Rieter reported a 34 per cent rise in order intake for 2024, reaching CHF 725.5 million (2023: CHF 541.8 million), marking the fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. Despite this, the company faced a 39 per cent decline in sales, closing the year at CHF 859.1 million (2023: CHF 1 418.6 million).
The Machines & Systems Division saw a significant sales drop of 56 per cent to CHF 424.9 million (2023: CHF 965.0 million). The Components Division recorded a 7 per cent decline, reaching CHF 247.6 million (2023: CHF 266.2 million), while the After Sales Division remained stable at CHF 186.6 million (2023: CHF 187.4 million).
Rieter maintained profitability despite lower sales, reporting an operating result (EBIT) of CHF 28.0 million (2023: CHF 104.8 million) with an EBIT margin of 3.3 per cent (2023: 7.4 per cent). Net profit stood at CHF 10.4 million (2023: CHF 74.0 million), while free cash flow dropped to CHF 14.1 million (2023: CHF 118.7 million). Net debt rose to CHF 230.3 million (2023: CHF 191.2 million) due to new lease liabilities.
The company’s order backlog stood at CHF 530 million as of December 31, 2024 (2023: CHF 650 million). The Board of Directors has proposed a dividend of CHF 2.00 per share, reflecting a payout ratio of 85.8 per cent.
As part of its sustainability strategy, Rieter committed to setting company-wide emission reduction targets for 2040 under the Science Based Targets initiative.
Looking ahead, Rieter expects a challenging first half of 2025 but foresees a stronger second half, with sales anticipated at the previous year's level and an EBIT margin between 0 per cent and 4 per cent.
