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BTS Group

Interim / Quarterly Report Aug 21, 2008

3018_ir_2008-08-21_1403db13-bf32-492f-a35c-d973d198fef9.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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BTS Group AB (publ)

Interim Report January 1 - June 30, 2008

Continued growth; dollar rate impacts negatively

  • Net turnover increased by 2 percent during the first half-year and amounted to MSEK 270.5 (265.4). Adjusted for changes in exchange rates, growth was 12 percent.
  • The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) decreased by 14 percent to MSEK 41.1 (47.6).
  • Profit after tax decreased by 4 percent to MSEK 23.6 (24.5).
  • Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.31 (1.35).

The second quarter 2008

  • Net turnover increased by 5 percent during the second quarter and amounted to MSEK 148.2 (141.7). Adjusted for changes in exchange rates, growth was 16 percent.
  • The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) decreased by 6 percent to MSEK 27.6 (29.5).
  • Profit after tax increased by 6 percent to MSEK 16.9 (15.9).
  • Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.93 (0.88).

Summary of the first half-year

  • The demand for BTS services continued to be good in all markets.
  • The negative change in BTS' earnings was principally attributable to considerably lower sales within the APG unit which was acquired in 2006, increased investments and lower cost efficiency within BTS USA and a weakening of the USD and GBP, currencies of importance for BTS.
  • BTS' other operations have continued to develop positively.
  • The revenue and earnings trends were significantly more positive during the second quarter compared with the first quarter.
  • New clients secured during the first half-year included Alcoa, Conoco-Philips, Deutsche Bank and National Foods Limited, among others.

Turnover

BTS' net turnover increased by 2 percent during the first half-year and amounted to MSEK 270.5 (265.4). Adjusted for changes in exchange rates, growth was 12 percent. Growth in local currency terms was strong in all units with the exception of APG: BTS North America grew by 22 percent, BTS Europe grew by 20 percent, BTS Other markets grew by 33 percent, while APG decreased by 12 percent.

Earnings

The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) decreased by 14 percent during the first half-year and amounted to MSEK 41.1 (47.6). The operating profit was affected by MSEK 4.3 (5.2) during the first half-year for amortization of intangible assets attributable to acquisitions. The operating profit (EBIT) decreased by 13 percent to MSEK 36.8 (42.4).

The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 15 (18) percent. The operating margin (EBIT margin) was 14 (16) percent.

Profit before tax for the first half-year decreased by 11 percent to MSEK 35.1 (39.5).

The negative change in earnings and margin was principally attributable to decreased sales in the acquired APG unit. The earnings was also impacted negatively by investments made for growth purposes and lower cost efficiency within BTS USA and a weakening of the USD and GBP, currencies of importance for BTS. Measurements to improve cost efficiency in BTS USA have been launched.

An action program for APG was initiated earlier in the year in order to make sales more efficient. This contributed to a comparative improvement during the second quarter compared with the first quarter, and is expected to continue to improve earnings during the remaining part of the year.

The second quarter

BTS' net turnover increased by 5 percent during the second quarter and amounted to MSEK 148.2 (141.7). Adjusted for changes in exchange rates, growth was 16 percent.

The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) decreased by 6 percent during the second quarter and amounted to MSEK 27.6 (29.5). The operating profit during the second quarter was affected by MSEK 2.1 (2.6) for amortization of intangible assets attributable to acquisitions. The operating profit (EBIT) decreased by 5 percent to MSEK 25.5 (26.9).

The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 19 (21) percent. The operating margin (EBIT margin) was 17 (19) percent.

Profit before tax for the second quarter decreased by 2 percent and amounted to MSEK 24.9 (25.3).

Market development

The demand for BTS services continued to be good in all markets. A number of sectors in the US have weakened considerably – including retail, the automotive sector and certain parts of the housing and construction market and financial sectors, BTS has a limited exposure to these sectors. BTS experienced two years of zero growth in connection with the economic downturn during the period 2001–2003. However, at that time, over 80 percent of BTS' revenue came from the three hardest hit sectors (IT, telecommunications and manufacturing industry). Today, BTS' operations are significantly more diversified and only a limited share of revenue comes from the sectors that are currently experiencing weakness.

Companies in BTS' target group, large international companies and organizations, tend to have to deal with a faster rate of change, new technologies and new competition. As a result they tend to invest more in business development and training. For many years, BTS has been the leading player on the market for training conducted through tailor-made business simulations and currently has commissions from 26 of the 100 largest companies in the world.

According to the research firm, Bersin & Associates, the total training market in the US is estimated to be worth approx USD 58 billion (including costs for internal training resources). Approximately USD 16 billion of external services are purchased, of which BTS' market segment – training services to managers and sales staff - is estimated to be worth approx. USD 5 billion. This means that BTS currently has approx. 1 percent market share in its North America segment, a market that is expected to grow by approximately 5 percent annually.

BTS is currently seeing increased global demand for it services, a continued positive market development in the US and a rapid expansion within the world's growth markets. BTS expects that the market segment for training based on simulation technology will grow more rapidly than the market in general.

BTS' growth

During the four-year period, 2004-2007, BTS has increased revenue by 3.5 times, adjusted for changes in exchange rates, while at the same time, the operating profit has increased more than eight-fold. The revenue increase was approximately 40 percent organic, and about 60 percent acquired.

The factors behind BTS' growth are as follows:

  • we operate on an expanding market
  • our offering enjoys strong competitive advantages
  • we carry out excellent acquisitions on a fragmented market
  • we have the sector's best organization and employees.

BTS drives this growth through:

  • growth in existing offices
  • geographical expansion through new offices
  • cross-selling between BTS business units as well as continued development of new products and solutions.

BTS' offering has broadened considerably through product development and completed acquisitions and apart from world-leading business simulations also includes leading solutions within strategically important areas such as e.g. sales and management development and internet-based training solutions.

BTS offers the most comprehensive range of tailored simulation solutions on the market today and at the same time, is the only company in the world that can serve large international companies within these sectors on a global basis. BTS' sales organization is being developed and is growing rapidly. This means that BTS to a greater extent, can satisfy existing clients' needs for additional solutions, which generates significant growth opportunities both in the near-term and long-term.

Assignments and new clients

New clients secured during the first half-year included Alcoa, Deloitte, Conoco-Philips, Deutsche Bank and National Foods Limited, among others.

Revenue development

Revenue by source of revenue January 1 - June 30, 2008

Operative units

Net turnover per operative unit

Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun rolling
12-month
Full-year
MSEK 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008/2007 2007
North America* 98.8 99.3 183.7 193.0 359.1 368.4
Europe 38.1 32.5 67.2 57.3 126.9 117.0
Other markets 11.3 9.9 19.6 15.1 42.3 37.8
Total 148.2 141.7 270.5 265.4 528.3 523.2
* North America
BTS 66.0 59.3 121.8 113.1 228.1 219.4
APG 32.8 40.0 61.9 79.9 131.0 149.0
Total 98.8 99.3 183.7 193.0 359.1 368.4

The operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) per operative unit

Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun rolling
12-month
Full-year
MSEK 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008/2007 2007
North America* 15.5 20.7 25.1 36.5 49.8 61.2
Europe 10.3 7.0 14.2 9.7 25.6 21.1
Other markets 1.8 1.8 1.8 1.4 6.4 6.0
Total 27.6 29.5 41.1 47.6 81.8 88.3
* North America
BTS 14.0 17.4 22.3 30.1 40.0 47.8
APG 1.5 3.3 2.8 6.4 9.8 13.4
Total 15.5 20.7 25.1 36.5 49.8 61.2

North America

The operations - APG and RLC, which were acquired during 2006, are reported geographically within North America. Apart from APG, other units have been combined in an organizational and legal entity and are reported as BTS from the beginning of 2008. Comparative figures in respect of the previous year have been adjusted to the new operating structure.

BTS

Net turnover for BTS' North American operations amounted to MSEK 121.8 (113.1) during the first half-year. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by 22 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 22.3 (30.1) during the first half-year. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 18 (27) percent.

Net turnover amounted to MSEK 66.0 (59.3) during the second quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by 28 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 14.0 (17.4) during the second quarter. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 21 (29) percent.

Growth continued to be good during the first half-year. However, BTS sales via APG declined considerably resulting in a deterioration in earnings and a lower margin. Earnings were also affected by investments for growth purposes, including, in a larger organization and marketing and lower cost efficiency. Measurements to improve cost efficiency have been launched.

APG

Net turnover for APG amounted to MSEK 61.9 (79.9) during the first half-year. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue decreased by 12 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 2.8 (6.4) during the first half-year. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 5 (8) percent.

Net turnover amounted to MSEK 32.8 (40.0) during the second quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue decreased by 6 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 1.5 (3.3) during the second quarter. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 5 (8) percent.

The negative change in earnings and margin was principally attributable to decreased sales in comparison with the strong first half-year performance of the previous year.

An action program for APG was initiated earlier in the year in order to make sales more efficient. This contributed to a comparative improvement during the second quarter compared with the first quarter, and is expected to continue to improve earnings during the remaining part of the year.

Europe

Net turnover for Europe amounted to MSEK 67.2 (57.3) during the first half-year. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by 20 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 14.2 (9.7) during the first half-year. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 21 (17) percent.

Net turnover amounted to MSEK 38.1 (32.5) during the second quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by 21 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 10.3 (7.0) during the second quarter. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 27 (22) percent.

Other markets

Net turnover for Other markets amounted to MSEK 19.6 (15.1) during the first halfyear. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by 33 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 1.8 (1.4) during the first half-year. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 9 (9) percent.

Net turnover amounted to MSEK 11.3 (9.9) during the second quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by 20 percent. The operating profit before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 1.8 (1.8) during the second quarter. The operating margin before amortization on intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 16 (18) percent.

Growth was good in both Australia and South Africa during the first half-year. Investments in personnel and marketing activities have been carried out during the half-year period in order to strengthen growth further.

Financial position

BTS' cash flow from operating activities amounted to MSEK 8.7 (-14.0) during the first half-year.

Cash and cash equivalents amounted to MSEK 46.4 (30.1) at the end of the halfyear period. The Company's interest-bearing loans, which relate to previously completed acquisitions, amounted to MSEK 75.5 (83.8) at the end of the period.

BTS' solidity was 51 (49) percent at the end of the period.

The Company had no outstanding conversion loans at the balance sheet date.

Employees

The number of employees in BTS Group AB as of June 30 was 243 (206). The average number of employees during the period was 240 (200).

The Parent Company

The Company's net turnover amounted to MSEK 0.5 (0) and the profit after net financial items amounted to MSEK 2.9 (2.9). Cash and cash equivalents amounted to MSEK 0 (0).

Outlook for 2008

Based on continued strong market conditions for BTS, the profit before tax is expected to be in line with the previous year.

Accounting principles

This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Reporting and RR 31 Interim Reporting for Groups. The accounting principles and calculation methods applied are in line with the accounting principles used in the preparation of the most recent financial statements. Future IFRS that have been approved by IASB but have not yet come into effect are currently evaluated as having no material effect on the Group's income statement and balance sheet.

Future reporting dates

Interim Report Jul – Sep November 5, 2008 Year-end Report February, 2009

The board of directors and chief executive officer affirm that the interim report provides a true and fair view of the Company's and Group's operations, financial position and results and describes significant risks and uncertainties faced by the Company and the companies that make up the Group.

Stockholm, August 21, 2008

Dag Sehlin Mariana Burenstam Linder Stefan Gardefjord
Chairman of the Board Member of the Board Member of the Board

Henrik Ekelund Chief Executive Officer Member of the Board

This report has not been the subject of separate examination by BTS' auditor

Contact information

Henrik Ekelund CEO Phone: +46 8 5870 7000 Stefan Brown CFO Phone: +46 8 5870 7062 Thomas Ahlerup Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Phone: +46 8 5870 7002, Cell: +46 768 966 300

For additional information please visit our home page www.bts.com

BTS Group AB (publ) Grevgatan 34 114 53 Stockholm SWEDEN

Corporate identity number: 556566-7119

Phone:. +46 8 5870 7000
Fax: +46 8 5870 7001
INCOME STATEMENT, Summary
KSEK 3 months ended 6 months ended 12 months ended
Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Dec 31
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Revenue 148,215 141,748 270,530 265,453 528,238 523,161
Operating expenses -120,038 -111,722 -228,362 -216,706 -444,349 -432,693
Depreciation tangible assets -538 -496 -1,044 -1,119 -2,099 -2,174
Amortization intangible assets -2,136 -2,554 -4,361 -5,175 -9,293 -10,107
Operating result 25,503 26,976 36,763 42,453 72,497 78,187
Financial income and expenses -576 -1,699 -1,702 -2,955 -4,168 -5,421
Result before tax 24,927 25,277 35,061 39,498 68,329 72,766
Taxes -8,067 -9,385 -11,483 -15,046 -20,374 -23,937
Result for the period 16,860 15,892 23,578 24,452 47,955 48,829
attributable to equity holders of the parent 16,860 15,892 23,578 24,452 47,955 48,829
Earnings per share, before dilution of shares, SEK 0.93 0.88 1.31 1.35 2.66 2.71
Number of shares at end of the period 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300
Average number of shares before dilution of shares 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300
Earnings per share, after dilution of shares, SEK 0.93 0.88 1.31 1.35 2.66 2.70
Average number of shares after dilution of shares 18,048,300 18,114,361 18,048,300 18,114,361 18,048,300 18,074,696
Dividend per share 1.20
BALANCE SHEET , Summary
KSEK 06/30/08 06/30/07 12/31/07
Assets
Goodwill 135,756 152,612 145,093
Other intangible assets 26,370 40,149 33,048
Tangible assets 5,908 4,846 5,317
Other fixed assets 4,882 3,814 4,343
Accounts receivable 121,631 109,131 115,955
Other current assets 30,948 27,680 25,187
Cash and bank 46,391 30,134 67,473
Total assets 371,886 368,366 396,416
Equity and liabilities
Equity 188,969 182,171 198,603
Non interest bearing - non current liabilities 84 43 120
Interest bearing - current liabilities 75,667 83,823 62,856
Non interest bearing - current liabilities 107,166 102,329 134,837
Total equity and liabilities 371,886 368,366 396,416
CASH FLOW STATEMENT, Summary
KSEK Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Dec
2008 2007 2007
Cash flow from current operations 8,690 -13,970 45,219
Cash flow from investment activities -19,888 -4,604 -12,219
Cash flow from financing operations -4,642 -23,614 -32,802
Change in liquid funds -21,082 -41,920 -4,581
Liquid funds, opening balance 67,473 72,054 72,054
Liquid funds, closing balance 46,391 30,134 67,473
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash -5,242 268 -4,779

CHANGES IN EQUITY KSEK

Total Equity Total Equity Total Equity
06/30/08 06/30/07 12/31/07
Opening balance 198,603 175,171 175,171
Dividend to shareholders -21,658 -18,048 -18,048
Conversion differences -11,916 375 -8,073
Change minority interest - -508 -508
Miscellaneous 362 729 1,232
Result for the period 23,578 24,452 48,829
Closing balance 188,969 182,171 198,603
KEY RATIOS 3 months ended 6 months ended 12 months ended
Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Jun 30 Dec 31
2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007
Revenues, KSEK 148,215 141,748 270,530 265,453 528,238 523,161
EBITA (Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation),
KSEK 27,639 29,530 41,124 47,628 81,790 88,294
EBIT (Operating result), KSEK 25,503 26,976 36,763 42,453 72,497 78,187
EBITA margin (Earnings before interest, tax and
amortisation margin), % 19 21 15 18 15 17
EBIT margin (Operating margin ), % 17 19 14 16 14 15
Profit margin, % 11 11 9 9 9 9
Operational capital, KSEK 218,245 193,896
Return on equity, % 25 26
Return on operational capital, % 35 41
Solidity at end of the period, % 51 49 51 49 51 50
Cash flow, KSEK 2,942 -2,890 -21,082 -41,920 16,257 -4,581
Liquid funds at end of the period, KSEK 46,391 30,134 46,391 30,134 46,391 67,473
Average number of employees 243 205 240 200 229 211
Number of employees at end of the period 243 206 243 206 243 230
Revenues for the year per employee, KSEK 2,306 2,479

DEFINITIONS

Earnings per share

Earnings attributable to the parent company´s shareholders divided by number of shares

EBITA margin (Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation margin)

Operating result before interest, tax and amortisation as a percentage of revenues.

EBIT margin (Operating margin)

Operating result after depreciation as a percentage of revenues.

Profit margin

Result for the period as a percentage of revenues.

Operational capital

Total balance sheet reduced by liquid funds and other interest bearing assets and reduced by non-interest bearing liabilities.

Return on equity

Result for the period (converted into whole year) as a percentage of average equity.

Return on operational capital

Operating result as a percentage of average operational capital.

Solidity

Equity as a percentage of total balance sheet.

Organic growth

Growth excluding aquisition

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