Rieter Order intake up 13 %

The 2016 financial year was characterised by a significantly higher order intake, especially in the first half year, and lower sales compared to the previous year. Despite the decline in sales, Rieter achieved an EBIT margin of 6 per cent. Against the background of the solid financial and earnings position, the Board of Directors proposes to the shareholders to increase the dividend compared to the previous year.

In the full year, order intake rose by 13 per cent year-on-year to CHF 905.2 million. In the first half of 2016, orders were at a good level of CHF 510.7 million, mainly driven by solid demand from Turkey. In the second half of the year, the dynamism in Turkey and India slowed significantly due to increasing political uncertainties, with the result that orders declined to CHF 394.5 million.

Sales decreased to CHF 945.0 million, mainly due to the sluggish demand for machinery and systems in the second half of 2015. The market volume of CHF 3.2 billion in 2016 was roughly 8 per cent down on the previous year. Thanks to its global positioning and attractive service portfolio, Rieter succeeded in achieving a market share of around 29 per cent (30 per cent in 2015).

EBIT margin, net profit and free cash flow

In spite of the 9 per cent decline in sales, Rieter achieved an EBIT margin of 6.0 per cent (CHF 56.5 million) and a net profit of 4.5 per cent of sales (CHF 42.7 million). At CHF 76.3 million, free cash flow was significantly higher than net profit. Rieter further strengthened its balance sheet in the year under review. The equity ratio as of December 31, 2016, was 46.2 per cent (44.3 per cent at December 31, 2015).

Sales by region