Interim report fourth quarter and year-end report 1 january-31 december 2016
Fourth quarter 2016
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Order intake rose 11% to SEK 3,434 million (3,086). For comparable units the increase was 1%.
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Net sales rose 9% to SEK 3,499 million (3,219). For comparable units, net sales decreased by 2%.
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Operating profit before amortisation of intangible non-current assets attributable to acquisitions (EBITA) decreased by 2% to SEK 391 million (398), corresponding to an EBITA margin of 11.2% (12.4%).
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Net profit decreased by 3% during the quarter, to SEK 249 million (258), corresponding to earnings per share of SEK 2.08 (2.14) 1).
1 January–31 December
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Order intake rose 9% to SEK 13,004 million (11,939). For comparable units the increase was 2%.
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Net sales rose 9% to SEK 12,955 million (11,881). For comparable units the increase was 2%.
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Operating profit before amortisation of intangible non-current assets attributable to acquisitions (EBITA) rose 4% to SEK 1,484 million (1,427), corresponding to an EBITA margin of 11.5% (12.0%).
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Net profit for the year rose 5% to SEK 936 million (894), corresponding to earnings per share of SEK 7.80 (7.44) 1).
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Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 1,207 million (1,076).
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The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 3.20 (3.00)1) per share for 2016.
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Bo Annvik was appointed as new President and CEO, and will take office at the Annual General Meeting on 26 April 2017.
CEO'S MESSAGE
With sales of SEK 13 billion and EBITA of SEK 1.5 billion, 2016 was once again a record year in the Group’s history. In a time of challenging market conditions in several segments, we have managed to continue generating profitable growth through acquisitions and development of existing companies, which shows the strength of Indutrade’s model.
Fourth quarter
After the third quarter’s weaker growth, both order intake and invoicing improved during the fourth quarter. Order intake increased by 11% and invoicing by 9%.
In general, the trend in most markets has been stable. In Finland, much to our pleasure, we are seeing a clear improvement in the business situation following a long period of weak demand. In addition, most of the Group’s companies performed well during the quarter and delivered results that were well in line with expectations.
During the quarter, lower order intake and outgoing deliveries as well as production disruptions of valves for power generation in the energy segment significantly affected comparisons with the preceding year in the Special Products business area. The investment in greater manufacturing capacity is resulting in greater opportunities for development of the valve programme in the long run. The total earnings impact compared with the fourth quarter a year ago was SEK -50 million, of which SEK -10 million pertains to costs for getting the new plant up and running.
The challenging business situation, with soft demand and strong price pressure for companies in the marine segment, also continued during the fourth quarter. Lower invoicing together with restructuring costs had a significant negative earnings impact on the Flow Technology business area.
Acquisitions
During the quarter the Scanmaskin Group, which makes surface finishing equipment, was acquired. A total of 11 acquisitions were made in 2016 with combined annual sales of SEK 1,130 million. Nine of the acquired companies have own products, which strengthens the long-term trend in the Group towards having a larger share of proprietary products. Our ambition since 2005 has been to increase the share of companies in measurement and sensor technology, so it is gratifying to note that four of the acquisitions carried out in 2016 are in this segment. In early 2017 three acquisitions have been carried out: RS Technics, which is active in measurement technology in the Netherlands; Sunflower Medical, which makes healthcare equipment in the UK; and Ellard, which manufactures control equipment for commercial doors in the UK.
Outlook
Since its stock market introduction in 2005 Indutrade has had a fantastic development. We have increased the share of companies with own products and own manufacturing. We have also expanded the business model outside of Sweden and the Nordic countries, and the number of companies during this time has grown from some 60 to more than 200 today. To enable this growth, the organisational structure has also developed, and today we have an organisation with six business areas that ensure that we can make full use of the experience and expertise that exists out in our companies.
The cornerstones of Indutrade’s decentralised business model are firmly grounded, and I am convinced that Indutrade, through its ongoing evolution, has all the conditions needed for future profitable growth.
Johnny Alvarsson
President and CEO