- Bechtle’s AI Innovations: Bechtle employs advanced AI technologies, including BechtleGPT for customer support and reporting, enhancing efficiency across internal processes.
- Growth in Revenue: Despite challenging economic conditions, Bechtle’s business volume reached approximately €7.95 billion in 2024, marking a 2.0% increase year-over-year.
- Employee Growth: The company employs 15,801 individuals, a 4.2% increase, largely due to acquisitions, highlighting Bechtle’s commitment to expanding its workforce.
- Sustainability Commitment: Bechtle received Gold status from EcoVadis for sustainability initiatives, underlining its focus on responsible business practices.
- Market Position: Bechtle remains Germany’s largest IT system house, with competitive advantages in both IT System House & Managed Services and IT E-Commerce segments.
- Employee Retention and Turnover: Bechtle faces challenges in retaining skilled labor amidst a demographic shift; however, the turnover rate remains steady at 9.1%. The average length of service slightly increased to 6.2 years.
- Diversity Initiatives: A new diversity strategy emphasizes equal opportunities and diversity, with a focus on women in IT. The proportion of women employees rose to 28.5%, with continuous investment in programs to support female professionals.
- Economic Context: The macroeconomic environment was challenging, with Germany experiencing a recession; however, the IT market showed resilience, with a growth rate of 4.4%. Bechtle’s business volume grew by 2.0% to €7.9 billion.
- Financial Performance: Despite a decline in revenue by 1.8% to €6.3 billion, operating cash flow reached a record €558.2 million, driven by effective receivables management. A stable dividend of €0.70 per share was proposed to convey reliability to shareholders.
- Strategic Response to Risks: The company actively manages various risks, including economic uncertainties and cybersecurity threats, and maintains a robust financial position, with an equity ratio of 45.4% and €716.2 million in liquidity.
- Economic Outlook: The EU’s GDP is predicted to grow by 1.5% in 2025 after a modest 0.9% rise in 2024. Germany’s growth is estimated at 0.7%, slightly improving from a decline of -0.2%. Poland and Ireland expect higher growth rates of 3.6% and 4.0%, respectively.
- IT Market Growth: Global IT spending is projected to increase by 9.8% in 2025, with 8.7% growth in Europe. Germany’s IT market will grow by 5.9%, led by software, expected to rise by 9.8%.
- Digitalisation and Investment Trends: Digitalisation remains a crucial driver. Investment in IT infrastructure is anticipated to rise, particularly as businesses respond to new security regulations post-2025.
- M&A Strategy: Bechtle aims to expand through acquisitions, focusing on Portugal, Spain, and Poland to enhance market presence and service offerings across Europe.
- Sustainability Initiatives: A robust sustainability strategy is in place, focusing on ethical business practices, carbon neutrality, and promoting sustainable IT solutions.
- Financial Health: Bechtle maintains strong liquidity with €716.2 million in cash and a “debt-free” net position of -€130.7 million. Continuous positive cash flow is expected to support future growth.
- Market Resilience: Despite uncertainties stemming from geopolitical tensions and economic downturns, Bechtle anticipates demand recovery in the second half of 2025, easing the investment backlog.
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Annual Report
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