Bühler reports good performance in 2024

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Foundry Daily News

20. February 2025

Blows to the die casting sector were cushioned by Bühler’s megacasting success.

Reading time: min | Bildquelle: Bühler Group

In 2024, Bühler increased its profitability reaching an EBIT of CHF 227 million and an EBIT margin of 7.6%. Its equity ratio improved to 52.8%. The company strengthened its financial stability with improved cash flow and increased liquidity. In a challenging market environment, although orders declined, turnover remained stable, and Bühler maintained or even increased its market share. The main contributors to the successes of 2024 were Milling Solutions, Bühler’s largest business area, Leybold Optics, and the Customer Service business.

Last year, Bühler Group’s turnover remained stable at CHF 3.0 billion (-0.8%), while order intake stood at CHF 2.8 billion (-9.9%). The impact of foreign exchange rates was significant: in local currencies, turnover increased by 2.5% to CHF 3.1 billion, and order intake stood at CHF 2.9 billion (-7.0%). Due to its efforts to improve productivity, the Group’s profitability increased for the fourth consecutive year, resulting in an EBIT of CHF 227 million (7.6% of turnover; prior year: 7.2%). Net profit rose to CHF 189 million, corresponding to a margin of 6.3% (prior year: 5.9%).

As a result, the company increased its equity ratio for the sixth year running to 52.8%, from 51.1% in 2023. With a special focus on inventory management globally, net working capital was reduced by 15.8% to CHF 554 million. Thanks to this and its improved profitability, the Group increased its operating cash flow to CHF 379 million (prior year: CHF 69 million). Consequently, net liquidity doubled to CHF 503 million. “Our strong financial position makes us a long-term reliable partner to customers, industry partners, and bondholders,” says CFO Mark Macus.

Megacasting momentum

Despite turbulent waves across the casting sector, Bühler remains confident in its ‘strong position.’  

‘In die-casting, we felt the difficulties in the global automotive market but were able to capitalize on our very strong position in the megacasting area,’ the firm shared.

Over the last two years, Bühler sold 40 megacasting machines, it said. It also celebrated two notable new clients: Honda (Japan, US) and Duoli (China), who ordered large, multi-machines.

However, Bühler also saw large and new OEMs invest in its megacasting technology.

In addition, the Group received orders from OEMs and Tier 1’s across the US, Japan, Korea, and Europe.

The firm said it projects this trend to continue in the future, due to technological disruption and innovation in supply chains and car designs.

While most of its demand for very large presses comes from North America and China, Bühler maintains that this drive is now spilling into Europe. Although OEMs in Germany are hesitant towards megacastings, the firm noted a positive development in the European automotive industry

‘This means new EV cars, build-up of car bodies and structural designs, it said.

Bühler believes that there is large potential going forward.

Take on tariffs

With regards to US tariffs, Bühler says it is not worried to upcoming changes, thanks to its local manufacturing sites and significant infrastructure. The Group currently has 3 manufacturing sites, 6 service stations, and 3 research and training centers, positioned in America.

While the share of Buhler’s US business, is roughly 20% of the entire group, they are also able to create value in the US locally. The firm believes the impact of tariffs will be limited. However, they are keeping a close eye on their development and on how other countries will react in their tariff behavior.

Looking to the future, Bühler believes the world will remain interesting in the coming year.