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

Björn Borg

Earnings Release Feb 24, 2011

3142_10-k_2011-02-24_b54e327b-2b6b-4192-abe5-9a2a6b6b01b4.pdf

Earnings Release

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

STRONG FOURTH QUARTER

OCTOBER 31 – DECEMBER 31, 2010

  • The Group's net sales increased by 13 percent to SEK 115.9 million (102.2). Excluding currency effects, sales rose by 15 percent.
  • The gross profit margin increased to 56.3 percent (55.7).
  • Operating profit amounted to SEK 24.5 million (19.4), an increase of 26 percent.
  • Profit after tax amounted to SEK 17.6 million (13.5), an increase of 29 percent.
  • Earnings per share increased to SEK 0.70 (0.54). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.70 (0.53).
  • Brand sales (excluding VAT) increased by 4 percent to SEK 428 million (410). Excluding currency effects, sales increased by 12 percent.

JANUARY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2010

  • The Group's net sales increased by 3 percent to SEK 536.0 million (519.9). Excluding currency effects, sales rose by 7 percent.
  • The gross profit margin increased to 53.6 percent (51.3).
  • Operating profit amounted to SEK 126.0 million (112.6), an increase of 12 percent.
  • Profit after tax amounted to SEK 90.8 million (80.9), an increase of 12 percent.
  • Earnings per share increased to SEK 3.61 (3.22). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.57 (3.21).
  • Brand sales (excluding VAT) decreased by 7 percent to SEK 1,733 million (1,872). Excluding currency effects, sales decreased by 1 percent.
  • The Board of Directors has decided to recommend that the Annual General Meeting approve a distribution of SEK 5.20 per share. For 2009, a dividend of SEK 5.00 per share was paid.

QUOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

"In 2010 we implemented several important changes to focus on underwear and ensure our continued profitable growth. We have adapted the organization, accelerated the pace of product development and modified our cooperations with distributors. We have also licensed out the product areas to improve their prospects. For the Group, the last quarter of the year generated positive sales and earnings trends. On the other hand, we saw several markets in Southern Europe have a tough time financially, and it will take time to raise volumes in the newly established markets," says Arthur Engel, President.

SEK million Oct-Dec
2010
Oct-Dec
2009
Full-year
2010
Full-year
2009
Net sales 115.9 102.2 536.0 519.9
Gross profit margin, % 56.3 55.7 53.6 51.3
Operating profit 24.5 19.4 126.0 112.6
Operating margin, % 21.2 19.0 23.5 21.7
Profit after tax 17.6 13.5 90.8 80.9
Earnings per share, SEK 0.70 0.54 3.61 3.22
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 0.70 0.53 3.57 3.21
Brand sales* 428 410 1,733 1,872

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

PRESIDENT'S COMMENT

For Björn Borg, 2010 was dominated by the work we did to adapt our focus to underwear and further expansion. This meant a year of changes and new investments. We have bolstered the organization with added competence and accelerated our product development. The footwear product area has been licensed out, as was clothing recently to a new partly owned company. We have also devoted more attention to e-commerce. All this is important in order to create a stable platform for the continued development of the Group and the brand.

Increased fl ow of new products

The development of our biggest area, underwear, was one of our most important jobs during the year. And we succeeded. We have broadened the product assortment for both women and men and delivered exciting new products. It is a matter of testing to find out what is right in each area and focusing on products that gain traction in our markets. We have expanded our offering in new segments by adding a range of bras, a kids collection (launched in spring 2010) and the sportswear collection.

New clothing venture

Now that we are fully concentrating on underwear at Björn Borg in Stockholm, we have decided to license out other product groups to external specialists. We feel certain that this will create the best opportunities for underwear and other products.

After the conclusion of the year, in January, we announced a new sportswear venture based in the Netherlands, Björn Borg Sport. By consolidating the competence and experience in the Dutch apparel operations with us here at Björn Borg, we hope to create the best prospects for growth and expand our clothing to more markets. The clothing collections will focus on fashionable, functional sportswear, a product category where we see good opportunities to grow.

The expansion of the apparel operations will mean higher costs in 2011 for the Group, which owns 51 percent of the company, but we see good financial potential going forward.

Footwear operations were taken over in early 2010 by an international company, Trend Design Group. Since then we have seen the product area grow and develop.

Another important step during the year was Björn Borg's takeover of the operations in England from the previous distributor. The organization is in place and the fall collections are being shown with the support of a new showroom at Piccadilly in London. In the U.S., we are mainly focused on expanding our e-commerce presence.

Test phase for new markets

In recent years we have taken important steps in our expansion in cooperation with external distributors. It has become increasingly clear that you need patience and considerable resources to establish a long-term presence in a new market, especially in a tough economic climate. Because of this, we are introducing a two-year test period on cooperations with new distributors in order to evaluate market conditions and the distributor's opportunity and ability to cultivate the market. During this introductory stage, we will assess the market's future development potential.

A good year

From several perspectives, 2010 was a good year for Björn Borg, with sales, earnings and margins all rising. We saw the important Swedish market develop positively and greater stability in several markets that had had a tough period. We have begun 2011 with a stable platform in place from which we will continue to invest in future growth. The challenges we face include the cost increases we are seeing in raw materials, production and shipping, as well as the uncertainty that still exists in several of our European markets.

Arthur Engel, President

OPERATIONS

Brand sales

Brand sales (excluding VAT) for the fourth quarter of 2010 increased by 4 percent to SEK 428 million (410). For the full-year 2010 brand sales decreased by 7 percent to SEK 1,733 million (1,872). Adjusted for currency effects (stronger SEK), sales increased by 12 percent for the quarter and decreased by 1 percent for the full-year 2010. The important Swedish market reported continued growth during the fourth quarter.

Product areas full-year 2010

Brand sales in the underwear product area fell by 8 percent for the full-year 2010 compared with 2009. Underwear accounted for 67 percent (68) of brand sales during the period.

Sales in the licensed footwear product area decreased by 13 percent for the year as a whole, but rose substantially during the fourth quarter.

In other licensed products, sales decreased for women's clothing in the Netherlands and for bags, while eyewear and fragrances reported growth during the year. As a whole, licensed product sales fell by 9 percent in 2010, mainly due to the decline in women's clothing in the Netherlands.

Brand sales* of Björn Borg products Jan–Dec 2010. Total SEK 1,733 million (1,872)

* Estimated total sales of Björn Borg products at the consumer level, excluding VAT, Borg stores, of which 10 (10) are Group-owned. based on reported wholesale sales.

** Underwear: Men's and women's underwear, swimwear and socks. Adjacent products: Men's clothing. Licensed products: Bags, fragrances, eyewear and women's clothing in the Netherlands.

Markets full-year 2010

Smaller markets accounted for 9 percent (10) of total brand sales during the year. Among larger markets, Sweden and Belgium reported growth in 2010, while Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands saw sales decline slightly compared with the previous year. During the fourth quarter sales in the Netherlands were nearly unchanged. Among smaller markets, Finland and Germany posted strong sales trends during the year.

The takeover of the English operations from the previous distributor continued during the fourth quarter.

The Spanish distributor filed for bankruptcy at the end of 2010. Because of the business model Björn Borg uses with its distributors, the bankruptcy has not caused any significant costs for the Group. There is a strong interest in the brand in the country, and negotiations are currently being held with potential partners in the Spanish market.

The previously announced letter of intent on distribution in Poland has been canceled.

Markets Q1 2010

During the first quarter of 2011 Björn Borg signed the letters of intent with new distributors in Italy and France. In the company's estimation, the new distributors have the capacity for the necessary investments to establish the brand in these markets

Test phase for new markets

In recent years Björn Borg has expanded to a number of new markets in cooperation with external distributors. The Group has tightened its criteria for new distributors in terms of resources, contact networks and experience. In 2011 Björn Borg will introduce a two-year test period on cooperations with new distributors in order to evaluate market conditions and the distributor's opportunity and ability to cultivate the market. During this introductory stage, we will assess the market's future development potential.

Björn Borg stores

An outlet in Germany was opened by the German distributor during the fourth quarter of 2010. No other changes were made during the year. At year-end there were 47 (46) Björn

THE GROUP'S DEVELOPMENT

Sales and operating profit increased during the fourth quarter.

Sales

Fourth quarter, OctoberDecember 2010

Group sales during the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 115.9 million (102.2), an increase of 13 percent. Sales were positively affected by higher sales at the wholesale level. The increase was partly due to delayed shipments from the third quarter. Sales within product development trended slightly higher, while retail sales decreased slightly. Excluding nonrecurring revenue in 2009, retail sales showed a slight increase. Excluding currency effects, net sales rose by 15 percent.

January-December 2010

Group sales during the year amounted to SEK 536.0 million (519.9), an increase of 3 percent. The increase came from product development (export sales to distributors) and wholesale operations, while lower footwear exports to the Netherlands negatively affected sales in the first quarter of 2010. Sales for Group-owned retail operations decreased. Excluding currency effects, net sales increased by 7 percent.

Profi t

Fourth quarter, October-December 2010

The gross profit margin rose during the fourth quarter to 56.3 percent (55.7), which was the result of an increased focus on pricing.

Operating profit increased by 26 percent to SEK 24.5 million (19.4) during the quarter with an operating margin of 21.2 percent (19.0). Profit before tax increased to SEK 24.2 million (19.7).

Operating profit was positively affected by increased sales and the improved gross margin. Continued investments in marketing/sales activities and human resources, as well as certain investments in the British market, raised operating expenses.

January–December 2010

The gross profit margin increased during the year to 53.6 percent (51.3). Operating profit rose by 12 percent to SEK 126.0 million (112.6) with an operating margin of 23.5 percent (21.7). Profit before tax increased to SEK 124.0 million (111.7). Operating expenses as a share of net sales amounted to 30.1 percent (29.6).

The higher gross margin was partly due to a larger share of higher-margin sales within product development, and to some extent to a weaker USD compared with 2009, which has had a positive effect on the wholesale operations. Increased operating expenses were mainly due to an agreement with the former British distributor during the second quarter, but also to a staffing increase in e-commerce and administration as well as higher marketing expenses. Further cost efficiencies, together with lower investments in the U.S., have compensated positively.

As of December 31, 2010 the company had 25,148,384 shares outstanding. Earnings per share before and after dilution amounted to SEK 3.61 (3.22) and SEK 3.57 (3.21), respectively.

Development by business segment

The Group consists as of December 31, 2010 of nine companies that operate under the Björn Borg brand on every level from product development to wholesaling 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 135.5 million (138.3), a decrease of 2 percent. External sales amounted to SEK 51.1 million (54.9). The decrease was mainly due to lower brand sales for the underwear product area, licensed footwear and women's clothing in the Netherlands.

Sales, SEK thousands Operating profit, SEK thousands Operating margin
Business segment Revenue source 2010 2009 2010 2009 2010 2009
Brand and other Royalties and services 135,474 138,277 40,778 43,942 30% 32%
Product development Products 360,633 339,179 64,371 50,984 18% 15%
Wholesale operations Wholesale sales 208,237 193,815 21,342 9,635 10% 5%
Retail Retailers 49,097 54,491 –486 8,032 – 1% 15%
Less internal sales –217,401 –205,847
Total 536,040 519,915 126,005 112,594 24% 22%

Operating profit amounted to SEK 40.8 million (43.9), a decrease of 7 percent for the full-year. Profit was affected by the lower sales, but also by the takeover of the British operations during second quarter as well as higher marketing and HR expenses.

Product development

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

The business segment's net sales amounted to SEK 360.6 million (339.2) during the full-year, an increase of 6 percent. External sales amounted to SEK 270.0 million (257.4). Sales for 2010 were positively affected by an underlying volume increase in the underwear product area at the same time that lower footwear exports to the Netherlands and a lower USD had a negative effect.

Operating profit increased to SEK 64.4 million (51.0) as a result of the improved gross profit margin and increased sales.

Wholesale operations

The Björn Borg Group is the exclusive wholesaler for the underwear and adjacent products in Sweden, the U.S. and England as well as for footwear in Sweden and Finland.

Net sales in wholesale operations increased by 7 percent during the full-year to SEK 208.2 million (193.8). External sales amounted to SEK 165.9 million (153.1).

Operating profit amounted to SEK 21.3 million (9.6). The increase was due to higher sales, a weaker USD, which affected gross profit positively, and lower investments in the U.S.

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 and a web shop.

Comparable net sales in the Retail business segment amounted to SEK 49.1 million (54.5) during the full-year, a decrease of 10 percent. The outlets affected sales negatively, while the stores, with a couple of exceptions, developed positively. E-commerce reported sales growth, but from a low level.

The operating loss for the full-year was SEK -0.5 million, against a year-earlier profit of SEK 8.0 million, which was due to the lower sales, increased operating expenses, including for the web venture, and the renovation of a Stockholm store.

Intra-Group sales

Intra-Group sales amounted to SEK 217.4 million (205.8) for the full-year 2010.

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 third quarter is generally the weakest in terms of profit. See the figure on quarterly net sales and operating profit on page 4.

INVESTMENTS AND CASH FLOW

Cash flow from operating activities in the Group amounted to SEK 72.8 million (94.1) for the full-year 2010. The decline was mainly due to increased tied-up working capital compared with December 31, 2009, partly caused by larger deliveries to wholesale customers at the end of the year, which increased accounts receivable. Together with other current receivables, they were SEK 19.6 million higher than on December 31, 2009. At the same accounts payable were SEK 5.5 million lower than a year earlier.

Total investments in tangible and intangible non-current assets amounted to SEK 7.4 million (4.5) for the full-year, the large part of which was attributable to a new web platform, but also a store renovation and a new enterprise system. During the first quarter Björn Borg Services AB was acquired for SEK 9.1 million, excluding Björn Borg Services' cash and transaction expenses.

For the full-year 2010 cash & cash equivalents decreased by SEK 66.6 million, compared with an increase of SEK 55.0 million in the previous year, mainly due to an increased dividend to shareholders and the temporary increase in tied-up working capital. In 2010, SEK 125.7 million was distributed to shareholders, compared with SEK 37.6 million in 2009.

FINANCIAL POSITION AND LIQUIDITY

The Björn Borg Group's cash & cash equivalents and shortterm investments amounted to SEK 229.8 million (296.5) at the end of the period. The equity/assets ratio was 75.8 percent (76.2). The company has no interest-bearing liabilities.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

No changes were made with regard to pledged assets and contingent liabilities compared with December 31, 2009. An agreement has been reached on the previously reported dispute with the English distributor regarding undelivered shipments, which affected profit for the second quarter of 2010. For further information, see note 22 on page 56 of the annual report 2009.

PERSONNEL

The average number of employees in the Group for the period January-December was 100 (92), of whom 63 (60) were women.

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

No transactions were executed with related parties.

SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

In its operations, the Björn Borg Group is exposed to risks and uncertainties. For further information, refer to pages 37–38 in the annual report 2009.

EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE

As previously announced, Björn Borg established a new subsidiary in January 2011 to produce fashionable athletic and functional wear together with the Dutch distributor. The creation of a separate clothing operation based in the Netherlands is another element in the strategy to focus on Björn Borg's core business, underwear, based in Stockholm. The new company, Björn Borg Sport, builds on the clothing concept in the Netherlands, where Björn Borg has established operations and extensive experience from successfully managing the licensed womenswear company for about ten years. The collections, both women's and men's, will primarily include sports fashion and functional sportswear. The

products will be sold to distributors in Björn Borg's current markets, with an initial focus on larger markets. In 2011 Björn Borg Sport will handle some billing for shipments from the former Dutch apparel operations. This is expected to raise the Group's operating expenses by about SEK 10 million in 2011. The new clothing operation is considered to have good financial potential.

PARENT COMPANY

Björn Borg AB (publ) is primarily engaged in intra-Group activities. In addition, the company owns 100 percent of the shares in Björn Borg Brands AB, Björn Borg Footwear AB, Björn Borg Inc. and Björn Borg Services AB (dormant). In addition, the company owns 80 percent of the shares in Björn Borg UK.

The Parent Company's net sales for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 16.1 million (16.1). For the full-year 2010 net sales amounted to SEK 45.8 million (47.6). Profit before tax amounted to SEK 97.6 million (96.9) for the fourth quarter and SEK 68.8 million (84.4) for the full-year. In 2010 a dividend of SEK 100.0 million (100.0) was received from subsidiaries. Cash & cash equivalents and short-term investments amounted to SEK 217.3 million (287.7) on December 31, 2010. For the full-year investments in tangible and intangible non-current assets amounted to SEK 0.8 million (2.3).

NUMBER OF SHARES

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

FINANCIAL OBJECTIVES

The financial objectives of Björn Borg's operations for the period 2010–2014 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 fi nancial objectives:

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

Surplus liquidity generated by meeting the new financial objectives will be distributed gradually over the forecast period, starting in 2010.

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

DIVIDEND

The Board of Directors has decided to recommend to the Annual General Meeting 2011 a distribution of SEK 5.20 per share for the financial year 2010, corresponding to 144 percent of net income; see above regarding financial objectives and dividend. As proposed, the distribution would be paid through an automatic redemption, whereby every share is divided into a common share and a redemption share. The redemption share will then automatically be redeemed for SEK 5.20 per share. Payment for the redemption share, contingent on the approval of the AGM, is expected to be made around May 25, 2011.

The Board of Directors' proposal corresponds to a transfer to shareholders of SEK 130.8 million (125.7). For 2009 a distribution of SEK 5.00 was paid per share, corresponding to 155 percent of net income.

ANNUAL REPORT

The annual report for 2010 will be available on the company's website during the week of March 14, 2011.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting for the financial year 2010 will be held in Stockholm at 5:00 pm on April 14, 2011.

ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES

This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act, RFR 1 Additional Accounting Regulations for Consolidated Groups (December 2010) and IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting, and for the Parent Company in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and RFR 2 Accounting in Legal Entities (December 2010).

The same accounting and valuation principles were applied during the year as in 2009, as described on page 47 of the annual report 2009, with the exceptions indicated below.

The new and revised IFRS and the interpretations from IFRIC applied by the Group as of January 1, 2010 have not had a significant impact on the Group's results or financial position, with the exception of IFRS 3 Business Combinations, according to which the transaction expenses in connection with acquisitions are not included in acquisition value and instead are treated as overhead and recognized through profit or loss. According to RFR 2, some of the changes which were introduced in IAS 1 2009 and applied in the consolidated financial statements shall also be applied in the Parent Company. Due to these changes, a separate statement of total comprehensive income and a statement of changes in equity are presented for the Parent Company in this year-end report.

AUDIT REPORT

This interim report has been reviewed by the company's auditors. Their review report can be found on page 12.

OUTLOOK 2011

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

CONSOLIDATED INCOME AND TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Condensed

SEK thousands Oct–Dec
2010
Oct–Dec
2009
Full-year
2010
Full-year
2009
Net sales 115,893 102,247 536,040 519,915
Cost of goods sold –50,677 –45,333 –248,844 –253,271
Gross profit 65,216 56,914 287,196 266,644
Distribution expenses –27,621 –24,897 –106,643 –102,390
Administrative expenses –10,104 –9,210 –41,037 –38,463
Development expenses –2,978 –3,380 –13,511 –13,197
Operating profit 24,513 19,427 126,005 112,594
Net financial items –363 285 –2,010 –936
Profit before tax 24,150 19,712 123,995 111,658
Tax –6,581 –6,219 –33,232 –30,756
Profit for the period 17,569 13,493 90,763 80,902
Profit attributable to:
Parent Company's shareholders 17,723 13,487 90,897 80,867
Minority interests –154 5 –134 35
Other comprehensive income
Translation adjustments for foreign operations 32 –99 253 844
Total comprehensive income for the period 17,601 13,394 91,017 81,746
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to
Parent Company's shareholders 17,755 13,389 91,150 81,711
Minority interests –154 5 –134 35
Earnings per share, SEK 0.70 0.54 3.61 3.22
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 0.70 0.53 3.57 3.21
Number of shares 25,148,384 25,148,384 25,148,384 25,148,384
Weighted average number of shares 25,148,384 25,148,384 25,148,384 25,111,217
Effect of dilution* 267,798 257,957 321 818 118,910
Weighted average number of shares after full dilution 25,416,182 25,406,341 25,470,202 25,230,128

* Björn Borg has two outstanding incentive programs based on warrants: 2008:1 and 2008:2. For more detailed information, see page 53 of the annual report 2009.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Condensed
SEK thousands December 31
2010
December 31
2009
Non-current assets
Goodwill 13,944 13,944
Trademarks 187,532 187,532
Other intangible assets 6,858 3,437
Tangible non-current assets 7,808 11,150
Deferred tax assets 6,438
Total non-current assets 222,580 216,063
Current assets
Inventories, etc. 26,239 26,455
Current receivables 85,344 65,719
Short-term investments 35,567
Cash & cash equivalents 194,275 296,484
Total current assets 341,425 388,657
Total assets 564,005 604,720
Equity and liabilities
Equity 427,276 460,956
Deferred tax liabilities 48,189 40,011
Other non-current liabilities 34,724 40,889
Accounts payable 9,987 15,480
Other current liabilities 43,829 47,385
Total equity and liabilities 564,005 604,720

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Condensed

SEK thousands Equity attributable to
Parent Company's
shareholders
Holdings
without
control
Total
equity
Opening balance, January 1, 2009 413,724 79 413,803
Total comprehensive income for the year 81,711 35 81,746
New share issues 2,996 2,996
Dividend for 2008 –37,589 –37,589
Closing balance, December 31, 2009 460,842 114 460,956
Opening balance, January 1, 2010 460,842 114 460,956
Total comprehensive income for the year 91,150 –134 91,017
New share issues
Dividend for 2009 –125,742 –125,742
Holdings without control that arose through acquisitions 1,046 1,046
Closing balance, December 31, 2010 426,250 1,026 427,276

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Condensed Oct–Dec Oct–Dec Full-year Full-year SEK thousands 2010 2009 2010 2009 Cash flow from operating activities Before change in working capital 27,490 –3,846 99,486 69,246 Change in working capital 32,005 40,260 –26,733 24,873 Cash flow from operating activities 59,495 36,414 72,753 94,119 Investments in intangible non-current assets –44 –1,741 –4,878 –3,160 Investments in tangible non-current assets –552 –317 –2,498 –1,380 Investments in financial non-current assets – – –9,046 – Sale of tangible non-current assets 161 – 161 – Short-term placement –20,567 – –35,567 – Reversal of deferred tax assets 2,608 – 2,608 – Cash flow from investing activities –18,394 –2,058 –49,220 –4,540 Dividend – – –125,742 –37,589 Incentive programs/new share issues – 28 – 2,996 Cash flow from financing activities28 –125,742 –34,593 Cash flow for the period 41,101 34,384 –102,209 54,986 Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period 153,174 262,100 296,484 241,498 Cash & cash equivalents at end of period 194,275 296,484 194,275 296,484

KEY FIGURES

Group

SEK thousands Oct–Dec
2010
Oct–Dec
2009
Full-year
2010
Full-year
2009
Gross profit margin, % 56.3 55.7 53.6 51.3
Operating margin, % 21.2 19.0 23.5 21.7
Profit margin, % 20.8 19.3 23.1 21.5
Return on capital employed, % 25.7 20.9 25.7 20.9
Return on average equity, % 20.5 18.5 20.5 18.5
Profit attributable to Parent Company's shareholders 17,723 13,487 90,897 80,867
Equity/assets ratio, % 75.8 76.2 75.8 76.2
Equity per share, SEK
Investments in intangible non-current assets
16.99
44
18.33
1,741
16.99
4,878
18.33
3,160
Investments in tangible non-current assets 552 317 2,498 1,380
Investments in financial non-current assets 9,046
Depreciation and impairment losses for the period –1,755 –1,362 –7,136 –7,024
Average number of employees 100 92 101 92

SUMMARY BY SEGMENT

Group
SEK thousands Oct–Dec
2010
Oct–Dec
2009
Full-year
2010
Full-year
2009
Operating revenue
Brand and other
External revenue 10,412 10,710 51,057 54,936
Internal revenue 24,866 22,791 84,417 83,341
35,278 33,501 135,474 138,277
Product development
External revenue 45,897 46,048 270,029 257,391
Internal revenue 16,284 15,697 90,604 81,788
62,181 61,745 360,633 339,179
Wholesale
External revenue 45,051 29,759 165,859 153,102
Internal revenue 12,042 16,177 42,378 40,713
57,093 45,935 208,237 193,815
Retail
External revenue 14,534 15,730 49,095 54,485
Internal revenue 2 6 2 6
14,536 15,736 49,097 54,491
Less internal sales –53,195 –54,670 –217,401 –205,847
Operating revenue 115,893 102,247 536,040 519,915
Operating profit
Brand and other 16,832 8,638 40,778 43,943
Product development 3,540 3,026 64,371 50,984
Wholesale 1,864 2,999 21,342 9,635
Retail 2,277 4,765 –486 8,032
Operating profit 24,513 19,427 126,005 112,594

QUARTERLY DATA

Group
SEK thousands Q4
2010
Q3
2010
Q2
2010
Q1
2010
Q4
2009
Q3
2009
Q2
2009
Q1
2009
Net sales 115,893 170,998 100,770 148,379 102,247 155,162 97,832 164,674
Gross profit margin, % 56.3 52.6 55.1 51.6 55.7 50.8 50.9 49.3
Operating profit 24,513 51,516 13,939 36,037 19,427 43,454 12,131 37,582
Operating margin, % 21.2 30.1 13.8 24.3 19.0 28.0 12.4 22.8
Profit after financial items 24,150 49,772 14,644 35,429 19,712 40,830 11,871 39,245
Profit margin, % 20.8 29.1 14.5 23.9 19.3 26.3 12.1 23.8
Earnings per share, SEK 0.70 1.46 0.43 1.03 0.54 1.20 0.34 1.15
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 0.70 1.44 0.42 1.01 0.53 1.19 0.33 1.15
Number of Björn Borg stores 47 46 46 46 46 45 43 44
of which Björn Borg-owned stores 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11
Brand sales 428,234 506,572 338,253 460,156 410,053 * 501,629 * 358,037 * 602,183

*Because brand sales for the full-year 2009 have been changed to correct the previously reported figures, quarterly brand sales for 2009 have been updated. Previously reported figures: Q2 2009 = SEK 385,637,000, Q3 2009 = SEK 566,423,000, Q4 2009 = SEK 422,121,000

PARENT COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT

Condensed

SEK thousands Oct–Dec
2010
Oct–Dec
2009
Full-year
2010
Full-year
2009
Net sales 16,111 16,076 45,818 47,608
Cost of goods sold –140 5 –368 –2,407
Gross profit 15,971 16,081 45,450 45,201
Distribution expenses –10,100 –12,814 –44,742 –40,826
Administrative expenses –3,885 –4,928 –17,208 –15,702
Development expenses –1,554 –1,971 –6,883 –6,281
Operating profit/loss 432 –3,633 –23,383 –17,608
Dividend from subsidiary 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000
Net financial items –2,882 522 –7,829 1,975
Profit before tax 97,550 96,889 68,788 84,367
Appropriations 818 818
Tax 488 723 8 011 4 017
Profit for the period 98,856 97,612 77,617 88,383
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the period 98,856 97,612 77,617 88,383

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

Condensed
SEK thousands December 31
2010
December 31
2009
Non-current assets
Intangible non-current assets 1,686 1,694
Tangible non-current assets 2,830 4,238
Shares in Group companies 320,771 54,497
Total non-current assets 325,287 60,428
Current assets
Receivables from Group companies 47,801 88,903
Current receivables 4,597 5,703
Short-term investments 35,567
Cash & cash equivalents 181,742 287,657
Total current assets 269,707 382,263
Total assets 594,994 442,691
Equity and liabilities
Equity 189,174 214,738
Untaxed reserves 6,540 7,359
Due to Group companies 383,256 207,835
Accounts payable 2,913 1,840
Other current liabilities 13,111 10,919
Total equity and liabilities 594,994 442,691

PARENT COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Condensed

SEK thousands Full-year
2010
Full-year
2009
Opening balance 214,738 149,782
New share issues 2,966
Dividend –125,742 –37,589
Group contributions 30,611 15,191
Tax effect of Group contributions –8,050 –3,995
Total comprehensive income for the period 77,617 88,383
Closing balance 189,174 214,738

DEFINITIONS

Gross profi t margin

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

Operating margin

Operating profit as a percentage of net sales.

Profi t 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 (over a rolling 12-month period) plus financial expenses as a percentage of average capital employed.

Return on equity

Net profit (over a rolling 12-month period) 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 material risks and uncertainties faced by the Parent Company and the companies in the Group.

Stockholm, February 24, 2011

Fredrik Lövstedt Chairman

Nils Vinberg Vice Chairman

Monika Elling Board Member Kerstin Hessius Board Member

Fabian Månsson Board Member

Mats H Nilsson Board Member

Vilhelm Schottenius Board Member

Michael Storåkers Board Member

Arthur Engel President and CEO

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 2010 are estimated SEK 1.7 billion at the consumer level, excluding VAT. Group net sales amounted to SEK 536 million in 2010, with 100 employees at year-end. The Björn Borg share is listed on NASDAQ OMX Nordic, Mid Cap list, since May 7, 2007.

REVIEW REPORT

Introduction

We have reviewed the year-end report for Björn Borg AB (publ) for the period January 1 to December 31, 2010. 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 24, 2011 Deloitte AB

Håkan Pettersson Tommy Mårtensson Authorized Public Accountant Authorized Public Accountant

Upcoming information dates

Annual Report March 2011. The 2011 Annual General Meeting will be held on April 14, 2011. The interim report January–March 2011 will be released on May 4, 2011. The interim report January–June 2011 will be released on August 23, 2011. The interim report January–September 2011 will be released on November 10, 2011.

For further information, please contact: Arthur Engel, President and CEO, telephone +46 8 506 33 700 Magnus Teeling, 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 24, 2011 at 7:30 am (CET).

Talk to a Data Expert

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