SKF First Quarter Results 2018

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alrik Danielson, President and CEO:

"We have had a record start to 2018. Sales grew by 7.5% organically to SEK 20.6 billion and our reported operating profit was 2,625 million, both historical highs for SKF. Operating margin at 12.8% exceeded our target.

The actions we have taken to control and continually review our cost base, increase prices and focus on meeting the specific application needs of our customers are showing results.

We are delivering solid financial performance, with organic growth, operating margin and net debt to equity levels all better than our stated targets that are valid over a business cycle.

The industrial business, with a reported operating margin of 15%, grew by 8.5%, with especially strong growth in Europe and Asia. We grew in almost all industries and saw particular strength in industrial drives and railway applications.

The automotive business, with a reported operating margin of 7.7%, grew by 5.5%, a clear sign that we continue to outpace vehicle production levels. We grew in all geographic regions, with the strongest growth in the truck industry.

Entering the second quarter 2018, we expect to see continued growth year-on-year, in all regions and we expect growth within both industrial and automotive."

From the first quarter report 2018, SKF will report the Operating profit including Items Affecting Comparability. Any material items included in the result will be commented in the text of the report.

Outlook and guidance

Demand for Q2 2018 compared to Q2 2017

The demand for SKF's products and services is expected to be higher for the Group, including Industrial and Automotive. Demand is expected to be higher in Europe, significantly higher in Asia-Pacific and relatively unchanged in North America and Latin America.

Demand for Q2 2018 compared to Q1 2018

From the first quarter report 2018, SKF will not issue a sequential demand outlook.

Guidance Q2 2018

- Financial net: SEK -200 million.

- Currency impact on the operating profit is expected to be around SEK -160 million compared with 2017, based on exchange rates per 31 March 2018.

Guidance 2018

- Tax level excluding effect related to divested businesses: around 29%.

- Additions to property, plant and equipment: around SEK 2,400 million.

A teleconference will be held on 26 April 2018 at 9:00 (CEST):

SE: +46(0)8-5065-3942

UK: +44(0)330-336-9411

US: +1-323-994-2083

You will find all information regarding the SKF first quarter results 2018 on the IR website.

Aktiebolaget SKF

      (publ)

The information in this press release is information which AB SKF is required to disclose under the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 The information was provided by the above contact persons for publication on 26 April 2018 at 08:00

For further information, please contact:

PRESS:
Theo Kjellberg
Director
Press Relations
tel: +46-31-337-6576
mobile: +46-725-776576
e-mail: theo.kjellberg@skf.com 

INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Patrik Stenberg
Head of Investor Relations
+46-31-337-2104
+46-705-472-104
patrik.stenberg@skf.com

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