Third quarter (1 October-31 December 2014)·
- Revenue increased by 4 percent to MSEK 2,027 (1,954).
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Operating profit rose by 22 percent to MSEK 104 (85), corresponding to an
operating margin of 5.1 percent (4.4). - Profit after net financial items increased to MSEK 96 (74).
- Profit after taxes amounted to MSEK 72 (55).
- Earnings per share increased to SEK 2.55 (1.95). For the most recent 12-month period, earnings per share amounted to SEK 10.70 (6.35).
- The return on equity for the most recent 12-month period was 13 percent (9).
- The equity/assets ratio at the end of the period was 46 percent (44).
Reporting period – 9 months (1 April-31 December 2014)·
- Revenue increased by 4 percent to MSEK 5,909 (5,688).
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Operating profit rose by 43 percent to MSEK 339 (237) and the
operating margin was 5.7 percent (4.2). - Profit after net financial items increased to MSEK 308 (196).
- Profit after taxes rose by 59 percent to MSEK 231 (145).
PRESIDENT’S STATEMENT
Although the overall business situation was relatively stable in the third quarter, the market fragmentation remains – whereby parts of our operations are performing well, while others are affected by more difficult market conditions. The positive profit development for, among others, TOOLS Sweden and several of our Business Areas continued during the quarter. The Norwegian operations, in particular, were impacted by weaker demand during the autumn linked to, for example, the offshore industry.
The volume, measured in local currency and adjusted for the number of trading days, increased by 3 percent compared with the preceding year and operating profit rose by 22 percent to MSEK 104, including a capital gain of approximately MSEK 5, net, for property sales completed during the quarter. Our operational net loan liability has declined since the preceding year by MSEK 200 to MSEK 557 (757), in part due to efficiency gains in the working capital.
Our focus on customer proximity, sales and contribution ratios, and restraint in terms of costs, remains a top priority.
Stockholm, February 2015
Ulf Lilius
President & CEO
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