Sales increased by 10.5% for Schweizer
Despite a challenging market environment, new orders rose by 18.7% in the first three quarters of 2022 compared to the volume of the same period the previous year and amounted to EUR 152.7 million.
Although the dynamic increase in new orders lost some momentum in the third quarter, an increase of 23.7% was still able to be recorded compared to the same period in 2021.
At the end of the third quarter of 2022, the order book amounted to EUR 249.1 million (31 December 2021: EUR 191.8 million), reaching another record high compared to the last four years.
With sales of EUR 99.8 million (9M 2021: EUR 90.3 million) in the first three quarters, a sales increase of 10.5% was achieved compared to the same period in the previous year. Sales to automotive customers amounted to EUR 69.0 million (9M 2021: EUR 65.1 million), which corresponds to an increase of 6.1 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. Sales to industrial customers and other customers increased by +22.0 percent to EUR 30.8 million (9M 2021: EUR 25.2 million) compared to the same period of the previous year.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were unchanged at EUR -6.9 million (9M 2021: EUR -6.9 million). The EBITDA ratio was -6.9% (9M 2021: -7.6%). A positive Group EBITDA of EUR 0.2 million was achieved in the third quarter. In the group excluding China, EBITDA amounted to EUR 4.7 million in the first three quarters of the year (9M 2021: EUR 6.0 million).
Looking forward the company continues to expect sales growth of 5% to 15% (just under EUR 130 to 140 million) for the year as a whole.
However, Schweizer does point to the fact noticeable slowdown in the economy due to energy prices and the ongoing war in Ukraine and the still prevailing shortage of components, especially for the automotive industry, which is slowing down further sales growth. Something that is reflected in strongly fluctuating customer call-offs. But despite these factors, the executive board confirmed its forecast, but the risks are growing.
Restructuring in China and entry of external investors
Due to restructuring measures implemented at the China site in the first quarter of 2022, earnings are expected to improve in the second half of the year. While the EBITDA ratio was still -11% in the first half of the year, it improved to 0.6% in the third quarter.
In contrast to the positive restructuring effects, the executive board expects a burden in the fourth quarter due to rising material costs, which can only be partially covered by efficiency increases and passed on by price increases.
Depending on how the entry of external investors in Schweizer Electronic in China is structured, there may not only be changes in equity, but also in sales and earnings forecasts. Due to ongoing negotiations, effects on the forecast key figures cannot be ruled out.
