Jungheinrich strengthens automation and makes artificial intelligence a strategic field.

Automation business grows by double digits

The two business segments developed differently. In the "Industrial Trucks & Services" area, which includes, among other things, the business with industrial trucks and services, order intake rose by 3.5 percent to 3,531 million euros. Revenue, on the other hand, fell by 1.8 percent to 3,388 million euros.

According to the company, increases in customer service could not fully compensate for the declining revenues in new business as well as in the rental and used equipment business.

The operating segment result increased from 169.4 million euros to 221.0 million euros. However, adjusted for one-time effects it fell from 309.9 million euros to 258.4 million euros. The adjusted operating margin thus decreased from 9.0 to 7.6 percent.

Jungheinrich recorded significantly higher growth rates in the "Automation & Warehouse Equipment" segment. Here, order intake rose by 19.9 percent from 732 million euros to 878 million euros. Revenue increased by 16.6 percent to 751 million euros. According to the company, the automation business field contributed significantly to this.

The operating result development also improved. After a loss of 30.3 million euros in the previous year's period, the segment achieved a positive result of 0.8 million euros. However, this includes a reversal of provisions of 0.9 million euros in connection with the transformation program. Adjusted for this effect, the operating result was minus 0.1 million euros, compared to minus 7.9 million euros in the previous year's period.

Acquisitions burden free cash flow

Free cash flow developed negatively in the first nine months. After a positive value of 151 million euros in the previous year's period, Jungheinrich recorded a cash outflow of 106 million euros.

The main cause was investments in shareholdings and acquisitions, totaling 157 million euros. These include strategic investments in EP Equipment and Navflex, as well as the acquisition of the Australian All-Lift Group completed on September 4, 2026.

The group's order backlog reached a value of 1,621 million euros as of September 30, 2026. Compared to the corresponding previous year's value of 1,483 million euros, this represents an increase of 9.3 percent.

Mid-term Targets for 2030 Adjusted

In addition to the financial figures, Jungheinrich has announced an adjustment of its mid-term financial targets. As part of the "2030+" strategy, the group is now aiming for annual sales between seven and eight billion euros and an operating sales margin between eight and nine percent.

The manufacturer cites increasing geopolitical tensions, weak economic growth in the core European markets, and structural shifts in the material handling equipment market as reasons for the adjustment.

According to company information, the fundamental strategic direction of the group remains the same. Jungheinrich intends to continue expanding its international business activities, developing the automation business, expanding its product portfolio, and driving the ongoing transformation.

Artificial Intelligence Becomes the Fifth Strategic Field

The strategy now more strongly anchors artificial intelligence. The group will in future consolidate its existing activities in this field into an independent strategic area of action.

Artificial intelligence thus complements the previous four areas: global expansion, automation, portfolio expansion, and transformation. According to the company, its use is intended to help accelerate innovation processes, make operational processes more efficient, and create additional customer benefits.