Q1 2027 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Yeah, good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Eidelberg's conference call on the publication of the figures for Q1 2026-2027. We're delighted to welcome our investors, and analysts.
Speaker #1: Besides commenting on our business performance in the first quarter, we will also cover the key highlights of the period and discuss our outlook for full year 2026-2027.
Speaker #1: Afterwards we will be happy to take your questions. A key recent highlight has been the appointment of Christoph Burkhardt, a Heidelberg's new CFO. Christoph brings extensive international leadership and financial management experience.
Speaker #1: His strong capital market background, deep expertise in the specialized machinery sector, and a successful track record in building and expanding new business areas were key factors in the supervisory board's decision and position him well to support Heidelberg's strategic development going forward.
Speaker #1: With official start on October 1, we are pleased to welcome Christoph Burkhardt to Heidelberg's management board. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the current head of finance, Volker Herding, for his outstanding service unwavering commitment and significant contributions to Heidelberg.
Speaker #1: During September, Volker will ensure a smooth transition of responsibilities to Christoph before retiring from Heidelberg. Before turning to the current fiscal year, let us first review the key achievements of the past year that have laid the foundation for our recent developments.
Speaker #1: First, we made significant progress in optimizing our cost base. Through disciplined execution of efficiency measures, and accelerated digitalization, we strengthened our competitiveness and created the basis for future margin improvement.
Speaker #1: Second, we successfully established the foundation of our security and defense business. Through Heidelberg advanced technologies. These represent an important step in diversifying our revenue streams and reducing our dependence on the traditional printing business.
Speaker #1: Third, we continue to expand our digital and technology activities through partnerships and targeted M&A initiatives. The acquisitions of Mann Roland, and Polar, as well as the intensification of our digital partnerships strengthen our market position and create additional lifecycle and recurring revenue opportunities.
Speaker #1: Taken together, these achievements have sharpened Heidelberg's strategic profile, strengthened our resilience, and provided the foundation for the growth initiatives we are pursuing in the full year 2026-2027 and beyond.
Speaker #1: Now let's take a look at the key figures of the first quarter, that was marked by conditions that remained challenging. Which were reflected in particular in sales volume, and earnings.
Speaker #1: Given that the expiration of the subsidy program in Italy alone has resulted in over 60 million euros fewer orders, in this country, in comparison to last first quarter, incoming orders of 537 million euros were quite satisfactory.
Speaker #1: China Japan and the US were able to increase their order intake. In sales, we saw a noticeable decline to 404 million, driven by the segment print and packaging equipment.
Speaker #1: Regional-wise, also here, Italy reflected the facing out of the subsidy program, but also other markets of the EMEA region, as well as the US, showed lower sales volume.
Speaker #1: While the Chinese market recorded a clear increase. Referring to profitability, the adjusted EBITDA margin was primarily impacted by the lower sales, volume resulting in a margin of 0.2%.
Speaker #1: Let me now turn to our strategic progress. Heidelberg continues to execute its strategic roadmap, driving high-tech. Despite the challenging market environment, the measures implemented are already showing initial positive effects.
Speaker #1: Importantly, both our core business and HD advanced technologies our strategic second pillar, built on the same technological foundation, competencies, people, and infrastructure. Generating synergies for both sides.
Speaker #1: Our activities in HD advanced technologies leverage capabilities developed over decades, including software, automation, manufacturing expertise, systems integration, and service. And apply them to attractive new markets and megatrends.
Speaker #1: For example, our expertise in complex power distribution and control systems for high-performance printing machines for the years long forms the basis for our charging energy management and defense-related solutions.
Speaker #1: Likewise, managing thousands of EV charging points draws the same digital capabilities that connect and monitor more than 11,000 Heidelberg systems worldwide. This shared technology base creates synergies reduces execution risk, and positions us to capitalize on key growth trends such as automation, e-mobility, energy infrastructure, and security technologies.
Speaker #1: For a deep dive in our strategic progress, I hand over to David, starting with the core business.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Jürgen. And hello everyone and also welcome from my side. Let's start the deep dive with our latest developments in our core business.
Speaker #2: The acquisition of MAN Roland is a unique strategic opportunity that strengthens our market position as system integrator, while also supporting industry consolidation. It expands our customer reach by more than 3,000 customers, enhances our service and spare parts business, and supports the continued growth of our lifecycle business.
Speaker #2: Increasing the contribution of recurring revenues is quite important for several reasons. First, recurring revenue provides visibility. Second, recurring revenue reduces macro-driven cyclicality and makes Heidelberg more resilient.
Speaker #2: Third, the lifecycle business offers higher margins and will drive group profitability in the future. MAN Roland's presence in 35 countries with approximately 600 employees drives and streamlines Heidelberg's footprint.
Speaker #2: Accordingly, a key benefit is the combination of our sales and service networks. Stronger together, Heidelberg and MAN Roland represents around 2,700 sales and service employees worldwide.
Speaker #2: Strengthening our presence in key markets such as China, Mexico, and Latin America. Importantly, in early stage we are already seeing commercial successes. Including the first sale of a Heidelberg VLF machine to a MAN Roland customer.
Speaker #2: Our Carson Master 145. Let's turn the attention to the business case. Following the successful completion of the acquisition in early July, we expected the MAN Roland operations to contribute a mid-double-digit euro amount to Heidelberg's group sales.
Speaker #2: With no impact on the operating line in the current year. With regard to the potential for synergies, we anticipate two types. First, following the full integration of the MAN Roland operation, which is planned to take place over a two-year period, Heidelberg expects a positive absolute EBIT contribution to the group in the low teens.
Speaker #2: Second, and even more importantly, larger scale creates substantial leverage opportunities. Additional synergy potential is expected from the sale of Heidelberg systems, plus recurring consumables business.
Speaker #2: Both contributions are expected to come in with typical margins for such business. Following the full integration of the MAN Roland operation, Heidelberg targets for the combined operation a stable sales contribution of in total 100 million plus euro, with an EBIT contribution ambition of approximately 10 to 15 million euro per year.
Speaker #2: As already mentioned, stronger together, and we are confident that this partnership will create long-term sustainable value for our stakeholders. Another important strategic step in recent weeks was the complete acquisition of Polar.
Speaker #2: Polar is a highly recognized specialist for post-press systems and has been a long-standing partner of Heidelberg. The acquisition supports our ambition to become an even stronger system integrator for our customers, and contributes from different angles.
Speaker #2: By fully integrating Polar machines and systems into the Heidelberg organization and ecosystem, on the one hand, we strengthen our position in packaging and labeling, while expanding our offering along the value chain.
Speaker #2: On the other hand, the transfer of the Polar production to North Macedonia is a key lever for improving our cost competitiveness. Let us now switch the focus to our international expansion plans, reducing reliance on the domestic market.
Speaker #2: China recently recorded one of its strongest Q1 order intakes. With our strategy in place, we will further enhance efficiency to continue growing in China.
Speaker #2: Building on over a century of presence in Japan, Heidelberg's strong market position enables the company to capture future growth opportunities across the region. In Vietnam and India, too, we are pursuing a dedicated initiative to further secure and strengthen our access to the market.
Speaker #2: The African countries are also focused markets for Heidelberg. This means that we are unlocking new potential with a tailored strategy. In Brazil, thanks to a strong sales and service network, we see an opportunity to capitalize on the promising market growth.
Speaker #2: Packaging printing is also a key growth driver here. Fueled by rising prosperity and the increasing use of paper packaging. Accordingly, sales in the first quarter of the current fiscal year more than doubled.
Speaker #2: And also promising region is Mexico, with a primarily driven by nearshoring, especially for packaging and label. With that, let me conclude the section on our geographic expansion strategy across customers and end markets.
Speaker #2: Equally important, our geographic ambitions to ensure further competitiveness of Heidelberg as base for stakeholder value creation. As part of our efficiency and cost optimization strategy, we are establishing a low-cost country footprint in North Macedonia.
Speaker #2: We have created a new entity, Heidelberg Industrial Solutions, operational since the beginning of 2026, starting with the assembly of post-press equipment and scalable overtime.
Speaker #2: Execution is progressing rapidly. Production ramp-up commenced already in 2026, with the site expected to reach full operation capacity by 2028. The location offers a very attractive cost position at China level.
Speaker #2: Combined with government support for both CAPEX and OPEX. As previously highlighted, the relocation of Polar's production activities to North Macedonia will support the ramp-up.
Speaker #2: Overall, the expansion of production low-cost countries is a key lever to structurally improve our cost base and support margin expansion. Having laid a strong foundation through consistent cost optimization, we now shift our focus with full conviction to unlocking substantial growth opportunities in new markets beyond Heidelberg for business.
Speaker #2: And with that, I will hand back to Jürgen.
Speaker #1: Thank you, David. And let's continue with the reflection of the latest developments in our second growth pillar. Our strategic partnership, Phenergy, is another important step in expanding Heidelberg's technology portfolio.
Speaker #1: The partnership targets a rapidly growing energy storage market and supports the diversification of Heidelberg beyond its traditional core business. Together with Phenergy, we aim to establish a European industrial platform for sodium, iron, battery technology, addressing increasing demand for resilient and sustainable energy storage solutions.
Speaker #1: Heidelberg will contribute its industrial manufacturing and printing expertise across the entire value chain. Ranging from procurement and production to installation, service, and maintenance. A key differentiator is the combination of Phenergy's cell, chemistry, with technology.
Speaker #1: Creating opportunities for scalable and cost-efficient battery production in Europe. The partnership also strengthens European technology sovereignty by reducing dependence on non-European supply chains. Overall, we see attractive long-term growth potential in this market and a strong strategic fit with Heidelberg's industrial capabilities.
Speaker #1: Another important milestone was the launch of Onberg's live demonstration hub in Brandenburg. Providing customers and stakeholders with a dedicated environment to experience integrated counter UAS solutions in real-world scenarios.
Speaker #1: The facility showcases the interoperability of various defense technologies and. So particularly emphasis is placed on the production of critical infrastructure. A market that continues to gain strategic importance across Europe.
Speaker #1: Demand for effective counter UAS solutions is increasing as security requirements continue to rise. Recent incidents, for example, Leipzig Airport, have further underlined the need for reliable and integrated defense capabilities also for critical infrastructure.
Speaker #1: Through Onberg, Heidelberg is positioning itself as a technology and industrialization partner in a growing defense market. Leveraging existing engineering manufacturing and system integration expertise.
Speaker #1: While these business is still at an early stage, we continue to see significant long-term potential and remain fully committed to expanding our presence in the security and defense sector.
Speaker #1: Before turning to the detailed financial review, let me briefly summarize the key highlights of the first quarter. In our core business, we further strengthened our market position through the integration of man roll and sheet fat.
Speaker #1: And the acquisition of Polar. We also achieved the first successful VLF machine sales to a man roll and customer. Demonstrating the initial commercial benefits of the transaction.
Speaker #1: In addition, we continued to intensify our partnerships in digital printing and further strengthened our packaging ecosystem through targeted collaborations. Another important milestone was the launch of our new production site in North Macedonia.
Speaker #1: Supporting our ongoing efficiency and cost optimization agenda. With our second growth pillar, the Onberg joint venture, commenced operations for automated drone defense while designing of the MOU with Skyturn further expanded our capabilities in unmanned systems.
Speaker #1: HD Advanced Technologies also entered into the strategic partnership with Phenergy. Opening access to the energy storage market and creating an additional growth opportunity beyond our traditional core business.
Speaker #1: Overall, the first quarter demonstrated solid progress in executing our strategic priorities and further advancing Heidelberg's diversification and growth agenda. And with that, I'll hand over to Volker.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Jürgen. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Let me now turn to our financial performance in the first quarter. For fiscal year 2026-2027. As expected, we continue to operate in a challenging market environment.
Speaker #2: Order intake amounted to 537 million euro, compared to 560 million euro in the prior year quarter. Representing a decline of 4%. The main reason was the expiry of the Italian incentive program.
Speaker #2: Which has significantly supported order intake last year. Encouragingly, we continued to see positive momentum in China and the United States, while our order backlog increased from 639 million euro at the beginning of the fiscal year to 762 million euro at the end of June.
Speaker #2: Providing good visibility for the coming quarters. Net sales amounted to 404 million euro compared to 466 million in the prior year quarter a decline of 13%.
Speaker #2: The lower sales volume was primarily driven by softer demand in print and packaging equipment. Particularly in a mere and Italy following the phase out of the subsidy program.
Speaker #2: The lower sales volume had a direct impact on profitability as a result the adjusted EBITDA margin came in at 0.2%. Compared to 4.4% in the prior year quarter, is a decline.
Speaker #2: Of 420 basis points. At the same time, our cost measures continued to show tangible effect. Headcount was reduced from 9,228 to 9,019 employees a decline of 2%, while staff cost decreased from 208 million to 196 million.
Speaker #2: Year over year. The continued realization of our workforce measures and increased flexibility in working time arrangements helped to reduce the cost base and partially offset the impact of lower sales volumes on profitability.
Speaker #2: Free cash flow amounted to negative 77 million euro compared to negative 68 million euro in the prior year quarter. Representing a deterioration of 9 million euro.
Speaker #2: The development primarily reflect the lower earning levels and the typically seasonality of the first quarter. Let me now turn to our second performance. In print and packaging equipment, the phase out of the Italian incentive program continued to weigh on order intake sales and profitability.
Speaker #2: Despite the lower volume environment, the implementation of efficiency measures remains on track. Digital solution lifecycle once again demonstrated the resilience of its business model.
Speaker #2: Order intake increased while sales remained stable. Profitability declined compared to prior year due to the allocation of non-product related overhead costs. Heidelberg Technology continues its growth path.
Speaker #2: With increases in both order intake and sales. The segment continues to benefit from our diversification initiatives in areas such as defense energy and e-mobility.
Speaker #2: Overall, while market conditions conditions remained challenging in our core equipment business, lifecycle and technology continued to support the group's resilience and strategic transformation. Let me now provide some additional color on the regional development.
Speaker #2: Starting with the EMEA, order intake amounted to 241 million euro compared to 288 million euro in the prior year quarter. A decline of 16%.
Speaker #2: As discussed earlier, the phase out of the Italian incentive program had a significant impact on order intake and explains the maturity of the decline.
Speaker #2: By niche growth areas provided some support. They could not fully offset this effect. Net sales in EMEA came in at 195 million euro compared to 252 million in the prior year, down 23%.
Speaker #2: The decline was primarily driven by bigger business, again in Italy, as well as softer demand in the Alps region and Turkey. Turning to Asia-Pacific.
Speaker #2: We saw a very encouraging development. Order intake increased from 152 million euro to 177 million euro. Representing growth of 17% year over year. Net sales also improved.
Speaker #2: Rising from 126 million to 129 million euro. An increase of 3%. This positive performance was primarily driven by China where we continued to benefit from solid demand and improving market momentum.
Speaker #2: Overall, Asia-Pacific was the strongest contributor to growth in the quarter. Finally, in the Americas. Order intake remained largely stable at 119 million euro compared to 120 million euro in the prior year quarter.
Speaker #2: The region benefited from continued positive momentum in the US. Which helped to compensate for weaker developments elsewhere. Net sales amounted to 80 million compared to 88 million in the prior year a decline of 9%.
Speaker #2: Lower sales in the US and Mexico were only partly offset by a positive contribution from the sell. To summarize, the regional picture clearly shows that the primary headwind remains the normalization effect in Italy.
Speaker #2: While at the same time China and the US continue to demonstrate encouraging underlying demand trends. Asia-Pacific in particular delivered strong performance and supported overall order intake in the quarter.
Speaker #2: Let me briefly explain on the next page the year on year development in EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA declined from 20 million euro in the prior year quarter to 1 million euro in Q1 this year.
Speaker #2: Mainly driven by lower sales volumes and reduced capacity utilization. At the same time, relative product margins improved thanks to disciplined pricing execution customs duty refunds and improved mix effect.
Speaker #2: Ongoing cost optimization measures and workforce flexibility measures provided meaningful support and partly mitigated the volume related pressure on earnings. Overall, the bridge clearly shows that profitability was primarily impacted by lower lower volumes rather than structural factors.
Speaker #2: We therefore remain confident that the measures already implemented will support a gradual improvement in profitability over the course of the fiscal year. Turning to cash flow.
Speaker #2: Operating cash flow amounted to minus 55 million euro in the first quarter. Starting from an adjusted EBITDA of 1 million euro tax and interest payment of 14 million euro remained broadly stable year over year and therefore had no material impact on the development versus the prior year period.
Speaker #2: The most important positive driver was working capital. Networking capital improved by approximately 15 million euro year over year reaching negative 12 million euro. Supported by lower inventory levels and significantly higher customer prepayments.
Speaker #2: This reflects our continued focus on disciplined working capital management and contributed positively to cash generation. Part of this improvement was offset by cash payments related to our ongoing transformation program.
Speaker #2: The so-called Zukunftsplan, which increased from 5 million to 7 million euro year over year. Additionally, pensions and other operating changes improved by 9 million year over year.
Speaker #2: Also was the position remained negative at 23 million euro. The improvement was mainly driven by customs duty refunds and other operating effects. These positive contributions were partly offset by acquisition related items.
Speaker #2: Including the Polar transaction, higher pension obligations and lower bonus related effects. Overall, despite the weaker earnings development, operating cash flow improved year over year reflecting disciplined working capital management and continued operational focus.
Speaker #2: Moving on to free cash flow. Free cash flow amounted to minus 77 million euro after the first three months of the fiscal year. A deterioration of 9 million compared with the prior year period.
Speaker #2: Compared to operating cash flow of negative 55 million euro, investment total 24 million euro during the quarter. These investments, included strategic acquisitions, most notably the acquisition of the Mount Roland Cheetfat service and spare parts business of approximately 11 million euro, as well as the Omberg related investment.
Speaker #2: At the same time, proceeds from the sale of demonstration equipment remained broadly stable compared with the prior year at 2 million euro. The decline was primarily driven by the lower earning level and higher investment activity related to our strategic initiatives.
Speaker #2: Partly offset by the improved working capital development discussed on the previous slide. Finally, let me briefly comment on Heidelberg's balance sheet. Equity amounted to 536 million euro at the end of June.
Speaker #2: Compared to 568 million at fiscal year end. The corresponding equity ratio decreased from 27.2 to 24.3%. The main reason was a net loss of 32 million euro recorded in the quarter.
Speaker #2: In addition, changes in actuary assumptions for pensions had a negative effect. Which was only partly compensated by favorable foreign exchange translation effects recorded directly in equity.
Speaker #2: The pension provision increased slightly from 605 million euro to 611 million euro. This was mainly due to a reduction in the discount rate from 4.2% to 4.1%.
Speaker #2: Increasing the percent value the present value of future pension obligations. Net financial position amounted to negative 39 million euro. Compared to positive 39 million euro at the end of the previous fiscal year.
Speaker #2: This development was primarily driven by the negative free cash flow in the quarter. At the same time, our financial flexibility remains strong. Following the early extension of our revolving credit facility mid of January 26, 298 million euro of the overall volume of 436 million euro are undrawn per end of June 2026.
Speaker #2: Therefore, despite the seasonally weaker first quarter and the strategic investments executed during the period, our liquidity position and financing structure remains solid to continue the path to diversify Heidelberg business into growth areas such as defense, energy, and e-mobility.
Speaker #2: So now let's summarize the key takeaways of Q1. Despite lower sales volumes in the first three months of the fiscal year 27, contribution margin ratio improved to 32.6% up 110 basis points year on year and 720 basis points versus Q4.
Speaker #2: Reflecting a normalization in operating performance. optimization initiatives remained firmly on track and provide the foundation of for a gradual recovery and profitability. Cost discipline continues to be a key priority across the group.
Speaker #2: Thirdly, while market conditions remain challenging, we continue to see encouraging momentum in key growth regions: strong performance in China, and resilient demand in the US partly offset the impact of the Italian incentive phase out.
Speaker #2: An underlines the benefits of a diversified geographic footprint. Free cash flow was negative in the first quarter, reflecting normal seasonality and targeted investments in future growth areas such as defense and energy.
Speaker #2: These investments are fully aligned with our strategy to drive growth. Diversification and future profitability. At the same time, our balance sheet remains solid and provides the financial flexibility to execute our strategic agenda going forward.
Speaker #2: And with that, I'll hand back to you again.
Speaker #1: Thank you for your our time. Let me conclude today's presentation with a review of our outlook. Despite the challenging start of the year, we confirm our guidance for fiscal year 2026-2027.
Speaker #1: We continue to expect net sales to remain broadly stable compared with the previous fiscal year. While short-term market conditions remain demanding, especially in some European markets, we see opportunities from regional expansion initiatives and portfolio developments.
Speaker #1: At the same time, we expect a noticeable improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin. This improvement will be supported by strict price and cost discipline. The continued implementation of our cost and efficiency measures and an increasing contribution from higher margin business areas.
Speaker #1: Our guidance assumes that macroeconomic and industry conditions in our core markets remain broadly in line with current expectations and excludes potential currency effects. Based on today's visibility, we remain confident in our ability to achieve the targets communicated on June 10th.
Speaker #1: . In line with the group guidance, Heidelberg reiterates its segment guidance 2. For the segment print and packaging equipment, we confirm our expectation of a noticeable decline in sales reflecting the continued cautious investment environment.
Speaker #1: At the same time, margin are margins are expected to increase significantly supported by efficiency measures and structural improvements. In digital solutions and life cycle, we still anticipate slight sales growth driven by our life cycle business with a modest margin dilution as a result of slight growth in sales.
Speaker #1: In Heidelberg technology, we stick to our ambition of significant of significant growth in both sales and margin supported by strong momentum in e-mobility energy solutions security and defense.
Speaker #1: Let me now turn to the final slide of today's presentation and summarize our key growth drivers supporting Heidelberg's long-term strategy. First, our dual-use strategy creates access to attractive high growth markets such as security and defense while leveraging Heidelberg's existing industrial capabilities.
Speaker #1: This increases diversification reduces cyclicality and strengthens the company's long-term growth profile. Second, we continue to expand our role as a system integrator in packaging production.
Speaker #1: By offering comprehensive end-to-end solutions, along the entire value chain. Through partnerships, acquisitions, already seen in in recent weeks, and targeted portfolio expansion, we create additional value for customers while increasing recurring revenue streams.
Speaker #1: Third, digitalization and artificial intelligence will further enhance efficiency and productivity throughout the organization. This initiative will support structural cost improvements and unlock additional savings potential over the medium term.
Speaker #1: Together, this growth drivers from the foundation of for Heidelberg's future development and sustainable stakeholder value creation. Thank you for listening and looking for your questions.
Speaker #1: And saying that, let me hand it back to the operator.
Speaker #3: And we have the first question from Stefan Augustin from Warburg Research, the floor is yours.
Speaker #4: Yes, hello and thank you for taking the question. The first one is actually on your guidance and the implied development for the next three quarters.
Speaker #4: So basically, we need to see an acceleration in the sales and we need roughly a bit more than one percentage point of margin increase.
Speaker #4: So this blends in obviously also a bit with your acquisitions. And you have not really changed the guidance despite the acquisitions. So how should we think about that overall?
Speaker #4: Where does the confidence come from and which is actually the biggest lever to the expected increase in the margin in the next three quarters?
Speaker #4: Is that I mean, we should see some restructuring costs at Mount Roland. Have they already occurred in the first quarter? Or will they come in the next three in this year?
Speaker #4: And is that let's say this is the basic part. It's a bigger question, but let's say take it from here.
Speaker #2: Yeah, Stefan. This is Voltus. Yeah. To your first question, how do we achieve our guidance? So the decline in group revenue to 44 million euro and adjusted EBITDA margin close to break even was basically expected.
Speaker #2: It is seasonally clear in the first quarter we always in our segment we have a weak start in the business. We see we see according to our plan a normalization of sales and sales is a key issue for our EBITDA margin.
Speaker #2: Saying with that, we are in line with our expectation and it's here for consistent with our guidance. At the same time, the performance of our asset to operating segments and regions reinforces our confidence in the underlying strengths of the business.
Speaker #2: And validates our strategic direction. That means our advanced hardy IT new segment is coming up. We have a strong investment year this year. The holding this line however.
Speaker #2: Consequently, we affirm also here the guidance and also on digital life cycle. On the second question, the business plan ambitioned the reason announcement basically a strategically important and strengths of Heidelberg's long-term positioning.
Speaker #2: That means all what we are investing this year and next year will will take advantage we see in 2029 and 30. We cannot talk and Jürgen will come later most likely on this point on our defense topics.
Speaker #2: We cannot basically say too much about it, but our long-term and mid-term planning is showing that this investment will be paid back. In the in the upcoming years.
Speaker #4: Okay. So on that point, I take it the most the largest lever on the upturn of the margin is actually coming from the near-term volume pickup in combination with your cost savings and there is nothing in a bigger amount from your current defense activities.
Speaker #4: Is that basically correct?
Speaker #2: That is correct. The cost structure basically is on track. And this upcoming sales in the second third quarter we are back on track on the plan.
Speaker #2: Which basically is is our planning for this year please go ahead.
Speaker #4: Yes. Just the question then would be the follow-up is would it be already fair to assume that the margin should expand in the second quarter year over year on the group level?
Speaker #2: Yes. Yes.
Speaker #4: Okay. And now I interrupted you.
Speaker #2: No, I just want wanted to comment your your question on on our acquisition activities on on Emma and Roland. So following the full integration of the Mount Roland activities and this is what we have communicated this is planned over a two year year horizon.
Speaker #2: Heidelberg targets a stable contribution of the operations of in total 100 million euro with an EBIT contribution ambition of approximately 10 to 15 million.
Speaker #2: But it will take two years. For full integration. And it's a bulk of several single measures ranging from optimization of the common cost base without compromising the customer relation increasing acceptance effectiveness of the global footprint to better respond to customer needs to the integration of Mount Roland IT systems into the Heidelberg environment are of course a key one.
Speaker #2: Main risks include potential customer loss of cost, discussion discussions with labor unions and the lack of corporate identifications however we have implemented measures to identify mitigate these risk early and address them effectively.
Speaker #2: And of course we need always yeah let's let's combine of course with factoring cost versus quick wins we have to always have that in mind what was counts first.
Speaker #2: And at the end this is what we have also communicated we see first quick wins results the first card master 145 to Emma and Roland customer so we see a potential also for let's say upside let's say effects here.
Speaker #4: Okay. Thank you. The next would be on the free cash flow development. I mean capex obviously went up also on the purchase of Mount Roland.
Speaker #4: Your strategy overall expects us to to do more investments. So how should we think overall on the cash generation in this four year?
Speaker #2: Yeah. On our on our free cash flow situation so we go performance compared to prior year primarily reflects three factors. First the seasonal inventory build up which is typical in the first quarter.
Speaker #2: Second the higher net loss compared with the prior year period. And third investments associated with the integration of acquired business and expansion of our defense activities.
Speaker #2: It's a we always said it's a very strong investment year this year and next year. And the return will come in the following years.
Speaker #2: So basically it's currently our situation is as we have planned it. So for for that we are very positive that we reaching basically also on the free cash flow our planned target and our financing structure is very solid and holding and keeping basically the pressure.
Speaker #4: Sorry. Could could you remind me of your planned target for the free cash flow?
Speaker #2: It we have no target because we have a target but we we are having the free cash flow not in our guidance. So we will have a significant investment year this year but there is no clear number which we we will announce.
Speaker #2: At this time.
Speaker #4: Right. Thank you very much. I will go back in the queue.
Speaker #1: Thank you. So if you would like to ask a question please press star nine and the pound key on your telephone keypad or you can also use the dial-in function in the web press admin.
Speaker #1: And the next question comes from Thomas Whistler from NWB Research AG. The floor is yours.
Speaker #4: Yes. Hello and thanks for taking my questions. I have basically three questions. First of all you mentioned that Christoph Burkhardt will take over as the CFO as of October 1st.
Speaker #4: Could you talk a little bit about what drove the supervisory support decision and what you expect him to bring to Heidelberg going forward? The second question would be regarding your solid balance sheet which you already mentioned in your presentation.
Speaker #4: What will need to be in place before you consider bringing back the dividend or potentially during share buybacks? And how should we think about your capital allocation priorities from from this point of view of or from this point in time?
Speaker #4: And finally also a question regarding your free cash flow generation this year. I understand that you cannot give us concrete guidance here but maybe you can just give us some idea about the trajectory of your free cash flow this year.
Speaker #4: Is it right to assume that Q2 will be still negative and that we see a gradual improvement in the second half? Thank you very much.
Speaker #2: Thank you Thomas. I will start with Christoph Burkhardt. Christoph Burkhardt I think with him we we gained we have gained a CFO with extensive international leadership experience.
Speaker #2: And in particular he has a long standing capital markets expertise. And his broad experience in the speciality machinery industry and his proven track record in developing and scaling new businesses.
Speaker #2: Business areas make him an excellent fit for Heidelberg's next phase of growth. Second question is Holger?
Speaker #4: Yeah.
Speaker #3: Thank you.
Speaker #2: The second question is was your question when we we expect to pay dividends when is it with the right time. So basically on on that that also depends on the business success.
Speaker #2: That's why I answer your third question first. The current cash flow situation we have this current year we expect basically less cash out until end of this year compared to the first period.
Speaker #2: But we stay negative. This is very clear for our for our for our current year. And however we keep that we keep that order level as I mentioned it to Stefan already before.
Speaker #2: So and this is according to plan. Basically on your on your questions about the dividend payments the prioritization of capital allocation is designed to long term shareholder value creation in our house.
Speaker #2: Main focus of Heidelberg's capital allocation is investing into new business areas. As you had mentioned technology defense energy. With promising attractive return on invest this is our main focus.
Speaker #2: Which could also includes smaller M&A transactions so strengthening the core business is ranked number two followed by shareholder distribution in third place. So and this is our long term plan and this is our strategy and we keep that.
Speaker #2: I hope I answered your question.
Speaker #4: Yes. Thank you very much. But maybe just one follow up. Do you have any further M&A targets which we might see in the next couple of months?
Speaker #2: Okay. Regarding the defense sector we are working on several corporation agreements and we will open this up of course in the next weeks and months.
Speaker #2: For the core business I think we we were set. We have to integrate Polar and the Monroland activities and this was a huge step for us.
Speaker #2: And therefore we're working on that very very closely.
Speaker #4: Great. Thank you very much.
Speaker #2: Thank you.
Speaker #1: So at the moment there are no further questions. If you would like to ask a question please press star nine and the pound key.
Speaker #1: And we have a follow up question from Stefan Augusten from Warburg Research. The floor is yours.
Speaker #4: Thank you. The next one would be actually on on Phenergy. Can you outline a little bit how this actually works how this cooperation agreement is set up?
Speaker #4: Is that a kind that you provide a service into this cooperation or especially with the printing process and the battery? How how do we need to think about this and and this potential?
Speaker #4: How does it work out?
Speaker #2: Yeah. It's it's it start with a with a the idea of course with Phenergy is that we we indicate we establish a joint venture.
Speaker #2: And Heidelberg contributes industrialization of course with long standing expertise in system integration and installation. Production technology as you said also printing technology electronics battery management system.
Speaker #2: This is what we we have learned with with Amplified. Infrastructure testing and service into the partnership while Phenergy contributes chemistry product and market expertise.
Speaker #2: And subject to a successful expansion of the collaboration Phenergy and Heidelberg intend to establish a joint venture to further strengthen this partnership and accelerate growth in the stationary energy storage market.
Speaker #2: And at this stage it would be premature to make binding commitments regarding potential future options including also ownership ownership structures of possible joint venture and such matters will be discussed between the partners internally at the appropriate time and any resulting agreements will be communicated publicly once final finalized.
Speaker #2: This is maybe the the principle set up and and of course we are using our printing technology mainly and our automation and system approach.
Speaker #2: And system integration driver and yeah we are convinced that this will drive the the market of this storages.
Speaker #4: So I understood it correctly that basically in the end you would like to produce a battery cell together with a partner? That.
Speaker #2: A system. Yeah. A complete storage. A complete battery energy storage system. Made in Europe and yeah based on sodium ion batteries technology.
Speaker #4: Okay. But but you also do let's say basically also the battery yourself. It's not that this battery is then with your technology produced in China or so?
Speaker #2: No no no. This is completely independent from China. This everything made in Europe. And it's a turnkey solution for commercial and industrial customers.
Speaker #4: Okay. Thank you. And the next one is actually a bit on on Onberg and your defense defense activities. I mean obviously as you said the more drones are around the planes in somewhere in Germany the more focus will be on protection of the airfields.
Speaker #4: So I'm not looking actually for a a concrete guidance but I would can you tell us a little bit what happened in the discussion points with all the partners over the last two to three months?
Speaker #4: Is it that more let's say more parties are interested in that? Is it that the the government side is actually rather scrambling for solutions?
Speaker #4: Is there changes in the set up? Who is actually going to purchase something all things like that without actually saying this and this is the potential?
Speaker #2: Yes. Yeah. This is the the main problem is Stefan that we cannot talk about anything. Yeah. Mostly. We are totally right. There is a lot of a lot a lot of information a lot of activity a lot of visits a lot of customers at our live hub in Brandenburg and we had several sessions with several people but no one of them wanted to be public because it's part part of the safety system that you do not concrete say what you are using also as a defense system.
Speaker #2: Yeah. So this is mainly secret but as you said there's a lot of traffic in this in this area now.
Speaker #4: Okay. Good. Thank you very much.
Speaker #2: Thank you.
Speaker #1: Yes. We have no further questions.
