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

Dustin Group

Annual Report Oct 18, 2017

3036_10-k_2017-10-18_6880dab0-c314-41ea-bcd0-04516baaf9dd.pdf

Annual Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Year-end report September 2016-August 2017

Fourth quarter

  • Net sales for the quarter rose 15.9 per cent to SEK 2,262 million (1,952).
  • Organic growth in fixed exchange rates was 12.2 per cent (10.2).
  • The gross margin amounted to 14.3 per cent (15.3).
  • Adjusted EBITA increased to SEK 92 million (81).
  • EBIT totalled SEK 74 million (65).
  • Items affecting comparability amounted to a negative SEK 1 million (-).
  • Profit for the quarter totalled SEK 48 million (25).
  • Earnings per share before dilution, including discontinued operations, amounted to SEK 0.64 (0.33). Earnings per share after dilution, including discontinued operations, amounted to SEK 0.63 (0.33).
  • Cash flow from operating activities was a negative SEK 14 million (neg: 75).

September 2016-August 2017

  • Net sales for the period rose 12.1 per cent to SEK 9,306 million (8,301).
  • Organic growth in fixed exchange rates was 8.6 per cent (4.4).
  • The gross margin amounted to 14.8 per cent (15.0).
  • Adjusted EBITA rose to SEK 426 million (390).
  • EBIT increased to SEK 349 million (324).
  • Items affecting comparability amounted to a negative SEK 7 million (neg: 5).
  • Profit for the period totalled SEK 239 million (225).
  • Earnings per share before dilution, including discontinued operations, amounted to SEK 3.14 (2.95). Earnings per share after dilution, including discontinued operations, amounted to SEK 3.13 (2.95).
  • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 214 million (447).
  • Net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA was 2.3 (2.1).
  • The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 2.80 (2.40) per share, corresponding to SEK 213 million (183).

Financial key ratios

All amounts in SEK million, unless otherwise Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
indicated 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Net sales 2,262.4 1.951.8 9.306.2 8.300.8
Organic sales growth (%) 12.2 10.2 8.6 4.4
Gross margin (%) 14.3 15.3 14.8 15.0
Adjusted EBITA 91.9 80.7 426.1 389.6
Adjusted EBITA margin (%) 4.1 4.1 4.6 4.7
EBIT 73.7 64.7 349.5 323.5
Profit for the period 48.4 25.1 239.1 224.9
Earnings per share, including discontinued
operations, before dilution, (SEK)
0.64 0.33 3.14 2.95
Earnings per share, including discontinued
operations, after dilution, (SEK)
0.63 0.33 3.13 2.95
Cash flow from operating activities $-13.6$ $-74.8$ 213.6 447.2
Net debt/adjusted EBITDA (multiple)* 2.3 2.1
Return on equity (%) 16.1 15.8
For definitions, see page 25.

Strong sales growth and earnings performance

We concluded the financial year with a robust sales growth of 16 per cent at the same time as adjusted EBITA increased by 14 per cent, despite challenging comparative figures. Sales performance was positive for all customer groups in the B2B segment and we delivered large volumes of computers, mobile phones and tablets during the quarter. Our assessment is that Dustin is gaining significant market shares in our addressable market.

Robust sales growth

Total sales growth in the fourth quarter amounted 15.9 per cent, of which an organic growth of 12.2 per cent. Growth was strong within the entire B2B segment, both to the small and medium-sized business customer group and to the large companies and the public sector customer group. Overall sales in the B2B segment rose 13.8 per cent organically.

Sales mix impacted gross margin

The gross margin in the quarter was 14.3 per cent (15.3). The change was attributable to a high share of client sales (computers, mobile phones and tablets) with a lower margin Further, a continuing high share of sales to the large companies and the public sector customer group under new framework agreements with initially lower profitability has affected the quarter. The gross margin in the small and medium-sized business customer group strengthened slightly, mainly as a result of completed acquisitions with a larger share of more advanced products and services.

Strong earnings performance

Adjusted EBITA for the quarter increased 14 per cent to SEK 92 million (81), corresponding to an adjusted EBITA margin of 4.1 per cent (4.1). EBITA was impacted positively by an increase in sales and higher gross profit. Operating expenses increased compared with the year-earlier quarter, as a result of a continued focus on private label products and services sales with a higher margin.

Complementary acquisitions

We intend to continue expanding our portfolio of advanced products and services, and to continuously seek potential acquisition candidates to complement and strengthen our existing operations. Our aim is to add three to five acquisitions per year.

After the end of the quarter, we acquired Danish Norrig's business area for hosting and outsourcing of IT services, as well as signed an agreement to acquire Norwegian Core

Services, which is one of the leading players in the new generation data center solutions. The acquisitions give us cutting edge expertise in hosting solutions together with data centers, IT infrastructure and security solutions as well as a broader customer base in the core small and medium-sized business segment in the Danish and Norwegian markets.

New CEO of Dustin

As we have announced earlier, I will leave my assignment at Dustin at the turn of the year. At the beginning of October, the Board appointed Thomas Ekman as new President and CEO. He starts his assignment on January 1, 2018 and I feel confident to hand over to Thomas who will lead the continued journey in line with Dustin's strategy.

The Board's dividend proposal

The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 2.80 (2.40) per share, corresponding to a total divided of SEK 213 million (183), which is in line with our dividend policy to distribute more than 70 per cent of net profit. Our net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA was 2.3 at the end of the period and is in the lower range of our financial target for net debt (2.0-3.0). This provides us with good opportunities for both organic and acquired growth and will enable a continued positive dividend trend over the coming years.

Favourable market position

We conclude the year in strong fashion and summarize the fiscal year with a growth well on par with our financial target of an organic growth of 8 per cent over a business cycle. We feel secure in our ability to, over time, maintain an organic growth rate in line with our financial targets.

During the financial year, Dustin strengthened its position as the leading e-retailer in the Nordic region's B2B market, by continuously refining our attractive product and service offering and increasing online sales.

We stand by our medium term target to achieve an adjusted EBITA margin of 5-6 percent, supported by acquisitions and our initiatives on the service side as well as an increasing share of private label products.

Nacka, October 2017

Georgi Ganev, CEO

Dustin in brief

Dustin is a leading Nordic IT reseller, with a wide range of hardware, software and related services and solutions. Our centralised warehouse and efficient logistics platform ensure fast and reliable delivery. The addition of high-level IT expertise and competitive prices enables us to meet the needs of primarily small and medium-sized businesses, but also large businesses, the public sector and the B2C market.

Dustin employs a multichannel model where the majority of sales take place online, supplemented by relationshipbased and consultative sales over the telephone or through customer visits. Dustin conducts operations in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway through two business segments: B2B (the business-to-business market) and B2C (the business-to-consumer market). These segments are in turn supported by several scalable and shared central functions, including the online platform, purchasing, warehousing and logistics, pricing, marketing, IT and HR.

Dustin is well positioned in the market, where an evergreater share of sales of products and basic services takes place online, thanks to its efficient online platform and focus on small and medium-sized business, a group of customers that is more flexible and growing rapidly. We see increasing demand for advanced services as requests for mobility and accessibility grow. By combining products and services into integrated solutions, and by adding more advanced services through acquisitions, Dustin is continually expanding its customer offering and is able to meet an ever-greater share of its customers' IT needs in accordance with its vision. Our offering encompasses services and solutions in areas including "Clients", "Infrastructure", "Software", "Mobility" and "Print".

Dustin Group AB is a Swedish public limited company with its head office in Nacka Strand outside Stockholm. The share was listed in the Mid Cap segment on Nasdag Stockholm on February 13, 2015.

Footnote: The distribution between online and offline as well as the geographical split between countries refers to fiscal year 2016/17.

Financial overview

Income statement items and cash flows are compared with the year-earlier periods. Balance-sheet items pertain to the position at the end of the period and are compared with the corresponding year-earlier date. The quarter refers to June 2017-August 2017.

Fourth quarter

Net sales

Net sales for the quarter rose 15.9 per cent to SEK 2,262 million (1,952), with very strong sales in both the small and medium-sized businesses customer group and the large companies and the public sector customer group. Organic growth in fixed exchange rates increased to 12.2 per cent $(10.2)$ .

Gross profit

During the quarter, gross profit rose SEK 27 million, corresponding to 8.9 per cent, to SEK 325 million (298). The gross margin was 14.3 per cent (15.3), a decrease mainly attributable to a changed product mix with a larger share of client sales with lower margins in the entire B2B segment, and a continuing high share of sales to the large companies customer group under new framework agreements with initially lower profitability.

Adjusted EBITA

Adjusted EBITA for the quarter increased 13.9 per cent to SEK 92 million (81). The adjusted EBITA margin was unchanged at 4.1 per cent (4.1), impacted by a lower gross margin and a slightly higher cost level resulting from continuing investments in the service offering and private label products. Adjusted EBITA includes earnings from discontinued operations, but excludes items affecting comparability, which are specified in Note 4 Items affecting comparability. For a comparison of adjusted EBITA and EBIT, see Note 2 Segments.

EBIT

EBIT for continuing operations amounted to SEK 74 million (65). EBIT includes items affecting comparability amounting to a negative SEK 1 million (-), which for the quarter pertains to acquisition-related costs. See Note 4 Items affecting comparability.

Financial items

Financial expenses amounted to SEK 11 million (29), with the costs for the quarter primarily pertaining to borrowing costs totalling SEK 10 million (8) for external financing. Financial expenses in the comparative period included negative currency effects related to external financing totalling SEK 21 million. The corresponding currency effects for this quarter were reported in other comprehensive income since the hedging of net investments in foreign subsidiaries has been applied as of the first quarter of 2016/17.

Financial income amounted to SEK 0.3 million (0.5).

Tax

The tax expense for the quarter was SEK 15 million (10), corresponding to an effective tax rate for continuing operations of 23.1 per cent, compared with 29.0 per cent in the year-earlier period.

Profit for the quarter

Profit for the quarter, including discontinued operations, totalled SEK 48 million (25). Discontinued operations had no impact on profit during the quarter but amounted to a negative SEK 0.4 million in the year-earlier quarter. Earnings per share, including discontinued operations, amounted to SEK 0.64 (0.33) before dilution and SEK 0.63 (0.33) after dilution.

Cash flow

Cash flow for the quarter was a negative SEK 24 million (neg: 91).

Cash flow from operating activities was a negative SEK 14 million (neg: 75). This was primarily the result of negative changes in working capital of SEK 92 million (neg: 166) The change in working capital is due to lower accounts payable at the end of the quarter. For further information regarding working capital, refer to the Net working capital section.

Cash flow from investing activities amounted to a negative SEK 10 million (neg: 14) and mainly pertained to the settlement purchase consideration regarding the acquisition of Saldab IT amounting to SEK 4 million. Investments in tangible and intangible assets amounted to a negative SEK 5 million (neg: 5), of which a negative SEK 3 million (neg: 3) pertained to IT development.

Cash flow from financing activities amounted to a negative SEK 0.4 million (neg: 2) and pertained to cash flow from changes to financial leasing liabilities during the quarter.

Significant events in the fourth quarter Dustin conducts CEO replacement

Dustin announced on June 26 that President and CEO Georgi Ganev will be stepping down from his position. Georgi Ganev remains in his role until Thomas Ekman assumes the position as new President and CEO on January 1, 2018. Thomas Ekman joins from Cabonline Group where he has had the role as CEO and has before that, inter alia, been CEO of Tele2 Sweden and is today member of the board of directors of Com Hem.

Period September 1, 2016-August 31, 2017 Net sales

Net sales for the year rose 12.1 per cent to SEK 9,306 million (8,301), with strong sales in both the large companies and the public sector customer group and the small and medium-sized businesses customer group. Organic growth in fixed exchange rates was 8.6 per cent $(4.4).$

Gross profit

Gross profit rose SEK 133 million, corresponding to 10.7 per cent, to SEK 1,380 million (1,246). The gross margin was 14.8 per cent (15.0), which reflected the fact that the positive impact of earlier acquisitions with a higher proportion of advanced products and services was not sufficient to fully compensate for strong client sales with lower margins and a high share of sales under new framework agreements with initially lower profitability.

Adjusted EBITA

During the year, adjusted EBITA rose 9.4 per cent to SEK 426 million (390). The adjusted EBITA margin amounted to 4.6 per cent (4.7), impacted by investments in the service offering and private label products. Adjusted EBITA includes earnings from discontinued operations, but excludes items affecting comparability, which are specified in Note 4 Items affecting comparability. For a comparison of adjusted EBITA and EBIT, see Note 2 Segments.

EBIT

EBIT for continuing operations amounted to SEK 349 million (324). EBIT for the year was adversely impacted by items affecting comparability amounting to a negative SEK 7 million (neg: 5), primarily comprising a positive earnings effect of SEK 22 million from the impairment of a performance-based earn-out for Idenet, provisions totalling SEK 18 million for a legal dispute in Norway and acquisition-related costs of SEK12 million. A full summary of items affecting comparability is presented in Note 4 Items affecting comparability.

Financial items

Financial expenses for the year amounted to SEK 43 million (38), and primarily pertained to borrowing costs totalling SEK 38 million (32) for external financing. In the comparative year, financial expenses included negative currency effects of SEK 3 million attributable to external financing. Effective from the first quarter of 2016/17, these currency effects will be reported in other comprehensive income due to the application of hedging of net investments in foreign subsidiaries. Adjusted for this, financial expenses amounted to SEK 35 million in the comparative period.

Financial income in the period amounted to SEK 1 million $(1).$

Tax

The tax expense for the year was SEK 69 million (62), corresponding to an effective tax rate for continuing operations of 22.4 per cent, compared with 21.6 per cent in the year-earlier period.

Profit for the year

Profit for the year, including discontinued operations, totalled SEK 239 million (225). Earnings per share, including discontinued operations, amounted to SEK 3.14 (2.95) before dilution and SEK 3.13 (2.95) after dilution.

Cash flow

Cash flow for the year was a negative SEK 174 million (pos: 168). During the period, dividends were paid to shareholders in the amount of a negative SEK 183 million (neg: 129).

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 214 million (447), with the year-on-year decline mainly attributable to changes in working capital. The change for the period was a negative SEK 110 million (pos: 105) and primarily pertained to an increase in accounts receivable, which was partly offset by increased debt. The increase in accounts receivable is the result of sales growth to large companies and the public sector.

Cash flow from investing activities amounted to a negative SEK 201 million (pos: 80) and mainly pertained to acquisitions of operations, including a paid contingent consideration totalling a negative SEK 174 million (neg: 148). Acquisitions during the period related to IKT Gruppen, Purity IT and Saldab IT. The paid earn-out was attributable to the acquisition of Resolute. The comparative period was positively impacted by the divestment of the lease operations for SEK 249 million. Investments in tangible and intangible assets amounted to a negative SEK 27 million (neg: 36), of which negative SEK 17 million (neg: 19) was attributable to costs for IT development. In addition, a negative SEK 14 million was invested in Dustin's pricing platform during the comparative period.

Cash flow from financing activities was a negative SEK 186 million (neg: 359) and mainly pertained to shareholder dividends of negative SEK 183 million (neg: 129), inward consideration payments of SEK 2 million (4) for warrants and borrowing expenses of negative SEK 3 million (-). The comparative period was primarily impacted by cash flow from the lease portfolio of a negative SEK 180 million, resulting from the settlement of the loan facility for the lease operations in conjunction with the divestment of the operations.

Net working capital

Net working capital amounted to SEK 118 million (32) at the end of the year. The change compared with the yearearlier period was mainly the result of higher accounts receivable due to increased sales to large companies and the public sector. Increased debt was mainly attributable to a rise in tax liabilities and a provision for future repayment requirements.

SEK million Aug 31, 2017 Aug 31, 2016
Inventories 261.9 229.3
Accounts receivable 1.047.1 877.7
Tax assets, other current
receivables, as well as
prepaid
expenses and accrued
income
173.7 148.2
Accounts payable $-956.3$ $-912.8$
Tax liabilities, other
current
liabilities and accrued
expenses
and deferred income
$-408.2$ $-310.7$
Net working capital 118.1 31.6

Net debt and cash and cash equivalents

At the end of the period, net debt amounted to SEK 998 million (826). In total, cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 71 million (243), a decrease by SEK 171 million for the period. At the end of the period, there was also an unutilised overdraft facility of SEK 270 million (270) and a credit facility of SEK 400 million (-).

Net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA was 2.3 (2.1) at the end of the period.

SEK million Aug 31, 2017 Aug 31, 2016
Liabilities to credit
institutions 1,068.6 1.066.4
Finance lease liabilities
Cash and cash
12 28
equivalents $-71.5$ $-242.9$
Net debt 998.3 826.3

Employees

The average number of full-time employees during the period was 977, compared with 944 in the year-earlier period. The increase is attributable to this year's acquisitions.

Events after the balance-sheet date Hosting acquisition in Denmark

In September, Dustin acquired the Denmark-based Norriq's business area for hosting and outsourcing of IT services. In connection with the acquisition, Dustin and Norrig entered into a strategic cooperation that will broaden the customer offering for both companies. Dustin is strengthening it offering for advanced services and solutions in the Danish market and expanding its customer base in the core small and medium-sized business segment.

Norriq's business area for hosting and outsourcing of IT services has 28 employees and reported sales of about

DKK 57 million in 2016. The acquisition is expected to have a marginal impact on Dustin's earnings per share during the current financial year.

Acquisition of Norwegian supplier of IT infrastructure solutions

In October, Dustin signed an agreement to acquire Norwegian Core Services, one of the leading players in the new generation data center solutions, Software Defined Datacenter. Core Services, which specializes in data room products and solutions, broadens Dustin's range of more advanced products and services and strengthens its position as a turnkey supplier of IT infrastructure.

Core Services has 20 employees and reported sales of NOK 236 million in 2016. The acquisition is expected to have a marginal impact on Dustin's earnings per share during the current fiscal year.

Thomas Ekman new President and CEO of Dustin

The Board of Directors of Dustin has appointed Thomas Ekman to new President and CEO. He will assume the position as per 1 January 2018. Thomas Ekman joins from Cabonline Group where he has had the role as CEO and has before that, inter alia, been CEO of Tele2 Sweden and is today member of the board of directors of Com Hem. He succeeds Georgi Ganev who leaves his position by the year-end.

Dustin invites to Capital Markets Day

Dustin announced in October that the company invites investors, financial analysts and media to a Capital Markets Day at the Group's logistics center in Rosersberg on November 30, 2017. The purpose of the Capital Markets Day is to give a detailed presentation of Dustin's operations, the strong online position and the initiatives within managed and cloud-based services and how these supports the business. In addition, the acquisition strategy and some of the recent acquisitions will be highlighted. Dustin will be represented by President and CEO Georgi Ganev, incoming President and CEO Thomas Ekman, CFO Johan Karlsson and the other members of Group Management.

Seasonal variations

Dustin is impacted by seasonal variations. Each quarter is comparable between years. Sales volumes are normally higher in November and December, and lower during the summer months when sales and marketing activities are less intense. Similar seasonal variations occur in all geographical markets.

Parent Company

Dustin Group AB (Corp. Reg. No. 556703-3062), which is domiciled in Nacka, Sweden, only conducts holding operations. Overall external financing is with the Parent Company.

Net sales for the period amounted to SEK 0.4 million (0.4). Profit for the period totalled SEK 138 million (160) and the year-on-year change was largely attributable to a positive net currency position of SEK 2 million (neg: 11), of which SEK 2 million (neg: 3) was attributable to external financing.

Aside from transactions with subsidiaries, the Parent Company had no related-party transactions.

Risks and uncertainties

Dustin has a structured and Group-wide process to identify, classify, manage and monitor a number of strategic, operational and external risks.

  • Strategic risks are normally identified in conjunction with risk discussions connected to a strategic initiative. These risks include acquisition and integration projects and the preparation of profitable and attractive customer offerings.
  • Operational risks arise in the business and are identified mainly through process reviews. These risks include the ability to attract and retain customers.
  • External risks consist of risks that are outside the direct control of the Group. These risks comprise changes in regulations or altered market conditions.

For a detailed description of the risks that are expected to be particularly significant for the future development of the Group, refer to Dustin's Annual Report 2015/16.

Liabilities and related-party transactions

There were no significant related-party transactions during the current period or comparative period.

The share

The Parent Company's share has been listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since February 13, 2015, and is included in the Mid Cap index. At August 31, 2017, the price was SEK 66.75 per share (60.00), representing a total market capitalisation of SEK 5,085 million (4,570).

At the end of the quarter, the company had 5,129 shareholders (5,822). As of August 31, 2017, the company's three largest shareholders were Axmedia AB (Axel Johnson AB) with 25.0 per cent, Swedbank Robur funds with 11.6 per cent and the Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund with 7.1 per cent. Dustin's shareholder register with the largest shareholders is presented on the company's website.

2016/17 Annual General Meeting

Dustin's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at the Playhouse Theatre, Drottninggatan 71A, in Stockholm, Sweden, on December 13, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. Shareholders who wish to have a matter considered should submit a written request to the Board by October 25, 2017 at the latest to ensure that the matter is included in the notice convening the AGM.

Requests by mail should be addressed to: Dustin Group AB (publ) Attn: Sara Edlund Box 1194 SE-131 27 Nacka Strand, Sweden

or by e-mail to: [email protected]. Information on how shareholders can notify the company of their attendance at the meeting will be published prior to the AGM.

Dustin's Annual Report and Corporate Responsibility Report are scheduled for publication on November 17 on Dustin's website.

Nomination Committee ahead of the 2016/17 AGM

The Nomination Committee ahead of the AGM on December 13, 2017 comprises the following members: • Caroline Berg, Axel Johnson AB/Axmedia AB, Committee Chairman

  • Lennart Francke, Swedbank Robur funds
  • · Arne Lööw, Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund
  • · Jan Särlvik, Nordea funds
  • Fredrik Cappelen, Chairman of Dustin's Board

The Nomination Committee will prepare motions for the 2016/17 AGM relating to the Chairman of the Meeting, Chairman of the Board, Board members, remuneration for Board and Committee work, fees to auditors and, where necessary, proposals for changes to the terms of reference for the Nomination Committee.

Proposed dividend

The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of SEK 2.80 (2.40) per share, corresponding to SEK 213 million (183).

Review of business segments

Dustin's operations are divided into two business segments: B2B and B2C. Within B2B, customers are served through both the online platform and relationship selling. Dustin's sales model has been adapted to meet customer needs as efficiently as possible. In addition to the core B2B segment, Dustin also serves private customers in the B2C business segment. In the B2C segment, customers are only served through the online platform. Through this customer segment, Dustin gains insight into trends and pricing as well as increased sales with limited additional costs.

B2B-segment

Q4 Q4 Change Full-year Full-year Change
SEK million 16/17 15/16 % 16/17 15/16 %
Net sales 2,127.2 1,806.2 17.8 8,715.4 7,703.3 13.1
Segment results 167.1 150.3 11.1 732.9 660.3 11.0
Segment margin (%) 7.9 8.3 ۰ 8.4 8.6 $\overline{\phantom{a}}$

Net sales

Net sales for the quarter rose 17.8 per cent to SEK 2,127 million (1,806). Organic growth at fixed exchange rates was 13.8 per cent (10.6). The increase is explained by strong growth in the entire B2B segment, both within the the large companies and public sector customer group and in the small and medium-sized businesses customer group. A higher proportion of sales within new framework agreements, especially in Denmark and Norway, as well as a strong development within the small and medium-sized businesses customer group in Sweden, contributed positively to developments.

Segment results

The segment results for the quarter rose SEK 17 million to SEK 167 million (150). This improved result was due to increased sales and the positive earnings effect derived from previous acquisitions. The segment margin was 7.9 per cent (8.3), a decrease mainly attributable to a changed product mix with a higher proportion of low margin client sales and also a continued high share of sales under new framework agreements with initially low profitability Segment costs were also impacted by continuing investments in the service offering and in private label products.

B2C-segmentet

Q4 Q4 Change Full-year Full-year Change
SEK million 16/17 15/16 % 16/17 15/16 %
Net sales 135.2 145.6 $-7.1$ 590.8 597.5 $-1.1$
Segment results 8.1 5.6 44.5 24.6 22.4 9.7
Segment margin (%) 6.0 3.8 $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ 4.2 3.7 $\overline{\phantom{a}}$

Net sales

Net sales for the quarter declined 7.1 per cent to SEK 135 million (146). Organic growth at fixed exchange rates was a negative 7.8 per cent (pos: 5.5). While the quarter was impacted positively by increased sales in Finland, this could not fully compensate the decline in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

Central functions

Dustin's central functions hold the key to efficient delivery of the Group's offerings in all markets, the generation of economies of scale and the simplification of the integration of acquired operations. Costs in the fourth quarter for central functions amounted to 3.7 per cent $(3.9)$ of sales.

The costs related to the central functions has partly been affected by integration of completed acquisitions, where

Segment results

The segment results for the quarter increased to SEK 8.1 million (6.7) and were adversely affected by lower sales and a slightly weaker gross margin. The segment margin was 6.0 per cent (3.8).

former local functions now form part of the central platform, and partly by further investments in the service offering and private label products.

For additional financial data on the segments, see Note 2 Segments, and to Segment information by quarter on page 24.

The undersigned certify that this interim report gives a true and fair presentation of the Parent Company's and the Group's operations, financial position and profits and describes the material risks and uncertainties facing the Parent Company and the companies in the Group.

Nacka, October 18, 2017

Georgi Ganev, CEO In accordance with authorisation by the Board of Directors

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

Consolidated income statement

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
SEK million Note 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Continuing operations:
Net sales $\overline{2}$ 2,262.4 1,951.8 9,306.2 8,300.8
Cost of goods and services sold $-1,937.8$ $-1,653.8$ $-7,926.7$ $-7,054.7$
Gross profit 324.6 298.1 1,379.5 1,246.1
Selling and administrative expenses $-247.7$ $-229.5$ $-1,016.3$ $-911.5$
Items affecting comparability 4 $-0.8$ $-7.3$ $-5.0$
Other operating income 1.3 -0.4 5.9 5.6
Other operating expenses $-3.8$ $-3.4$ $-12.3$ $-11.6$
EBIT $\overline{2}$ 73.7 64.7 349.5 323.5
Financial income and other similar income-statement items 0.3 0.5 1.2 1.4
Financial expenses and other similar income-statement
items
$-10.9$ $-29.4$ $-42.6$ $-38.2$
Profit after financial items 63.0 35.9 308.1 286.8
Tax attributable to continuing operations $-14.6$ $-10.4$ $-69.0$ $-62.1$
Profit for the period from continuing operations 48.4 25.5 239.1 224.7
Discontinued operations:
Profit for the period from discontinued operations 5 $-0.4$ 0.0 0.2
Profit for the period 48.4 25.1 239.1 224.9
Other comprehensive income
Translation differences $-19.8$ 21.0 $-3.2$ 2.9
Change in hedging reserves 21.1 $-3.1$ 10.6 $-5.4$
Tax attributable to change in hedging reserves $-4.6$ 0.6 $-2.3$ 1.2
Other comprehensive income (all items that will be
transferred to the income statement)
$-3.3$ 18.4 5.1 -1.3
Comprehensive income for the period is attributable in its
entirety to Parent Company shareholders 45.1 43.5 244.1 223.6
Comprehensive income for the period attributable to
Parent Company shareholders arose from:
Continuing operations 45.1 43.9 244.1 223.4
Discontinued operations $-0.4$ 0.0 0.2
Total comprehensive income 45.1 43.5 244.1 223.6
Earnings for continuing operations per share (SEK) 0.64 0.33 3.14 2.95
Earnings for continuing operations per share after dilution
(SEK) 0.63 0.33 3.13 2.95
Earnings per share, including discontinued operations (SEK) 0.64 0.33 3.14 2.95
Earnings per share after dilution including discontinued
operations (SEK)
0.63 0.33 3.13 2.95

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

SEK million Note Aug 31,
2017
Aug 31,
2016
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Goodwill 2,105.8 1,894.7
Other intangible assets attributable to acquisitions 357.9 364.4
Other intangible assets 6 115.1 112.2
Tangible assets 6 24.6 20.3
Deferred tax assets 8.4 6.5
Other non-current assets 2.9 2.7
Total non-current assets 2,614.7 2,400.8
Current assets
Inventories 261.9 229.3
Accounts receivable 1,047.1 877.7
Tax assets 7.6 6.2
Other receivables 7.7 4.0
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 158.5 138.0
Cash and cash equivalents 71.5 242.9
Total current assets 1,554.1 1,498.0
TOTAL ASSETS 4,168.8 3,898.9
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Equity attributable to Parent Company shareholders 1,485.1 1,422.2
Total equity 1,485.1 1,422.2
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax and other long-term provisions 133.3 122.3
Liabilities to credit institutions 1,068.6 1,066.4
Acquisition-related liabilities 7 78.3 26.0
Derivative instruments $\overline{7}$ 6.5 9.0
Total non-current liabilities 1,286.6 1,223.7
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 956.3 912.8
Tax liabilities 59.3 35.9
Derivative instruments 7 0.1
Other current liabilities
Acquisition-related liabilities
115.1 68.3
Accrued expenses and deferred income $\overline{7}$ 31.3 26.6
Total current liabilities 235.0 209.3
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1,397.1 1,253.0
4,168.8 3,898.9

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

SEK million Aug 31,
2017
Aug 31,
2016
Opening balance, September 1 1,422.2 1,323.7
Profit for the period 239.1 224.9
Other comprehensive income
Translation differences $-3.2$ 2.9
Change in hedging reserves 10.6 $-5.4$
Tax attributable to change in hedging reserves $-2.3$ 1.2
Total other comprehensive income 5.1 $-1.3$
Total comprehensive income 244.1 223.6
Dividends $-182.8$ $-129.5$
Subscription with the support of warrants 1.6 4.3
Total transactions with shareholders $-181.2$ $-125.2$
Closing equity as per the balance-sheet date, attributable to
Parent Company shareholders in its entirety 1,485.1 1,422.2

Consolidated statement of cash flow

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
Note
SEK million
16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Operating activities
Profit before financial items including operating profit from
discontinued operations 73.7 64.8 349.5 323.9
Adjustment for non-cash items 18.5 18.7 63.3 71.6
Interest received 0.3 0.5 1.2 1.4
Interest paid $-1.8$ $-4.6$ $-34.2$ $-26.2$
Income tax paid $-12.0$ 11.6 $-56.4$ $-28.9$
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working 78.7 91.0 323.4 341.9
capital
Decrease (+)/increase (-) in inventories 34.3 13.2 $-28.5$ 12.1
Decrease (+)/increase (-) in receivables 4.5 0.6 $-143.8$ $-86.4$
Decrease (-)/increase (+) in current liabilities $-131.0$ $-179.6$ 62.5 179.5
Cash flow from changes in working capital $-92.3$ $-165.8$ $-109.9$ 105.2
Cash flow from operating activities $-13.6$ -74.8 213.6 447.2
Investing activities
Acquisition of intangible assets 6 $-3.6$ $-4.2$ $-18.1$ $-32.1$
Acquisition of tangible assets
6
$-1.9$ $-0.8$ $-9.2$ $-3.8$
Acquisition of operations
3
$-4.4$ $-9.3$ $-147.2$ $-109.4$
Divestment of operations $\blacksquare$ 248.7
Contingent consideration paid $-26.6$ $-38.8$
Cash flow from leasing operation, financial services 15.1
Cash flow from investing activities $-9.9$ $-14.4$ $-201.0$ 79.7
Financing activities
New share issue 1.6 4.3
Repayment of debt $-1.9$ -54.4
Dividend $-182.8$ $-129.5$
Paid bank arrangement fees $-3.3$
Change in financial leasing liability $-0.4$ $-1.6$
Cash flow from leasing portfolio, financial services $-179.7$
Cash flow from financing activities $-0.4$ $-1.9$ $-186.1$ $-359.3$
Cash flow for the period -23.8 -91.1 $-173.6$ 167.5
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 90.8 333.9 242.9 77.8
Cash flow for the period $-23.8$ $-91.1$ $-173.6$ 167.5
Exchange-rate differences in cash and cash equivalents 4.5 0.0 2.2 $-2.5$
Cash and cash equivalents at the close of the period 71.5 242.9 71.5 242.9

Parent company income statement

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
SEK million 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Net sales 0.1 0.1 0.4 0.4
Selling and administrative expenses $-1.5$ $-1.7$ $-10.4$ $-6.7$
Other operating expenses 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
EBIT $-1.5$ $-1.6$ $-10.0$ $-6.3$
Financial income and other similar income-statement items 2.5 48.4 20.0 48.7
Financial expenses and other similar income-statement items 8.3 $-29.3$ $-45.9$ $-41.0$
Profit/Loss after financial items 9.4 17.5 $-35.9$ 1.4
Appropriations 212.4 196.5 212.4 196.5
Tax $-48.9$ $-41.9$ $-38.8$ $-38.3$
Profit/Loss for the period 172.9 172.2 137.6 159.6

Parent company statement of comprehensive income

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
SEK million 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Profit/Loss for the period 172.9 172.2 137.6 159.6
Other comprehensive income - -
Comprehensive income for the period 172.9 172.2 137.6 159.6

Parent company balance sheet

SEK million Aug 31,
2017
Aug 31,
2016
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Participations in Group companies 1,211.6 1,221.7
Total non-current assets 1,211.6 1,221.7
Current assets
Receivables from Group companies
Tax assets
619.9
0.6
460.9
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 6.3 10.0
Other receivables 0.2
Cash and bank balances 42.9 147.4
Total current assets 669.8 618.3
TOTAL ASSETS 1,881.4 1,839.9
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Restricted equity
Share capital 380.9 380.9
Total restricted equity 380.9 380.9
Non-restricted equity
Share premium reserve 388.1 388.1
Retained earnings $-251.5$ $-229.9$
Profit/Loss for the year 137.6 159.6
Total non-restricted equity 274.3 317.9
Total equity 655.2 698.7
Untaxed reserves 109.4 50.6
Non-current liabilities
Non-current liabilities to credit institutions 1,068.6 1,066.5
Total non-current liabilities 1,068.6 1,066.5
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 0.2 0.1
Tax liabilities 45.1 22.2
Other current liabilities 0.3 0.2
Accrued expenses and deferred income 2.6 1.6
Total current liabilities 48.2 24.1
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1,881.4 1,839.9

Note 1 Accounting policies

This report has been prepared in accordance with IFRS, applying IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. The accounting policies are consistent with those presented in the Group's Annual Report for the 2015/16 financial year.

The Parent Company applies the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, and the Swedish Financial Reporting Board's recommendation RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities.

None of the changes and interpretations in existing standards that have been applied from the financial year beginning September 1, 2016 had any material impact on the financial statements for the Group or the Parent Company.

A number of new standards, amendments and interpretations of standards are effective for financial years beginning after January 1, 2017. These have not been applied in the preparation of this report. The following amendments are expected to impact Dustin's financial statements:

IFRS 9 Financial instruments

The standard replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. It contains rules for classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities, impairment of financial instruments and hedge accounting. The assessment is that this standard will not impact the recognition of financial instruments, but will primarily affect disclosures and categorisation. The standard is effective for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2018.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The standard deals with the recognition of revenues from contracts with customers and the sale of certain non-financial assets. The new standard replaces IAS 11 Construction Contracts, IAS 18 Revenue and related interpretations. The standard is to be applied from January 1, 2018, which for Dustin means the financial year beginning September 1, 2018. During the financial year, Dustin worked to identify the effects of the standard with respect to revenue recognition and disclosure requirements. This process included a review of existing customer contracts and the establishment of procedures for ensuring compliance with the standard. Dustin has not yet been able to quantify the new standard's impact on the Group's financial statements.

IFRS 16 Leasing

This standard, which encompasses the recognition of lease agreements, comes into effect on January 1, 2019, which for Dustin means the financial year beginning September 1, 2019. Dustin's financial statements will be impacted by this standard and work is currently being carried out to evaluate the effects. Dustin has not yet been able to quantify the new standard's impact on the Group's financial statements.

This report has been prepared in SEK million, unless otherwise stated. Rounding-off differences may occur in this report.

Hedge accounting of net investments

As of the first quarter of the 2016/17 financial year, hedge accounting according to IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement has been applied to net investments in foreign subsidiaries. As a consequence of this, currency translation of external loans in foreign currencies will be recognised in other comprehensive income, in the item Change in hedging reserves, instead of being included in financial items in the income statement. The change is prospective and adjustments will not be made retroactively.

Note 2 Segments

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
All amounts in SEK million, unless otherwise indicated 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Net sales
B 2 B 2,127.2 1,806.2 8,715.4 7,703.3
B 2C 135.2 145.6 590.8 597.5
Total 2,262.4 1,951.8 9,306.2 8,300.8
Segment results
B 2 B 167.1 150.3 732.9 660.3
B2B, segment margin (%) 7.9 8.3 8.4 8.6
B 2 C 8.1 5.6 24.6 22.4
B2C, segment margin (%) 6.0 3.8 4.2 3.7
Central functions $-83.3$ $-75.2$ $-331.3$ $-293.1$
Costs for central functions, excluding items affecting
comparability in relation to net sales (%) $-3.7$ $-3.9$ $-3.6$ $-3.5$
Adjusted EBITA 91.9 80.7 426.1 389.6
Reconciliation with profit after financial items
Items affecting comparability $-0.8$ ÷, $-7.3$ $-5.0$
Amortisation and impairment of intangible assets $-17.4$ $-15.9$ $-69.3$ $-60.6$
Less: Operating profit attributable to discontinued operations 0.0 0.0 $-0.4$
included in segment results for B2B
EBIT, Group 73.7 64.7 349.5 323.5
Financial income and other similar income-statement items 0.3 0.5 1.2 1.4
Financial expenses and other similar income-statement items $-10.9$ $-29.4$ $-42.6$ $-38.2$
Profit after financial items, Group 63.0 35.9 308.1 286.8

Note 3 Acquisitions of businesses during the year

Acquisition of IKT Gruppen AS including IT Gruppen AS

On October 1, 2016, Dustin acquired all of the outstanding shares in the Norway-based company IKT Gruppen AS. IKT Gruppen is specialised in sales and operations of standardised IT services for small and medium-sized businesses. Following the acquisition, Dustin holds 100 per cent of the total voting rights. The purchase consideration amounted to SEK 52 million, of which SEK 28 million pertained to an expected earn-out.

Acquisition of Purity IT AS

On March 1, 2017, Dustin acquired all of the outstanding shares in the Norway-based company Purity IT AS. Purity IT specialises in cloud-based services for backup, storage and disaster recovery. Following the acquisition, Dustin holds 100 per cent of the total voting rights. The purchase consideration amounted to SEK 108 million, of which SEK 56 million pertained to an expected earn-out.

Acquisition of Saldab IT AB

On April 1, 2017, Dustin acquired all of the shares in the Sweden-based company Saldab IT AB. Saldab IT AB offers IT solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Following the acquisition, Dustin holds 100 per cent of the total voting rights. The purchase consideration amounted to SEK 110 million, of which SEK 24 million pertained to an expected earnout.

This year's acquisitions are strategically important in terms of complementing Dustin's service offering with respect to more advanced products and services.

The total acquisition costs are presented in Note 4 Items affecting comparability.

Fair value of acquired assets and liabilities IKT Gruppen AS Purity IT AS Saldab IT AB
Intangible assets (excl. goodwill) 4.4 19.0 9.0
Tangible assets 0.1 5.3 1.9
Inventories 0.9 1.9 1.7
Other current assets 3.0 16.3 33.4
Cash and cash equivalents 4.3 11.6 3.6
Other current liabilities 6.6 33.4 30.9
Total identifiable assets 6.2 20.8 18.7
Consolidated goodwill 46.2 87.1 91.6
Purchase consideration including estimated contingent
earn-out
52.3 107.9 110.2
Less:
Cash and cash equivalents 4.3 11.6 3.6
Estimated contingent earn-out 28.2 55.9 24.2
Net cash outflow 19.8 40.5 82.5

Note 4 Items affecting comparability

During the third quarter, a provision of SEK18 million was made for the repayment requirement attributable to the judgment in the Group's dispute with a Norwegian customer. A new assessment was also made of liabilities attributable to acquisition-related liabilities, which resulted in a positive earnings effect of SEK 22 million. Costs attributable to acquisitions amounted to SEK 12 million during the year and mainly pertained to remuneration to consultants and attorneys for financial and legal advisory services in conjunction with acquisitions.

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
SEK million 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Acquisition and divestment-related expenses $-0.8$ $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ $-11.6$ $-5.0$
Change in value of acquisition-related liabilities $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ 22.3
Provision for repayment requirement $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ ٠ $-18.0$
Total $-0.8$ -7.3 -5.0

Note 5 Discontinued operations

During the first quarter of the preceding financial year, the operation previously reported as Financial Services was divested through a business transfer to an external party. This means the business is defined as a discontinued operation in accordance with IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations. As a result, this part of the operations has been recognised as discontinued operations in the income statement. No transactions took place during the quarter.

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
SEK million 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Financial services
Interest income ۰ 0.0 5.7
Interest expense $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ 0.0 0.0 $-0.4$
Net interest income $\overline{\phantom{0}}$ 0.0 0.0 5.3
Selling and administrative expenses $\overline{\phantom{a}}$ 0.0 $-6.3$
EBIT, financial services 0.0 0.0 $-0.9$
Capital gains from divestment of operations ۰ 0.0 1.3
Tax $-0.4$ 0.0 $-0.2$
Profit/loss for the period from discontinued operations $-0.4$ 0.0 0.2

Note 6 Investments

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
SEK million 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Capitalised expenditure for IT development (integrated IT-
platform and other long term strategic IT-systems)
$-3.1$ $-3.1$ $-16.9$ $-19.1$
Other investments in tangible and intangible assets $-2.3$ $-2.0$ $-10.3$ $-16.9$
Total -5.5 $-5.0$ $-27.3$ $-36.0$

Note 7 Financial instruments

Financial instruments measured at fair value consist of derivative instruments and acquisition-related liabilities. As regards other financial items, these essentially match fair value and book value.

Derivative instruments

Derivative instruments measured at fair value consist of interest-rate derivatives and currency futures. Interest-rate derivatives have been structured as hedges for variable interest on external bank loans. Currency futures pertain to hedging for USD purchases from China. The Group applies hedge accounting for interest-rate derivatives and currency futures. The fair value measurement is Level 2 in accordance with the definition in IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement. The valuation level is unchanged compared with August 31, 2016.

At August 31, 2017, the fair value of liabilities for derivative instruments was SEK 7 million (9).

During the previous financial year, some parts of former derivatives were repaid prematurely and replaced with new interest-rate derivatives. This was mainly done to achieve greater maturity spreads.

Acquisition-related liabilities

Acquisition-related liabilities pertain to contingent earn-outs. Measurement is carried out on a continuous basis at fair value and changes in value are recognised in profit or loss under Items affecting comparability. If a change in value occurs prior to the preparation of the acquisition analysis and the change is of such a nature that the event arose from the date of acquisition, measurement is carried out via the balance sheet. The fair value is calculated as defined for Level 3 in IFRS 13, meaning according to inputs that are not based on observable market data. The calculation of the contingent earnout liability is based on the parameters of each acquisition agreement. These parameters are usually linked to the outcome of performance measures taken for up to three years from the date of acquisition. Changes to the balance sheet item are shown in the table below. Acquisitions during the period pertained to the Norway-based companies IKT Gruppen (SEK 28 million) and Purity (SEK 56 million) and the Sweden-based company Saldab (SEK 24 million).

Change in acquisition-related liabilities measured at fair value based on inputs that are Aug 31, Aug 31,
not based on observative market date (Level 3) 2017 2016
Opening balance 52.6 66.4
Remeasurements recognised in profit or loss:
Unrealised remeasurement of contingent earn-out recognised under items affecting
comparability
$-22.3$
Discount of contingent earn-out recognised under Financial expenses and other similar
income-statement items
0.9
Remeasurements recognised under other comprehensive income:
Unrealised exchange-rate differences recognised under Translation differences $-3.1$ $-1.0$
Changes recognised via the balance sheet:
Payments attributable to previous acquisitions $-26.6$ $-38.8$
Acquisitions 108.0 26.0
Closing balance 109.6 52.6

Key ratios

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
All amounts in SEK million, unless otherwise indicated 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Income statement
Organic sales growth (%) 12.2 10.2 8.6 4.4
Gross margin (%) 14.3 15.3 14.8 15.0
EBIT 73.7
95.6
64.7
83.2
349.5
438.4
323.5
400.2
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITA
91.9 80.7 426.1 389.6
Adjusted EBITA margin (%) 4.1 4.1 4.6 4.7
Return on equity (%) 16.1 15.8
Balance sheet
Net working capital 118.1 31.6 118.1 31.6
Capital employed 269.1 173.3 269.1 173.3
Net debt 998.3 826.3 998.3 826.3
Net debt/adjusted EBITDA (multiple) 2.3 2.1
Maintenance investments $-5.5$ $-0.8$ $-27.3$ $-4.7$
Equity/assets ratio (%) 35.6 36.5
Cash flow
Operating cash flow $-2.1$ $-83.4$ 301.2 500.7
Cash flow from operating activities $-13.6$ $-74.8$ 213.6 447.2
Data per share
Earnings per share, including discontinued operations before
dilution (SEK)
0.64 0.33 3.14 2.95
Earnings per share, including discontinued operations after
dilution (SEK) 0.63 0.33 3.13 2.95
Equity per share before dilution (SEK) 19.50 18.67 19.50 18.67
Equity per share after dilution (SEK) 19.50 18.67 19.50 18.67
Cash flow from operating activities per share before dilution
(SEK) $-0.18$ $-0.98$ 2.80 5.87
Cash flow from operating activities per share after dilution (SEK) $-0.18$ $-0.98$ 2.80 5.87
Average number of shares 76,173,115 76,173,115 76,173,115 76,173,115
Average number of shares after dilution 76,366,919 76,173,115 76,338,787 76,173,115
Number of shares issued at end of period 76,173,115 76,173,115 76,173,115 76,173,115

Alternative performance measures

Dustin applies financial measures that are not defined under IFRS. Dustin believes that these financial measures provide the reader of the interim report with valuable information, and constitute a complement when assessing Dustin's performance. The performance measures that Dustin has chosen to present are relevant in relation to its operations and the company's financial targets for growth, margins and capital structure and in terms of Dustin's dividend policy. The alternative performance measures are not always comparable with those applied by other companies since these companies may have used different calculation methods. The Definitions section on page 29 presents how Dustin defines its performance measures and the purpose of each performance measure. The data presented below is complementary information from which all performance measures can be derived.

Q4 Q4 Full-year Full-year
All amounts in SEK million, unless otherwise indicated 16/17 15/16 16/17 15/16
Organic growth
Sales growth (%) 15.9 11.0 12.1 4.6
Acquired growth (%) $-2.7$ $-1.1$ $-1.7$ $-1.2$
Currency effects in sales growth (%) $-1.0$ 0.3 $-1.8$ 1.0
Organic sales growth (%) 12.2 10.2 8.6 4.4
Profit before financial items including EBIT for
discontinued operations
EBIT continuing operations 73.7 64.7 349.5 323.5
EBIT discontinued operations $\qquad \qquad \blacksquare$ 0.0 0.0 0.4
Total 73.7 64.8 349.5 323.9

Segment information by quarter

All amounts in SEK million, unless Q4 Q3 Q 2 Q1 Q4 Q3 Q 2 Q1 Q4
otherwise indicated 16/17 16/17 16/17 16/17 15/16 15/16 15/16 15/16 14/15
Net sales 2,262.4 2,257.4 2,502.9 2,283.6 1,951.8 1,988.9 2,236.6 2,123.6 1,758.7
Organic sales growth (%) 12.2 9.2 8.7 4.4 10.2 3.6 2.4 2.5 5.6
Gross margin (%) 14.3 15.1 14.9 14.9 15.3 15.4 14.7 14.8 14.2
Adjusted EBITA 91.9 94.3 124.1 115.8 80.7 91.4 112.7 104.8 67.3
Adjusted EBITA margin (%) 4.1 4.2 5.0 5.1 4.1 4.6 5.0 4.9 3.8
B2B segment
Net sales 2,127.2 2,125.3 2,349.9 2113.0 1,806.2 1,847.6 2,069.4 1,980.1 1,620.5
Segment results 167.1 176.2 203.1 186.5 150.3 155.6 183.2 171.1 117.5
Segment margin (%) 7.9 8.3 8.6 8.8 8.3 8.4 8.9 8.6 7.3
B2C segment
Net sales 135.2 132.0 153.0 170.6 145.6 141.3 167.2 143.4 138.2
Segment results 8.1 4.9 5.9 5.5 5.6 6.7 6.0 4.1 4.8
Segment margin (%) 6.0 3.7 3.9 3.3 3.8 4.7 3.6 2.9 3.4
Central functions
Central functions $-83.3$ $-86.8$ $-84.9$ $-76.2$ $-75.2$ $-70.9$ $-76.5$ $-70.4$ $-55.0$
Percentage of net sales $-3.7$ $-3.8$ $-3.4$ $-3.3$ $-3.9$ $-3.6$ $-3.4$ $-3.3$ $-3.1$

Definitions

IFRS measures: Definition/Calculation
Earnings per share Net profit/loss in SEK in relation to average
number of shares, according to IAS 33.
Alternative performance
measures:
Definition/Calculation Purpose
Acquired growth Net sales for the relevant period attributable to
acquired companies in relation to net sales for
the comparable period.
Acquired growth is eliminated in
the calculation of organic growth.
Adjusted EBITA EBIT according to the income statement and
EBIT for Financial Services, which is recognised
under discontinued operations, before items
affecting comparability and amortisation and
impairment of intangible assets.
Dustin believes that this
performance measure shows the
underlying earnings capacity and
facilitates comparisons between
quarters.
Adjusted EBITA margin Adjusted EBITA in relation to net sales. This performance measure is used
to measure the profitability level
of the operations.
Adjusted EBITDA EBIT according to the income statement and
EBIT for Financial Services, which is recognised
under discontinued operations, before items
affecting comparability and
amortisation/depreciation and impairment of
tangible and intangible assets.
Dustin believes that this
performance measure shows the
underlying earnings capacity and
facilitates comparisons between
quarters.
Capital employed Working capital plus total assets, excluding
goodwill and other intangible assets
attributable to acquisitions, and interest-
bearing receivables pertaining to finance
leasing, at the end of the period.
Capital employed measures
utilisation of capital and efficiency.
Cash flow from
operating activities
Cash flow from operating activities, after
changes in working capital.
Used to show the amount of cash
flow generated from operating
activities.
Cash flow from
operating activities per
share
Cash flow from operating activities as a
percentage of the average number of shares
outstanding.
Used to show the amount of cash
flow generated from operating
activities per share.
Currency effects The difference between net sales in SEK for the
comparative period and net sales in local
currencies for the comparative period converted
to SEK using the average exchange rate for the
relevant period.
Currency effects are eliminated in
the calculation of organic growth.
EBIT EBIT is a measurement of the company's
earnings before income tax and financial items.
This measure shows Dustin's
profitability from operations.
Equity per share Equity at the end of the period in relation to the
number of shares at the end of the period.
Shows Dustin's equity per share.
Equity/assets ratio Equity at the end of the period in relation to
total assets at the end of the period.
Dustin believes that this measure
provides an accurate view of the
company's long-term solvency.
Gross margin Gross profit in relation to net sales. Used to measure product and
service profitability.
Items affecting
comparability
Items affecting comparability relate to material
income and expense items recognised
separately due to the significance of their nature
and amounts.
Dustin believes that separate
recognition of items affecting
comparability increases
comparability of EBIT over time.
Maintenance
investments
Investments required to maintain current
operations.
Used to calculate operating cash
flow.
Net debt Current and non-current interest-bearing
liabilities, excluding acquisition-related
liabilities and shareholder loans, less cash and
cash equivalents and receivables from finance
leasing, at the end of the period.
This performance measure shows
Dustin's total liabilities adjusted
for cash and cash equivalents.
Net debt/EBITDA Net debt in relation to EBITDA. This performance measure shows
the company's ability to pay its
debt.
Net working capital Total current assets less cash and cash
equivalents, current financial lease assets and
current non-interest-bearing liabilities, at the
end of the period.
This performance measure shows
Dustin's efficiency and capital tied
up.
Operating cash flow Adjusted EBITDA less maintenance investments
plus cash flow from changes in working capital.
Used to show the amount of cash
flow generated from operating
activities and available for
payments in connection with
dividends, interest and tax.
Organic growth Growth in net sales for the relevant period
adjusted for acquired growth and currency
effects.
Provides a measure of the growth
achieved by Dustin in its own
right.
Return on equity Net profit for the year in relation to equity at the
end of the period.
Dustin believes that this
performance measure shows how
profitable the company is for its
shareholders.
Sales growth Net sales for the relevant period in relation to
net sales for the comparable period.
Used to show the development of
net sales.
Segment results The segment's operating profit excluding
amortisation/depreciation and items affecting
comparability.
Dustin believes that this
performance measure shows the
earnings capacity of the segment.

Glossary

Word/Term Definition/Calculation
B 2 B Pertains to all sales to companies and organisations.
B 2C Pertains to all sales to consumers.
Central functions Includes all non-allocated central expenses, including amortisation
and depreciation, and excluding items affecting comparability.

Vision and Mission

Vision

To be the customer's first choice and set the standard for efficient and sustainable IT.

Mission

To make it possible for our customers to focus on their core business.

Brand promise

Dustin solves your IT challenges.

Financial targets

Dustin's Board of Directors has established the following financial targets:

Growth

Dustin's target is to achieve average an annual organic growth of 8 per cent over a business cycle. In addition to this, Dustin intends to expand through acquisitions.

Margin

Dustin's target is to increase the adjusted EBITA margin over time, and to achieve an adjusted EBITA margin of 5-6 per cent in the medium term.

Capital structure

Dustin's capital structure should enable a high degree of financial flexibility and provide scope for acquisitions. The company's net debt target is a 2.0-3.0 multiple of adjusted EBITDA for the past 12-month period.

Financial calendar

November 17, 2017

Annual Report for the period September 1, 2016-August 31, 2017

November 30, 2017 Capital Markets Day in Rosersberg, Stockholm

December 13, 2017 Annual General Meeting in Stockholm

January 10, 2018

First quarter interim report, September 1, 2017-November 30.2017

April 11, 2018 Second quarter interim report, December 1, 2017–February 28, 2018

July 4, 2018 Third quarter interim report, March 1, 2018-May 31, 2018

October 17, 2018 Year-end report, September 1, 2017-August 31, 2018

November 15, 2018 Annual Report for the period September 1, 2017-August 31, 2018

December 11, 2018 Annual General Meeting in Stockholm

For more information, please contact:

Dustin Group AB Johan Karlsson, CFO [email protected] 0708-677997

Fredrik Sätterström. Head of Investor Relations [email protected] 0705-10 10 22

This information is information that Dustin Group AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication at 8:00 a.m. CET on October 18, 2017.

Talk to a Data Expert

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