Company Announcement No. 1-2018, 7 February 2018
Solid operating results in a trough year - outlook positive
Sound free cash flow. Highest order intake since 2013
2017 highlights
- Highest order intake in four years
- ROCE back in double-digits
- Revenue and EBITA in line with guidance
- Solid free cash flow
- Strong capital structure
"2017 probably marked the trough of the business cycle, and based on our good positioning and strong life-cycle solutions, we expect our business to start growing again in the coming years. Our order intake increased and the momentum in the mining industry continues in 2018, while cement market conditions are expected to remain unchanged," commented Group CEO Thomas Schulz.
The order intake grew 6% in 2017, in particular driven by stronger demand in the Minerals division in the second half of 2017, but also by total service activities. Revenue declined 1% in 2017.
EBITA increased by 18% and the EBITA margin increased to 8.4% from 7.1% due to a slightly higher gross margin and lower administrative costs. Adjusted for one-off impacts, the EBITA margin was 8.7% (2016: 8.0%). Financial items, taxes and discontinued activities had a considerable negative impact on profits in 2017.
The return on capital employed increased to 10.4% from 8.5% in 2016. Driven by lower net working capital and a positive free cash flow of DKK 952m, net interest-bearing debt declined to DKK 1.5bn and the financial gearing (NIBD/EBITDA) decreased to 0.9, the lowest level since 2011. Reflecting the strong capital structure, the proposed dividend is DKK 8 per share (2016: DKK 6).
Guidance for 2018
FLSmidth guides for revenue of DKK 18-20bn (2017: 18.0bn) and an EBITA margin of 8-10% (2017: 8.4%). The return on capital employed (ROCE) is expected to be 10-12% (2017: 10.4%).
"Our customers' constant pursuit of productivity entails a growing interest in digital solutions. As Productivity Provider #1, we will take digitalization to the next level. Combined with this we see significant growth opportunities in wear parts and products and implementing ongoing improvements of procurement. These offerings will enable us to capture the future growth," said Thomas Schulz.
Contacts
Investors
Pernille Friis Andersen, tel +45 36 18 18 87, pefa@flsmidth.com
Nicolai Mauritzen, tel +45 36 18 18 51, nicm@flsmidth.com
Media
Sofie Karen Lindberg, tel +45 30 93 18 77, skl@flsmidth.com
Key figures 2017
| (DKKm) | Q4 2017 | Q4 2016 | Change (%) | 2017 | 2016 | Change (%) |
| Order intake (gross) |
For additional information, go to the Investor Room at www.flsmidth.com
FLSmidth delivers sustainable productivity to the global mining and cement industries. As the market-leading supplier of engineering, equipment and service solutions, FLSmidth improves performance, drives down costs, and reduces the environmental impact of operations. Present in more than 50 countries and headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Group and its 11,700 employees generated revenue of DKK 18 billion in 2017. www.flsmidth.com