AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

NCC Group

Quarterly Report Feb 7, 2008

2948_10-k_2008-02-07_0e926fcc-95f4-4175-aebc-8d78aeadf44a.pdf

Quarterly Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

YEAR-END REPORT 2007

  • Net sales increased to SEK 58,397 M (55,876).
  • Profit after financial items improved to SEK 2,608 M (2,263).
  • Profit after taxes amounted to SEK 2,252 M (1,708).
  • Earnings per share after dilution totaled SEK 20.73 (15.74).
  • The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 11.00 (8.00) per share, plus an extraordinary dividend of SEK 10.00 (10.00) per share, making a total of SEK 21.00 (18.00) per share.
2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Orders received 16,247 16,612 63,344 57,213
Net sales 17,295 17,928 58,397 55,876
Operating profit/loss 662 778 2,790 2,392
Profit/loss after financial items 608 733 2,608 2,263
Net profit/loss for the period 543 588 2,252 1,708
Profi/loss per share after dilution, SEK 5.00 5.43 20.73 15.74
Cashflow before financing 1,429 1,895 1,165 1,657
Return on shareholders´ equity after tax, % 34 27
Debt/equity ratio, times 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Net indebtedness 744 430 744 430

Comments by CEO Olle Ehrlén:

"In terms of earnings, 2007 was a successful year for NCC and we substantially exceeded our financial objectives. The after-tax return on shareholders' equity rose to 34 percent, cash flow was positive and net indebtedness at the end of the year was SEK 0.7 billion.

"Profit after financial items increased to SEK 2,608 M (2,263) M, as a result of the strong earnings achieved by NCC Construction Sweden, NCC Property Development, NCC Construction Finland and NCC Roads.

"On the other hand, we were forced to terminate the NCC Complete development project. Fourth-quarter earnings were charged SEK 302 M for the discontinuation of this project, which explains why earnings for the fourth quarter were lower than in 2006.

"NCC's successes are due to good leadership in the organization, attractive customer offerings and an increase in production efficiency, not least as a result of our purchasing initiatives. The market trend was also favorable, particularly in the housing area, although conditions here appear to have peaked.

NCC AB

Market development

The Nordic construction market was characterized by generally strong demand during 2007. Demand for housing was favorable during most of the year, with the exception of Denmark, where conditions in the housing market, particularly in the Copenhagen area, have been weak since 2006. During the fourth quarter, demand slackened in Finland and the Baltic region. Due to a more sluggish sales trend, NCC's proprietary housing starts decreased. NCC is of the opinion that the Nordic housing market has peaked.

The outlook for 2008 appears favorable in the markets in which NCC is active, although growth is expected to be lower than in 2007 and the Nordic and Baltic housing markets are subject to increasing uncertainty. In Germany, the conditions for NCC's operations are expected to remain favorable in 2008. The market for civil-engineering investments is expected to continue at a favorable level in 2008. Strong conditions in the construction market will also increase activity in the aggregates and asphalt market.

The trend in the leasing market for commercial properties was healthy during 2007 and demand was favorable for NCC's newly produced properties. Market conditions for 2008 appear to remain healthy.

Overall, this means that NCC's outlook on the market trend in 2008 is in line with the assessment published in connection with the nine-month report on October 30, 2007.

Orders received and order backlog

Most recent quarter, October-December 2007

Orders received by the Group amounted to SEK 16,247 M (16,612). The decrease compared with the year-earlier period was due to lower starts of proprietary housing projects. In other segments, orders received remained high, mainly as a result of generally strong demand in the entire Nordic construction market. NCC Construction Sweden secured several major orders during the quarter, the largest of which being Sollentuna Centrum on behalf of Steen and Ström, with a total order value exceeding SEK 1 billion.

Orders received for proprietary housing projects totaled SEK 3,023 M (3,657). The deterioration was due to lower starts of proprietary housing projects in Denmark and Sweden. The Danish housing market has been week since 2006. In Sweden, comparisons are impeded by the fact that NCC initiated an exceptional number of proprietary projects during the fourth quarter of 2006. Orders received for proprietary property development projects totaled SEK 732 M (1,124).

The order backlog on December 31 was SEK 44,740 M (36,292), of which proprietary projects accounted for SEK 11,627 M (9,474). The order backlog on September 30 was SEK 45,599 M. Due to an increased share of relatively large projects, the year-end order backlog was historically high and will be produced over a long period.

During the quarter, construction started on 1,314 (1,505) proprietary housing units and 1,134 (1,196) units were sold. Fewer housing starts were noted in all units, apart from Germany, where NCC's geographical expansion in recent years has enabled continued growth. In Denmark and the Baltic region, virtually no housing starts were reported during the quarter, due to weak demand.

NCC´s development rights for construction-initiated and sold proprietary housing, December 31, 2007
Sweden Denmark Finland Norway Germany Group
2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006
Number of development rights 11,300 11,000 1,115 1,034 9,892 8,787 2,235 2,117 2,416 1,152 26,958 24,090
Number of construction-initiated housing
units 1,586 1,456 234 478 1,423 1,661 78 167 1,107 944 4,428 4,706
Number of sold housing units 1,131 1,347 170 332 1,321 1,464 84 178 1,002 714 3,708 4,035
Number of housing units under production 2,636 2,685 325 479 1,786 1,911 223 205 1,300 886 6,270 6,166
Number of unsold housing units 13 17 61 6 265 155 1 3 31 23 371 204

Sales of housing units remained favorable in the Group's largest housing markets, Sweden, Finland and Germany. In Germany, sales of housing units increased and this accounted for a significant proportion of total Group sales during the quarter. A slight increase in sales occurred in Sweden compared with the year-earlier period, when sales were relatively low since few homes were for sale. In Finland and the Baltic region, sales declined and combined sales for these regions were lower during the quarter than in the year-earlier period.

The number of unsold housing units was 371 (204). On September 30, the number of unsold completed housing units was 328. As at September 30, Finland accounted for the greatest number of unsold housing units. The number of unsold housing units also increased in the Baltic region.

Total costs incurred in all projects initiated by NCC Property Development amounted to SEK 0.8 billion (0.8), representing 44 percent (54) of the total project costs of SEK 1.8 billion (1.5). The letting ratio on December 31 was 67 percent (41). On September 30, the letting ratio for projects was 47 percent.

Full-year period, January-December 2007

Orders received rose 11 percent to SEK 63,344 M (57,213). The increase was primarily attributable to NCC Construction Sweden, which noted healthy demand in almost all areas of the country and within all business segments. Orders received also increased for NCC Construction Finland, especially within nonresidential building construction.

Orders received by the Group for proprietary housing projects totaled SEK 11,370 M (11,396), while orders for proprietary property projects amounted to SEK 2,045 M (1,931). During 2007, construction started on 4,428 (4,706) proprietary housing units and 3,708 (4,035) units were sold. Sales were lower than in 2006, because few homes were for sale in Sweden in the early part of the year and due to a continued weak Danish housing market, resulting in sluggish sales. Decreased demand was noted in several markets towards the end of the year.

During the year, the order backlog rose by SEK 8,448 M, or 23 percent, compared with December 31, 2006.

Net sales Operating profit
2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
NCC Construction Sweden 1) 8,149 7,186 24,881 22,098 486 425 1,424 1,235
NCC Construction Denmark 1,735 1,789 5,910 6,493 17 1 36 -35
NCC Construction Finland 2,237 1,847 7,432 6,450 96 105 434 390
NCC Construction Norway 1,913 1,547 6,335 6,002 16 25 76 179
NCC Construction Germany 755 640 2,301 1,763 65 40 117 85
NCC Property Development 143 2,207 3,583 3,773 278 291 780 472
NCC Roads excl. Roads Poland 3,171 2,676 9,766 8,518 46 -4 344 340
Roads Poland 579 127 1,526 47 335 75
NCC Roads 3,171 3,256 9,893 10,044 46 43 679 415
Total 18,103 18,472 60,335 56,624 1,005 931 3,547 2,742
NCC Complete 22 40 205 93 -302 -79 -645 -186
Other items and eliminations -830 -583 -2,144 -841 -40 -74 -112 -163
Group 17,295 17,928 58,397 55,876 662 778 2,790 2,392

Net sales and earnings per business segment

1) Excluding NCC Complete

Net sales

Most recent quarter, October-December 2007

Net sales amounted to SEK 17,295 M (17,928). In the year-earlier period, net sales included property sales of SEK 2.2 billion. Net sales increased in the Construction units, particularly in Sweden, and sales continued to be high in NCC Roads.

Full-year period, January-December 2007

Net sales rose 5 percent to SEK 58,397 M (55,876). The increase was attributable to high activity in NCC Construction Sweden, Finland and Germany. Net sales within NCC Construction Denmark declined, mainly due to diminishing sales of housing. The higher activity in the construction market led to increased demand for and sales of asphalt, aggregates and paving within NCC Roads.

Earnings

Most recent quarter, October-December 2007

Operating profit amounted to SEK 662 M (778). The decline in earnings during the quarter was due mainly to costs for the discontinuation of the NCC Complete development project. Excluding NCC Complete, the earnings trend was favorable, and a healthy level of earnings was reported by primarily NCC Construction Sweden, NCC Construction Finland, NCC Property Development and NCC Roads.

Earnings for NCC Construction Sweden increased to SEK 486 M (425), thanks to higher volume and improved margins in construction contract operations and continued favorable profitability within housing operations. Active purchasing activities and improved project control contributed to the improved margins.

NCC Construction Finland's earnings remained favorable and NCC Construction Germany improved its earnings due to increased volume.

NCC Construction Denmark's earnings improved compared with the year-earlier period but remained unsatisfactory.

NCC Property Development's earnings amounted to SEK 278 M (291). Earnings for the quarter derived mainly from the reversal of rental guarantees and from the receipt of letting-related supplementary considerations, thanks to a favorable letting trend for previously sold property projects.

NCC Road's earnings amounted to SEK 46 M (43). Earnings for the year-earlier period included SEK 47 M from the Polish asphalt and aggregates business, which was divested in the first half of 2007. Earnings for the quarter were charged with provisions of SEK 25 M for a competition impeding fee imposed in Finland. NCC Roads' earnings trend was positive during the fourth quarter. Large quantities of aggregates and, primarily, asphalt were sold in at improved margins mainly in Denmark and Norway but also in southwest Sweden.

The "others and eliminations" item for 2006 was favorably affected by payments of SEK 43 M received in connection with receivables for which impairment losses had already been incurred and by cost reductions of SEK 74 M pertaining to AMF pension premiums, and were negatively affected by intra-Group profits. Corresponding items were not present in 2007.

Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 608 M (733).

Profit after taxes amounted to SEK 543 M (588).

Full-year period, January-December 2007

Operating profit increased to SEK 2,790 M (2,392). Earnings include SEK 383 M from the secondquarter sale of NCC Roads' Polish asphalt and aggregates operations, while earnings for 2006 included earnings of SEK 56 M from these operations; see also Note 2, "Divested operations." Profits were affected by expenses totaling SEK 645 M for the NCC Complete development project.

NCC Construction Sweden's year was characterized by increased volumes, which led to improved profits of SEK 1,424 M (1,235). This pertained primarily to construction contract operations, in which volumes increased and margins improved.

NCC Construction Denmark's operating profits totaled SEK 36 M (loss: 35), which is an improvement compared with the year-earlier period, but still unsatisfactory. The main reason for the low profitability is the weak housing market. Profits for 2006 included large project-related impairment losses as well as capital gains from major land sales.

NCC Construction Finland's earnings exceeded the record level of 2006 and totaled SEK 434 M (390), mainly attributable to a strong housing market.

NCC Construction Norway's earnings decreased to SEK 76 M (179), which was primarily due to projectrelated impairment losses.

NCC Construction Germany's earnings improved to SEK 117 M (85), due to increased sales.

NCC Property Development's earnings increased to SEK 780 M (472). Earnings improved due to profits from projects sold, as well as reversal of rental guarantees and letting-related supplementary considerations from previously sold property projects.

NCC Roads' earnings, after taking into account the sale of the Polish asphalt and aggregates business, were better than in the year-earlier period. This was due to the favorable trend within both the asphalt and the aggregates business. Earnings for 2007 were charged with goodwill impairment in Finnish operations totaling SEK 90 M (17) and a competition impeding fee of SEK 25 M.

The "other and eliminations" item includes a provision for the competition-impeding fine of SEK 150 M imposed by Stockholm City Court. The item was positively affected by a reduction in pension costs. Earnings for 2006 were favorably affected by payments of SEK 43 M received in connection with receivables for which impairment losses had already been incurred and by cost reductions of SEK 74 M in AMF pension premiums, and were negatively affected by intra-Group profits.

Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 2,608 M (2,263).

Profit after taxes amounted to SEK 2,252 M (1,708) for the period. NCC's tax rate for the year was 14 percent (25). NCC Property Development frequently sells property projects and land in the form of companies, which results in profits not being taxed. Also, most of the gain on the sale of the Polish asphalt and aggregates operations was not taxed either.

Seasonal effects

NCC Roads' operations and certain operations in NCC Construction units are affected by seasonal variations resulting from cold weather conditions. Accordingly, the first and final quarters are generally weaker than the rest of the year.

Cash flow

Most recent quarter, October-December 2007

Cash flow before financing amounted to SEK 1,429 M (1,895). Adjustments for items not included in cash flow decreased, mainly because provisions for rental guarantees were lower than in the year-earlier period. Cash flow for the quarter was positively affected by decreased investments in housing projects and increased payments from sales of property projects, compared with the year-earlier period.

Net indebtedness (interest-bearing liabilities less cash and cash equivalents less interest-bearing receivables) amounted to SEK 744 M (430) on December 31; also see Note 7, "Specification of net indebtedness." Net indebtedness amounted to SEK 2,120 M on September 30, 2006.

SEK billion Cash flow Net
Net indebtedness, October 1, 2007 -2.1
From operations 0.6
Divestment of property projects 0.1
Gross investments in property projects -0.5
Divestment of housing projects 1.0
Gross investments in housing projects -1.5
Other changes in working capital 1.9
Investment activities net -0.2 1.4
Net indebtedness, December 31, 2007 -0.7

Full-year period, January-December 2007

Cash flow before financing amounted to SEK 1,165 M (1,657). Cash flow was positively affected by payments totaling SEK 1.1 billion from the sale of NCC Roads' Polish asphalt and aggregates operations, of which SEK 0.4 billion pertained to loans in the divested operations reported under "Investment activities." See also Note 2, "Divested operations." Cash flow for the year-earlier period included proceeds of SEK 0.5 billion from the sale-and-leaseback agreement relating to properties in the Sonnengarten district in Berlin. See also the cash flow statement, page 11.

Significant risks and uncertainties

In the 2006 Annual Report (pages 44-47), an account is made of the risks to which NCC is exposed. The description of risks reported there remains relevant and no additional risks or uncertainties have been identified.

Ongoing cartel processes

In July Stockholm City Court announced its verdict on the Swedish asphalt cartel case and ordered NCC to pay competition-impeding damages of SEK 150 million. NCC has appealed this decision to the Market Court. NCC believes that the City Court did not take into account NCC's arguments that the actions taken by NCC had facilitated the Swedish Competition Authority's investigations in a decisive manner. NCC also believes that the amount was unreasonably high in view of the City Court's confirmation that there was no underlying general agreement to divide up all central and local government paving procurements, and that it was instead a local phenomenon that occurred over just a few years.

In December the Finnish Market Court has ordered NCC Roads Oy to pay an administrative fee of approximately SEK 13 M for violation of the Finnish Competition Act. The 50-percent-owned company, Valtatie Oy, was also ordered to pay a fee of approximately SEK 25 M; NCC's portion was SEK 12.5 M. According to the Court, a total of seven companies had violated the Competition Act. Two of the companies involved, NCC Roads Oy and Valtatie Oy, were acquired by NCC in 2000. In the fourth quarter of 2007, NCC posted a provision of SEK 25 M for the fees imposed. NCC has appealed the verdict.

Since the preceding interim report, no new information has arisen regarding the cartel matters in Norway or the cases involving individual municipalities in Sweden that have sued construction companies.

For further information on the cartel processes, read NCC's Annual Report for 2006, Note 46, Pledged assets, contingent liabilities and contingent assets.

Purchase and sale of own shares

No shares were repurchased during the full-year 2007. During the year, 330,251 (843,005) previously repurchased shares were sold. As a result, the number of shares outstanding increased to 108,414,684, which has affected the calculation of earnings per share. Following the sales, the number of treasury shares totaled 21,138 Series B shares. The treasury shares have been sold to cover commitments for earlier option programs.

Other significant events

Change in Group Management

On October 1, Peter Gjörup took up the position as president of NCC Construction Norway. He was formerly the Head of Region Norrland within NCC Construction Sweden.

NCC Complete being discontinued

In November, NCC decided to terminate the development project for industrially built apartment buildings, NCC Complete. The change will affect 200 employees in Hallstahammar and Solna. The project is being discontinued since the anticipated cost reductions resulting from the production method will not be achieved. The operations in Hallstahammar will be gradually terminated, ending May 2008, when the last modules will leave the plant. An amount of SEK 645 M pertaining to NCC Complete has been charged against consolidated earnings for the January to December 2007 period, of which SEK 302 M in the fourth quarter. These expenses comprise operational and termination costs of SEK 328 M and impairment of fixed assets totaling SEK 154 M, which has partly been offset by the reversal of provisions totaling SEK 180 M. No additional losses are expected during 2008.

Dividend proposal

The Board of Directors proposes an ordinary dividend of SEK 11.00 (8.00) per share and an extraordinary dividend of SEK 10.00 (10.00) per share, meaning a total of SEK 21.00 (18.00) per share. The proposed record date is April 11, 2008.

2008 Annual General Meeting

NCC's Annual General Meeting will be held at China Teatern, Berns Salonger, Berzelii Park in Stockholm, on April 8, 2008. The Meeting will commence at 4:30 p.m. A notice convening the Annual General Meeting will be published in Swedish daily newspapers on March 7, and will be posted on NCC's website www.ncc.se. Proposals for resolution by the Annual General Meeting from the Board and the Nomination Committee will also be available on the website, where it will also be possible to register for the Meeting

Nomination Committee

At the Annual General Meeting held on April 11, 2007, Viveca Ax:son Johnson (Chairman of the Board of Nordstjernan), Ulf Lundahl (Deputy CEO of L E Lundbergföretagen) and Mats Lagerqvist (President of Robur AB) were elected to the Nomination Committee, with Viveca Ax:son Johnson as Chairman. Chairman of the Board Tomas Billing has been co-opted to the Nomination Committee, although without being entitled to vote.

Significant events after the close of the period

NCC signs increased credit facility of EUR 275 M in January

NCC Treasury AB and a group of banks signed a revolving credit facility totaling EUR 275 M, corresponding to approximately SEK 2,600 M. The transaction replaces an existing revolving credit facility of EUR 200 M that was signed in January 2005. The duration of the credit facility is five years with an option to extend it for an additional two years.

NCC acquires Finnish asphalt company

NCC Roads Oy has acquired the operations of Valtatie Oy, the previously 50-percent owned asphalt company in Finland, from the French Colas Group. The operation will be integrated into NCC's Finnish operations, which will consequently become one of the major players in the Finnish asphalt and paving market. The merged operation will have annual sales of approximately SEK 950 M, employ nearly 400 people and have a market share of slightly more than 20 percent within asphalt and paving. The purchase consideration is not being published and the transaction is subject to approval by the Finnish Competition Authority (FCA). The approval process can take up to six months.

Parent Company

Most recent quarter, October-December 2007

Parent Company invoiced sales totaled SEK 5,741 M (4,279). Profit after financial items was SEK 1,113 M (loss: 234). For the Parent Company, profits are recognized when projects are subject to final profit recognition. The increased profits are primarily attributable to anticipated dividends from subsidiaries, which arose in December.

Full-year period, January-December 2007

The Parent Company's invoiced sales totaled SEK 22,738 M (17,083). Profit after financial items amounted to SEK 2,619 M (401). The average number of employees was 7,886 (8,065).

Related-party transactions

The companies closely related to the Parent Company are the Nordstjernan Group, companies in the Lundberg Group, Axel Johnson Group, NCC subsidiaries and associated companies and joint ventures. The Parent Company's related-party transactions were of a production character. Related-company sales amounted to SEK 85 M (92) and purchases to SEK 347 M (194) for the October-December period. Related-company sales amounted to SEK 144 M (161) and purchases to SEK 694 M (654) for the January-December 2007 interim report period. The transactions were conducted on normal market terms.

Significant risks and uncertainties

The Parent Company's significant risks and uncertainties are identical to those of the Group, which were described above.

Otherwise, please refer to the income statements and balance sheets, including the associated notes listed below.

Concolidated income statement

Group 2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M Note 1,2,3 Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Net sales 17,295 17,928 58,397 55,876
Production costs Note 4,5 -15,564 -16,359 -52,572 -50,729
Gross profit 1,730 1,569 5,825 5,147
Sales and administration costs Note 4,5 -885 -809 -3,059 -2,795
Result from property management -2 -5
Result from sales of managed properties 5 9
Result from sales of owner-occupied properties -1 10 19 22
Impairment losses, fixed assets 1) Note 6 -154 -5 -245 -22
Result from sales of Group companies -4 2 415 7
Competition-impeding damages -25 -175
Result from participations in associated companies 1 6 11 29
Operating profit/loss 662 778 2,790 2,392
Financial income 34 35 131 116
Financial expense 1) -89 -79 -313 -245
Net financial items -55 -44 -182 -129
Profit/loss after financial items 608 733 2,608 2,263
Tax on net profit/loss for the period -65 -145 -357 -555
Net profit/loss for the period 543 588 2,252 1,708
Attributable to:
NCC´s shareholders
542 589 2,247 1,706
Minority interests 1 -1 4 1
Net profit/loss for the period 543 588 2,252 1,708
Earnings per share
Before dilution
Net profit/loss for the period, SEK 5.00 5.45 20.75 15.80
After dilution
Net profit/loss for the period, SEK 5.00 5.43 20.73 15.74
Number of shares, millions
Total number of issued shares 108.4 108.4 108.4 108.4
Average number of treasury shares during the period 0.2 0.5
Average number of shares outstanding before
dilution during the period 108.4 108.0 108.3 108.0
Average number of shares after dilution 108.4 108.4 108.4 108.4
Number of shares outstanding before dilution at the end of the period 108.4 108.1 108.4 108.1
Number of treasury shares at the end of the period 0.3 0.3

1) Impairment losses concerning financial fixed assets is included in Financial expenses.

Consolidated balance sheet

Group 2007 2006
SEK M Note 1,2,3 Dec. 31 Dec. 31
ASSETS
Fixed assets
Goodwill 1,651 1,700
Other intangible assets 96 113
Managed properties 21 65
Owner-occupied properties 640 796
Machinery and equipment 1,774 1,940
Participations in associated companies 25 47
Other long-term holdnings of securities 250 242
Long-term receivables Note 7 1,691 2,477
Deferred tax assets 277 262
Total fixed assets 6,424 7,642
Current assets
Property projects 2,145 1,955
Housing projects 6,662 4,905
Materials and inventories 2,365 1,517
Tax receivables 44 51
Accounts receivable 8,323 7,934
Worked-up, non-invoiced revenues 2,956 2,840
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 1,048 852
Other receivables Note 7 1,935 1,481
Short-term investments 1) Note 7 483 173
Cash and cash equivalents Note 7 1,685 1,253
Total current assets 27,645 22,961
TOTAL ASSETS 34,069 30,603
EQUITY
Share capital 867 867
Other capital contributions 1,844 1,844
Reserves 73 -20
Profit brought forward, including current-year profit 4,423 4,105
Shareholders´ equity 7,207 6,796
Minority interests 30 75
Total shareholders´ equity 7,237 6,870
LIABILITIES
Long-term liabilities
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities Note 7 1,590 2,023
Other long-term liabilities Note 7 816 561
Deferred tax liabilities 431 461
Provisions for pensions and similiar obligations 112 119
Other provisions 2,729 2,157
Total long-term liabilities 5,678 5,321
Current liabilities
Current interest-bearing liabilities Note 7 1,701 552
Accounts payable 4,974 4,874
Tax liabilities 101 170
Project invoicing not yet worked-up 4,971 4,823
Accrued expenses and prepaid income 5,177 4,592
Other current liabilities 4,231 3,400
Total current liabilities 21,154 18,411
Total liabilities 26,832 23,732
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS´ EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 34,069 30,603
ASSETS PLEDGED 359 338
CONTINGENT LIABLITIES 5,749 5,557

1) Includes short-term investments with maturities exceeding three months at the aquisition date, see also cash-flow statement.

Changes in shareholders´equity Group

Group December 31, 2007 December 31, 2006
Total Total
Shareholders´ Minority shareholders´ Shareholders´ Minority shareholders´
SEK M equity interests equity equity interests equity
Opening balance, January 1 6,796 75 6,871 6,785 94 6,879
Change in translation reserve during the year 14 2 16 -33 -3 -36
Change in fair value reserve during the year -1 -1
Change in hedging reserve during the year 27 27 -1 -1
Tax reported against shareholders´ equity 53 53 -46 -46
Changes in minority interests -46 -46 4 4
Total change in net asset value reported directly
against equity, excluding transactions involving
Company shareholders 6,889 32 6,921 6,704 95 6,799
Net profit/loss for the year 2,247 3 2,250 1,706 1 1,707
Total change in net asset value, excluding
transactions involving Company shareholders 9,137 35 9,171 8,410 96 8,506
Dividends -1,951 -4 -1,955 -1,675 -21 -1,696
Sale of treasury shares 22 22 59 59
Closing balance 7,207 30 7,237 6,796 75 6,870

Consolidated cash flow statement

Group 2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M Note 2 Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Profit/loss after financial items 608 733 2,608 2,263
Adjustments for items not included in cash flow 68 654 178 1,182
Taxes paid -29 7 -448 -271
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital 647 1,394 2,338 3,174
Cash flow from changes in working capital
Increase (-)/Decrease (+) in working capital 1,039 1,515 23 1,269
Increase (-)/Decrease (+) in properties reported as current assets, net -66 -806 -1,330 -2,271
Cash flow from changes in working capital 973 709 -1,307 -1,002
Cash flow from operating activities 1,620 2,103 1,031 2,171
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Sale of building and land 10 105 73
Increase (-)/Decrease (+) from investing activities -191 -217 28 -587
Cash flow from investing activities -191 -208 134 -514
CASH FLOW BEFORE FINANCING 1,429 1,895 1,165 1,657
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash flow from financing activities -1,042 -1,951 -763 -2,307
CASH FLOW DURING THE PERIOD 388 -56 402 -649
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,279 1,313 1,253 1,919
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 19 -4 31 -17
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD 1,685 1,253 1,685 1,253
Short-term investments due later than three months 483 173 483 173
Total liquid assets 2,168 1,426 2,168 1,426

Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital amounted to SEK 647 M (1,394) for the October-December period and SEK 2,338 M (3,174) for the January-December period. Adjustments for items not included in cash flow decreased, due to a reduction in provisions and the divestment of the Polish asphalt and aggregate business during the second quarter. See also Note 2, "Divested operations."

Cash flow from changes in working capital amounted to SEK 973 M (709) for the October to December period. For the January-December period, cash flow from changes in working capital was a negative SEK 1,307 M (negative: 1,002). During the quarter, investments in housing projects decreased and NCC Property Development reduced its receivables from sales of property projects compared with the yearearlier period. During the full year, NCC Construction Sweden tied up more working capital than in the preceding year due to expanded operations. NCC Property Development also increased its tied-up working capital. Cash flow from properties classed as current assets improved for NCC Property Development and the Construction units. Properties classed as current assets, net, were positively affected during the preceding year by the signing of a sale-and-leaseback agreement concerning the Sonnengarten district in Berlin.

Cash flow from investing activities was a negative SEK 191 M (negative: 208) for the October-December period and a positive SEK 134 M (negative: 514) for the January-December period. The sale of NCC Roads' Polish asphalt and aggregates operations had a positive effect of SEK 1.1 billion on cash flow during the second quarter of 2007, of which SEK 0.4 billion pertained to loans in sold operations, resulting in a net contribution of SEK 0.7 billion

Cash flow from financing activities was a negative SEK 1,042 M (negative: 1,951) for the October-December period. For the January-December period, cash flow from financing activities was a negative SEK 763 M (negative: 2,307).

Total cash and cash equivalents, including short-term investments with a maturity exceeding three months, amounted to SEK 2,168 M (1,426).

Notes

Note 1. Accounting principles

This year-end report has been compiled in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The year-end report is compiled in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the interpretations of financial standards approved by the EU, the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee (IFRIC).

The year-end report has been prepared in accordance with the same accounting principles and methods of calculation as the 2006 Annual Report (Note 1 pages 60-71).

Note 2. Divested operations

The divested operations pertain to NCC Roads' Polish asphalt and aggregates operations, which were sold to Strabag in April 2007.

Continuing operations Discontinued operations Group total
2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Income statement
Net sales 17,295 17,349 58,270 54,350 579 127 1,526 17,295 17,928 58,397 55,876
Operating expenses -16,632 -16,618 -55,814 -52,033 -532 208 -1,451 -16,632 -17,150 -55,607 -53,484
Operating profit/loss 662 730 2,455 2,317 0 47 335 75 662 778 2,790 2,392
Net financial items -55 -39 -194 -111 -5 12 -19 -55 -44 -182 -129
Profit/loss after financial items 608 691 2,261 2,207 0 42 347 56 608 733 2,608 2,263
Tax on net profit/loss for the period -65 -137 -367 -542 -8 10 -13 -65 -145 -357 -555
Net profit/loss for the period 543 554 1,894 1,664 0 34 357 44 543 588 2,252 1,708
Attributable to NCC´s shareholders 542 559 1,888 1,670 30 359 37 542 589 2,247 1,706
Minority interests 1 -4 6 -6 4 -2 7 1 -1 4 1
Net profit/loss for the period 543 554 1,894 1,664 0 34 357 44 543 588 2,252 1,708
Balance sheet
Fixed assets 6,424 7,233 6,424 7,233 409 409 6,424 7,642 6,424 7,642
Current assets 27,645 22,379 27,645 22,379 581 581 27,645 22,961 27,645 22,961
Total assets 34,069 29,613 34,069 29,613 0 990 0 990 34,069 30,603 34,069 30,603
Total liabilities 26,832 22,989 26,832 22,989 0 743 0 743 26,832 23,732 26,832 23,732
Net assets 7,237 6,624 7,237 6,624 0 247 0 247 7,237 6,870 7,237 6,870
Cash flow
Cash flow from operating activities 1,620 1,987 1,078 2,134 116 -47 37 1,620 2,103 1,031 2,171
Cash flow from investing activities -191 -173 -539 -441 -34 673 -72 -191 -208 134 -514
Cash flow from financing activities -1,042 -1,957 -743 -2,424 6 -20 117 -1,042 -1,951 -763 -2,307
Cash flow during the period 388 -144 -204 -731 0 88 606 82 388 -56 402 -649

Note 3. Segment reporting

Business segments

Segment reporting is prepared for the Group´s business segments.

Business segments are the Group´s primary segments. The Group consists of the following business segments:

NCC´s construction units, which construct housing, offices, other buildings, industrial facilities, roads,civil engineering structures and other types of infrastructure, with a focus an the Nordic region.

NCC Property Development, which develops and sells commercial properties in defined Nordic growth markets.

NCC Roads, whose core business is the production of aggregates and asphalt, combined with paving operations and road services.

GROUP NCC Construction
2007 Jan. - Dec. Sweden Denmark Finland Norway Germany NCC Property
Development
NCC Roads Other and 1)
eliminations
Group
Net sales 24,881 5,910 7,432 6,335 2,301 3,583 2) 9,893 -1,938 58,397
Operating profit 1,424 36 434 76 117 780 679 -757 2,790
Assets, excluding deferred tax assets,
financial receivables and investments
9,783 3,226 3,852 2,035 2,412 4,327 4,512 986 31,134
Liabilities, excluding deferred tax
liabilities and financial liabilities
Capital employed at end of the period
11,314
2,200
2,331
1,778
3,618
1,516
2,927
657
1,205
1,621
4,327
2,160
4,379
2,027
135
-1,321
30,235
10,639
NCC Construction
NCC Property Other and 1)
2006 Jan. - Dec. Sweden Denmark Finland Norway Germany Development NCC Roads eliminations Group
Net sales 22,098 6,493 6,450 6,002 1,763 3,773 2) 10,044 -747 55,876
Operating profit 1,235 -35 390 179 85 472 415 -350 2,392
Assets, excluding deferred tax assets,
financial receivables and investments
7,690 2,851 3,010 1,887 1,838 4,256 5,208 1,336 28,077
Liabilities, excluding deferred tax
liabilities and financial liabilities
9,246 2,423 2,922 2,565 675 3,964 4,158 1,494 27,447
Capital employed at end of the period 1,753 1,032 1,187 608 1,257 2,123 3,075 -1,469 9,565

1) NCC´s Head Office, results from minor subsidiaries and associated companies, the remaining portion of International Projects, including Polish construction operations, eliminations of inter-company transactions, inter-company gains and oher corporate adjustments are included under this heading. Since September 2007 NCC´s Industrial development project, NCC Complete, is reported under this heading. The comparative figures have been changed.

2) Development projects amounting to SEK 3,523 M (3,689) and managed properties (reported net) amounting to SEK 46 M (37), making a total of SEK 3,569 M (3,726), were sold.

Note 4. Personnel expenses

SEK M 2007 2006 2007 2006
Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Personnel expenses 2,899 2,722 11,350 10,550

Note 5. Depreciation

2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Other intangible assets -9 -7 -29 -21
Owner-occupied properties -10 -24 -43 -60
Machinery and equipment -121 -113 -455 -473
Total depreciation/amortization -140 -144 -526 -555

Note 6. Impairment losses

SEK M 2007
Oct.-Dec.
2006
Oct.-Dec.
2007
Jan.-Dec.
2006
Jan.-Dec.
Housing projects -9 -9
Property projects within NCC Property Development -4
Owner-occupied properties -66 -1 -66 -1
Machinery and equipment -66 -66
Financial fixed assets -10 -10
Goodwill within NCC Roads 1) -4 -90 -20
Other intangible assets -22 -22
Total impairment expenses -163 -15 -257 -32

1) Impairment losses on goodwill pertains to subsidiaries whose value in use proves to be lower than the carrying value following impairment testing. The residual value of goodwill is subject to impairment testing annually and whenever indications of a change in value arise. The reasons for reporting impairment losses could include changed market conditions or return requirements that result in a lower recoverable value.

Note 7. Specification of net indebtedness

2007 2006
SEK M Dec. 31 Dec. 31
Long-term interest-bearing receivables 411 546
Current interest-bearing receivables 562 466
Short-term investments 303 213
Cash and bank balances 1,382 1,040
Total interest-bearing receivables and cash 2,658 2,264
Long-term interest-bearing liabilities 1,702 2,142
Current interest-bearing liabilities 1,701 552
Total interest-bearing liabilities 3,402 2,694
Net indebtedness 744 430

Parent Company income statement

2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M
Note 1
Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Net sales 5,741 4,279 22,738 17,083
Production costs -4,917 -3,877 -20,457 -15,392
Gross profit 824 402 2,281 1,691
Sales and administration costs -346 -308 -1,256 -1,099
Impairment losses -1
Operating profit 478 95 1,025 591
Result from financial investment
Result from participations in Group companies 696 -368 1,715 -228
Result from participations in associated companies -5 -5 1
Result from other financial fixed assets 1
Result from financial current assets 19 42 66 108
Interest expense and similar items -74 -2 -184 -71
Result after financial items 1,113 -234 2,619 401
Appropriations -59 -117 -59 -117
Tax on net profit for the period 62 -73 -165 -80
Net profit for the period 1,116 -424 2,395 204

Parent Company balance sheet

2007 2006
SEK M Note 1 Dec. 31 Dec. 31
ASSETS
Intangible fixed assets 1 2
Tangible fixed assets 300 146
Financial fixed assets 6,559 6,952
Total fixed assets 6,861 7,099
Housing projects 264 334
Materials and inventories 1 2
Current receivables 6,490 4,291
Short term investments 1,100 2,096
Cash and bank balances 1,319 989
Total current assets 9,175 7,711
TOTAL ASSETS 16,035 14,810
SHAREHOLDER´S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholder´s equity 3,724 3,873
Untaxed reserves 490 431
Provisions 895 657
Long term liabilities 2,967 3,032
Current liabilities 7,960 6,817
TOTAL SHAREHOLDER´S EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 16,035 14,810
Assets pledged 12 12
Contingent liabilities 18,506 15,836

Notes to the Parent Company income statements and balance sheets

Note 1. Accounting principles

The Parent Company has compiled its year-end report in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act (1995:1554) and the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council's RR 32:06 recommendation, Interim Reporting for Legal Entities. The year-end report has been prepared in accordance with the same accounting principles and methods of calculation as the 2006 Annual Report (Note 1 pages 60-71).

Reporting occasions 2008

Annual Report 2007 mid-March 2008 Interim report, January – March 2008 April 28, 2008 Interim report, January – June 2008 August 21, 2008 Interim report, January – September 2008 November 10, 2008

Solna, February 7, 2008

NCC AB Board of Directors

If you have any questions, please contact:

Chief Financial Officer Ann-Sofie Danielsson, Tel: +46 8 585 517 17 or +46 70 674 07 20. Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Annica Gerentz, Tel: +46 8 585 522 04 or +46 70 398 42 09.

An information meeting, including an integrated Web and telephone conference, will be held on February 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Vallgatan 5, Solna. The presentation will be held in Swedish. To participate in the teleconference, call +46 (0)8 505 598 53 five minutes before the conference starts. State "NCC".

In its capacity as issuer, NCC AB is releasing the information in this year-end report for January-December 2007 in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Swedish law (2007:528) regarding the securities market. The information was distributed to the media for publication at 11.00XX p.m. CET on February 7.

Key figures and multi-year review 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

SEK M Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Accounts
Net sales 45 165 45 252 46 534 49 506 55 876 58 397
Operating profit/loss 1 820 5 1 147 1 748 2 392 2 790
Profit/loss after financial items 1 306 -323 945 1 580 2 263 2 608
Net profit/loss during the year/period 844 -400 876 1 187 1 708 2 252
Cash flow before financing 5 055 762 5 244 2 115 1 657 1 165
Profitability ratios
Return on shareholder´s equity, % 11 neg 14 18 27 34
Return on capital employed, % 10 1 9 17 24 28
Financial ratios at the end of the period
Interest-coverage ratio, times 2,4 0,5 3,6 6,9 11,5 10,2
Equity/assets ratio, % 22 21 24 25 22 21
Interest-bearing liabilities/total assets, % 31 28 17 12 9 10
Net indebtedness 5 816 4 891 1 149 496 430 744
Debt/equity ratio, times 0,8 0,8 0,2 0,1 0,1 0,1
Capital employed at year-/period-end 18 759 14 678 11 503 10 032 9 565 10 639
Capital employed average 20 770 17 770 14 054 10 930 10 198 10 521
Capital turnover rate, times 2,2 2,5 3,3 4,5 5,5 5,6
Share of risk-bearing capital, % 24 23 26 26 24 23
Average interest rate, % 5,3 4,6 4,8 4,8 4,8 5,2
Average period of fixed interest, years 1,3 0,9 1,3 1,1 2,6 1,8
Order status
Orders received 43 098 40 941 45 624 52 413 57 213 63 344
Order backlog 23 788 23 752 27 429 32 607 36 292 44 740
Per share data
Net profit/loss for the period, before dilution, SEK 7,95 -4,10 8,53 11,07 15,80 20,75
Net profit/loss for the period, after dilution, SEK 7,55 -4,10 8,05 10,86 15,74 20,73
P/E ratio 7 neg 10 13 12 7
Ordinary dividend, SEK 2) 2,75 2,75 4,50 5,50 8,00 11,00
Extraordinary dividend, SEK 1,2) 6,70 10,00 10,00 10,00 10,00
Dividend yield, % 5,2 17,0 16,5 10,9 9,6 15,1
Dividend yield excl. extraordinary dividend, % 5,2 5,0 5,1 3,9 4,3 7,9
Shareholder´s equity before dilution, SEK 74,20 60,45 65,58 63,30 62,86 66,48
Shareholder´s equity after dilution, SEK 70,08 57,08 61,95 62,60 62,69 66,48
Share price/shareholder´s equity, % 71 92 134 225 298 209
Share price at year-/period-end, NCC B, SEK 53,00 55,50 88,00 142,50 187,50 139,00
Number of shares
Total number of issued shares, millions 3) 108,4 108,4 108,4 108,4 108,4 108,4
Treasury shares, millions 6,0 6,0 6,0 1,2 0,3 0,0
Shares outstanding before dilution at year/period end, millions 102,4 102,4 102,4 107,2 108,1 108,4
Average number of shares outstanding before dilution
during the year/period, millions 103,6 102,4 102,4 106,4 108,0 108,3
Market capitalization 5 366 5 625 8 984 15 282 20 242 14 999
Personnel
Average number of employees 25 554 24 076 22 375 21 001 21 784 21 047

Financial objectives and dividend

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
SEK M Objective Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Return on shareholder´s equity, % 4) 20 11 neg 14 18 27 34
Debt/equity ratio, times <1 0,8 0,8 0,2 0,1 0,1 0,1
Cash flow before financing 5) Positive 5 055 762 5 244 2 115 1 657 1 165
Dividend ordinary, SEK Policy: As of 2005, at least 2,75 2,75 4,50 5,50 8,00 11,00
50% of profit after tax
Extraordinary dividend, SEK 1) 6,70 10,00 10,00 10,00 10,00

1) The extraordinary dividend for 2003 pertains to all of the shares in Altima.

2) Board of Directors´proposal to the Annual Meeting 2008.

3) NCC´s shares are all ordinary shares.

4) New objective, as of 2007 is 20%, earlier objective 15%.

5) New objective, as of 2007: Cash flow shall be positive before investments in properties classed as current assets and other investment

activities. Previous objective: Positive.

Figures for the years from 2002 to 2003 are not adjusted for IFRS.

Figures for 2004 are not adjusted for IAS 39, Financial Instruments.

Business segments

2007 2006 2007 2006
SEK M Oct.-Dec. Oct.-Dec. Jan.-Dec. Jan.-Dec.
Group
Orders received 16 247 16 612 63 344 57 213
Order backlog 44 740 36 292 44 740 36 292
Net sales 17 295 17 928 58 397 55 876
Operating profit/loss 662 778 2 790 2 392
Operating margin, % 3,8 4,3 4,8 4,3
Profit/loss after financial items 608 733 2 608 2 263
Net profit/loss for the period 543 588 2 252 1 708
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 5,00 5,43 20,73 15,74
Average number of shares outstanding
after dilution during the period 108,4 108,4 108,4 108,4
NCC Construction Sweden 1)
Orders received 8 806 7 652 29 917 23 382
Order backlog 22 473 17 152 22 473 17 152
Net sales 8 149 7 186 24 881 22 098
Operating profit/loss 486 425 1 424 1 235
Operating margin, % 6,0 5,9 5,7 5,6
NCC Construction Denmark
Orders received
Order backlog
1 093 1 558
4 604
4 971 6 822
4 604
Net sales 3 848
1 735
1 789 3 848
5 910
6 493
Operating profit/loss 17 1 36 -35
Operating margin, % 1,0 0,1 0,6 -0,5
NCC Construction Finland
Orders received 1 914 1 792 9 062 7 076
Order backlog 6 423 4 525 6 423 4 525
Net sales 2 237 1 847 7 432 6 450
Operating profit/loss 96 105 434 390
Operating margin, % 4,3 5,7 5,8 6,0
NCC Construction Norway
Orders received 1 508 1 860 7 118 7 982
Order backlog 6 871 5 621 6 871 5 621
Net sales 1 913 1 547 6 335 6 002
Operating profit/loss 16 25 76 179
Operating margin, % 0,8 1,6 1,2 3,0
NCC Construction Germany
Orders received 843 1 036 2 764 2 344
Order backlog
Net sales
2 374 1 818
640
2 374 1 818
1 763
Operating profit/loss 755
65
40 2 301
117
85
Operating margin, % 8,7 6,3 5,1 4,8
NCC Property Development
Net sales 143 2 207 3 583 3 773
Operating profit/loss 278 291 780 472
NCC Roads
Orders received 2 892 2 835 10 278 9 733
Order backlog 1 852 1 426 1 852 1 426
Net sales 3 171 3 256 9 893 10 044
Operating profit/loss 46 43 679 415
Operating margin, % 1,5 1,3 6,9 4,1
NCC Roads excl. the Polish asphalt- and
aggregate operations
Orders received 2 892 2 255 10 151 8 206
Order backlog 1 852 1 426 1 852 1 426
Net sales 3 171 2 676 9 766 8 518
Operating profit/loss 46 -4 344 340
Operating margin, % 1,5 -0,2 3,5 4,0

1) Excluding NCC Complete

Rounding-off differences may occur in all tables.

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.