- Full order backlog of EUR 7.8 bn
- Strong production output and top earnings in Q3
- Solid balance sheet after successful capital increase of EUR 122m
- 2021 outlook re-confirmed
Vienna, 29.11.2021 – PORR, one of the largest construction companies in Europe, presents an exceptionally strong third quarter. With a full order backlog of EUR 7.8 bn and an absolute best EBT of EUR 42.5m, PORR is right on track. Production output of EUR 4.1 bn is again at a top level. And with a solid balance sheet following the successful capital increase, PORR is ideally prepared for the future.
“With a full order backlog and a strong balance sheet, we have secured the perfect mix for delivering sustainable earnings”, said Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR. “We are ready for profitable growth”.
Full steam ahead with order backlog and output
In the first nine months of 2021, PORR generated strong production output of EUR 4,135m, an increase of 9.4%. Significant growth in output was achieved in both Austria and Poland. Together accounting for almost 70%, Austria and Germany remain the most important home markets for PORR.
The tailwind in all of PORR’s home markets is continuing. The order backlog of EUR 7,778m has again confirmed PORR’s solid foundation. The 14.3% growth in orders reflects the sustained demand for infrastructure and housing. Alongside the expansion of the Vienna underground railway, major new orders include Germany’s largest building construction contract. Alexander Berlin’s Capital Tower is being built in the heart of Berlin at Alexanderplatz:
a 150-metre-high, mixed-use tower that will soon shape the skyline of Germany’s capital. The expansion of the Limberg III pumped-storage power plant in Kaprun in Austria underlines the need for sustainable power generation, while the expansion of the Daiichi factory building in Pfaffenhofen reflects the ongoing demand in German industrial construction.
Top earnings and improved balance sheet
In the first nine months, PORR achieved earnings before taxes (EBT) of EUR 42.5m (1-9/2020: EUR -62.4m). These earnings already include the cartel fine imposed by the Federal Competition Authority. The consequences of the pandemic meant that the third quarter saw catch-up effects from the past along with project postponements that were now being worked off.
“These earnings demonstrate our potential”, said Karl-Heinz Strauss, CEO of PORR. “In the coming years we also expect sustained growth in earnings”.
Compared to the same date last year, net debt decreased by 27.4% to EUR 315m. As of 30 September 2021, equity totalled EUR 645m (equity ratio: 17.1%). When the successful capital increase completed in November is applied, the equity ratio stands at 19.5%. PORR’s total assets amounted to EUR 3,786m as of 30 September 2021.
Solid basis for growth
At the start of November, PORR successfully completed its capital increase. In the course of a public offering in Austria followed by a private placement for international investors, PORR placed its shares and generated gross proceeds of EUR 122.2m. This is set to bring PORR within its stated corridor of 20% to 25% for its equity ratio by year-end.
The 2014-2021 hybrid bond was redeemed in October to improve the equity structure. The 2017-2021 hybrid bond was refinanced in November via the issue of a new hybrid bond worth EUR 50m.
2021 outlook confirmed
On the basis of the good earnings growth in the first nine months of 2021 and despite the settlement reached with the Federal Competition Authority in Q3, the Executive Board continues to forecast production output for the full-year 2021 of EUR 5.3 bn to EUR 5.5 bn and a positive EBT margin of +1.3% to +1.5%. The Executive Board is optimistic that that the measures implemented will improve earning power and sustainably return it to the level it was at before the coronavirus pandemic. The assessment of future business performance is based on current targets in the individual areas as well as the opportunities and risks currently prevailing in the respective markets.
Facts and figures at a glance
Key performance indicators (EURm) | 1-9/2021 | % ∆ | 1-9/2020 |
Production output1 | 4,135 | 9.4 % | 3,778 |
Order backlog2 | 7,778 | 14.3 % | 6,808 |
Order intake2 | 4,833 | 13.7 % | 4,250 |
Average staffing levels | 20,135 | 0.3 % | 20,068 |
Revenue | 3,722.9 | 10.6 % | 3,365.9 |
EBITDA | 197.8 | > 100.0 % | 74.3 |
EBT | 42.5 | < -100.0 % | -62.4 |
Profit/loss for the period | 26.3 | < -100.0 % | -46.8 |
Financial position indicators (EUR m) | 30.09.2021 | % ∆ | 31.12.2020 |
Total assets | 3,786 | 7.9 % | 3,509 |
Equity | 645 | -0.8 % | 651 |
Equity ratio | 17.1 % | -1.4 PP | 18.5 % |
Net debt3 | 315 | > 100.0 % | 137 |
1 Production output corresponds to the output of all companies and consortiums (fully consolidated, equity method, proportional or those of minor significance) based on the interest held by PORR AG.
2 Both the order backlog and order intake have been adjusted for the projects A1 Leverkusen Bridge and H51 Pfons – Brenner. The comparative figures have been restated retrospectively.
3 Compared to 30 September 2020, there has been a significant improvement in net debt of EUR 119m.
For enquiries, please contact:
Karl-Heinz Strauss
CEO
PORR AG
T +43 50 626 1001
comms@porr-group.com
Milena Ioveva
Company Spokesperson
PORR AG
T +43 50 626 1763
comms@porr-group.com