OREANDA-NEWS. Schweiter Technologies had a good financial year in both the composite material and textile machinery businesses. Group orders received totaled CHF 800.0 million in 2014 (2013: 706.1), representing an increase of 13%. Net revenues increased 12% to CHF 765.6 million (2013: 686.2). 3A Composites posted good results in the Architecture and Display business areas, while the Core Materials business area improved significantly and delivered a respectable result. SSM Textile Machinery reported a record result on high revenues.

EBITDA came to CHF 81.7 million (2013: 68.7), corresponding to a return on sales of just under 11%. Despite one-off positive effects in 2013 (including a real estate sale), EBITDA increased by a disproportionately large 19%. Net income amounted to CHF 45.5 million (2013: 30.2); partly positively influenced by exchange rate gains.

Cash flow from operating activity came to CHF 43 million. Liquidity amounted to more than CHF 300 million and the equity ratio was 72%. An unchanged distribution of CHF 40 per bearer share will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting on May 6, 2015.

Schweiter Technologies is holding its annual media conference today at Hotel Marriott, Neum?hlequai 42, in Zurich, at 11.00 a.m.

Key figures          
 
  
Schweiter Technologies Group (in CHF millions)    

2014 

   

2013

  + / -
             
Orders received   800.0    706.1   13%
Net revenues   765.6   686.2   12%
EBITDA   81.7   68.7   19%
  as a % of net revenues   10.7%   10.0%    
EBIT   57.5   45.5   26%
Profit for the year   45.5   30.2   51%
             
             
Information by division (in CHF millions)          
             
3A Composites            
             
Orders received   710.7   627.9   13%
Net revenues   677.2   612.0   11%
EBITDA   70.1   57.6   22%
  as a % of net revenues   10.4%   9.4%    
EBIT   47.1   35.5   33%
             
SSM Textile Machinery            
             
Orders received   89.3   78.2   14%
Net revenues   87.9   73.7   19%
EBITDA   14.6   8.0   83%
  as a % of net revenues   16.6%   10.9%    
EBIT   13.4   6.8   97%

3A Composites
3A Composites can look back on a very solid financial year. The Display, Architecture and Core Materials business areas enjoyed double-digit growth. The marked growth was driven primarily by increases in market share thanks to a competitive product program. Sales also benefited from innovations and distribution operations covering all areas. Revenues in the transportation business were adversely affected by the postponement or non-implementation of certain projects.

EBITDA accordingly came to CHF 70.1 million (2013: 57.6). The increase stems from a combination of the very positive trend in the Display and Architecture businesses in Europe, and the sustained growth momentum of the Architecture business in Asia. Moreover, Core Materials made a particularly large contribution to the improved result thanks to an increase in revenues and improved business conditions in China.