NORMA Group generated Group sales of €284.2 million in the first quarter of the 2025 financial year in a difficult market environment, corresponding to a decrease of 7.9% compared to the prior year (Q1 2024: €308.5 million). Currency effects had a positive impact of 1.3% on sales development.
Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes was €10.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, a year-on-year decline of 59.9% (Q1 2024: €25.7 million). The adjusted EBIT margin was 3.6% (Q1 2024: 8.3%).
In addition to the decline in sales and low cost flexibility, increased expenses incurred for the introduction of an IT system, which was a major reason for the decline in profitability. Net operating cash flow was €3.1 million in the period from January to March 2025, a significant improvement compared to the figure from the same quarter of the previous year (Q1 2024: €-2.3 million).
Mark Wilhelms, CEO at NORMA Group, comments: “We faced an extraordinarily challenging quarter. Uncertainty in the global economy led to weak demand and one time items had a negative impact on our result. Our business performance did improve, however, over the course of the quarter, and I expect the market environment to gradually pick up in the second half of the year. We therefore maintain our forecast for 2025. NORMA Group will consistently move ahead on its path towards becoming a focused industrial supplier.”
Development in the business regions reflects uncertainties
In the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa), sales were down 12.2% at €119.9 million in the first quarter of 2025 (Q1 2024: €136.5 million). In the Americas region, sales in the first quarter of 2025 had a 3.5 % year-on-year decline to €130.6 million (Q1 2024: €135.4 million). Currency effects had a positive impact of 2.5%.
In the Asia-Pacific region, sales amounted to €33.7 million in the first quarter, a decrease of 8% compared to the same quarter of the previous year (Q1 2024: €36.6 million).
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
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