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·       Improvement of all relevant KPIs in Q1 2021 in comparison to the preceding quarter

·       EBIT clearly positive at MEUR 3.6, profit after tax at MEUR 1.0

·       High liquidity increased further to MEUR 326.1

 

Ternitz, 19 May 2021 – Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment Aktiengesellschaft (SBO), listed on the ATX leading index of the Vienna Stock Exchange, recorded a positive first quarter of 2021. The upward trend compared to the previous quarter was evident across all regional markets and in all key figures. As a result, the gradual recovery of the global economy is also reflected in the company's key performance indicators. SBO's sales for the first three months of the year were MEUR 59.3, EBIT was clearly positive at MEUR 3.6, and profit after tax arrived at MEUR 1.0. Net liquidity increased to MEUR 21.8, and gearing improved further to minus 7.1 %. The book-to-bill ratio, which is a ratio of bookings to sales and an indicator of medium-term development, was now slightly above 1 again for the first time.

 

“We started 2021 on a positive momentum, as we achieved an increase in bookings both in the North American markets and internationally. Provided there is no new unexpected slump of the global economy, the current slight growth should even accelerate in the second half of the year”, says Gerald Grohmann, CEO of SBO.

 

Solid result after pandemic-year

 

As the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic started to play out only at the end of the first quarter of 2020, any year-on-year comparison is of limited significance. The crisis bottomed out in the third quarter of 2020, since then a moderate recovery has set in, which has led to a positive result in the first quarter of 2021.

 

In the first three months of 2021, bookings at SBO were MEUR 60.0 (1-3/2020: MEUR 101.2). Sales arrived at MEUR 59.3 (1-3/2020: MEUR 108.9). The order backlog stood at MEUR 63.8 at the end of March (31 December 2020: MEUR 65.2). Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) went from MEUR 23.4 in the first quarter of 2020 to MEUR 11.6 in 2021, while the EBITDA margin came to 19.5 % (1-3/2020: 21.5 %). Profit from operations (EBIT) arrived at MEUR 3.6 (1-3/2020: MEUR 12.1).

 

SBO's profit before tax was MEUR 2.4 (1-3/2020: MEUR 11.6), profit after tax stood at MEUR 1.0 (1-3/2020: MEUR 8.6). Earnings per share in the first quarter of 2021 amounted to EUR 0.06 (1-3/2020: EUR 0.54). "Every crisis has its own characteristics and is subject to a variety of influences. In 2020, the industry experienced the deepest downturn since World War II. It is one of our strengths to react very promptly to different circumstances, and we are already pro-actively taking measures to meet the forthcoming upswing", comments CEO Gerald Grohmann.

 

High liquidity increases further

 

SBO's equity was rising to MEUR 306.9 during the first quarter of 2021 (31 December 2020: MEUR 287.0), while the company's equity ratio increased to 38.1 % (31 December 2020: 36.9 %). Net liquidity again improved from year-end 2020 to MEUR 21.8 (31 December 2020: MEUR 9.5). Gearing went down further to minus 7.1 % (31 December 2020: minus 3.3 %). Liquid funds stood at MEUR 326.1 (31 December 2020: MEUR 314.0). Cashflow from operating activities in the first quarter of 2021 arrived at MEUR 5.2 (1-3/2020: MEUR 14.3). Capital expenditure for property, plant and equipment (CAPEX) stood at MEUR 4.3 (1-3/2020: MEUR 6.3).

 

Economic upswing with an impact on the oil and gas market

 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects the global economy to grow by 6.0 % in 2021, following a decline of 3.3 % in 2020. The positive prognosis rests primarily on the continuation of the COVID-19 vaccination programs. The expected economic recovery is also reflected in global energy demand. Significant catch-up demand should set in on the oil and gas markets, which should begin in the second half of the year 2021 at the latest.

 

"The rise in oil prices is setting the direction for our industry. Although climate policy goals have great importance, the supply of the world's population with the fossil fuels oil and gas must be secured. We are aware of this responsibility and are actively meeting these challenges," says CEO Gerald Grohmann and adds: "Taking advantage of opportunities in a dynamic environment is our strength. This is our daily practice and what we are comfortable with."

 

The restrictive capital spending measures observed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic could even produce a significant catch-up effect, which should once again accelerate demand for SBO products. With its high-quality products and their constant development, the SBO Group ensures that the supply of energy is more efficient and thus more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, as part of its sustainable growth strategy, SBO aim at increasingly offer its technologies to various industrial sectors.

 

SBO's key performance indicators at a glance

 

 

Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG (SBO) is the global market leader in the production of high-precision components made of non-magnetic, high-alloy stainless steels manufactured to customer specifications. The Group is equally recognized worldwide for its high-efficiency drilling tools and equipment for the oil and gas industry. With its patented materials and processes, including the innovative Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D printing technology, SBO is expanding its leading position in the oil and gas industry alongside other sectors.

 

SBO is listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange and included in the leading ATX index. The Group employs a workforce of more than 1,100 worldwide and is successfully positioned in technologically demanding, profitable niches. Information on the "Quality First"-based growth strategy and sustainable management (ESG) is available in the annual report at https://www.sbo.at/publikationen.

Further inquiry note:

Andreas Böcskör, Corporate Communications

Schoeller-Bleckmann Oilfield Equipment AG

Tel: +43 2630 315 DW 252

E-Mail: a.boecskoer@sbo.co.at