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BTS Group

Quarterly Report Apr 29, 2009

3018_10-q_2009-04-29_09bc9326-3e88-49fa-8e58-24e1ec533f13.pdf

Quarterly Report

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BTS Group AB (publ)

Interim Report January 1 – March 31, 2009

BTS stands strong in a difficult market

  • Net sales increased by 12 percent during the first quarter and amounted to MSEK 137.4 (122.3). Adjusted for changes in exchange rates, growth was -9 percent.
  • Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) increased by 4 percent to MSEK 14.1 (13.5).
  • Profit before tax for the first quarter increased by 8 percent and amounted to MSEK 10.9 (10.1).
  • Profit after tax for the first quarter increased by 7 percent and amounted to MSEK 7.2 (6.7).
  • Earnings per share increased by 7 percent to SEK 0.40 (0.37)
  • Demand for training and consultancy services weakened during the first quarter compared to the previous year. Demand for BTS' services has been better than the market as a whole, apart from APG which continued to develop negatively during the first quarter. More positive trends were noted on the US' market at the end of the quarter.
  • An office was opened in Bangkok, Thailand.
  • New clients secured during the first quarter included Deloitte, Fabege, HSBC, Indra, LRF, McDonalds, Munters and Sodexo, among others.

Turnover

BTS' net turnover increased by 12 percent during the first quarter and amounted to MSEK 137.4 (122.3). Adjusted for changes in exchange rates, growth was -9 percent. Growth varied significantly among the units: BTS Other markets +22 percent, BTS Europe +/- 0 percent, BTS USA -8 percent and APG -27 percent (growth figure calculated using local currencies).

Earnings

Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) increased by 4 percent during the first quarter and amounted to MSEK 14.1 (13.5). Operating profit during the first quarter was affected by MSEK 2.8 (2.2) for amortization of intangible assets attributable to acquisitions. The increase is due to a higher dollar rate. Operating profit (EBIT) amounted to MSEK 11.3 (11.3).

The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 10 (11) percent. The operating margin (EBIT margin) was 8 (9) percent.

The Group's profit before tax for the first quarter increased by 8 percent to MSEK 10.9 (10.1).

Earnings were positively impacted by a higher dollar rate, improved earnings in Other markets and by an improved net interest earnings. Earnings were negatively impacted by deterioration in earnings in APG and BTS Europe.

Market development and BTS' recession strategy

Demand for training and consultancy services weakened during the first quarter compared to the previous year. Demand for BTS' services has been better than the market as a whole, apart from APG which also continued to develop negatively during the first quarter. APG has been more exposed to the deterioration in market conditions on account of its client and product mix.

Many of BTS' clients are significantly affected by the severe recession. But BTS stands strong in a difficult market and assess that it is in a much better position than its competitors, through a well-diversified customer base, an underweight of clients in the most exposed sectors, very competitive solutions as well as client projects of a strategic and long-term nature.

BTS has a small market share and the company sees good opportunities to increase this during the recession. BTS' recession strategy is based on:

  • focusing sales resources on clients and projects that are considered to represent continued opportunities for growth during the recession
  • adapting the offer to the market's partly altered demands
  • raising cost efficiency.

This strategy worked during 2008 and during the first quarter of 2009, when BTS is considered to have developed better that the total market.

More positive trends were noted on the US' market at the end of the first quarter.

BTS' offering has broadened considerably through product development and completed acquisitions and apart from world-leading business simulations also includes leading solutions within strategically important areas such as e.g. sales and management development and internet-based training solutions.

BTS offers the most comprehensive range of tailored simulation solutions on the market today, a well developed sales organization and at the same time, is the only company in the world that can serve large international companies on a global basis within this area. BTS to a greater extent, can satisfy existing clients' needs for additional solutions, which generates good growth opportunities both in the nearterm and long-term.

Assignments and new clients

New clients secured during the first quarter included Deloitte, Fabege, HSBC, Indra, LRF, McDonalds, Munters and Sodexo, among others.

Revenue development

Operative units

Jan-Mar rolling 12 month Full-year
2009 2008 2008/2009 2008
97.1 84.9 381.6 369.4
30.2 29.1 139.3 138.2
10.1 8.3 42.6 40.8
137.4 122.3 563.5 548.4
68.5 55.8 266.9 254.2
28.6 29.1 114.7 115.2
97.1 84.9 381.6 369.4
Operating profit before amortization of
intangible assets
(EBITA) per operative unit
Jan-Mar rolling 12 month Full-year
MSEK 2009 2008 2008/2009 2008
North America* 10.7 9.6 47.8 46.7
Europe 3.2 3.9 29.8 30.5
Other markets 0.2 0.0 2.8 2.6
Total 14.1 13.5 80.4 79.8
*North America
BTS 11.0 8.3 46.5 43.8
APG - 0.3 1.3 1.3 2.9
Total 10.7 9.6 47.8 46.7

North America

BTS

Net turnover for BTS' North American operations amounted to MSEK 68.5 (55.8) during the first quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue decreased by 8 percent. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 11.0 (8.3) during the first quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 16 (15) percent.

The deterioration in US' market conditions has impacted revenue in BTS USA negatively but the company is considered to have performed better that the market as a whole. More positive trends were noted on the market at the end of the quarter.

The operating margin increased due to increased cost efficiency, notwithstanding the negative growth.

APG

Net turnover for APG amounted to MSEK 28.6 (29.1) during the first quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue decreased by 27 percent. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK -0.3 (1.3) during the first quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was -1 (5) percent.

The deterioration in US' market conditions has had a significant adverse effect on APG on account of the company's client and product mix. An action program is carried out in order to raise the gross margin and reduce costs.

Europe

Net turnover for Europe amounted to MSEK 30.2 (29.1) during the first quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue was unchanged. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 3.2 (3.9) during the first quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 11 (13) percent.

The deterioration in market conditions has impacted revenue in BTS Europe negatively, but the outcome varies significantly among different markets. The decrease in the operating margin is due to an increase in the number of employees compared with the previous year.

Other markets

Net turnover for Other markets amounted to MSEK 10.1 (8.3) during the first quarter. Adjusted for currency effects, revenue increased by 22 percent. Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA) amounted to MSEK 0.2 (0.0) during the quarter. The operating margin before amortization of intangible assets (EBITA margin) was 2 (0) percent.

The trend in all markets (Australia, South Asia and South Africa) was positive during the first quarter.

An office was opened in Bangkok, Thailand.

Financial position

BTS' cash flow from operating activities amounted to MSEK -24.1 (-17.0) during the first quarter. The weak cash flow during the first quarter corresponds well with the seasonal variations of BTS' cash flow with a weaker first half year and a stronger second half year. The deterioration compared with the previous year relates exclusively to a decrease in current liabilities.

Cash and cash equivalents amounted to MSEK 44.9 (43.4) at the end of the period. The company's interest-bearing loans, which relate to previously completed acquisitions, amounted to MSEK 87.7 (74.4) at the end of the period. Loans denominated in Swedish kronor have increased due to the change in the dollar rate on December 31, 2008 compared with the previous year. No currency risk is considered to exist as amortization and interest payments are made with cash flow generated in the US.

BTS solidity was 62 (54) percent at the end of the period.

The company had no outstanding conversion loans at the balance sheet date.

Employees

The number of employees in BTS Group AB as of March 31 was 268 (243). The average number of employees during the first quarter was 267 (241).

The Parent Company

The Company's net turnover amounted to MSEK 1.3 (0.5) and the profit after net financial items amounted to MSEK 5.4 (0.7). Cash and cash equivalents amounted to MSEK 4.8 (0.9).

Outlook for 2009

The current market conditions mean that the estimates for 2009 are more uncertain than normal. Profit before tax is expected to be in line with the previous year.

Risks and uncertainties

BTS is exposed to a number of risks and uncertainties in it operations, which are mentioned in the Annual Report 2008. As of March 31, 2009, it is assessed that no new significant risks or uncertainties have arisen.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions

In order to prepare the financial statements in conformity with IFRS the Corporate Management is required make assessments and estimates and make assumptions that affect the application of the accounting principles and the recognized amounts of assets, liabilities, income and costs. The estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and a number of other factors that are regarded as reasonable under the existing circumstances. Actual outcomes can deviate from these estimates and assessments. Estimates and assumptions are reviewed regularly.

Accounting principles

This interim report is prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. The accounting principles and calculation methods applied are in line with the accounting principles used in the preparation of the most recent financial statements.

Revised IAS 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements has been applied from January 1, 2009. Among other things, the amendment means that income and expenses previously recognized as changes in equity now shall be recognized in a separate statement directly after the income statement. Another change is that new names for the financial statements can be used. BTS, however, has elected to use the old names as this amendment is not mandatory.

IFRS 8 – Operating Segments is effective for annual periods starting from January 1, 2009 but BTS has early adopted the standard. The new standard means that the segment information is presented on the basis of a management approach, which means that it is presented in the way used in the internal reporting. The application of IFRS 8 does not imply any difference in relation to classification of operating segments compared with previous reporting under IAS 14.

IFRS 2 (Amendment) – Share-Based Payments is applied from January 1, 2009. The amendment of the standard has not had any material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Future reporting dates

Interim Report Apr – Jun August 18, 2009 Interim Report Jul – Sep November 5, 2009 Year-end Report February, 2010

Stockholm, April 29, 2009

Henrik Ekelund CEO

This report has not been the subject of separate examination by BTS' auditor.

Contact information

Henrik Ekelund CEO Phone: 08-587 070 00
Stefan Brown
CFO
Phone: 08-587 070 62
Thomas Ahlerup Phone: 08-587 070 02
Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Mobile: 076-800 5755

For additional information visit: www.bts.com

BTS Group AB (publ) Grevgatan 34 114 53 Stockholm SWEDEN

Phone. +46 8 587 070 00
Fax. +46 8 587 070 01
Corporate registration number: 556566-7119
INCOME STATEMENT, Summary 3 months ended 12 months ended
KSEK Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Dec 31
2009 2008 2009 2008
Revenue 137,414 122,316 563,468 548,370
Operating expenses
Depreciation tangible assets
-122,492
-787
-108,324
-506
-480,350
-2,650
-466,183
-2,369
Amortization intangible assets -2,787 -2,226 -9,917 -9,356
Operating result 11,348 11,260 70,550 70,462
Financial income and expenses -455 -1,126 -2,205 -2,876
Result before tax 10,893 10,134 68,345 67,586
Taxes -3,717 -3,415 -22,850 -22,548
Result for the period 7,176 6,719 45,495 45,038
attributable to equity holders of the parent 7,176 6,719 45,495 45,038
Earnings per share, before dilution of shares, SEK 0.40 0.37 2.52 2.50
Number of shares at end of the period 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300
Average number of shares before dilution of shares 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300
Earnings per share, after dilution of shares, SEK 0.40 0.37 2.52 2.50
Average number of shares after dilution of shares
Proposed dividend per share
18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300 18,048,300
1.20
GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 3 months ended 12 months ended
KSEK Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Dec 31
2009 2008 2009 2008
Result for the period 7,176 6,719 45,495 45,038
Other comprehensive income:
Income/expenses in shareholders' equity - - - -
Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax - - - -
Total comprehensive income for the year 7,176 6,719 45,495 45,038
attributable to equity holders of the parent 7,176 6,719 45,495 45,038
BALANCE SHEET , Summary
KSEK
03/31/09 03/31/08 12/31/08
Assets
Goodwill 171,397 135,124 161,216
Other intangible assets 27,786 28,350 28,612
Tangible assets 9,624 5,381 8,727
Other fixed assets 4,946 4,149 5,003
Accounts receivable 124,730 108,835 147,184
Other current assets 49,089 29,481 34,904
Cash and bank 44,864 43,449 65,887
Total assets 432,436 354,769 451,533
Equity and liabilities
Equity 269,800 192,179 250,908
Interest bearing - non current liabilities 452 90 450
Non interest bearing - non current liabilities 157 - 166
Interest bearing - current liabilities 87,737 74,394 81,690
Non interest bearing - current liabilities 74,290 88,106 118,319
Total equity and liabilities 432,436 354,769 451,533
CASH FLOW STATEMENT, Summary
KSEK Jan-Mar Jan-Mar Jan-Dec
2009 2008 2008
Cash flow from current operations -24,056 -17,030 37,506
Cash flow from investment activities -1,205 -18,787 -28,572
Cash flow from financing operations 536 16,857 -15,967
Change in liquid funds -24,725 -18,960 -7,033
Liquid funds, opening balance 65,887 67,473 67,473
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash 3,702 -5,064 5,447
Liquid funds, closing balance 44,864 43,449 65,887
Total Equity Total Equity Total Equity
03/31/09 03/31/08 12/31/08
250,908 198,603 198,603
- - -21,658
11,605 -13,394 28,342
111 251 583
7,176 6,719 45,038
269,800 192,179 250,908
KEY RATIOS 3 months ended 12 months ended
Mar 31 Mar 31 Mar 31 Dec 31
2009 2008 2009 2008
Revenues, KSEK 137,414 122,316 563,468 548,370
EBITA (Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation),
KSEK 14,135 13,486 80,467 79,818
EBIT (Operating result), KSEK 11,348 11,260 70,550 70,462
EBITA margin (Earnings before interest, tax and
amortisation margin), % 10 11 14 15
EBIT margin (Operating margin ), % 8 9 13 13
Profit margin, % 5 5 8 8
Operational capital, KSEK 312,830 266,877
Return on equity, % 17 20
Return on operational capital, % 24 31
Solidity at end of the period, % 62 54 62 56
Cash flow, KSEK -24,725 -18,960 -12,798 -7,033
Liquid funds at end of the period, KSEK 44,864 43,449 44,864 65,887
Average number of employees 267 241 255 249
Number of employees at end of the period 268 243 268 267
Revenues for the year per employee, KSEK 2,210 2,202

DEFINITIONS

Earnings per share Earnings attributable to the parent company´s shareholders divided by number of shares EBITA margin (Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation margin) Operating result before interest, tax and amortisation as a percentage of revenues. EBIT margin (Operating margin) Operating result after depreciation as a percentage of revenues. Profit margin Result for the period as a percentage of revenues. Operational capital Total balance sheet reduced by liquid funds and other interest bearing assets and reduced by non-interest bearing liabilities. Return on equity Result for the period (converted into whole year) as a percentage of average equity. Return on operational capital Operating result as a percentage of average operational capital. Solidity Equity as a percentage of total balance sheet. Organic growth Growth excluding aquisition

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