Swisslog with a good start into 2015 financial year

Swisslog Group had a good start into the 2015 financial year. Order intake fell 20.9% year-on-year (-18.1% in constant currencies) to MCHF 118.4 in the first quarter. The decline was attributable to a major order in the previous year. Net sales, by contrast, rose slightly year-on-year to MCHF 157.4 from MCHF 149.7 (+5.1%, +9.0% in constant currencies). Swisslog entered 2015 in an excellent operational position thanks to the record-breaking order intake and order backlog levels achieved in the financial year 2014. By systematically working down the project backlog, Swisslog raised its earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) from MCHF 0.7 to MCHF 3.3 (+371.4%, +385.7% in constant currencies) compared to the prior-year quarter.

Positive business development in both divisions

In the Healthcare Solutions division (HCS) the volumes in the North American hospital market have stabilized in recent months after several years of decline. The division's order intake rose to MCHF 53.0 (+38.0%, +38.3% in constant currencies) and net sales to MCHF 51.8 (+11.6%, +11.9% in constant currencies). EBIT amounted to MCHF 3.1 (+24.0%, +20.0% in constant currencies).

Compared to last year order intake at the Warehouse & Distribution Solutions division (WDS) decreased to MCHF 65.5 (-41.2%, -37.5% in constant currencies), largely due to a major order booked in the previous year. Net sales remained essentially unchanged at MCHF 105.8 (+2.2%, +7.6% in constant currencies). By tightening its focus and making up a larger share of the service business, the division increased its EBIT from MCHF 0.2 to MCHF 2.2 (+1000.0%, +1100.0% in constant currencies).

Swisslog is publishing quarterly figures for the first time in order to align its external reporting practices with those of KUKA AG, its main shareholder.

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