Quarterly Report • May 7, 2015
Quarterly Report
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"The global leader in accelerating strategic alignment and execution – innovating how organizations learn, change and improve."
As announced earlier, BTS has completed the acquisition of the South African company AVO Vision.
New clients during the first quarter include Citizens Bank, Danone, Gas Natural, Sandoz, Uber and Visa.
BTS is a world leading strategy implementation firm. The company accelerates execution by ensuring the workforce is aligned to the strategy, has the right mindset, and has mastered the capabilities needed to deliver business results. BTS leverages customized business simulations and experiential learning initiatives to develop the business acumen, leadership and sales capabilities necessary for superior strategy execution. Partnering with today's leading corporations, BTS consultants bring passion and deep industry expertise to deliver high-impact solutions that help clients achieve better results, faster.
Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, BTS has more than 400 professionals in 32 offices in 22 countries located on six continents. Partnering with nearly 400 organizations, including 30 of the world's 100 largest corporations. BTS's major clients are some of the most respected names in their businesses: Anglo American, AT&T, Chevron, Coca-Cola, Ericsson, HP, Rio Tinto, Telefonica, and Unilever.
1 | BTS INTERIM REPORT JANUARY–MARCH 2015 BTS INTERIM REPORT JANUARY–MARCH 2015 | 1 BTS is a public company listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange and trades under the symbol BTS b. For more information about BTS visit us on: http://www.bts.com
BTS started the year well with an earnings increase of 37 percent in the first quarter.
The improvement is driven by BTS North America which is showing very good growth and increased earnings and is getting extra wind in its sales from the higher dollar rate. BTS Europe started 2015 with a quarter without growth, but order intake has been high and a large proportion of development projects were delivered and the prospects for the full year are positive. In BTS Other Markets both revenues and earnings increased by 17 percent. APG is showing good growth and with increased earnings.
BTS won a large number of important global projects at the beginning of 2015. Our investments in marketing, products, the organization and digital solutions are showing results. BTS's competitiveness is very good.
Combining BTS's solutions with Fenestra's, which we acquired in the fourth quarter of last year, opens a new segment for BTS – assessments for recruitment and development – where we offer our customers innovative and effective solutions.
For the full year 2015 our assessment is that earnings will be better than in 2014.
Stockholm, May 7, 2015
Henrik Ekelund President and CEO of BTS Group AB (publ)
BTS's net sales in the first quarter totaled MSEK 218.3 (154.2). Adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, growth was 15 percent.
Growth varied between the units: BTS North America 22 percent, APG 18 percent, BTS Other Markets 17 percent and BTS Europe –2 percent (growth measured in local currency).
Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) increased in the first quarter by 41 percent to MSEK 12.6 (9.0). Operating profit in the first quarter was charged with MSEK 1.1 (0.5) for amortization of intangible assets attributable to acquisitions. Operating profit (EBIT) for the first quarter increased by 36 percent to MSEK 11.5 (8.5).
Operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 6 percent (6). Operating margin (EBIT margin) was 5 percent (5).
The Group's profit before tax for the first quarter increased to MSEK 11.6 (8.5).
Earnings were positively affected by improved earnings in BTS North America, BTS Other Markets and APG.
The market for BTS's services remains positive in North America, where customers are showing increased willingness to invest.
New clients during the first quarter included Citizens Bank, Danone, Gas Natural, Sandoz, Uber and Visa.
NET SALES BY SOURCE OF REVENUE
PROFIT BEFORE TAX AND OPERATING MARGIN (EBITA) BY QUARTER
BTS North America consists of BTS's operations in North America excluding APG.
BTS Europe consists of operations in Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and the UK.
BTS Other Markets consists of operations in Australia, Brazil, China, Dubai, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand.
APG consists of operations in Advantage Performance Group.
With effect from November 1 last year, BTS has a changed management structure for countries outside the US.
BTS's operations in Northern and Western Europe with offices in Stockholm, London, Helsinki, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Munich have been placed in a single unit under management of Joel Sigrist.
All BTS's operations in growth markets – Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East – and Southern Europe, have been consolidated under management of Philios Andreous in BTS Other Markets.
| Jan–March | Jan–March | April–March | Jan–Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSEK | 2015 | 2014 | 2014/15 | 2014 |
| BTS North America | 106.1 | 67.8 | 400.5 | 362.2 |
| BTS Europe | 34.5 | 31.5 | 156.7 | 153.8 |
| BTS Other Markets | 43.9 | 32.6 | 179.7 | 168.4 |
| APG | 33.8 | 22.3 | 108.6 | 97.1 |
| Total | 218.3 | 154.2 | 845.5 | 781.5 |
| MSEK | Jan–March 2015 |
Jan–March 2014 |
April–March 2014/15 |
Jan–Dec 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTS North America | 6.2 | 3.4 | 45.3 | 42.5 |
| BTS Europe | 3.9 | 3.9 | 18.1 | 18.1 |
| BTS Other Markets | 1.7 | 1.4 | 22.1 | 21.8 |
| APG | 0.8 | 0.3 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
| Total | 12.6 | 9.0 | 88.6 | 85.0 |
Net sales for BTS's operations in North America amounted to MSEK 106.1 (67.8) in the first quarter. Adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue grew by 22 percent. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 6.2 (3.4) in the first quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 6 percent (5).
BTS North America showed very good development in the first quarter. The measures carried out previously continue to provide results.
Fenestra, which was acquired on October 1, 2014, has integrated well with BTS, and the merger has been very well received in the market. The acquisition did not, however, contribute to the earnings increase in the first quarter.
Net sales for BTS Europe amounted to MSEK 34.5 (31.5) in the first quarter. Adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue decreased by 2 percent. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 3.9 (3.9) in the first quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 11 percent (12).
BTS Europe started 2015 with a quarter without growth. Order intake was good and a large proportion of development projects were delivered. The prospects for the full year are positive.
Net sales for BTS Other Markets amounted to MSEK 43.9 (32.6) in the first quarter. Adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue grew by 17 percent. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 1.7 (1.4) in the first quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 4 percent (4).
All markets showed positive growth and earnings development with the exception of Mexico which reported lower earnings.
Net sales for APG amounted to MSEK 33.8 (22.3) in the first quarter. Adjusted for changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue grew by 18 percent. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 0.8 (0.3) in the first quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 2 percent (1).
APG continued the positive earnings trend that started in the third quarter of the previous year.
BTS's cash flow from operating activities for the first quarter amounted to MSEK –7.6 (–16.7).
Available cash and cash equivalents amounted to MSEK 113.0 (92.8) at the end of the period. The company's interest-bearing loans amounted to MSEK 0 (0) at the end of the period.
BTS's equity ratio was 70 percent (75) at the end of the period The company had no outstanding conversion loans at the balance sheet date.
The number of employees within BTS Group at March 31 was 442 (380).
The average number of employees in the first quarter was 426 (379).
The Parent Company's net sales amounted to MSEK 0.4 (0.2) and profit after net financial items amounted to MSEK 0.1 (–0.3). Cash and cash equivalents amounted to MSEK 1.4 (4.5).
Profit before tax is expected to show an improvement compared with the previous year.
In the first quarter BTS acquired AVO Vision, a company that focuses on communication, teaching and development of organizations' employees and key people in the African market. AVO Vision focuses on employees in large companies as well as senior management and people within state governing bodies and organizations.
The acquisition was carried out through BTS's subsidiary in South Africa acquiring all the shares in AVO Vision. Information about the acquisition:
• BTS carried out the acquisition by assuming responsibility for AVO Vision's commitments such as employment contracts, customer contracts, and rental contracts as well as AVO Vision's debts. No consideration was transferred for the shares in AVO Vision. BTS has consolidated AVO Vision with effect from January 1, 2015.
• AVO Vision will remain a separate unit and be operated as a subsidiary to BTS in South Africa. The reason AVO Vision will be retained as a subsidiary is their strong brand in the region and their strong "Black Economic Empowerment Rating".
• AVO Vision is expected to be profitable and to deliver sales of approximately MSEK 12 in 2015.
The Group's material risks and uncertainties include market and business risks, operational risks and financial risks. Business and market risks may relate to greater customer exposure for specific sectors and companies as well as sensitivity to market conditions. Operational risks include dependence on individuals, skills supply and intellectual property as well as BTS meeting the high quality demands of its clients. Financial risks mainly relate to foreign exchange and credit risks.
The management of risks and uncertainties is described in the 2014 Annual Report. BTS is considered to have a good spread of risks across companies and sectors and operational risks are handled in a structured manner through well-established processes. Day-to-day exposure to currency fluctuations is limited since revenues and costs are mainly in the same currency in each market, and credit risk is limited since BTS only accepts creditworthy counterparties. No new material risks or uncertainties are deemed to have arisen during 2015.
In order to prepare the financial statements in conformity with IFRS, Corporate Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting principles and the recognized amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and costs. Estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and a number of other factors that are regarded as reasonable under prevailing conditions. Actual outcomes can deviate from these estimates and assumptions. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed regularly.
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as endorsed by the EU, RFR 1, Supplementary Accounting Rules for Groups, and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. The parent company's statements are prepared in accordance with RFR 2, Accounting for Legal Entities and the Annual Accounts Act. New or revised IFRS and interpretations from IFRIC have not had any effect on the Group's or the parent company's results or financial position.
| Interim report April–June | August 21, 2015 |
|---|---|
| Interim report July–September | November 10, 2015 |
| Year-end report 2015 | February 2016 |
Stockholm, May 7, 2015
Henrik Ekelund CEO
Henrik Ekelund President and CEO Phone: +46 8 587 070 00 Stefan Brown CFO Phone: +46 8 587 070 62 Thomas Ahlerup SVP, Investor and Phone: +46 8 587 070 02 Corporate Communications Mobile: +46 768 966 300
For further information, visit our website, www.bts.com
BTS Group AB (publ) Grevgatan 34 114 53 Stockholm SWEDEN
Phone: +46 8 587 070 00 Fax: +46 8 587 070 01 Company registration number: 556566-7119
| KSEK | Jan–March 2015 |
Jan–March 2014 |
April–March 2014/15 |
Jan–Dec 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 218,286 | 154,241 | 845,500 | 781,454 |
| Operating expenses | –203,991 | –143,787 | –750,239 | –690,035 |
| Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment | –1,673 | –1,503 | –6,634 | –6,464 |
| Amortization of intangible assets | –1,145 | –497 | –3,216 | –2,568 |
| Operating profit | 11,476 | 8,454 | 85,411 | 82,388 |
| Net financial items | 171 | 69 | 604 | 502 |
| Profit before tax | 11,647 | 8,523 | 86,014 | 82,890 |
| Taxes | –3,798 | –2,632 | –27,971 | –26,805 |
| Profit for the period | 7,849 | 5,891 | 58,043 | 56,085 |
| attributable to the shareholders of the parent company |
7,849 | 5,891 | 58,043 | 56,085 |
| Earnings per share, before and after dilution of shares, SEK |
0.42 | 0.32 | 3.11 | 3.01 |
| Number of shares at end of the period | 18,646,370 | 18,589,870 | 18,646,370 | 18,646 370 |
| Dividend per share, SEK | 1.75 |
| KSEK | Jan–March 2015 |
Jan–March 2014 |
April–March 2014/15 |
Jan–Dec 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the period | 7,849 | 5,891 | 58,043 | 56,085 |
| Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss |
– | – | – | – |
| – | – | – | – | |
| Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss |
||||
| Translation differences in equity | 32,863 | 1,531 | 83,806 | 52,475 |
| Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax |
32,863 | 1,531 | 83,806 | 52,475 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 40,712 | 7,422 | 141,849 | 108,559 |
| attributable to the shareholders of the parent company |
40,712 | 7,422 | 141,849 | 108,559 |
| KSEK | March 31, 2015 March 31, 2014 | Dec 31, 2014 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Goodwill | 227,523 | 143,000 | 207,045 |
| Other intangible assets | 33,810 | 16,424 | 31,702 |
| Tangible assets | 14,447 | 13,316 | 13,927 |
| Property, plant, and equipment | 9,723 | 7,444 | 8,745 |
| Trade receivables | 200,695 | 123,328 | 239,005 |
| Other current assets | 78,647 | 87,219 | 67,157 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 112,959 | 92,765 | 114,293 |
| Total assets | 677,805 | 483,497 | 681,874 |
| Equity and liabilities | |||
| Equity | 475,217 | 363,204 | 434,505 |
| Non-interest bearing – non-current liabilities | 186 | 193 | 153 |
| Non-interest bearing – current liabilities | 202,403 | 120,100 | 247,216 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 677,805 | 483,497 | 681,874 |
| KSEK | Jan–March 2015 |
Jan–March 2014 |
Jan–Dec 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | –7,586 | –16,653 | 44,813 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | –1,237 | –705 | –21,041 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | 24 | –52 | –32,871 |
| Cash flow for the period | –8,799 | –17,410 | –9,099 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, opening balance | 114,293 | 108,833 | 108,833 |
| Translation differences in cash and cash equivalents | 7,465 | 1,342 | 14,559 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, closing balance | 112,959 | 92,765 | 114,293 |
| KSEK | Total equity March 31, 2015 |
Total equity March 31, 2014 |
Total equity Dec 31, 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening balance | 434,505 | 355,783 | 355,783 |
| Dividend to shareholders | – | – | –32,532 |
| New share issue | – | – | 2,695 |
| Other | – | –1 | – |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 40,712 | 7,422 | 108,559 |
| Closing balance | 475,217 | 363,204 | 434,505 |
| Jan–March 2015 |
Jan–March 2014 |
April–March 2014/15 |
Jan–Dec 2014 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales, KSEK | 218,286 | 154,241 | 845,500 | 781,454 |
| EBITA (Profit before interest, tax and amortization), KSEK |
12,622 | 8,951 | 88,627 | 84,956 |
| EBIT (Operating profit), KSEK | 11,476 | 8,454 | 85,411 | 82,388 |
| EBITA margin (Profit before interest, tax and amortization margin), % |
6 | 6 | 10 | 11 |
| EBIT margin (Operating margin ), % | 5 | 5 | 10 | 11 |
| Profit margin, % | 4 | 4 | 7 | 7 |
| Operating capital, KSEK Return on equity, % |
362,257 13 |
320,212 14 |
||
| Return on operating capital, % | 25 | 29 | ||
| Equity ratio, at end of the period, % | 70 | 75 | 70 | 64 |
| Cash flow, KSEK | –8,799 | –17,410 | –488 | –9,099 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, at end of the period, KSEK |
112,959 | 92,765 | 112,959 | 114,293 |
| Average number of employees | 426 | 379 | 395 | 384 |
| Number of employees at end of the period | 442 | 380 | 442 | 405 |
| Revenues for the year per employee, KSEK | 2,141 | 2,035 |
| Jan–March | Jan–March | April–March | Jan–Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KSEK | 2015 | 2014 | 2014/15 | 2014 |
| Net sales | 408 | 225 | 1,660 | 1,885 |
| Operating expenses | –252 | –541 | –1,171 | –1,712 |
| Operating profit | 156 | –316 | 489 | 173 |
| Net financial items | 0 | 4 | 29,800 | 29,804 |
| Profit before tax | 156 | –312 | 30,289 | 29,977 |
| Taxes | 0 | 0 | –678 | –678 |
| Profit for the period | 156 | –312 | 29,611 | 29,300 |
| KSEK | March 31, 2015 | March 31, 2014 | Dec 31, 2014 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Financial assets | 101,976 | 101,976 | 101,976 |
| Other current assets | 1,362 | 197 | 984 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,439 | 4,469 | 2,227 |
| Total assets | 104,777 | 106,643 | 105,187 |
| Equity and liabilities | |||
| Equity | 104,208 | 104,686 | 104,460 |
| Liabilities | 569 | 1,957 | 727 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 104,777 | 106,643 | 105,187 |
Earnings attributable to the parent company's shareholders divided by number of shares.
EBITA margin (Profit before interest, tax and amortization margin) Operating profit before interest, tax and amortization as a percentage of net sales.
EBIT margin (Operating margin) Operating profit after depreciation as a percentage of net sales.
Profit margin Profit for the period as a percentage of net sales.
Total balance sheet reduced by liquid funds and other interestbearing assets and reduced by non-interest bearing liabilities.
Return on equity Profit after tax as a percentage of average equity.
Return on operating capital Operating profit as a percentage of average operating capital.
Equity ratio Equity as a percentage of total balance sheet.
Every care has been taken in the translation of this report. In the event of discrepancies, however, the Swedish original will supersede the English translation.
BTS is the world leader in customized business simulations and other discovery learning solutions that enable leading organizations to learn, change and improve. The unique BTS process offers fast strategic alignment and rapid capability building to accelerate execution and to improve business results.
"The global leader in accelerating strategic alignment and execution – innovating how organizations learn, change and improve."
"We build commitment and capability to accelerate strategy execution and improve business results."
"We deliver better results, faster. The unique BTS process offers fast strategic alignment and rapid capability building.
BTS's financial goals shall over time be:
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