Gea increased its order intake in the first quarter of 2023 by 2.4 percent to a record level of around €1.6 billion, compared with €1.5 billion a year earlier. This development was driven among other things by five major orders with a total value of €126 million. Among the customer industries, vegan products, beverages and dairy production in particular contributed to the record figure with double-digit growth rates.
Sales in the reporting period improved significantly by 12.8 percent to €1.27 billion. In the prior-year quarter, sales amounted to €1.13 billion. All divisions of Gea contributed with predominantly double-digit increases. In terms of customer industries, there was a positive development particularly in milk production, dairy processing, food and chemicals. In addition, the renewable raw materials sector showed significant sales growth. The share of service sales increased from 36.2 percent to 36.6 percent in the first quarter of 2023.
"We have made a very good start to 2023. Our products, solutions and services are in high demand - especially in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. One of our key success drivers is the fact that our customers are increasingly looking for solutions to save energy and conserve resources. Drawing on our strength, we look to the future with confidence and are able to raise our outlook for the full year.", said Stefan Klebert, CEO of Gea.
Adjusted operating profit before restructuring expenses increased significantly by 24.3 percent to €171.8 million. Consolidated net profit rose by 13.2 percent to €81.7 million in the first three months. In particular, high volumes in the new machine business and a higher service share led to this positive development.
Following a strong first quarter, Gea raises its outlook for fiscal 2023. Organic growth of more than eight percent is now expected for sales. Previously, the target was more than five percent. Ebitda before restructuring charges is expected to be in the upper end of the range between €730 to 790 million.
