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Sysco(SYY) - 2025 Q4 - Annual Results
2025-07-29 12:03
[Financial Performance Overview](index=1&type=section&id=Financial%20Performance%20Overview) Sysco's financial performance in FY2025 showed mixed results, with adjusted growth in Q4 and full year, alongside strategic capital allocation and future guidance [Fourth Quarter (Q4) FY2025 Performance](index=1&type=section&id=Fourth%20Quarter%20(Q4)%20FY2025%20Performance) Sysco's Q4 FY2025 results exceeded expectations with sales up 2.8% to $21.1 billion, and adjusted net earnings growing 3.3% despite a goodwill impairment - Q4 results exceeded expectations, driven by Sysco-specific initiatives and improved restaurant industry traffic. U.S. Foodservice (USFS) local volumes improved sequentially by **200 bps**, with momentum continuing into July[2](index=2&type=chunk) Q4 FY2025 Key Financial Results (vs Q4 FY2024) | Metric | Q4 FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $21.1 billion | +2.8% | | Gross Profit | $4.0 billion | +3.9% | | Operating Income (GAAP) | $889 million | -9.0% | | **Adjusted Operating Income** | **$1.1 billion** | **+1.1%** | | Net Earnings (GAAP) | $531 million | -13.2% | | **Adjusted Net Earnings** | **$716 million** | **+3.3%** | | EPS (GAAP) | $1.10 | -10.6% | | **Adjusted EPS** | **$1.48** | **+6.5%** | - The company recorded a **$92 million** non-cash goodwill impairment charge related to its Guest Worldwide business, which impacted GAAP results. This charge amounted to **$0.17 per share**[8](index=8&type=chunk) [Full Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Performance](index=2&type=section&id=Full%20Fiscal%20Year%20(FY)%2025%20Performance) Full fiscal year 2025 sales increased 3.2% to $81.4 billion, with adjusted net earnings up 0.8% to $2.2 billion despite GAAP declines Full Year FY2025 Key Financial Results (vs FY2024) | Metric | FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $81.4 billion | +3.2% | | Gross Profit | $15.0 billion | +2.5% | | Operating Income (GAAP) | $3.1 billion | -3.6% | | **Adjusted Operating Income** | **$3.5 billion** | **+1.2%** | | Net Earnings (GAAP) | $1.8 billion | -6.5% | | **Adjusted Net Earnings** | **$2.2 billion** | **+0.8%** | | EPS (GAAP) | $3.73 | -4.1% | | **Adjusted EPS** | **$4.46** | **+3.5%** | - Product cost inflation for the full year was **2.5%** at the enterprise level, primarily in the dairy and poultry categories[15](index=15&type=chunk) [Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Guidance](index=1&type=section&id=Fiscal%20Year%20(FY)%2026%20Guidance) Sysco projects FY2026 sales growth of 3% to 5% to $84-85 billion, with adjusted EPS growth of 1% to 3%, or 5% to 7% excluding a $100 million headwind FY2026 Financial Outlook | Metric | Guidance | | :--- | :--- | | Sales Growth | 3% to 5% | | Sales | ~$84 billion to $85 billion | | Adjusted EPS Growth | 1% to 3% | | Adjusted EPS | ~$4.50 to $4.60 | | Adjusted EPS Growth (Ex-Incentive Comp Headwind) | 5% to 7% | - The FY26 outlook includes an approximate **$100 million** (or **$0.16 per diluted share**) headwind from lapping lower incentive compensation from FY25[3](index=3&type=chunk) [Capital Allocation](index=2&type=section&id=Capital%20Allocation) Sysco returned $2.3 billion to shareholders in FY2025 and plans to return approximately $2 billion in FY2026 through dividends and share repurchases - For FY2026, the company plans to return capital to shareholders with approximately **$1 billion** in dividends and **$1 billion** in share repurchases[3](index=3&type=chunk) - In FY2025, the company returned a total of **$2.3 billion** to shareholders, consisting of **$1.3 billion** in share repurchases and **$1.0 billion** in dividends[12](index=12&type=chunk)[21](index=21&type=chunk) [Segment Performance Analysis](index=2&type=section&id=Segment%20Performance%20Analysis) Sysco's segments showed varied performance, with strong international growth offsetting U.S. Foodservice volume pressures and an impairment in other segments [U.S. Foodservice Operations](index=2&type=section&id=U.S.%20Foodservice%20Operations) U.S. Foodservice Operations saw modest sales growth but faced volume pressures and decreased adjusted operating income in FY2025 due to industry traffic and investments U.S. Foodservice Q4 FY2025 Performance (vs Q4 FY2024) | Metric | Q4 FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $14.8 billion | +2.4% | | Local Case Volume | - | -1.5% | | Gross Profit | $2.9 billion | +2.8% | | Adjusted Operating Income | $1.1 billion | -0.8% | U.S. Foodservice Full Year FY2025 Performance (vs FY2024) | Metric | FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $57.0 billion | +2.9% | | Total Case Volume | - | +0.5% | | Local Case Volume | - | -1.4% | | Adjusted Operating Income | $3.6 billion | -3.0% | [International Foodservice Operations](index=2&type=section&id=International%20Foodservice%20Operations) International Foodservice Operations delivered strong double-digit adjusted operating income growth in FY2025, driven by effective margin management and local volume expansion International Foodservice Q4 FY2025 Performance (vs Q4 FY2024) | Metric | Q4 FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $3.9 billion | +3.6% | | Sales (Constant Currency) | $3.8 billion | +1.0% | | Adjusted Operating Income | $197 million | +20.1% | | Adj. Op. Income (Constant Currency) | $193 million | +17.7% | International Foodservice Full Year FY2025 Performance (vs FY2024) | Metric | FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $14.9 billion | +2.4% | | Sales (Constant Currency) | $14.9 billion | +2.6% | | Adjusted Operating Income | $585 million | +18.9% | | Adj. Op. Income (Constant Currency) | $585 million | +18.9% | - Excluding the impact of the Mexico joint venture divestiture, sales grew **8.3%** in Q4 and **4.8%** for the full fiscal year for the International segment[13](index=13&type=chunk)[20](index=20&type=chunk) [Other Segments (SYGMA & Other)](index=18&type=section&id=Other%20Segments%20(SYGMA%20%26%20Other)) SYGMA segment showed solid growth, while the 'Other' segment incurred a significant operating loss due to a $92 million goodwill impairment charge SYGMA Segment Performance FY2025 (vs FY2024) | Metric | FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $8.41 billion | +8.3% | | Operating Income | $81 million | +12.5% | Other Segment Performance FY2025 (vs FY2024) | Metric | FY2025 | Change (YoY) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Sales | $1.09 billion | -7.3% | | Operating (Loss) Income | ($73 million) | Not Meaningful | | Adjusted Operating Income | $19 million | -62.0% | - The 'Other' segment's GAAP operating loss was driven by a **$92 million** goodwill impairment charge in Q4[46](index=46&type=chunk)[49](index=49&type=chunk) [Financial Statements & Condition](index=4&type=section&id=Financial%20Statements%20%26%20Condition) Sysco maintained a strong financial position in FY2025 with solid liquidity, increased assets, and managed debt, despite a decrease in operating cash flow [Balance Sheet and Liquidity](index=4&type=section&id=Balance%20Sheet%20and%20Liquidity) As of June 28, 2025, Sysco maintained strong liquidity with $1.1 billion cash and $3.8 billion total liquidity, alongside increased assets and a Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.9 times Key Balance Sheet Items (as of June 28, 2025) | Item | June 28, 2025 | June 29, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cash and cash equivalents | $1,071 million | $696 million | | Total current assets | $11,968 million | $11,043 million | | Total assets | $26,774 million | $24,917 million | | Total debt (Current + Long-term) | $13,309 million | $11,982 million | | Total liabilities | $24,917 million | $23,026 million | | Total shareholders' equity | $1,830 million | $1,860 million | - The company's Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio was approximately **2.9 times** at the end of the fiscal year[21](index=21&type=chunk)[23](index=23&type=chunk) [Cash Flow](index=4&type=section&id=Cash%20Flow) In FY2025, operating cash flow decreased to $2.5 billion, resulting in free cash flow of $1.8 billion, primarily due to working capital changes Consolidated Cash Flows (FY2025 vs FY2024) | Cash Flow Activity | FY2025 | FY2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net cash provided by operating activities | $2,510 million | $2,989 million | | Net cash used for investing activities | ($717 million) | ($1,962 million) | | Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities | ($1,412 million) | ($1,038 million) | - Free cash flow for FY2025 was **$1.8 billion**, a decrease of **$418 million** from the prior year[22](index=22&type=chunk)[52](index=52&type=chunk) [Non-GAAP Reconciliations & Other Disclosures](index=12&type=section&id=Non-GAAP%20Reconciliations%20%26%20Other%20Disclosures) This section clarifies Sysco's use of non-GAAP financial measures, provides reconciliations, and outlines forward-looking statements with associated risks [Explanation of Non-GAAP Measures](index=12&type=section&id=Explanation%20of%20Non-GAAP%20Measures) Sysco utilizes non-GAAP measures like adjusted operating income and EPS to present underlying business trends by excluding specific non-recurring or non-operational items - Non-GAAP measures are used to provide perspective on underlying business trends by removing certain items[36](index=36&type=chunk) - Key adjustments include: restructuring/severance costs, transformation project costs, acquisition-related costs, and a goodwill impairment charge in FY2025[36](index=36&type=chunk) [Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results](index=13&type=section&id=Reconciliation%20of%20GAAP%20to%20Non-GAAP%20Results) In FY2025, GAAP operating income of $3.1 billion was adjusted to $3.5 billion, and GAAP net earnings of $1.8 billion to $2.2 billion, primarily due to restructuring, acquisition, and impairment charges FY2025 Reconciliation of GAAP Operating Income to Adjusted Operating Income | Description | Amount (in millions) | | :--- | :--- | | **Operating Income (GAAP)** | **$3,088** | | Impact of restructuring and transformational project costs | +$183 | | Impact of acquisition-related costs | +$160 | | Impact of goodwill impairment | +$92 | | **Operating Income Adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)** | **$3,523** | FY2025 Reconciliation of GAAP Net Earnings to Adjusted Net Earnings | Description | Amount (in millions) | | :--- | :--- | | **Net Earnings (GAAP)** | **$1,828** | | Pre-tax adjustments (total) | +$435 | | Tax impact of adjustments | -$89 | | Other non-routine tax adjustments | +$10 | | **Net Earnings Adjusted for Certain Items (Non-GAAP)** | **$2,184** | [Forward-Looking Statements](index=6&type=section&id=Forward-Looking%20Statements) The report includes forward-looking statements on future performance and strategies, which are subject to various risks including economic conditions, inflation, and supply chain disruptions - Forward-looking statements cover expectations for productivity, growth strategies, inflation, capital allocation, and overall financial outlook[26](index=26&type=chunk) - Actual results could differ materially due to risks such as geopolitical and economic conditions, inflation, supply chain risks, and changes in consumer eating habits[27](index=27&type=chunk)
Sysco Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results; Introduces FY26 Guidance
Globenewswire· 2025-07-29 12:00
Core Insights - Sysco Corporation reported financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter and the fiscal year ended June 28, 2025, showing improved performance driven by company-specific initiatives and increased restaurant industry traffic [1][2]. Financial Performance Summary - **Fourth Quarter Results**: - Total sales increased by 2.8% to $21.1 billion [5][33]. - Gross profit rose by 3.9% to $4.0 billion, with a gross margin of 18.9% [6][8]. - Operating income decreased by 9.0% to $889 million, while adjusted operating income increased by 1.1% to $1.1 billion [6][10]. - Net earnings fell by 13.2% to $531 million, but adjusted net earnings increased by 3.3% to $716 million [6][10]. - EBITDA decreased by 6.5% to $1.1 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 1.8% to $1.3 billion [6][10]. - Diluted EPS decreased by 10.6% to $1.10, while adjusted EPS increased by 6.5% to $1.48 [6][10]. - **Fiscal Year Results**: - Total sales for the fiscal year increased by 3.2% to $81.4 billion [19][33]. - Gross profit increased by 2.5% to $15.0 billion, with a gross margin of 18.4% [19][33]. - Operating income decreased by 3.6% to $3.1 billion, while adjusted operating income increased by 1.2% to $3.5 billion [19][21]. - Net earnings decreased by 6.5% to $1.8 billion, but adjusted net earnings increased by 0.8% to $2.2 billion [19][21]. - EBITDA decreased by 1.2% to $4.0 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 2.4% to $4.3 billion [19][21]. Segment Performance - **U.S. Foodservice Operations**: - Sales increased by 2.4% to $14.8 billion, with total case volume decreasing by 0.3% [11][23]. - Gross profit increased by 2.8% to $2.9 billion, with a gross margin of 19.5% [11][23]. - Operating income decreased by 2.0% to $1.0 billion [12][24]. - **International Foodservice Operations**: - Sales increased by 3.6% to $3.9 billion, with a constant currency increase of 1.0% [15][25]. - Gross profit increased by 7.6% to $847 million, with a gross margin of 21.6% [16][26]. - Operating income increased by 26.1% to $145 million [18][28]. Cash Flow and Capital Management - The company reported cash flow from operations of $2.5 billion and free cash flow of $1.8 billion for the fiscal year [30][44]. - Sysco returned approximately $2.3 billion to shareholders through $1.3 billion in share repurchases and $1.0 billion in dividends [30][38]. Outlook - Sysco expects sales growth of approximately 3% to 5% for fiscal year 2026, targeting sales of $84 billion to $85 billion [2]. - Adjusted EPS is projected to grow by approximately 1% to 3%, aiming for $4.50 to $4.60 [2]. - The company plans to reward shareholders with approximately $1 billion in dividends and $1 billion in share repurchases for FY26 [2].
Sysco's Q4 Earnings on the Horizon: What Surprise Awaits Investors?
ZACKS· 2025-07-24 15:55
Core Viewpoint - Sysco Corporation is expected to report an increase in both revenue and earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, with revenues estimated at $21 billion, reflecting a 2.1% growth year-over-year, and earnings per share projected at $1.40, indicating a 0.7% rise from the previous year [1][3]. Group 1: Revenue and Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sysco's quarterly revenues is pegged at $21 billion, indicating a 2.1% growth from the year-ago quarter [1]. - The consensus mark for earnings has remained stable at $1.40 per share, reflecting a 0.7% increase from the prior year's reported figure [1]. Group 2: Contributing Factors to Performance - Sysco's U.S. Foodservice operations are showing robust strength, contributing positively to the upcoming results, alongside solid customer retention [3][11]. - The company has expanded its distribution capacity and implemented strategic sales initiatives, including the rollout of the Greco Italian platform, which are likely to enhance performance [3]. - The international segment is expected to contribute positively, supported by increased sales headcount, local assortment expansion, and strategic sourcing synergies [4]. Group 3: Cost and Margin Considerations - Rising product costs, particularly in dairy and meat categories, are impacting gross margins negatively [6]. - Increased headcount investments and supply-chain expenses are also potential concerns for the company [6]. - Macroeconomic factors such as soft restaurant traffic, weak consumer confidence, and elevated inflation are dampening demand [6]. Group 4: Earnings Prediction Model - The earnings prediction model indicates a likelihood of an earnings beat for Sysco, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +2.25% and a Zacks Rank of 3 [7].
Exploring Analyst Estimates for Sysco (SYY) Q4 Earnings, Beyond Revenue and EPS
ZACKS· 2025-07-24 14:16
Core Viewpoint - Analysts expect Sysco (SYY) to report quarterly earnings of $1.40 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 0.7%, with revenues projected at $20.99 billion, up 2.1% from the previous year [1] Earnings Projections - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and stock performance [2] - The consensus EPS estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, indicating stability in analysts' assessments [1] Revenue Estimates - Analysts estimate 'Sales- Other' at $297.60 million, a decrease of 4% year-over-year [4] - 'Sales- SYGMA' is projected at $2.13 billion, showing a year-over-year increase of 4.3% [4] - 'Revenue- International Foodservice Operations' is expected to reach $3.88 billion, up 2.4% from the prior year [4] - 'Revenue- U.S. Foodservice Operations' is forecasted at $14.72 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 2.1% [5] Operating Income and Gross Profit - 'Operating income (GAAP)- Other' is estimated at $18.01 million, down from $23.00 million year-over-year [5] - 'Operating income (GAAP)- SYGMA' is projected at $24.92 million, compared to $26.00 million in the previous year [5] - 'Gross Profit- Other' is expected to be $79.64 million, down from $85.00 million year-over-year [6] - 'Gross Profit- SYGMA' is forecasted at $169.27 million, up from $163.00 million [6] - 'Gross Profit- International Foodservice Operations' is projected at $813.99 million, an increase from $787.00 million [8] - 'Gross Profit- U.S. Foodservice Operations' is expected to reach $2.81 billion, slightly up from $2.79 billion [8] Market Performance - Sysco shares have increased by 7.6% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's 5.7% increase [9] - Sysco holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating it is expected to closely follow overall market performance in the near term [9]
Sysco's growth and expansion accelerates with grand opening of Tampa Bay facility in Florida
Globenewswire· 2025-07-24 13:30
Core Insights - Sysco Corporation has opened its newest facility, Sysco Tampa Bay, marking the ninth site opened in the past year as part of its global growth strategy [1] - The new facility will create over 300 jobs in Florida, demonstrating Sysco's commitment to community growth and customer support [1][4] - In the past year, Sysco has opened or expanded 13 facilities globally, including locations in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, London, and Sweden [2] Company Expansion - Sysco Tampa Bay is the sixth broadline facility in Florida, catering to a 100-mile area and supporting the food-away-from-home sector with access to quality products [4] - Sysco's Greco Italian food specialty company has opened three facilities since the beginning of 2024, while four other facilities have expanded their operations [2] Leadership Statements - Sysco's Chairman and CEO, Kevin Hourican, emphasized the company's commitment to helping customers succeed by providing diverse, quality products and excellent customer service [3] - Sysco West Florida Region President, Jane Grout, highlighted the company's growth as a reflection of Florida's rapid development and the need to support current and future customers [5] Company Overview - Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing, and distributing food and related products to various customers, including restaurants, healthcare, and educational facilities [5] - The company operates 340 distribution centers across more than 10 countries, employing 76,000 colleagues and serving approximately 730,000 customer locations [5] - Sysco generated over $78 billion in sales for the fiscal year 2024, which ended on June 29, 2024 [5]
Second ‘Sysco To Go’ Launches in Central Houston to Serve the City’s Diverse Culinary Scene and Local Businesses Near NRG Stadium
GlobeNewswire· 2025-07-23 12:00
Core Insights - Sysco Corporation has opened its second Sysco To Go retail store in Houston, enhancing its presence in a diverse business area [1][2] - The new store aims to provide small businesses and foodservice operators with convenient access to Sysco's product offerings, catering to various cuisines [2][3] - Sysco To Go operates as a 'Restaurant Club' offering free memberships, no purchase minimums, and same-day purchase options [4] Company Overview - Sysco is the largest global distributor of food and related products, serving customers in various sectors including restaurants, healthcare, and education [5][6] - The company operates 340 distribution centers across more than 10 countries, employing approximately 76,000 colleagues and serving around 730,000 customer locations [5] - In fiscal year 2024, Sysco generated sales exceeding $78 billion [5]
Sysco celebrates expansion with grand opening of Sysco Tampa Bay
Globenewswire· 2025-07-22 12:40
Core Points - Sysco Corporation is celebrating the grand opening of its newest distribution center, Sysco Tampa Bay, in Plant City, Florida, which will create over 300 jobs in the region [2][3] - The company generated sales exceeding $78 billion in fiscal year 2024, demonstrating its strong market position as the global leader in foodservice distribution [3][4] - Sysco operates 340 distribution centers across more than 10 countries, employing approximately 76,000 colleagues and serving around 730,000 customer locations [3][4] Company Overview - Sysco is the largest distributor of food and related products for customers who prepare meals away from home, including restaurants, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions [3][4] - The company offers customized supply chain solutions, specialty product offerings, and culinary support to help customers innovate and optimize their operations [4] - Sysco's portfolio includes fresh produce, premium proteins, specialty products, sustainably focused items, equipment, and innovative culinary solutions [4]
Sysco Opens Second Sysco To Go Store in the Heart of the City’s Diverse Culinary Scene
GlobeNewswire· 2025-07-21 16:01
Core Insights - Sysco Corporation is celebrating the grand opening of its second Sysco To Go store in Houston, aimed at serving independent restaurants, food trucks, caterers, and small businesses [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution, generating over $78 billion in sales for the fiscal year 2024 [4]. - The company operates 340 distribution centers across more than 10 countries, employing 76,000 colleagues to serve approximately 730,000 customer locations [4]. Group 2: New Store Details - The new Sysco To Go store is strategically located in central Houston, providing access to a variety of well-priced, quality food products, including Mexican, Pan-Asian, and American cuisine [2]. - The grand opening event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, product samples, and opportunities for media engagement with Sysco representatives [3]. Group 3: Leadership and Community Engagement - Key speakers at the grand opening will include Lindsay Hirsch, Sysco's head of growth strategy, and Martha Castex-Tatum, City of Houston Mayor Pro-Tem [3]. - Sysco To Go Operations Manager, Antonio Valenzuela, will be available for Spanish-language interviews, highlighting the company's commitment to community engagement [3].
Sysco Corporation For A Rising Dividend And Double-Digit Total Return
Seeking Alpha· 2025-07-14 07:54
Group 1 - Friedrich Global Research aims to identify the safest and best performing companies for stock investment, focusing on free cash flow, efficient capital allocation, and consistently superior results to find high-quality management teams [1] Group 2 - The founder of Bern Factor LLC has nearly 40 years of investing and analysis experience, with expertise in both quantitative and qualitative analysis, as well as technical analysis [2] - The founder has a diverse background, having worked in various sectors including retail, military, and management, which provides a broad perspective on macroeconomics and detailed operational insights [2]
Sysco Margins Pressured by Mix: Can Strategic Shifts Rebound?
ZACKS· 2025-07-11 15:56
Core Insights - Sysco Corporation (SYY) faced margin pressure in Q3 of fiscal 2025, with gross profit declining by 0.8% and gross margin contracting by 35 basis points to 18.3% [1][9] - The decline in volume was attributed to macroeconomic headwinds and reduced restaurant traffic, with national business outpacing local performance [2][5] - Strategic sourcing initiatives aimed at improving gross margin did not meet internal timelines, but management expects benefits from agreements finalized shortly after the quarter-end [3][4] Financial Performance - The company's gross profit per case improved, but overall margins were negatively impacted by a shift towards lower-margin national accounts and decreased penetration of Sysco-branded products [1][9] - Sysco's shares have increased by 8.5% over the past three months, outperforming the industry and broader Consumer Staples sector, which saw declines of 3.7% and 0.3%, respectively [6] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 16.44, which is above the industry average of 15.97, indicating a premium valuation reflecting market expectations [12] Strategic Outlook - The company anticipates gross margin improvement from recently completed strategic sourcing agreements, which are part of a broader cost savings program [4][5] - Management is focused on enhancing the product mix by increasing Sysco-branded product penetration and revitalizing the local customer segment to restore margin quality [4][5] - Successful execution of planned cost-efficiency measures and rebalancing the business mix will be crucial for margin recovery in a competitive environment [5]