| Valuation method | Value, € | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 66.73 | -51 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 53.71 | -60 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 64.42 | -53 |
| Graham Formula | 173.55 | 28 |
Krones AG is a global leader in manufacturing machinery and complete lines for the production, filling, and packaging of beverages and liquid foods. Headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, the company serves breweries, beverage producers, and industries such as food, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Krones operates in two core segments: Machines and Lines for Product Filling and Decoration, and Machines and Lines for Beverage Production/Process Technology. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio, including process technology systems, bottle design, filling and packaging solutions, inspection technology, and recycling systems. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, Krones provides integrated IT and intralogistics solutions to optimize production efficiency. Founded in 1951, Krones has established itself as a key player in the industrial machinery sector, leveraging German engineering expertise to serve international markets. Its solutions cater to high-growth segments like craft beer, soft drinks, and dairy, positioning it as a critical enabler for the global beverage and food processing industries.
Krones AG presents a compelling investment case due to its strong market position in beverage and liquid food processing machinery, backed by a diversified product portfolio and global reach. The company's revenue of €5.29 billion (FY 2024) and net income of €276.9 million reflect stable profitability, supported by a healthy operating cash flow of €452.2 million. Krones maintains a solid balance sheet with €442.5 million in cash and modest total debt of €136.6 million, indicating financial resilience. However, its beta of 1.075 suggests moderate volatility relative to the market. The dividend yield, with a payout of €2.20 per share, adds income appeal. Risks include exposure to cyclical demand in the beverage industry and potential supply chain disruptions. Long-term growth hinges on innovation in sustainable packaging and automation, where Krones has a competitive edge.
Krones AG holds a dominant position in the beverage and liquid food processing machinery market, distinguished by its end-to-end solutions spanning production, filling, and packaging. Its competitive advantage lies in integrated system offerings, combining process technology, automation, and digitalization under one roof—a key differentiator versus single-product competitors. The company's strong R&D focus ensures continuous innovation in areas like sustainable packaging (e.g., recycling systems) and energy-efficient production lines, aligning with industry trends toward ESG compliance. Krones benefits from long-standing relationships with major global beverage brands, providing recurring revenue from after-sales services and upgrades. Geographically, its presence in emerging markets offsets slower growth in mature regions. However, competition from low-cost Asian manufacturers poses pricing pressure in certain segments. Krones mitigates this through superior engineering quality and customization capabilities. Its 'block technology' modular systems enhance flexibility, reducing downtime for clients—a critical factor in high-volume production environments. The company’s IT solutions for production monitoring further strengthen customer retention by improving operational efficiency.