STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 6, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Sandvik (Other OTC:SDVKY) (Stockholm:SAND):
-- Profit after financial items: SEK 1,036 M in the quarter, 9%
of invoicing
-- Order intake: SEK 11,850 M, up 2% at fixed exchange rates for
comparable units
-- Strong cash flow from operations: SEK 2,212 M
-- Acquisition of Valenite tool company completed
Key figures Q3 Q3 Change Q1-3 Q1-3 Change
SEK M 2002 2001 % 2002 2001 %
Order intake 11 850 11 000 +8(1) 37 550 36 550 +3(1)
Invoiced sales 11 730 11 630 +1(2) 36 040 36 120 0(2)
Operating 1 213 1 425 -15 4 248 4 825 -12
profit
% 10 12 12 13
Profit after 1 036 1 297 -20 3 754 4 457 -16
financial items
% 9 11 10 12
Net profit 758 740 +2 2 496 2 623 -5
% 6 6 7 7
Earnings per 14.20 14.10
share(3), SEK
Return on 14.8 18.7
capital
employed(3), %
1) +2% and -4% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
2) -5% and -7% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
3) Rolling 12 months.
Short-term market outlook(a)
No significant change in the demand situation is expected for Sandvik in the near future.
(a) Previous short-term market outlook (published August 7, 2002)
"The outlook presented in the preceding interim report remains
valid: No significant change in the demand situation is expected
for Sandvik in the near future. The process of change under way
in the Group is proceeding as planned, which means that higher
efficiency and cost savings successively affect profitability
positively. The readiness is high to capitalize on a future
increase in demand.
Concurrently, Sandvik's market position is being strengthened through acquisitions."
Third quarter 2002
Order intake -- Development by market area third quarter 2002
Change(b)
Order intake Share Q3 2001
Market area SEK M % %
EU 4 485 38 -8
Rest of Europe 900 7 -10
Europe total 5 385 45 -9
NAFTA 2 745 23 +1
South America 495 4 +8
Africa/Middle East 655 6 +72
Asia/Australia 2 570 22 +20
Total 11 850 100 +2
(b) at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
Order intake declined within the EU for Sandvik Specialty Steels business area, while it was largely unchanged for Sandvik Tooling. The negative trend in Rest of Europe was attributable to Sandvik Specialty Steels and Sandvik Tooling, while the order intake for Sandvik Mining and Construction increased. Demand in NAFTA stabilized, but the trend varied among the business areas. Sandvik Tooling reported an unchanged level compared with a year earlier, Sandvik Mining and Construction a decline and Sandvik Specialty Steels an increase. In the other market areas -- Africa/Middle East and Asia/Australia -- order intake continued to be favorable.
Demand varied within the Group's customer segments. The activity in the general engineering industry continued to decline in the EU but stabilized in NAFTA. Demand in the automotive industry developed positively in NAFTA and Asia, while activity in South America and parts of Europe remained weak. Demand in the commercial aerospace industry continued to be weak. As previously, order intake from the electronics industry was low. Demand was high from the mining industry within base and precious metals. The activity within coal mining decreased. Demand for products to the construction and offshore industries declined somewhat from a previously high level. Invoicing amounted to SEK 11,730 M (11,630), an increase of 1% in total. At fixed exchange rates for comparable units invoicing declined 5%. Acquisitions affected invoicing positively by 13%, while changes in currency rates impacted negatively by 6%. All business areas had lower invoicing volume excluding acquisitions than in the corresponding quarter a year earlier. Invoicing declined in all market areas except Africa/Middle East. In the Asia/Australia market area, development was favorable, with the exception of Japan.
Earnings, cash flow and return in the third quarter (see appendix 1)
Operating profit in the third quarter amounted to SEK 1,213 M (1,425), 10% of invoicing. Changes in currency rates had a negative effect of SEK 50 M. In addition, earnings were charged for costs covering deficits in primarily foreign pension funds of about SEK 50 M. The new accounting principle for capitalizing certain development costs affected earnings positively by about SEK 15 M.
Operating profit declined, mainly for Sandvik Tooling and Sandvik Specialty Steels. Lower invoicing volumes and rate of production and the effects of changed currency rates were the main reasons for the decline.
Net financial expense was SEK 177 M (expense: 128). The increase was due to a higher level of debt. Profit after net financial items declined by 20% to SEK 1,036 M, 9% of invoicing. Net profit amounted to SEK 758 M (740). The tax rate during the quarter was affected positively by deductible losses related to changes in the foreign organization. Earnings per share were SEK 3.00 (2.90) in the quarter and SEK 14.20 in the most recent 12 months (SEK 14.40 for full-year 2001).
Cash flow from operations amounted to SEK 2,212 M (1,819), an increase of about 20% compared with the preceding year. The improvement was attributable primarily to a reduction of working capital. Investments in fixed assets amounted to SEK 644 M and acquisitions to SEK 1,689 M.
Interest-bearing liabilities and provisions less liquid funds resulted in a net debt of SEK 11,771 M (11,689 at 30 June 2002). Liquid funds amounted to SEK 2,217 M (2,113) and loans to SEK 11,865 M (11,670).
The return on capital employed during the most recent 12 months amounted to 14.8% (17.4% for full-year 2001) and the return on equity was 15.3% (15.5). The number of shares outstanding was 250,510,600. Equity per share amounted to SEK 90.20 SEK (94.00) and the equity/assets ratio was 47% (50). Net debt/equity ratio was 0.5 (0.4).
The number of employees amounted to 37,342 (34,848) at September 30. For comparable units, the number of employees declined by about 90 persons during the quarter. Excluding an increase in service personnel for customer contracts, the decline was about 280 persons.
30 Sept. 30 Sept. 31 Dec.
Key figures 2002 2001 2001
No. of shares at end of period ('000) 250 511 252 849 251 025
Earnings per share, SEK(c) 14.20 14.10 14.40
After full dilution(d) 14.00 13.80 14.30
Return on capital employed, % 14.8 18.7 17.4
Return on shareholders' equity, % 15.3 15.5 15.5
Net debt/equity ratio 0.5 0.4 0.4
(c) Most recent 12 months divided by average number of outstanding
shares, 251,064,000.
(d) Most recent 12 months. After full dilution of outstanding
convertible and warrants programs the average number of
shares amounts to 255,985,000.
Business areas (see appendix 2) - Third quarter 2002
Sandvik Tooling
Q3 Q3 Change Q1-3 Q1-3 Change
SEK M 2002 2001 % 2002 2001 %
Order 4 404 3 789 +1(e) 13 12 467 -5(e)
intake 286
Invoiced 4 439 3 954 -2(e) 13 083 12 508 -7(e)
sales
Operating 558 735 -24 2 016 2 505 -20
profit
% 13(f) 19 15(f) 20
(e) at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
(f) 15% and 17% respectively, excluding Walter and Valenite.
Sandvik Tooling's order intake amounted to SEK 4,404 M (3,789), an increase of 1% compared with a year earlier at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
The trend was weak for tools in high-speed steel and for cemented-carbide blanks, but the order intake for cemented-carbide tools remained stable. Demand in the EU continued to decline. Order intake in NAFTA stabilized. In Asia/Australia, particularly in China, demand continued to be highly favorable.
Invoicing amounted to SEK 4,439 M (3,954), which was a decrease compared with the preceding year of 2% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
Operating profit in the quarter declined compared with a year earlier by 24% and amounted to SEK 558 M (735), or 13% of invoicing. The decrease was attributable to lower sales and production volumes, particularly for tools in high-speed steel and for cemented-carbide blanks, and to currency effects. Excluding acquisitions during the year, the operating margin was about 15%.
The restructuring program initiated in November 2001 is proceeding as planned. A concentration of the number of production and logistics units has to date resulted in a reduction in the number of employees by about 1,200 persons.
Walter was included during the third quarter at the amount of SEK 579 M in order intake and SEK 593 M in sales. The net positive effect on Sandvik Tooling's operating profit was SEK 19 M.
The acquisition of Valenite was completed during the quarter. Valenite is consolidated as of 12 August. Order intake is included in the amount of SEK 252 M and sales totaling SEK 246 M. Sandvik Tooling's operating profit was affected negatively by SEK 8 M, net.
Sandvik Mining and Construction
Q3 Q3 Change Q1-3 Q1-3 Change
SEK M 2002 2001 % 2002 2001 %
Order intake 3 539 3 040 +9(g) 11 307 10 134 0(g)
Invoiced 3 338 3 398 -8(g) 10 455 9 652 -4(g)
sales
Operating 327 336 -3 1 080 1 002 8
profit
% 10 10 10 10
(g) at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
Sandvik Mining and Construction's order intake amounted to SEK 3,539 M (3,040), which was an increase of 9% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units. Demand from the mining industry for base and precious metals continued to be favorable in Africa and Australia. The activity in coal mining, particularly in NAFTA, showed clear signs of a decline. In the civil engineering industry, activity remained low in Europe, stable within NAFTA and favorable in Asia/Australia.
The trend was positive for business that comprises combined deliveries of machinery, tools and service.
Invoicing declined by 8% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units compared with the third quarter of 2001 and amounted to SEK 3,338 M (3,398).
Operating profit amounted to SEK 327 M (336), or 10% of invoicing, a decline of 3% compared with the preceding year. The decline was mainly due to lower invoicing volume.
During the quarter, the acquisition of Mazda Earth Technologies in Japan was announced. The operations have annual sales of about SEK 500 M and are included in Sandvik from 1 November 2002. The acquisition results in a significantly stronger presence in Japan and other markets in Asia.Sandvik Specialty Steels
Q3 Q3 Change Q1-3 Q1-3 Change
SEK M 2002 2001 % 2002 2001 %
Order intake 2 953 3 154 -2(h) 9 872 10 692 -7(h)
Invoiced sales 3 008 3 258 -2(h) 9 452 10 711 -11(h)
Operating 230 295 -22 840 953 -12
profit
% 8 9 9 9
(h) at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
Sandvik Specialty Steels' order intake amounted to SEK 2,953 M (3,154), a decline of 2% compared with a year earlier at fixed exchange rates for comparable units. Demand in the EU weakened further. In contrast, order intake in NAFTA increased and activity in Asia/Australia remained high. Demand was favorable for projects to the oil/gas industry and also for products to consumer-related industrial segments.
Invoicing amounted to SEK 3,008 M (3,258), a decline of 2% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units.
Operating profit amounted to SEK 230 M (295), or 8% of invoiced sales. The decrease compared with a year earlier was attributable to lower invoicing and production volumes for products to the electronics industry and to the process and sorting industry.
First nine months of 2002
Order intake during the first nine months amounted to SEK 37,550 M (36,550), which was a total increase of 3%, but down 4% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units. Invoiced sales amounted to SEK 36,040 M (36,120), unchanged in total but a decline of 7% at fixed exchange rates for comparable units. Acquisitions contributed positively by 10%.
Operating profit for the January-September period amounted to SEK 4,248 M (4,825), which was a decline of 12%. The operating margin amounted to 12% of invoicing. Changes in currency rates affected earnings positively by SEK 160 M. The new accounting principle for capitalizing certain development costs affected earnings positively by about SEK 105 M.
Net financial expense was SEK 494 M (expense: 368) and profit after net financial items was SEK 3,754 M (4,457), down 16%. The tax rate was 30% and net profit amounted to SEK 2,496 M (2,623).
Cash flow from operations was SEK 5,399 M (3,514). Investments in fixed assets amounted to SEK 1,547 M (1,830). Company acquisitions amounted to SEK 2,511 M. After investments, acquisitions and divestments, the cash flow was SEK 1,658 M (1,705).
The number of employees was 37,342 (34,848 at 31 December 2001), which was a decline of about 855 persons for comparable units from the beginning of the year. Excluding an increase in service personnel for Sandvik Mining and Construction, the decline was about 1,050 persons.
Parent company
Parent Company invoicing was SEK 8,973 M (8,636), operating profit SEK 1,170 M (1,276) and net debt SEK 460 M (1,086 at 31 December 2001). Parent Company investments in fixed assets amounted to SEK 333 M (472).
Accounting principles
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council's recommendation RR20 Interim Reports. As of 2002, an additional number of recommendations from the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council became effective, of which only RR15 Intangible Assets has had any effect on earnings for the year.
Buy-back of shares
At September 30, 2002, Sandvik's holding of own shares (treasury stock) totaled 8,197,000 corresponding to 3.2% of the total number of shares (258,707,600) and the amount paid was SEK 1,784 M. No shares were repurchased during the third quarter. In accordance with the decision at the Annual General Meeting in May 2002, Sandvik is authorized to repurchase 10% of the total number of shares in the company. The authorization is valid for the period up to the date of the next Annual General Meeting.
Structural changes 2002
-- An agreement was reached in February with the principal owners
of German Walter AG to complete the acquisition. This meant that
Sandvik is consolidating the Walter Group as of February 25. At
September 30, Sandvik's ownership interest was 81% of the shares
outstanding. During the third quarter, Sandvik decided to make a
public offer to the other shareholders in Walter AG for the
acquisition of all shares outstanding at a price of EUR 32.50
(SEK 302) per share. The total value of the offer is about EUR
29.3 M (SEK 272 M). The offer is conditional upon
Sandvik attaining ownership exceeding 95% and is valid until the
beginning of December.
-- In the first quarter, Sandvik's interest in the associated
company Avesta Sandvik Tube AB was reduced from 25% to 17%. The
company has changed name to AvestaPolarit Stainless Tube AB.
-- In May, Sandvik Steel announced the decision to close the
production of stainless-steel spring wire at the Gusab Stainless
AB subsidiary in Mjolby, Sweden, which has about 110 employees.
The closing is expected to be completed during 2003 and is part of
the previously announced program of change intended to increase
efficiency and align production capacity within Sandvik
Specialty Steels.
-- Sandvik Hard Materials decided in May to close production of
cemented-carbide seal rings and wear parts in Espergaerde,
Denmark, and transfer most of the production to the unit in
Barcelona, Spain. The action affects slightly more than 100
employees and is expected to be completed within the next 12
months. The closure is part of Sandvik Tooling's ongoing program
of change.
-- An agreement was reached in June with Milacron Inc., in the
U.S., covering the acquisition of the North American tool company
Valenite. The company, with approximately 1,300 employees, has its
head office in Madison Heights, Michigan, U.S., and production
units in South Carolina, Michigan and Texas. Sales in 2001
amounted to about SEK 2 billion. The purchase price was SEK 1,750
M and goodwill is estimated preliminarily to about SEK 1,000 M.
After approval was received from the anti-trust authorities, the
acquisition was completed and Valenite was consolidated as of
August 12, 2002.
-- During the third quarter, a consolidation of operations in
Precision Twist Drill in the U.S. was carried out. One of the major
actions was that production in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, was
transferred to Crystal Lake, Illinois, which resulted in a
reduction of about 250 employees.
-- Sandvik Steel decided in the third quarter to intensify the
ongoing program of change through carrying out a review of the
organizational structure at the main facilities in Sandviken. The
aim is to improve the profitability through reduced costs,
enhanced efficiency and increased flexibility. As a result of this
action, the number of salaried employees in Sandviken is expected
to be reduced by 140 positions.
-- During the quarter, Sandvik Mining and Construction announced the
acquisition of Mazda Earth Technologies' operations in Japan.
Mazda Earth Technologies is a leading manufacturer of machinery
and equipment for the Japanese mining and construction industry.
The operations being acquired have annual sales of about SEK 500 M
and include the Toyo brand, development and production rights as
well as a sales and service organization with about 30 employees.
The operations are consolidated in Sandvik as of November 1, 2002.
-- During the quarter, Sandvik Mining and Construction announced
the acquisition of Mazda Earth Technologies' operations in Japan.
Mazda Earth Technologies is a leading manufacturer of machinery
and equipment for the Japanese mining and construction industry.
The operations being acquired have annual sales of about
SEK 500 M and include the Toyo brand, development and production
rights as well as a sales and service organization with about 30
employees. The operations are consolidated in Sandvik as of
November 1, 2002.
Nominating Committee for Annual General Meeting 2003
In accordance with a prior decision by Sandvik AB's Annual General Meeting, the Nominating Committee comprises Sandvik's Board Chairman and representatives of the four largest shareholders. Accordingly, prior to the Annual General Meeting 2003, Sandvik's Nominating Committee comprises: Clas Ake Hedstrom, Sandvik's Board Chairman, Carl-Olof By, Industrivarden, Curt Kallstromer, Handelsbanken Pension Foundation and Pension Fund, Marianne Nilsson, Robur and Lars Otterbeck, Alecta.
Sandviken, November 6, 2002
Sandvik AB; (publ)
Lars Pettersson President and CEO
Appendices: 1. Group summary 2. Invoicing and operating profit
The interim report for the third quarter of 2002 is unaudited. The year-end report for 2002 will be published on February 11, 2003. For additional information, please call +46 (0)26-26 10 26
A combined presentation and telephone conference will be held at Operaterrassen in Stockholm, Sweden, on November 6, 1:00 p.m. For further information visit www.sandvik.com .
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