Austrian crane maker Palfinger AG has recorded revenue for Q1 2025 of EUR552.5 million (627.24 million), a dip of 4.5% on the Q1 2024 figure of EUR578.5 (USD656.76 million).

“As predicted, revenue and earnings declined,” Palfinger states. “At the same time, the company is optimistic about the full year 2025 and is targeting the second-best financial year in its history. 

"The company's financial stability was further strengthened by the reduction in net financial debt and the significant increase in equity.”

Palfinger states the European core markets recorded a recovery in order intake since Q4 2024 which, it says, has led to an increase in production capacity in Europe.

“The positive global trend is also evident in Latin America, particularly in Brazil and Argentina where capacity has also been increased,” Palfinger adds.

North America, and Asia Pacific recorded growth in Q1 2025, with Palfinger stating “demand remains subdued”.

“The unclear US tariff policy continues to cause market uncertainty,” the company states.

“Meanwhile, growth in APAC continues, with signs of a modest recovery also visible in China. 

“India continues to prove itself as an emerging market. We are capitalising on this by investing over EUR25 million (USD28.38 million) in an assembly plant there. 

“Revenue of EUR300 million (USD340.58 million) in the APAC region is targeted over the coming years.”

Palfinger says their recovery in European order intake means it is expecting strong earnings development from Q2 this year.

“On this basis, the company is aiming for year-on-year growth in both revenue and EBIT in 2025, targeting the second-best financial year in its history.

Palfinger's target for 2027 is revenue of EUR2.7 billion. (USD3.07 billion).

Meanwhile, French materials handling equipment manufacturer Manitou Group has also reported a decline in Q1 2025 revenues, dropping to EUR600 million, down 13% year-on-year.

Going against the trend, Manitou reports Q1 25 order intake for equipment was EUR574 million, an increase of 8% against Q4 2024 and a 209% increase on Q1 2024.

"First-quarter revenues are in line with our expectations,” says Manitou Group CEO Michel Denis.

“This first quarter is marked by a continued increase in order intake which is higher than in the fourth quarter of 2024. This good momentum rewards the work carried out by the teams to make new product ranges available and adapt to our markets.

“Today, the order book has normalised, allowing us to confirm the expectation of stable revenues in 2025 compared with 2024 and of a recurring operating profit rate for 2025 to be around 5.5% of revenues.”