BUSINESS AREA FINLAND

The business area includes the Group’s operations in Finland consisting of BE Group Oy Ab.

Second quarter

Net sales increased by 7 percent and amounted to SEK 511 M (479). The increase is explained by positive price and mix effects of 8 percent, negative currency effects of 1 percent while tonnage was unchanged.

The Finnish market developed positively during the quarter, with improved activity in both the industrial and construction segments. At the same time, the business area continued to improve efficiency following the implementation of a new ERP system last year. The improved market activity, combined with a stronger gross margin and increased efficiency, contributed to a significantly stronger earnings performance. Efforts to enhance service levels, material availability, and delivery capability continued throughout the quarter.

The operating result increased to SEK 12 M (-213). Adjusted for inventory gains of SEK 3 M (5) and items affecting comparability of SEK 0 M (-192), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 8 M (-25) and the underlying operating margin increased to SEK 1.6 percent (-5.2).

First six months

Net sales during the first six months increased by 5 percent compared to last year and amounted to 1,023 (974). The increase is explained by positive price and mix effects of 6 percent, a higher tonnage of 2 percent which was partly counteracted by negative currency effects of 3 percent. The operating result increased to SEK 19 M (-223). Adjusted for inventory gains of SEK 10 M (1) and items affecting comparability of SEK 0 M (-192), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 8 M (-32) and the underlying operating margin increased to SEK 0.8 percent (-3.3).