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Björn Borg

Quarterly Report Nov 12, 2009

3142_10-q_2009-11-12_793bbf80-c807-4550-87db-30bfbbddb59c.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Aggressive investment in product development and exports

July 1 – September 30, 2009

  • •Brand sales (excluding VAT) increased by 1 percent to SEK 566 million (563).
  • •The Group's net sales decreased by 3 percent to SEK 155.2 million (160.8).
  • •The gross profit margin decreased to 50.8 percent (54.1).
  • •Operating profit decreased to SEK 43.5 million (49.7).
  • •Profit after tax decreased to SEK 30.1 million (37.6).
  • •Earnings per share decreased to SEK 1.20 (1.50). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.19 (1.50).
  • •Distribution agreements in Portugal and Chile.
  • •The Board of Directors of Björn Borg has established new financial objectives for operations, which will apply during the period 2010–2014.

January 1 – September 30, 2009

  • Brand sales (excluding VAT) increased by 4 percent to SEK 1,554 million (1,495).
  • The Group's net sales increased by 6 percent to SEK 417.7 million (395.3).
  • The gross profit margin decreased to 50.2 percent (53.7).
  • Operating profit decreased to SEK 93.2 million (102.7).
  • Profit after tax decreased to SEK 67.4 million (76.4).
  • Earnings per share decreased to SEK 2.68 (3.05). Fully diluted earnings per share amounted to SEK 2.68 (3.04).

Comment from the President

"Sales during the third quarter reflect the continued tough market climate, but our profit shows that we have good control over costs. Within the company we are working intensely to further improve and strengthen Björn Borg's product development and distribution," says Arthur Engel.

July–Sept July–Sept Jan–Sept Jan–Sept Oct 2008– Full-year
SEK million 2009 2008 2009 2008 Sept 2009 2008
Brand sales* 566 563 1,554 1,495 2,030 1,971
Net sales 155.2 160.8 417.7 395.3 548.9 526.6
Gross profit margin, % 50.8 54.1 50.2 53.7 51.1 53.8
Operating profit 43.5 49.7 93.2 102.7 119.2 128.8
Operating margin, % 28.0 30.9 22.3 26.0 21.7 24.5
Profit after tax 30.1 37.6 67.4 76.4 90.2 99.2
Earnings per share, SEK 1.20 1.50 2.68 3.05 3.60 3.96
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1.19 1.50 2.68 3.04 3.60 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

After a year as president of Björn Borg, I feel that our operations are transparent and that the organization which will develop the brand and operations is largely in place. At the same time we have evaluated all our distributors and partners to create the right conditions for a strong, long-term growth. As a result, several new distribution agreements have been signed at the same time that several others have been terminated.

Third-quarter results remained stable, partially helped by currency changes. We have good control over costs, despite the aggressive investments we are making.

Distribution

During the year Björn Borg signed new distribution agreements in Greece, Italy, Germany and, during the third quarter, Portugal and Chile. I would again stress that it takes time to reach a significant volume in new markets, but we are very pleased with the cooperations we have now established.

Björn Borg wants to develop in the US, but we won't do it on our own. We are therefore reducing our operations in the US, but will continue to supply the key customers we already have as well as sell through our web shop. We are now holdings discussions with various American parties to see if we can find a longterm solution. We believe that Björn Borg, with an established external partner, has greater prospects of sustainable growth and profitability in the US market, with limited risk.

Product development

Although we expect the market climate to remain challenging, the product launches we are preparing for next year have received a positive response from Björn Borg's partners. It is still too early, however, to draw any conclusions what it could mean in terms of sales. Underwear for kids is a new product group Björn Borg will be adding going forward. Pre-orders are being taken right now for the market launch in the second quarter of 2010, with a sneak preview planned just before the Christmas holiday this year.

In summary, I would say that sales to date reflect the market climate. Nevertheless, we are pleased with the third quarter's results, not least the initiatives that are under way to create a Björn Borg that is the "champion in fashion underwear."

Arthur Engel President

Operations

Brand sales

Brand sales (excluding VAT) amounted to SEK 566 million (563) during the third quarter, an increase of 1 percent compared with the same quarter of 2008. During the first nine months of the year brand sales amounted to SEK 1,544 million (1,493), an increase of 4 percent.

Product areas during the first nine months

Brand sales in the underwear product area rose by 2 percent during the first nine months compared with the same period in 2008. The same increase was reported for adjacent products. Sales in the footwear product area increased as a whole by 26 percent during the period following a major gain during the first quarter and slightly weaker second and third quarters. Sales of licensed bags and fragrances were largely unchanged, while licensed eyewear sales decreased. Underwear accounted for 59 percent of brand sales during the first nine months of the year.

Markets during the first nine months

Brand sales in new markets continued to rise during the first nine months of the year, though from low levels. Established markets underperformed. The Netherlands noted a slight sales increase during the first nine months, mainly in the underwear product area. The Nordic markets as a whole posted a negative sales trend for the period, with a recovery in Sweden and Denmark during the third quarter.

Björn Borg stores

Two new Björn Borg stores were opened in Belgium. At the end of the period there were 45 (41) Björn Borg stores, of which 10 (11) are Group-owned. During the fourth quarter a franchise store will be opening in Helsingborg, Sweden.

The Group's development

Sales and operating profit decreased somewhat during the third quarter.

Quarterly net sales and operating profit

Net sales

Third quarter, July-September 2009

Group sales during the third quarter amounted to SEK 155,2 million (160,8), a decrease of 3 percent. The volume decreased during the quarter, which was compensated by a higher U.S dollar rate.

The nine-month period January-September 2009

Group sales during the nine-month period amounted to SEK 417.7 million (395.3), an increase of 6 percent mainly due to the positive effect of the higher dollar exchange rate and higher footwear exports.

Profit

Third quarter, July-September 2009

The gross profit margin decreased during the third quarter to 50.8 percent (54.1) due to the higher dollar exchange rate and a slight decrease in Swedish distribution.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 43.5 million (49.7) during the quarter with an operating margin of 28.0 percent (30.9). Profit before tax decreased during the period to SEK 40.8 million (52.3).

Operating profit was adversely affected by both lower sales and a lower gross profit in distribution operations. The higher dollar exchange rate as a whole had a slightly positive effect on operating profit. Investments in the US market were in line with the same quarter of 2008. Due to a cost efficient marketing and selling approach, operating expenses were lower than the same quarter a year earlier.

The nine-month period January-September 2009

The gross profit margin decreased during the nine-month period to 50.2 percent (53.7). Operating profit amounted to SEK 93.2 million (102.7) with an operating margin of 22.3 percent (26.0). Profit before tax declined during the period to SEK 91.9 million (106.1). Operating expenses as a share of net sales remained fairly constant at 27.9 percent (27.8). The main reason for the lower gross profit margin was the stronger dollar 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 US.

As of September 30, 2009 the company had 25,148,384 shares outstanding. Earnings per share before and after dilution amounted to SEK 2.68 (3.05) and SEK 2.68 (3.04), respectively.

Development by business segment

The Group comprises of 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 during the nine-month period reached SEK 104.8 million (97.3), an increase of 8 percent, which was mainly due to higher internal sales, though also to a lesser degree to increased brand sales.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 35.3 million (31.3) for the period, an increase by 13 percent. Profit was affected positively by higher sales in the network.

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 277.4 million (248.8) during the nine-month period, an increase of 12 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 entire period January–September 2009.

Operating profit increased to SEK 48.0 million (38.8) as a result of the increased exports and stronger dollar.

SEK thousands Jan–Sept 2009 Jan–Sept 2008 Jan–Sept 2009 Jan–Sept 2008 Jan–Sept 2009 Jan–Sept 2008
Operating area Revenue source Sales Sales Operating profit Operating profit Operating margin Operating margin
Brand and other Royalties and services 104,776 97,300 35,304 31,255 34% 32%
Product development Products 277,434 248,784 47,959 38,763 17% 16%
Distribution Wholesale sales 147,880 149,084 6,636 29,489 4% 20%
Retail Retailers 38,756 37,716 3,267 3,196 8% 8%
Less internal sales –151,178 –137,561
Total 417,668 395,323 93,166 102,702 22% 26%

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 1 percent during the period to SEK 147.9 million (149.1). This was mainly due to a decline in Swedish underwear distribution.

Operating profit amounted to SEK 6.6 million (29.5). The decrease was mainly due to marketing investments in the US, 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 38.8 million (37.7) during the nine-month period, an increase of 3 percent. Sales also rose by 3 percent for the quarter for comparable stores. Operating profit increased to SEK 3.3 million (3.2) due to the higher sales, but with a slightly lower gross profit margin.

Intra-Group sales

Intra-Group sales amounted to SEK 151.2 million (137.6) during the period.

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 57.7 million (32.8) for the period January–September 2009. The positive effect on working capital was offset, however, by reduced accounts payable owing to earlier shipments to a distributor.

Total investments in tangible and intangible non-current assets amounted to SEK 2.5 million (4.9) for the period January-September 2009, the large part of which was attributable to a new enterprise system.

For the period January–September 2009, cash & cash equivalents increased by SEK 20.6 million (–8.3).

Financial position and liquidity

The Björn Borg Group's cash & cash equivalents (net cash position) amounted to SEK 262.1 million (179.1) at the end of the period. The equity/assets ratio was 75.7 percent (68.5). The company has no interest-bearing liabilities.

During the period January–September 2009 net financial items were affected negatively by translation differences for operations in the U.S. and lower interest rates on savings balances compared with the same period last year.

Financial objectives

The Board of Directors of Björn Borg has established new financial objectives for operations, which will apply during the period 2010–2014. Björn Borg will generate:

  • 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. During the beginning of the period, sales growth could fall 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 annually expected to fall in the range of 2–5 percent of net sales depending on the addition of any new concept stores.

Commitments and contingent liabilities

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

Personnel

The average number of employees in the Group for the period January–September was 93 (86), of whom 58 were women.

Events after the balance sheet date

There are no significant events to report following the conclusion of the report period.

Number of shares

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

Nomination Committee

In accordance with the resolution of the Annual General Meeting, Björn Borg's Nomination Committee shall consist of the Chairman of the Board and one representative from each of the company's three largest shareholders measured in terms of voting rights as of August 31, 2009. Björn Borg's Nomination Committee for the Annual General Meeting 2010 is as follows: Fredrik Lövstedt, Chairman of the Board

Martin Bjäringer, who represents himself as a shareholder Åsa Nisell, who represents the Swedbank Robur funds

Stefan Roos, who represents the SEB funds

Martin Bjäringer has been appointed the Chairman of the Nomination Committee.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting for the financial year 2009 will be held in Stockholm on April 15, 2010.

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 third quarter amounted to SEK 11.1 million (14.3). During the period January–September the Parent Company's net sales amounted to SEK 31.5 million (28.0). The loss before tax amounted to SEK 0.9 million for the third quarter, against a year-earlier loss of SEK 1.3 million. For the period January–September the Parent Company reported a loss before tax of SEK 12.5 million, compared with a year-earlier loss of SEK 15.9 million. Cash & cash equivalents amounted to SEK 174.8 million (112.3) on September 30. For the period January– September investments in tangible and intangible non-current assets amounted to SEK 1.5 million (0.6).

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.

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.

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 statement of 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 significant impact on the financial position or results of the Group or the Parent Company.

Outlook 2009

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

Audit report

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

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income Condensed

SEK thousands July–Sept
2009
July–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2009
Jan–Sept
2008
Oct 2008–
Sept 2009
Full-year
2008
Net sales 155,162 160,762 417,668 395,323 548,901 526,556
Cost of goods sold –76,403 –73,793 –207,937 –182,856 –268,139 –243,058
Gross profit 78,759 86,969 209,730 212,467 280,761 283,498
Distribution expenses –23,243 –25,881 –77,634 –74,135 –109,001 –105,380
Administrative expenses –8,752 –8,501 –29,052 –26,819 –39,167 –37,133
Development expenses –3,311 –2,899 –9,877 –8,811 –13,377 –12,234
Operating profits 43,454 49,688 93,166 102,702 119,215 128,751
Net financial items –2,624 2,589 –1,220 3,427 1,424 6,071
Profit before tax 40,830 52,277 91,946 106,129 120,639 134,822
Tax –10,747 –14,638 –24,538 –29,716 –30,442 –35,620
Profit for the period 30,083 37,639 67,408 76,413 90,197 99,202
Profit/loss attributable to
Parent Company's shareholders 30,078 37,618 67,380 76,400 90,190 99,210
Minority interests 5 21 28 13 7 –8
Other comprehensive income
Translation adjustments for foreign operations 467 943 –43 –536
Total comprehensive income for the period 30,550 37,639 68,351 76,370 90,197 98,666
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to
Parent Company's shareholders 30,545 37,618 68,323 76,357 90,190 98,674
Minority interests 5 21 28 13 7 –8
Earnings per share, SEK 1.20 1.50 2.68 3.05 3.60 3.96
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1.19 1.50 2.68 3.04 3.60 3.96
Number of shares 25,148,384 25,041,584 25,148,384 25,041,584 25,148,384 25,059,184
Weighted average number of shares 25,148,384 25,041,584 25,098,828 25,039,028 25,059,284 25,041,134
Effect of dilution* 192,163 25,808 63,166 52,554 34,366
Weighted average number of shares after full dilution 25,340,547 25,067,392 25,161,994 25,091,582 25,059,284 25,075,500

* Björn Borg has two outstanding incentive programs based on warrants in Björn Borg AB: option schemes 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 Sept 30
2009
Sept 30
2008
Dec 31
2008
Non-current assets
Goodwill 13,944 13,944 13,944
Trademarks 187,532 187,532 187,532
Other intangible assets 1,843 2,850 1,696
Tangible non-current assets 12,061 17,181 15,366
Total non-current assets 215,379 221,507 218,538
Current assets
Inventories, etc. 31,654 34,147 33,752
Current receivables 81,704 124,923 106,197
Cash & cash equivalents 262,100 179,109 241,498
Total current assets 375,458 338,178 381,447
Total assets 590,837 559,685 599,985
Equity and liabilities
Equity 447,533 383,110 413,803
Deferred tax liabilities 36,720 31,667 32,884
Other non-current liabilities 42,371 48,240 46,816
Accounts payable 9,116 45,941 45,489
Other current liabilities 55,097 50,727 60,993
Total equity and liabilities 590,837 559,685 599,985

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Condensed
SEK thousands Jan–Sept
2009
Jan–Sept
2008
Full-year
2008
Opening balance 413,803 342,943 342,943
Incentive programs 1,242 9,055
New share issues 2,968 110 694
Dividend –37,589 –37,555 –37,555
Total comprehensive income for the period 68,351 76,370 98,666
Closing balance 447,533 383,110 413,803

Consolidated statement of cash flows

Condensed
July–Sept July–Sept Jan–Sept Jan–Sept Full-year
SEK thousands 2009 2008 2009 2008 2008
Cash flow from operating activities
Before change in working capital 34,090 36,197 73,093 74,603 123,214
Change in working capital –11,711 –29,646 –15,387 –41,814 –36,260
Cash flow from operating activities 22,379 6,551 57,706 32,789 86,954
Cash flow from investing activities –236 –3,733 –2,482 –4,900 –5,073
Dividend –37,589 –37,555 –37,555
Incentive programs/new share issues 1,242 2,968 1,352 9,749
Cash flow from financing activities 1,242 –34,621 –36,203 –27,806
Cash flow for the period 22,143 4,060 20,602 –8,314 54,075
Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period 239,957 175,049 241,498 187,423 187,423
Cash & cash equivalents at end of period 262,100 179,109 262,100 179,109 241,498

Key figures Group

July–Sept July–Sept Jan–Sept Jan–Sept Oct 2008– Full-year
SEK thousands 2009 2008 2009 2008 Sept 2009 2008
Gross profit margin, % 50.8 54.1 50.2 53.7 51.1 53.8
Operating margin, % 28.0 30.9 22.3 26.0 21.7 24.5
Profit margin, % 26.3 32.5 22.0 26.8 22.0 25.6
Return on capital employed, % 8.4 11.5 17.9 24.5 26.0 28.8
Return on average equity, % 7.6 10.4 17.0 21.0 21.7 26.2
Profit attributable to Parent Company's shareholders 30,078 37,619 67,380 76,400 90,190 99,210
Earnings per share, SEK* 1.20 1.50 2.68 3.05 3.60 3.96
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1.19 1.50 2.68 3.04 3.60 3.96
Number of shares 25,148,384 25,041,584 25,148,384 25,041,584 25,148,384 25,059,184
Weighted average number of shares 25,148,384 25,041,584 25,098,828 25,039,028 25,059,284 25,041,134
Effect of dilution 192,163 25,808 63,166 52,554 34,366
Weighted average number of shares after dilution 25,340,547 25,067,392 25,161,994 25,091,582 25,059,284 25,075,500
Equity/assets ratio, % 75.7 68.5 75.7 68.5 75.7 69.0
Equity per share, SEK 17.80 15.30 17.80 15.30 17.80 16.51
Investments in intangible assets 158 2,200 1,419 2,200 1,419 2,200
Investments in tangible assets 78 1,533 1,063 2,700 1,236 2,873
Depreciation and impairment losses for the period –1,703 –1,389 –5,662 –3,741 –8,897 –6,976
Average number of employees 93 86 93 86 95 88

Summary by segment

Group
SEK thousands July–Sept
2009
July–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2009
Jan–Sept
2008
Oct 2008–
Sept 2009
Full-year
2008
Operating revenue
Brand and other
External sales 13,856 19,241 44,226 44,588 56,910 57,272
Internal sales 22,577 24,124 60,550 52,713 92,857 85,020
36,433 43,365 104,776 97,300 149,767 142,292
Product development
External sales 75,334 76,289 211,343 184,242 277,708 250,608
Internal sales 23,445 31,705 66,091 64,542 88,128 86,579
98,779 107,994 277,434 248,784 365,836 337,187
Distribution
External sales 49,689 49,479 123,344 128,783 158,215 163,655
Internal sales 11,449 9,772 24,536 20,301 37,548 33,312
61,138 59,251 147,880 149,084 195,763 196,967
Retail
External sales 16,283 15,753 38,756 37,710 56,067 55,021
Internal sales 6 6 6
16,283 15,759 38,756 37,716 56,067 55,027
Less internal sales –57,472 –65,606 –151,178 –137,561 –218,533 –204,916
Operating revenue 155,162 160,762 417,668 395,323 548,900 526,556
Operating profit
Brand and other 16,367 17,690 35,304 31,255 46,705 42,656
Product development 15,467 17,095 47,959 38,763 59,205 50,009
Distribution 8,905 12,082 6,636 29,489 4,622 27,475
Retail 2,713 2,820 3,267 3,196 8,683 8,611
Operating profit 43,453 49,688 93,166 102,702 119,214 128,751

Quarterly data

Group Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q2 Q1 Q4 SEK thousands 2009 2009 2009 2008 2008 2008 2008 2007 Brand sales 566,423 385,637 602,183 475,378 562,835 381,246 551,062 520,690 Net sales 155,162 97,832 164,674 131,233 160,762 95,813 138,748 139,795 Gross profit margin, % 50.8 50.9 49.3 54.1 54.1 55.9 51.9 53.8 Operating profit 43,454 12,131 37,582 26,049 49,688 16,493 36,521 42,258 Operating margin, % 28.0 12.4 22.8 19.8 30.9 17.2 26.3 30.2 Profit after financial items 40,830 11,871 39,245 28,693 52,277 16,594 37,258 42,719 Profit margin, % 26.3 12.1 23.8 21.9 32.5 17.3 26.9 30.6 Earnings per share, SEK 1.20 0.34 1.15 0.91 1.50 0.48 1.07 1.22 Earnings per share after dilution, SEK 1.19 0.33 1.15 0.91 1.50 0.48 1.07 1.22 Number of Björn Borg stores at end of period 45 43 44 44 41 39 36 36 of which Björn Borg-owned stores 10 10 11 11 11 10 10 10

Parent Company income statement

Condensed
SEK thousands July–Sept
2009
July–Sept
2008
Jan–Sept
2009
Jan–Sept
2008
Oct 2008–
Sept 2009
Full-year
2008
Net sales 11,093 14,333 31,533 28,032 54,130 50,630
Cost of goods sold –7 –1,906 –2,413 –3,556 –5,831 –6,975
Gross profit 11,087 12,427 29,120 24,476 48,299 43,655
Distribution expenses –7,934 –9,052 –28,012 –26,421 –41,826 –40,235
Administrative expenses –3,052 –3,482 –10,774 –10,162 –16,087 –15,475
Development expenses –1,221 –1,393 –4,310 –4,065 –6,435 –6,190
Operating profit/loss –1,120 –1,500 –13,975 –16,171 –16,049 –18,245
Net financial items 202 230 1,452 318 2,850 1,716
Profit/loss before tax –918 –1,270 –12,522 –15,853 –13,198 –16,529
Appropriations – 104 –104
Tax 241 356 3,293 4,439 3,499 4,424
Profit/loss for the period –676 –915 –9,229 –11,414 –9,804 –12,209

Parent Company balance sheet Condensed

Sept 30 Sept 30 Dec 31
SEK thousands 2009 2008 2008
Non-current assets
Intangible non-current assets 1,330
Tangible non-current assets 4,390 5,787 5,543
Shares in Group companies 54,497 54,497 54,497
Total non-current assets 60,217 60,284 60,040
Current assets
Receivables from Group companies 34,027 59,411 59,551
Current receivables 11,070 12,412 11,394
Cash & cash equivalents 174,766 112,278 220,348
Total current assets 219,863 184,101 291,292
Total assets 280,080 244,385 351,333
Equity and liabilities
Equity 105,952 139,859 154,206
Untaxed reserves 7,359 7,254 7,359
Due to Group companies 156,098 84,197 173,048
Accounts payable 3,458 7,689 7,713
Other current liabilities 7,213 5,386 9,008
Total equity and liabilities 280,080 244,385 351,333

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 2008 amounted to approximately SEK 2 billion at the consumer level. Group net sales amounted to SEK 527 million in 2008, with 88 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 interim report for the nine-month period 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, November 12, 2009

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 interim report for Björn Borg AB (publ) for the period January 1, 2009 to September 30, 2009. The Board of Directors and the President are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this interim 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 interim 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, November 12, 2009 Deloitte AB

Authorized Public Accountant Authorized Public Accountant

Håkan Pettersson Tommy Mårtensson

Upcoming information dates:

The year-end report for 2009 will be released on February 11, 2010. The Annual General Meeting will be held on April 15, 2010. The interim report January–March 2010 will be released on May 6, 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 November 12, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. (CET).

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