It could be the amount of a couple of big press orders, but KBA expects sales to be down a cool 200 million Euros this year.

The German giant says its 1.3 billion Euros ($1.8 billion) sales targets for 2013 are “no longer attainable”.

“Based on expected results for the third quarter the management board of Koenig & Bauer has revised its previous sales and earnings forecast for 2013,” says a spokesman. “ In view of the much lower sales volume than expected in both business segments due to economic and market developments, the press manufacturer’s initial target of Group annual sales of approx. 1.3 billion Euros in 2013 will not be reached and management estimates revenue of approx. 1.1 billion Euros.”

A statement today says that, given reduced sales, anticipated extraordinary expenses for impairments and restructuring measures, it is likely that the group will post a loss for 2013. “Excluding the special items mentioned, management continues to target a positive operating result and balanced Group earnings before taxes,” it says.  

KBA will publish the interim report on the third quarter including further details on November 11.