Comments on the report

First quarter

Consolidated net sales increased by 8 percent compared to last year and amounted to SEK 1,226 M (1,138). The increase is mainly due to positive price and mix effects of 6 percent and currency effects of 2 percent. The positive price effect is due to significantly higher steel prices compared with the previous year.

Gross profit amounted to SEK 187 M (174), with a gross margin of 15.3 percent (15.3). The operating result amounted to SEK 55 M (46), corresponding to an operating margin of 4.5 percent (4.0). Adjusted for inventory gains of SEK 7 M (16), the underlying operating result amounted to SEK 48 M (30). The underlying operating margin thereby increased to 3.9 percent (2.6). Both closure of the operations in Eskilstuna and measures taken in Lecor Stålteknik improve the operating result in the period.