- Oerlikon maintained roughly stable orders with momentum improving throughout Q1
- Q1 sales slightly lower than in previous year as a result of challenging end markets
- Executing on pure-play strategy: Signed agreement with Rieter to divest Barmag at attractive through-the-cycle valuation (see separate press release); consequently, Barmag is reported as discontinued operations
- Oerlikon updates its 2025 financial guidance provided in February by aligning it to the pure-play scope; the company recognizes increased macro-economic uncertainties arising from potentially prolonged trade conflicts; Oerlikon is closely monitoring the situation
Oerlikon1 with roughly stable orders despite market headwinds in Q1
Purchasing behavior at Oerlikon’s customers remained cautious in Q1 due to soft industrial activity. While manufacturing PMIs overall gained slight momentum compared to Q4, the PMI in the Eurozone remained strongly in contraction. US and Chinese PMIs were around neutral levels in Q1.
In challenging end markets, Oerlikon reports a -1.6% change in orders and -3.7% sales development at constant exchange rates year-over-year. Resilience was supported by continued innovation and robust performance in aviation, HRSflow, and tooling, compensating for headwinds in automotive, general industries and luxury related to the difficult macro environment. Overall, order momentum improved throughout the first quarter.
Key figures Oerlikon1 as of March 31, 2025 (CHF million, rounded2)
| Q1’25 | Q1’24 | % Change CHF |
% Change Comparable3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order intake | 421 | 426 | -1.1% | -1.6% |
| Sales | 391 | 404 | -3.2% | -3.7% |
1 Oerlikon refers to former Surface Solutions & HRSflow
2 Due to rounding, some totals may not correspond with the sum of the separate figures
3 Adjusted for FX change; there was no M&A impact in the comparable period
Discontinued operations: Barmag with sequentially improving orders in Q1
Barmag (former ‘Polymer Processing Solutions’ excluding HRSflow) achieved an order intake of CHF 184 million in Q1. This represents a sequential of 25% and 14% increase compared to CHF 148 million in Q4’24 and CHF 162 million in Q3’24, respectively. Barmag continued to see positive momentum in small- and mid-sized filament orders. Compared to Q1’24 orders decreased by 15.6% at constant currencies due to different seasonality, in line with company expectation. Sluggish industrial production, as indicated by PMIs, continued to impact the non-filament business.
Barmag’s sales improved by 22.5% year-over-year at constant currencies, supported by Filament. Barmag continues to focus on innovation and cost control, with spreads of filament customers continuously improving and mid-term growth drivers remaining well intact.
Key figures discontinued operations1 as of March 31, 2025 (CHF million, rounded2)
| Q1’25 | Q1’24 | % Change CHF |
% Change Comparable3 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order intake | 184 | 216 | -14.8% | -15.6% |
| Sales | 181 | 147 | 23.2% | 22.5% |
1 Refers to Barmag, which is treated as discontinued operations
2 Due to rounding, some totals may not correspond with the sum of the separate figures
3 Adjusted for FX change; there was no M&A impact in the comparable period
Updating 2025 guidance by aligning it to pure play scope
Oerlikon does not guide any longer for Barmag, which is reported as discontinued operations. As such Oerlikon updates its 2025 financial guidance provided in February:
Oerlikon continues to expect organic sales at constant FX to be stable or to increase by a low single-digit percentage, despite soft end markets, particularly in luxury. Oerlikon expects an operational EBITDA margin of ~18.5%. This considers Surface Solutions’ 18.5-19.0% margin guidance provided in February. Additionally, it takes corporate costs into account, which were previously covered by Barmag. Oerlikon is executing on a clear plan to adjust corporate costs to the pure play scope.
Oerlikon recognizes increased macro-economic uncertainties arising from potentially prolonged trade conflicts. Oerlikon is closely monitoring the situation, maintaining a strong focus on pricing and cost efficiency.
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon (SIX: OERL) is a global leader in surface technologies with a subsidiary for manmade fibers solutions, Barmag. With a unique portfolio in surface engineering, advanced materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by improving efficiency, durability and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, Energy, Medical, Luxury and Semiconductors. Headquartered in Pfaeffikon, Switzerland, the Group has a global presence with over 12 000 employees across 199 locations in 38 countries, achieving sales of CHF 2.4 billion in 2024.
Disclaimer
OC Oerlikon Corporation AG, Pfäffikon together with its affiliates, hereinafter referred to as “Oerlikon”, has made great efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information in this document. However, Oerlikon makes no representation or warranties, expressed or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information provided in this document. Neither Oerlikon nor any of its directors, officers, employees or advisors, nor any other person connected or otherwise associated with Oerlikon, shall have any liability whatsoever for loss howsoever arising, directly or indirectly, from any use of this document.
The contents of this document, including all statements made therein, are based on estimates, assumptions and other information currently available to the management of Oerlikon. This document contains certain statements related to the future business and financial performance or future events involving Oerlikon that may constitute forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein could be substantially impacted by risks, influences and other factors, many of which are not foreseeable at present and/or are beyond Oerlikon’s control, so that the actual results, including Oerlikon’s financial results and operational results, may vary materially from and differ from those, expressly or implicitly, provided in the forward-looking statements, be they anticipated, expected or projected. Oerlikon does not give any assurance, representation or warranty, expressed or implied, that such forward-looking statements will be realized. Oerlikon is under no obligation to, and explicitly disclaims any obligation to, update or otherwise review its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This document, including any and all information contained therein, is not intended as, and may not be construed as, an offer or solicitation by Oerlikon for the purchase or disposal of, trading or any transaction in any Oerlikon securities. Investors must not rely on this information for investment decisions and are solely responsible for forming their own investment decisions.
