BUSINESS AREA FINLAND

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

Third quarter

Net sales increased by 30 percent compared with the previous year and amounted to SEK 539 M (415). The increase was mainly attributable to 21 percent higher tonnage as well as positive price and mix effects. The volume development should be viewed in light of the fact that the comparative period was affected by the transition to a new business system in the Finnish operations.

The operating result increased to SEK 10 M (-20). Adjusted for inventory gains of SEK 2 M (2) and items affecting comparability of SEK -5 M (-3), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 14 M (-19), corresponding to an underlying operating margin of 2.6 percent (-4.6).

The improvement in the underlying operating result was mainly driven by higher volumes, a stronger gross margin and improved operational efficiency. Improved commercial management, a stronger product mix and deliveries to major infrastructure-related projects also contributed positively.

Items affecting comparability of SEK -5 M relate to restructuring costs associated with the planned consolidation of the plate processing operations in Finland, whereby the operations in Lahti and Turku will be consolidated in Lapua. The change strengthens the customer offering and competitiveness within plate processing and creates conditions for more efficient capacity utilization. The measures are expected to generate annual cost savings of approximately SEK 20 M, with full effect from 2028.

First nine months

Net sales for the first nine months increased by 12 percent compared with the previous year and amounted to SEK 1,562 M (1,389). The increase was attributable to 8 percent higher tonnage as well as positive price and mix effects. The operating result increased to SEK 29 M (-243). Adjusted for inventory gains of SEK 12 M (3) and items affecting comparability of SEK -5 M (-192), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 22 M (-51), and the underlying operating margin increased to 1.4 percent (-3.7).

During the first nine months, implemented improvements in pricing, ways of working and operational management had a clear positive impact. Going forward, the focus is on maintaining margin discipline and continuing to strengthen delivery capabilities as volumes increase.