Automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler was able to continue moving along its successful course in 2015. The company expanded its revenue by 9.1% to EUR 13.2 billion. "We were able to considerably increase our revenue in the previous year, despite the challenging environment. We are planning to continue on our profitable growth path in 2016, as well. Our strategic concept 'mobility for tomorrow' puts us in a good position to do that," says Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO.
Automotive division growing more rapidly than market - realignment of Industrial division well under way
With its growth rate of 11.2% compared to the prior year, the Automotive division once more clearly outpaced the increase in production volumes of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles of 1%. The OEM business benefitted from the high level of demand for Schaeffler products in the U.S. and strong growth in China in the first half of 2015. During the latter half, demand in the Asia/Pacific region picked up noticeably. The Automotive division also profited from above-average revenue growth in the Aftermarket business.
The company's Industrial business generated growth of 3.0% in 2015. Especially the wind power and motorcycle sector businesses contributed to the growth. The realignment of the Industrial division (CORE program) is progressing on schedule. The realignment is aimed at improving the efficiency and competitive position of the Industrial business for the long term in order to facilitate profitable growth. The division is aiming for an EBIT margin of 13% by 2018.
All four of the Schaeffler Group's regions reported revenue increases in 2015, with currency translation making a favorable impact on revenue. The growth dynamic varied widely across regions. Revenue grew fastest in the Schaeffler Group's Greater China region, rising by 23.5% over prior year there, followed by the group's Americas region, where revenue increased by 17.5%. The Asia/Pacific region reported revenue growth of 13.5%, while the Europe region grew by 2.1%.
Earnings quality remains high - EBIT margin before special items at 12.7%
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) excluding special items increased by EUR 115 million to EUR 1,676 m. The corresponding EBIT margin amounted to 12.7%. The special items adversely affecting EBIT consisted of the EUR 238 million provision for legal risks recognized for potential third party claims in connection with the EU antitrust proceedings finalized in March 2014 and EUR 36 million in restructuring provisions related to the CORE program. Including these special items, the Schaeffler Group's EBIT for 2015 amounted to EUR 1,402 million (prior year: EUR 1,523 million) and the EBIT margin was 10.6% (prior year: 12.6%).
Cash flows from operating activities were EUR 1,372 million (prior year: EUR 900 million). "We generated sustainable positive free cash flow of EUR 370 million in 2015, significantly higher than the prior year amount of EUR 48 million," explains CFO Dr. Ulrich Hauck.
Over EUR 1 billion invested - 1,900 new jobs created
The Schaeffler Group has significantly raised its total capital expenditures, investing EUR 1,025 million (prior year:EUR 857 million) in new products and technologies as well as in the expansion of the group's global production network. This represents an increase of approximately 20% from the prior year. The company's capex ratio (capital expenditures as a percentage of revenue) was 7.7% (prior year: 7.1%). In addition to the construction and expansion of new manufacturing locations such as the ones in Chonburi, Thailand and in Puebla, Mexico, capital expenditures made in 2015 also related to the "European Distribution Center" (EDC) project.
The Schaeffler Group had 84,198 employees as at December 31, 2015, about 1,900 or about 2% more than in the prior year. In Germany, the Schaeffler Group employed a total of about 30,800 staff at year-end (prior year: approximately 30,500). Worldwide, about 2,900 trainees or about 3% of the group's workforce were pursuing an apprenticeship at the Schaeffler Group. This represents an increase in the number of trainees by about 6% compared to the prior year.
Listing completed successfully - financial debt reduced considerably
With its listing on October 9, 2015, the company has laid the foundation for successfully continuing its profitable growth in the coming years. The proceeds of the listing have helped improve its equity ratio and reduce its debt to EBITDA ratio. Net financial debt fell by EUR 889 million to EUR 4,889 million (prior year: EUR 5,778 million). The adjusted net debt to EBITDA ratio was 2.1 at December 31, 2015 (prior year: 2.6).
Dividend proposal of 35 cents per share - special dividend of 15 cents per share
The Board of Managing Directors and the Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of EUR 0.35 per common non-voting share to the annual general meeting. This represents a dividend yield of 28.9% of net income before special items attributable to shareholders. In addition, the company intends to exercise the option to pay a special dividend that was created in connection with the listing. A special dividend of EUR 0.15 per share will be proposed to the annual general meeting.
Technology and innovation driving future growth - revenue growth of 3-5% at constant currency expected for 2016
The Schaeffler Group anticipates revenue growth of 3-5% at constant currency in 2016. The group expects its Automotive division to continue growing faster than global automobile production of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles in 2016. In the Industrial division, sluggish order intake in the fourth quarter 2015 and the still strained economic environment in certain sectors suggest flat or slightly declining revenue levels in 2016.
Based on these considerations, the company expects to generate an EBIT margin before special items of 12-13% in 2016. The Schaeffler Group is anticipating approximately EUR 600 million in free cash flow for 2016.
As Rosenfeld explains, "Even if the environment remains challenging, we still see good growth opportunities for our business. Our extensive technology expertise and comprehensive systems know-how make the Schaeffler Group a valued development partner to the automotive and industrial sectors. We want to further expand this strength."
