Nilfisk Q3 2024: Navigating Market Headwinds and Gross Margin Gains

Nilfisk, a leading provider of professional cleaning equipment, released its Q3 2024 Interim Report, revealing a challenging quarter with organic revenue growth of -0.8% and continued gross margin improvement to 42.4%, with an EBITDA margin before special items of 12.6%. The report highlights the company's resilience in the face of market headwinds and its strategic focus on operational efficiency.

The quarter was marked by a demand slowdown in the Americas, particularly in the Professional Business, which contributed to a 4.3% negative organic growth. This was partially offset by strong performance in the Consumer and Specialty Businesses, with double-digit growth in the Consumer Business and 20.1% organic growth in the Specialty Business. The EMEA region delivered continued strong organic growth of 6.7%, fully offsetting the negative growth in the Americas.

Gross margins improved significantly, driven by a favorable product mix and diligent price management. This strategy successfully offset a decline in volumes, demonstrating Nilfisk's adaptability in the face of market fluctuations. However, maintaining this trend may face challenges due to potential fluctuations in raw material costs and market demand.



To address the negative organic growth in the Professional Business, Nilfisk is focusing on structural efficiency improvements and market diversification. The company aims to reduce its dependence on the Americas and APAC by expanding into regions with stronger demand, such as EMEA. Additionally, Nilfisk is investing in new products and technologies to meet evolving customer needs and maintain a competitive edge.

Temporary shipment delays associated with the rollout of SAP impacted Nilfisk's Q3 2024 revenue by approximately 7 mEUR. This delay is expected to be recorded in Q4 2024, potentially affecting the quarter's revenue and financial performance. However, the company's gross margin improvement and EBITDA margin before special items indicate its ability to navigate market challenges.

In conclusion, Nilfisk's Q3 2024 Interim Report reflects a quarter of resilience and strategic adaptation. Despite facing market headwinds, the company demonstrated its ability to maintain gross margin improvements and EBITDA margins. By focusing on structural efficiency improvements, market diversification, and product innovation, Nilfisk is well-positioned to navigate future market challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.