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Bergman & Beving

Quarterly Report Feb 5, 2025

3008_10-q_2025-02-05_c9e749a9-b5c8-485b-9781-07689ebe5787.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Interim Report 1 April–31 December 2024

Third quarter (1 October–31 December 2024)

  • ❖ Revenue rose by 6 percent to MSEK 1,264 (1,187).
  • ❖ EBITA increased by 10 percent to MSEK 121 (110) and the EBITA margin improved to 9.6 percent (9.3).
  • ❖ Net profit amounted to MSEK 54 (55) and earnings per share after dilution totalled SEK 1.95 (1.95).
  • ❖ Cash flow from operating activities totalled MSEK 214 (207).
  • ❖ Four acquisitions have been completed, with annual revenue of approximately MSEK 310.

Nine months (1 April–31 December 2024)

  • ❖ Revenue rose by 4 percent to MSEK 3,661 (3,509).
  • ❖ EBITA increased by 12 percent to MSEK 360 (322) and the EBITA margin improved to 9.8 percent (9.2).
  • ❖ Net profit rose by 10 percent to MSEK 167 (152).
  • ❖ Cash flow from operating activities totalled MSEK 502 (562).
  • ❖ Earnings per share for the most recent 12-month period amounted to SEK 7.55 after dilution, compared with SEK 7.15 for the 2023/2024 financial year.
  • ❖ Six acquisitions have been completed, with total annual revenue of approximately MSEK 390.
3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 ∆% 2024 2023 ∆% 2024 2024
Revenue 1,264 1,187 6 3,661 3,509 4 4,875 4,723
EBITA 121 110 10 360 322 12 476 438
EBITA margin, percent 9.6 9.3 9.8 9.2 9.8 9.3
EBIT 98 94 4 298 275 8 395 372
EBIT margin, percent 7.8 7.9 8.1 7.8 8.1 7.9
Profit after financial items 70 70 0 217 196 11 282 261
Net profit (after taxes) 54 55 -2 167 152 10 216 201
Earnings per share before dilution, SEK 2.00 1.95 5.85 5.45 7.60 7.15
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1.95 1.95 5.80 5.40 7.55 7.15
P/WC, percent 30 26
Cash flow from operating activities 214 207 3 502 562 -11 603 663
Equity/assets ratio, percent 35 37
Number of employees at the end of the
period
1,401 1,283 9 1,401 1,283 9 1,401 1,340

Unless otherwise stated, comparisons in brackets pertain to the corresponding period in the preceding year.

CEO's comments

Another quarter in the right direction

We have now put yet another quarter behind us with increased profit, strengthened margins, improved profitability (P/WC) and a strong cash flow. EBITA increased by 10 percent to MSEK 121 (110), while the EBITA margin rose to 9.6 percent (9.3). Our efforts to improve profitability continued to have an effect. P/WC increased by 6 percentage points to 30 percent (24) and cash flow from operating activities increased to MSEK 214 (207) during the quarter.

The Group's positive performance is the result of the focus, commitment and hard work of our organisation in challenging business conditions. It is encouraging to see that Division Core Solutions and Division Industrial Equipment are continuing to increase their earnings and profit margins. Division Safety Technology delivered at roughly the same level as in the preceding year, but I expect that the division – as a first step – will return to its previous profit and margin levels.

Challenging market – stronger results

Although the economic climate remains weak for the majority of our companies, we increased the Group's revenue by 6 percent during the quarter due to our acquisitions. Organic revenue decreased 5 percent, which reflects the developments in the construction and manufacturing sectors in the Nordic countries, with the number of employees decreasing during the autumn. Despite these challenges, our decentralised governance model and clear capital allocation demonstrate just how adaptable our companies are. For example, ESSVE increased its revenue due to three new major customer contracts in Sweden, and Cresto Group secured its first large order for rescue equipment from yet another global wind power manufacturer. Our efforts to optimise our product range and inventory resulted in an organic decrease of MSEK 172 in working capital during 2024, of which inventory accounted for MSEK 93. Moreover, Fastit divested its operations in Asia during the quarter, and I cannot rule out that further structural measures in the Group may be necessary.

Four new companies strengthen the Group

During the quarter, we welcomed four new companies to the Group: three Finnish and one Swedish, which together generate revenue of MSEK 310 with good profitability. In Finland, we acquired Levypinta, Ovesta and Labsense. Levypinta manufactures bespoke high-pressure laminate boards, primarily for manufacturers of special furniture used in schools and public properties in Finland and Sweden. Ovesta sells primarily customised fireproof and soundproof doors to construction and real estate companies for installation in public properties. Labsense is a distributor to several leading global suppliers of technical laboratory equipment sold to the public and private sectors in Finland. In Sweden, we acquired Collinder Märksystem, a leading company in safety and industrial signage. The company strengthens our position in the growing segment of safety and industrial signage, a niche where we are already present with companies in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Our strong financial position has made it possible for us to achieve our acquisition goals, which has enabled us to maintain profit growth despite challenging market conditions. The new acquisitions supplement our existing portfolio, and we look forward to seeing the companies contribute the Group's continued progress. I would also like to take this opportunity to warmly welcome all our new employees to the B&B Group.

We are building for the future

In my previous CEO comments, I mentioned that diamonds form under pressure. It does not appear that this pressure will ease in the near future, but these challenging times are driving our companies to continue to increase their efficiency, develop their customer and product mix, and improve their capital efficiency – thereby allowing the companies to grow stronger and position themselves for a stronger market. I am confident that our existing companies, in combination with acquisitions, will ensure that we continue to deliver positive earnings and improvements to profitability going forward. Our trend of increased profit over 20 consecutive quarters is proof that we are on the right path.

Stockholm, February 2025

Magnus Söderlind President & CEO

Profit and revenue

Third quarter (October–December 2024)

Revenue rose by 6 percent to MSEK 1,264 (1,187). Acquired revenue growth amounted to 11 percent. Exchange-rate fluctuations had a marginal impact on revenue. Revenue decreased by 5 percent organically as a result of weaker demand and fewer workdays (2 percentage points).

Demand from customers in the construction sector in the Nordic region remained low. Overall, demand from industrial customers was somewhat weaker, though with significant variation between our companies' markets.

EBITA for the third quarter increased by 10 percent to MSEK 121 (110) and the EBITA margin improved to 9.6 percent (9.3). The increase in earnings was mainly attributable to the contribution from acquired units. Costs in existing companies decreased, which made a positive contribution in the quarter. Profit after

financial items totalled MSEK 70 (70). Net profit totalled MSEK 54 (55).

Nine months (April–December 2024)

Revenue rose by 4 percent to MSEK 3,661 (3,509), with exchange-rate fluctuations having a marginal impact on revenue. Acquired revenue growth amounted to 9 percent. Revenue decreased by 5 percent organically as a result of a weaker underlying market.

EBITA for the period increased by 12 percent to MSEK 360 (322) and the EBITA margin improved to 9.8 percent (9.2). The improvement was driven by acquisitions and lower costs.

Profit after financial items rose by 11 percent to MSEK 217 (196). Net profit increased by 10 percent to MSEK 167 (152) and earnings per share for the rolling 12 month period amounted to SEK 7.55 after dilution, compared with SEK 7.15 for the 2023/2024 financial year.

Performance by division

3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 ∆ % 2024 2023 ∆ % 2024 2024
Revenue
Core Solutions 373 322 16 1,095 1,061 3 1,444 1,410
Safety Technology 441 433 2 1,219 1,192 2 1,631 1,604
Industrial Equipment 464 441 5 1,376 1,282 7 1,835 1,741
Group-wide/eliminations -14 -9 -29 -26 -35 -32
Total revenue 1,264 1,187 6 3,661 3,509 4 4,875 4,723
EBITA
Core Solutions 26 17 53 110 104 6 156 150
Safety Technology 40 40 0 103 93 11 126 116
Industrial Equipment 63 57 11 164 138 19 215 189
Group-wide/eliminations* -8 -4 -17 -13 -21 -17
Total EBITA 121 110 10 360 322 12 476 438
Depreciation and amortisation in
connection with acquisitions
-23 -16 -62 -47 -81 -66
Operating profit 98 94 298 275 395 372
Financial income and expenses -28 -24 -81 -79 -113 -111
Profit before taxes 70 70 217 196 282 261
EBITA margin, percent
Core Solutions 7.0 5.3 10.0 9.8 10.8 10.6
Safety Technology 9.1 9.2 8.4 7.8 7.7 7.2
Industrial Equipment 13.6 12.9 11.9 10.8 11.7 10.9
Total EBITA margin 9.6 9.3 9.8 9.2 9.8 9.3

* IFRS 16 does not affect operational follow-up or follow-up of earnings from the divisions.

Core Solutions

Third quarter (October–December 2024)

Core Solutions' revenue rose by 16 percent to MSEK 373 (322). EBITA increased by 53 percent to MSEK 26 (17) and the EBITA margin improved to 7.0 percent (5.3).

Demand from customers in the construction sector in the Nordic region remained weak. The weaker demand was offset in part by ESSVE, the largest company in the division, which delivered higher revenue in Sweden through new customer contracts. At the same time, the company incurred non-recurring costs during the quarter for returns, which impacted earnings negatively. Revenue for ESSVE in Norway was weaker than in the preceding year, while the other markets were relatively stable. FireSeal, which delivers fire sealing solutions, experienced stronger demand in the marine sector. Fastit divested its operations in Asia during the quarter, since their future profitability conditions were not deemed to be satisfactory. The improvement in earnings was attributable to completed acquisitions, with Levypinta getting off to a particularly good start in the Group.

Safety Technology

Third quarter (October–December 2024) Safety Technology's revenue rose by 2 percent to MSEK 441 (433). EBITA amounted to MSEK 40 (40) and the EBITA margin was 9.1 percent (9.2).

Demand remained stable, albeit at a low level. Orders from reseller customers decreased late in the quarter as a result of restrictive purchasing, which primarily impacted Skydda, Guide and Arbesko. Cresto experienced stable demand and received a start-up order for its newly developed evacuation equipment from yet another global wind power customer. Ateco, which delivers fire alarm solutions, continued its impressive trend during the quarter.

Industrial Equipment

Third quarter (October–December 2024) Industrial Equipment's revenue rose by 5 percent to MSEK 464 (441). EBITA increased by 11 percent to MSEK 63 (57) and the EBITA margin amounted to 13.6 percent (12.9).

As in previous quarters, demand for the division's companies varied. However, most of the companies in the division experienced a stable or favourable market.

Luna and Teng Tools, which sell to resellers, faced weaker demand. Polartherm, which manufactures mobile heaters, also experienced a tougher market. However, the increase in earnings in the division was mainly attributable to acquired companies, with Orbital, ATE, Sandbergs and the division's welding companies continuing to deliver a positive performance.

Group-wide expenses and

eliminations

Group-wide items and eliminations for the third quarter amounted to MSEK -8 (-4). The Parent Company's revenue amounted to MSEK 10 (10) and profit after financial items amounted to MSEK 11 (12) for the third quarter.

Employees

At the end of the period, the number of employees in the Group totalled 1,401, compared with 1,340 at the beginning of the financial year. During the period, 86 employees were gained via acquisitions. The number of employees decreased organically by 25 during the financial year.

Corporate acquisitions

On 2 April 2024, Division Industrial Equipment acquired all of the shares in Maskinab Teknik AB. Maskinab is a leading supplier of machinery for sheet metal processing for manufacturing with annual revenue of approximately MSEK 35.

On 1 July 2024, Division Core Solutions acquired all of the shares in Spraylat International Limited. Spraylat manufactures and sells temporary protective coatings primarily for windows. The company has annual revenue of approximately MSEK 40.

On 1 October 2024, Division Core Solutions acquired all of the shares in Levypinta Finland Oy. The company manufactures and sells bespoke, high-quality boards coated with high pressure laminate (HPL) to manufacturers of special furniture that deliver primarily to public properties. The company has revenue of approximately MSEK 180.

On 2 December 2024, Division Safety Technology acquired all of the shares in Collinder Märksystem AB. Collinder is a leading company in safety and industrial signage for customers in various industries, including processing and manufacturing. The company has annual revenue of approximately MSEK 60.

On 2 December 2024, Kiilax (in Division Core Solutions) acquired all of the shares in Ovesta Oy. The company sells bespoke fireproof and soundproof doors, primarily for office and public properties. The company has annual revenue of approximately MSEK 35.

On 3 December 2024, Division Industrial Equipment acquired all of the shares in Labsense Oy. The company is a distributor for several global suppliers of technical laboratory equipment. The company generates annual revenue of approximately MSEK 35.

Bergman & Beving normally uses an acquisition model with a base consideration and a contingent consideration. The outcome of the contingent consideration depends on the future earnings of the acquired company.

Preliminary purchase price allocations for the acquisitions over the past 12 months:

Fair value of
acquired assets and liabilities, MSEK Total
Customer relations, etc. 311
Other non-current assets 26
Other assets 234
Deferred tax liability, net -69
Other operating liabilities -82
Acquired net assets 420
Goodwill 242
Non-controlling interest -26
Purchase considerations 636
Less: Purchase considerations, unpaid -122
Less: Cash and cash equivalents in
acquired companies -99
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 415

Goodwill is based on the expected future sales trend and profitability of the acquired companies.

The unpaid purchase considerations of MSEK 122 are contingent and are estimated to amount to a maximum of MSEK 141. The majority of the contingent considerations will fall due within two to three years.

Considerations of MSEK 56 (8) pertaining to previous years' acquisitions were paid during the financial year. Remeasurements of contingent considerations had a positive effect of MSEK 17 (5) on the operating year, of which MSEK 11 (5) in the quarter. The effect on earnings is recognised in Other operating income or Other operating expenses, respectively.

Acquisition-related transaction costs for the year's acquisitions, which are recognised in other operating expenses in the income statement, amounted to MSEK 6 (2), of which MSEK 5 (2) for the quarter.

No remeasurements of option liabilities related to minority interests were performed during the period.

Rev. No. of
Acquisition Closing MSEK* empl. Division
Tema Norge, Norway Apr 2023 45 8 Industrial Equipment
Elkington, Sweden Jun 2023 40 6 Core Solutions
Itaab, Sweden Jul 2023 75 23 Core Solutions
Sandbergs, Sweden Aug 2023 60 8 Industrial Equipment
Ateco, Sweden Nov 2023 50 9 Safety Technology
Orbital Fabrications, UK Dec 2023 180 80 Industrial Equipment
Maskinab Teknik, Sweden Apr 2024 35 3 Industrial Equipment
Spraylat, UK Jul 2024 40 15 Core Solutions
Levypinta, Finland Oct 2024 180 23 Core Solutions
Collinder, Sweden Dec 2024 60 23 Safety Technology
Ovesta, Finland Dec 2024 35 16 Core Solutions
Labsense, Finland Dec 2024 35 6 Industrial Equipment

* Refers to the situation assessed on a full-year basis on the date of acquisition.

Profitability, cash flow and

financial position

Profitability, measured as the return on working capital (P/WC), amounted to 30 percent (24). The return on equity was 10 percent (9).

Cash flow from operating activities for the first nine months totalled MSEK 502 (562). Working capital decreased during the period by MSEK 126, mainly as a result of lower accounts receivable and higher accounts payable.

Cash flow was impacted by net investments in noncurrent assets of MSEK 47 (41) and MSEK 394 (312) pertaining to acquisitions.

The Group's operational net loan liability at the end of the period amounted to MSEK 1,223 (1,108), excluding expensed pension obligations of MSEK 545 (511) and lease liabilities of MSEK 456 (410). Cash and cash equivalents, including unutilised granted credit

facilities, totalled MSEK 1,286 (927). Granted credit facilities were expanded by MSEK 470.

Financial income and expenses amounted to MSEK -81 (-79) for the first nine months, of which the net expense for bank financing amounted to MSEK -54 (-55). Financial income and expenses amounted to MSEK -28 (-24) for the quarter, of which the net expense for bank financing was MSEK -18 (-20).

The equity/assets ratio was 35 percent (38). Equity per share amounted to SEK 85.70, compared with SEK 83.00 at the beginning of the year.

The Swedish tax rate, which is also the Parent Company's tax rate, was 20.6 percent. The Group's weighted average tax rate, with its current geographic mix, was approximately 23 percent.

Share structure and repurchase of shares

At the end of the period, share capital totalled MSEK 56.9 and was distributed by class of share as follows:

SHARE STRUCTURE

Class of share No. of shares No. of votes % of capital % of votes
Class A shares, 10 votes per share 1,060,656 10,606,560 3.9 28.7
Class B shares, 1 vote per share 26,375,760 26,375,760 96.1 71.3
Total number of shares before repurchasing 27,436,416 36,982,320 100.0 100.0
Of which, repurchased Class B shares -689,543 2.5 1.9
Total number of shares after repurchasing 26,746,873

The share price on 31 December 2024 was SEK 311.00. The average number of treasury shares was 714,899 during the period and 689,543 at the end of the period. The average purchase price for the repurchased shares was SEK 87.88 per share.

CALL OPTION PROGRAMMES

No. of Corresponding % of
Outstanding programmes options no. of shares total shares Redemption price Redemption period
Call option programme 2021/2025 92,000 92,000 0.3 197.30 16 Sep 2024–12 Jun 2025
Call option programme 2022/2026 210,000 210,000 0.8 106.10 9 Sep 2025–5 Jun 2026
Call option programme 2023/2027 250,000 250,000 0.9 181.10 9 Sep 2026–4 Jun 2027
Call option programme 2024/2028 250,000 250,000 0.9 378.30 10 Sep 2027–2 Jun 2028

Call options issued for repurchased shares resulted in an insignificant dilution effect. In the first quarter of the year, the 2020/2024 call option programme expired. In the second quarter, the 2024/2028 call option programme resolved on by the Annual General Meeting in August 2024 was issued.

Events after the end of the period

No significant changes occurred after the end of the quarter.

Election Committee for the election of the Board of Directors

In accordance with a resolution passed at the Annual General Meeting held in August 2024, the four largest shareholders in terms of votes as of 31 December 2024 have been contacted and asked to appoint members who, together with the Chairman of the Board, will form the Election Committee.

Accordingly, the Election Committee comprises Chairman of the Board Jörgen Wigh, Malin Nordesjö (representing Tisenhult-gruppen), Henrik Hedelius (representing Tom Hedelius), Johan Lannebo (representing Lannebo Fonder) and Marianne Nilsson (representing Swedbank Robur Fonder).

Contact information for the Election Committee is available on Bergman & Beving's website.

Stockholm, 5 February 2025

Magnus Söderlind President & CEO

This report has not been reviewed by the Company's auditors.

Other information

Publication

The information in this report is such that Bergman & Beving AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out below, at 7:45 a.m. CET on 5 February 2025.

Dates for forthcoming financial information

  • Financial Report 1 April 2024–31 March 2025 will be published on 9 May 2025.
  • The 2024/2025 Annual Report will be published on Bergman & Beving's website in July.
  • Interim Report 1 April–30 June 2025 will be published on 16 July 2025.
  • The 2025 AGM will be held on 28 August 2025 at 4:00 p.m. CEST at IVA Conference Centre, Grev Turegatan 16, Stockholm.

Contact information

Magnus Söderlind, President and CEO, Tel: +46 10 454 77 00 Peter Schön, CFO, Tel: +46 70 339 89 99

Visit www.bergmanbeving.com to download reports, presentations and press releases.

Reporting by quarter

2024/2025 2023/2024 2022/2023
MSEK Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1
Revenue
Core Solutions 373 334 388 349 322 346 393 382 298 310 389
Safety Technology 441 362 416 412 433 354 405 425 442 378 411
Industrial Equipment 464 455 457 459 441 402 439 438 509 395 410
Group-wide/eliminations -14 -7 -8 -6 -9 -8 -9 -8 -10 -10 -10
Total revenue 1,264 1,144 1,253 1,214 1,187 1,094 1,228 1,237 1,239 1,073 1,200
EBITA
Core Solutions 26 39 45 46 17 37 50 40 11 26 37
Safety Technology 40 29 34 23 40 19 34 29 49 35 39
Industrial Equipment 63 55 46 51 57 50 31 35 45 24 17
Group-wide/eliminations -8 -3 -6 -4 -4 1 -10 0 -2 -1 -2
Total EBITA 121 120 119 116 110 107 105 104 103 84 91
EBITA margin, percent
Core Solutions 7.0 11.7 11.6 13.2 5.3 10.7 12.7 10.5 3.7 8.4 9.5
Safety Technology 9.1 8.0 8.2 5.6 9.2 5.4 8.4 6.8 11.1 9.3 9.5
Industrial Equipment 13.6 12.1 10.1 11.1 12.9 12.4 7.1 8.0 8.8 6.1 4.1
Total EBITA margin 9.6 10.5 9.5 9.6 9.3 9.8 8.6 8.4 8.3 7.8 7.6

Group summary

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT 3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Revenue 1,264 1,187 3,661 3,509 4,875 4,723
Other operating income 14 6 27 15 51 39
Total operating income 1,278 1,193 3,688 3,524 4,926 4,762
Cost of goods sold -669 -607 -1,916 -1,835 -2,544 -2,463
Personnel costs -284 -261 -796 -745 -1,069 -1,018
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment losses -81 -72 -230 -209 -305 -284
Other operating expenses -146 -159 -448 -460 -613 -625
Total operating expenses -1,180 -1,099 -3,390 -3,249 -4,531 -4,390
Operating profit 98 94 298 275 395 372
Financial income and expenses -28 -24 -81 -79 -113 -111
Profit after financial items 70 70 217 196 282 261
Taxes -16 -15 -50 -44 -66 -60
Net profit 54 55 167 152 216 201
Of which, attributable to Parent Company shareholders 53 52 157 145 203 191
Of which, attributable to non-controlling interest 1 3 10 7 13 10
EBITA 121 110 360 322 476 438
Earnings per share before dilution, SEK 2.00 1.95 5.85 5.45 7.60 7.15
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1.95 1.95 5.80 5.40 7.55 7.15
Number of shares outstanding before dilution, '000 26,747 26,685 26,747 26,685 26,747 26,707
Weighted number of shares before dilution, '000 26,743 26,673 26,722 26,641 26,714 26,654
Weighted number of shares after dilution, '000 27,017 26,789 26,992 26,780 26,956 26,801
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Net profit 54 55 167 152 216 201
Other comprehensive income
Remeasurement of defined-benefit pension plans 25 -79 0 -42 -49 -91
Tax attributable to components that will not be reclassified -5 -17 0 9 10 19
Components that will not be reclassified to net profit 20 -62 0 -33 -39 -72
Translation differences 34 -55 2 -21 55 32
Fair value changes for the year in cash-flow hedges 0 0 0 -2 0 -2
Tax attributable to components that will be reclassified 0 0 0 0 0 0
Components that will be reclassified to net profit 34 -55 2 -23 55 30
Other comprehensive income 54 117 2 -56 16 -42
Total comprehensive income for the period 108 -62 169 96 232 159
Of which, attributable to Parent Company shareholders 105 -63 157 90 214 147
Of which, attributable to non-controlling interest 3 1 12 6 18 12

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

MSEK 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Mar 2024
Assets
Goodwill 2,214 2,003 2,018
Other intangible non-current assets 967 788 781
Tangible non-current assets 168 155 157
Right-of-use assets 451 410 442
Financial non-current assets 8 6 4
Deferred tax assets 59 44 59
Total non-current assets 3,867 3,406 3,461
Inventory 1,227 1,268 1,189
Accounts receivable 827 853 936
Other current receivables 231 185 180
Cash and cash equivalents 354 323 296
Total current assets 2,639 2,629 2,601
Total assets 6,506 6,035 6,062
Equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to Parent Company shareholders 2,178 2,182 2,108
Non-controlling interest 111 102 105
Total equity 2,289 2,284 2,213
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 1,602 1,385 1,374
Provisions for pensions 545 511 558
Other non-current liabilities and provisions 545 296 424
Total non-current liabilities 2,692 2,192 2,356
Current interest-bearing liabilities 431 456 421
Accounts payable 556 461 484
Other current liabilities 538 642 588
Total current liabilities 1,525 1,559 1,493
Total equity and liabilities 6,506 6,035 6,062

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT COMPANY SHAREHOLDERS

MSEK 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Mar 2024
Opening equity 2,108 2,181 2,181
Dividend -102 -96 -96
Exercise and purchase of options for repurchased shares 11 7 10
Option liabilities, acquisitions1 -134
Other changes to non-controlling interests 4
Total comprehensive income for the period 157 90 147
Closing equity 2,178 2,182 2,108

1) Refers to the value of put options issued in connection with acquisitions of partly owned subsidiaries. The minority shareholders are entitled to sell shares to Bergman & Beving. The option price is based on the expected future financial performance of the acquired operations.

CONSOLIDATED CASH-FLOW STATEMENT 3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Operating activities before changes in working capital 106 108 376 359 472 455
Changes in working capital 108 99 126 203 131 208
Cash flow from operating activities 214 207 502 562 603 663
Investments in intangible and tangible assets -17 -13 -48 -42 -64 -58
Proceeds from sale of intangible and tangible assets 0 0 1 1 2 2
Acquisition of businesses -263 -133 -394 -312 -394 -312
Cash flow from investing activities -280 -146 -441 -353 -456 -368
Dividend, Parent Company shareholders -102 -96 -102 -96
Borrowings 1 63 298 135 298 135
Repayment of loans -18 -1 -74 -15 -152 -93
Repayment of leases -38 -36 -113 -109 -153 -149
Other financing activities -10 -2 -12 -14 -18 -20
Cash flow from financing activities -65 24 -3 -99 -127 -223
Cash flow for the period -131 85 58 110 20 72
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 479 249 296 220 323 220
Cash flow for the period -131 85 58 110 20 72
Exchange-rate differences in cash and cash equivalents 6 -11 0 -7 11 4
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 354 323 354 323 354 296

Compilation of key financial ratios

KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS Rolling 12 months
31 Dec 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021
Revenue 4,875 4,723 4,749 4,575 4,311
EBITDA 700 656 571 503 426
EBITA 476 438 382 331 271
EBITA margin, percent 9.8 9.3 8.0 7.2 6.3
EBIT 395 372 339 298 247
EBIT margin, percent 8.1 7.9 7.1 6.5 5.7
Profit after financial items 282 261 271 259 212
Net profit 216 201 214 202 166
Profit margin, percent 5.8 5.5 5.7 5.7 4.9
Return on working capital (P/WC), percent 30 26 21 22 20
Return on capital employed, percent 9 9 8 8 7
Return on equity, percent 10 9 10 11 10
Operational net loan liability (closing balance) 1,223 1,057 1,090 889 697
Operational net debt/equity ratio 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4
Operational net loan liability/EBITDA excl. IFRS 16, multiple 2.3 2.1 2.5 2.3 2.2
Equity (closing balance) 2,289 2,213 2,240 1,932 1,715
Equity/assets ratio, percent 35 37 39 36 35
Number of employees at the end of the period 1,401 1,340 1,348 1,227 1,129
KEY PER-SHARE DATA Rolling 12 months
31 Dec 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar
SEK 2024 2024 2023 2022 2021
Earnings before dilution 7.60 7.15 7.80 7.55 6.15
Earnings after dilution 7.55 7.15 7.80 7.50 6.15
Cash flow from operating activities 22.55 24.85 12.55 8.50 14.40
Equity 85.70 83.00 84.35 72.85 64.40
Share price 311.00 209.50 128.40 141.40 121.40

Parent Company summary

INCOME STATEMENT 3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Revenue 10 10 31 32 40 41
Other operating income 0 0 0 0
Total operating income 10 10 31 32 40 41
Operating expenses -14 -10 -44 -35 -62 -53
Operating loss -4 0 -13 -3 -22 -12
Financial income and expenses 15 12 48 41 65 58
Profit after financial items 11 12 35 38 43 46
Appropriations 11 11
Profit before taxes 11 12 35 38 54 57
Taxes -2 -3 -7 -8 1 0
Net profit 9 9 28 30 55 57
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Net profit 9 9 28 30 55 57
Fair value changes for the year in cash-flow hedges 0 0 0 -2 0 -2
Taxes attributable to other comprehensive income 0 0 0 0 0 0
Components that will be reclassified to net profit 0 0 0 -2 0 -2
Other comprehensive income 0 0 0 -2 0 -2
Total comprehensive income for the period 9 9 28 28 55 55

BALANCE SHEET

MSEK 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Mar 2024
Assets
Tangible non-current assets 1 1 1
Financial non-current assets 2,478 2,565 2,570
Current receivables 1,664 1,196 1,385
Cash and bank 0 1 1
Total assets 4,143 3,763 3,957
Equity, provisions and liabilities
Equity 1,050 1,084 1,113
Untaxed reserves 6
Provisions 42 40 43
Non-current liabilities 1,451 1,277 1,280
Current liabilities 1,600 1,356 1,521
Total equity, provisions and liabilities 4,143 3,763 3,957

Notes

1. Accounting policies

This Interim Report was prepared in accordance with IFRS and by applying IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The Interim Report for the Parent Company was prepared in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and the Swedish Securities Market Act, which conforms to the provisions detailed in RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities.

The same accounting policies and bases of judgement have been applied in this Interim Report as in the Annual Report for 2023/2024. Disclosures are provided in the financial statements and accompanying notes as well as other sections of the interim report.

New or amended accounting standards

The additions and amendments to standards applicable during the year are not assessed to have any material impact on the financial statements. The amended IFRS to be applied in the future are not expected to have any material impact on the Group's financial statements.

2. Revenue per geographic area

The Group primarily conducts operations in Sweden, Norway and Finland and revenue presented for the geographic markets is based on the domicile of the customers.

3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Sweden 446 447 1,275 1,245 1,689 1,659
Norway 247 273 767 823 1,069 1,125
Finland 151 127 395 395 510 510
UK 112 53 323 156 424 257
Other countries 308 287 901 890 1,183 1,172
Revenue 1,264 1,187 3,661 3,509 4,875 4,723

3. Leases

Leases under IFRS 16 have the following effect on the consolidated balance sheet or income statement.

MSEK 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Mar 2024
Right-of-use assets 451 410 442
Non-current lease liabilities 297 280 299
Current lease liabilities 159 130 143
3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec
Oct–Dec
Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Depreciation of right-of-use assets -41 -39 -119 -115 -159 -155
Interest on lease liabilities -4 -4 -13 -11 -17 -15

IFRS 16 will not affect operational follow-up or follow-up of earnings from the divisions.

4. Fair value of financial instruments

31 Dec 2024 31 Mar 2024
Carrying Carrying
MSEK amount Level 2 Level 3 amount Level 2 Level 3
Derivative hedging instruments 0 0 1 1
Total financial assets at fair value per level 0 0 0 1 1
Derivative hedging instruments
Contingent considerations 185 185 172 172
Total financial liabilities at fair value per level 185 0 185 172 172

Financial instruments measured at fair value are presented in the table above. Derivatives belong to Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Derivatives that comprise foreign-exchange forward contracts are measured at fair value by discounting the difference between the contracted forward rate and the forward rate that can be contracted on the balance-sheet date for the remaining contract period.

Contingent considerations regarding acquired operations are classified in Level 3, meaning that measurement is based on the expected future financial performance of the acquired operations as assessed by management.

No transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 took place during the period. For the Group's other financial assets and liabilities, the fair value is estimated to be equal to the carrying amount.

Contingent considerations, MSEK 31 Dec 2024 31 Mar 2024
Opening balance 172 108
Acquisitions for the year 86 107
Purchase consideration paid -56 -8
Revaluation of preliminary purchase price allocations -21
Reversal through profit or loss -17 -14
Exchange-rate differences 0 0
Closing balance 185 172

5. Risks and uncertainties

While the uncertain geopolitical situation, general conditions and inflation remain unchanged, they have had minor impact on the Group to date. During the financial year, no significant changes occurred with respect to risks and uncertainties for the Group or the Parent Company. For information about these risks and uncertainties, refer to pages 62–65 of Bergman & Beving's Annual Report for 2023/2024.

6. Transactions with related parties

No transactions having a material impact on the Group's position or earnings occurred between Bergman & Beving and its related parties during the financial year.

Definitions

Return on equity1, 2

Net profit for the rolling 12-month period divided by average 12-month equity.

Return on equity measures, from an ownership perspective, the return generated by the owners' invested capital.

Return on working capital (P/WC)1

EBITA (P) for the rolling 12-month period as a percentage of average 12 months' working capital (WC), defined as inventories plus accounts receivable less accounts payable.

P/WC is used to analyse profitability and is a measure that encourages high EBITA and low working capital requirements. Bergman & Beving's profitability target is for each unit in the Group to achieve profitability of at least 45 percent. Refer to the reconciliation table on page 20.

Return on capital employed1

Profit after financial items plus financial expenses for the rolling 12-month period divided by the average balance-sheet total less non-interest-bearing liabilities.

Return on capital employed shows the Group's profitability in relation to externally financed capital and equity.

EBITA1

Operating profit for the period before impairment of goodwill and amortisation and impairment of other intangible assets in connection with corporate acquisitions and equivalent transactions.

EBITA is used to analyse profitability generated from operating activities. Refer to the reconciliation table on page 20.

EBITA margin1

EBITA for the period as a percentage of revenue.

The EBITA margin is used to show the profitability ratio of operating activities.

EBITDA1

Operating profit for the period before depreciation/amortisation and impairment losses.

EBITDA is used to analyse profitability generated from operating activities. The Group also uses EBITDA excluding depreciation of right-of-use assets. Refer to the reconciliation table on page 20.

Equity per share1, 2

Equity divided by the weighted number of shares at the end of the period.

Equity per share measures the amount of equity attributable to each share and is presented to facilitate the analyses and decisions of investors.

Change in revenue for comparable units1

Comparable units refer to sales in local currency from units that were part of the Group during the current period and the entire corresponding period in the preceding year. Acquisitions/divestments refer to the acquisition or divestment of units during the corresponding period.

Used to analyse the underlying sales growth driven by changes in volume, range and prices for similar products and services between different periods. Refer to the reconciliation table on page 20.

Cash flow per share1

Cash flow for the rolling 12-month period from operating activities divided by the weighted number of shares.

The measure is used to enable investors to easily analyse the size of the surplus from operating activities that is generated per share.

Operational net loan liability1

Interest-bearing liabilities excluding lease liabilities and provisions for pensions less cash and cash equivalents.

Operational net loan liability is used to follow the debt trend and to analyse the Group's total debt excluding lease liabilities and provisions for pensions. Refer to the reconciliation table on page 21.

Operational net debt/equity ratio1, 2

Operational net loan liability divided by equity.

Operational net debt/equity ratio measures, from an ownership perspective, the relationship between operational net loan liability and the owners' invested capital. Refer to the reconciliation table on page 21.

Profit after financial items1 Profit before taxes for the period.

Used to analyse operational profitability including financial activities.

Earnings per share

Net profit attributable to the Parent Company shareholders divided by the weighted number of shares.

Operating profit1

Operating income less operating expenses. Also referred to as EBIT.

The measure is used to describe the Group's earnings before interest and taxes.

Operating margin1

Operating profit for the period as a percentage of revenue. Also referred to as EBIT margin.

The measure is used to state the percentage of revenue remaining to cover interest and tax as well as to generate profit after the company's costs have been paid.

Equity/assets ratio1, 2

Equity as a percentage of the balance-sheet total.

The equity/assets ratio is used to analyse financial risk and shows the proportion of assets that are financed through equity.

Profit margin1

Net profit after financial items as a percentage of revenue.

Profit margin is used to assess the Group's profit generation before tax and shows the proportion of revenue that the Group may retain in profit before taxes.

Weighted number of shares

_____________________________

Average number of shares outstanding before or after dilution. Shares held by the company are not included in the number of shares outstanding. Dilution effects arise due to call options that can be settled using shares in share-based incentive programmes. The call options have a dilution effect when the average share price during the period is higher than the redemption price of the call options.

1)The performance measure is an alternative performance measure in accordance with ESMA's guidelines

2)Minority shares are included in equity when this performance measure is calculated

Reconciliation tables alternative performance measures

Bergman & Beving uses certain financial performance measures in its analysis of the operations and their performance that are not calculated in accordance with IFRS. The Company believes that these performance measures provide valuable information for investors, since they enable a more accurate assessment of current trends when combined with other key financial ratios calculated in accordance with IFRS. Since listed companies do not always calculate these performance measures ratios in the same way, there is no guarantee that the information is comparable with other companies' performance measures of the same name.

Change in revenue 3 months 9 months
Percentage change Oct–Dec
2024
Oct–Dec
2023
Apr–Dec
2024
Apr–Dec
2023
Comparable units in local currency -5 -12 -5 -9
Currency effects 0 0 0 1
Acquisitions/divestments 11 8 9 8
Total – change 6 -4 4 0
EBITA 3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
MSEK Oct–Dec
2024
Oct–Dec
2023
Apr–Dec
2024
Apr–Dec
2023
31 Dec
2024
31 Mar
2024
Operating profit 98 94 298 275 395 372
Depreciation and amortisation in connection
with acquisitions
23 16 62 47 81 66
EBITA 121 110 360 322 476 438
EBITDA 3 months 9 months Rolling 12 months
Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Apr–Dec Apr–Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2024
Operating profit 98 94 298 275 395 372
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
losses
81 72 230 209 305 284
EBITDA 179 166 528 484 700 656
Depreciation of right-of-use assets -41 -39 -119 -115 -159 -155
EBITDA excl. IFRS 16 138 127 409 369 541 501

Return on working capital (P/WC) Rolling 12 months

31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Mar
MSEK 2024 2023 2024
EBITA (P) 476 426 438
Average working capital (WC)
Inventories 1,183 1,324 1,275
Accounts receivable 876 888 892
Accounts payable -485 -450 -453
Total – average WC 1,574 1,762 1,714
P/WC, percent 30 24 26

Operational net loan liability and operational net debt/equity ratio

MSEK 31 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2023 31 Mar 2024
Financial net liabilities 2,578 2,352 2,353
Pensions -545 -511 -558
Lease liabilities -456 -410 -442
Cash and cash equivalents -354 -323 -296
Operational net loan liability 1,223 1,108 1,057
Equity 2,289 2,284 2,213
Operational net debt/equity ratio 0.5 0.5 0.5

Bergman & Beving in brief

  • ❖ Bergman & Beving, founded in 1906, is a Swedish listed corporate group with extensive experience in acquiring and developing leading niche companies from a long-term ownership perspective.
  • ❖ Bergman & Beving's vision is to be a leading niche supplier of productive, safe and sustainable solutions to companies.
  • ❖ Our decentralised governance model means that we strive for leading positions through organic growth and add-on acquisitions in existing niches and through acquisitions in new niches.
  • ❖ Through our products, we are represented at over 5,000 sales outlets and by distributors in approximately 25 countries.
  • ❖ Our primary market is the Nordic region, which accounts for approximately 70 percent of revenue.
  • ❖ We aim to be a sustainable company where we actively work to create long-term value for society and our shareholders while limiting the impact of our operations on the environment.
  • ❖ The subsidiaries in the Group are operated with decentralised business responsibility, with a focus on simplicity, responsibility and freedom, efficiency, openness and a willingness to change.

Our business units:

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