Bobst Group results impacted by low sales in the first half year 2025

Bobst Group reported sales of CHf (Swiss Franc) 667.4-million for the first half of 2025, down 19.4% from CHf 828.2-million in the same period last year. The decline was attributed to lower equipment sales, a reduction in order entries, and negative currency effects. Order entries fell 4% year-on-year, and the order backlog at the end of June was 27% lower than the previous year, but 8% higher than at the end of 2024.

The operating result (EBIT) dropped to CHf 5.4-million, from CHf 34.7-million in 2024. The net result was CHf 3.3-million, compared to CHf 7.7-million in the previous year. Net debt increased to CHf 237.1-million at the end of June 2025 from CHf 125.8-million at the end of 2024. The equity ratio fell to 23.2%, from 27.9%, mainly due to low net results and dividend payments of CHf 82.3-million.

The printing and converting business unit saw sales of CHf 332.4-million, down 33.1% from 2024. Its EBIT fell from CHf 5.8-million to CHf 42.4-million. Order entries for this unit declined 9.4%. The Group cited project delays worth over CHf 80-million, linked to US tariffs and geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

The services and performance unit posted sales of CHf 335-million, up 1.2%. EBIT rose to CHf 49.6-million from CHf 41.3-million, supported by maintenance contracts, retrofits, and cost reductions due to the absence of Drupa. The Group noted a 10% increase in connected machines since June 2024 and progress in its digital transformation, including next-day delivery rollouts in the UK, Ireland, and Germany.

Their press releases mentiones that in flexible packaging Bobst has been able to secure a good first semester booking level for the product lines gravure, coating, laminating and vacuum supporting Bobst San Giorgio and Bobst Manchester plants workload. 

Restatements in 2023 and 2024 financials followed accounting corrections at the Bobst Firenze Srl site. Inventory and invoice errors reduced consolidated reserves for 2023 by CHf 5.9-million and net profit for 2024 by CHf 14.0-million. There was no impact on operating cash flow.

For the second half of 2025, the Group expects higher revenue recognition but anticipates continued pressure from global uncertainties. Full-year 2025 sales are expected to fall by around 15% from CHf 1.891-billion in 2024, and EBIT is projected to be less than half of the restated CHf 141.6-million reported last year.

At the time of filing, 1 Swiss Franc equals 108.72 Indian Rupee