Investment uncertainty influences order intake
In the second quarter, order intake amounted to €807 million (H1 2025: €1,887 million) and was therefore below the level of the previous quarters. The reason for the subdued development are the global tariff conflicts and uncertainties, which have led to a significant reluctance to invest on the part of customers. In light of these developments, the Dürr Group is adjusting its forecast for order intake for the year as a whole.
Sales reached €1,001 million and were therefore 8% lower than in the second quarter of 2024 (H1 2025: €2,008 million). The main reasons were declines in the Industrial Automation division, the sale of the subsidiary Agramkow, which was completed in mid-2024, and isolated project delays on the part of customers in the automotive business. Despite the uncertain market environment, the Board of Management confirms the sales forecast for 2025 of €4,200 million to €4,600 million; however, the lower end of the target range is anticipated.
The EBIT margin before extraordinary effects was 4.2% in the second quarter (H1 2025: 4.0%), representing an improvement on the first quarter (3.9%). The forecast for the EBIT margin before extraordinary effects for the year as a whole of 4.5% to 5.5% is confirmed.
“The first half of the year was characterized by an exceptionally high level of uncertainty — particularly due to geopolitical turbulences and the tariff conflicts. This led to a significant reluctance to invest on the part of our customers,” says Dr. Jochen Weyrauch, CEO of Dürr AG. “At the same time, there are some bright spots in relevant economic indicators, and a trade policy agreement between the US and the EU seems to be possible. Our task is to strengthen the Dürr Group’s resilience and prepare ourselves for the next upturn in the best possible manner. We do this with determination: We have reduced fixed costs at HOMAG and made the automotive business even more efficient. We are also realizing synergies in the automation business and are now addressing the streamlining of the administration.”
Adjustment of the administrative structure planned as the next step in the Group realignment
As part of the simplification of the Group structure announced mid-2024, Dürr intends to adjust its administrative structures. By the end of 2026, around 500 administrative positions are to be cut. The aim is to adapt the group administration to the new size of the company and at the same time make it more efficient. With the Group realignment, Dürr is concentrating on its core business relating to the sustainable automation of production processes and reduces the number of its divisions from five to three. Important steps to date have been the sale of the environmental technology business and of the filling technology specialist Agramkow as well as the consolidation of the automotive business.
Earnings (after extraordinary effects) will be negatively impacted in the second half of the year by provisions of €40 million to €50 million for the planned job cuts. Conversely, annual savings of around €50 million are expected, taking full effect from 2027.
“The planned restructuring of the administration is a next consistent step after the sale of the environmental technology business,” emphasizes Dr. Jochen Weyrauch. “We are making the Dürr Group more robust, more efficient, and more focused. This gives us more flexibility to achieve our goals and grow profitably, including in a challenging market environment. In line with our corporate culture and values, we intend to cut jobs in a socially responsible manner.”
Full year: Extraordinary expenses offset in earnings after tax by book profit from sale of environmental technology
In the second quarter, earnings will be negatively impacted by a non-cash goodwill impairment in the Industrial Automation division. The impairment in the range of €110 million to €130 million relates to the Production Automation Systems business unit. It reflects the business unit’s subdued business with the automotive industry as a result of macroeconomic uncertainties and the faltering development of electromobility.
Dürr AG expects the extraordinary expense for the adjustments in the administration and the impairment to be offset by the expected book profit from the sale of the environmental technology business. The book profit is forecast at €220 million to €250 million before tax and €160 million to €190 million after tax, and is expected to be incurred in the fourth quarter with the closing of the sale of environmental technology. The annual forecast for earnings after tax of €120 million to €170 million therefore remains unchanged.
Whilst the forecast for the EBIT margin before extraordinary effects is unchanged at 4.5% to 5.5% for 2025, the forecast range for the EBIT margin (after extraordinary effects) is being adjusted to -1.0% to 0.0% (previously 3.5% to 4.5%). The reason for this is, that the book profit from the sale of the environmental technology business is not taken into account in the EBIT (after extraordinary effects) of the continued operations.
The interim report for the first half of the year will be published on August 7, 2025.
