SAF-HOLLAND SE, a global supplier of trailer and truck components, reported preliminary unaudited results for fiscal year 2025 showing solid profitability despite challenging market conditions. Group sales declined approximately 8% to around EUR 1,734 million from EUR 1,876.7 million in the previous year, primarily due to significantly reduced demand in original equipment markets in the Americas and APAC regions.
The company's adjusted EBIT margin remained robust at 9.5%, down slightly from 10.1% in the previous year, with adjusted EBIT reaching approximately EUR 164 million compared to EUR 190.5 million in 2024. This performance demonstrates the resilience of SAF-HOLLAND's business model during a period of market weakness, particularly in original equipment segments.
A key factor in maintaining profitability was the continued strength of the aftermarket business, which increased its share of consolidated sales to around 40%, representing approximately EUR 689 million in revenue. This more cyclically independent segment partially offset declines in original equipment sales, which fell to around EUR 1,045 million or 60% of group sales. The company's consistent cost management, favorable product mix with higher-margin aftermarket products, and realization of synergy effects from the Haldex integration contributed positively to earnings.
Regionally, the EMEA region maintained its position as the largest sales region with approximately EUR 884 million in revenue, representing 51% of group sales. The Americas region experienced a significant 13% sales decline to around EUR 649 million but maintained a strong adjusted EBIT margin of 10.8%. The APAC region faced particularly challenging conditions with an 18% sales decline to approximately EUR 201 million but achieved a double-digit EBIT margin of 10.8% for the fourth consecutive year.
Alexander Geis, Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of SAF-HOLLAND SE, emphasized the company's strategic response to market conditions. "Through consistent cost management, the targeted adjustment of our structures, and the further increase in the share of the more cyclically independent aftermarket business, we have succeeded in securing profitability at a solid level," Geis stated. The company's disciplined approach extended to investment activities, with capital expenditures reduced to around EUR 52 million from EUR 57.4 million in the previous year while maintaining focus on strategically relevant growth initiatives.
Frank Lorenz-Dietz, Member of the Management Board and CFO, highlighted the company's financial discipline. "With an adjusted EBIT margin of 9.5%, we have once again demonstrated our operational resilience. At the same time, we have succeeded in consistently managing investments and costs," Lorenz-Dietz commented. The company will publish final audited figures, including detailed segment information and a sustainability report, in its annual report on March 19, 2026, available through their corporate website at https://www.safholland.com.
This financial performance matters because it demonstrates how industrial companies can maintain profitability during economic downturns through strategic business model adjustments. The growing aftermarket segment, which now represents 40% of sales, provides more stable revenue streams during periods of reduced capital investment in original equipment. For the commercial vehicle industry, SAF-HOLLAND's results indicate that suppliers with diversified business models and strong aftermarket presence can better withstand market volatility.
The implications extend to global supply chains and transportation infrastructure, as the company's ability to maintain profitability despite tariff-related challenges in the Americas suggests resilience in navigating complex trade environments. For investors and industry observers, the results provide insight into how component manufacturers are adapting to changing market dynamics while maintaining operational efficiency. The company's continued investment in strategic initiatives, including production efficiency measures and new facilities like the Rowlett, Texas site, indicates a forward-looking approach despite current market challenges.
