FY 2024 / 2025 forecast

The forecast for 2024 / 2025 is based on the current composition of the group. It does not take account of the effects of potential portfolio measures, especially those in connection with possible stand-alone solutions for Steel Europe and Marine Systems. The expected economic conditions and the main assumptions on which our forecast is based can be found in the section headed “Macro and sector environment” in the “Report on the economic position.” For the corresponding opportunities and risks see the “Opportunity and risk report,” which follows this section.

We expect the market environment to remain challenging overall, for example due to uncertainties about future global economic growth. The development of our key performance indicators could therefore be exposed to corresponding fluctuations.

In light of the expected economic conditions as of the date of this forecast and the underlying assumptions, we consider the following view on fiscal year 2024 / 2025 to be appropriate. Compared with the previous forecast in the Annual Report 2023 / 2024, the expectations for the group have been amended as follows:

■  Sales are now expected in a range between (3) % and 0% compared with the prior year (previously: 0% to 3% compared with the prior year). This is mainly the result of demand-induced adjustments in all segments, with the exception of Marine Systems, where sales are now expected to increase.

■  Free cash flow before M&A is projected between €0 million and €300 million (previously: between €(400) million and €(200) million; incl. around €250 million in cash outflows for restructuring). The anticipated rise is primarily attributable to net advance payments in connection with the addition of four submarines in a substantial extension of an order at Marine Systems.

For further information on the expected development of our key performance indicators, please refer to the Forecast, opportunity and risk report in the Annual Report 2023 / 2024.

_{Source: thyssenkrupp interim report 1st quarter 2024/2025, page 21}