“The economic situation is particularly tense in our home market of Germany,” said Christoph von Rosenberg, CFO of the ifm group of companies, at the presentation of the balance sheet figures for 2024: “That is precisely why we are very pleased that we were able to close the past year on a not-so-bad note.” After steady sales growth in recent years, ifm had to accept a decline of 2.9% to €1.37 billion in 2024, according to the preliminary consolidated financial statements. The fact that ifm has recorded a comparatively small decline in sales compared to other companies in this market environment is due to the global orientation of the group, which meant that, especially in the 2024 financial year, the weakness of the European and Asian markets was partially offset by increased sales in North and South America. 

Despite the decline in sales and negative exchange rate effects, earnings (EBIT) fell only slightly below the previous year's figure (5.8%) to 4.8%. “This is the result of our efforts to adjust costs at an early stage in view of the difficult overall economic situation,” explains von Rosenberg. The number of employees remained virtually unchanged compared to the previous year at around 8,750. Around 1,500 of these are employed in research and development – an important sign of the group's innovative strength. The ifm group of companies therefore considers itself well equipped for the future, as the CFO emphasizes: “It is difficult to predict global political developments that will affect our key sales markets. But when the overall economic situation improves again, we will definitely benefit above average, as we have continued to invest consistently in innovation and growth in 2024.” The fact that ifm is preparing for future growth is also reflected in the fact that the operating business, which was previously managed as ifm stiftung & co. kg, has been part of the new ifm group se since the beginning of the year.