#Spinning

2025-03-13

Rieter closes the financial year 2024 with a solid operating result

Order intake was significantly higher than in the previous year at CHF 725.5 million (2023: CHF 541.8 million), representing an increase of 34%. This was the fourth consecutive quarter of year-on-year growth. As expected, the Rieter Group closed financial year 2024 with lower sales of CHF 859.1 million (2023: CHF 1 418.6 million) and thus remained 39% below the prior year. Despite significantly lower sales, an operating result (EBIT) of CHF 28.0 million (2023: CHF 104.8 million) and thus a solid EBIT margin of 3.3% (2023: 7.4%) was achieved.

Order intake

Order intake in 2024 was 34% higher than in the previous year at CHF 725.5 million (2023: CHF 541.8 million). Rieter thus succeeded in strengthening its competitive position in a challenging market environment. An initial market recovery was visible compared with the previous year.

Sales by division

The Machines & Systems Division posted sales of CHF 424.9 million, a decrease of 56% compared with the previous year (2023: CHF 965.0 million). In the Components Division, sales declined to CHF 247.6 million, down 7% from the same period of the previous year (2023: CHF 266.2 million). The After Sales Division reported sales of CHF 186.6 million, comparable to the previous year (2023: CHF 187.4 million).

Order backlog

At the end of 2024, the company had an order backlog of about CHF 530 million (December 31, 2023: CHF 650 million).

EBIT, net profit and free cash flow

Profit at the EBIT level in the year under review was CHF 28.0 million (2023: CHF 104.8 million), which represents an EBIT margin of 3.3% (2023: 7.4%). Despite significantly lower sales, a solid EBIT margin was achieved. This is mainly due to the consistent implementation of the measures set out in the “Next Level” performance program.

Rieter closed the 2024 financial year with a net profit of CHF 10.4 million (2023: CHF 74.0 million).

Free cash flow amounted to CHF 14.1 million (2023: CHF 118.7 million). Net debt increased due to new lease liabilities in connection with the Campus in Winterthur to CHF 230.3 million (2023: CHF 191.2 million).

The equity ratio as of December 31, 2024, rose to 33.7%, mainly due to positive currency effects and lower net working capital (previous year’s reporting date 28.8%).

Dividend

The Board of Directors proposes to shareholders the distribution of a dividend of CHF 2.00 per share for 2024 based on the positive free cash flow of CHF 14.1 million and the improved equity ratio of 33.7%. This corresponds to a payout ratio of 85.8%.

Sustainability

Rieter has a clearly defined sustainability strategy that is closely linked to the Group strategy. Through the Science Based Targets initiative, Rieter made a commitment in 2024 to define company-wide emission reduction targets for the year 2040, which are consistent with scientifically-based net-zero goals. In this way, the Rieter Group takes responsibility for its own impact while supporting its customers on their sustainability journey. In the 2024 Annual Report, the report on non-financial matters shows the progress Rieter has made in the areas of environmental, social and corporate governance.

Outlook 2025

Rieter expects a challenging first half in 2025 with regard to sales volume and a stronger second half-year depending on the further market recovery. As a consequence, Rieter anticipates a sales volume at the previous year’s level for the full year 2025. Despite this exceptionally low sales level, Rieter anticipates a positive EBIT margin between 0% to 4% for the year 2025.

Rieter adjusts group structure in preparation for Barmag integration

The planned acquisition of the “Barmag” Division of OC Oerlikon will create the leading system provider worldwide for natural and man-made fibers. Rieter is confident it will receive all regulatory approvals to complete the acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2025. The Rieter Group is therefore adjusting its Group structure as of January 1, 2026, to take this acquisition into account and to be able to provide an even more agile response to market challenges.

Rieter reports stable order backlog and strategic progress – outlook for 2025 adjusted

In its Investor Update 2025, Rieter announced an order intake of CHF 203.9 million in the third quarter and CHF 559.3 million after nine months, reflecting a continued cautious investment climate in the textile machinery sector. Sales totaled CHF 121.5 million in the third quarter and CHF 457.7 million for the first nine months of the year, while the order backlog stood at around CHF 590 million as of September 30, 2025.

Monitor, adjust, perfect

FiberGuard BCF is the name of the new system for real-time monitoring of yarn tension in all Neumag BCF production processes. Barmag, the innovation and technology leader for filament spinning systems, presented this innovation of its Neumag product line at ITMA Asia + CITME in Singapore last November. The new BCF yarn tension sensor is compatible with all current Neumag BCF machines and can be easily retrofitted to existing Neumag BCF S8 machines.

Efficiency reimagined: economical, precise, compact

At this year's PaintExpo in Karlsruhe (April 14–17), Barmag will present an optimized design of its paint metering pump (Hall 3, Booth 3344). It impresses with its low weight, increased productivity, and extended service life. Specially developed for compact robot arms, the pump enables high-precision and economical paint application – ideal for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and renewable energies.

“Action helps us change what we do!”

DAY 0 takes place deliberately before PERFORMANCE DAYS begins. It is conceived as a space for reflection, dialogue and active engagement — a moment to pause before the fair, rethink established systems and address sustainability not as a trend, but as a fundamental transformation challenge. Under the guiding metaphor “Turn the Tap Off”, DAY 0 focuses on root causes rather than symptoms, systemic change rather than isolated solutions, and collective responsibility rather than individual silos.

Pets in fashion: functional and sustainable textiles find new market at Intertextile Apparel

China’s pet economy is booming, especially amongst younger generations, and pet apparel – from designer outfits to functional garments – was a RMB 3.5 billion (over USD 500 million) market in 2024, growing more than 20% annually¹. To help exhibitors harness this trend, Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2026 will launch the Pet Boutique, presenting a range of innovative, sustainable materials that prioritise both functionality and comfort for pets.

VAUDE eliminates PFAS from all products

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are now detectable worldwide – in drinking water, soil and the human body. These so-called “forever chemicals” are considered hazardous to health and potentially carcinogenic, as they do not break down and remain in the environment permanently. Despite these risks, PFAS are still used in a wide range of products. More than 15 years ago, VAUDE made a strategic decision to gradually eliminate PFAS from all product categories.

Lenzing AG to become majority owner of TreeToTextile AB and accelerates industrialization of new fibers

The Lenzing Group is taking another strategic milestone by acquiring a controlling majority in the Swedish innovation company TreeToTextile AB. This step strengthens Lenzing’s position as a leading provider of sustainable, wood‑based specialty fibers and expands its innovation pipeline with a highly scalable, patent‑protected technology platform. The transaction is executed through the issuance of new shares.