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compared to Q1, 2023.
"We have put all our focus on regaining profitability and generating positive
free cash flow, the first quarter therefore marks a significant step in the
right direction.
Even though our industry has experienced a somewhat lower sequential activity,
we are very pleased to see that several of our recently introduced measures are
positively contributing to our operational and financial results, in combination
with less unfavorable currency effects.
In the first quarter we are showing a significant improvement in free cash flow
compared to Q1 last year. I am confident that the measures we have taken will
lead to a positive free cash flow for the full year 2024.
New business wins in the quarter amounted to MEUR 450, which is an increase from
MEUR 198 in the same quarter last year. I am glad to see increased interest in
our wide range of products from our top-tier customers and I am especially
pleased with the development and interest in our electric actuators. This leads
us to upgrade our full year expectations for new business wins and book-to-bill
ratio.
We have high ambitions to lower our cost base and we are fully on track to
deliver on our promises. The results are already shown in Q1. In line with our
cost optimization program, we continue to evaluate our current footprint, and
are also relocating to countries and areas with lower costs.
Our significantly improved performance makes me confident that we are heading in
the right direction: I expect that all operational measures we are taking will
continue to improve the profitability of KA considerably in 2024 and onwards,"
says KA’s President & CEO Linda Nyquist-Evenrud.
Summary of the first quarter 2024
· EBIT MEUR 10 (MEUR 4)
· Net result after tax MEUR 0 (MEUR -17)
· All-time high new business wins over MEUR 450 lifetime and MEUR 126
annualized revenues. (MEUR 198 and MEUR 71)
· Revenues MEUR 212 (MEUR 229)
· Free cash flow MEUR -15 (MEUR -31)
KA reiterates the guidance to deliver revenues in the range of MEUR 830 to MEUR
880, and EBIT of MEUR 34 to MEUR 44, communicated in Q4 2023 earnings call. We
are increasing our new business wins guidance to above MEUR 1,200 and a book-to
-bill ratio above 1.2.
Subsequent activities
· KA has mandated legal and financial advisors and started preparing for the
refinancing of the company’s senior secured bond and revolving credit facility.
KA is well on track with the process and expects to conclude the refinancing in
2024, well ahead of the maturity date of the current instruments.
· On April 26, 2024, KA issued an asset disposition offer for MEUR 36 of the
company’s outstanding senior secured bond, according to the requirements set
forth in the bond loan agreement from 2018. The offer will expire on May 28,
2024.
· KA has released a Liquidity Policy to be applied going forward. It contains
detailed rules on its financing strategy, capital allocation priorities as well
as return to shareholders. Further details can be found on the company’s
website.
· KA will host a Capital Markets Day on May 13, 2024, and welcomes all
stakeholders to attend the physical and/or digital event.
Overall, the expectations are based on existing framework agreements, current
new product pipeline, the latest automotive industry production forecasts, and
are highly dependent on the market development as predicted. For further risks,
please see page 36-38 in the Annual Report 2023.
Earnings presentation - conference call
The company will hold an earnings conference call at 09:00 (CET) on May 8, 2024.
Conference call registration is available at the company’s webpage or the
following link:
channel.royalcast.com/hegnarmedia/#!/hegnarmedia/20240508_7
The earnings release and presentation will be published on www.newsweb.no and on
KA’s website www.kongsbergautomotive.com
The recording of the presentation will be made available on the company’s
website shortly after the presentation.
Head of Investor Relations:
Mads Langaard
mads.langaard@ka-group.com
+47 905 81 264
This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU
Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant
to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange
announcement was published by Investor Relations at Kongsberg Automotive ASA,
and the contact person(s) mentioned above on May 8, 2024, at 07:00 CET.
About Kongsberg Automotive ASA
Kongsberg Automotive provides cutting-edge technology to the global vehicle
industry. We drive the global transition to sustainable mobility by putting
engineering, sustainability, and innovation into practice. Our product portfolio
includes driver and motion control systems, fluid assemblies, and industrial
driver interface products. Find more information at:
kongsbergautomotive.com (https://www.kongsbergautomotive.com/)
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