The above table has been adjusted slightly compared to the previous year in order to provide more transparent information. As a result, only the presentation has changed, but not the balance sheet values.

Cash and cash equivalents increased to EUR 44,316 thousand in the 2024 financial year, up EUR 6,158 thousand on the previous year. The cash inflow resulted from the increased cash flow, which was positively influenced by the sharp rise in earnings after taxes compared to 2023, among other things.

Receivables from customers fell slightly from EUR 36,586 thousand to EUR 33,421 thousand as at the reporting date. In absolute terms, the receivables of the sales company INTR. B.V., whose external sales also declined, and the two production companies Uzin Utz North America, Inc. and Uzin Utz SE decreased the most in absolute terms. The Group also relied on stringent receivables management in the 2024 reporting year. With sales revenues remaining the same, an improvement was achieved with an average days sales outstanding of 27 days (29). This contributed to a reduction in receivables.

Current income tax receivables decreased slightly year-on-year to EUR 5,715 thousand (5,971). This is mainly due to the high tax prepayments of the German companies, which were still levied by the tax authorities on the basis of the very high assessment basis from 2021 compared to subsequent years.

After a significant decrease in inventories in 2023, they were kept at the same level in 2024. They decreased by EUR 818 thousand from EUR 69,920 thousand to EUR 69,102 thousand. The situation on the procurement markets has normalized further and the availability of materials has improved again. The aim is to reduce the volatility of inventories in order to ensure delivery capability at all times.

Other current financial and non-financial assets increased from EUR 5,687 thousand to EUR 9,022 thousand in 2024. This increase is attributable in particular to Uzin Utz North America, Inc. and Uzin Utz SE. The conditions for the government grant relating to the American plant in Waco were met as at December 31, 2024. However, the cash inflow will not take place until 2025, as a result of which a receivable was recognized. The increase in Uzin Utz SE is mainly due to the increase in deferred income, which is reported under other receivables.

At 58.5% (59.1), the share of Group fixed assets is on a par with the previous year. The remaining assets therefore make up 41.5% (40.9) of the balance sheet total. In absolute terms, fixed assets increased by EUR 3,971 thousand. Investments accounted for using the equity method increased the most at EUR 2,123 thousand. This increase is mainly due to the 25.1% share in the Austrian company FP Floor Protector GmbH acquired in February.

Property, plant and equipment amounted to EUR 201,683 thousand at the end of 2024. They remained at the previous year's level (200,631). At the production companies Uzin Utz North America, Inc. and Pallmann GmbH, significant investments were made in the area of other equipment and operating and office equipment in 2024. For example, a new filling system was purchased at Pallmann GmbH in the reporting year.

Investments in the Group totalled EUR 14,664 thousand (20,394) in the reporting year. While payments for investments in property, plant and equipment and financial assets were reduced compared to the 2023 financial year, investments in intangible assets increased moderately, particularly due to expenditure on software.

Rights of use increased moderately in 2024 by EUR 1,353 thousand from EUR 9,599 thousand to EUR 10,952 thousand. The highest absolute increase in right-of-use assets resulted from the rental agreement of Uzin Utz France SAS for the new office building. In addition, there were increases in right-of-use assets from car leasing at several companies. These mainly involved replacing expiring leases with new contracts.

With the exception of the investment property held by Sifloor AG, Uzin Utz Tools GmbH & Co. KG and Uzin Utz Immobilienverwaltungs GmbH, all of the assets continue to represent operationally necessary values. Further information on this topic can be found in the notes to the consolidated financial statements under section "14 Investment properties".

The information on segment investments includes intangible assets (excluding goodwill) as well as property, plant and equipment and right-of-use assets.

Investments in the segment Germany increased significantly in 2024 and recorded the largest increase in absolute terms at EUR 2,150 thousand. The increase was mainly due to higher investments in the area of laying systems. In 2024, these were increased by 39.1% compared to the previous year to a total of EUR 7,401 thousand, whereby the increase is again mainly due to investments in software at Uzin Utz SE as a result of the switch to a new solution for the existing ERP system.

In the segment Netherlands, investments fell by EUR 1,906 thousand. The decline of EUR 2,041 thousand in the area of laying systems was influenced by the investments of Uzin Utz Nederland B.V. in the area of production, which were lower than in the previous year. In addition, other investments in property, plant and equipment also decreased compared to 2023.

Investments in the segment USA declined the most in absolute terms, falling to EUR 1,768 thousand in 2024. Following the completion of the new dry mortar plant in Waco, the majority of the investment volume in 2024 is attributable to various assets in the vehicle fleet and office and business equipment.

While investments in Western Europe increased the most in percentage terms at 37.7%, investments in Southern/Eastern Europe were lower in 2024 at EUR 386 thousand after a relatively strong increase in 2023 in connection with the new filling line. The increase in the Western Europe segment is mainly due to the increase in investments by Uzin Utz France SAS, whose rights of use have increased due to the new office building.