Integrated ATM and Airport Systems

Defence and security company Saab presents the results for January-June 2014.

Statement by the President and CEO Håkan Buskhe:
The security and defence market remains challenging and competition is fierce. During the first half-year of 2014, Saab has developed and strengthened its product portfolio. In order to offer products and solutions that our customers want, the investments in research and development as well as cost efficient solutions are key. The business area Electronic Defence Systems launched unique solutions during the period, that give the established Giraffe AMB and Arthur systems leading functionality and design.

The interest for Gripen remains strong internationally. The development of Gripen E progress according to time plan and budget and will be delivered to Sweden, starting 2018. The negotiations with Brazil regarding Gripen NG continue and both parties’ ambition is to reach an agreement in 2014. In July, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Brazilian aircraft producer Embraer regarding joint development and production of Gripen for Brazil.

During the first half-year, Saab strengthened its position as one of the world’s leading companies in military training systems and received orders from both the Finnish armed forces and the UK Ministry of Defence.

Order bookings in the business area Dynamics were negatively affected by the continued challenging market situation, and by delays in customers’ procurement decisions. We see no change in the market situation short-term, but continue to develop our offer to safeguard the business area’s long-term potential.

In June, an agreement was reached to acquire ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AB (former Kockums). This enables the expansion of the naval offer, as announced earlier this year, and makes Saab one of few companies in the world with the ability to develop, produce and deliver comprehensive defence solutions for air, land and sea. The closing of the transaction is planned for July 2014.

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has during the first half-year placed orders for construction and production plans for the next generation submarines and to conduct a mid-life update of two Gotland-class submarines. Also, a Letter of Intent was signed with FMV regarding the Swedish armed forces’ underwater capability, comprising potential orders of over SEK 11 billion.

Saab’s order bookings decreased in the period, compared to the same period 2013 where we received development orders amounting to SEK 13.2 billion attributable to Gripen E.

Sales amounted to MSEK 10,972 (11,748), a decrease of 7 per cent, mainly due to lower sales within Dynamics.

The reported operating income amounted to MSEK 643 (545) with an operating margin of 5.9 percent (4.6). The operating income for the same period 2013 was negatively impacted by a non-recurring item of MSEK 231 attributable to a lost legal dispute. The operating income adjusted for non-recurring items amounted to MSEK 643 (776) and the operating margin was 5.9 per cent (6.6). The business area Electronic Defence Systems reported a positive operating income, while continuing to invest in development of new radar and sensor technology.

The efficiency measures announced in 2013 progress according to plan and in total, the number of FTE’s and external consultants has been reduced by approx. 850 since the beginning of 2013.

The operational cash flow was negative, mainly due to timing differences in deliveries and milestone payments. During the second half-year 2014 we have more planned milestone deliveries and we therefore estimate that the operational cash flow will be positive.

Earnings per share after dilution amounted to SEK 3.80 (2.48).

Outlook statement 2014:
In 2014, we estimate that sales will be in line with 2013.
The operating margin in 2014, excluding material non-recurring items, is expected to be somewhat higher than the operating margin in 2013, excluding material non-recurring items.

Excluding material non-recurring items, the operating margin was 6.6 per cent in 2013.