Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, German packaging and bottling machinery manufacturer Krones has posted strong first-quarter results for 2025, continuing its profitable growth trajectory.

Revenue for Q1 rose 13.1% year-on-year to €1.41 billion, up from €1.25 billion in the same period of 2024. This includes contributions from Netstal Maschinen AG, acquired in March 2024. Even excluding this acquisition, Krones met its annual revenue growth guidance of 7–9%.

While order intake dipped slightly by 3.2% compared to Q1 2024, it remained robust at €1.44 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.02. The company’s diversified international customer base helped offset regional slowdowns. Krones’ order backlog reached €4.32 billion at the end of March, ensuring production capacity utilisation well into Q2 2026.

Krones also saw improvements in profitability. EBITDA rose 19.1% to €149.3 million, lifting the margin from 10.1% to 10.6%, within the full-year target range. EBT grew by 21.2% to €107.9 million, and net income increased by 15.3% to €75.9 million, translating to earnings per share of €2.40.

Free cash flow, excluding acquisitions, remained strong at €165.2 million. Return on capital employed (ROCE) climbed to 20.5%, up from 19.0%.

Despite a volatile global outlook marked by trade tensions and geopolitical risks, Krones remains confident. The company has reaffirmed its 2025 targets: 7–9% revenue growth, an EBITDA margin of 10.2–10.8%, and ROCE between 18–20%.