Best Q1 in Five Years
Management stated this was Knorr-Bremse's best first quarter in the past five years, with strong execution despite geopolitical volatility.
Group Revenue Growth
Group revenues approached EUR 2.0 billion with organic growth of 2% year‑on‑year, driven by solid contributions from CVS and APAC/North America.
Order Intake and Backlog
Order intake remained solid at more than EUR 2.2 billion (only a slight YoY decline). RVS order intake was EUR 1.26 billion with a book‑to‑bill of ~1.2 and group order backlog increased by 7% to over EUR 5.9 billion.
Operating Margin Improvement (Group)
Operating EBIT margin improved by 140 basis points YoY to the highest Q1 level in five years, reflecting pricing discipline, BOOST efficiency measures and positive operating leverage.
CVS Profitability Turnaround
CVS revenues were EUR 878 million and grew organically 3.6% YoY. Operating EBIT increased to EUR 101 million and the EBIT margin rose by 200 basis points to 11.5%, with a full‑year target towards 12%.
RVS Stable Performance
RVS revenues were EUR 1.06 billion (organic +1% YoY). Aftermarket share remained strong at ~53% and operating EBIT margin rose 90 basis points to 16.5%, with full‑year guidance around 17.5%.
Return and Cash Flow Metrics
Free cash flow in Q1 was EUR 32 million (versus EUR 15 million prior year, >100% increase YoY). Return on capital employed improved to 21% and net working capital decreased to EUR 1.46 billion (scope days reduced by ~4 days).
Cost and Productivity Gains
Significant structural cost actions and BOOST program results: truck division breakeven improved from ~71–72% to ~65–66%, and revenue per employee reached EUR 300,000 (up from ~EUR 250–260k in 2023).
M&A and Portfolio Progress
Duagon acquisition included in Q1 figures; management expects duagon to reach an EBIT margin target of ~16% over time. North American signaling business delivered >18% returns previously noted.
Full‑Year Guidance Confirmed
Management reiterated 2026 guidance: revenues of EUR 8.0–8.3 billion, operating margin of at least 14%, and free cash flow EUR 750–850 million (assuming stable FX and no major escalation of Middle East crisis).