Financial statement 2008: Global crisis cuts growth and accounting technique results in zero-profit
30 March 2009
”The Danfoss Group had a poor 2008. In the fourth quarter, we were hit surprisingly hard by the global crisis. The profit was particularly hit by the negative development of Sauer-Danfoss’ profit during the second half-year. Moreover, accounting adjustments performed in connection with our takeover of the controlling interest in Sauer-Danfoss reduced the official result. So, we will have to note that 2008 ended with a pre-tax and an after-tax deficit. At an overall level, the result is not satisfactory. However, it is positive that there are no indications that Danfoss has lost market shares and that our three divisions – in spite of historically poor market conditions – have managed to create an operating profit of more than 1bn DKK.
We see no signs that the situation will improve in 2009 which means that we have had to introduce a number of measures to cut costs. An unfortunate effect is that we have had to cut a large number of jobs in Denmark and in our global organisation. These and other measures will not entirely impact until 2010, which is why we should expect Danfoss to be in the red in 2009. This is of course also due to the fact that we will have to perform substantial accounting adjustments, like we did in 2008, after the acquisition of the controlling interest in Sauer-Danfoss.”
Niels B. Christiansen, President and CEO, Danfoss A/S