FOCUSSTORY
Bühler reports good performance in 2019 Bühler group has reported a stable level of turnover for 2019, increasing the EBIT margin to 7.6% (previous year: 7.1%). Turnover was stable at CHF 3.3 billion while order intake decreased by 4.6% to CHF 3.1 billion. The newly-formed Consumer Foods segment, which was created after the acquisition of the Haas Group, exceeded expectations and made a material contribution to the good Group results.
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ühler increased its investments into innovation to a record high, and its financial position remained strong, improving equity ratio. “We are pleased with the 2019 achievements as they confirm our strategic set-up with the three businesses, which levelled out market volatility,” says CEO Stefan Scheiber. “With our broad portfolio, global position, and innovation strength, we are ready to tackle the challenges of an ongoing volatile global economy.” Bühler maintained a strong financial position in 2019. Net liquidity remained high at CHF 449 million (+0.3 %), and the equity ratio grew to 42.8% (previous year: 42.2 %). RONOA (return on net operating assets) remained on par with the previous year at 14%. While Asia and Europe drove growth in the past year, in 2019 North America and Middle East & Africa took over this role. For the first time in years, Bühler recorded a standstill in China due to market saturation in the automotive segment and
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“With our broad portfolio, global position, and innovation strength, we are ready to tackle the challenges of an ongoing volatile global economy.” Stefan Scheiber, CEO
Kennedy’s Confection February 2020
tariff conflicts. Regardless, the company’s geographic performance remains balanced. With regard to turnover, Asia makes up 34 %, Europe 30%, Americas 22 %, and Middle East & Africa 14 %. Structurally, the company was able to further improve the breadth of its portfolio in 2019. The long-cycle plant and project business now accounts for 70% of turnover, while the short-cycle Customer Services and Single Machine Business saw a total turnover of CHF 979 million, representing a 30 % share of total Group turnover. In 2019, Bühler elevated its innovation capabilities with the opening of its CUBIC innovation campus and new application centres, by increasing R&D
spending to a record high of CHF 149 million, and developing new partnerships, such as with the Future Food Initiative and World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The company launched more than 20 new key solutions, with many in the area of digital applications. About 25% of the overall innovation spend focused on digital applications. With these innovations, Bühler aims to significantly decrease the ecological footprint of its industries: “We want to bring a 50% reduction in energy use, water consumption, and waste by 2025 in the value chains of our food, feed, and mobility customers,” says Chief Technology Officer Ian Roberts.
KennedysConfection.com
