Finishing & Screen Printing

Bobst Group meets turnover expectations

Tuesday 12. February 2013 - Strong sales in second half year 2012. Good sales increase in Asia & Oceania

For the full year 2012, consolidated sales achieved nearly the same level as in 2011 and came to CHF 1.26 billion. Sales in the second half of 2012 reached CHF 731 million compared with CHF 533 million for the first half of 2012. The geographical breakdown shows that the Group has accelerated its growth in the Asia & Oceania region now representing 25.2% of total sales (2011: 20.9%). Europe suffered mainly due to the sovereign debt crisis and contributed 45.1% (2011: 47.3%) to total sales whereas the Americas decreased to 26.7% of total sales (2011: 28.3%). 2013 started with an improved backlog of orders compared to the beginning of 2012 and the Group strategy continues to be implemented successfully. As already announced on December 5, 2012, the consolidated net profit will be close to previous year. Further details will be given at our results announcement on March 20, 2013.
Sales
Consolidated sales for full-year 2012 amounted to CHF 1.26 billion, a decrease of CHF 6 million or -0.5% compared to 2011.
The following changes lie behind the sales evolution:

In million CHF In %
Decrease in volume -16 -1.3
Exchange rate variance * +10 +0.8
Decrease in sales -6 -0.5
* Exchange rate impact due to conversion for consolidation only

Sales of Sheet-fed products declined by 2.4% compared to the previous year mainly due to lower activity in folding carton sector while corrugated was very strong during the full year. Sales of Web-fed products remained at good level as in 2011. Lower sales in Europe and the Americas have been compensated by an increase of sales in Asia. Sales of Services and spare parts increased by more than 13% for the second half of 2012, which represents an increase for the full year of 3.2% compared to the previous year; this good result is reflecting our improved competitiveness.
Sales
In million CHF 2012 2011 Variance
Sheet-fed 594 47.0% 609 47.9% -2.4%
Web-fed 309 24.4% 310 24.4% -0.5%
Services 356 28.2% 345 27.2% +3.2%
Other 5 0.4% 6 0.5% -23.8%
Total 1’264 100.0% 1’270 100.0% -0.5%
Outlook 2013
2013 started with an improved backlog of orders compared to the beginning of 2012. This allows the Group to anticipate a good utilization of production capacities for the first months of the year. At the present level of order intake and exchange rates, the Group should reach sales of CHF 1.20 to 1.26 billion in 2013. The measures launched to accelerate the Group transformation process are progressing as planned. Further details will be given at our results announcement on March 20, 2013.