• Orders: Decreased 4% year-over-year at constant FX to CHF 538 million.
• Group Sales: Decreased 5% at constant FX to CHF 580 million.
• Operational EBITDA Margin: 16.9% in Q3, stable compared to last year.
• Surface Solutions Orders: CHF 343 million.
• Surface Solutions Sales: CHF 356 million.
• Surface Solutions EBITDA Margin: Increased by 50 basis points to 18%.
• Polymer Processing Solutions Orders: CHF 195 million, a 2% year-over-year decrease.
• Polymer Processing Solutions Sales: CHF 224 million, down 11% at constant FX.
• Polymer Processing Solutions EBITDA Margin: 13.1%.
• Full Year EBITDA Margin Guidance: Increased to approximately 16%.

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 10 Warning Signs with OERLF.

Release Date: November 05, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• OC Oerlikon Corp AG, Pfaffikon (OERLF) achieved a strong profitability in both divisions despite a challenging economic environment.
• The company raised its full-year margin guidance to the high end of previous expectations, indicating confidence in its financial performance.
• Surface Solutions division improved its operational EBITDA margin by 50 basis points, demonstrating effective cost management and innovation.
• Polymer Processing Solutions division achieved a double-digit EBITDA margin, reflecting strong cost discipline and operational efficiency.
• The company is on track with its pure-play transformation strategy, which is expected to enhance focus and efficiency.

Negative Points

• Orders decreased by 4% year-over-year at constant FX, primarily due to slowing end markets in surface solutions.
• Group sales decreased by 5% at constant FX, driven by lower filament orders and subdued industrial production.
• The strong Swiss franc negatively impacted growth, eliminating a significant part of the company's revenue gains.
• The luxury market remains weak, particularly due to geopolitical uncertainties and inflation affecting consumer spending.
• The polymer processing solutions division is experiencing soft demand, with orders stabilizing at low levels.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you explain the difference in revenue numbers for polymer processing in your separation plans? A: Markus Richter, CFO: The separation involves the manmade fiber business, excluding HRSflow, which accounts for the difference. HRSflow had around CHF140 million in sales in 2023.

Q: What is the rationale behind the updated margin guidance for Q4? A: Markus Richter, CFO: We are confident in reaching a 16% margin due to cost discipline and expected order pick-up in Q4, particularly in polymer processing, which will affect the product mix.

Q: What are the midterm plans for the INglass business? A: Michael Suess, Executive Chairman: INglass will remain part of the company, operating successfully alongside our tool business. We focus on manmade fibers for separation, and any changes will be communicated in advance.

Q: How confident are you in maintaining margins in surface solutions given the weakening market? A: Markus Richter, CFO: We are confident due to cost measures and innovation. Despite market challenges, we raised our guidance to approximately 16% for the year.

Q: Is there a risk of goodwill impairment for the INglass business? A: Michael Suess, Executive Chairman: There is no impairment risk. INglass is a strong asset with high profitability, despite current market challenges.

Q: What is your outlook for the textile industry over the next 12 to 18 months? A: Markus Richter, CFO: Order levels are low, but underlying growth drivers remain intact. We focus on profitability and innovation, ready for recovery when it comes.

Q: What is your view on the surface solutions business for the next 12 to 18 months? A: Markus Richter, CFO: Our view is reflected in the sales and margin guidance. We will provide an update for 2025 in February.

Q: Are there any plans for restructuring or impairment in the non-filament business? A: Michael Suess, Executive Chairman: There are no plans for restructuring or impairment. The asset is performing well, and we are satisfied with its performance.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.