Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR of June 4th, 2024 Burckhardt Compression achieved the following record results in fiscal year 2023: Sales of CHF 982.0 mn, +18.4% year-on-year Operating income (EBIT) of CHF 121.4 mn, +27.8% year-on-year Earnings per share of CHF 26.63, +29.0% year-on-year Dividend of CHF 15.50 proposed, an increase of 29.2% year-on-year 12% reduction in the Group's greenhouse gas emission intensity (Scope 1 and 2) Guidance for fiscal year 2024: sales between CHF 1.0 bn and CHF 1.1 bn, with an EBIT-margin at a similar level as in fiscal year 2023 Sales guidance for 2027 (Mid-Range Plan) raised by CHF 100 mn to CHF 1.2 bn Tatiana Gillitzer proposed as new board member, as Monika Krüsi decided, after 12 years on the board of directors, to not stand for reelection WINTERTHUR, Switzerland, June 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 180th anniversary of Burckhardt Compression marks a successful start to the Company's latest Mid-Range Plan, with notable achievements in order intake, sales, and operating income. Based on these results and positive mid-term market trends for sustainable energy solutions, the Company is raising its sales guidance for 2027. Fabrice Billard, CEO of Burckhardt Compression, says: "In 2023, Burckhardt Compression surpassed again CHF 1 billion in orders and achieved new record sales and operating income despite economic challenges. These successes highlight our leadership in applications for the transition to more secure and sustainable energy sources." Strong sales growth - Profitability increase in both divisions and at Group level Order intake for the Group reached CHF 1'124.7 mn, a decrease of 11.3%, respectively 6.2% net of currency translation effects. Despite a currency headwind of 7.7 pp, sales were up by 18.4%, at CHF 982.0 mn, driven by a 31.3% growth in the Systems Division. Gross profit margin reached 26.7%, a reduction of 2.8 pp compared to the previous year, due to the increased share and less favorable product mix of the Systems Division. Research & Development expenses increased by CHF 2.7 mn to CHF 26.6 mn to support the development of new applications. Selling, marketing, and general administrative expenses amounted to 12.2% of sales, a significant reduction of 1.9 pp year-on-year. This highlights the leverage and effectiveness of SG&A spend, which is part of the Mid-Range Plan. Other operating income and expenses (net) were CHF 5.4 mn (prior year: CHF -8.6 mn, including some one-off provisions). The consolidated operating income (EBIT) rose substantially by 27.8% to CHF 121.4 mn. The Systems Division increased its EBIT margin by 1.2 pp, the Services Division by 2.5 pp. The higher weight of the Systems Division in the sales mix led to an overall increase of the Group EBIT margin of 1.0 pp to 12.4%. Value creation further enhanced - Significant dividend increase proposedFinancial expenses slightly below last year and a similar tax rate of 23.7% led to a net income of CHF 90.1 mn, which exceeded the previous year's figure by 28.7%. Accordingly, earnings per share attributable to Burckhardt Compression Group shareholders rose from CHF 20.64 to CHF 26.63.Value creation was ...