Zwolle, 29 February 2012 - Following a trading update issued 8 February 2012, Wavin today announces its Second Half Year and Full Year 2011 results.
Full Year 2011
Revenue EUR 1.3 billion, up 7.8%; 8.3% on a like-for-like basis
Sharp rise of raw material costs in H1 put significant pressure on margins
Ebitda EUR 98.0 million, 5.9% below EUR 104.1 million in 2010; Ebitda margin 7.4% (2010: 8.5%)
Net profit EUR 18.0 million (2010: EUR 7.1 million)
Net debt EUR 228 million (EUR 256 million in 2010); leverage ratio 2.4
H2 2011
Growth in Second Half Year levelled off as unrest on financial markets affected construction activity
Revenue EUR 645.8 million, up 1.3%, or 4.4% on like-for-like basis
Ebitda EUR 52.0 million (H2 2010: EUR 56.2 million); H2 Ebitda margin 8.1% (8.8% in H2 2010)
Henk ten Hove, Wavin CEO:
"After a strong start of 2011, supported by a mild
winter, we saw a gradual deterioration of market
circumstances in some of our key countries. Scandinavia and
Eastern Europe performed well, while results in the UK,
France and Italy were disappointing. As already announced, we
have taken measures to address this and will reduce total
staff in 2012 with 150 FTEs, saving EUR 5 million annually at
a one-off cost of EUR 3.5 million.
Good progress was made with the Wavin 2015 strategy. We
expanded in Sweden and Czechia, divested continental clay and
our French irrigation activities and closed our small
business in Spain. We reduced net debt and have extended our
financing facility until April 2015, with relaxed covenants,
while margins and other conditions remained unchanged."
Outlook
We remain cautious for 2012. Sentiment differs in our key
countries. While the situation in Scandinavia, Germany,
Poland and Turkey looks positive, market expectations in the
UK and the Netherlands are less encouraging. In 2012 we will
grasp the opportunities for growth and pursue local
leadership in line with the Wavin 2015 plan. Joining forces
with Mexichem, should allow us to further accelerate our
strategy.
Markets
Following a good start of the year - supported by a mild
winter - the European construction market was adversely
affected by weakening consumer confidence. This was fuelled
by unrest in the financial markets, cuts in government
spending and further mortgage restrictions.
There were notable differences between countries and regions.
The markets in Scandinavia, Germany, Poland and Turkey were
strong, whereas those in the UK, Italy, the Netherlands and
Ireland remained challenging. New residential building
activities recovered somewhat in most Western European
countries but were weak in Eastern Europe. Residential
repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) was stable, while
the non-residential markets did not show signs of recovery.
Developments in the civil engineering sectors in various
European countries were positive, boosted by infrastructure
investments like construction for the Olympic Games in London
and the European Football Championships in Poland and
Ukraine.
Wavin's performance in 2011
Wavin recorded a 7.8% revenue growth in 2011. Scandinavia,
Germany and Poland grew double digit, but performance in
Italy, the UK, France and Ireland was disappointing.
Operational issues in the South West Europe region, which
were addressed in the course of the year, impacted the
results negatively.
The Above Ground business benefitted from a slight recovery
in several Western European residential markets, our
continued focus on Hot & Cold systems (including Surface
Heating & Cooling) and the further roll-out of low-noise soil
and waste systems.
Our Below Ground activities performed well, due to our strong
market positions and the high level of infrastructure
investments in especially Poland. The consolidation of our
sales joint venture in Czechia and the water business
acquired from KWH Pipe Sverige AB further contributed to this
positive development.
Revenue
Revenue was EUR 1,327 million up 7.8% compared to 2010. On a
like-for-like basis, revenue rose by 8.3%. As we generated
60% of our revenue outside the Eurozone, the appreciation of
non-Euro currencies had a positive effect of 1.2% on reported
revenue. The consolidation of the water business in Sweden,
acquired in 2010, contributed 1.2% towards revenue
growth.
H2 revenue was up 1.3% (4.4% on a like-for-like basis).
Gross profit
Gross profit amounted to EUR 288.6 million, 1.3% below 2010.
Raw material costs rose sharply, only levelling off towards
the end of the year. The general economic climate, combined
with overcapacity in the industry, caused delays in passing
on higher input cost to the market. This put pressure on
margins. Price competition was noticeably fiercer in the more
generic product ranges and in markets lacking clear market
leadership. Our focus on complexity reduction and
manufacturing optimisation contributed to further reduction
of production costs.
Ebitda
The Ebitda - operating result before depreciation,
amortisation and non-recurring items - decreased 5.9% to EUR
98.0 million, from EUR 104.1 million in 2010. The increased
operational leverage from volume growth partly compensated
higher raw material costs and operational challenges in the
UK and France. The Ebitda margin fell to 7.4%, from 8.5% in
2010. The H2 Ebitda margin came in at 8.1% (2010: 8.8%).
Non-recurring items in operating result
Non-recurring items in the operating result were EUR 5.8
million (2010: EUR 6.4 million). Non-recurring costs of EUR
7.8 million (2010: EUR 7.2 million) related mainly to
restructuring measures. Non-recurring income of EUR 2.0
million was recorded on sale of assets and the realised
negative goodwill related to the acquisition in Sweden.
Operating result
The drop in Ebitda was partly compensated by lower
depreciation and non-recurring expenses. The 2011 operating
result was EUR 35.5 million, a decrease of EUR 2.4 million or
6.3%, compared to 2010.
Financing costs and tax
Net finance costs were reduced to EUR 28.2 million in 2011,
from EUR 34.1 million in 2010. Interest costs were EUR 31.1
million compared to EUR 34.8 million in 2010, due to lower
interest margins and a lower average debt. In 2011, the
average interest rate paid was 6.4% compared to 7.4% the
previous year. The weakening of the Euro against most other
currencies resulted in exchange rate losses of EUR 0.4
million (2010: EUR 1.0 million).
An income tax benefit of EUR 6.2 million was booked, compared to a benefit of EUR 1.1 million in 2010. This included the release of a tax provision of EUR 6.8 million related to the sale of associates in 2006.
Associates
Wavin's 40% stake in a joint venture that specialises in
pressure fittings for gas and water applications contributed
EUR 2.4 million to the results almost equal to last year.
Net profit
Net profit rose to EUR 18.0 million in 2011 from EUR 7.1
million in 2010. Adjusted for one-off charges and benefits,
recurring net profit amounted to EUR 10.7 million (2010: EUR
8.9 million). Profits attributable to shareholders increased
from EUR 5.8 million in 2010 to EUR 17.1 million in 2011.
Earnings per share were EUR 0.34, compared to EUR 0.11 in
2010.
Dividend
Given the limitations on paying dividend sunder the terms of
the Finance Facility, the Boards of Wavin have decided to add
the 2011 profit attributable to shareholders to the reserves.
Cash flow
Working capital decreased by EUR 21.7 million to EUR 98.2
million. Although input costs were substantially higher,
inventories were reduced from EUR 171.9 million to EUR 153.2
million. Accounts receivable were in line with last year,
despite revenue growth in emerging markets with longer
payment terms. Cash flow from operating activities improved
to EUR 101.1 million (2010: EUR 59.3 million), largely due to
the working capital reduction. Depreciation and amortisation
decreased slightly to EUR 59.0 million, well above the net
investment level. Net investments were EUR 50.1
million, compared to EUR 37.6 million in 2010, which included
substantially higher divestments of assets.
Net debt
Net debt at year-end was down EUR 28.2 million to EUR 227.9
million, compared to EUR 256.1 million at year-end 2010. The
decrease was primarily related to the working capital
reduction. The company operated well within the bank
covenants. At year-end the leverage ratio (net debt/last
twelve months Ebitda) was 2.4, well below the threshold of
3.0. The interest coverage ratio (Ebitda/net interest
expense) was 4.2 against a minimum of 2.8. Wavin's main
source of funding was a syndicated loan facility of EUR
500 million, which expired in October 2011 and was
replaced with a EUR 475 million syndicated loan facility
expiring in April 2013. Early 2012 we agreed with our main
lending banks to amend and extend the facility to April 2015.
The facility was reduced to EUR 440 million and covenants
were relaxed, but margins and other conditions remained
unchanged. The amended and extended facility provides Wavin
with sufficient headroom and flexibility to respond to
uncertain market conditions and offers a solid base for
executing the Wavin 2015 strategy.
Employees
Year-end 2011, the Wavin Group had a workforce of 6,221
employees, compared to 6,448 the previous year. The decrease
is partly due to the divestment of activities in France and
the sale of the Euroceramic continental clay operations.
Developments per Business Unit
Wavin is organised in six business units that cover the Above Ground and Below Ground building segments.
Above Ground
Hot & Cold
Hot & Cold water systems are plastic and metal-plastic
systems for the distribution of tap water in the house,
connections to radiators and systems for surface heating and
cooling. Revenue from Hot & Cold systems was EUR 275.8
million, slightly higher than in 2010. Revenue development
varied throughout Europe. Solid growth was achieved in
Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, and Turkey, but
new residential markets in the UK and Italy as well as export
sales from Turkey, were difficult. In 2011 the new generation
Hep2O push-fit fitting system was rolled out in the UK. After
a slow start, when the full range of fittings was not yet
available, sales recovered well.
Revenues of the Surface Heating & Cooling business grew 9.2 %
in 2011. Increased awareness for building sustainability -
further supported by international certifications - boosted
the demand for our energy efficient solutions.
Soil & Waste
The Soil & Waste business - which addresses indoor waste
water discharge - saw revenue increase by 6.4% to EUR 170.1
million. Growth was realised across Europe and is mainly
driven by residential and RMI activities, which were
relatively stable. Our low-noise systems are used for both
residential and non-residential construction and are marketed
across Europe.
Other Building systems
Products in this segment (such as roof gutters and electrical
conduit pipes) complete the above ground offering in some of
Wavin's European markets. Revenue in this segment
decreased 8.5% to EUR 45.2 million.
Below Ground
Foul Water Systems
Foul Water Systems' revenue rose by 12.7% to EUR 420.0
million, excluding the divestment of the continental clay
activities growth was 15.3%. Wavin particularly benefited
from its strong position in the Scandinavian countries,
Germany, Poland and Turkey. Our complete range of inspection
chambers continued to substitute those made of concrete. We
increased the use of recycled material in our PVC multi-layer
pipes, making these products even more sustainable. A good
example of our commitment to this is the introduction of
Recycore® technology in the UK for the manufacturing of
multi-layer, solid-core pipes, made with over 50% recycled
content.
Water Management
Wavin offers intelligent solutions for managing rain water
runoff from hard surfaces, such as roofs and roads to ground
water. As in recent years, most European countries were again
faced with the challenges of storm water management in urban
areas, with flooding following heavy rainfall causing severe
problems. Because of this - and despite the economic
situation - the Water Management business expanded in both
the residential and non-residential sectors. Despite the
divestment of irrigation activities in France, Water
Management revenue grew by 3.6% to EUR 147.2 million, from
EUR 142.1 million in 2010.
Within this business, the Intesio rainwater management
segment grew almost 13%. This successful concept is now
available in nine countries and combines a full range of
products, with project design and calculation tools for civil
engineers and investors
Water & Gas
Revenues in Water & Gas increased by 15.7% to EUR 180.8
million. The acquisition of the Swedish water business of KWH
contributed significantly to this result.
Cable Ducting
The cable ducting business experienced strong growth, driven
by the development of microduct-based solutions for the
telecom industry. Revenue increased to EUR 60.4 million,
13.3% above 2010. A recovery of the telecom market was driven
by large projects in Eastern Europe and increasing
investments by established companies in 'fibre to the
home'.
Results per region
North West Europe(the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Denmark,
Norway, Sweden, Finland)
The North West Europe region's revenue rose by 20.5 % to
EUR 489.0 million. Ebitda came in at EUR 36.8 million, from
EUR 30.7 million in 2010. The Ebitda margin was 7.5%, almost
equal to 2010.
After a decline of nearly 30% in the previous two years, the construction market in the Netherlands showed little growth. With consumer confidence remaining low Residential new build and renovation segments stabilised, but the non-residential segment continued to decline. Under these difficult market conditions Wavin maintained its leading position and market share.
In Germany all sectors showed market growth. With its good position in Below Ground applications Wavin benefited from the growth in infrastructure investments, especially in the (bio) gas and water segment. With the completion of the range of fittings for metalplastic pipes system for hot and cold water distribution, Wavin's Hot & Cold business achieved strong revenue growth.
In Belgium the cancellation of tax advantages to stimulate
the residential segment and low consumer confidence, resulted
in a drop in applications for new building permits and a
gradual weakening of the residential demand. This was
compensated by increased activity in the non-residential
segment. Wavin Belgium performed strongly in the public
sector, where demand for projects to separate rainwater from
foul water was strong.
In Denmark the residential new build market showed strong
growth while RMI residential and infrastructure markets
improved. In both Above Ground and Below Ground systems,
Wavin Denmark has a market leading position and improved its
market share.
In Sweden we successfully integrated the water business acquired from KWH and upgraded the production facility to comply with Wavin's standards. We now have a stronger overall market position and are number two in the Below Ground segment.
In Norway, where market conditions were stable, we increased our revenues. We are the market leader in the growing water management segment, in cable ducting and in soil & waste.
In Finland, the heating and plumbing market grew strongly, and we retained our leading position in tanks and separators.
South West Europe (United Kingdom, France and Ireland)
The performance in the South West Europe region was
disappointing due to a combination of challenging market
conditions and operational issues that were addressed in the
course of the year. Revenue declined by 3.8% to EUR 356
million. In 2011 we divested the Euroceramic continental clay
business, the irrigation and geocomposite business (completed
in 2012) in France. Excluding these divestments revenue
increase was 0.6%. Ebitda was EUR 5.7 million, compared to
EUR 25.7 million in 2010. The margin was 1.6%, compared to
6.9% in 2010.
In the UK, the construction market slowed down, with output 2% lower than in 2010. Spending on residential building showed a decline of almost 3% whilst non-residential building declined as cuts in government funding started to take effect. After showing encouraging growth in 2010, the number of new housing starts fell slightly in 2011. Wavin UK's performance was also impacted by the effects of the slow introduction of the next generation Hep2O fittings and the related cost inefficiencies. The full Hep2O range was available as of the second half of the year and market acceptance is good. At the end of the year, we signed a contract to supply Hep2O to British Gas's network of 10,000 installers.
In France, markets slowed down in the second half of the
year. Existing housing sales declined sharply, while new
build activity declined after a change in tax legislation for
investment in rental properties.
Wavin France faced delivery problems at the beginning of the
year as a result of the introduction of a new barcode system.
These issues were resolved in the course of 2011.
In Ireland, after several difficult years during which GDP shrunk by a cumulative 11.6% in three years, the economy started to stabilise. We maintained our number one position in the market and managed to increase our market share within some categories, including Hot & Cold.
Central & Eastern Europe(Poland, Czechia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and Slovakia)
Revenue in the Central & Eastern Europe region rose by 14.0% from EUR 199.0 million in 2010 to EUR 226.9 million in 2011. Ebitda for the year ended at EUR 29.1 million, slightly above the EUR 28.8 million achieved the previous year. The Ebitda margin dropped to 12.8% mainly due to the full year consolidation of the sales joint-venture in Czechia.
In 2011 Poland recorded a relatively high and well-balanced
economic growth. The non-residential market increased by
nearly 4%. The infrastructure business showed strong growth,
partly due to the EU subsidised programs and investments
related to the European Football Championships in Poland and
the Ukraine.
Wavin Poland saw an increase in demand in below ground
systems supported by the mild winter. After two strong
quarters, however, infrastructure demand leveled off. This
was compensated by accelerated growth in, amongst others, the
residential Hot & Cold segment.
The Czech market remained weak in 2011. We transferred the responsibility for domestic sales to Wavin Osma, a commercial joint venture 65 % owned by Wavin and 35% by Osma, a German manufacturer of plastic pipe systems. With an improved product portfolio and a stronger organisation, Wavin Osma has successfully maintained its leading overall market position in the Czech market.
The Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) and Belarus enjoyed economic growth, predominantly due to increased exports to EU partners and Russia. In 2011 Wavin, the number two in the region, improved its market positions in Latvia and Lithuania.
South East Europe(Italy, Turkey Hungary, Romania, Croatia,
Serbia)
In the South East Europe region, revenue was almost the same
as in 2010 at EUR 196.8 million. Ebitda increased to EUR 10.1
million from EUR 9.0 million.
The construction sector in Italy declined for the fourth consecutive year. Both residential and non-residential output dropped by more than 6% in 2011. Under these market conditions credit control is extremely important. In this fragmented market with no clear market leader, raw material cost increases were difficult to pass on.
In Turkey, a key growth market for Wavin, the construction market grew by 10% in 2011. We have a strong position in Below Ground and are now focusing to grow our market position in the Above Ground segment. In 2011 good progress was made in this segment. The important export business from Turkey to neighbouring countries was affected by strict credit control. We implemented a number of initiatives to reduce costs and align the organisation to the 2015 strategy.
Hungary's economic climate remained challenging, and construction output dropped for the sixth year in a row. We hold strong market positions in both the Above Ground and Below Ground sectors and were able to increase our overall market share during the year. In December, the Hungarian Competition Authority started an investigation of Hungarian pipe producers suspected of forming a price fixing cartel. We are co-operating actively with the authorities, providing any information required and have no reason to believe that we violated anti-trust rules.
Wavin Overseas and others
A number of entities of the Wavin Group are not included in
the regional structure, including Wavin Overseas, Wavin
China, Wavin Technology & Innovation and Group holding
companies.
Wavin Overseas is responsible for our commercial activities
outside Europe and sells Wavin products and technologies
globally through a network of 120 agents and licensees. In
2011, growth was particularly strong in the Middle East and
Asia. Wavin Overseas expanded its licensing base of the
proprietary Biax technology for PVC pipe systems. This
technology enables pipes to be manufactured with less raw
material and with better properties than pipes manufactured
using traditional methods. In Asia, sales of our patented
Compact Pipe system for trenchless pipe rehabilitation grew.
Financial Calendar 2012
14 March | Publication Annual Report 2011 on corporate website |
28 March | Registration date for General Meeting of Shareholders |
19 April | Trading Update Q1 2012 |
25 April | Annual General Meeting of Shareholders |
23 August | Publication of H1 figures 2012 |
18 October | Trading Update Q3 2012 |
About Wavin
Wavin is the leading supplier of plastic pipe systems and
solutions in Europe. The company provides essentials: plastic
pipe systems and solutions for tap water, surface heating and
cooling, soil and waste, rain- and storm water, distribution
of drinking water and gas and telecom applications. Wavin is
headquartered in Zwolle (The Netherlands) and has a presence
in 25 European countries. The company employs approximately
6,200 people and reported revenue of approximately EUR 1.3
billion for 2011. Outside Europe, it has a global network of
agents, licensees and distributors. Wavin is listed on the
NYSE Amsterdam stock exchange (WAVIN). More details about
Wavin can be found at www.wavin.com
For further information:
Media Relations: Herbert van Zijl Telephone: +31 38 429 4209 Mobile: +31 6 51461442 E-mail: media@wavin.com |
Investor Relations : Ton Bruijne Telephone: +31 38 429 4357 Mobile : +31 6 51234949 E-mail: InvestorRelations@wavin.com |
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
This announcement contains forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are statements that are not based
on historical fact, including statements about our beliefs
and expectations. Any statement in this announcement that
expresses or implies our intentions, beliefs, expectations or
predictions (and the assumptions underlying them) is a
forward-looking statement. Such statements are based on
plans, estimates and projections as currently available to
the management of Wavin. Forward-looking statements therefore
speak only as of the date they are made and we assume no
obligation to publicly update any of them in the light of new
information or future events.
Annexes:
Consolidated income statement
Consolidated balance sheet
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Key figures last three years
Revenue and Ebitda breakdown per region, revenue breakdown per Business Unit