Bobst Group has reported its results for 2019. The company confirmed that it reached sales of CHF 1,636m in 2019, an increase of CHF 2m, or 0.1%, compared to 2018. The operating result (EBIT) was CHF 81m (CHF 87m in 2018), while the net result was CHF 53m (CHF 50m in 2018). The return on capital employed (ROCE) decreased to 12.9% compared to 14.2% in 2018 and the equity ratio increased to 36.7% from 32.2% in the previous year.
“Because of Brexit, the political crisis in many countries, the trend towards EUR/CHF parity in the longer term, the commercial war between the USA and China and the weakening in the booking dynamics since mid-2018, we must focus on our key priorities. If a downturn occurs, the Group will be prepared for lower activities in the short term. This will trigger a change in our strategy,” said Jean-Pascal Bobst.
“In January 2020, the coronavirus outbreak occurred in China and is now spreading to Europe and other regions. This is impacting Bobst’s business operation to a certain extent. The actual impact will depend on the situation and duration of the coronavirus outbreak,” he concluded.
