Compared to the third quarter of 2016, revenue and earnings decreased, but remain at a healthy level. Free cash flow increased compared to last year’s third quarter due to favourable working capital movements. Solid order intake in the quarter, and combined order backlog at high level. Guidance for 2017 adjusted.   

In the third quarter of 2017, Vestas generated revenue of EUR 2,743m – a decrease of 6 percent compared to the year-earlier period. EBIT decreased by EUR 78m to EUR 355m. The EBIT margin was 12.9 percent compared to 14.9 percent in the third quarter of 2016 and free cash flow* amounted to EUR 193m compared to EUR 155m in the third quarter of 2016. The intake of firm and unconditional wind turbine orders amounted to 2,615 MW in the third quarter of 2017. 

The value of the wind turbine order backlog amounted to EUR 8.8bn as of 30 September 2017. In addition to the wind turbine order backlog, Vestas had service agreements with expected contractual future revenue of EUR 11.4bn at the end of September 2017. Thus, the value of the combined backlog of wind turbine orders and service agreements stood at EUR 20.2bn – an increase of EUR 3.1bn compared to the year-earlier period.  

Vestas adjusts the 2017 guidance on revenue to range between EUR 9.50bn and EUR 10.25bn (compared to between EUR 9.25bn and EUR 10.25bn previously), EBIT margin before special items of 12-13 percent (compared to 12-14 percent previously), and free cash flow* to range between EUR 450m to EUR 900m (compared to minimum EUR 700m previously). The adjustments are based mainly on delivery visibility for the remainder of the year. Vestas also adjusts 2017 guidance on total investments* from approximately EUR 350m to approximately EUR 400m.

*) Before investments in marketable securities and short-term financial investments, and incl. proceeds of EUR 99m from sale of office building facilities.