► Saab Year-End Report 2019
Saab presents the results for 2019.
Comment by the President and CEO, Micael Johansson:
A strong year with continued growth and improved profitability
Saab reported strong development in 2019: stable order bookings and good execution
contributed to continued organic growth and improved profitability. At the end
of the year, Saab also secured key milestone payments, which generated strong
operational cash flow in the fourth quarter.
Demand for the company’s products and solutions remains high and the market is expected to continue to grow the next coming years, as Saab is entering production and delivery stage. Saab is re-confirming its long-term financial goals of annual organic growth of 5 per cent and an operating margin of 10 per cent per year over a business cycle.
Orders
Order bookings in 2019 amounted to SEK 27.2 billion (28.0). The order backlog
was SEK 93.3 billion (102.2) at the end of the year. Volumes for small
orders continued and increased by 10 per cent compared to previous year. During
the year, Saab received a major order from Finland’s Ministry of Defence to
provide and integrate the combat system and sensors for Finland’s new
corvettes. Key framework agreements were signed for the Carl-Gustaf weapon
system. Further, the United Arab Emirates announced in the fourth quarter its
intention to acquire two additional GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning &
Control aircraft.
Sales and operating income
Sales increased to SEK 35.4 billion (33.2) in 2019, corresponding to a growth
of 7 per cent. Organic growth was 6 per cent with five of six business areas
contributing to the increase. Saab continues to invest in R&D and
innovation to support future profitable growth. Sales are expected to continue
to grow in 2020 in line with Saab’s long-term growth goal.
Operating income amounted to SEK 2,937 million (2,564) with an operating margin of 8.3 per cent (7.7). The improved profitability benefitted mainly from the increase in volumes. The operating margin in 2020 is expected to continue to improve compared to 2019.
In the last quarter, Saab took important steps in the Gripen E programme for Sweden, where the first serially produced aircraft made its maiden flight and was delivered to the joint test flight programme. Earlier in the year, steps were taken in the delivery of Gripen E to Brazil. In addition, work progressed on Saab’s new production facility for the trainer aircraft T-7A Red Hawk in West Lafayette, Indiana, in the U.S.
Operational cash flow
Operational cash flow for 2019 improved to SEK -1,300 million (-2,424). Key
milestone payments in the fourth quarter generated a strong operational cash
flow of SEK 3,056 million (2,773). For 2020, the aim is to have a
positive operating cash flow.
Dividend
The Board of Directors is proposing a dividend for 2019 of SEK 4.70 (4.50) per
share.
Outlook statement for 2020
Saab estimates that organic sales growth in 2020 will be in line with the long-term financial goal of 5 per cent. The operating margin in 2020 is expected to improve compared to 2019.
Financial highlights
