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Saab Global

Saab's results January-September 2013

Defence and security company Saab presents the results for January-September 2013.

Statement by the President and CEO Håkan Buskhe:
During the third quarter, the Swiss Parliament confirmed its support for the procurement of Gripen E, the next generation of Gripen. A potential public referendum remains before an order could be received in 2014. We also note a great interest for Gripen from other countries.

Order intake increased by 59 per cent during the first nine months of 2013 compared to 2012. We received several important orders, e.g. from FMV regarding the development of Gripen E, and a contract for the installation and commission of electronic security systems for the Australian Department of Defence. Particularly pleasing is the contract with the Spanish Navy regarding the use of the unmanned aircraft system Skeldar UAS for surveillance during the EU mission in the Gulf of Aden.

At the same time, reduced state budgets, primarily in the U.S. and Europe, affects the defence and security industry as appropriations to the defence sector and other state funded programmes decline and competition intensifies. Within the defence sector, investments in the land area are declining and with a stronger focus on the air and naval area.

Sales amounted to MSEK 16,471 in the period, an organic decline of 2 per cent. We saw a lower activity level primarily within the business areas Dynamics and Electronic Defence Systems.

The reported operating income during the first nine months amounted to MSEK 811 (1,395) and the operating margin was 4.9 per cent (8.4).

Excluding material non-recurring items, operating income amounted to MSEK 1,042 (1,188) and the operating margin was 6.3 per cent (7.1).

The business area Electronic Defence Systems showed a positive operating income during the third quarter, but the large investments to strengthen our product portfolio as well as ongoing restructuring measures continue. Dynamics reported a loss in the third quarter as a consequence of a low activity level.

In July we announced that further efficiency measures will be implemented in order to create larger scope for investments that will help us reach our long term targets.

Efficiency measures during 2013 are expected to contribute with approximately MSEK 500 in efficiency improvements by the end of 2014.

During the third quarter Dynamics announced that negotiations have been initiated aiming at reducing headcount by 70 people at the production facility in Karlskoga, Sweden. Electronic Defence Systems in Gothenburg, Sweden, announced that headcount is planned to be reduced by 150-175 employees by means of a competence shift programme. Furthermore, measures have been initiated to strengthen efficiency within group wide functions.

The lower operating cash flow is mainly attributable to timing differences in milestone payments in large projects and investments and acquisitions, together with a payment related to the command and control system DACCIS that was made during the period.

Earnings per share after dilution amounted to SEK 4.21.

After the conclusion of the period we received an order for radar and combat management systems for the royal Thai navy frigate amounting to MSEK 850 as well as an order for components for the weapon system Carl-Gustaf of MSEK 434.

Outlook statement 2013:

  • Estimated sales in 2013 will be in line with 2012.
  • The operating margin in 2013, excluding material net capital gains and other non-recurring items, is expected to be in line with the operating margin in the first half-year 2013, excluding material non-recurring items.

Excluding material non-recurring items, operating income in the first half-year 2013 amounted to MSEK 776 and the operating margin was 6.6 per cent.

Financial highlights

MSEK Jan-Sep 2013 Jan-Sep 2012 Change, % Jul-Sep 2013 Jul-Sep 2012 Jan-Dec 2012
Order bookings 25,029 15,755 59 2,993 4,111 20,683
Order backlog 42,407 36,331 17 34,151
Sales 16,471 16,704 -1 4,723 4,899 24,010
Gross income 4,475 4,933 -9 1,264 1,358 7,208
Gross margin, % 27.2 29.5   26.8 27.7 30.0
Operating income before depreciation/amortisation and write-downs (EBITDA) 1,557 2,262 -31  515 567 3,186
EBITDA margin 9.5 13.5   10.9 11.6 13.3
Operating income (EBIT) 811 1 395 -42 266 262 2,050
Operating margin, % 4.9 8.4 5.6 5.3 8.5
Net income 455 1,010 -55 192 169 1,560
Earnings per share before dilution, SEK 4.34 9.81 1.78 1.58 15.00
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 4.21 9.49 1.73 1.53 14.52
Return on equity, %* 8.8 12.2 12.8
Operating cash flow ** -2,027 -660 -936 -856 -396
Operating cash flow per share after dilution, SEK -18.57 -6.05 -8.58 -7.84 -3.63
* The return on equity is measured over at rolling 12-month period          
** Operating cash flow includes cash flow from operating activities of MSEK -1 382 (-424) and cash flow from investing activities excluding change in short-term investments and other interest-bearing financial assets of MSEK -645 (-236)          
Alla belopp för 2012 har omräknats enligt förändringen i redovisningsprinciper för pensioner (IAS 19). Belopp för 2011 och tidigare perioder har inte omräknats.

Press and analyst meeting
Press and financial analysts are invited to a press and analyst meeting where CEO Håkan Buskhe together with CFO Magnus Örnberg present the results for January-September 2013. 

Tuesday, 29 October, 10.00 CET
Grand Hotel, New York, Blaiseholmshamnen 8, Stockholm, Sweden

R.S.V.P
E-mail: marie.bergstrom@saabgroup.com
Phone: +46 8 463 02 45

Live webcast
If you are unable to attend in person, please visit http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Investor-relations/ where a live webcast of the presentation will be available together with the presentation material. All viewers will be able to post questions to the presenters. The webcast will also be available afterwards at the Saab website.



Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

For further information, please contact:
Saab Investor Relations, Ann-Sofi Jönsson, +46 (0) 734 187 214
Saab Press Centre, +46 (0)734 180 018, presscentre@saabgroup.com

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The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on October 29 at 07.30 CET.