The Sika success story continued in 2016, another record year. In local currencies, sales increased by 5.5 % to CHF 5747.7 million. Growth momentum coupled with disciplined cost management led to new record figures of CHF 795.3 million (+18.1 %) for the operating profit and CHF 566.6 million (+21.8 %) for net profit. 17 key investments made in the period under review will drive future growth further forward. Since the targets for Strategy 2018 have been reached ahead of schedule, they are once again being raised.
All regions managed to lift sales and gain a further market share. Strong, above-average growth rates were recorded in the USA, Mexico, the UK, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia and the automotive segment. In cumulative terms and in local currencies, sales were up 5.5 %. The strength of the Swiss franc led to conversion effects of -0.8 %, and thus to a 4.7 % increase in sales in Swiss-franc terms to CHF 5747.7 million.
Sales in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa) rose by 4.6 % in local currencies. The core markets Germany, France, Spain and Italy achieved good growth rates. Strong above-average growth was seen in the UK, Russia, Eastern Europe and Africa.
Sales in the North America region rose by 7.8 % in local currencies. This is due in particular to the accelerated expansion of the supply chain and the investments in the sales force in fast-growing metropolitan areas.
The Latin America region recorded a 5.1 % sales increase in local currencies. Mexico, Argentina and Chile all developed strongly. By contrast, the continuing economic crisis in Brazil and significant falls in the value of some local currencies led to a downturn in business activity in several countries in the region.
Growth in the Asia/Pacific region was reported at 3.6 % in local currencies. The extremely dynamic performance of the markets in Southeast Asia and the ­Pacific area translated into substantial sales gains. Sika also posted stable second-half growth rates in China.
The accelerated expansion into growth markets also continued in 2016, with a total of 17 key investments in nine new factories, four additional national subsidiaries, and four acquisitions.
With the aim of generating momentum for future growth, three acquisitions were made in the North America region: L.M. Scofield, a leading producer of color additives for ready-mix concrete, and FRC Industries, a manufacturer of fibers for concrete, both joined the Group. The Rmax acquisition enables the expansion of the portfolio for building envelope, wall and roofing insulation technologies.
896 Sika employees in R&D drive the innovative strength, many of them working on basic research and the development of new products at the 20 Global Technology Centers. In the 2016 financial year, 72 new patent ­applications were filed, and a large number of new products were launched in all target markets.
Since the targets of Strategy 2018 had been achieved two years early, Sika’s strategic goals were reviewed in the second half of 2016 in conjunction with senior managers worldwide. The Board of Directors subsequently reaffirmed the growth model and raised the targets. Sika is now aiming for an EBIT margin of 14-16 % (previously 12-14 %) and operating free cash flow greater than 10 % (previously more than 8 %). The aim is to achieve a return on capital employed in excess of 25 %. By 2020, 30 new factories are to be commissioned and 8 new national subsidiaries established. The annual sales growth target remains at 6-8 %. Sika intends to increase EBIT to more than CHF 1 billion by 2020.
By opening nine new factories, establishing four more national subsidiaries and acquiring four companies, Sika laid the foundations for future growth in 2016. These 17 key investments, the well-filled product pipeline and the strong sales organization give the Group reason to look to the future with optimism.
The goal for the 2017 business year is to continue the growth strategy, in­creasing sales by 6-8 % to an initial figure of CHF 6 billion, opening 8 new factories, and establishing 3 national subsidiaries. EBIT and net profit should continue to increase at a disproportionately high rate.