Koenig & Bauer Announce Second Quarter 2026 Results

Koenig & Bauer AG recorded a significant improvement in operating earnings in the second quarter of 2026. 

A massive increase in order intake, the successful operational turnaround of both segments over the course of the quarter, and a significant improvement in cash generation demonstrate the high resilience and earnings power of the technology group in a challenging market environment.

“The significant growth in order intake of almost 17% in the first half of the year confirms the traction of our go-to-market strategy,” explains Chief Executive Officer Dr Stephen Kimmich. “With targeted innovations, we are noticeably strengthening our position in our core business. This momentum gives us the scope to continue systematically expanding our competitiveness. The optimization of our structural costs remains a key lever for increasing our resilience and sustainably strengthening the foundation for profitable growth.”

Group revenue rose slightly by 1.4% to €558.2 million in the first half-year (previous year: €550.4 million). A strong book-to-bill ratio of 1.27 (previous year: 1.10) demonstrates high operational growth momentum. 

Group order intake increased significantly by 16.9% to €709.3 million (previous year: €606.9 million), driven by a further acceleration in demand in the second quarter to €411.7 million. 

The order backlog remains at a new record high in recent corporate history at €1,121.7 million (previous year: € 1,096.3 million), providing a reliable foundation for further business performance.

The operational development of the two Group segments in the half-year was supported by joint positive momentum in the second quarter. 

In the Paper & Packaging Sheetfed Systems (P&P) segment, Koenig & Bauer recorded strong order intake of €398.5 million (previous year: €350.4 million; +13.7%), of which €204.2 million was attributable to the second quarter. 

Revenue stood slightly below the prior year at €299.3 million (previous year: €308.9 million; -3.1%) due to the lower order level from 2025 but already showed a noticeable recovery in the second quarter at €165.9 million. 

To safeguard earnings power in the P&P segment, a proportionate price adjustment of +3% was implemented on 1 July 2026, compensating for effects exceeding targeted cost reduction measures against geopolitical cost pressure.

In the Special & New Technologies (S&T) segment, a successful H1 turnaround was achieved with operating EBITDA of €11.8 million (previous year: -€4.0 million), driven by strong sequential earnings momentum in the second quarter. 

Revenue rose by +5.2% to €269.9 million, underpinned by performance progress on large-scale projects, particularly in North America. 

Order intake recorded a substantial increase of +22.1% to €329.0 million, mainly driven by strong project business at Banknote Solutions in Africa and Latin America, which led to a significant increase in the second quarter to €214.3 million.