Haulotte Group today announced consolidated 2012 sales grew 16 percent on strong sales in North America to €355.7 (about U.S. $463.6 million) from €306.9 million in 2011. Aerial work platform sales grew 77 percent in Latin America, 27 percent in North America and 22 percent in Asia-Pacific.
Current operating income rose sharply to €800,000 (U.S. $1.0 million) from a loss of €4.6 million a year ago through the positive impact of additional volume on gross margin, a reduction in the impact of low industrial activity, continuing favorable evolution of sales prices, and a better margin on rental activities and service. Fixed costs, excluding impairment of trade receivables, increased by 4 percent, mainly reflecting commercial investments in areas with high potential development. All of these elements allowed Haulotte Group to generate a positive operating margin, excluding exchange gain and loss, of 3.2 percent in 2012.
2012 EBITDA grew 382 percent to €13.5 million (U.S. $17.6 million) from €2.8 million in full-year 2011.
The positive orientation of emerging markets and the need for fleet renewal in European rental companies should allow Haulotte Group to grow by around 10 percent of sales in 2013 and continue to improve its operating margin, the company said.
Haulotte Group is based in L’Horme, France.
