TIDM77BL

RNS Number : 0981P

ASSA ABLOY AB (publ)

05 February 2019

 
 
Organic growth 
+6% 
 
 
Operating income 
 (2) 
+12% 
 
 
Earnings per share 
 (2) 
+9% 
 
 

Strong sales growth

Fourth quarter

-- Net sales increased by 15% to SEK 23,167 M (20,109), with organic growth of 6% (5) and acquired net growth of 3% (3)

-- Very strong sales growth in Americas and Asia Pacific. Strong growth for Global Technologies, good growth in EMEA and growth in Entrance Systems

   --       Five acquisitions have been signed with combined expected annual sales of about SEK 800 M 

-- A new manufacturing footprint program was launched at year-end. The total estimated cost amounts to around SEK 1,500 M with a pay-back time of less than three years

-- Operating income (2) (EBIT) amounted to SEK 3,746 M (3,359), with an operating margin of 16.2% (16.7)

   --       Net income (2) amounted to SEK 2,588 M (2,385) 
   --       Earnings per share (2) amounted to SEK 2.33 (2.15) 
   --       Operating cash flow amounted to SEK 4,923 M (4,876) 
   --       The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 3.50 (3.30) per share for 2018. 

Sales and income

 
                                Fourth quarter               January-December 
                              =================  ========  ===================  ======== 
 
                                  2017     2018   <DELTA>       2017      2018   <DELTA> 
----------------------------  --------  -------  --------  ---------  --------  -------- 
 Sales, SEK M                   20,109   23,167       15%     76,137    84,048       10% 
 Of which: 
 Organic growth                    878    1,281        6%      2,834     3,901        5% 
 Acquisitions and disposals        480      714        3%      1,753     1,793        2% 
 Exchange-rate effects            -733    1,063        6%        257     2,217        3% 
 Operating income (EBIT) 
  (1) 2) , SEK M                 3,359    3,746       12%     12,341    12,909        5% 
 Operating margin (EBITA) 
  (1) 2) , %                     17.1%    16.7%                16.5%     15.8% 
 Operating margin (EBIT) 
  (1) 2) , %                     16.7%    16.2%                16.2%     15.4% 
 Income before tax (1) 
  2) , SEK M                     3,226    3,515        9%     11,673    12,110        4% 
 Net income (1) 2) , SEK 
  M                              2,385    2,588        9%      8,635     8,984        4% 
 Operating cash flow, SEK 
  M                              4,876    4,923        1%     10,929    11,357        4% 
 Earnings per share (1) 
  2) , SEK                        2.15     2.33        9%       7.77      8.09        4% 
 

1) Excluding impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets in the second quarter of 2018, totaling SEK -5,595 M before tax, corresponding to SEK -5,268 M after tax.

2) Excluding costs for a new manufacturing footprint program in the fourth quarter of 2018, totaling SEK -1,218 M before tax, corresponding to SEK -961 M after tax.

Comments by the President and CEO

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Strong growth in the quarter

In the fourth quarter our organic growth accelerated to 6%, resulting in a strong organic sales growth of 5% for the full year. Acquired net growth was 3% during the quarter (2% for the full year). All divisions reported organic growth. The organic growth was very strong in Americas (14%) and Asia Pacific (11%), strong in Global Technologies (8%), while EMEA and Entrance Systems grew by 3% and 2% respectively.

Operating income for the quarter increased by 12% year-on-year to SEK 3,746 M, corresponding to an operating margin of 16.2%. The operating margin was stable in Americas and Asia Pacific, but declined in the other divisions mainly due to dilution from acquisitions and higher raw material costs.

Even with actions to balance the seasonal variations, cash flow came in strong at SEK 4,923 M, up 1% year-on-year.

Strong growth in electromechanical products

One of ASSA ABLOY's value creation strategies is product leadership and we have invested in the development of electromechanical solutions over a long period. This is clearly generating results. Today, 30% of our sales are generated by electromechanical products and in the fourth quarter sales also increased by 30%. We are seeing gratifying improvements in both the commercial and residential segments.

High acquisition level

During the quarter we closed five acquisitions with total annualized sales of SEK 0.8 billion. With the acquisition of Luxer One, we will integrate a US market leader in the last mile delivery space, including 'click and collect' at retail stores. We also acquired Lorient, extending our door sealing portfolio alongside the innovative drop-down seals and finger protection solutions from Planet. The three other acquisitions were Exidor, Marenco and Pacific Door Systems. In the full year we acquired 19 companies with annualized sales of SEK 3.8 billion.

Launch of our next manufacturing footprint program

To maintain our market leadership, we are continuously working to optimize our operations. During the quarter, we launched our seventh manufacturing footprint program. As part of the program we will close about 50 offices and factories, outsource more non-core activities and further increase automation. The restructuring cost for the total program is estimated at SEK 1.5 billion, with a pay-back period of less than three years. SEK 1.2 billion was expensed in the fourth quarter and the remainder is expected to be expensed in Q4 2019.

Finally, I would like to welcome our new CFO Erik Pieder, who joined ASSA ABLOY in January. Erik has a solid finance and international industrial background and I look forward to working with him on ASSA ABLOY's continued journey of profitable growth.

Stockholm, 5 February 2019

Nico Delvaux

President and CEO

Fourth quarter

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Group's sales increased by 15% to SEK 23,167 M (20,109). Organic growth amounted to 6% (5). Acquisitions and disposals were 3% (3), of which 4% (5) were acquisitions and -1% (-2) were disposals. Exchange-rates affected sales by 6% (-5).

The Group's operating income, EBIT, excluding items affecting comparability, amounted to SEK 3,746 M (3,359) an increase of 12%. The corresponding operating margin was 16.2% (16.7). Exchange-rates had an impact of SEK 190 M (-130) on EBIT. Operating income before amortization from acquisitions, EBITA, excluding items affecting comparability, amounted to SEK 3,858 M (3,446). The corresponding EBITA margin was 16.7% (17.1).

Net financial items amounted to SEK -230 M (-133). The Group's income

before tax, excluding items affecting comparability, was SEK 3,515 M (3,226), an increase of 9% compared with last year. The corresponding profit margin was 15.2% (16.0). Exchange-rates had an impact of SEK 187 M (-130) on income before tax.

The effective tax rate, excluding items affecting comparability, was 25.8% (26.0) on an annual basis. Earnings per share excluding items affecting comparability amounted to SEK 2.33 (2.15), an increase of 9% compared to last year.

Full year

The Group's sales for the full year 2018 totaled SEK 84,048 M (76,137), representing an increase of 10%. Organic growth was 5% (4). Acquisitions and disposals were 2% (2), of which 4% (3) were acquisitions and -2% (-1) were disposals. Exchange-rate effects affected sales by 3% (1).

The Group's operating income, EBIT, excluding items affecting comparability amounted to SEK 12,909 M (12,341), an increase of 5% compared with last year. The corresponding operating margin was 15.4% (16.2). Operating income before amortization from acquisitions, EBITA, excluding items affecting comparability amounted to SEK 13,302 M (12,584). The corresponding EBITA margin was 15.8% (16.5).

Earnings per share excluding items affecting comparability amounted to SEK 8.09 (7.77), an increase of 4% compared with last year. Operating cash flow totaled SEK 11,357 M (10,929).

Restructuring measures

A new manufacturing footprint program was launched at year-end 2018. The closing of more than 30 offices and 15 factories is expected to take place over a period of three years. The estimated cost of the manufacturing footprint program amounts to about SEK 1,500 M, with an expected payback time (inclusive of investments) of less than three years. The restructuring cost will be expensed over two years, of which SEK 1,218 M was expensed in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the remaining part is expected to be expensed in the fourth quarter 2019.

Payments related to all programs amounted to SEK 351 M (286) in the quarter. The manufacturing footprint programs proceeded according to plan and led to a reduction in personnel of 962 people during the quarter and 15,362 people since the projects began in 2006. At the end of the quarter provisions of SEK 1,190 M remained in the balance sheet for carrying out the programs.

Organization

Maria Romberg Ewerth has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the Group Executive Team in ASSA ABLOY effective 1 February 2019. She has worked at ASSA ABLOY since 2008 and in recent years has held the position of SVP Human Resources ASSA ABLOY AB. Maria Romberg Ewerth holds an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology and a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources from Kristianstad University, Sweden.

Comments by division

EMEA

Sales for the quarter in EMEA totaled SEK 5,485 M (4,869), with organic sales growth of 3% (5). The growth was strong in Finland, Germany, the UK and Africa/Middle East and good in Eastern Europe. Sales also grew in Benelux, Scandinavia and South Europe while there was a small decline in France. Acquired growth net was 5%. Operating income excluding restructuring costs totaled SEK 911 M (842), which represents an operating margin (EBIT) of 16.6% (17.3). Return on capital employed amounted to 20.6% (22.9). Operating cash flow before interest paid totaled SEK 1,323 M (1,489).

Americas

Sales for the quarter in Americas totaled SEK 5,173 M (4,243), with organic sales growth of 14% (4). The growth was very strong for US Residential, Electromechanical & High-security and Security doors. Sales were strong in Mexico, Chile and for US Architectural Hardware, while sales were stable in the other South American markets, Canada and for US Perimeter Protection. The demand for electromechanical products in the US in general, and for smart locks in particular, continued to be very strong. Acquired growth net was 0%. Operating income excluding restructuring costs totaled SEK 1,027 M (847), which represents an operating margin (EBIT) of 19.9% (19.9). Return on capital employed amounted to 22.4% (21.6). Operating cash flow before interest paid totaled SEK 1,214 M (1,085).

Asia Pacific

Sales for the quarter in Asia Pacific totaled SEK 2,756 M (2,400), with organic sales growth of 11% (3). The growth was very strong in Japan, India and South East Asia. The growth was also driven by very strong intra-group sales. There was good sales growth in South Korea and China, while the growth in Pacific was stable. The new organization in China was established at the end of 2018 and the implementation of the strategy is ongoing. Electromechanical products continued to grow strongly. Acquired growth was 0%. Operating income excluding restructuring costs totaled SEK 264 M (232), which represents an operating margin (EBIT) of 9.6% (9.7). Return on capital employed amounted to 13.5% (7.5). Operating cash flow before interest paid totaled SEK 606 M (742).

Global Technologies

Sales for the quarter in Global Technologies totaled SEK 3,602 M (2,835), with organic sales growth of 8% (9). The growth was driven by very strong development in Identity & Access Solutions and Secure Issuance. Sales growth for Physical Access Control was strong. Sales growth for Extended Access and Identification Technology was good, while growth was negative for Citizen ID. ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions grew strongly. Acquired growth net was 11%. Operating income excluding restructuring costs totaled SEK 716 M (608), which represents an operating margin (EBIT) of 19.9% (21.5). Return on capital employed amounted to 15.3% (17.5). Operating cash flow before interest paid totaled SEK 947 M (791).

Entrance Systems

Sales for the quarter in Entrance Systems totaled SEK 6,616 M (6,072), with organic growth of 2% (3). The sales growth in the quarter was negatively affected by one percentage point due to a change in the sales cut-off procedure in one business area. This has no impact on the full year's sales growth. US Residential Doors grew strongly, while Industrial Doors and Pedestrian Doors reported good growth. Sales for Door Components were stable, while High Performance Doors and Residential Doors in Europe had a negative development. Acquired growth was 1%. Operating income excluding restructuring costs totaled SEK 998 M (966), which represents an operating margin (EBIT) of 15.1% (15.9). Return on capital employed amounted to 18.8% (20.2). Operating cash flow before interest paid totaled SEK 1,224 M (1,174).

Acquisitions and disposals

A total of five acquisitions were consolidated during the quarter. The combined acquisition price for the businesses acquired during the year, including adjustments from prior-year acquisitions, amounted to SEK 6,752 M. The acquisition price for these companies on a cash and debt free basis amounted to SEK 7,300 M. Preliminary acquisition analyses indicate that goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful life amount to SEK 5,329 M. Estimated deferred considerations amounted to SEK 1,150 M.

On December 17 it was announced that ASSA ABLOY had acquired Lorient, a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance door sealing systems based in the UK. The company has about 135 employees and its sales in 2018 are expected to amount to SEK 220 M.

On December 19 it was announced that ASSA ABLOY had acquired Luxer One, a leading US supplier of advanced locker systems for receiving packages. The company has about 130 employees and its sales in 2018 are expected to amount to SEK 335 M.

On December 20 it was announced that ASSA ABLOY had acquired Pacific Door Systems, a leading manufacturer of commercial door and window systems in New Zealand. The company has about 80 employees and its sales in 2018 are expected to amount to SEK 125 M.

Sustainable development

Reduction of the Group's water consumption is a prioritized activity. The greatest volume of water consumption is related to industrial processes in the Group's factories. New technology is continually being introduced with the aim of decreasing both water consumption and costs. Several units have recently introduced solutions for the cleaning and circulation of process water so that it can be reused in the same process or in other processes. Improved systems for measurement and control are also contributing to reduced consumption.

In the manufacturing of tubes for fences at Ameristar Perimeter Security's factory in Tulsa, USA, water is used for cooling. By introducing a system for efficient cleaning and smart control of the pH-value, the water can be reused in a closed loop system. Only the water that evaporates during the cooling process needs to be replaced. The new process reduces the annual water consumption by 1,300 cubic meters. The cost is reduced by USD 200,000 per year, primarily by eliminating the external cost of handling and cleaning the contaminated water.

The Sustainability Report for 2018, with reviews of the Group's targets and other information about sustainable development, will be available from 21 March 2019 on the company's website, www.assaabloy.com.

Parent company

Other operating income for the Parent company ASSA ABLOY AB totaled SEK 4,750 M (4,063) for the full year. Operating income for the same period amounted to SEK 1,801 M (1,701). Investments in tangible and intangible assets totaled SEK 115 M (3,291). Liquidity is good and the equity ratio was 41.6% (43.0).

Dividend and Annual General meeting

The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 3.50 (3.30) per share for

the 2018 financial year, an increase of 6%. The Annual General Meeting will

be held on 25 April 2019. The Annual Report for 2018 will be available from 21 March 2019 on the company's website, www.assaabloy.com.

Accounting principles

ASSA ABLOY applies International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed by the European Union. The same accounting and valuation principles as in the latest Annual Report have been applied, with the exception of new and changed Standards and interpretations that came into force on 1 January 2018 and are described briefly on page 17. This Report was prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Annual Accounts Act. The Report for the Parent company was prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and RFR 2 'Reporting by a Legal Entity'.

From 1 January 2019 ASSA ABLOY will apply IFRS 16 'Leases' and IFRIC 23 'Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments'. The financial effects of applying these standards are described in more detail on page 17.

ASSA ABLOY makes use of a number of financial performance measures that are not defined in the reporting rules that the company uses - so-called 'alternative performance measures'. For definitions of financial performance measures, refer to Page 18 of this Report and to the company's latest Annual Report. To check how the financial measurements have been calculated for current and earlier periods, refer to the tabulated figures in this Quarterly Report and to the company's Annual Report. The Annual Reports for the years 1994 to 2017 appear on the company's website www.assaabloy.com.

Totals quoted in tables and statements may not always be the exact sum of the individual items because of rounding differences. The aim is that each line item should correspond to its source, and rounding differences may therefore arise.

Transactions with related parties

No transactions that significantly affected the company's position and income have taken place between ASSA ABLOY and related parties.

Risks and uncertainty factors

As an international Group with a wide geographic spread, ASSA ABLOY is exposed to a number of business, financial and tax-related risks. The business risks can be divided into strategic, operational and legal risks. The financial risks are related to such factors as exchange rates, interest rates, liquidity, the giving of credit, raw materials and financial instruments. Risk management in ASSA ABLOY aims to identify, control and reduce risks. This work begins with an assessment of the probability of risks occurring and their potential effect on the Group. For a more detailed description of particular risks and risk management, see the 2017 Annual Report.

Review

The Company's Auditors have not carried out any review of this Report for the fourth quarter of 2018.

Stockholm, 5 February 2019

Nico Delvaux

President and CEO

Financial information

The Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2019 will be published on 25 April 2019.

The Annual General meeting will be held on 25 April 2019 at the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm, Sweden.

Further information can be obtained from:

Nico Delvaux,

President and CEO, Tel: +46 8 506 485 82

Erik Pieder,

Chief Financial Officer, Tel: +46 8 506 485 72

Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the associated PDF document.

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/0981P_1-2019-2-5.pdf

ASSA ABLOY is holding a telephone and web conference at 10.00 today

which can be followed on the Internet at www.assaabloy.com.

It is possible to submit questions by telephone on:

+46 8-519 993 83, +44 333 300 9261 or +1 646 722 4957

 
        This information is information that ASSA ABLOY AB is obliged to make 
           public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information 
     was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons 
                              set out above, at 08.00 CET on 5 February 2019. 
 
ASSA ABLOY AB (publ)        Tel +46 (0)8 506 485 
 Box 703 40                  00 
 107 23 Stockholm            Fax +46 (0)8 506 485 
 Visiting address            85 
 Klarabergsviadukten         www.assaabloy.com                   No. 02/2019 
 90, Stockholm, Sweden 
                             Corporate identity number: 
                             556059-3575 
 

Financial information - Group

Financial information - Group

Financial information - Group

Financial information - Parent company

Quarterly information - Group

Reporting by division

Financial information - Notes

Financial information - Notes

New accounting standards and standards not yet effective

Definitions of financial performance measures

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

END

FR GIGDDUXGBGCU

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 05, 2019 03:41 ET (08:41 GMT)

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