Sales 1st quarter 2015

 
The Bossard Group has significantly increased its sales volume in the 1st quarter of 2015. In local currency, sales grew by as much as 8.2 percent compared to the 1st quarter of 2014; in Swiss francs this represents an increase of 5.1 percent to CHF 168.8 million. CEO David Dean regards the figures for the 1st quarter as affirmation of the investment policy that has been implemented. He explains the pleasing development as follows: “Acquisitions and other investments have enabled us to consolidate our market position in various countries”.

The Bossard Group continues on a growth trajectory, despite having to contend with a significant revaluation of the Swiss franc in the 1st quarter following the Swiss National Bank’s abolition of the minimum exchange rate against the Euro. A significant proportion of the 8.2 percent sales growth (in local currency) can be attributed to acquisitions and the increased collaboration with the largest US manufacturer of electric vehicles. Without acquisitions, there would have been a decline in sales of 1.5 percent in local currency, corresponding to a downturn of 4.3 percent in Swiss francs.

Acquisition-related growth in Europe
In Europe, the Bossard Group is facing inconsistent market trends. As expected, there is some headwind to be felt following the significant revaluation of the Swiss franc, particularly in Switzerland: Sales on the home market are clearly in decline, owing to reduced sales volume and rebates resulting from the change in currency relations. Nevertheless, sales in Europe improved by 3.1 percent in local currency compared to the strong 1st quarter of 2014. In Swiss francs, however, this resulted in a decline of 4.4 percent to CHF 101.1 million due to the exchange rate adjustment. Without acquisitions, the sales figure would have fallen by 8.4 percent in Swiss francs (in local currency: -1.3 percent).

Sharp rise in sales in America
Business in America contributed significantly to the pleasing growth in the overall Group. In this world region, Bossard’s sales soared up 30.4 percent to CHF 44.2 million (in local currency: +22.4 percent). The acquisition of the US distributor Aero-Space Southwest, Inc. played a significant part in the upward sales trend. Without acquisition, there would have been a decline of 1.8 percent (in local currency: -7.8 percent). As expected, one major cus-tomer is continuing to operate under difficult business conditions, also resulting in reduced sales for Bossard. This is offset by the other US business areas and is also being counteracted by the cooperation with the largest US manufacturer of electric vehicles, a company distinguished by significantly rising sales volumes.

Further progress in Asia
In Asia, Bossard continues its success story of the previous quarters, though sales growth in China was below average in the 1st quarter. Overall, revenues increased by respectable 12.4 percent to CHF 23.5 million (in local currency: +7.8 percent), even though the Group was not able to rely on additional volume from acquisitions in the Asian markets. It is clear that the investments made in the last few years are helping to open up individual markets.