Market Slowdown Aligns with Bucher Industries' Expectations

Bucher Industries AG reported a decline in product demand for the first nine months of 2024, particularly impacting the agriculture and Bucher Emhart Glass segments. Despite a significant drop in order intake, stability emerged mid-year. Sales also fell compared to the prior year. Notably, the Bucher Municipal division experienced sales growth, contrasting the overall trend.

Across its segments, the group faced challenges, with Kuhn Group and Bucher Hydraulics seeing major declines due to high inventories and weak market cycles. Meanwhile, Bucher Municipal’s sales grew, driven by strong demand in Europe. Economies outside Europe, like North America and Asia, performed relatively better.

Looking ahead, Bucher anticipates lower sales and a high-single-digit operating profit margin for 2024. Strategies for cost optimization remain in focus amid these market dynamics. Additionally, the potential sale of a non-operational property may influence year-end financial outcomes.