ATLAS COPCO Interim report at December 31, 2003 (unaudited)
February 2, 2004
Volume recovery continued in Q4
Dividend and revised dividend policy The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of SEK 7.50 (5.75) per share be paid for the 2003 fiscal year. The dividend paid shall reflect the company's profit and cash flow development as well as growth targets. The Board of director's opinion is that the dividend should correspond to 40-50% of earnings per share. Previous dividend policy stated that the dividend should correspond to 30-40% of earnings per share. Near-term demand outlook The recent positive demand development for Atlas Copco's products and services is expected to continue. The manufacturing and process industries are expected to increase their investments in productivity enhancing equipment and demand more aftermarket products and services. The demand from the construction and mining industries is expected to remain at present levels. Summary of full-year 2003 results Atlas Copco Group In order to enhance comparability, results are compared to the previous year excluding the goodwill impairment charge of MSEK 6,950 made in Q3 2002. Orders received decreased 6% to MSEK 45,149 (47,946), corresponding to a volume increase of 2% for comparable units. The negative translation effect from foreign exchange rate fluctuations was 10%, price increases added 1% and structural changes 1%. Revenues also declined 6%, to MSEK 44,619 (47,562), corresponding to a 2% increase in volume. The Group's operating profit amounted to MSEK 5,310 (5,261). The operating margin improved to 11.9% (11.1). The negative impact of changes in exchange rates compared with the previous year was approximately MSEK 1,120 affecting the margin negatively by about 1 percentage point. Profit after financial items improved 10% to MSEK 4,913 (4,481), corresponding to a margin of 11.0% (9.4). The negative impact on profit before financial items of changes in exchange rates compared with the previous year was approximately MSEK 1,020. Net profit totaled MSEK 3,274 (2,909) or SEK 15.62 (13.88) per share, up 13%. Operating cash flow before acquisitions and dividends, but including capital expenditure and taxes, equaled MSEK 5,609 (5,599). Review of fourth quarter Atlas Copco Group Market development Overall, the demand for the Group's products and services in North America showed an improvement. Demand from the manufacturing and process industries for compressors and tools increased somewhat, although the low capacity utilization in these segments continued to affect the appetite for large investment projects. Total construction activity in the United States increased and demand for construction related equipment and tools was slightly better than previous quarters. However, no improvement was seen in the non-residential building activity, the most important segment for the equipment rental business. Demand from the mining industry in the region was still at a relatively favorable level. In South America, the overall demand continued to improve. The recovery strengthened in the quarter and it was reflected in increased demand for all product areas across most of the customer segments. The demand in Europe continued to improve. This was primarily an effect of increased demand from the manufacturing and process industries for compressors and tools and related aftermarket products and services. Among major markets in the European Union, Germany, France and Spain noted a clearly higher level of demand, while Italy remained relatively weak. Russia continued to record strong growth in most product areas. The Nordic countries reversed a previously negative demand trend, primarily thanks to some important infrastructure projects. Demand improved somewhat in Africa/Middle East, with good demand in the Gulf region and from the mining industry in Southern Africa. The positive demand development in Asia continued in the quarter. Growth in China was very strong in all product areas. Most other countries in the region also improved, primarily driven by increased demand for compressors. Australia had another quarter of positive development. Earnings and profitability Operating profit increased to MSEK 1,463 (1,386) corresponding to a margin of 12.8% (11.6). Unfavorable changes in exchange rates, compared to previous year, affected the operating profit negatively by about MSEK 250, or close to 1 percentage point on the margin. This was, however, more than compensated for by increased revenue volume, efficiency improvements and increased prices. The operating profit included a restructuring charge within Construction and Mining Technique of MSEK 15 (68) Net financial items amounted to MSEK -86 (-132), of which net interest items accounted for MSEK -80 (-121). Interest expense continued to decline year-on-year, primarily a result of the strong cash flow in the last 12 month period and the weaker USD. Profit after financial items improved 10%, to MSEK 1,377 (1,254), to a margin of 12.0% (10.5). Net foreign exchange effects were about MSEK -245. Net profit totaled MSEK 937 (1,026), or SEK 4.47 (4.90) per share. The tax charge was MSEK -436 (-223), or 32% of profit after financial items. The tax in Q4 2002 was exceptionally low, due primarily to a MSEK 152 deferred tax amount. This was related to the tax-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge, which was booked in Q3 2002. The return on capital employed during the 12 months to December 31, 2003, was 17% (12), and the return on shareholders' equity 16% (11). The Group currently uses a weighted average cost of capital (WACC) of 8.7% , corresponding to a pre-tax cost of capital of approximately 13%. Cash flow and net indebtedness The operating cash surplus after tax reached MSEK 1,719 (1,877), corresponding to 15% (16) of Group revenues. Working capital increased MSEK 228 (199), primarily due to a decrease in accounts payables, which reflects payments of rental fleet investments made in the two previous quarters. Receivables and inventories decreased, adding to the cash flow. Net investment in tangible fixed assets, including proceeds from sales of rental equipment was MSEK 100 (168). Operating cash flow before acquisitions and dividends equaled MSEK 1,292 (1,402). The Group's net indebtedness (defined as the difference between interest-bearing liabilities and liquid assets) amounted to MSEK 7,613 (13,694), of which MSEK 1,792 (1,778) was attributable to pension provisions. The debt/equity ratio (defined as net indebtedness divided by shareholders' equity) decreased to 36% (67). Investments, depreciation and amortization Gross investments in property and machinery totaled MSEK 215 (237). Gross investments in rental equipment amounted to MSEK 383 (331). Depreciation on these two asset groups was MSEK 194 (246) and MSEK 460 (523), respectively, while amortization of intangible assets equaled MSEK 144 (132). Asbestos cases in the United States As of December 31, 2003, Atlas Copco has a total number of 192 asbestos cases filed with a total of 26,198 individual claimants. It is important to note that none of these cases identifies a specific Atlas Copco product. In each case there are several defendants, on average 151 companies per case. The Group has not deemed it necessary to book any provisions related to these pending cases. People On December 31, 2003, the number of employees was 25,958 (25,705). For comparable units, the number of employees decreased by 416 from December 31, 2002, while 669 employees were added through acquisition of businesses. Employee benefits As of January 1, 2004 the Group will implement the new Swedish accounting standard RR29 Employee benefits, which is based on the International Accounting Standard IAS19. The one-time effect of this change will be charged directly to shareholders' equity in accordance with RR5 Accounting for changes in accounting principles, and has no cash flow effect. The one-time effect on equity, net of taxes, will be approximately MSEK 450. This is purely an accounting change and the Group's obligations related to pension benefits and other employee benefits are consequently not affected. Equity and distribution of shares At December 31, 2002, a provision of MSEK 138 was booked against shareholders' equity, as the Atlas Copco share price at that time was lower than the exercise prices of the Atlas Copco employee option plan contracts. As of December 31, 2003, due to the favorable share price development during 2003, the provision has been reversed in full. Share capital equaled MSEK 1,048 (1,048) at the end of the period, distributed as follows. Orders received increased 3%, to MSEK 4,035 (3,929), corresponding to a volume increase of 7%. The negative translation effect into SEK was approximately 7%, while acquisitions and a small average price increase added 3%. Revenues increased 1%, to MSEK 4,230 (4,206), corresponding to a volume increase of 5%. Order volume for industrial compressors improved further in the quarter. Most machine types, from small oil-injected to large oil-free compressors achieved healthy growth. Sales of energy-efficient VSD (Variable Speed Drive) compressors, particularly small and medium-sized, recorded another successful quarter and grew more than average. The aftermarket business continued to develop positively in all regions, supported by new, innovative service products and an increased local presence. Geographically, the best development was achieved in Asia, with China continuing to be the growth engine, and South America. Most major markets in Europe had a good quarter. In North America, the aftermarket was strong and large oil-free compressors had a good quarter. The gas and process compressor business recorded lower order intake than previous year, partly a result of order cancellations in North America. The inquiry level was, however, high. Orders for small and medium-sized portable compressors, primarily serving construction-related customers through rental companies and distributors, recovered from the earlier low levels of demand and recorded healthy growth compared to previous year. The improvement was seen in many markets, including Europe where the demand has been very low for some time. The aftermarket for portable compressors and generators as well as the specialty rental business recorded another strong quarter. Operating profit amounted to MSEK 780 (809), corresponding to an operating margin of 18.4% (19.2). The margin was heavily affected by negative currency effects, more than 2 percentage points, but this was to a large extent compensated for by higher volume, increased prices and efficiency measures. The return on capital employed (past 12 months) remained at a very high level, 67% (68). Spending in non-residential building, the most important segment for the business area and representing about 50% of the total revenue base, remained below the same quarter previous year. Residential building activity, which is less important for Rental Service, was, however, strong. Activity in the industrial segment, representing about 35% of total revenues, remained largely unchanged. Total revenues decreased 13%, to MSEK 2,519 (2,884), heavily affected by a negative currency translation effect of 17%. Rental revenues, accounting for 75% of total revenues, increased 2% in USD, consisting of an increase in rental rates of 3.5% and a decline in volume of 1.5%. The slight drop in volume reflected the lower number of stores; 483 (506) at the end of the period, while same store rental volume increased a couple of percent. Sales of merchandise, spare parts, and new equipment, representing 13% of total revenues, were down 14% in USD, largely as a result of lower demand and the closure of 23 stores during the year. Sales of used equipment, accounting for the remaining 12% of total revenues, increased 64% in USD, compared to a low sales number for Q4 2002. Operating profit increased to MSEK 235 (179), corresponding to a margin of 9.3% (6.2). The improvement in margin was primarily a result of successful management of rental rates and a continued reduction of operating costs. Cost savings were achieved in payroll expense and depreciation, but those were partially offset by rising health-care and insurance costs. Profit margin before non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) improved to 28% (26). Return on total capital employed (last 12 months) was 5% (3) while the return on operating capital (excluding goodwill) was 10% (6). Rental fleet at original cost was 4% lower than previous year and the average age was about 3.6 years. Fleet utilization improved and reached close to 65% in the quarter and above 63% for the year. Replacement investments in the fleet continued with the objective to keep the fleet well balanced and in good condition. The operating cash flow continued to be significantly positive, but at a lower level than the most recent quarters as a result of large payments to equipment suppliers. Total number of employees at December 31, 2003 was 5,243 (5,685), down by 442 compared to previous year. Order intake decreased 4%, to MSEK 2,661 (2,775), corresponding to a 4% increase in volume. The negative translation effect was 10% and prices were flat, while acquisitions added 2%. Revenues were MSEK 2,783 (2,903), up 4% in volume. The order volume for industrial tools to general industry and motor vehicle industry grew modestly in the two most important regions; North America and Western Europe. The growth in orders was, with few exceptions, strong in the rest of the world. This was almost entirely an effect of strong demand from the motor vehicle industry, particularly in China, while sales of tools to the general industry were more or less unchanged compared to previous year. The aftermarket business showed good growth overall. Orders received for professional electric tools for construction and installation work increased compared to previous year. The improvement was partly due to a volume growth for comparable units and partly the contribution of the recently acquired accessories business in Germany. Volumes grew in North America, after a few quarters of negative development. An improvement was seen in the hardware channel and, at the end of the period, from industrial distributors. In Europe, volumes were slightly up, while some markets in Asia and the Middle East had substantial decreases. The accessories business continued to develop favorably in all major markets. The manufacturing restructuring projects in North America and in Europe were to a large extent finalized in the quarter. Operating costs have been reduced, but the full effect from efficiency improvements will materialize during 2004. Operating profit was MSEK 337 (319), corresponding to a margin of 12.1% (11.0). The margin improved as a combined result of higher volume, a favorable sales mix, contribution from acquired business and cost reductions. The unfavorable development of the USD had a negative effect on the operating profit in SEK but the effect on the margin was marginal. Return on capital employed (past 12 months) improved to 15% (14). Orders received increased 4% to MSEK 1,967 (1,885), corresponding to an increase in volume of 7%. There was a negative translation effect of 5% while price increases and structural changes added 1% each. Revenues were almost unchanged at MSEK 2,005 (2,018), corresponding to a volume increase of 3%. Demand from the mining industry continued at a relatively high level. Increased mechanization in underground mines and favorable metal prices contributed to the positive order development. Among major markets, South America and Australia recorded the strongest growth. Both underground drilling rigs and loading and transportation equipment were in good demand. Orders for exploration drilling rigs to underground mines increased in the quarter. The mining aftermarket business, including consumables, continued to grow. Orders from the construction industry for crawler rigs for surface applications, such as quarries and infrastructure projects, continued to develop positively. Underground drilling rigs for tunneling projects recorded an order intake largely in line with previous year. Order volume for light construction equipment, primarily breakers and drills, was higher than previous year, but still negatively affected by low construction activity and low rental fleet investments in many markets. The restructuring of the underground excavation business, including the move of loader manufacturing from Portland, USA, to Örebro in Sweden, continued in the quarter. The transfer, which will be concluded in 2004, has progressed smoothly and the first units have been produced in the new factory. It is estimated that total restructuring costs will be within the initial plan of MSEK 150 (accumulated until December 31, 2003 was MSEK 122). Operating profit was MSEK 175 (112), including restructuring charges of MSEK 15 (68). Excluding restructuring costs, the margin improved to 9.5% (8.9). The positive effects of a higher volume and price increases managed to offset the negative impact from the weaker USD. The negative currency impact corresponded to about 1.5 percentage points on the margin. Return on capital employed (past 12 months) was 18% (20). Previous near-term demand outlook (Published October 23, 2003) The overall demand for the Group's products and services, seasonally adjusted, is expected to improve slightly. The demand for industrial equipment is expected to continue to increase gradually in most geographical markets, and the demand from the mining industry is foreseen to remain favorable. Construction activity is expected to stay at a relatively low level in the biggest markets, the United States and the European Union. Accounting principles The interim report has been prepared using the same accounting principles as disclosed in the Annual Report 2002 and in accordance with the new accounting recommendations that were implemented January 1, 2003. The new recommendations did not change the Group's reporting. The Group amortizes goodwill derived from large, strategic acquisitions in the United States, over 40 years. If a 20-year amortization period had been used consistently for these acquisitions, the equity to assets ratio would have been approximately 44.8% (reported 45.9) and earnings per share for 2003 approximately SEK 14.19 (reported 15.62). Parent Company Profit after financial income and expense for Atlas Copco AB totaled MSEK 2,453 (1,365). Net profit for the year, after appropriations and taxes, was MSEK 2,049 (899). Dividend The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of SEK 7.50 (5.75) per share be paid for the 2003 fiscal year. That corresponds to a total of MSEK 1,572 (1,205). Nomination of members to the Atlas Copco AB Board In accordance with a decision taken at the Annual General Meeting of Atlas Copco AB on April 28, 2003, the names of the representatives of four of the largest shareholders who, together with the Chairman of the Board, Sune Carlsson, will work out a proposal for a Board of Directors, to be submitted to the Annual General Meeting 2004 for decision are the following representatives: Marcus Wallenberg, Investor, Sweden; Björn C. Andersson, SHB/SPP, Sweden; Harry Klagsbrun, SEB, Sweden; Björn Franzon, Fjärde AP-fonden, Sweden. Shareholders who wish to submit proposals of members of the Atlas Copco AB Board, please contact the Chairman of the Board on e-mail [email protected], or fax +46-8-615 0026, or contact any of the representatives listed above. Annual General Meeting and Annual Report Atlas Copco's Annual General Meeting will be held on April 27 at 17.00 in Berwaldhallen, Stockholm, Sweden. The Annual Report will be published on March 26 on the Group's homepage www.atlascopco-group.com, and it will be mailed to shareholders who have requested a printed copy. It is also available at Atlas Copco AB. Stockholm, February 2, 2004 Gunnar Brock President and Chief Executive Officer Financial targets The overall objective for the Atlas Copco Group is to grow and to achieve a return on capital employed that will always exceed the Group's average cost of capital. The current targets are: - to have an annual revenue growth of 8%; - to reach an operating margin of 15%; and - to challenge and continuously improve the efficiency of operating capital in terms of fixed assets, stocks, receivables, and rental fleet utilization. This will have the result that shareholder value is created and continuously increased. Forward-looking statements Some statements in this report are forward-looking, and the actual outcomes could be materially different. In addition to the factors explicitly discussed, other factors could have a material effect on the actual outcomes. Such factors include, but are not limited to, general business conditions, fluctuations in exchange rates and interest rates, political developments, the impact of competing products and their pricing, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, interruptions in supply, and major customer credit losses. For further information Atlas Copco AB (publ) SE-105 23 Stockholm, Sweden Phone: +46-8-743 8000, Fax: +46-8-644 9045 Internet: www.atlascopco-group.com Corp. id. no: 556014-2720 Media Annika Berglund, Senior Vice President Group Communications Phone: +46 8 743 8070, Mobile: +46 70 322 8070 Analysts Mattias Olsson, Investor Relations Manager Phone: +46 8 743 8291, Mobile: +46 70 518 8291 [email protected] Presentations from Atlas Copco For your convenience, a PowerPoint presentation of Atlas Copco's quarterly results will be published on www.atlascopco-group.com > Investor Relations > Presentations Interim report at March 31, 2004 The first quarter report will be published on April 27, 2004