Heidelberg has kicked off the financial year 2025-26 with a strong performance, posting first-quarter sales of EUR 466-million, a 15.6% increase on the previous year’s EUR 403-million.
Bolstered by a solid order backlog and buoyant demand in Europe and Asia, the company saw significant growth in its print and packaging equipment segment, which surged 42% to EUR 211-million.
Digital solutions and lifecycle sales held steady at EUR 241-million, while the technology segment matched prior-year levels.
The adjusted EBITDA margin reached 4.4% (EUR 20-million), up from -2.3% (EUR nine-million), due to higher sales and cost efficiencies. Free cash flow improved to EUR 68-million from EUR 103-million, and the net result after taxes was EUR 11-million, compared to EUR 42-million. CEO Jurgen Otto said, “Thanks to our global market position and an improved cost basis, we have made a good start to the new financial year.”
Effective 1 April 2025, Heidelberg adopted a new reporting structure, segmenting operations into print and packaging, digital solutions, and technology. The company entered the defense sector through a memorandum with Vincorion Advanced Systems.
David Schmedding, chief technology and sales officer, stated, “Packaging printing remained a growth driver.”
Incoming orders reached EUR 559-million, down from EUR 701-million, supported by China Print. Heidelberg projects full-year sales of EUR 2,350-million and an EBITDA margin of up to 8%.