Endress+Hauser performed well across all fields of activity, industries and regions in 2019. The Group created hundreds of new jobs, invested record amounts and improved in the area of sustainability. According to CEO Matthias Altendorf, the family company is thus in a strong position to address the challenges of the corona crisis. “2019 was a solid year for Endress+Hauser,” he emphasised. “Growth was broad-based and balanced.”
The measurement and automation technology specialist for process and laboratory applications increased net sales by 8% to 2.652 billion euros, despite a weakening economy. During the annual media conference on financial statements in Basel, the CEO explained that instead of large-scale orders, this growth was driven by smaller and medium-sized projects.
USA still the largest market; China overtakes Germany
In 2019, Asia provided strong growth impulses. Europe performed well and South America recorded excellent growth. North America fell behind expectations, however, while the business in Africa and the Middle East declined. China overtook Germany based on sales volume and just trails the US, which continues to be the largest sales market for Endress+Hauser. According to chief financial officer Dr Luc Schultheiss, the Group companies were able to gain market share.
The changed market environment is reflected in an operating profit (EBIT) of 343.4 million euros, a plus of 3.9%. Profit before taxes (EBT) grew by 9.9% to 346.9 million euros. Behind this is a significantly improved net financial result compared to 2018. Although foreign exchange hedging continued to incur high costs, the positive stock market environment allowed financial investments to generate solid returns in 2019. Return on sales (ROS) climbed 0.2 points to 13.1%.
Digital intimacy bridges the physical distance
Endress+Hauser started 2020 with a further increase in incoming orders. However, the coronavirus pandemic makes it massively more difficult to achieve the original goals. “Although we are still unable to predict the economic impacts of the crisis, we and our customers will certainly feel the effects,” underlined Altendorf. The Group responded early to the spread of the virus and used all means at its disposal to protect people’s health and continue to offer customers solid support.
“We bridge the physical distance through digital and emotional proximity,” emphasised Altendorf. The CEO has been driving digitisation at Endress+Hauser for years – in the product and services areas, as well as in customer interaction and internal collaboration. At peak periods, up to 10 000 employees are currently working from home. Customers can use the website to order instruments or track orders and an online tool enables remote support aided by video.
Group aims to safeguard employment
“Our everyday heroes are those working in production, logistics and service, or under difficult conditions from home or in the office,” added Altendorf. “Through hard work, the company has been successful in ensuring the availability of materials, keeping the logistics chains intact and supporting customers in all respects. The Group’s plants are operating and Endress+Hauser is still able to deliver.”
The CEO therefore believes that the company is well prepared for difficult times. “We have always run a sound business and as a company we are very well positioned,” concluded Altendorf. “We will do everything we can to safeguard jobs and bring Endress+Hauser through this crisis. This will benefit customers, employees and shareholders.” The shareholder family supports this course and accepts a decline in profits, said supervisory board president Dr Klaus Endress. “We would like to have as many people as possible on board when the wind shifts and things pick up again.”
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| www: | www.endress.com |
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