SIT APPROVES THE FINANCIAL RESULTS AT 30 OF SEPTEMBER 2020

SIT in Q3 recovers revenues and margins Core Heating business up 3% 

CEO and Chairman Federico de’ Stefani: “SIT confirms in the quarter its capacity to expertly navigate periods of disruption”.

SIT reports for 9M 2020:

  • Consolidated revenues of Euro 227.0 million (-13.6% on 9M 2019);
  • Heating Division sales of Euro 174.3 million (-8.6% on 9M 2019);
  • Smart Gas Metering Division sales of Euro 50.6 million (-27.3% on 9M 2019);
  • Consolidated EBITDA of Euro 32.4 million (-12.7% on 2019);
  • Consolidated Net Profit of Euro 11.4 million (-29.8% on 2019);
  • Net financial position at September 30, 2020 of Euro 96.7 million (Euro 78.4 million at end of 2019).

Q3 2020 reports:

  • Consolidated revenues of Euro 93.6 million (-2.0% on Q3 2019);
  • Heating Division sales of Euro 69.6 million (+3.0% on Q3 2019);
  • Smart Gas Metering Division sales of Euro 23.4 million (-13.5% on Q3 2019);
  • Consolidated EBITDA of Euro 17.2 million (+7.8% on Q3 2019);
  • Consolidated Net Profit of Euro 7.6 million (-35.3% on Q3 2019).

***

Padua, November 5, 2020

The Board of Directors of SIT S.p.A., listed on the main market of the Italian Stock Exchange, in a meeting today presided over by Federico de’ Stefani, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, approved the consolidated 9M 2020 results.

“Following an excellent third quarter amid an unstable general operating environment, we approve the 9M results.  Over recent months we have particularly driven revenue and margin growth” stated Federico de’ Stefani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SIT “We have flexibly navigated a period of total disruption in which – despite numerous unknown factors – we remained very close to our customers, our supply chain, our employees and the region, not only in our home country of Italy, but also internationally.  The continuing pandemic opens up opportunities to review our operating processes thanks to our ability to react quickly within a changing environment.  The Advisory Board and the renewed Board of Directors have brought extensive international experience to the Group in support of managing both ordinary and extraordinary situations. In October, we converted a major opportunity: the Janz acquisition, which we will complete by year-end and is a key addition on our strategic growth trajectory.  We will continue to closely focus over the coming quarters on any further opportunities arising within the marketplace. 

SIT’s future development – concluded de’ Stefani – centres on three major drivers: sustainability, human capital and technology. We will continue to invest in innovative solutions and the digitalisation of processes and products to drive our development as an increasingly smart organisation.  Finally, we renew our commitment as a key green economy player, with a focus on protecting natural resources and alternative gases such as biomethane and hydrogen, in support of the energy transition”.

KEY FINANCIALS

(Euro.000)  
Financials 9M 2020 % 9M 2019 % Change Change %
Revenues from contracts with customers 226,951 100.0% 262,768 100.0% -35,817 -13.6%
EBITDA 32,401 14.3% 37,118 14.1% -4,717 -12.7%
EBIT 15,126 6.7% 20,330 7.7% -5,204 -25.6%
Result before taxes (EBT) 13,186 5.8% 17,000 6.5% -3,814 -22.4%
 Net profit/(loss) of the period 11,377 5.0% 16,199 6.2% -4,822 -29.8%
Cash flow from operating & investing activities -5,611   779   -6,390  

 

 
(Euro.000) 30/09/2020 31/12/2019 30/09/2019
Net Financial Position -96,725 -78,379 -86,916
Net trade working capital 58,169 34,971 49,880
Net trade working capital/Revenues (1) 19.2% 9.9% 14.2%

(1)  Annualized

9M 2020 consolidated revenues were Euro 227.0 million, decreasing 13.6% on the same period of 2019 (Euro 262.8 million). Revenues in Q3 were Euro 93.6 million, reducing 2.0% (Euro 95.5 million).

(Euro.000) 9M 2020 % 9M 2019 % Change Change %
Heating 174,312 76.8% 190,732 72.6% -16,420 -8.6%  
Smart Gas Metering 50,560 22.3% 69,507 26.5% -18,947 -27.3%  
Total business revenues 224,872 99.1% 260,239 99.0% -35,367 -13.6%  
Other revenues 2,080 0.9% 2,529 1.0% -449 -17.8%  
Total revenues 226,951 100.0% 262,768 100.0% -35,817 -13.6%  

In the first nine months of 2020, Heating Division sales totaled Euro 174.3 million, declining 8.6% on the same period of 2019.

The geographic distribution of Heating Division sales was as follows:

(Euro.000) 9M 2020 % 9M 2019 % Change Change %
Italy 31,141 17.9% 37,407 19.6% -6,266 -16.8%
Europe (excluding Italy) 84,859 48.7% 88,807 46.6% -3,948 -4.4%
The Americas 39,651 22.7% 45,104 23.6% -5,453 -12.1%
Asia/Pacific 18,661 10.7% 19,414 10.2% -753 -3.9%
Total revenues 174,312 100.0% 190,732 100.0% -16,420 -8.6%

 

Heating division sales in Q3 2020 were up 3.0% on Q3 2019 (+4.3% at like-for-like exchange rates).  Sales by region in the quarter were as follows:

(Euro.000) Q3 2020 % Q3 2019 % Change Change %
Italy 12,476 17.9% 11,902 17.6% 574 4.8%
Europe (excluding Italy) 33,958 48.8% 31,435 46.5% 2,522 8.0%
The Americas 15,174 21.8% 16,144 23.9% -970 -6.0%
Asia/Pacific 8,037 11.5% 8,142 12.0% -105 -1.3%
Total revenues 69,646 100.0% 67,624 100.0% 2,022 3.0%

 

The Italian market saw sales rebound (+4.8%) in the quarter, recovering from the major impact of the lockdown in the second quarter.  In Europe (excluding Italy), the overall growth of Euro 2.5 million in the quarter related for approx. Euro 1.1 million to the UK market (+20.9%), which suffered significantly from the lockdown, while Turkey (+1.0 million, +12.2%) benefitted from improving demand from multinational manufacturers in the country.  Central Europe also improved (+1.0 million) following the introduction of new products by a customer and growing consumer demand.

Sales decreased 6.0% in the third quarter on the American market (-1.4% at like-for-like exchange rates). This is an improvement on the first part of the year impacted by the COVID-related uncertainties, with year-to-date sales in the nine months down 12.1% (-11.7% at like-for-like exchange rates).

Asia/Pacific reported results substantially in line with Q3 2019. Within the region, China saw growth (Euro 0.3 million, +6.1%), with the Middle Eastern and Australian markets declining.

The Smart Gas Metering Division in the first nine months of 2020 reported sales of Euro 50.6 million, down 27.3% on 9M 2019.  Division sales in Q3 2020 of Euro 23.4 million were down 13.5% on Euro 27.1 million in the same period of 2019.

In terms of products, in the first nine months of 2020 sales for residential meters amounted to Euro 47.5 million (94.0% of total sales), while sales for Commercial & Industrial meters amounted to Euro 2.8 million.

9M 2020 EBITDA was Euro 32.4 million, compared to Euro 37.1 million in the previous year (respectively a 14.3% and 14.1% margin).  The reduction in EBITDA in absolute value equal to 4.7 million (-12.7%) reflects the general contraction in sales volumes during the lockdown, against improved production efficiencies and the cutting of operating costs in the period. Q3 EBITDA of Euro 17.2 million was up 7.8% on the same period of 2019 (Euro 16.0 million).

9M 2020 EBIT was Euro 15.1 million, down 25.6% on Euro 20.3 million in the same period of 2019, including amortisation and depreciation of Euro 17.3 million, up Euro 0.5 million on 2019.  The EBIT margin was 6.7% in 9M 2020, compared to 7.7% in 9M 2019.  Q3 2020 EBIT was Euro 11.3 million, an increase of 10.9% compared with Euro 10.2 million in the same period of the previous year.

The 9M 2020 pre-tax profit was Euro 13.2 million (5.8% of sales), reducing 22.4% on Euro 17.0 million in the same period of 2019 (6.5% of sales).  The Q3 2020 pre-tax profit of Euro 9.6 million was down 9.7% on the same period of 2019 (Euro 10.6 million).

The net profit for the period was Euro 11.4 million (5.0% margin), compared to Euro 16.2 million (6.2% margin in 9M 2019, – 29.8%).  In 2019, extraordinary tax income of Euro 3.7 million was reported. The Q3 2020 net profit was Euro 7.6 million (8.1% margin), compared to Euro 11.7 million (12.2% margin), down 35.3% on Q3 2019.

The net financial debt at September 30, 2020 was Euro 96.7 million, compared to Euro 78.4 million at December 31, 2019 and Euro 86.9 million at September 30, 2019.

Cash flows in the period were as follows:

(Euro.000) 9M 2020 9M 2019
Cash flow from current activities (A) 33,864 40,052
Cash flow generated (absorbed) from Working Capital (B) -30,286 -28,090
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (A + B) 3,578 11,962
Cash flow from investing activities (C) -9,189 -11,183
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING & INVESTING ACTIVITIES (A + B + C) -5,611 779
Interest paid -2,014 -1,930
Amortised cost -474 -428
FV change of derivatives 95 -517
Change in translation reserve -2,892 1,580
Change in shareholders’ equity and acquisition treasury -197 -396
Acquisition -1,096
Dividends -3,476 -6,969
IFRS 16 -2,681 -556
Change in net financial position -18,346 -8,437
     
Opening net financial position 78,379 78,479
Closing net financial position 96,725 86,916
  • The opening net financial debt at 1.1.2019 was adjusted for Euro 7,144 thousand to take account of the impact from the initial application of IFRS 16.
  • The Group’s net financial position does not consider the financial liabilities for Warrants, as these items will not involve any financial outlay.

In the first nine months of 2020, operating cash flows of Euro 33.9 million were generated, compared to Euro 40.1 million in the same period of 2019, substantially as a result of the decrease in self-financing in Q2 2020.

Cash flows absorbed by changes in working capital amount to Euro 30.3 million, compared to Euro 28.1 million in the same period of 2019.  This movement, in addition to the increase in inventories of Euro 8.4 million since the beginning of the year, compared to Euro 6.2 million in the same period of 2019, in view of the seasonality of sales, includes the significant increase in Q3 2020 of trade receivables and follows the rebound in sales.

Cash investments in 9M 2020 were Euro 9.2 million, compared to Euro 11.2 million in the same period of 2019.

Operating cash flows after investments therefore absorbed Euro 5.6 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared to a generation of cash of Euro 0.8 million in the same period of the previous year.

Among the financing activity cash flows, in 9M 2020 we indicate the payment of interest for Euro 2.0 million (Euro 1.9 million in 9M 2019) and the payment of dividends for Euro 3.5 million (Euro 7.0 million in 9M 2019), a reduction made in view of the COVID emergency related uncertainties.

We in addition highlight the impact from the acquisition of a supplier in Tunisia (Euro 1.1 million) and the recognition of Euro 2.7 million as per IFRS 16, of which Euro 2.0 million for the rental of the facility in Tunisia.  Finally, we indicate the change in the translation reserve which impacted for Euro 2.9 million in the 2020 period.

The increase in the net financial debt in the first nine months of 2020 was therefore Euro 18.3 million, compared to Euro 8.4 million in the same period of 2019.

Subsequent events and outlook

The COVID emergency and the uncertainties surrounding the developing Italian and global situation continues to be a major focus for the Group – both in terms of managing personnel and workspaces and with regards to the business impacts.

An inter-departmental task force launched at the start of the year monitors and manages the COVID impact on the organization and on operations/projects. Safety measures and compliant conduct has been adopted at all facilities and offices globally, in accordance with government measures.

The operating forecasts for the fourth quarter of the year in this environment depend on the possible further impact of the health emergency and, particularly, any new lockdown.

Our current estimates – which do not take account of any new lockdown – for the fourth quarter of 2020 indicate consolidated revenues in line with the same period of 2019.  In particular, we indicate the recovery of the Heating division, improving on initial forecasts due to restocking by customers and the incentives to support demand.  It is therefore expected that consolidated Group revenues shall see a low double-digit decrease on 2019.

Although amid declining volumes in 2020 against 2019, thanks to the efficiency and cost-cutting measures introduced the annual EBITDA margin is expected to only decline slightly on 2019.

Investments have recovered on the initial part of the year and for 2020 are estimated at approx. Euro 15 million, while the net financial position should improve in the high single-digits on September 30, 2020.

Post-signing activities are continuing on schedule and the acquisition of Janz is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

***

Declaration of the manager responsible for the preparation of the Company’s accounts

The manager responsible for the preparation of the Company’s accounts, Paul Fogolin, hereby declares, as per article 154-bis, paragraph 2, of the “Testo Unico della Finanza”, that all information related to the Company’s accounts contained in this press release are fairly representing the accounts and the books of the Company.

This press release and the results presentation for 9M 2020 are available on the website www.sitcorporate.it in the Investor Relations section.

***

Annex 1

BALANCE SHEET

(Euro.000) 30/09/2020 31/12/2019
Goodwill 79,329 78,138
Other intangible assets 54,260 59,125
Property, plant & equipment 78,579 79,317
Investments in other companies 54 54
Non-current financial assets 255 1,531
Deferred tax assets 5,006 5,167
Non-current assets 217,483 223,332
Inventories 57,646 51,126
Trade receivables 63,221 57,176
Other current assets 12,948 10,133
Tax receivables 3,956 4,770
Other current financial assets 7 23
Cash and cash equivalents 34,045 34,064
Current assets 171,823 157,292
Total assets 389,306 380,624
Share capital 96,152 96,152
Total Reserves 42,060 31,486
Net profit/(loss) 11,377 19,928
Minority interest net equity                                              –   –
Shareholders’ Equity 149,589 147,566
Medium/long-term loans and borrowings 85,482 85,029
Other non-current financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments 5,823 4,138
Provisions for risks and charges 4,453 4,142
Post-employment benefit provision 5,881 6,201
Other non-current liabilities 31 4
Deferred tax liabilities 15,028 16,370
Non-current liabilities 116,698 115,884
Short-term loans and borrowings 35,843 19,730
Other current financial liabilities and derivative financial instruments 3,627 3,588
Trade payables 62,698 73,331
Other current liabilities 14,999 15,957
Financial instruments for Warrants 1,985 1,567
Tax payables 3,867 3,001
Current liabilities 123,019 117,174
Total Liabilities 239,717 233,058
Total Shareholders’ Equity and Liabilities 389,306 380,624

 

***

Annex 2

INCOME STATEMENT

(Euro.000) 9M 2020 9M 2019
 Revenues from sales and services            226,951            262,768
Raw materials, ancillaries, consumables and goods            128,181            148,680
Change in inventories               (8,703)               (5,242)
Service costs              26,641              29,842
Personnel expense              46,992              51,615
Depreciation, amortisation and write-downs              17,507              16,920
Provisions                    488                    607
Other charges (income)                    719                      17
  EBIT               15,126              20,330
Investment income/(charges)                        –                     (21)
Financial income                    145                    548
Financial charges               (3,230)               (3,242)
Net exchange gains (losses)                 1,145                  (616)
Impairments on financial assets                        –                        –
 Profit/(loss) before taxes              13,186              17,000
Income taxes               (1,809)                  (801)
  Net profit/(loss) for the period              11,377              16,199
 Minority interest result                        –                        –
  Group net profit/(loss)              11,377              16,199

 

***

Annex 3

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

(Euro.000) 9M 2020 9M 2019
Net profit/(loss) 11,377 16,199
Amortisation & depreciation 17,273 16,788
Non-cash adjustments 320 3,571
Income taxes 1,810 801
Net financial charges/(income) 3,084 2,693
CASH FLOW FROM CURRENT ACTIVITIES (A) 33,864 40,052
     
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Inventories -8,387 -6,199
Trade receivables -6,782 -6,555
Trade payables -7,968 -8,342
Other assets and liabilities -4,559 -3,601
Income taxes paid -2,591 -3,393
CASH FLOW GENERATED (ABSORBED) FROM CHANGES IN WORKING CAPITAL (B) -30,286 -28,090
     
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES (A + B) 3,578 11,962
     
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES (C) -9,189 -11,183
     
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING & INVESTING ACTIVITIES (A + B + C) -5,611 779
     
Financing activities:    
Interest paid -1,577 -1,499
Repayment of non-current financial payables -10,125 -8,437
Increase (decrease) current financial payables -119 -3,948
Increase (decrease) other financial payables -1,523 -1,518
New financing 25,500
Dividend payments -3,476 -6,969
Own shares -197 -396
Change in translation reserve -2,892 1,580
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES (D) 5,591 -21,187
     
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (A + B + C + D) -20 -20,408
     
Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of the year 34,065 55,494
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents -20 -20,408
Cash & cash equivalents at end of the year 34,045 35,086

 

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