2020 revenues higher than forecast at €426.4 million
Strong resilience amid the crisis
Aubay posted revenues of €426.4 million for 2020, up 2.1% as reported and down 1.5% like-for-like. This performance, which was achieved in an uncertain health environment, exceeds the higher-end of the forecast range, set between €420 million and €425 million. Aubay has therefore shown strong resilience amid the crisis.
During the second half of the year, all regions surpassed expectations. Sales activity was particularly robust, improving progressively until the year-end. Aubay's productivity rate also advanced, allowing the Group to resume its hiring plans.
Operating margin significantly exceeds target
Thanks to solid business levels of 93.4% versus 92.5% in 2019, the operating margin, initially expected at 9%, came in at around 9.6%, which is exceptional given the current situation.
Headcount up thanks to a dynamic second half
The headcount at the end of December reached 6,562 employees, compared to 6,503 at end-December 2019. From the end of the first half of 2020, the Group increased its headcount faster than anticipated, with 58 new hires in the 3rd quarter and 93 in the 4th quarter. The headcount remained stable in France during the 2nd half, with growth seen primarily in southern Europe.
Outlook for 2021
This excellent end to 2020 as well as the high productivity rate are very promising for the current year and 2021 is off to a solid start with increased visibility. Aubay's financial fundamentals have emerged stronger, allowing management to focus firmly on organic growth, while remaining ready to seize any external growth opportunities that would add value and contribute to its development.
Aubay therefore anticipates a steady improvement in the organic growth trend over the coming quarters and aims to deliver a solid growth performance with results back at normal levels in 2021, i.e. :
- Annual revenue of between €440 million and €450 million,
- Operating margin from ordinary activities between 9.5% and 10.5%.
The full-year 2020 results will be published on March 24, 2021 after the close of trading.
2021 financial calendar
2021 financial calendar | Date |
Q1 2021 revenues | Wednesday April 21, 2021 |
Q2 2021 revenues | Wednesday July 21, 2021 |
2021 H1 results | Wednesday September 15, 2021 |
Financial analysts meeting | Thursday September 16, 2021 |
Q3 2021 revenues | Wednesday October 20, 2021 |
Q4 2021 revenues | Wednesday January 26, 2022 |
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Aubay SA published this content on 27 January 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 27 January 2021 17:17:09 UTC