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BE Group AB

Earnings Release Jul 12, 2024

3140_ir_2024-07-12_09e025ff-d266-47db-912d-52567e1cbfda.pdf

Earnings Release

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Second quarter 2024

  • Net sales decreased by 10% to SEK 1,272 M (1,406)
  • The underlying operating result amounted to SEK 18 M (33)
  • The operating result amounted to SEK 11 M (26), including inventory losses of SEK -7 M (-7)
  • Result after tax amounted to SEK 1 M (19)
  • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 21 M (132)
  • Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.13 (1.47)

First six months 2024

  • Net sales decreased by 13% to SEK 2,577 M (2,964)
  • The underlying operating result increased to SEK 60 M (43)
  • The period was affected by items affecting comparability of SEK -27 M (-) related to closure of operations in the Baltics
  • The operating result amounted to SEK 15 M (27), including inventory losses of SEK -18 M (-16)
  • Result after tax amounted to SEK -3 M (16)
  • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 65 M (358)
  • Earnings per share amounted to SEK -0.21 (1.25)

"During the second quarter net sales decreased by 10 percent to SEK 1,272 M (1,406), which is mainly explained by lower market prices. In the main markets Sweden and Finland, sales in terms of tonnage increased by 6 percent which can largely be related to success of our own efforts and our sales initiatives."

Peter Andersson, President and CEO

2024 2023 2024 2023
Results overview Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Change Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Change
Tonnage, thousands of tonnes 73 73 0 149 154 -5
-of which organic tonnage, thousands of tonnes 71 68 3 142 144 -2
Net sales, SEK M 1,272 1,406 -134 2,577 2,964 -387
Underlying operating result, SEK M 18 33 -15 60 43 17
Operating result, SEK M 11 26 -15 15 27 -12
Profit/loss for the period, SEK M 1 19 -18 -3 16 -19
Earnings per share, SEK 0.13 1.47 -1.34 -0.21 1.25 -1.46
Cash flow from operating activities, SEK M 21 132 -111 65 358 -293

BE Group, which is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, is a trading and service company in steel, stainless steel and aluminium. BE Group offers efficient distribution and value-adding production services to customers primarily in the construction and manufacturing industries. In 2023, the Group reported sales of SEK 5.3 billion. BE Group has approximately 640 employees, with Sweden and Finland as its largest markets. The head office is located in Malmö, Sweden. Read more about BE Group at www.begroup.com.

Higher level of activity and tonnage growth

During the second quarter net sales decreased by 10 percent to SEK 1,272 M (1,406), which is mainly explained by lower market prices. The lower pricing has affected the gross margin and together this led to the underlying operating result amounting to SEK 18 M (33), corresponding to an operating margin of 1.4 percent (2.4). Operating result, including inventory losses, amounted to SEK 11 M (26). Cash flow remained positive at SEK 21 M (132).

For the first six months, the operating result including inventory losses, but adjusted for the Baltic operations that are being phased out, amounted to SEK 41 M (25), corresponding to an operating margin of 1.7 percent (0.9).

In the main markets Sweden and Finland, sales in terms of tonnage increased by 6 percent which can largely be related to success of our own efforts and our sales initiatives.

The closure of the operations in the Baltics that was announced at the end of March has progressed according to plan and will, in all material aspects, be concluded in the third quarter. The closure is expected to generate a positive cash flow of about SEK 30 M and will have a positive impact on the Group's future earnings.

Outlook

In the near future, the industrial sector is expected to continue at the same level. In general, the Finnish market has been under more pressure than the Swedish market due to political strikes in the first half of the year. This problem has now been resolved. The construction sector remains under pressure and is expected to continue at low levels. In total, the construction sector accounts for about 20 percent of sales in the main markets.

Sheet metal producers in Europe have varying levels of capacity utilisation, which is attributable to different distributions of customers in the automotive and construction sectors. The effect of some mills having low capacity utilisation is that prices in new quarterly and half-yearly contracts have been slightly pushed down. In contrast, there is an expectation of a small increase in spot prices when continental stockholders once again begin to fill their inventories in the autumn.

Our focus

Our most important focus is to increase and deepen the cooperation with our customers to win as much new business as possible, streamline the supply chain and continue to work with the cost side in order to achieve a healthy margin throughout the business. It is pleasing to see that some of our initiatives are beginning to show success and the ambition is for the company to be profitable regardless of the economic cycle and external factors.

With that said, we wish our customers, suppliers, employees, owners and other stakeholders a nice summer!

Peter Andersson President and CEO

"In the main markets Sweden and Finland, sales in terms of tonnage increased by 6 percent which can largely be related to success of our own efforts and our sales initiatives"

Bridge 2023-2024 operating result SEK M Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Jan-Jun
Operating result 2023 1 26 -42 -37 27
Reversal of inventory gains (-)/losses (+) 9 7 40 20 16
Items affecting comparability 6
Underlying operating result 2023 10 33 4 -17 43
Change in sales -26 -17 -43
Change in underlying gross margin 39 -6 33
Change in overhead costs 19 8 27
Underlying operating result 2024 42 18 60
Reversal of inventory gains (+)/losses (-) -11 -7 -18
Items affecting comparability -27 -27
Operating result 2024 4 11 15

Comments on the report

Second quarter

The Group's consolidated net sales for the period decreased by 10 percent compared to last year and amounted to SEK 1,272 M (1,406). The decline is explained by negative price and mix effects of -12 percent and closure of business of -3 percent partly compensated by organic tonnage growth of 5 percent. Steel prices were relatively stable compared with the first quarter. Tonnage to the manufacturing industry increased organically by 4 percent. Tonnage to the construction segment increased organically by 9 percent compared to low levels last year.

Lower steel prices and a weak demand, especially from the construction sector led to a decrease in gross profit to SEK 152 M (172), resulting in a gross margin of 12.0 percent (12.3). The operating result amounted to SEK 11 M (26), corresponding to an operating margin of 0.8 percent (1.9). Adjusted for inventory losses of SEK -7 M (-7), the underlying operating result amounted to SEK 18 M (33). The underlying operating margin for the period amounted to 1.4 percent (2.4).

The second quarter included four fewer trading days compared with the first quarter. The level of activity was higher in the second quarter and average delivered tonnage per trading day rose 8 percent compared with the first quarter.

First six months

During the first six months, the Group's net sales decreased by 13 percent compared to last year and amounted to SEK 2,577 M (2,964). This is explained by negative price and mix effects of -9 percent, closure of business of -2 percent and decreased organic tonnage of -2 percent. Tonnage in business area Sweden & Poland decreased by -1 percent and Finland & Baltics delivered organically -2 percent less. Gross profit amounted to SEK 317 M (331) and the gross margin increased to 12.3 percent (11.2).

The operating result amounted to SEK 15 M (27), corresponding to an operating margin of 0.6 percent (0.9). Adjusted for items affecting comparability of SEK -27 M (-) and inventory losses of SEK -18 M (-16), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 60 M (43). During the period, the underlying operating margin increased to 2.3 percent (1.5).

The business area includes the Group's operations in Sweden consisting of the companies BE Group Sverige, BE Group Produktion Arvika, the joint venture ArcelorMittal BE Group SSC AB as well as the Polish operation BE Group Poland.

Second quarter

Net sales decreased by 5 percent in the second quarter compared to last year and amounted to SEK 653 M (690). The decrease is explained by negative price and mix effects of -8 percent partly compensated by organic tonnage growth of 3 percent. The operating result amounted to SEK -1 M (11). Adjusted for inventory losses of SEK -7 M (-10), the underlying operating result amounted to SEK 6 M (20).

The Swedish operations provided tonnage growth of 4 percent but a weaker underlying operating result compared to last year. That as a result of lower steel prices and low demand within the construction sector, where above all rebar is burdening the gross margin. The Polish operations provided a negative operating result as a result of lower steel prices, somewhat lower volume and a continued pressured gross margin compared to last year.

Our joint venture AMBE provided a lower operating result. Gross margin was strengthened but was counteracted by reduced volumes and lower steel prices.

First six months

Net sales for the first six months decreased by 9 percent compared to last year, amounting to SEK 1,350 M (1,480). The decline is explained by negative price and mix effects of -8 percent and organic tonnage growth of -1 percent. Operating result increased to SEK 24 M (13). Adjusted for inventory losses of SEK -20 M (-28), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 44 M (40).

The business area includes the Group's operations in Finland and the three Baltic countries. The operations in the Baltics is under closure.

Second quarter

Net sales during the second quarter decreased by 13 percent compared to last year and amounted to SEK 632 M (727). It is explained by negative price and mix effects of -15 percent and closure of business of -7 percent partly compensated by organic tonnage growth of 8 percent. The operating result amounted to SEK 11 M (16). Adjusted for inventory gains of SEK 0 M (2), the underlying operating result amounted to SEK 11 M (12).

The Finnish operations increased by 8 percent in tonnage but generated lower sales and underlying operating result compared to last year as a result of lower steel prices and continued pressured gross margin.

The closure of the operations in the Baltics that was announced at the end of March has progressed according to plan and will, in all material aspects, be concluded in the third quarter. The closure is expected to generate a positive cash flow of about SEK 30 M and will have a positive impact on the Group's future earnings.

First six months

Net sales for the first six months decreased by 17 percent compared to last year, amounting to SEK 1,253 M (1,509). The decline is explained by negative price and mix effects of -12 percent, closure of business of -4 percent and organic tonnage growth of -2 percent partly compensated by positive currency effects of 1 percent. Operating result amounted to SEK -10 M (19). Adjusted for inventory gains of SEK 2 M (11) and items affecting comparability of SEK -27 M (-), the underlying operating result increased to SEK 15 M (6).

Organisation

Petteri Korpioja has been recruited as new Managing Director for the Finnish operations and will be a member of Group Management. Petteri will start in the beginning of November at the latest.

The Group & Parent Company

Net financial items and tax

The Group's consolidated net financial items in the second quarter amounted to SEK -9 M (-4), of which net interest amounted to SEK -8 M (-7). During the quarter, interest expenses related to leasing according to IFRS 16 amounted to SEK -2 M (-3). Net financial items for the first six months amounted to SEK -13 M (-9) and net interest to SEK -14 M (-13), of which SEK -5 M (-5) relates to IFRS 16.

Taxes for the second quarter amounted to SEK -1 M (-3). Profit after tax amounted to SEK 1 M (19) and was SEK -3 M (16) for the first six months.

Cash flow

The Group's consolidated working capital amounted to SEK 681 M (792) at the end of the period and the average working capital tied-up for the second quarter was 13.4 percent (15.3). The lower working capital is mainly explained by decreased inventory value, which amounted to SEK 790 M (999) at the end of the period. The decrease in inventory value is due to lower average prices and decreased inventory levels. Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 21 M (132) during the quarter and to SEK 65 M (358) for the first six months.

Cash flow from investing activities amounted to SEK -16 M (-24) during the quarter and to SEK -42 M (-72) for the first six months and mainly refers to the investment in a new business system. Cash flow after investments thus amounted to SEK 5 M (108) during the second quarter and to SEK 23 M (286) for the first six months.

Financial position and liquidity

At the end of the period, consolidated cash and cash equivalents, including overdraft facilities, amounted to SEK 198 M (338) and the interest-bearing net debt excl. IFRS 16 was SEK 289 M (203). Equity amounted to SEK 1,434 M (1,536) at the end of the period.

Organization, structure and employees

The number of employees amounted to 638 compared to 696 at the same time last year. The average number of employees during the quarter amounted to 643 (689).

Parent Company & consolidated items

Parent Company & consolidated items include the Parent Company and Group eliminations. For additional information see the Annual Report for 2023.

The effects regarding IFRS 16 were reported under Parent Company & consolidated items and have not been allocated to the two business areas.

Parent Company

Sales for the second quarter of the Parent Company, BE Group AB (publ), amounted to SEK 33 M (35) and derived from intra-Group services. These intra-Group services mainly include the subsidiaries' use of the BE Group brand and central expenses for IT and Finance. These expenses are distributed and invoiced to all subsidiaries in the Group. In the result follow-up of the business areas, these intra-group expenses have been eliminated except for expenses for IT and business systems. Out of the total costs for the Parent Company, of SEK -16 M (-18), SEK 16 M (14) was allocated to the subsidiaries. The operating result amounted to SEK 17 M (17).

Net financial items for the quarter amounted to SEK 2 M (46) mainly attributable to no dividends being received from subsidiaries. Profit before tax amounted to SEK 19 M (63) and profit after tax amounted to SEK 15 M (58). Investments in the Parent Company during the quarter amounted to SEK 17 M (0). At the end of the period, cash and equivalents in the Parent Company amounted to SEK 17 M (181).

Net financial items for the first six months amounted to SEK 8 M (49). Profit before tax amounted to SEK 43 M (81) and profit after tax amounted to SEK 34 M (73). Investments in the Parent Company for the first six months amounted to SEK 37 M (0).

Other information

Significant events after the end of the period

No significant events have taken place after the end of the period.

Transactions with related parties

No transactions took place between BE Group and related parties that had a material impact on the company's financial position and results.

Significant risks and uncertainties

Through its operations, BE Group is exposed to global macroeconomic factors, the competitive situation, structural changes in the market and the economy, as well as financial risks such as currency risks, interest risks, credit and counterparty risks. Within the companies of the Group, continuous processes are ongoing to identify existing risks and assess how these should be handled. The risk exposure is explained in the 2023 Annual Report, which was published in March 2024.

Accounting principles

The interim report was prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. The Parent Company's interim report is prepared in compliance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and the Swedish Financial Reporting Board's recommendation RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities.

Refer to the 2023 Annual Report for details of the Group's other accounting principles and definitions of certain terms. The principles applied are unchanged in relation to the Annual Report. In other regards, the new standards and interpretations that have come into effect from the financial year 2024 have had no significant effect on the financial reporting.

Future information

Future reporting dates

BE Group AB (publ) intends to publish financial information on the following dates:

  • The Interim Report for January-September 2024 will be published on October 17, 2024
  • The Year-end report will be published in January 2025

Financial information is available in Swedish and English from BE Group's website and can be ordered by phone +46 (0) 40 38 42 00 or e-mail: [email protected].

The Board of Directors and the President hereby certify that this interim report provides an accurate overview of the operations, position and earnings of the Parent Company and the Group companies, and that it describes the material risks and uncertainties faced by the Parent Company and the Group companies.

Malmö, July 12, 2024 BE Group AB (publ)

Anders Rothstein Chairman of the Board

Monika Gutén Member of the Board Lars Olof Nilsson Member of the Board

Mats O Paulsson Member of the Board

Petter Stillström Member of the Board

Ida Strömberg Employee Representative

Peter Andersson President and CEO

Questions concerning this report may be directed to:

Peter Andersson, President and CEO Tel: +46 (0)706 53 76 55, e-mail: [email protected]

Christoffer Franzén, CFO Tel: +46 (0)705 46 90 05, e-mail: [email protected]

BE Group AB (publ), Box 225, 201 22 Malmö, Sweden; Street address: Krusegatan 19B Corp. Reg. No: 556578-4724, Tel: +46 (0)40 38 42 00 [email protected], www.begroup.com

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

This information is information that BE Group AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication through the agency of the contact persons set out above at 11:00 a.m. CEST on July 12, 2024.

Condensed consolidated income statement

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Note Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Net sales 1,272 1,406 2,577 2,964 5,328 4,941
Cost of goods sold 1 -1,120 -1,234 -2,260 -2,633 -4,784 -4,411
Gross profit 152 172 317 331 544 530
Selling expenses 1 -109 -125 -225 -249 -473 -449
Administrative expenses 1 -35 -37 -69 -72 -131 -128
Other operating income and expenses 2 -2 5 -19 4 -15 -38
Participation in joint venture 5 11 11 13 23 21
Operating profit/loss 11 26 15 27 -52 -64
Financial items -9 -4 -13 -9 -23 -27
Profit/loss before tax 2 22 2 18 -75 -91
Tax -1 -3 -5 -2 15 12
Profit/loss for the period 1 19 -3 16 -60 -79
Earnings per share (SEK) 0.13 1.47 -0.21 1.25 -4.59 -6.05
Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) 0.13 1.47 -0.21 1.25 -4.59 -6.05

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

(SEK M) 2024
Apr-Jun
2023
Apr-Jun
2024
Jan-Jun
2023
Jan-Jun
2023
Full-year
Rolling
12 months
Profit/loss for the period 1 19 -3 16 -60 -79
Other comprehensive income
Items that may later be reclassified to profit/loss for the period
Translation differences -6 30 13 39 3 -23
Total other comprehensive income -6 30 13 39 3 -23
Comprehensive income for the period -5 49 10 55 -57 -102

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

2024 2023 2023
(SEK M)
Note
Jun 30 Jun 30 Dec 31
Goodwill 589 599 582
Other intangible assets 84 6 49
Tangible assets 223 206 213
Right of use assets 436 511 473
Investment in joint venture 186 181 191
Financial assets 0 0 0
Deferred tax assets 33 12 28
Total non-current assets 1,551 1,515 1,536
Inventories 790 999 792
Accounts receivable 639 731 532
Other receivables 84 169 88
Cash and equivalents 48 188 74
Total current assets 1,561 2,087 1,486
Total assets
3
3,112 3,602 3,022
Equity 1,434 1,536 1,424
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 337 391 334
Non-current leasing liabilities 339 414 376
Deferred tax liability 53 50 52
Total non-current liabilities 729 855 762
Current interest-bearing liabilities 0 0 0
Current leasing liabilities 103 103 103
Accounts payable 628 776 528
Other current liabilities 204 331 201
Other current provisions 14 1 4
Total current liabilities 949 1,211 836
Total equity and liabilities
3
3,112 3,602 3,022

Condensed consolidated cash-flow statement

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Operating result 11 26 15 27 -52 -64
Adjustment for non-cash items 22 -50 53 -65 88 206
– of which, amortization/depreciation 32 32 64 61 121 124
– of which, other items -10 -82 -11 -126 -33 82
Interest received 3 1 7 3 8 12
Interest paid -10 -8 -21 -16 -33 -38
Income tax paid -6 -6 -48 -45 -28 -31
Change in working capital 1 169 59 454 508 113
Cash flow from operating activities 21 132 65 358 491 198
Changes in intangible assets -17 0 -37 0 -44 -81
Changes in tangible assets -15 -24 -21 -72 -101 -50
Changes in shares in joint venture 16 16 16
Other cash flow from investing activities 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cash flow after investments 5 108 23 286 346 83
1)
Cash flow from financing activities
12 -60 -49 -149 -322 -222
Cash flow for the period 17 48 -26 137 24 -139
Translation differences in cash and equivalents -1 1 0 1 0 -1
Change in cash and equivalents 16 49 -26 138 24 -140

The cash flow from financing activities for the full-year 2023 contains the total decided dividend of SEK -156 M for 2022. 1)

Condensed statement of changes in equity

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Equity at beginning of period 1,439 1,643 1,424 1,637 1,637 1,536
Comprehensive income for the period -5 49 10 55 -57 -102
Dividend -156 -156 -156
Equity at end of period 1,434 1,536 1,434 1,536 1,424 1,434

Note 1 Amortizations and depreciations

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Amortization of intangible assets 1 1 2 2 3 3
Depreciation of tangible assets 7 6 14 11 24 27
Depreciation of right of use assets 24 25 48 48 94 94
Total amortizations and depreciations 32 32 64 61 121 124

Note 2 Items affecting comparability

(SEK M) 2024
Apr-Jun
2023
Apr-Jun
2024
Jan-Jun
2023
Jan-Jun
2023
Full-year
Rolling
12 months
Restructuring expenses -27 -6 -33
Total items affecting comparability -27 -6 -33

Note 3 Valuation of financial assets and liabilities

Fair value for long-term borrowing corresponds in all material respects with the carrying amount as the borrowing runs at a variable interest rate and the own credit risk has not changed significantly. Fair value for other financial assets and liabilities corresponds in all material respects with the carrying amount as they are short-term and the discounting effect is not considered to be significant. All financial instruments estimated at fair value is included in level 2.

Derivative instruments

(SEK M) 2024
Apr-Jun
2023
Apr-Jun
2024
Jan-Jun
2023
Jan-Jun
2023
Full-year
Financial assets
Currency hedge
Total
Financial liabilities
Currency hedge -2 -2 -14
Total -2 -2 -14

Segment reporting

Net sales by business area

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden & Poland 653 690 1,350 1,480 2,641 2,511
Finland & Baltics 632 727 1,253 1,509 2,729 2,473
Parent Company & consolidated items -13 -11 -26 -25 -42 -43
Group 1,272 1,406 2,577 2,964 5,328 4,941

Net sales by business area and product group

2024 Parent company &
consolidated items
Sweden & Poland
Finland & Baltics
Total
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Rolling
12 months
Long steel
products
284 588 184 359 0 0 468 947 1,820
Flat steel
products
276 572 308 632 0 0 584 1,204 2,297
Stainless steel 73 147 94 174 0 0 167 321 615
Aluminium 12 26 31 59 0 0 43 85 170
Other 8 17 15 29 -13 -26 10 20 39
Total 653 1,350 632 1,253 -13 -26 1,272 2,577 4,941
2023 Sweden & Poland Finland & Baltics Parent company &
consolidated items
Total
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun 2023
Full-year
Long steel
products
313 678 192 412 0 0 505 1,090 1,963
Flat steel
products
273 567 378 769 0 0 651 1,336 2,429
Stainless steel 79 177 112 235 0 0 191 412 706
Aluminium 16 37 31 64 0 0 47 101 186
Other 9 21 14 29 -11 -25 12 25 44
Total 690 1,480 727 1,509 -11 -25 1,406 2,964 5,328

Net sales by country based on customer´s domicile

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden 589 648 1,267 1,387 2,549 2,429
Finland 605 655 1,152 1,352 2,430 2,230
Other 78 103 158 225 349 282
Group 1,272 1,406 2,577 2,964 5,328 4,941

Shipped tonnage per segment

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(Thousands of thonnes) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden & Poland 36 34 73 74 137 136
Finland & Baltics 38 38 77 81 151 147
Parent Company & consolidated items -1 1 -1 -1 -3 -3
Group 73 73 149 154 285 280

Operating result (EBIT) per segment

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden & Poland -1 11 24 13 -24 -13
Finland & Baltics 11 16 -10 19 -22 -51
Parent Company & consolidated items 1 -1 1 -5 -6 0
Group 11 26 15 27 -52 -64

Operating margin per segment

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden & Poland -0.1% 1.6% 1.8% 0.9% -0.9% -0.5%
Finland & Baltics 1.7% 2.2% -0.8% 1.2% -0.8% -2.1%
Parent Company & consolidated items N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Group 0.8% 1.9% 0.6% 0.9% -1.0% -1.3%

Underlying operating result (uEBIT) per segment 1)

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden & Poland 6 20 44 40 39 43
Finland & Baltics 11 12 15 6 -5 4
Parent Company & consolidated items 1 1 1 -3 -4 0
Group 18 33 60 43 30 47

Underlying operating margin per segment 2)

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden & Poland 1.0% 3.0% 3.3% 2.7% 1.5% 1.7%
Finland & Baltics 1.7% 1.7% 1.2% 0.4% -0.2% 0.2%
Parent Company & consolidated items N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Group 1.4% 2.4% 2.3% 1.5% 0.6% 1.0%

Depreciation per segment

(SEK M) 2024
Apr-Jun
2023
Apr-Jun
2024
Jan-Jun
2023
Jan-Jun
2023
Full-year
Rolling
12 months
Sweden & Poland 3 3 6 6 12 12
Finland & Baltics 5 3 9 6 13 16
Parent Company & consolidated items 24 26 49 49 96 96
Group 32 32 64 61 121 124

Investments in tangible and intangible assets per segment

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Sweden & Poland 11 6 16 10 27 33
Finland & Baltics 4 18 5 62 75 18
Parent Company & consolidated items 17 0 37 0 44 81
Group 32 24 58 72 146 132

Operating profit/loss (EBIT) adjusted for inventory gains and losses and items affecting comparability. Inventory gains and losses are the differences between the cost of goods sold at acquisition value and the cost of goods sold at replacement cost. The Group's internal model is used to calculate inventory gains and losses and has not been subject for review by the Group's auditor. 1)

Underlying operating result (uEBIT) as a percentage of net sales. 2)

Key data

(SEK M unless otherwise stated) 2024
Apr-Jun
2023
Apr-Jun
2024
Jan-Jun
2023
Jan-Jun
2023
Full-year
Rolling
12 months
Net sales 1,272 1,406 2,577 2,964 5,328 4,941
Earnings measurements
Gross result 152 172 317 331 544 530
Underlying gross result 157 181 331 341 606 596
Operating result (EBIT) 11 26 15 27 -52 -64
Underlying operating result (uEBIT) 18 33 60 43 30 47
Margin measurements
Gross margin 12.0% 12.3% 12.3% 11.2% 10.2% 10.7%
Underlying gross margin 12.4% 12.8% 12.8% 11.5% 11.4% 12.1%
Operating margin 0.8% 1.9% 0.6% 0.9% -1.0% -1.3%
Underlying operating margin 1.4% 2.4% 2.3% 1.5% 0.6% 0.9%
Capital structure
1)
Net debt excl. IFRS 16
289 203 289 203 259 289
1)
Net debt/equity ratio excl. IFRS 16
20.1% 13.2% 20.1% 13.2% 18.1% 20.1%
Working capital at end of period 681 792 681 792 683 681
Working capital (average) 684 861 683 951 863 724
1)
Capital employed (average) excl. IFRS 16
1,764 1,964 1,764 1,994 1,899 1,795
Working capital tied-up 13.4% 15.3% 13.3% 16.0% 16.2% 14.6%
Return
1)
Return on capital employed excl. IFRS 16
2.1% 4.9% 1.6% 2.2% -3.1% -3.8%
Per share data
Earnings per share (SEK) 0.13 1.47 -0.21 1.25 -4.59 -6.05
Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) 0.13 1.47 -0.21 1.25 -4.59 -6.05
Equity per share (SEK) 110.45 118.32 110.45 118.32 109.68 110.45
Cash flow from operating activities per share (SEK) 1.63 10.16 5.01 27.54 37.85 15.32
Shares outstanding at period end (thousands) 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983
Average number of shares (thousands) 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983
Growth
Sales growth -10% -31% -13% -24% -23% -17%
– of which organic tonnage growth 5% -18% -2% -17% -12% -5%
– of which price and mix changes -12% -17% -9% -10% -15% -14%
– of which currency effects 0% 5% 0% 4% 4% 2%
– of which acquisitions 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 0%
– of which divestments -3% -1% -2% -1% -1% 0%
Other
Average number of employees 643 689 648 681 678 666
Inventory gains and losses -7 -7 -18 -16 -76 -78
Shipped tonnage (thousands of tonnes) 73 73 149 154 285 280

To visualize the development of BE Group's financial position, some information is in the key figure overview that is not defined in IFRS. A reconciliation/bridge between alternative performance measures used in this report and the closest IFRS measure is presented under Alternative performance measures. 1)

Condensed parent company income statement

(SEK M) 2024
Apr-Jun
2023
Apr-Jun
2024
Jan-Jun
2023
Jan-Jun
2023
Full-year
Rolling
12 months
Net sales 33 35 67 69 128 126
Administrative expenses -15 -18 -32 -37 -64 -59
Other operating income and expenses -1 0 0 0 0 0
Operating profit/loss 17 17 35 32 64 67
Financial items 2 46 8 49 97 56
Profit/loss after financial items 19 63 43 81 161 123
Appropriations -98 -98
Profit/loss before tax 19 63 43 81 63 25
Tax -4 -5 -9 -8 7 6
Profit/loss for the period, or comprehensive income for the
period
15 58 34 73 70 31

Condensed parent company balance sheet

(SEK M) 2024
Jun 30
2023
Jun 30
2023
Dec 31
Intangible assets 81 2 45
Tangible assets 0 0 0
Financial assets 880 874 880
Total non-current assets 961 876 925
Current receivables 175 172 232
Cash and equivalents 17 181 64
Total current assets 192 353 296
Total assets 1,153 1,229 1,221
Equity 1,111 1,080 1,077
Non-current liabilities
Current liabilities 42 149 144
Total equity and liabilities 1,153 1,229 1,221

Key data – multi-quarter summary

(SEK M unless otherwise stated) 2024
Apr-Jun
2024
Jan-Mar
2023
Oct-Dec
2023
Jul-Sep
2023
Apr-Jun
2023
Jan-Mar
2022
Oct-Dec
2022
Jul-Sep
2022
Apr-Jun
Net sales 1,272 1,305 1,177 1,187 1,406 1,558 1,472 1,514 2,044
Earnings measurements
Gross result 152 165 114 99 172 159 51 173 458
Underlying gross result 157 174 131 134 181 160 110 197 446
Operating result (EBIT) 11 4 -37 -42 26 1 -119 40 313
Underlying operating result (uEBIT) 18 42 -17 4 33 10 -50 67 291
Margin measurements
Gross margin 12.0% 12.6% 9.6% 8.3% 12.3% 10.2% 3.4% 11.5% 22.4%
Underlying gross margin 12.4% 13.3% 11.1% 11.3% 12.8% 10.3% 7.4% 13.0% 21.8%
Operating margin 0.8% 0.3% -3.2% -3.5% 1.9% 0.0% -8.1% 2.6% 15.3%
Underlying operating margin 1.4% 3.2% -1.4% 0.3% 2.4% 0.6% -3.4% 4.4% 14.2%
Capital structure
1)
Net debt excl. IFRS 16
289 271 259 251 203 204 357 475 237
1)
Net debt/equity ratio excl. IFRS 16
20.1% 18.7% 18.1% 16.9% 13.2% 12.4% 21.7% 27.4% 14.0%
Working capital at end of period 681 686 683 777 792 931 1,130 1,340 1,070
Working capital (average) 684 684 730 784 861 1,031 1,234 1,204 996
1)
Capital employed (average) excl. IFRS 16
1,764 1,757 1,757 1,842 1,964 2,023 2,173 2,197 1,977
Working capital tied-up 13.4% 13.1% 15.5% 16.5% 15.3% 16.5% 21.0% 19.9% 12.2%
Return
1)
Return on capital employed excl. IFRS 16
2.1% 1.0% -8.6% -9.5% 4.9% -0.4% -22.3% 6.8% 62.6%
Per share data
Earnings per share (SEK) 0.13 -0.35 -2.58 -3.27 1.47 -0.22 -7.79 2.05 19.30
Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) 0.13 -0.35 -2.58 -3.27 1.47 -0.22 -7.79 2.05 19.30
Equity per share (SEK) 110.45 110.87 109.68 113.75 118.32 126.57 126.11 133.30 130.04
Cash flow from operating activities per share (SEK) 1.63 3.38 11.62 -1.31 10.16 17.37 11.75 -14.14 9.79
Shares outstanding at period end (thousands) 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983
Average number of shares (thousands) 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983 12,983
Growth
Sales growth -10% -16% -20% -22% -31% -16% -3% 10% 46%
– of which organic tonnage growth 5% -7% -6% -6% -18% -15% -14% -15% -14%
– of which price and mix changes -12% -10% -16% -21% -17% -5% 5% 19% 54%
– of which currency effects 0% 1% 2% 5% 5% 4% 5% 3% 2%
– of which acquisitions 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 1% 3% 4% 4%
– of which divestments -3% 0% 0% 0% -1% -1% -2% -1%
Other
Average number of employees 643 652 673 692 689 674 656 656 665
Inventory gains and losses -7 -11 -20 -40 -7 -9 -69 -27 22
Shipped tonnage (thousands of tonnes) 73 76 67 64 73 81 72 68 88

To visualize the development of BE Group's financial position, some information is in the key figure overview that is not defined in IFRS. A reconciliation/bridge between alternative performance measures used in this report and the closest IFRS measure is presented under Alternative performance measures. 1)

Alternative performance measures

The Group uses a number of alternative performance measures in its report. The alternative performance measures that BE Group considers significant are the following:

Underlying operating result (uEBIT)

2024 2023 2024 2023 2023 Rolling
(SEK M) Apr-Jun Apr-Jun Jan-Jun Jan-Jun Full-year 12 months
Operating result 11 26 15 27 -52 -64
Reversal of inventory gains (-)/losses (+) 7 7 18 16 76 78
Adjustment for items affecting comparability 27 6 33
Group 18 33 60 43 30 47

Working capital

2024 2023 2023
(SEK M) Jun 30 Jun 30 Dec 31
Inventories 790 999 792
Accounts receivable 639 731 532
Other receivables 84 169 88
Deduction accounts payable -628 -776 -528
Deduction other current liabilities -204 -331 -201
Rounding
Group 681 792 683

Average working capital is an average for each period based on quarterly data.

Net debt excl. IFRS 16

2024 2023 2023
(SEK M) Jun 30 Jun 30 Dec 31
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities and leasing liabilities 676 805 710
Current interest-bearing liabilities and leasing liabilities 103 103 103
Deduction leasing liabilities -442 -517 -479
Deduction financial assets 0 0 0
Deduction cash and equivalents -48 -188 -74
Rounding -1
Group 289 203 259

Net debt/equity ratio excl. IFRS 16 is calculated as net debt excl. IFRS 16 divided by Equity.

Capital employed excl. IFRS 16

2024 2023 2023
(SEK M) Jun 30 Jun 30 Dec 31
Equity excl. IFRS 16 1,441 1,544 1,431
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities and leasing liabilities 676 805 710
Current interest-bearing liabilities and leasing liabilities 103 103 103
Deduction leasing liabilities -442 -517 -479
Rounding
Group 1,778 1,935 1,765

Average capital employed excl. IFRS 16 is an average for each period based on quarterly data.

Definitions of key data

Adjusted results measurements
Underlying gross result The underlying gross result is the reported gross result adjusted for inventory gains and losses (deductions for gains
and additions for losses).
Underlying operating result (uEBIT) Operating result (EBIT) before items affecting comparability adjusted for inventory gains
and losses (deductions for gains and additions for losses).
Items affecting comparability Items that do not have any link to the normal operations of the Group or that are of a non-recurring nature, where a
reporting together with other items in the consolidated comprehensive income statement would have given a
comparison distortion effect that would have made it diffcult to judge the development of the ordinary operations for
an outside viewer.
Adjusted margin measurements
Underlying gross margin Underlying gross result as a percentage of net sales.
Underlying operating margin Underlying operating result (uEBIT) as a percentage of net sales.
Capital structure
Net debt excl. IFRS 16 Interest-bearing liabilities excluding leasing liabilities acc. to IFRS 16 less cash and equivalents and financial assets.
Net debt/equity ratio excl. IFRS 16 Net debt excl. IFRS 16 divided by equity excl. IFRS 16.
Working capital Inventories and current receivables less current liabilities, excluding provisions and interest-bearing liabilities.
Working capital (average) Inventories and current receivables less current liabilities, excluding provisions and interest-bearing liabilities.This
measure represents an average for each period based on published quarterly data.
Capital employed excl. IFRS 16 Equity excl. IFRS 16 plus interest-bearing liabilities excl. leasing liabilities acc. to IFRS 16.
Capital employed (average) excl. IFRS 16 Equity excl. IFRS 16 plus interest-bearing liabilities excl. leasing liabilities acc. to IFRS 16. This measure represents an
average for each period based on published quarterly data.
Working capital tied-up Average working capital, as a percentage of annually adjusted net sales.
Return on capital
Return on capital employed excl. IFRS 16 Annually adjusted operating result excl. IFRS 16, as a percentage of average capital employed excl. IFRS 16.
Per share data
Earnings per share Profit/loss for the period divided by the average number of shares (before and after dilution) outstanding during the
period.
Equity per share Equity divided by the number of shares outstanding at the end of the period.
Cash flow per share from operating activities Cash flow from operating activities divided by the average number of shares for the period.
Shares outstanding at the end of the period Shares outstanding at the end of the period adjusted for rights issues and share splits.
Average number of shares Weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for rights issued and share splits.
Growth
Sales growth Change in net sales from the preceding period in percent.
Other
Inventory gains and losses The difference between the cost of goods sold at acquisition value and the cost of goods sold at replacement cost.

Please refer to the 2023 annual report for other definitions of key data.

About BE Group

A leading steel service company in Northern Europe

BE Group is a trading and service company in the steel and metal industry. Customers mainly operate in the construction and manufacturing industries in Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States, where BE Group is one of the market's leading actors.

With extensive expertise and efficient processes in purchasing, logistics and production, BE Group offers inventory sales, production service and direct deliveries to customers based on their specific needs for steel and metal products. BE Group has approximately 640 employees and sales of SEK 5.3 billion in 2023. The head office is located in Malmö, Sweden.

BUSINESS IDEA

BE Group is an independent efficient distributor of steel, stainless steel, aluminum and value adding services to Nordic manufacturing and construction companies.

Number of employees

approx. 640

Net sales

SEK 5.3 billion

Sales Production Warehouse

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