Sales growth of 8.7%
and solid financial performance in 2014
Paris, 18 February 2015 – Saft, leader in the design, development and manufacture of
advanced batteries for industry, announces its fourth quarter and full-year 2014 revenue, along with its full-year 2014 results.
2014 key figures
Sales of €678.4 million, strong growth of 8.7%, in line with Saft’s medium term ambitions.
Improved profitability with an EBITDA margin of 15.3% compared to 14.8% in 2013 and EBITDA of €104.0 million.
Net profit of €48.1 million, up 31.8%.
Strong free cash flow of €46.2 million in 2014.
Proposed dividend of €0.82 per share, an increase of 5.1%. Outlook
2015 sales growth of over 5% at constant exchange rates.
EBITDA margin of at least 15.8% of sales.
Medium-term outlook confirmed._________________________________________________________________________________ Bruno Dathis, Acting Chairman of the Management Board, commented:
"The Saft Group performed very well in 2014 in terms of both business growth and profitability.
Revenues grew strongly for the second consecutive year. Sales increased in the three main technologies, with the strongest growth coming from the lithium-ion activities. Saft continued to increase market share in several segments, particularly in the industrial standby, rail and metering markets.
The Group’s operational profitability increased in 2014, supported by improved EBITDA margins in both divisions while net profit recorded strong growth.
This solid operational performance together with a well-controlled investment policy and a firm grip on the working capital requirement enabled us to increase our free cash flow very significantly in 2014.
For 2015, Saft is targeting sales growth of over 5% and an EBIDTA margin of at least 15.8%. I am confident in our teams’ ability to drive the Group’s medium term development and to achieve the objectives fixed last November.”
2014 key figures
(in € million)
Reported
2014 2013 YoY
Growth
Revenue 678.4 624.2 8.7
o/w IBG 415.9 367.9 13.3%
o/w SBG 262.5 256.3 2.1%
Gross profit 193.3 170.8 13.2%
Gross profit margin (%) 28.5% 27.4% +110 bps
EBITDA 104.0 92.5 12.4%
o/w IBG 47.2 38.8 21.6%
o/w SBG 62.6 59.1 5.9%
o/w Others (1) (5.8) (5.4) n.a.
EBITDA margin (%) 15.3% 14.8% +50 bps
IBG EBITDA margin (%) 11.3% 10.5% +80 bps
SBG EBITDA margin (%) 23.8% 23.1% +70 bps
EBIT 64.4 54.5 18.2%
EBIT margin (%) 9.5% 8.7% +80 bps
Net profit for the period 48.1 36.5 31.8%
EPS (€ per share) 1.83 1.44 27.1%
Free Cash Flow 46.2 16.6 177.1%
Net debt/EBITDA 0.65 1.18 (54.1)%
(1) The cost center "Others" includes costs for central departments, mainly IT, research, headquarters, finance and administration.
n.a. not applicable.
Sales figures and variations are at current exchange rates, except for the change in revenue which is measured at constant exchange rates. The average exchange rates EUR/USD in 2014 and 2013 are identical at 1 euro to US$1.33.
The 2014 consolidated financial statements prepared by Saft's Management Board were reviewed by the Supervisory Board on 13 February 2015. The consolidated financial statements were certified by the statutory auditors on 17 February 2015.
2014 highlights
Saft’s multi-technology, multi-market strategy continued to bring broad-based benefits in 2014.
Numerous successes in Asia
2014 saw continued success for Saft’s commercial teams in Asia, in particular on the rail market, with major contract wins in high-profile projects such as the Shanghai metro and the Lanxin line bullet trains in Northwest China.
SBG also continued to gain market share in China in new water and gas meter projects won against local competitors. These successes are contributing to the development of Saft’s Zhuhai facility, which reached a major milestone at the end of 2014 when it produced its one hundred millionth primary cell.
Good growth in Li-ion activities
On the ESS market, Saft won projects around the world, with for example a first Li-ion container project on a Japanese island and others deployed in Hawaii, in La Reunion and in South America.
Another major Li-ion success in 2014 was the launch by a European customer of a new electric forklift truck range with Saft batteries. This leading European manufacturer chose Li-ion as it offers significant performance, operatLi-ional benefits and cost savings. They are anticipating rolling out Li-ion throughout their entire warehouse and electric truck portfolio. Saft’s Li-ion batteries are also now deployed in electric and hybrid bus scale tests in Stockholm and Hamburg for a major European manufacturer, with start of production planned for H1 2016.
Traditional technologies continue to outperform their markets
2014 was also a particularly strong year for Saft’s traditional technologies with very large contracts won for stationary back-up power batteries in oil projects in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, excellent growth for nickel telecom batteries in the US, market share gains in primary lithium in India and China and the technological success of the Philae lander mission with a Saft primary lithium battery.
Divisional performance
Industrial Battery Group (IBG)
Over the full year, despite a small sales decrease of 2.4% in the fourth quarter, the Industrial Battery Group division’s sales progressed by 13.3% at constant exchange rates, and totalled €415.9 million, with growth in all market segments except telecom networks. Full-year sales in the division increased in both nickel and lithium-ion technologies.
The division’s EBITDA grew 21.6% to €47.2 million in 2014. This improvement in profitability was driven by volume growth in both nickel and lithium-ion technologies, leading to further reductions in losses at the Jacksonville and Nersac facilities.
Stationary applications
Sales of stationary backup power batteries rose 10.4% over the year. The growth came from both the industrial standby and the energy storage systems segments.
In the fourth quarter, sales of stationary batteries fell 4.5% due to a decrease in telecom network batteries as a major contract in India came to an end. This effect was also seen in the third quarter. However the industrial standby market continued to grow strongly as did the sales of lithium-ion energy storage batteries which more than doubled during the quarter, progressing almost 150% over the year.
Transportation
The transportation market posted full-year sales growth of 16.0%, with strong growth in each of the aviation, rail and vehicle segments. In the fourth quarter, growth in the transport business was 4.2%, due to a challenging comparable.
The aviation business was strong in 2014, both in the civil and the US military markets. As in 2013, growth in the rail segment remained higher than market growth, driven in particular by sales in Asia. Finally, in the vehicle segment, sales of lithium-ion batteries grew strongly over the year.
Specialty Battery Group (SBG)
2014 sales in the Specialty Battery Group totalled €262.4 million, an increase of 2.1% year-on-year at constant exchange rates. Sales rose 3.0% in the fourth quarter.
The division's EBITDA totalled €62.6 million in 2014, up 5.9% compared with 2013. This increase was mainly driven by volume growth and good control of production costs.
Civil electronics
The strong momentum in the civil electronics markets over the first nine months of the year continued into the fourth quarter, with sales up 13.3%, resulting in full-year sales growth of 13%. This segment achieved strong growth in Asia but also in Europe, with the roll-out of several nationwide programmes of new gas and water metering systems.
Space and defence
The space and defence segment saw sales decline 15.1% over 2014. All defence segments saw business levels decline with an expected sharp drop in torpedo battery sales. Radio battery sales posted a more limited decline. Full-year sales to the space market saw a moderate decrease compared with the previous year.
Other highlights of 2014 financial results
Taking into account the €5.8 million cost of support activities and a €1.6 million increase in depreciation and amortisation charges to €39.6 million, Group EBIT totalled €64.4 million in 2014, up 18.2% relative to 2013.
Net financial costs amounted to €2.1 million, €8.4 million less than the 2013 figure. Financial expenses were pushed down by €7.2 million of foreign exchange gains in 2014, caused by the dollar's sharp rise against the euro at year-end. The Group's net borrowing cost was globally stable at €6.9 million, giving an average interest rate on net debt of 3.23%.
After taking into account the Group's €1.9 million share of the net income generated by the ASB joint venture – which rose sharply – net income from continuing operations totalled €48.1 million in 2014 as opposed to €41.7 million in 2013.
Total net income in 2014 was also €48.1 million versus €36.5 million in 2013, the latter including a €5.2 million net loss on the disposal of the Small Nickel Battery (SNB) business. 2014 net income grew 31.8% compared to 2013.
Due to a strong increase in operating cash flow to €78.9 million, reduced investment of €32.8 million and a controlled increase in the working capital requirement, free cash flow surged from €16.6 million(1) in 2013 to €46.2 million in 2014.
Saft ended 2014 with an excellent cash position of €150.2 million, giving the Group the flexibility it needs for the future.
Net debt totalled €77.4 million at 31 December 2014, as opposed to €111.6 million at the end of 2013.
The strong generation of cash flow and the robust balance sheet enables management to propose an ordinary dividend of €0.82 per share, up 5.1% compared to 2013.
Outlook
For 2015, the Group expects sales growth of over 5% at constant exchange rates and an EBITDA margin of at least 15.8%.
The IBG division has begun 2015 with a solid order book. IBG sales growth will be affected by lower sales of lithium-ion batteries in the first half.
The SBG division is targeting sales growth in the civil electronics and space markets and a slowdown in defence activities. This sales growth objective integrates a cautious view of activity in the oil industry.
Saft confirms the medium term objectives announced during the Investor day in November 2014: CAGR of 8-10% at constant exchange rates between 2015 and 2018, a medium-term EBITDA margin of 17%, together with improved cash flow generation.
An investor and analyst presentation is available at www.saftbatteries.com.
Financial calendar for 2015
2015 Q1 turnover 23 April 2015
Annual General Meeting 12 May 2015
2015 Q2 turnover and half year results 23 July 2015
2015 Q3 turnover 22 October 2015
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained herein are forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans, objectives or results of operation. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause actual results and Saft’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward looking statements.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world leading designer and manufacturer of advanced technology batteries for industry. The Group is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries and primary lithium batteries for the industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, civil and military electronics’ markets. Saft is the world leader in space and defence batteries with its Li-ion technologies which are also deployed in the energy storage, transportation and telecommunication network markets. More than 3,800 employees in 18 countries, 14 manufacturing sites and an extensive sales network all contribute to accelerating the Group’s growth for the future.
Saft batteries. Designed for industry. www.saftbatteries.com
Saft
Jill Ledger, Corporate Communications Director Tel: +33 1 49 93 17 77, [email protected]
Vannara Huot, Group Treasurer and Investors Relations Manager Tel: +33 1 49 93 17 10, [email protected]
Brunswick
Mathilde Rodié, Benoit Grange, Guillaume Le Tarnec Tel.: + 33 1 53 96 83 83 - e-mail : [email protected]
APPENDICES
Quarterly sales by division
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Consolidated statement of financial position
Quartely sales by division
In € million 2014 2013
YoY growth at current exchange rates
YoY growth at constant exchange rates
Q1
IBG 93.2 74.6 24.9% 28.0%
SBG 61.1 58.9 3.7% 5.2%
Total 154.3 133.5 15.5% 17.9%
Q2
IBG 112.3 85.3 31.7% 34.9%
SBG 63.5 66.1 (3.9)% (1.7)%
Total 175.8 151.4 16.1% 18.9%
Q3
IBG 92.5 90.5 2.2% 2.8%
SBG 64.3 62.7 2.6% 2.2%
Total 156.8 153.2 2.3% 2.5%
Q4
IBG 117.9 117.5 0.3% (2.4)%
SBG 73.6 68.6 7.3% 3.0%
Total 191.5 186.1 2.9% (0.4)%
Total
IBG 415.9 367.9 13.0% 13.3%
SBG 262.5 256.3 2.4% 2.1%
Consolidated income statement
(in € million)
2014
2013
2012
Revenue 678.4 624.2 598.0
Cost of sales (485.1) (453.4) (422.0)
Gross profit 193.3 170.8 176.0
Distribution and sales costs (45.3) (40.6) (39.4)
Administrative expenses (51.5) (47.4) (42.4)
Research and Development expenses (33.9) (28.3) (24.4)
Restructuring costs (0.5) 0.5 (0.8)
Other operating income and expenses (0.1) 6.1 0.3
Operating profit 63.8 61.1 69.3
Finance costs, net (2.1) (10.5) (12.6)
Share of profit/(Loss) of associates 1.9 1.5 0.8
Profit before income tax from continuing
operations 63.6 52.1 57.5
Income tax on continuing operations (15.5) (10.4) (15.5)
Net profit/(loss) from continuing operations 48.1 41.7 42.0
Net profit/(Loss) from discontinued operations(1) - (5.2) (7.3)
Net profit for the period 48.1 36.5 34.7
Attributable to owners of the parent company 48.0 36.5 34.5
Attributable to non-controlling interests 0.1 - 0.2
Earnings per share (in € per share)
basic 1.83 1.44 1.38
diluted 1.82 1.44 1.37Earnings per share of continued operations
(in € per share)
basic 1.83 1.64 1.67
diluted 1.82 1.64 1.66(1) Net profit/(loss) from discontinued operations for 2012 and 2013 relate to the “SNB” small nickel batteries activity sold on 28 June 2013.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
(in € million)
2014
2013
2012
Net profit for the period 48.1 36.5 34.7
Other comprehensive income:
Actuarial gains and losses recognised against statement of
comprehensive income (3.9) 1.0 (4.7)
Tax effect on actuarial gains and losses recognised against
statement of comprehensive income 1.3 (0.4) 1.6
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss (2.6) 0.6 (3.1)
Fair value gains/(losses) on cash flow hedge (1.1) (0.9) 1.5
Fair value gains/(losses), net on investment hedge (14.8) 4.9 12.1
Currency translation adjustments 26.6 (12.8) (9.2)
Tax effect on income/(expenses) recognised directly in
equity 5.5 (1.4) (4.6)
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit
or loss 16.2 (10.2) (0.2)
Total other comprehensive income for the period, net
of tax 13.6 (9.6) (3.3)
Total comprehensive income for the period 61.7 26.9 31.4
Attributable to:
Owners of the parent company 61.3 27.4 31.4Consolidated statement of cash flows
(in € million) 2014 2013 2012
Net profit for the period from continuing operations 48.1 41.7 42.0
Adjustments
Share of net profit/(loss) of associates (net of dividends received) (0.8) (0.5) 0.1
Income tax expense from continued activities 15.5 10.4 15.5
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets amortisation
and depreciation(1) 39.6 38.0 32.7
Finance costs, net 2.1 10.5 12.6
Stock option plans 0.7 1.0 1.4
Net movements in provisions (1.7) - (4.7)
Other 4.7 (6.1) (0.4)
108.2 95.0 99.2
Change in inventories 0.9 (19.2) (3.3)
Change in trade and other receivables (13.8) (3.1) (13.6)
Change in trade and other payables 6.2 2.5 1.0
Change in other receivables and payables (4.9) (6.8) (11.5)
Changes in working capital (11.6) (26.6) (27.4)
Cash flows from operations before interest and tax 96.6 68.4 71.8
Interest paid (7.2) (7.3) (6.6)
Income tax paid (10.5) (6.9) (9.7)
Net cash generated by operating activities 78.9 54.2 55.5
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired 0.2 (8.7) -
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (28.8) (42.0) (44.6)
Purchase of intangible assets (5.3) (6.3) (9.7)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1.1 0.3 0.7
Variation of other non-current financial assets and liabilities - (0.2) 0.1
Net cash used in investing activities (32.8) (56.9) (53.5)
Cash flows from financing activities
Capital increase 5.7 1.7 -
Purchase/Sale of treasury shares - liquidity contract 1.0 0.5 (0.2)
New financial debt - - 209.4
Financial debt repayments - - (328.5)
Grants related to assets and insurance indemnities 0.2 9.0 10.5
Increase/(decrease) in other long-term liabilities (1.1) (0.4) (0.4)
Dividends paid to Company shareholders (9.8) (9.0) (43.1)
Net cash generated by/(used in) financing activities (4.0) 1.8 (152.3)
Net cash generated by/(used in) continuing operations 42.1 (0.9) (150.3)
Net cash generated by/(used in) discontinued operations(2) - (8.4) -
Net increase/(decrease) in cash 42.1 (9.3) (150.3)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 101.4 114.5 267.2
Impact of changes in exchange rates 6.7 (3.8) (2.4)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD 150.2 101.4 114.5
(1) Net of amortisation of deferred grants related to assets.
Consolidated statement of financial position
Assets
(in € million) 31/12/2014 31/12/2013 31/12/2012
Non-current assets
Intangible assets, net 199.8 205.9 213.3
Goodwill 117.7 107.8 111.1
Property, plant and equipment, net 260.5 245.1 226.7
Investment properties 0.1 0.1 0.1
Investments in joint undertakings 14.6 13.8 13.3
Deferred income tax assets 8.5 6.5 5.9
Other non-current financial assets 0.3 0.5 0.3
601.5 579.7 570.7
Current assets
Inventories 101.2 97.1 80.2
Tax credits 24.2 22.5 14.7
Trade and other receivables 194.7 173.0 170.0
Derivative financial instruments 0.4 1.0 1.0
Cash and cash equivalents 150.2 101.4 114.5
470.7 395.0 380.4
Assets held for sale(1) - - 18.8
TOTAL ASSETS 1,072.2 974.7 969.9
Liabilities
(in € million) 31/12/2014 31/12/2013 31/12/2012
Shareholders’ equity
Ordinary shares 26.6 25.9 25.2
Share premium 104.3 88.9 78.1
Treasury shares (0.5) (1.5) (2.0)
Cumulative translation adjustments 39.9 13.7 26.0
Fair value and other reserves (7.7) 5.4 2.1
Group consolidated reserves 309.7 280.9 262.3
Minority interest in equity 2.6 2.2 2.7
Total shareholders’ equity 474.9 415.5 394.4
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Financial debt 222.4 208.3 212.8
Other non-current financial liabilities 2.5 3.2 4.9
Deferred grants related to assets 53.7 52.7 53.4
Deferred income tax liabilities 66.6 69.9 75.1
Pensions and other long-term employee benefits 15.0 10.2 11.0
Provisions 33.1 32.4 31.5
393.3 376.7 388.7
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 181.3 164.4 152.9
Income tax payable 8.4 6.3 5.7
Financial debt 5.2 4.7 4.7
Derivative instruments 2.0 0.6 1.0
Pensions and other long-term employee benefits 1.2 1.2 1.1
Provisions 5.9 5.3 6.3
204.0 182.5 171.7
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale (1) - - 15.1
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 1,072.2 974.7 969.9
(1) Liabilities associated with assets held for sale as end of 2012 relate to the “SNB” small nickel batteries activity sold on 28 June 2013.
Statement of changes in equity
(in € million)
Number of shares making up the capital
Owners of the parent company
Non-controlling interests Shareholders’ equity Share capital Share
premium Reserves
Total comprehensive
income for the period attributable to
equity
Total
Balance at 31/12/2011 25,174,845 25.2 103.2 193.7 80.2 402.3 2.7 405.0
Appropriation of 2011
comprehensive income - - 80.2 (80.2) - - 0.0
Employee stock option plans
(value of employee services) - - 1.3 - 1.3 - 1.3
Dividend paid - (25.1) (18.0) - (43.1) - (43.1)
Purchase/Sale of treasury
shares - - (0.2) - (0.2) - (0.2)
Total comprehensive income - - - 31.4 31.4 - 31.4
Balance at 31/12/2012 25,174,845 25.2 78.1 257.0 31.4 391.7 2.7 394.4
Appropriation of 2012
comprehensive income - - 31.4 (31.4) - - 0.0
Employee stock option plans
(value of employee services) - - 1.0 - 1.0 - 1.0
Capital increase by exercise
of stock options 95,370 0.1 1.6 - 1.7 - 1.7
Dividend paid in shares 583,596 0.6 9.2 (9.8) - - -
Dividend paid - - (9.0) - (9.0) - (9.0)
Purchase/Sale of treasury
shares - - 0.5 - 0.5 - 0.5
Total comprehensive income - - - 27.4 27.4 (0.5) 26.9
Balance at 31/12/2013 25,853,811 25.9 88.9 271.1 27.4 413.3 2.2 415.5
Appropriation of 2013
comprehensive income - - 27.4 (27.4) - - -
Employee stock option plans
(value of employee services) - - 0.8 - 0.8 - 0.8
Capital increase by exercise
of stock options 283,591 0.2 5.5 - - 5.7 5.7
Dividend paid - - (9.8) - (9.8) (9.8)
Dividend paid in shares 467,630 0.5 9.9 (10.4) - - -
Purchase/Sale of treasury
shares - - 1.0 - 1.0 1.0
Total comprehensive income - - - 61.3 61.3 0.4 61.7
