Accelleron, a global leader in heavy-duty turbocharging, reports a very successful 2023 financial year with continued strong momentum: in its first full year as an independent company, revenues achieved a year-on-year growth of 17.2% (15.5% organic), reaching USD 915 million.

Revenue growth was supported by a growing demand in merchant marine for Accelleron’s products and services as well as a strong pipeline of shipbuilding orders driving increased demand for dual-fuel installations.

The energy sector also developed positively, with strong demand for Accelleron products and services, particularly from gas compression plants in the US. Demand for Accelleron’s products and services also increased in high-speed power applications, while the service business grew in medium-speed power applications, without recovery in the corresponding product business.

Strong operational EBITA achieved against challenges from standalone setup
Operational EBITA grew strongly by 16.3% to reach USD 223 million. The attractive operational EBITA margin of 24.4% (2022: 24.6%) was achieved in a challenging inflationary environment and despite supply chain challenges and the significant full-year impact of additional expenses due to the set-up of standalone capabilities. Continued cost inflation in materials and labor was largely offset by price increases.

The build-up of independent functions and systems resulted in one-time costs of USD 82 million (USD 75.0 million excluding OMT), which was well in line with guidance and had a significant impact on net income, which was USD 110.0 million or 15.3% below the prior year. Thanks to strong cash collections and stabilization of inventory levels, Accelleron’s highly cash-generative business model was reflected in a high free cash flow conversion of 99.2%. Free cash flow generation was USD 109.1 million in 2023, up from USD 99.3 million in the previous year despite strong growth, higher one-time costs and supply-chain challenges

High Speed segment
Revenues in the High Speed segment rose by USD 36.1 million, or 16.9% (+17.8% organically), to USD 249.9 million compared to the previous year. The segment benefited from a further strengthening demand related to the gas-compression business in the United States and price increases.

Operational EBITA in the High Speed segment increased by USD 18.3 million, or 44.6%, to USD 59.3 million compared to the previous year. The increase was driven by strong operating leverage, pricing measures and a significantly lower level of warranty costs. These effects more than offset the additional expenses arising from the standalone setup and cost inflation. Consequently, the operational EBITA margin increased by 4.5 percentage points to 23.7% in 2023.

Medium & Low Speed segment
Revenues in the Medium & Low Speed segment increased by USD 98.2 million, or 17.3% (+14.6% organic), to USD 664.9 million compared to the previous year. This increase mainly results from a further strengthening of the demand in merchant marine, as well as price increases compared to the previous year. USD 23.5 million were contributed through the acquisition of OMT.

Operational EBITA in the Medium & Low Speed segment increased by USD 12.9 million, or 8.5%, to USD 163.8 million compared to the previous year. The operational EBITA margin decreased by 2.0 percentage points to 24.6% in 2023 due to additional expenses arising from the standalone setup, inefficiencies resulting from supply chain challenges and the ongoing cost inflation which was largely offset by price increases. The acquisition of OMT did not have any material impact on the profitability of the segment.

OMT acquisition supports growth and innovation strategy, key for decarbonization
The acquisition of OMT, the market leader in two-stroke fuel injection, was a major milestone for Accelleron and another highlight in the Company’s first year of independence. This transaction reinforces Accelleron’s position as the partner of choice for OEM engine builders and leading innovator in the development of technologies for alternative fuel applications (such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia) for large marine engines and other heavy-duty applications. It also expands Accelleron’s technology and services offering, enabling the Company to deliver advanced solutions for decarbonization and adaptation to new fuels, which will give an additional boost to the fuel injection market.

Within the 2023 financial year, Accelleron also expanded service and digital offerings to ensure efficient engine operation and to protect the asset value of vessels, by providing solutions that are helping to improve IMO carbon intensity ratings (in short CII) for ships. The focus on emerging business and technology opportunities, particularly in digital solutions, has led to valuable collaborations and investments that will fuel Accelleron’s growth and innovation pipeline.

Next-generation turbocharger introduced
Accelleron continued to invest in a strong innovation pipeline with USD 57.4 million dedicated to research and development in 2023. In June, Accelleron unveiled the next generation of turbochargers for two-stroke main propulsion engines, the ACCX300-L series. The platform-based concept provides improved efficiency over the total load range and easy service. It is complemented by Accelleron’s Turbo Insights digital technology, which sets a new benchmark for turbocharging that will offer ship operators flexibility in responding to uncertainty around the fuels they will use and the way they will operate their vessels in the future.

The Company’s extended technology portfolio, improved service offerings and progress in digitalization is expected to have a long-lasting positive effect on its market penetration. In 2023, Accelleron continued to expand the coverage of its installed base with service agreements.

Sustainability
Accelleron is committed to being a place where people work together to strengthen social and environmental impacts and where sustainability principles play an integral part in the business. In 2023, Accelleron introduced a company purpose “Accelerating sustainability in marine and energy industries”, placing sustainability at the core of its long-term direction. In 2023, Accelleron committed to the Science-Based-Targets initiative (SBTi) and undertook a number of important initiatives to pave the way towards reaching its 2030 sustainability targets. Accelleron reduced the carbon footprint of the Company’s operations by 8% (scope 1 and 2).

In addition, Accelleron commissioned a photovoltaic system at its headquarters in Baden, Switzerland, which will produce an estimated 1 GWh per year, covering 10% of the Company’s electricity demand in Baden. Other sites around the world are in the process of shifting to a higher share of renewable energy supply. To drive progress in sustainability at every level, as from 2024 executive incentives are linked to carbon emissions targets, including some elements of scope 3.

Every employee eligible for the global short-term incentive plan has at least one yearly sustainability target. For the first time, the Company will publish an annual report including both financial and sustainability results.

Management confident on outlook, expecting to stay in line with mid-term guidance in 2024
The Company expects to reach a revenue growth of between 4% and 6% (OMT contributing with about four percentage points) for the full year. At the same time, the Company is confident that it will maintain its profitability (operational EBITA margin) at around 24.5% amid macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties. Due to the continuously improving supply chain, the free cash flow conversion is expected to be in the range of 90% to 100% for the full year.

“We made remarkable progress in the 2023 financial year, completing the transition to a standalone company and further improving our resilience and operational robustness,” says Daniel Bischofberger, Chief Executive Officer of Accelleron. “This all would not have been possible without our fantastic and passionate colleagues around the globe. They have not just walked the extra mile – they have run the extra marathon. With the acquisition of OMT and focused innovation efforts, we have strengthened our market position and are increasingly contributing to the decarbonization of the marine and energy industries. We are well positioned and confident that we will continue gaining further market shares in our markets.”

A dividend of CHF 0.85 per share will be proposed to the Annual General Meeting on May 7, 2024 (+16.4%; previous year: CHF 0.73 per share).

The 2023 Full Year Annual Report and further information are available on the website at https://accelleron-industries.com/content/dam/accelleronind/documents/investors/accelleron-industries-annual-report-2023.pdf.

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	Issue 90 of Robban Assafina (Mar./April 2024)