sector
  • Annual forecast confirmed

Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has started the new financial year 2024/2025 with strong growth in incoming orders. Thanks to the highly successful drupa industry trade fair, the technology company’s incoming orders in the first three months (April 1 to June 30, 2024) exceeded its own expectations of around € 650 million at € 701 million (previous year: € 591 million). The best order value since 2016 thus forms a strong basis for the entire financial year with a high order backlog of € 923 million (March 31: € 652 million). The regions of Europe (+25%) and the Americas (+30%) recorded particularly strong growth. Growth was only slightly weaker in Asia (+3%), as the previous year had been particularly strong due to the important industry trade fair Print China.

“The strong recovery in our order intake allows us to look to the full financial year with great confidence,” said Jürgen Otto, CEO of HEIDELBERG. “The pleasing order backlog from the drupa trade fair will lead to rising sales in the following quarters compared to Q1. At the same time, we are working on our cost situation and personnel costs, which are generally too high.”

Forecast confirmed despite after-effects of the order slump

As expected, sales in the first quarter of € 403 million were below the previous year’s level (€ 544 million) due to the reluctance to invest ahead of drupa. The adjusted operating result (EBITDA) fell by around € 51 million to € –9 million compared to the adjusted figure for the same quarter of the previous year. The corresponding EBITDA margin was –2.3% (previous year: 7.7%). Net result after taxes fell to € –42 million (previous year: € 10 million). As expected, free cash flow was negative at € –103 million (previous year: € –27 million) due to the quarterly loss, the increase in inventories because of the high order intake and seasonal effects.

“HEIDELBERG felt the after-effects of the slump in orders from the third quarter of 2023/2024 in the first quarter,” said Tania von der Goltz, CFO. “Despite the expected improvements in sales and earnings in the second half of the year, we will continue to work on our costs and efficiency. We expect to achieve the previous year’s result in the current year.”

In the Print Solutions segment in particular, HEIDELBERG recorded strong drupa-related growth in incoming orders of around 21 percent. In contrast, sales declined by around 23% from April to June due to the low order intake in the third quarter of the previous year. Incoming orders in the Packaging Solutions segment improved by 17 percent, while sales in this segment fell by 29 percent as expected.

HEIDELBERG presented itself at drupa as a total solution provider for the printing industry with offset and digital. In particular, the cooperation with Canon is intended to open up the growing market in digital industrial commercial printing. HEIDELBERG aims to significantly increase its sales in this area in the medium term.

The forecast for the 2024/2025 financial year is confirmed against the backdrop of the strong order intake. Assuming that the global economy does not grow more slowly than predicted by economic research institutes, HEIDELBERG expects stable earnings development with sales remaining the same.

Images and further information about the company are available on the Investor Relations and Press Portal of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG at www.heidelberg.com.

For further information:

Corporate Communications

Oliver Claas

Phone: +49 6222 82-67179

E-Mail: [email protected]

Thomas Fichtl

Phone: +49 6222 82- 67123

E-Mail: [email protected]

Investor Relations

Maximilian Beyer

Tel: +49 (0)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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Poundland’s Last-Minute Rescue Deal

Poundland is pursuing a rescue deal to avoid collapse amid financial woes, affecting UK retailers.

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Poundland's Last-Minute Rescue Deal

Poundland is in a critical situation as it seeks a last-minute rescue deal to prevent its collapse. The British retailer, unable to purchase new stock due to severe financial constraints, faces an uncertain future. This development, reported on November 11, 2026, underscores a challenging period for the company and highlights broader issues impacting UK high street retailers. The potential failure of such a well-known brand has raised significant concerns about the health of the retail sector.

Gordon Brothers, a potential suitor for Poundland, is actively involved in efforts to secure a rescue deal. The firm is urging the release of necessary funding to finalise the sale, which is seen as vital to ensure the retailer’s survival. This move is not just about saving Poundland but also about stabilising confidence in the sector that has been increasingly under pressure. The stakes are high, and the outcome remains crucial not only for the company but for its employees and the wider retail landscape.

The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Poundland’s inability to secure new stock due to its financial woes is a direct consequence of deeper issues plaguing the retail industry. This predicament has sparked fears of a complete collapse, which would have significant repercussions for employees and consumers reliant on the affordability and convenience of Poundland stores. The retailer’s plight is a stark reminder of the precarious position of many high street brands in the current economic climate.

The broader trend of financial struggles among UK retailers is evident, as noted by Sky News. Poundland’s situation is emblematic of the pressures facing many high street businesses today. Rising costs, changing consumer habits, and intense competition from online retailers have created a perfect storm, threatening the survival of traditional brick-and-mortar establishments. The outcome of Poundland’s rescue deal could set a precedent for how other struggling retailers navigate similar challenges.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on whether the necessary funding and agreements can be secured in time to save Poundland. The company’s future hangs in the balance, and the need for a decisive resolution is paramount. The involvement of Gordon Brothers adds a layer of potential optimism, but the complex nature of retail financing means the path to a successful deal is fraught with uncertainty.

The implications for UK high street retailers are significant. A collapse of Poundland could signal further instability, shaking consumer confidence and potentially leading to a domino effect among other retailers. Conversely, a successful rescue could provide a much-needed boost to the sector, offering a template for similar deals in the future. The retail industry will be closely watching the developments, as the outcome will likely influence strategic decisions across the market.

In conclusion, Poundland’s pursuit of a rescue deal is a critical moment for the retailer and the broader industry. The company’s ability to navigate this challenging period will depend heavily on the outcome of negotiations with Gordon Brothers and the timely release of funds. As of now, all eyes are on this high-stakes situation, and the coming days will be decisive. The retail sector’s trajectory may well hinge on the resolution of this pressing financial dilemma.

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña resigns amid a bank collapse impacting millions, sparking a major financial crisis.

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Paraguay President Santiago Peña Resigns Amid Bank Collapse

On November 5, 2026, Paraguay’s political landscape was dramatically reshaped as President Santiago Peña resigned amid a severe financial crisis. This crisis, characterized by the collapse of a major bank, has left millions of Paraguayans with frozen savings, triggering widespread financial instability across the nation [The Guardian, November 2026]. The resignation came after intense public pressure, reflecting the profound impact of the banking sector’s failure on the country’s socio-economic fabric [The Guardian, November 2026].

The immediate catalyst for Peña’s resignation was the unprecedented bank failure that exposed significant vulnerabilities in Paraguay’s financial system. This collapse not only froze millions of savings but also drew international scrutiny to the country’s fiscal management [BBC, November 2026]. The banking debacle underscored the systemic issues within Paraguay’s financial institutions, raising questions about regulatory oversight and governance that have yet to be fully addressed.

Peña’s decision to step down was formally communicated through an official announcement, marking a pivotal moment in Paraguay’s political history [BBC, November 2026]. This move was largely seen as a response to growing unrest and a loss of confidence in his administration’s ability to manage the crisis effectively. The president’s resignation has opened a leadership vacuum at a critical juncture, as the nation grapples with stabilizing its economy and restoring public trust.

The international community has been closely monitoring the developments in Paraguay, with the bank collapse serving as a cautionary tale of financial mismanagement [BBC, November 2026]. While specific international responses were not detailed, the situation has likely prompted discussions on the need for stronger financial governance frameworks in similar emerging markets. The crisis has highlighted the interconnectedness of global financial systems and the potential repercussions of inadequate oversight.

As Paraguay faces this economic turmoil, the focus now shifts to the interim leadership and their strategies to mitigate the crisis’s impact. Restoring the public’s access to their frozen assets will be a priority, alongside implementing reforms to prevent future financial collapses. The path forward will require decisive action from both domestic policymakers and international financial bodies to ensure stability and confidence in Paraguay’s banking sector.

The ripple effects of this financial crisis extend beyond Paraguay, as regional economies assess their vulnerabilities to similar shocks. The need for robust risk management practices and transparency in financial dealings is underscored by this situation. Paraguay’s experience may serve as a catalyst for broader financial reforms within the region, promoting resilience against potential economic disruptions.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the effectiveness of Paraguay’s response to the crisis. The interim leadership’s ability to navigate these challenges will set the tone for the country’s economic recovery and political stability. Observers will be keenly watching for signs of progress as Paraguay seeks to rebuild its financial credibility and restore normalcy for its citizens.

Peña’s resignation, though a significant political event, is just the beginning of a complex recovery process for Paraguay. The nation’s future hinges on its capacity to implement necessary reforms and regain the confidence of both its people and the international community. The lessons learned from this crisis will likely inform future policy decisions, shaping Paraguay’s path toward economic resilience.

In the aftermath of this crisis, Paraguay’s financial system will inevitably undergo scrutiny and transformation. The global financial community will be attentive to how Paraguay addresses its systemic issues, with the potential for this situation to become a case study in crisis management and reform. The developments in Paraguay may influence how emerging economies structure their financial governance in the years to come.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

FBI attributes $6.3B Binance crypto hack to North Korea, raising security concerns. Binance covers 90% of losses.

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FBI Identifies North Korea as Culprit in $6.3 Billion Binance Crypto Hack

In a striking attribution of cyber malfeasance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has named North Korea as the perpetrator behind a colossal $6.3 billion hack on Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This revelation underscores persistent cybersecurity vulnerabilities and intensifies geopolitical tensions already fraught with complexity [The Guardian, November 2026].

The breach, now recognized as the largest of its kind, has sent shockwaves through the digital asset community, raising urgent questions about the robustness of current security protocols within the crypto industry [Al Jazeera, November 2026]. Despite the significant financial blow, Binance has demonstrated resilience by covering a substantial 90% of the losses, reflecting its commitment to maintaining user trust and stability [The Guardian, November 2026].

Binance’s response to the hack has been proactive, involving collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to pursue recovery of the stolen assets. A spokesperson from the exchange affirmed, “We are working closely with law enforcement to recover the funds,” indicating a strategic approach to mitigate the consequences of this unprecedented breach [The Guardian, November 2026].

The scale of the hack, valued at $6.3 billion, places it squarely in the spotlight of global financial and security discussions. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital finance systems, particularly as they become more entwined with global economic infrastructures [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

North Korea’s involvement in such a high-profile cybercrime reflects broader geopolitical dynamics, where state-sponsored hacking has become a tool for economic gain and political leverage. This attribution by the FBI further complicates diplomatic relations and underscores the need for coordinated international responses to cyber threats [The Guardian, November 2026].

The incident has not only affected Binance but has also sent ripples across the broader cryptocurrency market, prompting investors and exchanges to reassess their security measures. The hack’s magnitude highlights the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and industry-wide collaboration to fortify digital asset exchanges against future threats [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

In the wake of this cyber assault, Binance’s robust response and coverage of losses may set a precedent for how exchanges handle such adversities in the future. It also emphasizes the critical role of transparency and accountability in maintaining user confidence and market integrity [The Guardian, November 2026].

As the situation unfolds, the interplay between cybersecurity and international politics will likely intensify, with potential repercussions for regulatory frameworks governing digital assets. The hacking incident serves as a catalyst for ongoing debates about the balance between innovation and security in the realm of cryptocurrency [Al Jazeera, November 2026].

Looking forward, the focus will remain on how Binance and other cryptocurrency platforms adapt to these evolving threats. Their ability to enhance security protocols and foster international cooperation will be crucial in defining the future landscape of digital finance. The world will closely monitor these developments, particularly as they relate to North Korea’s cyber capabilities and intentions [The Guardian, November 2026].

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