Successful execution of large order backlog and sustained value creation
Order intake at CHF 784.3 mn, down 31.9% year-on-year amid market disruptions and stronger Swiss Franc (-27.2% net of currency translation effects), resulting in a normalized backlog
Sales of CHF 1'057.1 mn, down 3.5% year-on-year (+1.3% net of currency translation effects)
EBIT margin of 13.3%, up 0.4 pp
New record operating income (EBIT) of CHF 141.0 mn and net income of CHF 110.1 mn
RONOA of 40.4%, up 7.8 pp versus previous year
Strong operating cash flow of CHF 149.4 mn
Strong Balance Sheet with equity ratio of 30.7% and net financial position of CHF 110.8 mn
Dividend of CHF 18.00 proposed, same as previous year
32% reduction versus previous year in the Group's greenhouse gas emission intensity (Scope 1 and 2)
Guidance for fiscal year 2026: sales between CHF 900 mn and 1'000 mn and EBIT margin around 12%; stronger sales in the second half of the year
Mitigating actions implemented and underway to adapt to lower sales level
Ambition to reach Mid-Range Plan guidance remains intact. Achievement timeline delayed amid ongoing market disruptions; new timing to be communicated once market visibility improves
Further progress on strategic objectives through the acquisition of ACT (USA) to enhance local service capabilities; Fornovo Gas (Italy) to strengthen position in the biogas market and support growth in configured compressors
Fabrice Billard, CEO of Burckhardt Compression, commented:"In a challenging global environment, we gained market share in our core segments, maintained near-record sales and further increased profitability. While short-term disruptions persist, we remain confident in long-term megatrends, particularly energy security."
Stable sales and profitability increase in a challenging market environmentOrder intake for the Group reached CHF 784.3 mn, a decrease of 31.9% (respectively -27.2% net of currency translation effects), leading to a normalization of the order backlog, following five years of book-to-bill ratio clearly above 1. Sales were down 3.5% (+1.3% net of currency translation effects), at CHF 1'057.1 mn. Gross profit margin reached 28.8%, up 0.8 percentage points (pp) year-on-year, mainly due to a more favorable product mix in the Systems Division. Research & Development expenses amounted to CHF 29.8 mn (2.8% of sales), at a similar level to the previous year. Selling, marketing, and general administrative expenses amounted to 12.1% of sales, slightly below the previous year in absolute terms, highlighting continued cost discipline and effectiveness of SG&A spend. Other operating income and expenses amounted to CHF -5.8 mn (net), similar to the previous year, mainly driven by negative FX effects. The consolidated operating income (EBIT) recorded a slight increase of 0.2% to CHF 141.0 mn. The Systems Division increased its EBIT margin by 1.6 pp, achieving double-digit profitability for the first time, whereas the Services Division slightly decreased by 0.3 pp, resulting in an overall Group EBIT margin of 13.3%, up from 12.9% in the previous year.
Value creation further enhanced, Dividend of CHF 18.00 proposedLower financial expenses compared to the previous year and a lower tax rate of 20.3% resulted in a net income of CHF 110.1 mn, which exceeded the previous year's figure by 4.3%. Accordingly, earnings per share attributable to Burckhardt Compression Holding AG shareholders rose from CHF 31.20 to CHF 32.60. Value creation was further enhanced, with Return on Net Operating Assets (RONOA) increasing from 32.6% to 40.4%, driven by CAPEX discipline and strong net working capital management. Total equity increased by CHF 21.4 mn to CHF 361.6 mn, while the equity ratio increased to 30.7%. Based on these results, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting a dividend of ...
