Bühler Reports Good Performance in 2019

In 2019, Bühler delivered good performance at Group level, increasing the EBIT margin to 7.6% (previous year: 7.1%). Turnover was stable at CHF 3.3 billion ($3.37 billion) while order intake decreased by 4.6% to CHF 3.1 billion. The newly-formed Consumer Foods segment, which was created after the acquisition of the Haas Group, exceeded expectations and made a material contribution to the good Group results. Bühler increased its investments into innovation to a record high, and its financial position remained strong, improving equity ratio.

“We are pleased with the 2019 achievements as they confirm our strategic set-up with the three businesses, which leveled out market volatility,” said CEO Stefan Scheiber. “With our broad portfolio, global position, and innovation strength, we are ready to tackle the challenges of an ongoing volatile global economy.”

The business development in the segments varied widely due to high volatility in some of Bühler’s key markets. While the food and feed markets showed continued demand – specifically, plant-based proteins for meat alternatives and malting experienced strong upswings – the automotive, consumer electronics, and architectural glass industries underwent downward trends.

As a result, order intake for Grains & Food continued to grow at CHF 1.8 billion (+5.2 %), for Consumer Foods it declined slightly to CHF 775 million (-1.7 %), and Advanced Materials had to absorb a decline of 32.2 % in order intake to CHF 488 million. In regard to turnover, Grains & Food demonstrated robustness at CHF 1.8 billion (+0.9 %) and Consumer Foods was able to grow its turnover by 2.5% to CHF 774 million. At CHF 649 million, the turnover of Advanced Materials dropped by 8.0 %.

Bühler maintained a strong financial position in 2019. Net liquidity remained high at CHF 449 million (+0.3 %), and the equity ratio grew to 42.8% (previous year: 42.2 %). RONOA (return on net operating assets) remained on par with the previous year at 14%.