Earnings Release • Feb 22, 2018
Earnings Release
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V ä s t e r å s , F e b r u a r y 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
| 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full year | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full year | |
| Net turnover, SEK thousands | 1 001 898 | 1 077 380 | 923 142 | 1 017 321 | 4 019 740 | 801 834 | 859 584 | 723 223 | 904 575 | 3 289 215 |
| Operating profit (EBIT), SEK thousands | 86 813 | 74 397 | 63 562 | 38 510 | 263 282 | 76 712 | 92 326 | 52 646 | 59 669 | 281 353 |
| Profit after net financial items (EBT), SEK thousands | 92 258 | 70 478 | 61 295 | 31 797 | 255 828 | 75 954 | 90 758 | 53 050 | 59 583 | 279 344 |
| Operating margin (EBIT %) | 8,7% | 6,9% | 6,9% | 3,8% | 6,5% | 9,6% | 10,7% | 7,3% | 6,6% | 8,6% |
| Profit margin before tax (EBT %) | 9,2% | 6,5% | 6,6% | 3,1% | 6,4% | 9,5% | 10,6% | 7,3% | 6,6% | 8,5% |
| Liquid ratio | 142% | 140% | 139% | 125% | 125% | 157% | 153% | 164% | 142% | 142% |
| Debt/equity ratio | 60% | 60% | 62% | 61% | 61% | 60% | 60% | 64% | 60% | 60% |
| Return on total assets 2) | 13,2% | 12,3% | 12,6% | 10,3% | 10,3% | 12,6% | 14,0% | 14,5% | 13,1% | 13,1% |
| Return on equity after tax 2) | 18,0% | 16,4% | 16,1% | 13,2% | 13,2% | 16,0% | 18,1% | 18,1% | 17,9% | 17,9% |
| Number of employees in Sweden | 1 021 | 1 065 | 1 066 | 1 043 | 1 043 | 815 | 803 | 791 | 1 005 | 1 005 |
| Number of employees outside Sweden | 4 198 | 4 319 | 4 414 | 4 505 | 4 505 | 3 817 | 3 865 | 3 888 | 4 158 | 4 158 |
| Key indicators per share, SEK 1) | ||||||||||
| Profit for the period | 4,19 | 3,20 | 2,77 | 0,97 | 11,14 | 3,46 | 4,18 | 2,58 | 2,79 | 13,01 |
| Equity | 84,38 | 84,85 | 86,37 | 89,82 | 89,82 | 68,82 | 71,56 | 75,79 | 79,98 | 79,98 |
| Number of shares, thousands 3) | 18 294 | 18 294 | 18 294 | 18 294 | 18 294 | 18 034 | 18 034 | 18 034 | 18 294 | 18 294 |
1) There are no instruments that could lead to share dilution.
2) Calculated based on 12 months rolling amounts. 3) In connection with the acquisition of Gerdins Industrial System AB, October 3 2016, 260 000 shares of the same category was issued.
Firstly, let us be clear, the profit and the cash flow in the fourth quarter is a disappointment. The fourth quarter was our 93rd consecutive quarter with profit. We have increased our turnover every year since the start October 1, 1994 i.e. for 23 years.
The organic growth in the quarter was 12.5 % compared to -4,6 % in the same period in 2016. The growth in the quarter is good, but challenging.
We must work harder to improve our margins. In the fourth quarter our profit margin before tax (EBT%) was 3.1 %. Our goal is 8% and accumulated for the full year the EBT margin was 6.4%, which means that we are well below our goal. We have some subsidiaries, which have had problems with profitability for a longer time. We have been too patient with this.
Our company AQ Welded Structures in Ludvika has shown losses for a long time. The company showed a big loss in 2017. When one of our customers announced a move of a product family abroad, we will lose more volume. As a consequence, we have called for negotiations with the unions for a restructuring of the company, which has 51 employees.
We have problems with profitability in our sheet metal and plastic components business to commercial vehicles in Sweden. The ongoing action program has given improvement, but it will take more time to get the business to a satisfactory profitability.
In the fourth quarter we have seen raw material prices continue to increase, e.g. within the steel and plastics areas. On this matter we have to be self-critical. We have been too "nice" and too slow to transfer the increased prices to our customers. During Q1 this have to come into full effect especially to our automotive customers.
We have seen a move of our product mix during the year. The volume to the automotive industry has increased. During 2017, our customers in China e.g. in telecom have seen reduced turnover, which has decreased our volume and significantly reduced our profit for AQ in China. The global demand of large gas turbines has decreased, which has affected our company in Hungary negatively. On the positive side we have started to delivered to smaller gas turbines and doing repair of components for jet engines. Our company in India is still expanding, but it hasn't reached break-even yet.
There is an economic expansion in the industry. Several of AQ's leading industrial customers show good growth. This partly explains AQ's high organic growth in the fourth quarter. In parallel I believe that we are gaining market shares in several business areas. Some examples are:
Successively during the year several of our production units have had increased utilization. We see a need in increased investment in production capacity in several areas. Therefore, during the year we have:
Acquired another production facility in Hungary
Started investments in new production facilities in Poland
This is of course a positive sign, that our customers have a good order backlog and that they have confidence in AQ.
During the fourth quarter we continued to have challenges with increased lead-time of raw material and components, which causes delays of deliveries to our customers. This costs a lot of money in express transports, overtime and extra personnel. However, the biggest cost is that it affects our customers' confidence and it's contrary to our value "We are reliable".
Inventory has grown significantly quicker than the growth of our sales. Therefore, we have started an inventory reduction project to reduce the tied-up capital and to improve our procedures. The work is well under way with the first subsidiary.
Altogether our ongoing activities shall give increased margins and a better cash flow approaching our goals.
After our introduction on Nasdaq in 2017 the inflow of acquisition opportunities has increased, especially from abroad.
The integration of "Gerdins", which was acquired in 2016 has gone according to plan and is now completed.
We are always looking at a number of acquisition opportunities. We would like to strengthen our presence and capabilities in the growth areas where we are already present. We also work to follow some of our important customers to completely new geographic regions. The reason that we haven't closed any deals is that in some cases we have viewed the purchase price being too high and in some cases that their earnings haven't been according to plan.
Our focus is always to adapt to customers' requirements and real demands. It's a strategy we will continue to follow, to be fast movers and adaptable no matter of market conditions. Our organisation is built on entrepreneurship, which is a foundation in our core values.
It is important to continue investing in knowledge and new technology, which means that we:
Right now we are working to eliminate our sources of loss, increase our prices and reduce the capital tied up. Our guideline is to be a stable, growing and profitable company long term. We have a strong financial position and we have entrepreneurs working in our subsidiaries. We like doing business. We have customer focus. Our employees and leaders are doing a good job and it will also in the future give new business and a stable profit.
AQ is well positioned for new acquisitions from a financial as well as from a management view. With strong relations to world leading customers and engaged employees we shall work hard with continued growth, cash flow and a stable profit level. An important part of this is our core values and our efforts to be a reliable supplier to leading industrial customers.
Claes Mellgren CEO
Net sales for the fourth quarter was SEK 1 017 million (905), an increase of SEK 112 million compared to the same period in the previous year. The increase in turnover can be explained by a generally good state of the market and that we are gaining market share in railway and commercial vehicles especially in Sweden, Poland and Bulgaria. In China, the turnover has decreased as a large customer in telecom has lost market share. The market for gas turbines has also developed negatively, which affects our factory in Hungary. The total growth in the quarter was 12.5 %, of which organic growth - 12.6 %, growth through acquisitions 0 % and currency effects of -0.1 %. The currency effect of -0.1 % corresponds to about SEK -1.3 million and is mainly with the currencies CNY, INR and HUF. PLN and EUR have had a positive currency effect during the quarter.
Operating margin (EBIT) in the fourth quarter was SEK 39 million (60), a decrease of SEK 21 million. The decrease can mainly be explained by AQ Welded Structures AB, the companies in China and Mexico showing a lower profit due to lower sales. In addition, we have seen increasing raw material prices during the year and these haven't been transferred to the customers in a satisfactory way. The Swedish companies showed a total EBIT, which was better than the same period last year.
In conjunction with dividend from China, the group has been charged a with-holding tax, which is included in tax costs for the year of SEK 8.6 million.
Goodwill and other intangible assets have increased during the fourth quarter with SEK 1.6 million compared to the third quarter of 2017, an increase due to positive currency translation effects of SEK 3.5 million and devaluation of goodwill of SEK 1.9 million.
Investments in tangible assets in the quarter in the group were SEK 26 million (29). Investments were made in a punching machine, winding machines and an ED paintshop.
Interest bearing liabilities of the group are SEK 266 million (272) and cash and cash equivalents amount to SEK 142 million (163), which means that the group has a net debt of SEK 124 million. In the same period last year, the group had net debt of SEK 109 million.
Cash flow from operating activities was SEK -11 million (55). The negative cash flow from operating activities is due to increase of inventory of SEK 45 million.
Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -25 million (-92), which relates to investments in fixed assets.
Cash flow from financing activities was SEK 69 million (84) which relates to amortizations of bank loans and increased usage of overdraft facility
Equity at the end of the period was SEK 1 643 million (1 463) for the group.
Net sales for the full year was SEK 4 020 million (3 289), an increase of SEK 731 million compared to the previous year. Nearly half of the increase in turnover is due to the acquisition of Gerdins group in 2016. The increase in turnover is partly due to a good market situation in the industry combined with increased market share in the railway and commercial vehicles area in Sweden, Bulgaria, Poland, Estonia and Lithuania.
For the full year, the total growth was 22.2 %, of which organic growth 11.4 %, growth through acquisitions 9.9 % and currency effects of 0.9 %. The currency effects of 0.9 % correspond to about SEK 29 million and is mainly with the currencies PLN, EUR, HUF and BGN. During the year CNY and MXN has had a negative currency effect.
Operating margin (EBIT) in the period was SEK 263 million (281), a decrease of SEK 18 million. The decrease can mainly be explained by the companies in China and Hungary showing lower profit due to lower sales. In addition, we have seen increasing raw material prices during the year, which haven't been transferred to the customers in a satisfactory way. We also have problems with profitability in sheet metal and plastics for commercial vehicles in Sweden.
In conjunction with dividend from China, the group has been charged a with-holding tax, which is included in tax costs for the year of SEK 8.6 million.
Goodwill and other intangible assets have decreased with SEK 5.8 million since the start of the year. The decrease is due to devaluation of customer relations and technology and to currency translation effects.
The investments in tangible assets of the group during the year were SEK 104 million (116). Investments during the year have been made in metal-cutting machines, sheet metal processing machines, a laser machine for machining of ceramic materials, an ED paintshop and winding machines.
Interest bearing liabilities of the group are SEK 266 million (272 at the start of the year) and cash and cash equivalents amount to SEK 142 million (163 at the start of the year), which means that the group has a net debt of SEK 124 million (109 at the start of the year). This means that the interest-bearing liabilities have decreased with SEK 6 million and cash and cash equivalents have decreased with SEK 21 million since the start of the year. Thus, the net debt has increased with SEK 15 million compared to end of 2016.
Cash flow from operating activities was SEK 140 million (290). The decrease can be explained by increased inventory and accounts receivables.
Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -100 million (-180), which relates to investments in fixed assets.
Cash flow from financing activities was SEK -58 million (-87) which relates to amortizations of bank Loans, increased usage of overdraft facility and paid dividend.
Equity at the end of the period was SEK 1 643 million (1 463) for the group.
Result development for the respective segments, please see note 2.
On January 5, 2017 Nasdaq Stockholm's listing committee approved the trading of the shares of AQ Group AB (publ) on Nasdaq Stockholm's main market. First trading day of the company's shares on Nasdaq was January 16, 2017.
AQ Group AB (publ) has prepared a prospectus due to the listing, which has been approved and registered by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen). The prospectus is available on AQ Group's website (www.aqg.se) and on the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority's website (http://www.fi.se/en/our-registers/prospektregistret/ ).
After an inspiring and exclusive visit by Percy Barnevik, AQ decided to support the charity organization " Hand in Hand" with SEK 175 000 in 2017 and SEK 175 000 in 2018. The money will go to a village in India near our factory in Pune. The money will be used for training in entrepreneurship for women in self-aid groups and to successively help expanding their companies.
Legal merger of AQ Industrial Systems AB and AQ Group AB.
To simplify business in China with import and export of material AQ established a company in Hong Kong, AQ Asia Limited, on August 21, 2017.
AQ Wiring Systems STG Sp.z.o.o. in Starogard Gdański in Poland signed on September 25, 2017 an agreement with Biznes Park to buy real estate of totally 2.2 ha where a new factory building of 7000 m2 will be built. The investment has a value of PLN 18.2 million (appr. SEK 40.6 million). The real estate is located in Linowiec near Starogard Gdański. The purpose of a new factory building is to get a more efficient production space and organisation than today and to support a profitable growth for the future. Relocation to the new facilities is planned for December 2018. AQ Wiring Systems STG started production of wire harnesses in 1999 with 700 m2 production space and has had a continuous growth.
AQ Wiring Systems Sp.z.o.o. i Łódź signed in parallel a ten year lease of a new factory building which will be built nearby to the present building. The new building will have a surface of 12 150 m2 with an option to expand with 5 500 m2, to be compared with the current building of 8 820 m2. Relocation to the new building is expected to begin in November 2018.
Legal merger of AQ Elektroprim AB and AQ Elautomatik AB.
The two Italian companies AQ Italy s.r.l and AQ Magnetica s.r.l have also merged, and the name of the company is AQ Magnetica Italy s.r.l. The company has operations in Milan and Castelfidardo.
In order to give each unit full customer focus and a deepened profit responsibility, a new company AQ Special Sheet Metal AB has acquired the units in Lyrestad and Pålsboda from AQ Segerström & Svensson AB.
On February 22, 2018 the management of AQ Welded Structures AB will call to negotiations with the unions concerning restructuring of the company, which has 51 employees.
The goal of the group is continued profitable growth. The Board of directors are not giving any forecast for turnover or profit. Statements in this report can be perceived as forward looking and the real outcome can be significantly different.
The board of directors of AQ Group has set goals for the group. The goals mean that the group is managed towards good profit, high quality and delivery precision with strong growth and a healthy financial risk level. The dividend policy is to have dividends corresponding to about 25 % of profit after tax over a business cycle. However, the Group's financial consolidation must always be considered
| Goal | Jan-Dec 2017 | |
|---|---|---|
| Product quality | 100 % | 99.5 % |
| Delivery precision | 98 % | 91.9 % |
| Equity ratio | >40 % | 61 % |
| Profit margin before tax, (EBT %) | 8 % | 6.4 % |
The parent company has a related party relationship with its subsidiaries. There are some sales activities concerning goods between the operating group companies. The parent company is charging a management fee to the subsidiaries. All invoicing is according to market level prices and results in claims and debts between the companies which are settled regularly. There are some long-term loans between the parent company and a few subsidiaries. These loans are given with market level interest rates. Most companies in the group are part of cash pool in the parent company. The companies are charged/given interest rates at market level.
During 2017, AQ Group AB has paid SEK 50.3 million in dividends to its shareholders. There have been no other transactions between AQ and closely related parties which significantly affected the position or result of the company. There are no loans to members of the board of directors nor to anyone in leading positions.
At the annual general meeting on April 27, 2017 it was decided that a yearly fee of SEK 160 000 shall be paid to the members of the board of directors and a fee of SEK 400 000 to the chairman of the board. For the chairman of the Audit Committee, the remuneration shall be SEK 70,000 and to the other members of the Audit Committee, SEK 40,000. For the chairman of the Remuneration Committee, the remuneration shall be SEK 50,000 and to the other members of the Remuneration Committee, SEK 30,000. There are no other remunerations to the board of directors. There is no remuneration paid after a board assignment is completed.
People in management positions are paid a fixed salary and a variable element calculated in % of the group's profit maximized to one-year salary. There are no other benefits in addition to pension benefits for work performed via the employment contract. In individual cases and where there is special justification, the Board shall have the option of deviating from the above guidelines.
AQ is a global company with operations in twelve countries. Within the group there are a number of risks and uncertainties of both operational and financial characteristics, which were described in the annual report of 2016. No additional significant risks have been identified since the annual report of 2016 was published. In addition to the commented factors the real outcome can be affected by for example political events, business cycle effects, currency and interest rates, competing products and their pricing, product development, commercial and technical difficulties, delivery problems and large credit losses at our customers.
The risks that are most evident in a shorter perspective are risks related to currency and prices.
Transactions and assets and debts in foreign currency are managed centrally within AQ in order to create balance in the respective currency thereby achieving highest possible levelling effect within the group in order to minimize currency differences.
AQ is not buying any direct raw material, but only intermediate goods for further production such as sheet metal of steel and aluminium, cables, insulated wire etc. The risk is minimized through customer agreements with price clauses.
Raw material price risk refers to the change in the price of material and its impact on earnings. The company's purchase of materials to different processes is significant. There is a risk of sharp price increases for raw materials where the Company is not able to compensate price increases, which may affect the Company's earnings negatively.
The group's credit risks are mainly connected to receivables from customers.
The parent company is indirectly affected by the same risks and uncertainties.
The nomination committee before the Annual General Meeting 2018 consists of P-O Andersson, Claes Mellgren and Björn Henriksson. Chairman of the Nomination Committee is Björn Henriksson, who represents Nordea Asset Management.
| April 26, 2018, at 08:00 |
|---|
| April 26, 2018, at 18:00 |
| July 19, 2018, at 08:00 |
| October 25, 2018, at 08:00 |
The Annual Report for 2017 will be published on the company's web site at the latest by April 4, 2018.
The Annual General Meeting will be held on April 26, 2017, at 18:00, at 4:e teatern, Culturen, Sintervägen 4, in Västerås, Sweden.
The information of this interim report shall be made public according to the Securities Market Act of Sweden. AQ Group AB (publ) is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm's main market.
The information was made public on February 22, 2018 at 08:00.
This report has not been reviewed by the company's financial auditors.
Further information can be given by AQ Group AB: CEO, Claes Mellgren, telephone +46 70-592 83 38, [email protected] , CFO, Mia Tomczak, telephone +46 70-833 00 80, [email protected]
Financial reports and press releases are published in Swedish and English. If there are discrepancies between the two, the Swedish version shall prevail. They are available at www.aqg.se.
The Chief Executive Officer certifies that the interim report gives a true and fair overview of the Group's and the parent company's operations, financial position and results and describes material risks and uncertainties facing the parent company and the companies that form part of the Group.
Västerås, February 22, 2018
Claes Mellgren, CEO
| SEK thousands | Oct-Dec 2017 | Oct-Dec 2016 | Full year 2017 | Full year 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 1 017 321 | 904 575 | 4 019 740 | 3 289 215 |
| Other operating income | 6 585 | 21 686 | 48 371 | 47 650 |
| 1 023 906 | 926 261 | 4 068 111 | 3 336 866 | |
| Change in inventory and work in progress | 9 459 | 4 958 | 63 498 | -2 420 |
| Raw material and consumables | -491 650 | -440 744 | -2 038 247 | -1 575 262 |
| Goods for resale | -35 040 | -15 392 | -94 905 | -43 247 |
| Other external expenses | -147 439 | -131 869 | -529 066 | -439 285 |
| Personnel costs | -282 745 | -248 632 | -1 075 051 | -873 114 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | -26 670 | -25 337 | -97 499 | -79 944 |
| Other operating expenses | -11 311 | -9 576 | -33 559 | -42 241 |
| -985 396 | -866 592 | -3 804 829 | -3 055 513 | |
| Operating profit | 38 510 | 59 669 | 263 282 | 281 353 |
| Net financial income/expense | -6 713 | -86 | -7 454 | -2 008 |
| Profit before tax | 31 797 | 59 583 | 255 828 | 279 344 |
| Taxes | -13 839 | -8 415 | -51 154 | -43 666 |
| Profit for the period | 17 958 | 51 168 | 204 674 | 235 678 |
| PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD ATTRIBUTABLE TO: | ||||
| Parent company shareholders | 17 750 | 51 070 | 203 773 | 235 265 |
| Non-controlling interests | 208 | 98 | 901 | 413 |
| 17 958 | 51 168 | 204 674 | 235 678 | |
| Earnings per share 1) | 0,97 | 2,79 | 11,14 | 13,01 |
1) There are no instruments that might result in dilution.
In conjunction with the acquisition of Gerdins Industrial System AB on October 3, 2016, 260 000 shares of the same kind were issued.
| SEK thousands | Oct-Dec 2017 | Oct-Dec 2016 | Full year 2017 | Full year 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD | 17 958 | 51 168 | 204 674 | 235 678 |
| OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME | ||||
| Items that cannot be transferred to the profit for the period | ||||
| Revaluation of defined benefit pension plans | -159 | -303 | -159 | -303 |
| Items transferred or that can be transferred to the profit | ||||
| for the period | ||||
| Translation difference transferred to the profit | 6 737 | |||
| Translation difference for foreign operations | 45 290 | -5 188 | 25 793 | 41 304 |
| Other comprehensive income for the period after tax | 45 132 | -5 491 | 25 633 | 47 739 |
| Comprehensive income for the period | 63 090 | 45 677 | 230 307 | 283 417 |
| COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE PERIOD | ||||
| ATTRIBUTABLE TO: | ||||
| Parent company shareholders | 62 779 | 45 607 | 229 301 | 282 902 |
| Non-controlling interests | 311 | 70 | 1 006 | 515 |
| 63 090 | 45 677 | 230 307 | 283 417 |
| SEK thousands | 31/12/2017 | 31/12/2016 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Goodwill | 150 030 | 148 393 |
| Other intangible assets | 76 709 | 84 181 |
| Tangible assets | 519 512 | 495 915 |
| Financial assets | 1 977 | 2 147 |
| Deferred tax assets | 10 861 | 9 448 |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 759 089 | 740 084 |
| Inventories | 732 343 | 581 332 |
| Trade and other receivables | 900 387 | 805 186 |
| Other current receivables | 143 575 | 160 179 |
| Short term investments | - | 204 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 142 049 | 162 812 |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 1 918 354 | 1 709 712 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 2 677 444 | 2 449 796 |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||
| Equity attributable to parent company shareholders | 1 639 452 | 1 460 455 |
| Non-controlling interests | 3 742 | 2 739 |
| TOTAL EQUITY | 1 643 193 | 1 463 195 |
| Non-current liabilities to credit institutions | 12 757 | 107 779 |
| Non-current non-interest-bearing liabilities | 74 642 | 84 241 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 87 399 | 192 020 |
| Interest-bearing current liabilities | 253 264 | 164 034 |
| Trade and other payables | 418 050 | 351 986 |
| Other current liabilities | 275 537 | 278 562 |
| Total current liabilities | 946 851 | 794 582 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 1 034 250 | 986 601 |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 2 677 444 | 2 449 796 |
| Equity attributable to parent company shareholders | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share capital | Other | Translation | Retained | Subtotal Non-controlling | Total equity | ||
| contributed | reserve | earnings incl. | interests | ||||
| SEK thousands | capital | profit | |||||
| Equity, 01/01/2016 | 36 068 | 34 014 | 24 303 | 1 073 044 | 1 167 430 | 2 307 | 1 169 737 |
| Profit for the period | 235 265 | 235 265 | 413 | 235 678 | |||
| Translation differences in foreign operations | 47 933 | 47 933 | 109 | 48 042 | |||
| Revalutation of defined benefit pension plans | -296 | -296 | - 7 |
-303 | |||
| Other comprehensive income | 47 933 | -296 | 47 637 | 102 | 47 739 | ||
| Comprehensive income for the year | 47 933 | 234 969 | 282 902 | 516 | 283 417 | ||
| Changes in non-controlling interests | -83 | -83 | |||||
| Issue | 520 | 50 180 | 50 700 | 50 700 | |||
| Dividends paid | -40 577 | -40 577 | - | -40 577 | |||
| Transactions with shareholders | - | - | -40 577 | 10 123 | -83 | 10 040 | |
| Equity, 31/12/2016 | 36 588 | 84 194 | 72 236 | 1 267 437 | 1 460 455 | 2 739 | 1 463 195 |
| Equity, 01/01/2017 | 36 588 | 84 194 | 72 236 | 1 267 437 | 1 460 455 | 2 739 | 1 463 195 |
| Profit for the year | 203 773 | 203 773 | 901 | 204 674 | |||
| Translation differences in foreign operations | 25 686 | 25 686 | 106 | 25 793 | |||
| Other comprehensive income | 25 686 | -159 | 25 527 | 106 | 25 633 | ||
| Comprehensive income for the year | 25 686 | 203 614 | 229 301 | 1 006 | 230 307 | ||
| Dividends paid | -50 309 | -50 309 | -50 309 | ||||
| Transactions with shareholders | -50 309 | -50 309 | -50 309 | ||||
| Equity, 31/12/2017 | 36 588 | 84 194 | 97 922 | 1 420 742 | 1 639 452 | 3 742 | 1 643 193 |
All shares, 18 294 058 pcs, are A-shares with equal voting rights and equal rights to the results. In conjunction with the acquisition of Gerdins Industrial System AB on October 3, 2016, 260 000 shares of the same kind were issued.
| SEK thousands | 1 Oct - 31 Dec, 2017 | 1 Oct - 31 Dec, 2016 | Full year 2017 | Full year 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit before tax | 31 797 | 59 583 | 255 828 | 279 344 |
| Adjustment for non cash generating items | 27 435 | 106 959 | 91 888 | 162 081 |
| Income tax paid | -7 604 | -6 995 | -39 476 | -45 182 |
| Cash flow from operating activities before change in | ||||
| working capital | 51 629 | 159 547 | 308 239 | 396 243 |
| Increase (-)/decrease (+) in inventories | -45 045 | -25 012 | -140 311 | -19 927 |
| Increase (-)/decrease (+) in trade receivables | 7 507 | -34 944 | -83 489 | -42 936 |
| Increase (-)/decrease (+) in other receivables | -7 918 | -66 750 | 3 396 | -66 030 |
| Increase (+)/decrease (-) in trade payables | -14 988 | 20 492 | 61 191 | 15 448 |
| Increase (+)/decrease (-) in other liabilities | -1 907 | 1 760 | -8 804 | 7 452 |
| Change in working capital | -62 351 | -104 452 | -168 017 | -105 993 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | -10 722 | 55 095 | 140 223 | 290 251 |
| Aquisitions of shares in subsidiaries | 0 | -64 069 | 0 | -64 035 |
| Acquisition of intangible non-current assets | -265 | -1 054 | -1 685 | -1 922 |
| Acquisition of tangible non-current assets*) | -26 015 | -28 797 | -104 002 | -116 296 |
| Sale of tangible non-current assets | 1 520 | 1 696 | 5 282 | 1 793 |
| Purchase/Sales of short-term investment in securities | 0 | 0 | 204 | 0 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | -24 760 | -92 224 | -100 200 | -180 460 |
| New borrowings, credit institutions *) | 114 984 | 36 575 | 114 983 | 36 575 |
| Amortisation of loans | -98 090 | -9 643 | -161 433 | -32 101 |
| Amortisation of loans (leasing) | -1 415 | -1 304 | -4 444 | -2 786 |
| Change in bank overdraft facilities | 53 459 | 58 151 | 43 058 | -47 887 |
| Dividends to the parent company shareholders | 0 | 0 | -50 309 | -40 577 |
| Other changes in financial activities | -282 | -137 | 173 | -58 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | 68 656 | 83 642 | -57 972 | -86 833 |
| Change in cash and cash equivalents for the period | 33 174 | 46 513 | -17 949 | 22 958 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year | 105 741 | 118 960 | 162 812 | 135 602 |
| Exchange rate difference in cash and cash equivalents | 3 135 | -2 660 | -2 814 | 4 252 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 142 049 | 162 812 | 142 049 | 162 812 |
*) In previous periods financial leasing has been presented with gross numbers in the cash flow, as new loans and acquisitions of tangible assets As of the third quarter in 2017 financial leasing is presented with net numbers, as the transaction doesn't have any impact on the cash flow. Earlier periods have been adjusted.
The parent company, AQ Group AB, focuses primarily on managing and developing the Group. As in previous years, the parent company's turnover consists almost exclusively of the sale of administrative services to subsidiaries. There are no purchases of any substance from subsidiaries.
| SEK thousands | Oct - Dec 2017 Oct - Dec 2016 | Full year 2017 | Full year 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 12 793 | 16 044 | 50 240 | 55 696 |
| Other operating income | 956 | 592 | 2 607 | 3 695 |
| 13 748 | 16 636 | 52 846 | 59 391 | |
| Other external expenses | -4 924 | -3 957 | -16 898 | -21 169 |
| Personnel costs | -3 096 | -5 155 | -18 152 | -17 701 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | -66 | -390 | -293 | -390 |
| Other operating expenses | -118 | -54 | -314 | -415 |
| -8 204 | -9 556 | -35 656 | -39 675 | |
| Operating profit | 5 545 | 7 080 | 17 190 | 19 716 |
| Net financial items | -13 527 | -79 | 81 756 | 98 358 |
| Earnings after net financial items | -7 983 | 7 001 | 98 946 | 118 074 |
| Appropriations | 34 193 | 2 350 | 34 193 | 2 350 |
| Profit before tax | 26 211 | 9 351 | 133 140 | 120 424 |
| Taxes | -16 143 | -1 530 | -19 894 | -4 738 |
| Profit for the period | 10 068 | 7 821 | 113 246 | 115 686 |
Net sales for the fourth quarter was SEK 12.8 million (16.0), somewhat lower than the same period in the previous year, partly because of lower invoicing of management fees (group commons costs). Other external expenses were SEK 4.9 million (4.0).
Personnel costs were SEK 3.1 million (5.2), the decrease of SEK 2.1 million is due to internal rationalization and lower bonus costs. Operating profit (EBIT) was SEK 5.5 million (7.1). Net financial items were SEK 13.5 million (0.1) and consist of e.g. received dividends of SEK 35.4 million, a devaluation of shares in subsidiaries of SEK 43.1 million and currency losses. Tax costs are SEK 16.1 million higher than the same period in the previous year. The reason is cost for withholding tax of SEK 8.6 million in conjunction with dividends from China.
Net sales for the full year were SEK 50.2 million (55.7), a consequence of lower invoicing of management fees than the same period previous year. Other external expenses of SEK 16.9 million (21.2), are lower than last year when we had costs related to the change of stock exchange from AktieTorget to Nasdaq Stockholm main market. Personnel costs were SEK 18.2 million (17.7) and is in parity with the previous year. Net financial items for the full year 2017 were SEK 81.8 million (98.4), of which SEK 125.3 million are tax free dividends from subsidiaries. We have also made a devaluation of shares in subsidiaries of SEK 43.1 million. Appropriations consist of group contributions from subsidiaries and provision for untaxed reserves. The tax cost of SEK 19.9 million is higher than the same period in the previous year due to withholding tax of SEK 8.6 million in conjunction with dividends from China.
| Summary balance sheet for the Parent company | ||
|---|---|---|
| SEK thousands | 31/12/2017 | 31/12/2016 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Tangible assets | 922 | 1 354 |
| Financial fixed assets | 661 744 | 785 990 |
| Deferred tax assets | - | 512 |
| TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS | 662 666 | 787 856 |
| Other current receivables | 316 805 | 251 503 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | - | - |
| TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS | 316 805 | 251 503 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 979 472 | 1 039 360 |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||
| Restricted equity | 37 745 | 37 745 |
| Non-restricted equity | 333 732 | 357 931 |
| Total equity | 371 476 | 395 676 |
| Untaxed reserves | 60 407 | 44 100 |
| Other provisions | - | 7 000 |
| Interest-bearing non-current liabilities | 144 | 90 439 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 12 | - |
| Total non-current liabilities | 155 | 97 439 |
| Interest-bearing current liabilities | 515 998 | 491 327 |
| Trade and other payables | 2 994 | 2 040 |
| Other current liabilities | 28 441 | 8 778 |
| Total current liabilities | 547 433 | 502 145 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | 547 588 | 599 584 |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 979 472 | 1 039 360 |
The decrease in financial fixed assets compared to the same period in the previous year is due to a reduction of share in subsidiaries because of the merger of AQ Industrial System AB and AQ Group AB and to devaluation of shares in subsidiaries.
Other current receivables are mainly with group companies of SEK 311 million.
The change in non-restricted equity compared to December 31, 2016 is partly due to paid dividends of SEK 50 million, SEK 113 million due to the financial result of the period and SEK 87 million as a result of the merger of AQ Industrial System AB and AQ Group AB.
During September an earnout of SEK 7.7 million was paid regarding the acquisition of Gerdins. Revaluation of this has influenced the quarter negatively by SEK 0.7 million.
The change in interest-bearing non-current liabilities compared to the same period in the previous year is partly due to amortization of SEK 90 million in conjunction with changes of bank credits.
Interest-bearing current liabilities have decreased compared to the same period in the previous year and consists of short-term bank loans of SEK 115 million, usage of bank overdraft of SEK 134 million and debts to subsidiaries in the cash pool of SEK 267 million.
During 2017, the parent company has repaid an internal loan to AQ Holmbergs Suzhou Co. Ltd (China) of SEK 85 million.
The summary interim report has been prepared in accordance IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, and applicable parts of the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. Information according to IAS 34.16A are presented in the financial reports and their notes as well as in other parts of the interim report. The interim report for the parent company has been prepared in accordance with Swedish Annual Accounts Act, chapter 9 Interim report. For the group and the parent company the accounting and valuation principles applied are the same as used in the latest annual report.
The total sum in tables and calculations do not always sum up of the parts due to rounding differences. The objective is that every interim row shall conform with the original source resulting in rounding differences.
As of July 3, 2016, ESMAs (European Securities And Markets Authority) "Guidelines – Alternative performance measures" are applied. In accordance with these guidelines information about financial numbers have been added that are not defined by IFRS.
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments concerns accounting of financial instruments. The new standard shall be applied from 2018 and it replaces IAS 39. IFRS 9 includes rules for classification and valuation of financial assets and liabilities, impairment of financial instruments and hedge accounting. The standard introduces among other things an impairment model based on expected credit losses. AQ's credit losses have historically been very limited and the effects of IFRS 9 are marginal. No adjustments have been made in the opening balances for 2018.
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which came into force January 1, 2018, has replaced IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction Contracts. IFRS 15 builds on the principle that revenue is recognized when the customer gets control of the sold goods or service and replaces the earlier principle when revenue is recognized when risks and benefits have transferred to the buyer. The effect for AQ's subsidiaries have been analyzed. No material deviations compared to previous standards have been found and no adjustments have been made in the opening balances for 2018. The standard entails increased information.
IFRS 16 Leases will replace IAS 17 Leases on January 1, 2019. With IFRS 16, all leases will be accounted for in the group's balance sheet except for leases of lesser value and contracts with a lease period of less than 12 months. IFRS 16 is estimated to influence the group's balance sheet total with maximum 10%.
The Group operates in two business segments: Component, which produces transformers, wiring systems, mechanical components, punched sheet metal and injection-moulded thermoplastics and System, which produces systems, power and automation solutions and assembles complete machines in close collaboration with the customers.
For the segment Component, the total net sales for the fourth quarter was SEK 880 million (778), of which SEK 792 million (712) is external sales. The increase of the external sales of totally SEK 80 million is due to high demands from our customers.
For the segment System, the total net sales for the fourth quarter was SEK 279 million (227), of which SEK 225 million (192) is external sales. The increase of the external sales of SEK 33 million is due to increased demand of assembly of packaging machines
Operating profit (EBIT) in the fourth quarter was SEK 21 million (30) for Component, which was SEK 9 million lower than the same period last year. The reason for the lower profit in Component is mainly due to our companies in China, Hungary and Mexico showing a lower operating profit than the same period last year. Operating profit (EBIT) for System was SEK 8 million (16), as a consequence of projects in electrical assembly with lower margins than last year.
In the column" Unallocated and eliminations" there are items which have not been allocated to the two segments, mainly real estate companies, parent company and group eliminations.
| Operating segments for the quarter, SEK thousands | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unallocated and | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q4 2017 | Component | System | eliminations | Group | |||
| Net sales, external | 792 050 | 225 271 | 1 017 321 | ||||
| Net sales, internal | 88 177 | 54 081 | -142 258 | ||||
| Total net turnover | 880 227 | 279 352 | -142 258 | 1 017 321 | |||
| Material costs, excl. purchases own segment | -437 154 | -213 525 | 133 447 | -517 231 | |||
| Depreciation | -25 182 | -1 422 | -66 | -26 670 | |||
| Other operating expenses/income | -397 266 | -56 551 | 18 907 | -434 910 | |||
| Operating profit | 20 625 | 7 855 | 10 031 | 38 510 | |||
| Net financial items | -6 713 | -6 713 | |||||
| Profit before tax | 20 625 | 7 855 | 3 318 | 31 797 | |||
| Other comprehensive income plus tax | 31 293 | 31 293 | |||||
| Comprehensive income for the period | 20 625 | 7 855 | 34 610 | 63 090 | |||
| Q4 2016 | |||||||
| Net sales, external | 712 171 | 192 404 | 0 | 904 575 | |||
| Net sales, internal | 65 952 | 34 564 | -100 516 | ||||
| Total net turnover | 778 123 | 226 968 | -100 516 | 904 575 | |||
| Material costs, excl. purchases own segment | -393 770 | -149 947 | 92 539 | -451 178 | |||
| Depreciation | -23 730 | -773 | -835 | -25 337 | |||
| Other operating expenses/income | -331 002 | -60 307 | 22 918 | -368 390 | |||
| Operating profit | 29 621 | 15 941 | 14 107 | 59 669 | |||
| Net financial items | -86 | -86 | |||||
| Profit before tax | 29 621 | 15 941 | 14 020 | 59 583 | |||
| Other comprehensive income plus tax | -13 906 | -13 906 | |||||
| Comprehensive income for the period | 29 621 | 15 941 | 115 | 45 677 |
For the segment Component, the total net sales for the period January to December was SEK 3 471 million (2 770), of which SEK 3 140 million (2 542) is external sales. The increase of external sales of SEK 598 million is due to high demands from our customers and an unusually high number of projects.
For the segment System, the total net sales for the accumulated period was SEK 1 057 million (900), of which SEK 880 million (747) is external sales. The increase of external sales of SEK 133 million is due to higher demands of assembly of packaging machines.
Operating profit (EBIT) was accumulated SEK 181 million (186) for Component, which was SEK 5 million lower than the same period last year. The reason for the lower profit in Component is mainly due to our companies in China, Hungary and Mexico showing a lower operating profit than the same period last year. Operating profit (EBIT) for System was SEK 63 million (80), a consequence of projects in electrical assembly with lower margins than last year.
In the column" Unallocated and eliminations" there are items which have not been allocated to the two segments, mainly real estate companies, parent company and group eliminations.
| Unallocated and | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YTD 2017 | Component | System | eliminations | Group |
| Net sales, external | 3 139 527 | 880 213 | 4 019 740 | |
| Net sales, internal | 331 228 | 177 243 | -508 471 | |
| Total net turnover | 3 470 755 | 1 057 456 | -508 471 | 4 019 740 |
| Material costs, excl. purchases own segment | -1 760 814 | -783 683 | 474 842 | -2 069 654 |
| Depreciation | -92 011 | -5 196 | -293 | -97 499 |
| Other operating expenses/income | -1 436 662 | -205 241 | 52 599 | -1 589 305 |
| Operating profit | 181 268 | 63 337 | 18 678 | 263 282 |
| Net financial items | -7 454 | -7 454 | ||
| Profit before tax | 181 268 | 63 337 | 11 224 | 255 828 |
| Other comprehensive income plus tax | -25 521 | -25 521 | ||
| Comprehensive income for the period | 181 268 | 63 337 | -14 297 | 230 307 |
| YTD 2016 | ||||
| Net sales, external | 2 542 355 | 746 860 | 0 | 3 289 215 |
| Net sales, internal | 227 839 | 153 236 | -381 074 | |
| Total net turnover | 2 770 194 | 900 096 | -381 074 | 3 289 215 |
| Material costs, excl. purchases own segment | -1 360 904 | -618 628 | 358 603 | -1 620 929 |
| Depreciation | -75 871 | -3 770 | -303 | -79 944 |
| Other operating expenses/income | -1 147 573 | -197 532 | 38 116 | -1 306 990 |
| Operating profit | 185 846 | 80 165 | 15 342 | 281 353 |
| Net financial items | -2 008 | -2 008 | ||
| Profit before tax | 185 846 | 80 165 | 13 333 | 279 344 |
| Other comprehensive income plus tax | 4 073 | 4 073 | ||
| Comprehensive income for the period | 185 846 | 80 165 | 17 406 | 283 417 |
Number of employees (full time yearly equivalents) in the Group per country:
| Jan-Dec 2017 | Jan-Dec 2016 | Jan-Dec 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulgaria | 1 146 | 981 | 966 |
| Sweden | 1 043 | 1 005 | 812 |
| Lithuania | 688 | 688 | 647 |
| China | 472 | 498 | 539 |
| Poland | 1 010 | 873 | 508 |
| Hungary | 430 | 447 | 411 |
| Estonia | 385 | 349 | 379 |
| India | 123 | 134 | 146 |
| Mexico | 162 | 127 | 94 |
| Italy | 19 | 24 | 4 |
| Thailand | 34 | 20 | 12 |
| Serbia | 36 | 17 | 0 |
| 5 548 | 5 163 | 4 518 |
AQ's strategy is to grow in both segments. During the period January to December there were no acquisitions or divestments.
On May 17, AQ Industrial Systems AB (556937-6576) and AQ Group AB merged. On November 2, AQ Italy S.r.l (04056160965) and AQ Magnetica S.r.l merged with the name AQ Magnetica Italy S.r.l. On December 18 AQ Elektroprim AB (556634-8065) and AQ Elautomatik AB merged with the name AQ Elautomatik AB.
Financial instruments that are shown in the balance sheet include on the assets side mainly cash or cash equivalents, receivables from customers and other receivables. On the liabilities side they consist mainly of payables to suppliers, other payable and credit debts.
Fair value is not separately shown as it is our assessment that the values shown are an acceptable estimation of the real value because of the short terms. Fair value of assets is established from market prices. Fair value is based on the listing at brokers. Similar contracts are being traded on an active market and the prices are reflecting actual transactions of comparable instruments.
The Group is only in exceptional cases using derivatives to reduce currency risks and it has during the year had derivatives valued according to level 2. At the end of the year, the group has no derivatives.
Information about events after the end of the reporting period are presented on page 7.
| 2017 | 2016 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full year | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Full year | |
| Operating margin, (EBIT %) | ||||||||||
| Operating profit | 86 813 | 74 397 | 63 562 | 38 510 | 263 232 | 76 712 | 92 326 | 52 646 | 59 669 | 281 353 |
| Net revenue Operating margin |
1 001 898 8,7% |
1 077 380 6,9% |
923 142 6,9% |
1 017 321 3,8% |
4 019 740 6,5% |
801 834 9,6% |
859 584 10,7% |
723 223 7,3% |
904 575 6,6% |
3 289 215 8,6% |
| Profit margin before tax, (EBT %) | ||||||||||
| Profit before tax | 92 258 | 70 478 | 61 295 | 355 803 | 255 828 | 75 954 | 90 758 | 53 050 | 59 583 | 279 344 |
| Net revenue | 1 001 898 | 1 077 380 | 923 142 | 1 017 321 | 4 019 740 | 801 834 | 859 584 | 723 223 | 904 575 | 3 289 215 |
| Profit margin before tax | 9,2% | 6,5% | 6,6% | 35,0% | 6,4% | 9,5% | 10,6% | 7,3% | 6,6% | 8,5% |
| Liquid ratio, % | ||||||||||
| Trade receivables | 922 728 | 947 782 | 889 208 | 900 387 | 900 387 | 687 538 | 749 032 | 697 938 | 805 186 | 805 186 |
| Other current receivables | 184 722 | 161 748 | 155 202 | 143 575 | 143 575 | 159 750 | 170 376 | 166 477 | 160 179 | 160 179 |
| Cash and cash equivalents Current liabilities |
125 316 865 301 |
103 003 864 583 |
105 741 828 792 |
142 049 946 851 |
142 049 946 851 |
147 614 633 744 |
116 631 676 277 |
118 960 598 307 |
162 812 794 582 |
162 812 794 582 |
| Liquid ratio | 142% | 140% | 139% | 125% | 125% | 157% | 153% | 164% | 142% | 142% |
| Debt/equity ratio, % | ||||||||||
| Total equity | 1 543 686 | 1 552 257 | 1 580 103 | 1 643 193 | 1 643 193 | 1 241 016 | 1 290 577 | 1 366 832 | 1 463 195 | 1 463 195 |
| Total assets | 2 593 111 | 2 591 281 | 2 567 768 | 2 677 444 | 2 677 444 | 2 066 851 | 2 149 012 | 2 130 582 | 2 449 796 | 2 449 796 |
| Debt/equity ratio | 60% | 60% | 62% | 61% | 61% | 60% | 60% | 64% | 60% | 60% |
| Return on total assets, % | ||||||||||
| Profit before tax, rolling 12 months | 295 648 | 275 368 | 283 613 | 255 778 | 255 778 | 231 604 | 265 145 | 274 539 | 279 344 | 279 344 |
| Financial expenses, rolling 12 months | -12 669 | -15 652 | -12 671 | -7 000 | -7 000 | -12 570 | -13 160 | -14 962 | -12 977 | -12 977 |
| Total equity and liabilities, opening balance for 12 months | 2 066 851 | 2 149 012 | 2 130 582 | 2 449 796 | 2 449 796 | 1 798 487 | 1 828 465 | 1 861 878 | 2 024 282 | 2 024 282 |
| Total equity and liabilities, closing balance | 2 593 111 | 2 591 281 | 2 567 768 | 2 677 444 | 2 677 444 | 2 066 851 | 2 149 012 | 2 130 582 | 2 449 796 | 2 449 796 |
| Total equity and liabilities, average | 2 329 981 | 2 370 147 | 2 349 175 | 2 563 620 | 2 563 620 | 1 932 669 | 1 988 738 | 1 996 230 | 2 237 039 | 2 237 039 |
| Return on total assets | 13,2% | 12,3% | 12,6% | 10,3% | 10,3% | 12,6% | 14,0% | 14,5% | 13,1% | 13,1% |
| Return on equity after tax, % | ||||||||||
| Profit for the period after tax, rolling 12 months | 250 191 | 233 463 | 237 884 | 204 674 | 204 674 | 188 327 | 216 778 | 227 944 | 235 678 | 235 678 |
| Total equity, opening for 12 months | 1 241 016 | 1 290 577 | 1 366 832 | 1 463 195 | 1 463 195 | 1 119 233 | 1 110 539 | 1 155 688 | 1 169 736 | 1 169 736 |
| Total equity, closing | 1 543 686 | 1 552 257 | 1 580 103 | 1 643 193 | 1 643 193 | 1 241 016 | 1 290 577 | 1 366 832 | 1 463 195 | 1 463 195 |
| Total equity, average | 1 392 351 | 1 421 417 | 1 473 468 | 1 553 194 | 1 553 194 | 1 180 125 | 1 200 558 | 1 261 260 | 1 316 465 | 1 316 465 |
| Return on equity after tax | 18,0% | 16,4% | 16,1% | 13,2% | 13,2% | 16,0% | 18,1% | 18,1% | 17,9% | 17,9% |
| Net cash / Net debt | ||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 125 316 | 103 003 | 105 741 | 142 049 | 142 049 | 147 614 | 116 631 | 118 960 | 162 812 | 162 812 |
| Non-current interest bearing liabilities Current interest bearing liabilities |
100 757 139 998 |
91 653 130 614 |
84 587 112 052 |
12 757 253 264 |
12 757 253 264 |
113 449 106 402 |
105 842 89 178 |
98 341 53 088 |
107 779 164 034 |
107 779 164 034 |
| Total interest bearing liabilities | 240 755 | 222 267 | 196 639 | 266 021 | 266 021 | 219 851 | 195 020 | 151 430 | 271 812 | 271 812 |
| Net cash / Net debt | -115 439 | -119 264 | -90 898 | -123 972 | -123 972 | -72 237 | -78 389 | -32 470 | -109 000 | -109 000 |
| Growth, % | ||||||||||
| Organic growth | ||||||||||
| Net revenue | 1 001 898 | 1 077 380 | 923 142 | 1 017 321 | 4 019 740 | 801 834 | 859 584 | 723 223 | 904 575 | 3 289 215 |
| - Effect of changes in exchange rates | 8 945 | 22 944 | -1 319 | -1 262 | 29 308 | -8 615 | -15 435 | -6 759 | 10 357 | -20 452 |
| - Net revenue for last year | 801 834 | 859 584 | 723 223 | 904 575 | 3 289 215 | 715 216 | 758 819 | 654 561 | 803 281 | 2 931 878 |
| - Net revenue for acquired companies | 121 766 | 108 181 | 95 109 | 0 | 325 055 | 69 287 | 68 926 | 61 495 | 128 095 | 327 803 |
| = Organic growth | 69 353 | 86 671 | 106 130 | 114 008 | 376 162 | 25 946 | 47 274 | 13 926 | -37 158 | 49 986 |
| Organic growth divided by last year net revenue, % Growth through acquisitions |
8,6% | 10,1% | 14,7% | 12,6% | 11,4% | 3,6% | 6,2% | 2,1% | -4,6% | 1,7% |
| Net revenue for acquired companies divided by last year net | ||||||||||
| revenue, % | 15,2% | 12,6% | 13,2% | 0,0% | 9,9% | 9,7% | 9,1% | 9,4% | 15,9% | 11,2% |
Calculated as operating profit divided by net sales.
This key figure shows the achieved profitability in the operative business of the company. Operating margin is a useful measure to follow up profitability and efficiency of the business before deduction of tied up capital. The figure is used internally for controlling and managing the business as well as a benchmark towards other companies in the industry.
Calculated as profit before tax divided by net sales.
This key figure shows the profitability of the business before tax. Profit margin before tax is a useful measure to follow up profitability and efficiency including tied up capital. The figure is used internally for controlling and managing the business as well as a benchmark towards other companies in the industry.
Calculated as current assets (excl. inventory) divided by current liabilities.
This key figure reflects the company's short-term solvency as it sets the company's current assets (except inventory) in relation to the short-term liabilities. If the liquid ratio exceeds 100%, it means that the assets exceed the liabilities in question.
Calculated as adjusted equity divided by balance sheet total.
This key figure reflects the company's financial position and its long term solvency. To have a good equity ratio and thus a strong financial position is important for being able to manage business cycles with varying sales. To have a strong financial position is also important for managing growth.
Calculated as profit/loss after financial items divided by the average balance sheet total. This key figure also shows the achieved profitability in the operative business. This number complements the operating margin as it includes tied up capital. It means that the number gives information on the return the business is given in relation to the capital tied in it. (Financial investments and cash and cash equivalents are also considered and the profit they give in the form of financial income.)
Calculated as profit/loss after tax divided by average equity including minority interest. This is a key figure showing the return of the capital that the owners have invested in the company (including retained earnings) after other stakeholders have received their dividends. This key figure shows how profitable the company is for its owners. This return also has significance for the company's opportunities to grow in a financial balance.
Calculated as the profit before tax and financial items.
Operating profit shows the result generated by the operative business and is used together with operating margin and return on total assets for evaluating and managing the operative business.
Calculated as the profit before tax.
The key figure shows the result generated by the operative business and financial income taking into account payments to creditors for the capital they are contributing to finance the business. The figure shows remaining profit to the owners taking into account that part of it will be deducted for tax payments.
Calculated as the difference between interest bearing debts and cash and cash equivalents. This key figure is reflecting how much interest bearing debts the company has taking into account in cash and cash equivalents. The figure gives a good picture of the debt situation. Net cash means that cash and cash equivalents exceeds interest bearing debts. Net debt means that interest bearing debts exceed cash and cash equivalents.
The company is using two key figures to describe growth; 1) organic growth and 2) growth through acquisitions.
Organic growth is calculated as the difference between the net sales of the current period and the net sales of the previous period, excluding currency effect and net sales of acquired units.
Organic growth in % is calculated as the organic growth divided by the net sales in the same period in the previous year. Growth through acquisitions is calculated as net sales of acquired companies divided by the net sales in the same period in the previous year. Growth is an important component in the company's strategy as growth is required to be a leading actor in the markets where the company is operating. Growth is partly through acquisition and partly organic. It's important to follow up and to present the different ways of achieving growth as it is two different ways to grow. Acquisitions are done when opportunities are given to expand the business in a certain geographic market or in a certain product area (in line with the company's strategic plan). Organic growth often has the character of a continued expansion within the existing operations.
Dividend per share is decided at the Annual General Meeting where the annual report is approved for the fiscal year. Number of shares are the thousands of shares issued at the set date for payment of dividends.
AQ is a leading supplier to demanding industrial customers and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm's main market.
The Group consists mainly of operating companies each of which develop their special skills and in cooperation with other companies, striving to provide cost effective solutions in close cooperation with the customer.
The Group headquarter is in Västerås, Sweden. AQ has, on December 31, 2017, in total about 5,500 employees in Sweden, Bulgaria, China, Estonia, Hungary, India, Italy, Lithuania, Mexico, Poland, Serbia and Thailand.
In 2017 AQ had net sales of SEK 4.0 billion and the group has since its start in 1994 shown profit every quarter.
AQ has the highest credit rating AAA according to Bisnode.
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