Koenig & Bauer AG has started the 2026 financial year with strong operating momentum. Despite a persistently volatile market environment, geopolitical risks due to the escalation in the Middle East and a weak global economy, the company recorded the highest order intake in a first quarter for two years.
Group revenue rose in the first quarter by +3.2% to €260.2m (previous year: €252.2m). Order intake for the Group rose significantly by +21.4% to €297.6m (previous year: €245.2m). At €1,008.0m, the order backlog remains at a strong level above the billion mark (previous year: €1,032.8m) and forms a reliable foundation for the coming quarters.
After a typically cautious start to the year for mechanical engineering, operating EBITDA stood at €-2.9m (previous year: €-0.6m). EBITDA of €-9.5m includes non-operating extraordinary items of €6.6m for the planned closure of the operations at Albert-Frankenthal GmbH. Net working capital (NWC) was kept securely within the target range of a maximum of 25% of Group revenue with a ratio of 23.7%.
“The strong start to the year in order intake is a massive vote of confidence from our customers and proves the pronounced resilience of Koenig & Bauer,” explains Dr Stephen Kimmich, Chief Executive Officer. “As already emphasised with our annual figures: in times of global trade policy uncertainty, stability is not a static state, but requires a high degree of organisational responsiveness. Our significant growth in order intake against the industry trend shows that we are doing our homework. This also includes the consistent implementation of our ‘IMPACT’ strategy: With the scheduled closure of the Albert-Frankenthal GmbH site, we are now delivering exactly what we announced for further Group focus and increased efficiency. We are providing the right impetus, actively shaping the industry transformation and securing our long-term competitiveness.”
