03.17.15
Bobst Group achieved consolidated sales of CHF 1.3 billion ($1.31 billion) in 2014, a marginal decrease of CHF 54 million, or 4.0%, compared to 2013. The operating result (EBIT) reached CHF 81.7 million (CHF 60.3 million in 2013) and the net result reached CHF 53.0 million (CHF 27.7 million in 2013). These significant improvements were achieved due to the first full-year impact of Group transformation measures, and to very good utilization of the Group’s industrial capacities, which have been adapted to demand.
The strong operating result (EBIT), together with a further reduction in net working capital, resulted in a significant cash inflow from operating activities of CHF 129.4 million (CHF 83.2 million in 2013). This enabled the Group to further reduce net debt from CHF 109.0 million in 2013 to CHF 17.7 million in 2014. The return on capital employed (ROCE) reached 12.6% compared to 8.6% in 2013.
The Group started 2014 with a slightly lower backlog of orders than the year before. Month-by-month, order entries were uneven, but with bookings at good levels for the last months of the year.
In 2015, Bobst Group will focus its strategy on innovation and product launches. The Group will dedicate core resources and energy to keeping its technological lead and enhancing customer satisfaction – which is one of the Group’s main priorities. Moreover the Group will continue the implementation of measures to mitigate significantly the impact of the rise of the Swiss franc. The Group confirms the guidance published on Feb. 11, 2015 that it expects to reach sales of CHF 1.15 to 1.23 billion in 2015.
The strong operating result (EBIT), together with a further reduction in net working capital, resulted in a significant cash inflow from operating activities of CHF 129.4 million (CHF 83.2 million in 2013). This enabled the Group to further reduce net debt from CHF 109.0 million in 2013 to CHF 17.7 million in 2014. The return on capital employed (ROCE) reached 12.6% compared to 8.6% in 2013.
The Group started 2014 with a slightly lower backlog of orders than the year before. Month-by-month, order entries were uneven, but with bookings at good levels for the last months of the year.
In 2015, Bobst Group will focus its strategy on innovation and product launches. The Group will dedicate core resources and energy to keeping its technological lead and enhancing customer satisfaction – which is one of the Group’s main priorities. Moreover the Group will continue the implementation of measures to mitigate significantly the impact of the rise of the Swiss franc. The Group confirms the guidance published on Feb. 11, 2015 that it expects to reach sales of CHF 1.15 to 1.23 billion in 2015.