Earnings Release • May 23, 2024
Earnings Release
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"Our first quarter results reflect a mixed picture due to different market environments across regions. The AMS division delivered another excellent quarter with increased sales and high EBIT margins. Our OE division was impacted by the weaker US market and an unfavorable product mix resulting in lower margins. The increase in bookings in Q1, driven by the AMS division, has reversed the trend of the last quarters and is an encouraging signal of growing demand which we expect to continue in Q2. Our focus remains on diversifying our product portfolio and regionally expanding in the growth markets Middle East and Asia."
| UNIT | 1-3/2024 | 1-3/2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | MEUR | 146.7 | 147.3 |
| EBITDA (Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) |
MEUR | 28.8 | 33.4 |
| EBITDA margin | % | 19.6 | 22.7 |
| EBIT (Earnings before interest and taxes) | MEUR | 20.6 | 26.7 |
| EBIT margin | % | 14.0 | 18.1 |
| Profit before tax | MEUR | 19.2 | 27.0 |
| Profit after tax | MEUR | 15.0 | 21.3 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | MEUR | 9.7 | 19.6 |
| Free cash flow | MEUR | 2.5 | 12.8 |
| Liquid funds as of 31 March 2024 / 31 December 2023 | MEUR | 168.7 | 162.4 |
| Net debt as of 31 March 2024 / 31 December 2023 | MEUR | 89.5 | 92.3 |
| Equity ratio as of 31 March 2024 / 31 December 2023 | % | 54.7 | 53.6 |
| Headcount as of 31 March 2024 / 31 December 2023 | 1,631 | 1,601 |
Business high-
lights in Q1 2024
The first quarter of 2024 marked a solid start to the year for SBO. We recorded a slight increase in bookings quarter-over-quarter, a positive shift after four consecutive quarters of decline. The AMS business reported another quarter of high sales, driven by the positive international market environment. In the OE business, the recently acquired Praxis Completion Technology contributed to growth in the Middle East, while the US business faced increased market pressure.
In Q1, we continued the significant expansion of our location in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move will help strengthen SBO's position in this fast-growing region and increase our local presence. The new facility of nearly 3,500 m2 will allow us to further grow in this market. The new building will also be equipped with solar panels, in line with our sustainability goals to reduce the carbon footprint of our operations.
The installation of the first Velo3D Sapphire XC metal printer at the Austrian facility in Ternitz has expanded our capabilities in this state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology, enabling us to produce complex metal components up to 600 mm in diameter and 550 mm in height by using 3D-metal printing technology. This addition not only enhances our product offering, but also sets a new industry standard in Europe, reinforcing our position as a leader in the manufacturing of complex components for various industries, including space and aerospace amongst others.
In the geothermal sector we further strengthened our position through successful collaborations with our customers in several countries. For example, our custom-made Boss Hog HT composite frac plug—specifically developed for Fervo Energy, an enhanced geothermal operator in North America—significantly outperformed other options. Continuing our partnership with the same customer, we designed a pioneering plug for other geothermal applications in Q1 2024 which is currently under performance testing.
Our Technology Day in Abu Dhabi in February was an opportunity to showcase our integrated solutions and strengthen relationships with key customers in the region. The event successfully attracted over 75 participants from different companies and stakeholders, underscoring our strategic focus on the Middle East. By presenting our cutting-edge technology offering of high-performance drilling equipment and innovative completion products, we provided a comprehensive overview of our capabilities and reinforced our commitment to technology leadership and sustainability.
Oil and gas markets continue their growth trajectory. This resilience can be attributed to an increased awareness of energy security and to the continuous rising demand for oil. Global exploration and production (E&P) spending increased by 11% in 2023 and is set to grow by another 5% in 2024, with the globally coordinated upturn extending into another year and laying a solid foundation for future industry activities.1
Oil prices increased in the first months of 2024 due to escalating oil supply security concerns, especially over the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Red Sea. European Brent crude oil started 2024 at USD 75.89/barrel and stood at USD 87.48/barrel on the last trading day of the quarter, an increase of 15%. In the same period, the WTI price recorded an increase from USD 70.38/barrel to USD 83.17/barrel (up 18%). Gas prices, on the other hand, remained low and further declined in the first quarter, as the mild winter reduced demand. The Henry Hub gas price started 2024 at USD 2.57/MMBtu (million British thermal units) and arrived at USD 1.76/MMBtu on the last trading day of the first quarter, a drop of 32%.
Global oil demand remained at high levels in Q1 (101.7 mb/d), in line with global oil production of 101.7 mb/d, below the 102.9 mb/d reported in Q4 2023, in part due to arctic storm Heather which forced production shut-ins across large parts of the US oilfields in January.2 The number of global oil and gas rigs ("rig count") increased to 1,793 rigs during the first quarter but remained well below Q1 2023 (March 2023: 1,879 rigs), with varying developments across regions. While the international rig count saw a 4% increase to 971 rigs (March 2023: 930 rigs), the rig count in the US (625 rigs) remained significantly (-17%) below last year's level (March 2023: 753 rigs).3
1 Evercore ISI report, Energy | Oilfield Services, Equipment & Drilling, December 2023.
2 International Energy Agency (IEA), Oil Market Report, May 2024.
3 Baker Hughes Rig Count.
The energy transition continues to gain traction. Geothermal energy as one of the sustainable energy sources will serve as a base load source, utilized for both electricity and heat generation, and is gaining momentum. The market for geothermal power generation has reached 95.63 bn kWh in 2023 and is expected to reach 99.73 bn kWh in 2024.4
Market
environment
Carbon capture and storage—another promising technology to reduce emissions—will be a key enabler in meeting climate targets, with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stressing that the technology will be key to reaching net-zero emissions by mid-century. However, the sector is still very much in the early stages.
The amount of CO2 captured by CCS facilities worldwide currently accounts for just 0.12 percent of annual global emissions. Currently, the majority of CO2 captured by active CCS facilities is at natural gas processing plants, but by 2030, the majority of capture capacity is expected to be used in the power sector and for the production of ammonia and hydrogen. The U.S. is a world leader in CCS development and deployment with 15 operational CCS facilities and has the largest number of CCS projects in the pipeline (104). In 2023, there were 39 CCS facilities operational worldwide, and 265 commercial CCS facilities are in the project pipeline (as per end of 2023).5
4 Statista, Jan 2024.
5 Statista, Jan 2024.
The financial performance in Q1 2024 presented a mixed picture. Bookings of MEUR 118.6 were below the exceptionally strong Q1 2023 (MEUR 157.6), a quarter that was characterized by capacity securing order behavior of customers. However, Q1 2024 bookings increased by 1.7% compared to Q4 2023, driven by the AMS division. Sales of MEUR 146.7 continued at the high levels of previous quarters and Q1 2023 (1-3/2023: MEUR 147.3). The Group's order backlog amounted to MEUR 195.0 at the end of March (31 December 2023: MEUR 225.4).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) reached MEUR 28.8 in the first quarter (1-3/2023: MEUR 33.4), the EBITDA margin was 19.6% (1-3/2023: 22.7%). Profit from operations (EBIT) amounted to MEUR 20.6 (1-3/2023: MEUR 26.7) or 14.0% of sales (EBIT margin 1-3/2023: 18.1%). The earnings decline was entirely driven by the OE division.
EBIT

Profit before tax amounted to MEUR 19.2 (1-3/2023: MEUR 27.0), reflecting the EBIT development as well as a lower financial result. Profit after tax came in at MEUR 15.0 (1-3/2023: MEUR 21.3), resulting in EUR 0.95 in earnings per share (1-3/2023: EUR 1.35).
Business development
The SBO Group's business is divided into two segments: Advanced Manufacturing & Services (AMS) and Oilfield Equipment (OE). The continued strong performance of the AMS segment underlines its position as the key value driver for the Group, with sales and EBIT margins remaining at high levels. Sales reached MEUR 81.9, up +4.4% quarter-on-quarter and exactly on par with the same period last year (1-3/2023: MEUR 81.9). EBIT increased slightly to MEUR 17.8 (1-3/2023: MEUR 17.5) with an EBIT margin of 21.7% (1-3/2023: 21.3%).
The OE segment faced a more challenging market environment with sales at the same level as last year but below the previous quarter. Sales amounted to MEUR 64.8 (1-3/2023: MEUR 65.4) including the additional sales from the acquired Praxis Completion Technology, and with lower sales in the US business (rig count declined -17% compared to March 2023). The competitive US market was also one of the main reasons for the lower EBIT of MEUR 3.6 compared to the same period of the previous year (1-3/2023: MEUR 11.7). An unfavorable product mix and higher costs further impacted the segment's earnings.
In the first quarter 2024, SBO's equity increased to MEUR 473.9 (31 December 2023: MEUR 448.0) and the equity ratio rose to 54.7% (31 December 2023: 53.6%). Net debt decreased to MEUR 89.5 (31 December 2023: MEUR 92.3), which improved gearing to 18.9% (31 December 2023: 20.6%). Cash and cash equivalents amounted to MEUR 168.7 (31 December 2023: MEUR 162.4).
The cash flow from operating activities for the quarter amounted to MEUR 9.7 compared to MEUR 19.6 in Q1 2023, mostly a result of the lower earnings. The increase in working capital in Q1 2024 was a result of unfavorable timing effects in the collection of accounts receivable. Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (excluding right of use assets) of MEUR 7.8 were at similar levels as last year (1-3/2023: MEUR 7.3). Free cash flow amounted to MEUR 2.5 compared to MEUR 12.8 in Q1 2023.
The balance sheet remains solid, supporting strategic initiatives aimed at both strengthening the core business and pursuing growth opportunities.
The oilfield service industry continues to grow with a clear focus on international markets, especially the Middle East, Latin America and Asia. This is supported by an expected E&P spending increase of 5% to BUSD 515 globally, with international activities growing by 10%, while the US market forecast is rather modest with a relatively stable outlook (+2% growth).6 On the backdrop of solid global oil demand growth in the first quarter and a steady growth outlook for the global economy (+3.2%)7 , global oil demand is projected to grow further in 2024 (+1.1 mb/d) and 2025 (+1.2 mb/d).8
The overall market fundamentals remain supportive and the sentiment of SBO's customer base is optimistic, especially with regard to the international markets. In North America, the market developments over the past few months point to a more challenging environment also for the near-term future.
SBO remains positive about the oil and gas sector and is confident that the core business will continue to grow. By capturing growth opportunities in international markets, further supported by the expanding presence in the Middle East and Asia, the Group looks optimistic into the future, albeit with a more cautious outlook for the US business.
At the same time, SBO is continuing its work on the development of a new business segment in the green tech energy sector. After solidifying the strategic plan and strengthening the team dedicated to this area, SBO is advancing the adaptation and use of SBO products in the area of new energy such as geothermal. In addition to organic growth, opportunities for inorganic growth continue to be explored. SBO's long-term strategy remains a priority and is being pursued with determination by the management team.
6 Evercore ISI report, Energy | Oilfield Services, Equipment & Drilling, December 2023.
7 International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Economic Outlook, April 2024.
8 International Energy Agency (IEA), Oil Market Report, May 2024.
SCHOELLER-BLECKMANN OILFIELD EQUIPMENT Aktiengesellschaft (SBO) is a globally operating group of companies and world market leader in the manufacture of high-alloy, non-magnetic steels. The SBO Group is engaged in high-precision production of special components for the oil, gas and other industries by applying innovative and additive manufacturing technologies. The SBO Group is equally recognized worldwide for its directional drilling tools and equipment for well completion
in the oil, gas, and geothermal industry. With its subsidiaries and more than 1,600 employees worldwide, the Group is successfully positioned in technologically demanding, profitable niches. The Group is headquartered in Ternitz, Austria. Making an active contribution to energy transition is a key element of the Group's Strategy 2030. More detailed information on the Strategy 2030 and sustainable management (ESG) is available in the Annual Report 2023 at https://www.sbo.at/publikationen.



The share of SCHOELLER-BLECKMANN OILFIELD EQUIPMENT Aktiengesellschaft has been listed in the Prime Market of the Vienna Stock Exchange for over 20 years and is part of the ATX, the leading Austrian index. In total, 16,000,000 par value shares with a nominal value of EUR 1.00 each have been issued. The share started at EUR 43.00 on 2 January 2024 and closed at EUR 44.30 on 28 March 2024. Market capitalization as of 28 March 2024 was MEUR 708.8 and approximately 67% of the shares were in free float at that date.
28 March 2024
EUR 44.30
MEUR 709 Market capitalization –
28 March 2024
2 January 2024
FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2024
| DATE | EVENT |
|---|---|
| 22 August 2024 | Half-year results 2024 |
| 21 November 2024 | Q3 2024 |
| IN TEUR | 3 MONTHS PERIOD ENDED | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.03.2024 | 31.03.2023 | ||
| Sales | 146,725 | 147,328 | |
| Cost of goods sold | -103,135 | -94,751 | |
| Gross profit | 43,590 | 52,577 | |
| Selling expenses | -8,647 | -8,846 | |
| General and administrative expenses | -11,637 | -11,336 | |
| Other operating expenses | -6,416 | -7,305 | |
| Other operating income | 3,716 | 1,607 | |
| Profit from operations | 20,606 | 26,697 | |
| Interest income | 1,030 | 1,926 | |
| Interest expenses | -2,466 | -1,630 | |
| Financial result | -1,436 | 296 | |
| Profit before tax | 19,170 | 26,993 | |
| Income taxes | -4,215 | -5,741 | |
| Profit after tax | 14,955 | 21,252 | |
| Average number of shares outstanding |
15,759,465 | 15,729,465 | |
| Earnings per share in EUR (basic = diluted) |
0.95 | 1.35 |
| IN TEUR | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31.03.2024 | 31.12.2023 | |
| Current assets | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 168,675 | 162,351 |
| Trade receivables | 147,583 | 132,519 |
| Other receivables and other assets | 15,338 | 14,696 |
| Inventories | 207,637 | 205,811 |
| Total current assets | 539,233 | 515,377 |
| Non-current assets | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | 133,124 | 130,436 |
| Goodwill | 141,328 | 138,407 |
| Other intangible assets | 18,495 | 19,012 |
| Long-term receivables and assets | 3,712 | 3,551 |
| Deferred tax assets | 30,891 | 29,638 |
| Total non-current assets | 327,550 | 321,044 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 866,783 | 836,421 |
| IN TEUR | 31.03.2024 | 31.12.2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Current liabilities | ||
| Liabilities to banks | 42,116 | 38,144 |
| Current portion of long-term loans | 41,571 | 41,638 |
| Lease liabilities | 2,333 | 2,378 |
| Trade payables | 34,577 | 39,624 |
| Income tax payable | 19,874 | 18,932 |
| Other liabilities | 50,047 | 46,127 |
| Other provisions | 4,007 | 3,654 |
| Total current liabilities | 194,525 | 190,497 |
| Non-current liabilities | ||
| Long-term loans | 174,464 | 174,839 |
| Lease liabilities | 6,684 | 6,589 |
| Provisions for employee benefits | 6,262 | 5,988 |
| Other liabilities | 10,055 | 10,231 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 853 | 260 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 198,318 | 197,907 |
| Equity | ||
| Share capital | 15,759 | 15,759 |
| Capital reserve | 59,526 | 59,526 |
| Legal reserve | 785 | 785 |
| Other reserves | 19 | 19 |
| Currency translation reserve | 43,707 | 32,739 |
| Retained earnings | 354,144 | 339,189 |
| Total equity | 473,940 | 448,017 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | 866,783 | 836,421 |
| IN TEUR | 3 MONTHS PERIOD ENDED | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.03.2024 | 31.03.2023 | ||
| OPERATING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Profit before tax | 19,170 | 26,993 | |
| Depreciation, amortization and impairments | 8,195 | 6,689 | |
| Other expenses and income* | -3,220 | 2,861 | |
| Cashflow from profit | 24,145 | 36,543 | |
| Change in working capital | -14,463 | -16,925 | |
| Cashflow from operating activities | 9,682 | 19,618 | |
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Expenditures for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets |
-7,751 | -7,287 | |
| Other activities | 539 | 492 | |
| Cashflow from investing activities | -7,212 | -6,795 | |
| Free cashflow | 2,470 | 12,823 | |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Change in financial liabilities | 1,502 | 6,613 | |
| Cashflow from financing activities | 1,502 | 6,613 | |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | 3,972 | 19,436 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 162,351 | 287,764 | |
| Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents |
2,352 | -4,713 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 168,675 | 302,487 |
* Other expenses and income include interest and taxes paid and received as well as other non-cash items
| IN TEUR | ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & SERVICES |
OILFIELD EQUIPMENT |
SBO-HOLDING & CONSOLIDATION |
GROUP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External sales | 81,907 | 64,818 | 0 | 146,725 |
| Intercompany sales | 33,214 | 8,373 | -41,587 | 0 |
| Total sales | 115,121 | 73,191 | -41,587 | 146,725 |
| Profit from operations (EBIT) | 17,806 | 3,642 | -842 | 20,606 |
| Profit / loss before tax | 18,730 | 3,334 | -2,894 | 19,170 |
| IN TEUR | ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & SERVICES |
OILFIELD EQUIPMENT |
SBO-HOLDING & CONSOLIDATION |
GROUP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| External sales | 81,916 | 65,412 | 0 | 147,328 |
| Intercompany sales | 36,184 | 10,286 | -46,470 | 0 |
| Total sales | 118,100 | 75,698 | -46,470 | 147,328 |
| Profit from operations (EBIT) | 17,480 | 11,687 | -2,470 | 26,697 |
| Profit / loss before tax | 17,852 | 12,321 | -3,180 | 26,993 |
For investors or those interested in the capital market, we offer our Investor News Service, which keeps investors and shareholders up to date at all times. After registering for our news service on our website, interested parties receive regular information on corporate events relevant to the capital market.

Monika Bell Head of Investor Relations
+43 2630 315-253 | [email protected]

Further information about SBO is available on www.sbo.at. If you would like to be included in SBO's Investor News Service, please go to: https://www.sbo.at/bestellservice.
Note on the quarterly report: This quarterly financial report is also available in the German language. In the event of discrepancies, the German version shall prevail.
This corporate publication contains information with forward-looking statements. Parts of those statements contain forecasts regarding the future development of SBO, SBO group companies, relevant industries and the markets. All these statements as well as any other information contained in this corporate publication are for information only and do not substitute professional financial advice. As such, this information must not be understood as a recommendation or offer to buy or sell SBO shares, and SBO cannot be held liable therefrom.

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