Earnings Release • Feb 26, 2009
Earnings Release
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date 26 February 2009 more information J. Aalberts e-mail [email protected] phone +31 (0)343 565 080
| Key figures (before amortisation) | 2008 | 2007 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| in EUR x million | |||
| Revenue | 1,750.8 | 1,702.5 | 3% |
| Operating profit before depreciation (EBITDA) | 251.6 | 254.2 | (1%) |
| Operating profit (EBITA) | 181.5 | 193.3 | (6%) |
| Net profit | 105.0 | 128.0 | (18%) |
| Average number of ordinary shares | 103.3 | 101.7 | 2% |
| Earnings per ordinary share (x EUR 1) | 1.02 | 1.26 | (19%) |
| Dividend per ordinary share (x EUR 1) | 0.28 | 0.32 | (13%) |
| Cash flow (net profit plus depreciation) | 175.1 | 188.9 | (7%) |
| Cash flow from operations | 264.5 | 230.1 | 15% |
| Total equity as a % of total assets | 34.5 | 37.5 | |
| Net debt | 765.3 | 525.0 | 46% |
| Net debt / EBITDA (twelve month rolling) | 2.9 | 2.1 | |
| Interest cover (EBITA / net interest expense) | 4.1 | 5.4 | |
| Net debt / Total equity (gearing) | 1.3 | 1.0 |
Aalberts Industries N.V.
Jan Aalberts, President & CEO: "2008 was a year of contrasts. On the one hand both Industrial Services and Flow Control managed to strengthen our market position in the first half of the year through organic growth and the acquisition of a number of strategically complementary companies. The acquisition of Henco, market leader in plastic multilayer systems, is of great importance and has a significant impact on the financial position. While, on the other hand, we experienced a significant downturn in almost all our markets combined with negative exchange rate effects in the second half of the year, and particularly in the last quarter. We immediately took measures, which included reducing our workforce by more than 1,000 employees. During the course of 2008, various parts of the organisation experienced an increase in the tempo at which our sales force has been combined and management strengthened.
Revenue increased by 3% to EUR 1.75 billion (6% at constant exchange rates) and an operating profit (EBITA) of EUR 181.5 million was achieved, 6% less than in 2007. At EUR 251.6 million, the operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was comparable to 2007. In 2008 considerable sums were invested, EUR 110 million, in line with our long term objectives and our confidence in the future. The cash flow from operations increased by 15% as a strong emphasis was placed on working capital; in the second half of the year, we realised a reduction of EUR 123 million. Our net debt was reduced by EUR 121 million in the last six months of the year. Exchange rate effects, and particularly the developments in the last quarter of the year, had a negative impact on the year's net profit in Euros.
In 2008, our operational strength was further increased by enlarging our share in various markets and reducing our operating costs, but it was, without doubt, also enhanced by our focused investments in several new products, production technologies and realised acquisitions.
2008 was challenging and also 2009 will demand a great deal of alertness, dedication and fast actions. We will not digress from our ambition of further profitable growth, both by organic means and acquisitions, and are convinced that we will emerge strengthened from the current market situation."
Aalberts Industries achieved revenue of EUR 1.75 billion in 2008. However, due to exchange rate fluctuations and the resultant conversion differences, this ended up approximately EUR 50 million lower, causing the growth to be 3% instead of 6%. Organic revenue declined by about 2%.
The operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was EUR 251.6 million (14.4% of revenue) in 2008, marginally lower than in 2007 (EUR 254.2 million). The operating profit after depreciation and before amortisation (EBITA) amounted to EUR 181.5 million. When compared to 2007, more than three-quarters of the decline can be attributed to higher depreciation. The EBITA margin was 10.4% whereby, despite the challenging market conditions, Flow Control maintained its operating margin at 11.3%, comparable to 2007. Due to the general market slowdown and associated incidental effects, Industrial Services realised an EBITA margin of 8.2% (2007: 11.5%).
The net interest expense amounted to EUR 44.5 million in 2008 compared to EUR 35.8 million in 2007. This increase was attributable to the financing of the acquisitions and a higher average working capital throughout 2008. In addition, the depreciation of the British pound, the Polish zloty and the Russian rouble had a significant impact on the net finance cost resulting in an exchange loss
of EUR 7.2 million (2007: EUR 3.7 million gain). Returns on derivative financial instruments, particularly interest swaps, showed a loss of EUR 4.5 million (2007: EUR 1.9 million gain). Consequently, in 2008, the total net finance cost amounted to EUR 56.2 million against EUR 30.2 million in 2007.
The net debt reduced by EUR 121.1 million to EUR 765.3 million in the second half of 2008. The company remains within its covenants and the principal financial ratios developed as follows:
Net profit before amortisation amounted to EUR 105.0 million in 2008 (2007: EUR 128.0 million) and earnings per share were EUR 1.02. The return on the average invested capital was 13.3% in 2008. In the second half of 2008, net working capital was reduced by EUR 123 million to EUR 315.8 million. The cash flow from operations increased by 15% to EUR 264.5 million in 2008 (2007: EUR 230.1 million).
In conformity with Aalberts Industries' policy to consistently set aside some 25% of the net profit before amortisation achieved for dividend distribution purposes, the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders will be asked to declare a dividend for 2008 of EUR 0.28 per ordinary share having a nominal value of EUR 0.25. The dividend is payable in cash or, at the option of shareholders, in the form of ordinary shares, chargeable to the tax-exempt share premium account or to the unappropriated profit. This amounts to a pay-out ratio of more than 27%. The stock dividend will be determined after trading on 12 May 2009 based on the volume weighted average price of all Aalberts Industries N.V. shares traded on 6, 7, 8, 11 en 12 May 2009, in such a way that the value of the dividend in shares is substantially the same as the value of the cash dividend.
In 2008, Industrial Services' revenue increased by 2% to EUR 515.2 million with an organic decline in revenue of 6%. The operating profit (EBITA) was EUR 42.4 million in 2008 compared to EUR 58.3 million in 2007. In 2008, EUR 50.5 million was invested in capital expenditure projects, a considerable part used for heat treatment and surface technique activities. In addition, investments were made in the development of supplementary technologies for the production of complex components.
Industrial Services activities were confronted by changeable market conditions in 2008. In response to which, a number of measures were taken, however, these could not fully avert the pressure on the results.
In the first six months of the year, Industrial Services experienced positive developments in the European automotive sector. The second half was clearly less, partially due to the fact that various car manufacturers decided to restrict their production activities for longer periods. The precision engineering industry, an important source of activities for the German network of service sites, experienced a marked downturn in the latter months; this downturn similarly affected the Dutch companies.
2008 was a difficult year for the semiconductor industry. This effect was most noticeable in the companies producing, assembling and treating components for this industry. The activities concentrating on the production of components for future semiconductor platforms remained stable.
2008 was a good year for the companies supplying the aircraft industry. The turbine industry, which is related to the aircraft industry, also developed positively both in Europe and North America. Similarly, the medical and energy sectors did well in 2008. These markets grew organically and created stable demand. The markets mentioned above are all characterised by a high degree of innovation which fits well with Industrial Services' strength of offering targeted solutions. Furthermore, the market position of Industrial Services offers sufficient scope for growth.
Industrial Services' aim is, on the one hand, to introduce complementary processes and technologies and, on the other, to expand the position in a number of growing market niches. Along with capital expenditure, acquisitions are important, as these can expedite this process. Examples were the acquisitions of Duralloy and Cotterlaz in 2008, which enabled complementary technologies, some of which were patented, to be acquired. In addition, the acquisition of the IDE Group has increased the capabilities of offering the market a complete product, from engineering to production.
In 2008, Flow Control's revenue grew by 3% to EUR 1.236 billion with a decline in organic revenue of 1%. The operating profit (EBITA) amounted to EUR 139.1 million, an increase of 3% compared to 2007, whereby the margins were comparable. Capital expenditure amounted to EUR 60.0 million, primarily aimed at expanding the production capacity in emerging markets, increased automation of production methods and the introduction of a number of new products and complete systems.
Flow Control was also confronted with changeable market conditions in 2008. However, by concentrating capital expenditure on new products and achieving a high degree of market focus, the group had a good year. In addition, the portfolio and market position were significantly enhanced by acquisitions; in particular, acquiring Henco was an important strategic step. The aim of strengthening the sales platforms took further shape due, on the one hand, to the complete portfolio of products and systems and, on the other, to combining the sales force.
The Benelux market developed positively in 2008. By strengthening the sales organisation and introducing a number of new products, organic growth was realised. This was in contrast to the Scandinavian markets where, after a good first half, market demand fell later in the year. The level of production and the size of the workforce have been adjusted accordingly. Developments in the French market were reasonably good in 2008; in the neighbouring countries, such as Spain and Italy, however, market conditions were unfavourable. Over the last few years, there have been considerable investments in the commercial organisation and, although the first successes are already being recorded, there is still significant potential to expand the market position. To broaden the portfolio, Alphacan's French heating and sanitary activities were taken over in 2008.
Due to a more focused market approach, which enabled the complete Flow Control portfolio to be introduced to the German market in renewed form, the 2008 results for the German activities developed positively, which applies to the United Kingdom as well. Full use was made of the British sales platform, targeting (social) housing construction and the commercial sector, in combination with the broad product portfolio. In addition, the emerging markets in the Middle East and Asia provided a source of revenue growth for the British organisation. The East European markets (including Russia) had a good first half year demonstrating strong organic growth, however, in the
second half it weakened clearly. In the future these markets will continue to be an important area for growth. In spite of this, East Europe remains to be an important growth market in the coming years.
In North America, developments in the commercial and industrial building sectors were predominantly favourable in 2008, while the downward trend in the housing construction sector continued. The introduction of a number of group products and further automation of production, enabled margins to be maintained and costs reduced. The aim continues to be a strengthening of the market position in North America through the introduction of more group products and targeted acquisitions.
The average number of employees increased from 10,686 in 2007 to 11,530 in 2008. In the middle of 2008, a total of 11,899 people were employed. However, due to the exceptional market conditions, this number had been reduced by approximately 1,000 to 10,880, by the end of 2008.
Given the current economic circumstances and the associated uncertainties, it is not possible to give an outlook for 2009. The solid financial position, the many years' investments, the established market positions, R&D (both production automation and new products) and the measures taken, will enable Aalberts Industries to emerge strengthened from the current market situation when the economy improves.
| CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET | 31 December 2008 |
30 June 2008 |
31 December 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| in EUR x million | |||
| ASSETS | |||
| Goodwill | 445.6 | 445.1 | 308.8 |
| Other intangible assets | 149.1 | 151.4 | 101.4 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 516.3 | 494.6 | 444.9 |
| Deferred income tax assets | 25.4 | 16.7 | 16.3 |
| Non-current assets | 1,136.4 | 1,107.8 | 871.4 |
| Inventories | 360.2 | 403.8 | 328.2 |
| Trade receivables | 178.7 | 314.4 | 205.4 |
| Other current assets | 28.0 | 35.8 | 29.4 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Current assets | 567.0 | 754.1 | 563.1 |
| Total assets | 1,703.4 | 1,861.9 | 1,434.5 |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Shareholders' equity | 577.0 | 569.6 | 530.4 |
| Minority interests | 10.0 | 11.7 | 7.8 |
| Total equity | 587.0 | 581.3 | 538.2 |
| Non-current borrowings | 572.8 | 614.1 | 350.8 |
| Cumulative preference shares | - | 10.2 | 10.2 |
| Employee benefit plans | 27.7 | 31.6 | 32.3 |
| Deferred income tax liabilities | 37.6 | 37.4 | 23.5 |
| Other provisions | 5.9 | 5.6 | 7.1 |
| Non-current liabilities | 644.0 | 698.9 | 423.9 |
| Current borrowings | 107.8 | 184.7 | 93.9 |
| Current portion of non-current borrowings | 84.8 | 77.2 | 70.1 |
| Trade and other payables | 181.4 | 190.0 | 190.3 |
| Current income tax liabilities | 1.7 | 18.5 | 20.3 |
| Other current liabilities | 96.7 | 111.3 | 97.8 |
| Current liabilities | 472.4 | 581.7 | 472.4 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 1,703.4 | 1,861.9 | 1,434.5 |
| CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT in EUR x million |
2008 | 2007 |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,750.8 | 1,702.5 |
| Raw materials and work subcontracted | (735.9) | (723.8) |
| Personnel expenses | (466.7) | (442.9) |
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | (70.1) | (60.9) |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | (12.2) | (9.3) |
| Other operating expenses | (296.6) | (281.6) |
| Total operating expenses | (1,581.5) | (1,518.5) |
| Operating profit | 169.3 | 184,0 |
| Interest income | 7.8 | 5,4 |
| Interest expenses | (52.3) | (41,2) |
| Foreign exchange results | (7.2) | 3,7 |
| Derivative financial instruments | (4.5) | 1,9 |
| Net finance cost | (56.2) | (30,2) |
| Profit before tax | 113.1 | 153.8 |
| Tax expenses | (19.3) | (33.8) |
| Net profit | 93.8 | 120.0 |
| Attributable to: | ||
| Ordinary shareholders | 92.7 | 118.7 |
| Minority interest | 1.1 | 1.3 |
| Net profit before amortisation | 105.0 | 128.0 |
| Earnings per ordinary share before amortisation | ||
| Basic | 1.02 | 1.26 |
| Diluted | 1.02 | 1.26 |
| CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT in EUR x million |
FY 2008 |
H1 2008 |
FY 2007 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities | |||
| Operating profit | 169.3 | 100.1 | 184.0 |
| Adjustments for: | |||
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 70.1 | 34.1 | 60.9 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 12.2 | 5.6 | 9.3 |
| Result on sale of equipment | 0.8 | (0.1) | (0.6) |
| Changes in provisions and direct equity movements | (3.0) | (9.2) | (16.5) |
| Changes in inventories | 0.8 | (27.0) | (4.2) |
| Changes in trade and other receivables | 42.3 | (93.2) | 13.9 |
| Changes in trade and other payables | (28.0) | 12.5 | (16.7) |
| Changes in working capital | 15.1 | (107.7) | (7.0) |
| Cash flow from operations | 264.5 | 22.8 | 230.1 |
| Finance expenses paid | (54.8) | (25.0) | (27.1) |
| Income taxes paid | (45.0) | (21.2) | (31.7) |
| Net cash from operating activities | 164.7 | (23.4) | 171.3 |
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||
| Acquisition of subsidiaries | (277.9) | (266.9) | (107.1) |
| Capital expenditure | (109.3) | (56.4) | (105.7) |
| Purchases of intangible assets | (3.4) | (1.8) | (2.0) |
| Proceeds from sale of equipment | 3.2 | 1.8 | 5.2 |
| Net cash from investing activities | (387.4) | (323.3) | (209.6) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||
| Proceeds from issue of share capital | - | - | 54.6 |
| Proceeds from non-current borrowings | 315.8 | 306.9 | 97.4 |
| Repayment of non-current borrowings | (86.0) | (35.4) | (76.1) |
| Dividends paid | (15.3) | (15.7) | (12.6) |
| Net cash from financing activities | 214.5 | 255.8 | 63.3 |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and current borrowings |
(8.2) | (90.9) | 25.0 |
| Cash and current borrowings at beginning of period | (93.7) | (93.7) | (117.5) |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and current borrowings | (8.2) | (90.9) | 25.0 |
| Currency differences on cash and current borrowings | (5.8) | - | (1.2) |
| Cash and current borrowings as at end of period | (107.7) | (184.6) | (93.7) |
| KEY FIGURES | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| before amortisation | |||||
| Result (in EUR x million) | |||||
| Revenue | 1,750.8 | 1,702.5 | 1,440.3 | 1,055.0 | 897.7 |
| Operating profit before depreciation (EBITDA) | 251.6 | 254.2 | 222.1 | 167.1 | 146.9 |
| Operating profit (EBITA) | 181.5 | 193.3 | 168.1 | 120.4 | 106.5 |
| Net profit | 105.0 | 128.0 | 107.5 | 83.1 | 70.8 |
| Depreciation | 70.1 | 60.9 | 54.0 | 46.7 | 40.4 |
| Cash flow (net profit plus depreciation) | 175.1 | 188.9 | 161.4 | 129.8 | 111.3 |
| Cash flow from operations | 264.5 | 230.1 | 186.0 | 176.7 | 124.8 |
| Balance sheet (in EUR X million) | |||||
| Intangible fixed assets | 594.7 | 410.2 | 340.1 | 288.6 | 228.6 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 516.3 | 444.9 | 378.0 | 321.6 | 269.9 |
| Capital expenditure | 110.5 | 108.8 | 77.3 | 64.5 | 40.3 |
| Net working capital | 315.8 | 292.0 | 265.8 | 181.5 | 179.7 |
| Total equity | 587.0 | 538.2 | 387.6 | 302.2 | 226.8 |
| Net debt | 765.3 | 525.0 | 533.0 | 439.4 | 408.6 |
| Total assets | 1,703.4 | 1,434.5 | 1,278.9 | 978.0 | 823.7 |
| Number of staff at year-end | |||||
| The Netherlands | 1,449 | 1,563 | 1,517 | 1,437 | 1,478 |
| Other countries | 9,431 | 9,355 | 7,853 | 6,580 | 5,653 |
| Total | 10,880 | 10,918 | 9,370 | 8,017 | 7,131 |
| Ratios | |||||
| Operating profit (EBITDA) as a % of revenue | 14.4 | 14.9 | 15.4 | 15.8 | 16.7 |
| Operating profit (EBITA) as a % of revenue | 10.4 | 11.4 | 11.7 | 11.4 | 11.9 |
| Interest cover | 4.1 | 5.4 | 6.3 | 6.7 | 6.2 |
| Net profit as a % of revenue | 6.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.9 | 7.9 |
| Total equity as a % of balance sheet total | 34.5 | 37.5 | 30.3 | 30.9 | 27.5 |
| Net debt / Total equity | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.8 |
| Net debt / EBITDA (twelve month rolling) | 2.9 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 2.8 |
| Shares issued (x million) | |||||
| Ordinary shares (average) | 103.3 | 101.7 | 98.2 | 97.6 | 96.9 |
| Ordinary shares (at year-end) | 103.3 | 102.0 | 98.2 | 97.6 | 96.9 |
| Cumulative preference shares | 0.45 | 1.00 | 1.55 | 2.10 | 2.10 |
| Figures per ordinary share | |||||
| Cash flow | 1.69 | 1.86 | 1.64 | 1.33 | 1.15 |
| Net profit | 1.02 | 1.26 | 1.09 | 0.85 | 0.73 |
| Dividend | 0.28 | 0.32 | 0.28 | 0.21 | 0.18 |
| Share price at year-end | 5.06 | 13.60 | 16.38 | 11.21 | 8.93 |
| Balance as at the end of the period | 577.0 | 530.4 |
|---|---|---|
| Total net effect | 46.6 | 146.8 |
| Currency translations and financial instruments | (30.8) | (13.9) |
| Issue of share capital | - | 54.6 |
| Dividend for ordinary shareholders | (15.3) | (12.6) |
| Net profit for ordinary shareholders | 92.7 | 118.7 |
| Balance as at the beginning of the period | 530.4 | 383.6 |
| CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY in EUR x million |
2008 | 2007 |
(before amortisation in EUR X million)
| Industrial Services | 2008 | 2007 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 515.2 | 506.0 | 2% |
| Operating profit before depreciation (EBITDA) | 74.1 | 87.9 | (16%) |
| EBITDA as a % of revenue | 14.4 | 17.4 | |
| Operating profit (EBITA) | 42.4 | 58.3 | (27%) |
| Operating profit (EBITA) as a % of revenue | 8.2 | 11.5 | |
| Capital expenditure | 50.5 | 52.5 | (4%) |
| Depreciation | 31.7 | 29.6 | 7% |
| Average number of employees (x1) | 4,640 | 4,368 | 6% |
| Number of employees at year-end (x1) | 4,253 | 4,356 | (2%) |
| Flow Control | 2008 | 2007 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1,235.6 | 1,196.5 | 3% |
| Operating profit before depreciation (EBITDA) | 177.5 | 166.3 | 7% |
| EBITDA as a % of revenue | 14.4 | 13.9 | |
| Operating profit (EBITA) | 139.1 | 135.0 | 3% |
| Operating profit (EBITA) as a % of revenue | 11.3 | 11.3 | |
| Capital expenditure | 60.0 | 56.3 | 7% |
| Depreciation | 38.4 | 31.3 | 23% |
| Average number of employees (x1) | 6,872 | 6,303 | 9% |
| Number of employees at year-end (x1) | 6,608 | 6,544 | 1% |
| GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF REVENUE |
2008 in EUR million |
2008 as a % of revenue |
2007 in EUR million |
2007 as a % of revenue |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | 310.3 | 17 | 293.7 | 17 | |
| Benelux | 256.2 | 15 | 237.7 | 14 | |
| United Kingdom | 2008 in EUR million*: 256.2 | 228.3 | 13 | 270.2 | 16 |
| Eastern-Europe | 214.1 | 12 | 153.3 | 9 | |
| France | 203.2 | 12 | 200.1 | 12 | |
| United States | 2008 in EUR million*: 186,9 | 177.2 | 10 | 194.5 | 12 |
| Scandinavia | 90.0 | 5 | 89.1 | 5 | |
| Spain & Portugal | 80.2 | 5 | 92.4 | 5 | |
| Other European countries | 100.2 | 6 | 90.7 | 5 | |
| Other countries outside Europe | 91.1 | 5 | 80.8 | 5 | |
| Total | 1,750.8 | 100 | 1,702.5 | 100 |
*at constant exchange rates
subject to change
| General Meeting of Shareholders | |
|---|---|
| 20 April 2009 | in the Okura Hotel, Amsterdam (start: 14:00 hrs) |
| 22 April 2009 | Ex-dividend listing |
| 22 April – 11 May 2009 | Option period stock dividend or cash dividend |
| 24 April 2009 | Record date |
| 12 May 2009 | Trading update (after close of trading) |
| 12 May 2009 | Fixation of stock dividend conversion ratio (after close of trading)* |
| 15 May 2009 | Making payable of dividend and delivery of new ordinary shares |
| 13 August 2009 | Publication of interim figures 2009 (before start of trading) |
| 5 November 2009 | Trading update (before start of trading) |
| 25 February 2010 | Publication of annual figures 2009 (before start of trading) |
*The stock dividend will be determined based on the volume weighted average price of all Aalberts Industries N.V. shares traded on 6, 7, 8, 11 and 12 May 2009, in such a way that the value of the dividend in shares is substantially the same as the value of the cash dividend.
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