Sulzer Achieved CHF 988 Million in Order Intake

In the first quarter of 2013, Sulzer’s order intake decreased slightly by a nominal 1.3% to CHF 987.6 million. On an adjusted basis, orders decreased by 1.9%. The positive effect from acquisitions/divestitures of CHF 5 million was minor and the currency translation effect was negligible. Sulzer Pumps and Sulzer Chemtech increased their order intake, while the order intake of the other two divisions declined compared with the same period of the previous year. This is a reflection of the strong order intake of Sulzer Metco and the record high order intake at Sulzer Turbo Services, in the first quarter of 2012, both of which were based on some large orders.

The oil and gas and transportation markets as well as the general industries remained stable at a high level. The power market remained at a low level while the water market was lower than the high base of the same period of the previous year. Geographically, Asia-Pacific was the most active region.

Outlook for 2013

Based on present knowledge and excluding any major changes in the general economic conditions, growth is expected for parts of the oil and gas and the water markets in 2013. Activity in the power and the transportation industries is forecast to continue at similar levels. Geographically, the emerging markets and North America are likely to be the growth drivers. For the full year 2013, Sulzer continues to expect moderate growth of order intake.

Quarterly results in detail

Sulzer Pumps

In the first quarter of 2013, Sulzer Pumps slightly increased its order intake compared with the same period of previous year. The main growth driver was the oil and gas market, based on continuously high activity levels. Moderate growth on a low base was recorded in the power industry, while the water market was lower than the high base of the same period of the previous year. Regionally, activity was particularly strong in North America and Asia-Pacific.

For the full year 2013, moderate growth is forecast in the oil and gas, power, and water markets. Geographically, the highest growth is expected to come from North America and the Asia-Pacific region. For 2013, Sulzer Pumps anticipates moderate growth in order intake.

Sulzer Metco

In the first three months of the year, the division’s order intake was slightly lower than in the same period of previous year, which contained large orders for coating systems. Continued high demand was recorded in the aviation and power industries. The automotive market stabilized at high level. Geographically, demand was strong in Europe and in Asia-Pacific, while activity in the Americas remained stable.

For the full year 2013, activity in the transportation industry is expected to continue at current high levels, driven by Asia and North America. For 2013, the division expects moderate growth in order intake.

Sulzer Chemtech

In the first quarter of 2013, the division clearly increased the order intake compared with the same period of previous year, supported by its key markets and minor contributions from acquisitions. The oil and gas downstream industry continued to develop positively for mass transfer technology and tower field services. In the process technology area, some larger orders contributed positively. The demand for two-component mixing systems was strong, also supported by the newly acquired Krøger A/S. Market activity remained at a continued good level in most geographic regions.

For the full year 2013, the activity in the oil and gas downstream industry is expected to remain at current levels and the strong demand for two-component mixing systems is likely to continue. Geographically, the main drivers of growth are forecast to be Asia-Pacific and the Americas, while investment levels in Europe are expected to remain at the current lower levels. For 2013, Sulzer Chemtech expects a high single-digit increase in order intake.

Sulzer Turbo Services

The division had a lower order intake when compared with the record high first quarter of the previous year, which contained some large orders. Activity levels in the oil and gas market were strong while power and the general industries were slower. Geographically, all regions had a slow start into 2013.

For the full year 2013, the demand for the division’s services in the oil and gas market is expected to remain strong while power and the general industries are expected to remain at the current levels. Further growth opportunities are seen particularly in the emerging markets. For 2013, the division expects a moderate growth in order intake.