The Swatch Group AG

01/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2024 00:03

Swatch Group: Key Figures 2023

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of the Listing Rules
  • Net sales up by 12.6% at constant exchange rates, or 5.2% at current rates to
    CHF 7 888 million. Sales growth of over 8% in the fourth quarter in local currencies.
  • Despite huge exchange rate impacts, the Watches & Jewelry segment (including Production) achieved the same strong operating margin of 17.2%.
  • Operating profit of CHF 1 191 million (previous year: CHF 1 158 million).
    Operating margin of 15.1% (previous year: 15.4%).
  • Net income up by 8.1% to CHF 890 million (previous year: CHF 823 million).
    Net margin of 11.3% (previous year: 11.0%).
  • Investments doubled to CHF 803 million, of which over CHF 300 million invested in production equipment and CHF 220 million in retail properties in prime locations.
  • Operating cash flow of CHF 615 million (previous year: CHF 724 million).
  • Net liquidity1) of CHF 1 988 million (previous year: CHF 2 540 million).
  • Creation of 1 541 additional jobs, of which 802 in Switzerland.
  • The Board of Directors of the Swatch Group will propose a 8.3% higher dividend of CHF 1.30 per registered share (previous year: CHF 1.20) and CHF 6.50 per bearer share (previous year: CHF 6.00) at the Annual General Meeting on 8 May 2024.
  • Excellent growth prospects in 2024, especially also in the lower and medium price segments, despite the problematic strength of the Swiss franc. The brand Swatch started the year very strongly with the worldwide launch on 11 January 2024 of the Scuba Fifty Fathoms "Ocean of Storms".

Outlook 2024

The Group anticipates excellent opportunities for further growth in local currencies in 2024. The jewelry brand Harry Winston will surpass one billion in turnover in 2024. The brands Swatch and Tissot, as well as Longines, will continue to develop strongly in the lower and medium price segments. Omega will benefit from a global media presence as the official timekeeper of the Olympic Games in Paris. America and Japan will continue to offer great growth prospects for the Group's brands. In China, the Swatch Group will enjoy additional demand with its strong brands in the lower and medium price segments. Exchange rate movements will continue to impact the Group's results due to its strong industrial base in Switzerland.

1) Cash and cash equivalents as well as financial assets, securities and derivative financial instruments minus current financial debts and derivative financial liabilities