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KION significantly increases profitability in the first half of 2024
The KION Group continued to deliver strong earnings and margins in the first half of 2024.
2024-07-31
With revenues of € 5.736 billion (H1 2023: € 5.617 billion) and a 28 percent higher adjusted EBIT of € 447.0 million (H1 2023: € 348.3 million), the adjusted EBIT margin went up by 160 basis points to 7.8 percent (H1 2023: 6.2 percent).
The Industrial Trucks & Services segment increased total revenues by 4.1 percent to € 4.306 billion (H1 2023: € 4.135 billion), supported by a higher number of products delivered and previous price increases. The revenue in the service business grew by 2.3 percent across all key categories. Despite a slight increase in the second quarter, total revenue in the Supply Chain Solutions segment declined to € 1.451 billion (H1 2023: € 1.497 billion) in the first half of 2024 – mainly due to lower order intake in the project business in previous quarters. The service business revenue increased by 11.9 percent compared to the first half of 2023.
Significant year-on-year profitability improvements in both operating segments led to a 28 percent increase of our adjusted EBIT in the first half of the year. Despite a slower market recovery in the current financial year, we are well on track to achieve our outlook. Our clear strategy, our broad range of products and solutions for customers and our presence in all key markets position KION very well for the future.
Adjusted EBIT for the Industrial Trucks & Services segment improved substantially to € 470.7 million (H1 2023: € 378.9 million). Revenue growth combined with stable material purchase prices led to a significantly higher gross margin. The adjusted EBIT margin increased to 10.9 percent (H1 2023: 9.2 percent). At € 42.1 million, adjusted EBIT in the Supply Chain Solutions segment almost tripled compared to the previous year (€ 14.8 million). Improved project implementation, efficiency measures and, in particular, the growth in the service business contributed to the improvement in earnings and margins. The adjusted EBIT margin rose to 2.9 percent (H1 2023: 1.0 percent).
KION Group net income improved to € 181.7 million in the first half of 2024 (H1 2023: € 146.3 million). This corresponds to undiluted earnings per share of € 1.35 (H1 2023: € 1.09). Free cash flow was € 202.2 million (H1 2023: € 228.8 million) in the first six months of 2024 reflecting the high operating result.
