Bobst Group reports slightly higher order entries than in 2021 and record high sales for the full year 2022. The year-end backlog for both machines and services is nearly 20% higher than at the end of 2021. Both operating and net result reached strong levels and all this despite the major global challenges.
Bobst Group reached sales of CHF 1.841 bn in 2022, an increase of CHF 278 m, or 17.8%, compared to 2021, with a particularly strong growth (CHF +227 m) for Business Unit Printing & Converting. The operating result (EBIT) was CHF 141 m (CHF 99 m in 2021), while the net result was CHF 115 m (CHF 93 m in 2021).
The return on capital employed (ROCE) increased significantly to 28.7% compared to 22.0% in 2021. The cash inflow from operating activities was CHF 93 m, compared to the high level of CHF 186 m in 2021. The net cash position decreased from CHF 154 m in 2021 to CHF 67 m in the reporting year. This was mainly due to the CHF 132 m dividends distributed in April 2022. The dividend paid in 2022 was also the main driver for the decrease in the equity ratio from 32.3% in the previous year to 28.9% in the reporting year.
The Group is confident of having another strong year in 2023, but the known risks, and in particular the supply chain situation, further salary, material and energy price increases, but also the uncertain geopolitical situation, can have a negative impact on the Groups results. For the full year 2023 the Group is currently expecting sales to be similar to the level reached in 2022 (CHF 1.8 bn) and operating result (EBIT) margin to be slightly lower than in 2022 (7.7%).