Swiss multinational plant equipment manufacturer's profitability reached new heights in 2023

In 2023, Bühler sailed through a challenging and unpredictable global environment, achieving heightened profitability and enhancing its equity ratio. Leveraging its status as an innovative solution provider, the company capitalised on numerous opportunities, securing a larger market share amid shifts in its primary sectors. Revenue surged significantly in local currencies, while order volume slightly increased. Bolstered by a substantial order backlog totalling CHF 2.0 billion, Bühler stands strongly positioned for the year ahead in 2024.

Stefan Scheiber, the CEO of Bühler, stated, "We are satisfied with the outcome of 2023 and have proved again that we are a reliable partner in this dynamic world."

In 2023, Bühler demonstrated robust performance at the group level, achieving a slight uptick in turnover to CHF 3.0 billion, marking a 1.0 per cent increase. Although order intake dipped to CHF 3.2 billion, down by 3.8 per cent, the order book remained solid at CHF 2.0 billion. EBIT experienced a notable rise, climbing by 8.9 per cent to CHF 216 million, leading to a corresponding EBIT margin of 7.2 per cent, up from the previous year's 6.7 per cent. Net profit saw a significant increase, soaring by 16.3 per cent to CHF 179 million, resulting in a margin of 5.9 per cent, compared to the prior year's 5.2 per cent. The influence of foreign exchange rates was substantial. In local currencies, orders showed a 2 per cent improvement, reaching CHF 3.3 billion, turnover grew by 7 per cent to CHF 3.2 billion, and EBIT surged by 17 per cent to CHF 233 million.

Furthermore, in 2023, Bühler continued to bolster its financial standing, elevating the equity ratio to 51.1 per cent, up from the prior year's 49.8 per cent.

Advanced Materials experienced another strong year

The Advanced Materials division sustained its successful trajectory in 2023. While revenue surged by 15.9 per cent to CHF 778 million, there was a notable 11.2 per cent decline in order intake, settling at CHF 774 million, suggesting a normalization of business volumes. Regarding local currencies, revenue witnessed a robust 22.9 per cent increase, whereas order intake saw a moderate decrease of 5.3 per cent. These figures affirm the Advanced Materials division's upward momentum following a remarkable surge in orders in 2022, primarily propelled by transformative shifts in its respective industries. Consequently, the division achieved an all-time high in revenue for 2023.

The die-casting segment experienced substantial growth, driven by escalating demand for structural components in automotive bodies, particularly for battery enclosures in electric vehicles, and the introduction of innovative megacasting solutions like the Carat 840 and 920 series. Similarly, the Leybold Optics division saw notable gains, primarily fuelled by the demand for glass coaters in architectural and automotive applications, capacitors for electric mobility and grid systems, and the sustained market trends in photonics and semiconductors.

Outlook: Stable starting position for 2024

In the midst of ongoing economic volatility expected in 2024, Bühler stands prepared to adeptly navigate through uncertain conditions and capitalise on emerging opportunities. With a solid foundation of CHF 2.0 billion in carryover orders, the company is positioned for stability as it embarks on the new year. Bühler maintains its dedication to achieving strategic objectives of sustainable growth, meeting sustainability goals, and fostering the progress of both its clientele and workforce.