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20 Aug 2021
Thalwil, Switzerland – 20 August 2021 – u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global leader in wireless and positioning technologies, today announced its financial results for the first half of 2021. The company reported a strong first half year in revenues and gross margin, reflecting the continued expansion of demand across all end market sectors, only limited by supply constraints.
(All comparisons versus the prior-year period unless otherwise noted)
The company announced the following product launches enhancing the expansion of solution capabilities across its entire platform:
For the first half of 2021, u-blox generated revenues of CHF 192.7 million, EBIT (adjusted) of CHF 10.5 million and EBITDA (adjusted) of CHF 28.7 million. Revenues in all regions were higher in H1 2021 compared to the same period last year, reflecting strong broad-based expansion of overall demand. In particular, the automotive and consumer end markets exhibited strong year-on-year growth. The weakened USD/CHF exchange rate had a negative growth impact of 5.7 %.
Bookings recovered strongly in all regions, and the pace of growth of the company’s orderbook is exceeding by far the current revenue growth rate. The components market has been oversold since the beginning of the year, with delivery lead times increasing to several months and quantities limited by supply constraints.
APAC revenues increased to CHF 73.9 million in H1 2021 from CHF 70.1 million in H1 2020 (5.4%) driven by strong business levels in Japan and Korea. Growth in APAC was tempered by relatively flat results in China due to supply constraints and as some countries continued to be impacted by COVID-19. Revenues benefitted from particularly strong demand from automotive, as well as steady demand for drones and wearable applications.
EMEA revenues increased to CHF 59.4 million in H1 2021 from CHF 51.7 million in H1 2020 (15.0%) primarily due to a resurgence of demand in automotive as compared to the same period last year, in addition to solid demand within infrastructure and consumer tracking applications. Industrial applications remained stagnant due to limited component supply and a higher comparison basis year-on-year.
AMEC revenues increased to CHF 59.9 million in H1 2020 from CHF 48.9 million in H1 2020 (22.4%) propelled by automotive, telematics, medical and wearable applications. AMEC benefitted from robust demand from the automotive market, industrial telematics, medical and consumer applications.
u-blox operates in two segments:
Adjusted gross profit increased by 13.3% to CHF 89.9 million in H1 2021 from CHF 79.4 million in H1 2020, resulting in an adjusted gross profit margin of 46.7% (H1 2020: 45.6%). Gross margin benefitted from the scale impact of increased demand as well as favorable product mix during H1 2021 as compared to H1 2020.
Adjusted operating expenses, which include R&D, distribution and marketing and G&A expenses, totaled CHF 80.5 million for H1 2021, compared to CHF 66.7 million in H1 2020. As a percentage of revenue, operating expenses were 41.8% of revenue compared to 38.3% last year.
R&D expenses (adjusted) increased to CHF 52.3 million in H1 2021 compared to CHF 39.5 million during the same period in 2020. As a percentage of revenue, adjusted R&D expenses in H1 2021 were 27.1 % of revenue compared to 22.7% in H1 2020. R&D expenses increased due to lower capitalization, and higher amortization expense as a consequence of product launches. The company increased R&D efforts in developing more agile processes and in re-designing modules to components with better accessibility, all recorded as expensed.
Distribution and marketing expenses (adjusted) in H1 2021 were CHF 18.1 million compared to CHF 15.8 million in the previous year period. As a percentage of revenue distribution and marketing expenses (adjusted) were 9.4% in H1 2021 compared to 9.1% in H1 2020. Distribution and marketing expenses increased due to higher revenues which resulted in higher bonus accruals.
Finance costs of CHF 6.6 million (H1 2020: CHF 3.5 million) consisted primarily of interest payments for the two bonds, realized foreign currency losses and the net effect from full consolidation of Sapcorda GmbH. Share of loss of equity-accounted investees net of tax was CHF 1.5 million in H1 2021 (H1 2020: CHF 1.9 million).
Net profit (adjusted) before minority interests was CHF 6.3 million, compared to CHF 4.7 million last year. Diluted EPS (adjusted) in H1 2021 was CHF 0.89 per share compared to CHF 0.67 per share in H1 2020.
u-blox strongly generated cash from operating activities of CHF 43.0 million through H1 2021, compared to CHF 13.9 million generated the previous year, due to higher contribution, positive cashflow from net working capital and tax repayments.
Investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets totaled CHF 17.5 million for H1 2021, compared to CHF 22.7 million in H1 2020. Free cash flow was CHF 27.7 million, compared to CHF -21.9 million in H1 2020.
At 30 June 2021, u-blox had a solid balance sheet with an equity ratio of 58.1%. Cash and cash equivalents totaled CHF 85.1 million as of 30 June 2021, compared to CHF 93.9 million as of 31 December 2020. The decrease in the cash balance reflects the repayment of the 1.625% CHF 60 million bond that was repaid on 27 April 2021.
Thomas Seiler, u-blox Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We experienced good recovery of revenue and strong gross profit growth year-on-year driven by the expansion in demand across our business, and resulting in strong positive free cash-flow. The automotive industry, which last year was significantly negatively impacted by COVID due to business and production shutdowns, is now driving a surge in demand for automotive applications across all regions. Consumer markets were also very strong on a year-on-year basis, with wearables and tracking applications driving growth. Our industrial business compares to a relatively strong H1 2020 and, overall, generated stable performance year-on-year. Bookings continue to increase at a growing pace since the beginning of the year and our orderbook is now approximately seven times the amount recorded in summer 2020.”
“We are optimistic for the second half of 2021 and beyond. The supply constraints for components have created challenges that we need to continually manage. Longer-term, the deep-rooted demand supporting the growth of our business will continue, driven by widespread IoT adoption and the desire for connectivity throughout the world.”
For the 2021 financial year, u-blox is further updating its guidance based on continued strong demand throughout, balanced by near-term uncertainties and challenges caused by supply constraints for components. Additionally, the company is anticipating additional costs related to the integration of the Sapcorda acquisition and efforts related to adapting certain products to align with component availability. The company is also expecting lower R&D capitalization in future periods in connection with implementing more agile product development models. The indications are made on the basis of the previous year average foreign exchange rates.
(in CHF millions) | Actual FY 2020 (adjusted) | Updated (adjusted) 1 June 2021 | Updated (adjusted) 20 August 2021 | |
Revenue | 334 | Revenue growth1 | 11…19% | 15…19% |
EBITDA | 42 | EBITDA margin | 16…22% | 16…20% |
EBIT | 18 | EBIT margin | 9…12% | 6…9% |
1 Exchange rate assumptions for 2021: Average rate of 2020 (USD: 0.939, EUR: 1.075, GBP: 1.204)
Thomas Seiler, CEO, and Roland Jud, CFO, will host a conference call and webcast with analysts and investors Friday, 20 August, at 2:30 PM CET.
To participate, please dial the following number approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call:
Switzerland / Europe: | +41 (0) 58 310 50 00 |
United Kingdom: | +44 (0) 207 107 06 13 |
United States: | +1 (1) 631 570 56 13 |
Download the presentation here.
Consolidated income statement adjusted
Jan-Jun 2021 | Jan-Jun 2021 | Jan-Jun 2020 | |||||
(in CHF 000s) | (IFRS) | % revenue | Adjustments2) | (adjusted) | % revenue | (adjusted) | % revenue |
Revenue | 192'734 | 100.0% | 192'734 | 100.0% | 173'957 | 100.0% | |
Cost of sales | -103'008 | -53.4% | 207 | -102'801 | -53.3% | -94'565 | -54.4% |
Gross Profit | 89'726 | 46.6% | 207 | 89'933 | 46.7% | 79'392 | 45.6% |
Distribution and marketing expenses | -18'831 | -9.8% | 765 | -18'066 | -9.4% | -15'805 | -9.1% |
Research and development expenses | -54'430 | -28.2% | 2'152 | -52'278 | -27.1% | -39'482 | -22.7% |
General and administrative expenses | -12'004 | -6.2% | 1'806 | -10'198 | -5.3% | -11'373 | -6.5% |
Other income | 1'137 | 0.6% | 1'137 | 0.6% | 505 | 0.3% | |
Operating Profit (EBIT) | 5'598 | 2.9% | 4'930 | 10'528 | 5.5% | 13'237 | 7.6% |
Finance income | 5'090 | 2.6% | 5'090 | 2.6% | 87 | 0.1% | |
Finance costs | -6'594 | -3.4% | -6'594 | -3.4% | -3'533 | -2.0% | |
Share of profit of equity-accounted investees, net of taxes | -1'456 | -0.8% | -1'456 | -0.8% | -1'907 | -1.1% | |
Profit before income tax (EBT) | 2'638 | 1.4% | 4'930 | 7'568 | 3.9% | 7'884 | 4.5% |
Income tax expense | -383 | -0.2% | -894 | -1'277 | -0.7% | -3'207 | -1.8% |
Net Profit | 2'255 | 1.2% | 4'036 | 6'291 | 3.3% | 4'677 | 2.7% |
Minority interests | 21 | 0.0% | 21 | 0.0% | -69 | ||
Net Profit, attributable to equity holders of the parent | 2'234 | 1.2% | 4'036 | 6'270 | 3.3% | 4'746 | 2.7% |
Earnings per share in CHF | 0.32 | 0.89 | 0.67 | ||||
Diluted earnings per share in CHF | 0.32 | 0.89 | 0.67 | ||||
Operating Profit (EBIT) | 5'598 | 2.9% | 4'930 | 10'528 | 5.5% | 13'237 | 7.6% |
Depreciation and amortization | 19'813 | 10.3% | -1'617 | 18'196 | 9.4% | 10'905 | 6.3% |
EBITDA 1) | 25'411 | 13.2% | 3'313 | 28'724 | 14.9% | 24'142 | 13.9% |
1) Management calculates EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) by adding back depreciation and amortization to operating profit (EBIT), in each case determined in accordance with IFRS.
2) Adjustments are impacts of share based payments, Pension calculation according to IAS-19, Non-recurring expenses, impairments and amortization of intangible assets acquired.
Consolidated balance sheet
At June 30, 2021 | At December 31, 2020 | |
(in CHF 000s) | (unaudited) | (audited) |
ASSETS | ||
Current assets | ||
Cash and cash equivalents | 85'099 | 93'874 |
Marketable securities | 500 | 498 |
Trade accounts receivables | 41'308 | 33'959 |
Other assets | 72'614 | 89'627 |
Total current assets | 199'521 | 217'958 |
Non-current assets | ||
Property, plant and equipment | 11'656 | 10'024 |
Right-of-use assets | 34'059 | 32'499 |
Goodwill | 60'976 | 59'910 |
Intangible assets | 182'685 | 176'829 |
Financial assets (incl. equity accounted investees) | 1'354 | 9'011 |
Deferred tax assets | 12'169 | 11'671 |
Total non-current assets | 302'899 | 299'944 |
Total assets | 502'420 | 517'902 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | ||
Current liabilities | 83'939 | 112'107 |
Non-current liabilities | 126'673 | 123'110 |
Total liabilities | 210'612 | 235'217 |
Shareholders’ equity | ||
Share capital | 105'300 | 105'300 |
Share premium | 16'600 | 16'600 |
Retained earnings | 169'908 | 160'645 |
Total equity, attributable to owners of the parent | 291'808 | 282'545 |
Non-controlling interest | 0 | 140 |
Total equity | 291'808 | 282'685 |
Total liabilities and equity | 502'420 | 517'902 |
Consolidated Cashflow Statement
For the period ended | For the period ended | For the period ended | |
(in CHF 000s) | June 30, 2021 | June 30, 2020 | December 31, 2020 |
Net Profit | 2'255 | -60'022 | -64'863 |
Depreciation & Amortization | 19'813 | 85'651 | 100'250 |
Other non-cash transactions | 2'942 | 3'312 | 7'606 |
Financial income & financial expense | 2'960 | 5'353 | 14'237 |
Income tax expense | 383 | -11'121 | -14'187 |
Change in net working capital and provision | 8'901 | -5'825 | 3'370 |
Income tax paid/(repaid) | 5'711 | -3'493 | -6'894 |
Net cash generated from operating activities | 42'965 | 13'855 | 39'519 |
Net investment into property, plant and equipment | -1'893 | -2'855 | -4'278 |
Net investment into intangibles | -15'541 | -19'855 | -38'441 |
Net investments into financial assets | 315 | 467 | 241 |
Acquisition of subsidiairies, net of cash acquired & participations | 1'831 | -13'518 | -13'517 |
Net cash used in investing activities | -15'288 | -35'761 | -55'995 |
Free Cash Flow (before Acquisition & participations in capital increase) | 25'846 | -8'388 | -2'959 |
Free Cash Flow | 27'677 | -21'906 | -16'476 |
Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Par value reduction / Dividends paid to owners of the parent | 0 | 0 | -4'269 |
Net proceeds from borrowings | -34'962 | 1'076 | 1'046 |
Payment of lease liabilities | -2'563 | -2'313 | -5'726 |
Purchase of treasury shares | 0 | 0 | 107 |
Non-controlling interests | 82 | 125 | 243 |
Interest paid | -2'323 | -2'566 | -2'678 |
Net cash used in financing activities | -39'766 | -3'678 | -11'277 |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | -12'089 | -25'584 | -27'753 |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 93'874 | 127'424 | 127'424 |
Exchange gains/(losses) on cash and cash equivalents | 3'314 | -1'735 | -5'797 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period | 85'099 | 100'105 | 93'874 |
u‑blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global technology leader in positioning and wireless communication in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets. Their smart and reliable solutions, services and products let people, vehicles, and machines determine their precise position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules, and secure data services and connectivity, u‑blox is uniquely positioned to empower its customers to develop innovative and reliable solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost‑effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, the company is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia, and the USA.
Find us on www.u‑blox.com, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter @ublox and YouTube
Analyst day: | 23 November, 2021 |
Full year results 2021: | 11 March, 2022 |
Annual General Meeting: | 20 April, 2022 |
Doris Rudischhauser, c/o Dynamics Group AG
Phone: +41 79 410 81 88
E‑mail: doris.rudischhauser@u-blox.com
Jeehae Linford, c/o The Equity Group Inc.
Phone: +1 (212) 836-9615
E‑mail: jlinford@equityny.com
u‑blox AG
Zürcherstrasse 68
8800 Thalwil
Switzerland
Phone +41 44 722 74 44
Fax +41 44 722 74 47
info@u-blox.com
www.u‑blox.com
This release contains certain forward‑looking statements. Such forward‑looking statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the u‑blox Group to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include risks related to the success of and demand for the Group’s products, the potential for the Group’s products to become obsolete, the Group’s ability to defend its intellectual property, the Group’s ability to develop and commercialize new products in a timely manner, the dynamic and competitive environment in which the Group operates, the regulatory environment, changes in currency exchange rates, the Group’s ability to generate revenues and profitability, and the Group’s ability to realize its expansion projects in a timely manner. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this report. u‑blox is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward‑looking statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.