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Björn Borg

Annual Report Feb 11, 2010

3142_10-k_2010-02-11_b9a5bacd-bbdd-4cfd-bfd4-99a0404c1179.pdf

Annual Report

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Ready for long-term growth

Fourth quarter, October 1 – December 31, 2009

  • •Brand sales (excluding VAT) decreased by 11 percent to SEK 422 million (476).
  • •The Group's net sales decreased by 22 percent to SEK 102.2 million (131.2).
  • •The gross profit margin increased to 55.7 percent (54.1).
  • Operating profit decreased to SEK 19.4 million (26.0).
  • •Profit after tax decreased to SEK 13.5 million (22.8).
  • •Earnings per share decreased to SEK 0.54 (0.91). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.53 (0.91).
  • •A letter of intent has been signed to license out the foowear product area.

The period January 1 – December 30, 2009

  • Brand sales (excluding VAT) increased slightly to SEK 1,976 million (1,971).
  • The Group's net sales decreased by 1 percent to SEK 519.9 million (526.6).
  • The gross profit margin decreased to 51.3 percent (53.8).
  • Operating profit decreased to SEK 112.6 million (128.8).
  • Profit after tax decreased to SEK 80.9 million (99.2).
  • Earnings per share decreased to SEK 3.22 (3.96). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.21 (3.96).
  • The Board of Directors has decided to recommend that the Annual General Meeting approve a dividend of SEK 5.00 (1.50) per share.

Comment from the President

"In the fourth quarter we saw the same cautiousness in the market that we had earlier in the year, at the same time that exchange rate effects are no longer compensating for weaker sales. For 2009 as a whole, we can nevertheless say that the Björn Borg brand stood firm and that the Group is well-prepared for further expansion. The year was distinguished by intense efforts to adapt the entire business to our new vision to be the best in fashion underwear. In 2010 we will see the effects of the measures we have now taken, including in the form of a wider assortment and several new products," said Arthur Engel.

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Full-year Full-year
SEK million 2009 2008 2009 2008
Brand sales* 422 476 1,976 1,971
Net sales 102.2 131.2 519.9 526.6
Gross profit margin, % 55.7 54.1 51.3 53.8
Operating profit 19.4 26.0 112.6 128.8
Operating margin, % 19.0 19.8 21.7 24.5
Profit after tax 13.5 22.8 80.9 99.2
Earnings per share, SEK 0.54 0.91 3.22 3.96
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 0.53 0.91 3.21 3.96

* Reported as of Q1 2009 as estimated total sales of Björn Borg products at the consumer level, excluding VAT, based on reported wholesale sales.

President's comment

Björn Borg has obviously been affected by the turbulence that hit the market with full force during the year, creating uncertainty on the part of both distributors and consumers. But we feel that 2009 was still a good year. Total brand sales of Björn Borg products and the Group's revenues remained at the same levels as previous year, which we feel is totally acceptable.

We were affected in the fourth quarter by the fact that our distributors had ordered holiday merchandise before the summer, when I expect most of them were more cautious in their market assessment than they are today. At the same time we no longer have exchange rate effects to compensate for weaker sales.

In terms of earnings, we lost ground during the year, mainly due to a lower gross margin from a stronger dollar, but also because of higher costs for our efforts in the U.S. Our cost level was lowered during the second half of the year, and with the phase-out of our own operations in the U.S. and good cost controls we look forward to a stable cost level.

Changes based on the new strategy

In 2009 we conducted a thorough analysis of the Group's operations and the brand's potential, which led to a new strategy. We now have a clear direction for our efforts going forward. The goal is to be the best at fashion underwear, our core business.

To get there we have identified three success factors: innovative and faster product development, creative marketing communications and efficient international distribution. To strengthen these functions, we worked intensely during the year to adapt our routines, competencies and organization.

All distributors and product companies have been reviewed to ensure that we have the right representation for a further expansion with our new focus on underwear. As a result, we have terminated our agreements in France and England, begun cooperating with a strong new distributor in Germany and established new, more uniform distribution agreements. In the U.S. we have decided not to further pursue operations on our own. During the year we also signed agreements in several new, exciting markets where consumer sales have recently been launched: Italy, Greece, Portugal and Chile. E-commerce developed well during the year and we see good opportunities to grow with a new, improved platform that will be launched this spring.

Licensing of footwear

One consequence of our focus on underwear is that we now have decided to license the footwear product area to an international shoe company. With a strong partner with well-established product development and distribution internationally, we believe Björn Borg footwear will have the opportunity to develop better than it would within the Group, where we have other priorities. We truly believe that there is good potential for our footwear that we want to capitalize on in the best way possible. The Group's existing sales organization will continue to handle distribution in Sweden and Finland, which account for nearly half of our footwear sales, and the Group will continue to receive royalties on other sales.

New products on the way

We feel that accelerating the pace of product development and offering a broader, innovative product range is the key to our continued growth in both new and mature markets. Last fall we devoted a great deal of energy to paving the way for this. We will now see the results through a broader range of underwear. Just recently we launched a new spring basics collection of women's underwear in a variety of colors called Love All. Several underwear launches for both men and women will follow, and during the second quarter we are planning a major launch of our new category, Kids.

At the same time we are improving our marketing communications with a new branding platform and increased support for our network. Our more ambitious aims in product development and marketing communications have been positively received by distributors and retailers, which is an important sign that we are focusing on the right areas.

A new year

Uncertainty where our market is headed still lingers, and we are carefully following developments. Our feeling is that there is nevertheless cautious optimism looking ahead to 2010 both in our network and the market as a whole.

Regardless of short-term fluctuations, we have our sights set on our long-term goals and expansion plans for the brand. We will continue to work aggressively to grow in both new and established markets. We want to reach even more markets with committed, skilled partners when we see the right opportunities.

Arthur Engel President

Operations

Brand sales

Brand sales (excluding VAT) were largely unchanged for the fullyear 2009 at SEK 1,967 million (1,971). During the fourth quarter brand sales amounted to SEK 422 million (476), a decrease of 11 percent compared with the same quarter of 2008.

Product areas for the full-year 2009

Brand sales in the underwear product area rose by 2 percent in 2009 compared with the same period in 2008. The same increase was reported for adjacent products – menswear. Overall sales in the footwear product area rose by 2 percent during the period following a major gain during the first quarter and slightly weaker quarters over the remainder of the year. Sales of licensed bags and fragrances were largely unchanged, while fragrance and eyewear sales decreased. Underwear accounted for 63 percent of brand sales during the year.

Markets for the full-year 2009

Brand sales in the smaller markets continued to rise in 2009, though from low levels, and accounted for 13 percent of total brand of sales during the year. Established markets underperformed. The Netherlands noted a slight sales decrease for the year as a whole, mainly in the licensed area of women's underwear. Sweden, Denmark and Norway posted a negative sales trend.

Björn Borg stores

A new franchise store opened in Helsingborg, Sweden, in the fourth quarter of 2009. For the full-year a total of three new stores were opened and one was closed. At the end of the period there were 46 (44) Björn Borg stores, of which 10 (11) are Group-owned.

Licensing of the footwear product area

In February 2010 Björn Borg signed a letter of intent to license out the product development and a portion of sales in the footwear area to Trend Design Group, a well-established production and wholesale company for men's and women's footwear with distribution in large parts of Europe as well as North America and Australia. Distribution of Björn Borg shoes in Sweden and Finland, corresponding to 42 percent of sales in the footwear product area in 2009, remain within the Group and will be managed by the current sales organization, while Trend Design Group will be responsible for sales in other markets.

Licensing of the footwear product area is a consequence of the Group's focus on underwear and adjacent products. At the same time Björn Borg feels that its footwear operations will have a better chance of a broader international expansion by licensing to a partner with experience and an extensive network of contacts in the footwear market.

Licensing is not expected to affect sales in 2010, because of the long lead times, which means it will take time before the change has an impact. In terms of profit, it is expected to have a marginally positive effect in 2010 owing to lower costs for product development and personnel. A slight decrease in revenue is expected in the product development segment as of 2011, at the same time that licensed sales will generate higher royalties for the Group.

The Group's development

Sales and operating profit decreased during the fourth quarter.

Quarterly net sales and operating profit

Net sales

Fourth quarter, October-December 2009

Group sales during the third quarter amounted to SEK 102.2 million (131.2), a decrease of 22 percent. Sales were negatively affected by lower export sales in the product development segment. Swedish underwear distribution and Group-owned retail operations also posted lower sales.

January-December 2009

Group sales during the year amounted to SEK 519.9 million (526.6), a decrease of 1 percent. Sales were negatively affected during the year by lower volume, at the same time that they were positively affected by the higher dollar exchange rate and higher footwear exports early in the year.

Brand sales* of Björn Borg products January–December 2009. Total SEK 1,976 million (1,971)

Profit

Fourth quarter, October-December 2009

The gross profit margin increased during the fourth quarter to 55.7 percent (54.1), mainly because the distribution and retail segments accounted for a larger share of sales compared with the same period last year. A weaker dollar also had a positive effect.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 19.4 million (26.0) during the quarter with an operating margin of 19.0 percent (19.8). Profit before tax decreased during the period to SEK 19.7 million (28.7).

Operating profit was adversely affected by lower sales, but positively by lower operating costs. Operating costs decreased compared with the fourth quarter of 2008, when SEK 5 million in non-recurring expenses were recognized. Further cost efficiencies in marketing and sales reduced operating expenses compared with the same quarter a year earlier.

January-December 2009

The gross profit margin decreased during the year to 51.3 percent (53.8). Operating profit amounted to SEK 112.6 million (128.8) with an operating margin of 21.7 percent (24.5). Profit before tax declined during the period to SEK 111.7 million (134.8). Operating expenses as a share of net sales remained fairly constant at 29.6 percent (29.4). The main reason for the lower gross profit margin was the stronger dollar during much of the year and its impact on the Distribution segment in particular. Compared with the same period of 2008, operating profit was negatively affected by additional expenses for marketing investments in the U.S.

As of December 31, 2009 the company had 25,148,384 shares outstanding. Earnings per share before and after dilution amounted to SEK 3.22 (3.96) and SEK 3.21 (3.96), respectively.

Development by business segment

The Group comprises eight companies that operate under the Björn Borg brand on every level from product development to distribution and consumer sales in its own Björn Borg stores.

Brand and other

Sales in the Brand and other segment primarily consist of royalty revenue, sales of services within the Björn Borg network and intra-Group services.

Net sales for the full-year reached SEK 138.3 million (142.3), a decrease of 3 percent, which was mainly due to lower brand sales for the licensed product areas eyewear, fragrances, bags and women's wear.

Operating profit for the full-year amounted to SEK 43.9 million (42.7), an increase of 3 percent. Profit was affected positively by lower selling and marketing expenses.

Product development

The Group has global responsibility for development, design and production of underwear, adjacent products and footwear.

The segment's net sales amounted to SEK 339.2 million (337.2)

for the full-year, an increase of 1 percent. The increase was primarily due to substantially higher footwear exports, mainly to the Netherlands, during the first quarter, but also the stronger dollar during the first three quarters.

Operating profit increased to SEK 51.0 million (50.0) as a result of the higher exports and stronger dollar.

Distribution

The Björn Borg Group is the exclusive distributor of underwear, adjacent products and footwear in Sweden and the U.S.

Net sales in the Distribution segment decreased by 2 percent for the full-year to SEK 193.8 million (197.0). This was mainly due to a decline in Swedish underwear distribution.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 9.6 million (27.5). The decrease was mainly due to marketing investments in the U.S., lower sales in Swedish underwear distribution and the stronger dollar, which affected gross profit negatively.

Retail

The Björn Borg Group owns and operates eight stores in the Swedish market that sell underwear, adjacent products, footwear and licensed products. Additionally, Björn Borg operates two factory outlets.

Net sales in the Retail segment amounted to SEK 54.5 million (55.0) during the twelve-month period, a decrease of 1 percent. Same-store sales decreased by 9 percent in the fourth quarter. Sales fluctuated during the quarter but finished weakly. The decline was mainly in women's underwear and was partly due to insufficient of correct merchandise in stores. Operating profit for the full-year decreased to SEK 8.0 million (8.6) due to the lower sales, but also because of a slightly lower gross profit margin.

Intra-Group sales

Intra-Group sales amounted to SEK 205.8 million (204.9) for the year.

Seasonal variations

The Björn Borg Group is active in an industry with seasonal variations. Sales and earnings vary by quarter. With the current product mix, the second quarter is generally the weakest in terms of profit. See the figure on quarterly net sales and operating profit on page 3.

Investments and cash flow

Cash flow from operating activities in the Group amounted to SEK 94.1 million (87.0) for the full-year 2009. The improvement was mainly due to a reduction in working capital resulting from a lower accounts receivable. The positive effect on working capital was offset, however, by lower accounts payable owing to earlier shipments to a distributor as well as the payment of a tax liability for 2008.

Total investments in tangible and intangible non-current as-

SEK thousands 2009 2008 2009 2008 2009 2008
Operating area Revenue source Sales Sales Operating profit Operating profit Operating margin Operating margin
Brand and other Royalties and services 138,277 142,292 43,942 42,656 32% 30%
Product development Products 339,179 337,187 50,984 50,009 15% 15%
Distribution Wholesale sales 193,815 196,967 9,635 27,475 5% 14%
Retail Retailers 54,491 55,027 8,032 8,611 15% 16%
Less internal sales –205,847 –204,916
Total 519,915 526,556 112,594 128,751 22% 24%

sets amounted to SEK 4.5 million (5.1) during the year, the large part of which was attributable to a new enterprise system, reconstruction of premises and a new web platform.

For the full-year 2009, cash & cash equivalents increased by SEK 55.0 million (54.1).

Financial position and liquidity

The Björn Borg Group's cash & cash equivalents (net cash position) amounted to SEK 296.5 million (241.5) at the end of the period. The equity/assets ratio was 76.2 percent (69.0). The company has no interest-bearing liabilities.

Net financial items were affected negatively during the year by translation differences of assets for operations in the U.S. and lower interest rates on savings balances compared with the same period last year.

Commitments and contingent liabilities

No changes were made with regard to pledged assets and contingent liabilities compared with December 31, 2008, except for the dispute mentioned below. For further information, see note 22 on page 44 of the annual report 2008.

Björn Borg AB is engaged in a dispute with its English distributor regarding shipments that were not delivered. Arbitration proceedings have begun and a settlement is expected in 2010. Because the financial impact of the dispute cannot be reliably determined, the company has not allocated any provisions for the dispute in these accounts. The financial effect is not expected to materially impact the Group.

Personnel

The average number of employees in the Group for the period January-December was 92 (88), of whom 60 were women.

Transactions with related parties

During the period transactions were executed on market terms with Klockaren Fastighetsförvaltning i Varberg AB. For more detailed information, see note 11 on page 42 of the annual report 2008.

Significant risks and uncertainties

In its operations, the Björn Borg Group is exposed to risks and uncertainties. For further information, refer to pages 29–30 in the annual report 2008.

Events after the balance sheet date

There are no significant events to report following the conclusion of the report period, except what is mentioned above regarding license of the footwear product area.

Parent Company

Björn Borg AB (publ) is primarily engaged in intra-Group activities. In addition, the Parent Company owns 100 percent of the shares in Björn Borg Brands AB and Björn Borg Footwear Holding AB.

The Parent Company's net sales for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 16.1 million (22.6). For the full-year 2009 the Parent Company's net sales amounted to SEK 47.6 million (50.6). The profit before tax amounted to SEK 96.9 million for the fourth quarter, against a year-earlier loss of SEK 0.7 million, while the profit for the full-year was SEK 84.4 million, against a year-earlier loss of SEK 16.5 million. Cash & cash equivalents amounted to SEK 287.7 million (220.3). For the full-year investments in tangible and intangible non-current assets amounted to SEK 2.3 million (0.8).

Financial objectives

The financial objectives of the Björn Borg Group operations are as follows:

  • Average annual organic growth of at least 10 percent
  • An average annual operating margin of at least 20 percent
  • An annual dividend of at least 50 percent of net profit

• Long-term cash reserves equivalent to 10–20 percent of annual sales.

Comments to the financial objectives:

The long-term objective will be achieved if established markets grow slightly below the average growth target and new markets provide stronger growth. In 2010 sales growth could fall slightly below the target, since several new markets are being added.

The surplus liquidity generated by meeting the new financial objectives will be distributed gradually during the forecast period, starting in 2010.

Operating investments are expected to fall in the range of 2–5 percent depending on the addition of any new concept stores.

Dividend

The Board of Directors has decided to recommend a dividend of SEK 5.00 (1.50) per share for the financial year 2009, corresponding to 155 percent (38) of net income. See above regarding financial objectives and dividend.

Annual report

The annual report for 2009 will be available on the company's website in the week of March 15, 2010.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of Björn Borg AB will be held in Stockholm at 5:00 p.m. on April 15, 2010. The location will be announced in the notice of the meeting.

Accounting principles

This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The same accounting principles were applied during the period as in 2008, as described on pages 36–38 of the latest annual report, with the exceptions indicated below.

IAS 1 (Revised) Presentation of Financial Statements is effective January 1, 2009. The revised standard has affected the recognition of translation adjustments for foreign operations retroactively to December 31, 2008. These revenues and expenses were previously recognized directly in equity, but are now reported in a separate statement directly after the income statement. Another revision is the new terminology used in the financial reports. As of January 1, 2009 a new standard, IFRS 8 Operating Segments, takes effect. IFRS 8 is a disclosure standard and does not impact the Group's total comprehensive income, financial position, cash flow and changes in equity. The operating segments are unchanged compared with the latest annual report. None of the other new or amended standards and interpretations from IFRIC has had a material effect on the financial position or total comprehensive income of the Group or the Parent Company.

Audit report

This interim report has been reviewed by the company's auditors. Their review report can be found on page 10.

Outlook 2009

As a policy, the company does not issue earnings forecasts.

Number of shares

Björn Borg currently has 25,148,384 shares outstanding.

Consolidated income statement and total comprehensive income

Condensed

SEK thousands Oct-Dec
2009
Oct-Dec
2008
Full-year
2009
Full-year
2008
Net sales 102,247 131,233 519 915 526,556
Cost of goods sold –45,333 –60,202 –253 271 –243,058
Gross profit 56,914 71,031 266 644 283,498
Distribution expenses –24,897 –31,367 –102 390 –105,380
Administrative expenses –9,210 –10,115 –38 463 –37,133
Development expenses –3,380 –3,500 –13,197 –12,234
Operating profit 19,427 26,049 112,594 128,751
Net financial items 285 2,644 –936 6,071
Profit before tax 19,712 28,693 111,658 134,822
Tax –6,219 –5,904 –30,756 –35,620
Profit for the period 13,493 22,789 80,902 99,202
Profit/loss attributable to:
Parent Company's shareholders 13,487 22,810 80,867 99,210
Minority interests 5 –21 35 –8
Other comprehensive income
Translation adjustments for foreign operations –99 –493 844 –536
Total comprehensive income for the period 13,394 22,296 81,746 98,666
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to
Parent Company's shareholders 13,389 22,317 81,711 98,674
Minority interests 5 –21 35 –8
Earnings per share, SEK 0.54 0.91 3.22 3.96
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 0.53 0.91 3.21 3.96
Number of shares 25,148,384 25,059,184 25,148,384 25,059,184
Weighted average number of shares 25,148,384 25,047,451 25,111,217 25,041,134
Effect of dilution* 257,957 7,005 118,910 34,366
Weighted average number of shares after full dilution 25,406,341 25,054,456 25,230,128 25,075,500

** Björn Borg AB has two outstanding incentive programs based on warrants: 2008:1 and 2008:2. For more detailed information, see page 41 of the annual report 2008.

Consolidated statement of financial position Condensed

SEK thousands 2009 December 31 December 31
2008
Non-current assets
Goodwill 13,944 13,944
Trademarks 187,532 187,532
Other intangible assets 3,437 1,696
Tangible non-current assets 11,150 15,366
Total non-current assets 216,063 218,538
Current assets
Inventories, etc. 26,455 33,752
Current receivables 65,719 106,197
Cash & cash equivalents 296,484 241,498
Total current assets 388,657 381,447
Total assets 604,720 599,985
Equity and liabilities
Equity 460,956 413,803
Deferred tax liabilities 40,011 32,884
Other non-current liabilities 40,889 46,816
Accounts payable 15,480 45,489
Other current liabilities 47,385 60,993
Total equity and liabilities 604,720 599,985

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Condensed
SEK thousands Full-year
2009
Full-year
2008
Opening balance 413,803 342,943
Incentive programs 9,055
New share issues 2,996 694
Dividend –37,589 –37,555
Total comprehensive income for the period 81,746 98,666
Closing balance 460,956 413,803

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Oct-Dec Oct-Dec Full-year Full-year
2008
–3,846 48,611 69,246 123,214
40,260 5,554 24,873 –36,260
36,414 54,165 94,119 86,954
–2,058 –173 –4,540 –5,073
–37,589 –37,555
28 8,397 2,996 9,749
28 8,397 –34,593 –27,806
34,384 62,389 54,986 54,075
262,100 179,109 241,498 187,423
296,484 241,498 296,484 241,498
2009 2008 2009

Key figures Group

SEK thousands Oct-Dec
2009
Oct-Dec
2008
Full-year
2009
Full-year
2008
Gross profit margin, % 55.7 54.1 51.3 53.8
Operating margin, % 19.0 19.8 21.7 24.5
Profit margin, % 19.3 21.9 21.5 25.6
Return on capital employed, % 3.9 6.0 20.9 28.8
Return on average equity, % 3.1 6.0 18.5 26.2
Profit attributable to Parent Company's shareholders 13,487 22,810 80,867 99,210
Earnings per share, SEK* 0.54 0.91 3.22 3.96
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 0.53 0.91 3.21 3.96
Number of shares 25,148,384 25,059,184 25,148,384 25,059,184
Weighted average number of shares 25,148,384 25,047,451 25,111,217 25,041,134
Effect of dilution 257,957 7,005 118,910 34,366
Weighted average number of shares after dilution 25,406,341 25,054,456 25,230,128 25,075,500
Equity/assets ratio, % 76.2 69.0 76.2 69.0
Equity per share, SEK 18.33 16.51 18.33 16.51
Investments in intangible assets 1,741 3,160 2,200
Investments in tangible assets 317 173 1,380 2,873
Depreciation and impairment losses for the period –1,362 –3,235 –7,024 –6,976
Average number of employees 92 88 92 88

Summary by segment Group

SEK thousands Oct-Dec
2009
Oct-Dec
2008
Full-year
2009
Full-year
2008
Operating revenue
Brand and other
External sales 10,710 12,684 54,936 57,272
Internal sales 22,791 32,307 83,341 85,020
33,501 44,991 138,277 142,292
Product development
External sales 46,048 66,366 257,391 250,608
Internal sales 15,697 22,037 81,788 86,579
61,745 88,403 339,179 337,187
Distribution
External sales 29,759 34,872 153,102 163,655
Internal sales 16,177 13,012 40,713 33,312
45,935 47,884 193,815 196,967
Retail
External sales 15,730 17,311 54,485 55,021
Internal sales 6 6 6
15,736 17,311 54,491 55,027
Less internal sales –54,670 –67 356 –205,847 –204,916
Operating revenue 102,247 131,233 519,915 526,556
Operating profit
Brand and other 8,638 11,401 43,942 42,656
Product development 3,026 11,246 50,984 50,009
Distribution 2,999 –2,014 9,635 27,475
Retail 4,765 5,416 8,032 8,611
Operating profit 19,427 26,049 112,594 128,751

Quarterly data

Group
SEK thousands Q4
2009
Q3
2009
Q2
2009
Q1
2009
Q4
2008
Q3
2008
Q2
2008
Q1
2008
Brand sales 422,121 566,423 385,637 602 ,183 475,806 562,835 381,246 551,062
Net sales 102,247 155,162 97,832 164,674 131,233 160,762 95,813 138,748
Gross profit margin, % 55.7 50.8 50.9 49.3 54.1 54.1 55.9 51.9
Operating profit 19,427 43,454 12,131 37,582 26,049 49,688 16,493 36,521
Operating margin, % 19.0 28.0 12.4 22.8 19.8 30.9 17.2 26.3
Profit after financial items 19,712 40,830 11,871 39,245 28,693 52,277 16,594 37,258
Profit margin, % 19.3 26.3 12.1 23.8 21.9 32.5 17.3 26.9
Earnings per share, SEK 0.54 1.20 0.34 1.15 0.91 1.50 0.48 1.07
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 0.53 1.19 0.33 1.15 0.91 1.50 0.48 1.07
Number of Björn Borg stores at end of period 46 45 43 44 44 41 39 36
of which Björn Borg-owned stores 10 10 10 11 11 11 10 10

Parent Company income statement

Condensed
SEK million Oct-Dec
2009
Oct-Dec
2008
Full-year
2009
Full-year
2008
Net sales 16,076 22,598 47,608 50,630
Cost of goods sold 5 –3,418 –2,407 –6,975
Gross profit 16,081 19,180 45,201 43,655
Distribution expenses –12,814 –13,814 –40,826 –40,235
Administrative expenses –4,928 –5,313 –15,702 –15,475
Development expenses –1,971 –2,125 –6,281 –6,190
Operating profit/loss –3,633 –2,072 –17,608 –18,245
Dividend from subsidiary 100,000 100,000
Net financial items 522 1,398 1,975 1,716
Profit/loss before tax 96,889 –674 84,367 –16,529
Appropriations –104 –104
Tax 723 –15 4,017 4,424
Profit/loss for the period 97,612 –793 88,383 –12,209

Parent Company balance sheet

Condensed
SEK thousands December 31
2009
December 31
2008
Non-current assets
Intangible non-current assets 1,694
Tangible non-current assets 4,238 5,543
Shares in Group companies 54,497 54,497
Total non-current assets 60,428 60,040
Current assets
Receivables from Group companies 88,903 59,551
Current receivables 5,703 6,971
Cash & cash equivalents 287,657 220,348
Total current assets 382,263 286,870
Total assets 442,691 346,910
Equity and liabilities
Equity 214,738 149,782
Untaxed reserves 7,359 7,359
Due to Group companies 207,835 173,048
Accounts payable 1,840 7,713
Other current liabilities 10,919 9,008
Total equity and liabilities 442,691 346,910

About the Björn Borg Group

The Group owns the Björn Borg trademark and has operations in five product areas: clothing, footwear, bags, eyewear and fragrances. Björn Borg products are sold in fifteen markets, of which Sweden and the Netherlands are the largest. Operations are managed through a network of product and distribution companies which are either part of the Group or are independent companies with licenses for product areas and geographical markets. The Björn Borg Group has operations at every level from branding to consumer sales through its own Björn Borg stores. Total sales of Björn Borg products in 2009 amounted to approximately SEK 2 billion at the consumer level, excluding VAT. Group net sales amounted to SEK 520 million in 2009, with 92 employees at year-end. The Björn Borg share is listed on NASDAQ OMX Nordic, Mid Cap list, since May 7, 2007.

Definitions

Gross profit margin

Net sales less cost of goods sold divided by net sales.

Operating margin Operating profit as a percentage of net sales.

Profit margin Profit before tax as a percentage of net sales.

Equity/assets ratio Equity as a percentage of total assets.

Return on capital employed

Profit after financial items plus financial expenses as a percentage of average capital employed.

Return on equity

Net profit according to the income statement as a percentage of average equity. Average equity is calculated by adding equity at January 1 to equity at December 31 and dividing by two.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share in relation to the weighted average number of shares during the period.

Earnings per share after dilution

Earnings per share adjusted for any dilution effect.

Brand sales

Estimated total sales of Björn Borg products at the consumer level, excluding VAT, based on reported wholesale sales.

The Board of Directors and the President certify that the year-end report provides a true and fair overview of the operations, financial position and results of the Parent Company and the Group and describes the substantial risks and uncertainties faced by the Parent Company and the companies in the Group.

Stockholm, February 11, 2010

Fredrik Lövstedt Chairman

Nils Vinberg Vice Chairman

Monika Elling Board Member Fabian Månsson Board Member

Mats H Nilsson Board Member

Wilhelm Schottenius Board Member

Michael Storåkers Board Member

Arthur Engel President and CEO

Review report

Introduction

We have reviewed the year-end report for Björn Borg AB (publ) for the period January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. The Board of Directors and the President are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this year-end report in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with the Standard on Review Engagements SÖG 2410 Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity. A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.

A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with Standards on Auditing in Sweden RS and other generally accepted auditing practices. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain a level of assurance that would make us aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Therefore, the conclusion expressed based on a review does not give the same level of assurance as a conclusion expressed based on an audit.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the year-end report is not, in all material aspects, prepared in accordance with IAS 34 and the Annual Accounts Act for the Group and in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act for the Parent Company.

Stockholm, February 11, 2010 Deloitte AB

Håkan Pettersson Tommy Mårtensson Authorized Public Accountant Authorized Public Accountant

Upcoming information dates

The Annual General Meeting will be held on April 15, 2010. The interim report January–March 2010 will be released on May 6, 2010. The interim report January–June 2010 will be released on August 19, 2010. The interim report January–September 2010 will be released on November 11, 2010.

For further information, please contact: Arthur Engel, President and CEO, telephone +46 8 506 33 700 Johan Mark, CFO, telephone +46 8 506 33 700

Björn Borg AB Götgatan 78 SE-118 30 Stockholm, Sweden www.bjornborg.com

Björn Borg is required to make public the information in this report in accordance with the Securities Market Act. The information was released for publication on February 11, 2010 at 7:30 a.m. (CET).

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