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Dustin Group

Quarterly Report Jul 4, 2018

3036_10-q_2018-07-04_8f1144fb-ea0f-41f9-9d8a-1c4cc7beaef8.pdf

Quarterly Report

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INTERIM REPORT

MARCH 1, 2018 – MAY 31, 2018

Interim Report March – May 2018

"Continued solid growth in SMB"

Third quarter

  • Net sales rose 9.0 per cent to SEK 2,462 million (2,257). Organic growth was 1.6 per cent (9.2), of which SMB 9.4 per cent (5.1), LCP negative 5.0 per cent (pos: 14.8) and B2C 10.9 per cent (neg: 7.8).
  • The gross margin rose to 16.1 per cent (15.1).
  • Adjusted EBITA increased to SEK 108 million (94), corresponding to an adjusted EBITA margin of 4.4 per cent (4.2).

September 2017 – May 2018

  • Net sales rose 10.4 per cent to SEK 7.776 million (7.044). Organic growth was 4.1 per cent (7.5) of which SMB 9.9 per cent (4.8), LCP negative 0.6 per cent (10.5) and B2C 10.0 per cent (neg: 0.9).
  • The gross margin rose to 15.7 per cent (15.0).
  • Adjusted EBITA increased to SEK 382 million (334), corresponding to an adjusted EBITA margin of 4.9 per cent (4.7).
  • EBIT totalled SEK 337 million (276), including items affecting comparability of a negative SEK 3 million (neg: 7).

Financial key ratios

  • EBIT totalled SEK 98 million (72), including items affecting comparability of SEK 0.6 million (neg: 4.2).
  • Profit for the quarter amounted to SEK 67 million (47).
  • Earnings per share before dilution totalled SEK 0.87 (0.62).
  • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 221 million (neg: 23).
  • Profit for the period amounted to SEK 235 million (191).
  • Earnings per share before dilution totalled SEK 3.07 (2.50).
  • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 689 million (227).
  • Net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA in the past 12 month period was 2.0 (2.3).
Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full-year
All amounts in SEK million, unless otherwise
indicated
17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Net sales 2,461.7 2,257.4 7,776.3 7,043.8 10,038.7 9,306.2
Organic sales growth (%) 1.6 9.2 4.1 7.5 6.1 8.6
Gross margin (%) 16.1 15.1 15.7 15.0 15.4 14.8
Adjusted EBITA 107.9 94.3 381.9 334.2 473.8 426.1
Adjusted EBITA margin (%) 4.4 4.2 4.9 4.7 4.7 4.6
EBIT 97.5 72.0 336.5 275.8 410.2 349.5
Profit for the period 66.6 47.5 234.6 190.6 283.0 239.1
Items affecting comparability* 0.6 -4.2 -2.6 -6.6 -3.3 -7.3
Earnings per share, before dilution, (SEK) 0.87 0.62 3.07 2.50 3.71 3.14
Cash flow from operating activities 221.1 -22.6 688.8 227.1 675.2 213.55
Net debt/adjusted EBITDA (multiple) - - - - 2.0 2.3
Return on equity (%) - - - - 18.1 16.1

For definitions, refer to page 28.

* Refer to Note 4 Items affecting comparability for more information.

Continued solid growth in SMB

We reported strong sales and a positive margin trend for the third quarter. Net sales rose 9.0 per cent to SEK 2,462 million (2,257), driven by robust growth in the SMB segment (Small and Medium-sized Businesses). Growth in the LCP segment (Large Corporates and Public sector) was hampered by continued low market activity and our selective approach to lower margin volume transactions. The gross margin rose to 16.1 per cent (15.1) and the adjusted EBITA margin increased to 4.4 per cent (4.2). Much of the margin increase was attributable to an improved product mix with a larger share of advanced products and services. Furthermore, a more favourable balance in sales between the SMB and LCP segments had a positive impact.

Sales trend remains divided

Despite a strong comparative quarter last year, sales growth for the quarter amounted to 9.0 per cent, of which 1.6 per cent was organic. The SMB segment demonstrated continued strong growth of 17.2 per cent, of which 9.4 per cent was organic. The LCP segment demonstrated more modest growth of 2.7 per cent, of which a negative 5.0 per cent was organic, with the favourable performance in the Large Corporate customer group unable to fully compensate for the continued poor development in the Public Sector customer group. The B2C segment (consumer market) continued its positive trend with solid growth during the financial year's third quarter.

Sales mix supports stronger margins

The gross margin increased to 16.1 per cent (15.1) during the quarter while adjusted EBITA rose by SEK 14 million to SEK 108 million. The adjusted EBITA margin improved to 4.4 per cent (4.2). The margin improvement was mainly attributable to a more advantageous sales mix with an increased share of advanced products, services and solutions, and a relatively higher share of sales in the SMB segment, mainly due to earlier acquisitions. A continued favourable sales trend for proprietary products, such as cables and adapters, also made a positive contribution.

Supplementary acquisitions

During the quarter, we further broadened our portfolio of advanced products and services through agreements to acquire Swedish DAV Partner and Finnish ITaito. DAV Partner is specialised in audio/video solutions and conference systems, mainly in the public sector, and complements our previous acquisition of JML System. ITaito has a broad offering in managed services, cloud services, security and data centres, which significantly strengthens our customer offering to small and mediumsized businesses in Finland. We have a clear intention to

continue expanding our portfolio and are continuously seeking suitable acquisition candidates to strengthen our existing operations.

Focus on enhanced service offering

We see great potential in continuously broadening and developing our offering of advanced services and solutions, to strengthen customer loyalty and to improve our margins. It is encouraging to note that in early June we were awarded a contract by Norwegian public service company, NRK, for cloud-based services in the form of back-up and storage. It is a milestone for us to secure a service agreement of this magnitude and with a company that makes substantial demands on smart technological solutions and high security. During the quarter, we also announced that strengthened Group Management with a new head of services and solutions.

Strong market position

We are well positioned in a growing market and are benefiting from trends, such as an accelerating online market and strong growth in mobility, security and cloudbased services. Through our acquisitions, in combination with a higher share of sales of proprietary products and managed services, we will continue to improve profitability and further strengthen customer loyalty through a higher percentage of subscription services.

To summarise, Dustin performed well during the third quarter and our positive view of our future stands firm. The combination of a more advantageous product mix with a larger share of advanced products and services together with a more favourable balance in sales between the SMB and LCP segments resulted in a significant strengthening of margins. We have a solid financial position and are well positioned for continued profitable expansion, both organically and via acquisitions. As the leading IT reseller to the B2B market in the Nordic region, we can further consolidate our position though the continued development of our product and service offering together with proactive sustainability efforts.

Nacka, July 2018

Thomas Ekman President and 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 corporates, 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 selling over the telephone or through customer visits. Dustin conducts operations in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway through three business segments: SMB (small and medium-sized businesses), LCP (large corporate and public sector) 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.

As one of the leading B2B e-retailer in the Nordic region, Dustin is well positioned in the market thanks to its efficient online platform, with more and more sales of both products and core services now taking place online. Our market position is also strengthened by our focus on the more agile and fast-growing customer category of small and medium-sized businesses. 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 advanced services through acquisitions, we are continuously expanding our customer offering. We are able to solve more and more of our customers' IT needs, which is in line with our vision. Our range of packaged services and solutions includes clients, licenses, network, data storage, security, IT operations, mobility and print.

Dustin Group AB is a Swedish public limited company with its head office in Nacka Strand. The share was listed on Nasdaq Stockholm's Mid Cap Index in 2015.

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 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.

Our sustainability efforts

Responsible business is a prerequisite for a healthy and successful company. By clarifying our view of sustainability and continuing to pursue our overall strategy, Dustin aims to promote responsible business and make sustainable IT more accessible to our customers. We made good progress during the quarter within the scope of Dustin's sustainability agenda.

For us, responsible business encompasses the entire Group's long-term impact on society and the environment, where our responsibility extends throughout the entire value chain. Our vision of efficient and sustainable IT is about how the products are manufactured and transported, how they are used and how they are reused and recycled. This also entails combining products with services and solutions that, in turn, can contribute to a reduced environmental footprint.

Five focus areas where we make a difference

Within the scope of our sustainability agenda, Dustin has identified five focus areas where we have intensified our efforts to establish long-term goals connected to our business:

Responsible manufacturing

Dustin will have completed 80 factory inspections in highrisk countries before 2020.

Reduced climate impact

Dustin will reduce the company's climate impact by 40 per cent by 2020, compared with 2014/15.

Responsible use of resources Dustin will have recovered 140,000 sold products by 2020.

Business ethics and anti-corruption 100 per cent of Dustin's business areas will undergo a risk assessment concerning business ethics and anticorruption. 100 per cent of incidents reported will be followed up.

Equality and diversity By 2020, each gender is to make up at least 40 per cent of the entire organisation.

Progress in the third quarter

Dustin performed five factory inspections in China during the quarter as part of the responsible manufacturing focus area. All of the audits were led by Dustin's Head of Corporate Responsibility together with local experts trained in our Supplier Code of Conduct. The audits identified 91 discrepancies, which were systematically corrected and followed up. Most of the non-conformance was minor, and no "zero tolerance" discrepancies were revealed as part of the audits.

In the responsible use of resources focus area, some 5,023 sold products were recovered during the period. Of these, 4,564 were reused and 459 recycled. At the end of the third quarter, we are ahead of schedule and have recovered a total of 48,185 products since 2014/15. In recent years, Dustin has supplemented its end-of-life returns service by adding clauses in major agreements that ensure the recovery of a larger share of end-of-life hardware.

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 March – May 2018.

Third quarter

Net sales

Net sales for the quarter increased 9.0 per cent to SEK 2,462 million (2,257). Organic growth amounted to 1.6 per cent (9.2), of which SMB accounted for 9.4 per cent (5.1), LCP negative 5.0 per cent (pos: 14.8) and B2C for 10.9 per cent (neg: 7.8). Acquired growth was 4.7 percentage points (2.4) and exchange-rate differences had a positive impact of 2.7 percentage points (1.9).

Gross profit

During the quarter, gross profit rose SEK 55 million, corresponding to 16.2 per cent, to SEK 396 million (341). The gross margin rose to 16.1 per cent (15.1), mainly attributable to a more advantageous product mix with a higher share of services and solutions, primarily due to earlier acquisitions.

Adjusted EBITA

Adjusted EBITA for the quarter increased 14.4 per cent to SEK 108 million (94). The adjusted EBITA margin was 4.4 per cent (4.2). Adjusted EBITA excludes items affecting comparability of SEK 0.6 million (neg: 4.2), which are specified in Note 4 Items affecting comparability. For a comparison of adjusted EBITA and EBIT, see Note 2 Segments.

Operating profit

Operating profit totalled SEK 98 million (72). Operating profit includes items affecting comparability of SEK 0.6 million (neg: 4.2), which for the quarter mainly comprised acquisition and divestment-related expenses of a negative SEK 5.8 million and a positive effect from a change to an acquisition-related liability of SEK 7.3 million. For more information, refer to Note 4 Items affecting comparability.

Financial items

Financial expenses amounted to SEK 12 million (10), with the costs for the quarter primarily pertaining to costs of SEK 11 million (10) for external financing. Other financial expenses relate primarily to discounting of acquisitionrelated liabilities. Financial income amounted to SEK 0.3 million (0.3).

Tax

The tax expense for the quarter was SEK 19 million (14), corresponding to an effective tax rate of 22.3 per cent (23.3).

Profit for the quarter

Profit for the quarter amounted to SEK 67 million (47). Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.87 (0.62) before dilution and SEK 0.87 (0.62) after dilution.

Cash flow

Cash flow for the quarter was SEK 251 million (neg: 183).

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 221 million (neg: 23), of which SEK 155 million (neg: 67) was attributable to changes in working capital with the positive effect mainly related to higher accounts payable. Accounts payable increased as a result of higher inventory purchases and were impacted, as in prior periods, by advantageous payment terms. These terms pertain to an agreement with a supplier and apply until further notice. For further information regarding working capital, refer to the Net working capital section.

Cash flow from investing activities amounted to a negative SEK 12 million (neg: 159). Investments in tangible and intangible assets amounted to a negative SEK 12 million (neg: 10), of which a negative SEK 8 million (neg: 5) pertained to IT development.

Cash flow from financing activities amounted to SEK 42 million (neg: 0.5) and mainly comprised cash flow effects from long-term incentive (LTI) programmes.

Significant events in the third quarter Dustin acquires Swedish DAV Partner

Dustin has signed an agreement to acquire the Gothenburg-based DAV Partner, which is specialised in audio/video solutions and conference systems, with a focus on the public sector. The acquisition complements JML System, which was acquired in the autumn of 2017. DAV Partner reported sales of approximately SEK 74 million during the 2017 financial year. The company will be consolidated in the fourth quarter and will operate under its own brand until further notice.

Dustin acquires Finnish ITaito

Dustin has signed an agreement to acquire ITaito, a Finnish supplier of IT services, focusing on small and mediumsized businesses. ITaito has a broad offering in managed services, cloud services, security and data centres. The company was founded in 2008 and reported sales of approximately EUR 5.7 million during the 2017 financial year. The company has 26 employees with offices in Vantaa outside Helsinki. The company will be consolidated in the fourth quarter and will operate under its own brand until further notice.

New member of Group Management

Alexandra Drevenlid has joined Dustin's Group Management with responsibility for the Group's range of services and solutions. Alexandra joins us from her role as Chief Digital Officer at Tieto and will take up the new position not later than October 2018.

New share issue

During the quarter, new shares were issued through the exercise of warrants received under LTI 2015 (refer to the 2016/17 Annual Report, page 40 for more information). In total, the number of shares increased by 822,074, corresponding to an increase in share capital of SEK 4 million, while SEK 39 million was recognised as the share premium reserve. The newly issued shares resulted in dilution of 1.1 per cent. Following the issue during the quarter, no outstanding warrants now remain within LTI 2015.

September 1, 2017 – May 31, 2018 period Net sales

Net sales for the period rose 10.4 per cent to SEK 7,776 million (7,044). Organic growth amounted to 4.1 per cent (7.5), of which SMB accounted for 9.9 per cent (4.8), LCP for negative 0.6 per cent (pos: 10.5) and B2C for 10.0 per cent (neg: 0.9). Acquired growth was 5.6 percentage points (1.4) and exchange-rate differences had a positive impact of 0.7 percentage points (2.0).

Gross profit

During the period, gross profit rose SEK 164 million, corresponding to 15.6 per cent, to SEK 1,219 million (1,055). The gross margin rose to 15.7 per cent (15.0), mainly attributable to a more advantageous sales mix with a higher share of advanced products, services and solutions, primarily due to earlier acquisitions.

Adjusted EBITA

During the period, adjusted EBITA rose 14.3 per cent to SEK 382 million (334). The adjusted EBITA margin was 4.9 per cent (4.7). Adjusted EBITA excludes items affecting comparability of a negative SEK 3 million (neg: 7), which are specified in Note 4 Items affecting comparability. For a comparison of adjusted EBITA and EBIT, see Note 2 Segments.

Operating profit

Operating profit amounted to SEK 337 million (276). Operating profit includes items affecting comparability amounting to a negative SEK 3 million (neg: 7), see Note 4 Items affecting comparability.

Financial items

Financial expenses amounted to SEK 36 million (32), with the costs for the period primarily pertaining to total costs of SEK 32 million (28) for external financing.

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

Tax

The tax expense for the period was SEK 67 million (54), corresponding to an effective tax rate of 22.2 per cent, compared with 22.2 per cent in the year-earlier period.

Profit for the period

Profit for the period amounted to SEK 235 million (191). Earnings per share amounted to SEK 3.07 (2.50) before dilution and SEK 3.06 (2.50) after dilution.

Cash flow

Cash flow for the period was SEK 352 million (neg: 150). During the period, dividends were paid to shareholders in the amount of negative SEK 213 million (neg: 183).

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 689 million (227), of which SEK 416 million (neg: 18) was attributable to changes in working capital. The positive change from working capital for the period was largely related to an increase in current liabilities of SEK 468 million (193), with the change primarily attributable to accounts payable. Accounts payable increased as a result of higher inventory purchases and were impacted, as in prior periods, by advantageous payment terms. These terms pertain to an agreement with a supplier and apply until further notice. For further information regarding working capital, refer to the Net working capital section.

Cash flow from investing activities amounted to a negative SEK 388 million (neg: 191), primarily attributable to acquisitions of operations. The purchase consideration paid in the period for Danish company Norriq's business area for hosting and outsourcing IT services amounted to SEK 141 million, for the Norwegian company Core Services AS to SEK 104 million and for JML-System AB to SEK 107 million. Investments in tangible and intangible assets amounted to a negative SEK 30 million (neg: 22), of which a negative SEK 18 million (neg: 14) pertained to IT development.

Cash flow from financing activities amounted to SEK 52 million (neg: 186) and relates primarily to dividends to shareholders of a negative SEK 213 million (neg: 183), newly raised loans of SEK 215 million (-), the cash flow effect from the LTI programme of SEK 55 million (2) and costs for raising loans of a negative SEK 2 million (neg: 3).

Net working capital

Net working capital amounted to a negative SEK 237 million (pos: 35) at the end of the period. The low level of working capital at the end of the period was attributable to higher accounts payable due to more favourable payment terms and higher inventory purchases. The increase in inventories compared with the year-earlier period is due to two large customer deliveries scheduled for shortly after the balance-sheet date and to rising sales volumes.

SEK million May 31,
2018
May 31,
2017
Aug 31,
2017
Inventories 393.2 297.8 261.9
Accounts receivable 1,090.1 1,038.8 1,047.1
Tax assets, other current
receivables, as well as
prepaid expenses and
accrued income
190.0 197.5 173.7
Accounts payable -1,436.0 -1,063.3 -956.3
Tax liabilities, other
current liabilities and
accrued expenses and
deferred income -474.2 -435.7 -408.2
Net working capital -236.9 35.0 118.1

Net debt and cash and cash equivalents

At the end of the period, net debt amounted to SEK 968 million (997). In total, cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 408 million (91), up SEK 317 million. At the end of the quarter, there was also an unutilised overdraft facility of SEK 270 million (270) and a credit facility of SEK 174 million (400).

Net debt in relation to adjusted EBITDA was 2.0 (2.3), measured over the past 12-month period.

SEK million May 31,
2018
May 31,
2017
Aug 31,
2017
Non-current liabilities 1,366.1 1,085.5 1,068.6
Finance lease liabilities
Cash and cash
9.3 2.0 1.2
equivalents -407.9 -90.8 -71.5
Net debt 967.5 996.7 998.3

Employees

The average number of full-time employees was 1,044 during the period, compared with 957 in the year-earlier period. The increase is attributable acquisitions.

Events after the balance-sheet date New financing structure

During the spring, Dustin negotiated a new financing agreement. The new credit volume is SEK 2 billion. The new agreement means the existing loan agreement will be discontinued prematurely and Dustin will therefore expense the remaining borrowing expenses brought forward of approximately SEK 14 million in the fourth quarter. The new bank agreement entails lower interest expenses.

As part of the new financing structure, Dustin resolved during the autumn to initiate a commercial paper program of SEK 750 million to further reduce interest expenses.

Dustin won an agreement for advanced services and solutions

Dustin won a procurement of cloud-based services in form of back-up and storage with Norwegian public service company NRK. The agreement expires over three years with the possibility of extension for a further two years and comprises 20 of NRK's data centres in Norway.

New tax rules

On 13 June, the Swedish Parliament passed new tax rules for the corporate sector, including reduced corporate income tax and general interest deduction limitations. During the fourth quarter, Dustin will evaluate its deferred tax liability and deferred tax assets based on new tax rates. The estimated effect is that the deferred tax in the balance sheet will decrease by approximately SEK 4.5 million and will have a corresponding positive effect in the income statement.

Dustin receives award decision for framework agreement in Denmark

Dustin has won the award decision for a new framework agreement via the Danish government, municipalities and regions (Staten og Kommunernes Indkøbsservice (SKI)). The annual value is estimated at approximately DKK 500 million. The agreement covers computers and accessories and extends over a two-year period with an option for a two-year extension. The contract period start in September 2018. The tender can be subject to appeal.

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 quarter amounted to SEK 0.3 million (0.3) and profit for the period totalled SEK 216 (loss: 35). The change is the result of the receipt of a dividend of SEK 300 million (10) from Group companies during the period and the fact that the net currency position amounted to a negative SEK 78 million (neg: 17). The net currency position is attributable to the external financing. The Group applies hedge accounting, whereby the net currency position is recognized against equity.

Risks and uncertainties

Dustin has a structured and Group-wide process to identify, classify, manage and monitor a number of strategic, operative 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 pages 50-53 of Dustin's 2016/17 Annual Report.

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 May 31. 2018, the price was SEK 81.50 per share (74.00), representing a total market capitalization of SEK 6 294 million (5 637).

At the end of the quarter, the company had a total of 6,695 shareholders (5,290). The company's three largest shareholders were Axel Johnson AB with 24.7 per cent. Swedbank Robur Fonder with 11.2 per cent and Capital Group with 5.5 percent as of May 31. 2018. Dustin's shareholder register with the largest shareholders is presented on the company's website.

During the period, LTI 2015 were exercised, and the number of shares thus increased from 76.173.115 to 76.226.502. As a result, the share capital increased by SEK 5 million and the share premium reserve by SEK 50 million.

2017/18 Annual General Meeting

Dustin's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Stockholm on December 11, 2018. Shareholders who wish to have matters considered should submit a written request to the Board by October 25, 2018 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), Att: Sara Edlund, Box 1194, SE-131 27 Nacka Strand or by e-mail to: [email protected].

2017/18 Nomination Committee

In accordance with the decision at Dustin's general meeting in December 2017 the following members of the Nomination Committee have been appointed based on the ownership structure as of March 31, 2018.

  • Caroline Berg, Axel Johnson AB/Axmedia AB, Chariman of the committee
  • Lennart Francke, Swedbank Robur Funds
  • Jan Särlvik, Nordea Funds
  • Mia Brunell Livfors, Chairman of the Dustin Board (adjunct)

Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee can send them by post to: Dustin Group AB (publ), Attn: Sara Edlund, Box 1194, 131 27 Nacka Strand, Sweden or by e-mail to: [email protected].

Review of business segments

Dustin's operations are divided into three business segments: SMB (Small and Medium-sized Businesses), LCP (Large Corporate and Public sector) and B2C (Business to Consumer). Within the SMB and LCP segments, customers are served through both the online platform and relationship selling. In the B2C segment, customers are served through the online platform.

SMB - Small and Medium-sized Businesses

Q3 Q3 Change Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Change Rolling Full year Change
SEK million 17/18 16/17 % 17/18 16/17 % 12 months 16/17 %
Net sales 1,051.3 897.2 17.2 3,213.7 2,699.7 19.0 4,044.8 3,530.8 14.6
Segment results 118.9 92.3 28.8 376.0 286.9 31.0 466.5 377.5 23.6
Segment margin (%) 11.3 10.3 - 11.7 10.6 - 11.5 10.7 -

Net sales

Net sales rose 17.2 per cent in total during the quarter to SEK 1,051 million (897), with 5.8 percentage points of the increase compared with the year-earlier quarter attributable to acquisitions and divestments. The divestment of IT-Hantverkarna had a negative effect on net sales of approximately SEK 25 million, corresponding to 2.8 percentage points. Organic sales growth was 9.4 per cent (5.1) during the quarter and were mainly attributable to strong sales in the TV & multimedia, infrastructure and mobile phone product categories, predominantly in Sweden and Denmark.

Segment results

During the quarter, profit for the segment rose 28.8 per cent, corresponding to SEK 27 million, to SEK 119 million (92). The improved earnings were the result of higher sales, a better product mix largely due to acquisitions and increased sales of own-branded goods.

The segment margin was 11.3 per cent (10.3). Our investments in advanced products and services continued and, for example, the customer base for SaaS configurations via the cloud platform increased to 1,270 active customers (903), corresponding to 48,021 users (24,141) at the end of the third quarter.

LCP - Large Corporate and Public sector

Q3 Q3 Change Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Change Rolling Full-year Change
SEK million 17/18 16/17 % 17/18 16/17 % 12 months 16/17 %
Net sales 1,261.5 1,228.0 2.7 4,060.6 3,888.5 4.4 5,356.7 5,184.6 3.3
Segment results 74.3 83.9 -11.5 257.2 278.9 -7.8 333.8 355.4 -6.1
Segment margin. % 5.9 6.8 - 6.3 7.2 - 6.2 6.9 -

Net sales

Net sales for the quarter rose 2.7 per cent to SEK 1,262 million (1,228). Organic growth was negative at 5.0 per cent (pos: 14.8) and was partially attributable to a very strong trend in the year-earlier quarter and the decision to refrain from a greater share of procurements with low margins under certain framework agreements for the public sector, mainly in Finland and Denmark. The quarter was characterised by a robust performance in the Large Corporate customer group in all markets.

Segment results

Profit for the segment was SEK 74 million (84), which was a decline compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year. The segment margin was 5.9 per cent (6.8), with the decrease mainly attributable to a higher share of recently signed contracts with a lower average margin.

Acquisitions carried out earlier had a neutral effect on the segment margin during the quarter.

B2C – Business to Consumer

Q3 Q3 Change Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Change Rolling Full-year Change
SEK million 17/18 16/17 % 17/18 16/17 % 12 months 16/17 %
Net sales 148.9 132.0 12.8 502.0 455.6 10.2 637.2 590.8 7.9
Segment results 7.9 4.9 60.7 23.9 16.4 45.5 32.0 24.6 30.4
Segment margin. % 5.3 3.7 - 4.8 3.6 - 5.0 4.2 -

Net sales

Net sales for the quarter increased 12.8 per cent to SEK 149 million (132). Organic growth was 10.9 per cent (neg: 8.0). The quarter was positively impacted by increased sales in Denmark, Norway and Finland, primarily in the consumer electronics and mobile phones product categories.

Segment results

The segment results for the quarter increased to SEK 8 million (5) and the segment margin rose to 5.3 per cent (3.7).

Central functions

Q3 Q3 Change Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Change Rolling Full-year Change
SEK Million 17/18 16/17 % 17/18 16/17 % 12 months 16/17 %
Costs for central functions -93.2 -86.8 7.4 -275.2 -248.0 11.0 -358.5 -331.3 8.2
Costs in relation to net sales (%) -3.8 -3.8 - -3.5 -3.5 - -3.6 -3.6 -

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 third quarter for central functions amounted to 3.8 per cent (3.8) of sales.

Costs for central functions amounted to SEK 93 million (87), with the increase attributable to continued investments in the product and service offering and the integration of acquired businesses.

For additional financial data on the segments, refer to Note 2 Segments on page 21, and to Segment information by quarter on page 27.

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, July 4, 2018

Thomas Ekman. CEO In accordance with authorization by the Board of Directors

Auditors' review report

Dustin Group AB, corporate identity number 556703-3062

Introduction

We have reviewed the condensed interim report for Dustin Group AB as at May 31, 2018 and for the nine months period then ended. The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the preparation and presentation of this interim report in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish 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 International Standard on Review Engagements, ISRE 2410 Review of Interim Financial Statements 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 International Standards on Auditing and other generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim report is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act regarding the Group, and in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act regarding the Parent Company.

Stockholm, July 4, 2018

Ernst & Young AB

Jennifer Rock-Baley, Authorised Public Accountant

Consolidated income statement

Note
17/18
16/17
17/18
16/17
12 months
SEK million
16/17
Net sales
2
2,461.7
2,257.4
7,776.3
7,043.8
10,038.7
9,306.2
Cost of goods and services sold
-2,065.7
-1,916.7
-6,556.9
-5,988.9
-8,494.7
-7,926.7
Gross profit
395.9
340.7
1,219.4
1,054.9
1,544.0
1,379.5
Selling and administrative expenses
-296.6
-262.8
-871.8
-768.6
-1,119.5
-1,016.3
Items affecting comparability
4
0.6
-4.2
-2.6
-6.6
-3.3
-7.3
Other operating income
2.4
1.1
5.1
4.6
6.4
5.9
Other operating expenses
-4.9
-2.8
-13.5
-8.5
-17.3
-12.3
EBIT
2
97.5
72.0
336.5
275.8
410.2
349.5
Financial income and other similar income-statement
items
0.3
0.3
0.8
0.9
1.1
1.2
Financial expenses and other similar income-statement
items
-12.0
-10.4
-35.8
-31.6
-46.8
-42.6
Profit after financial items
85.8
61.9
301.6
245.1
364.6
308.1
Tax
-19.1
-14.4
-67.0
-54.5
-81.5
-69.0
Profit for the period
66.6
47.5
234.6
190.6
283.0
239.1
Other comprehensive income (all items will be
transferred to the income statement)
Translation differences
20.9
-0.4
64.1
16.5
44.3
-3.2
Change in hedging reserves
-34.5
1.8
-74.9
-10.5
-53.8
10.6
Tax attributable to change in hedging reserves
7.6
-0.4
16.5
2.3
11.8
-2.3
Other comprehensive income
-6.0
1.0
5.6
8.4
2.3
5.1
Comprehensive income, in its entirety attributably to
60.6
48.4
240.2
199.0
285.4
244.1
Parent Company shareholders
Earnings per share before dilution (SEK)
0.87
0.62
3.07
2.50
3.71
3.14
Earnings for per share after dilution (SEK)
0.87
0.62
3.06
2.50
3.69
3.13

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

SEK million Note May 31.
2018
May 31.
2017
Aug 31.
2017
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Goodwill 2,622.4 2,119.3 2,105.8
Other intangible assets attributable to acquisitions 381.8 369.6 357.9
Other intangible assets 5 114.5 118.0 115.1
Tangible assets 5 34.6 26.5 24.6
Divestment-related receivables 8 1.6 - -
Deferred tax assets 3.5 8.9 8.4
Other non-current assets 4.8 3.0 2.9
Total non-current assets 3,163.2 2,645.2 2,614.7
Current assets
Inventories 393.2 297.8 261.9
Accounts receivable 1,090.1 1,038.8 1,047.1
Tax assets 7.5 5.6 7.6
Other receivables 3.6 4.8 7.7
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 178.9 187.1 158.5
Divestment-related receivables 8 5.0 - -
Cash and cash equivalents 407.9 90.8 71.5
Total current assets 2,086.2 1,624.8 1,554.1
TOTAL ASSETS 5,249.4 4,270.0 4,168.8
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity
Equity attributable to Parent Company shareholders 1,566.6 1,440.0 1,485.1
Total equity 1,566.6 1,440.0 1,485.1
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax and other long-term provisions 137.5 126.2 133.3
Liabilities to credit institutions 1,366.1 1,085.5 1,068.6
Acquisition-related liabilities 8 162.2 78.5 78.3
Derivative instruments 8 6.0 - 6.5
Total non-current liabilities 1,671.8 1,290.2 1,286.6
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 1,436.0 1,063.3 956.3
Tax liabilities 34.5 54.6 59.3
Derivative instruments 8 0.0 7.2 0.1
Other current liabilities 133.1 109.7 115.1
Acquisition-related liabilities 8 91.4 31.6 31.3
Accrued expenses and deferred income 315.9 273.5 235.0
Total current liabilities 2,010.9 1,539.9 1,397.1
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 5,249.4 4,270.0 4,168.8

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

May 31, May 31, Aug 31,
SEK million 2018 2017 2017
Opening balance, September 1 1,485.1 1,422.2 1,422.2
Profit for the period 234.6 190.6 239.1
Other comprehensive income
Translation differences 64.1 16.5 -3.2
Cash-flow hedging -74.9 -10.5 10.6
Tax attributable to cash-flow hedges 16.5 2.3 -2.3
Total other comprehensive income 5.6 8.4 5.1
Total comprehensive income 240.2 199.0 244.1
Dividends -213.3 -182.8 -182.8
Holdings of own warrants -5.9 - -
New share issue 55.4 - -
Subscription with the support of warrants 5.1 1.6 1.6
Total transactions with shareholders -158.7 -181.2 -181.2
Closing equity as per the balance-sheet date, attributable to
Parent Company shareholders in its entirety
1,566.6 1,440.0 1,485.1

Consolidated statement of cash flow

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Full-year
SEK million Note 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 16/17
Operating activities
Profit before financial items 97.5 72.0 336.5 275.8 349.5
Adjustment for non-cash items 8.0 -1.7 40.3 39.5 58.1
Interest received 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.9 1.2
Interest paid -8.8 -8.0 -26.1 -25.6 -27.4
Income tax paid -30.6 -18.6 -86.0 -45.9 -57.9
Cash flow from operating activities before 66.4 44.0 265.6 244.7 323.4
changes in working capital
Decrease (+)/increase (-) in inventories -78.0 7.5 -119.5 -62.8 -28.5
Decrease (+)/increase (-) in receivables 66.8 84.1 74.5 -148.3 -143.8
Decrease (-)/increase (+) in current liabilities 166.0 -158.2 468.2 193.5 62.5
Cash flow from changes in working capital 154.7 -66.6 423.3 -17.6 -109.9
Cash flow from operating activities 221.1 -22.6 688.8 227.1 213.6
Investing activities
Acquisition of intangible assets 5 -8.9 -6.0 -20.0 -14.5 -18.1
Acquisition of tangible assets 5 -3.2 -3.9 -9.9 -7.3 -9.2
Acquisition of operations 3 - -122.9 -320 -142.7 -147.2
Divestment of operations - - 1.5 - -
Contingent consideration paid - -26.6 -39.9 -26.6 -26.6
Cash flow from investing activities -12.1 -159.4 -388.3 -191.2 -201.0
Financing activities
Cash flow from LTI program 43.2 - 54.6 1.6 1.6
Dividend - - -213.3 -182.8 -182.8
New loans raised - - 215.2 - -
Paid bank arrangement fees - - -1.9 -3.3 -3.3
Change in financial leasing liability -1.2 -0.5 -2.9 -1.2 -1.6
Cash flow from financing activities 42.0 -0.5 51.7 -185.7 -186.1
Cash flow for the period 251.0 -182.5 352.2 -149.8 -173.6
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 159.5 274,0 71.5 242.9 242.9
Cash flow for the period 251.0 -182.5 352.2 -149.8 -173.6
Exchange-rate differences in cash and cash -2.5 -0.7 -15.8 -2.3 2.2
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 408.0 90,8 407.9 90.8 71.5

Parent Company income statement

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full-year
SEK million 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Net sales 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4
Selling and administrative expenses -2.2 -2.4 -9.7 -8.8 -11.2 -10.4
Other operating expenses 0.0 0.0 -0.1 0.0 -0.1 0.0
EBIT -2.1 -2.3 -9.4 -8.5 -10.9 -10.0
Financial income and other similar income-statement items 4.2 2.5 312.4 17.5 314.9 20.0
Financial expenses and other similar income-statement items -39.7 -9.0 -110.4 -54.3 -102.1 -45.9
Profit/Loss after financial items -37.6 -8.7 192.6 -45.3 202.0 -35.9
Appropriations - - 0.0 - 212.4 212.4
Tax 8.3 1.9 23.6 10.0 -25.2 -38.8
Profit/Loss for the period -29.4 -6.8 216.2 -35.3 389.2 137.6

Parent Company statement of comprehensive income

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full-year
SEK million 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Profit/Loss for the period -29.4 -6.8 216.2 -35.3 389.2 137.6
Other comprehensive income - - - - - -
Comprehensive income for the period -29.4 -6.8 216.2 -35.3 389.2 137.6

Parent company balance sheet

SEK million May 31,
2018
May 31,
2017
Aug 31,
2017
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Participations in Group companies 1,211.6 1,211.6 1,211.6
Total non-current assets 1,211.6 1,211.6 1,211.6
Current assets
Receivables from Group companies 602.8 379.9 619.9
Tax assets 26.3 1.2 0.6
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 1.7 6.3 6.3
Other receivables 0.1 0.2 0.2
Cash and bank balances 355.8 22.3 42.9
Total current assets 986.7 409.9 669.8
TOTAL ASSETS 2,198.2 1,621.5 1,881.4
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Restricted equity
Share capital 386.1 380.9 380.9
Total restricted equity 386.1 380.9 380.9
Non-restricted equity
Share premium reserve 438.3 388.1 388.1
Retained earnings -322.0 -251.5 -251.5
Profit/Loss for the period 216.2 -35.3 137.6
Total non-restricted equity 332.5 101.4 274.3
Total equity 718.6 482.3 655.2
Untaxed reserves 109.4 50.6 109.4
Non-current liabilities
Non-current liabilities to credit institutions 1,366.1 1,085.5 1,068.6
Total non-current liabilities 1,366.1 1,085.5 1,068.6
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 0.0 1.2 0.2
Tax liabilities - - 45.1
Other current liabilities 0.3 - 0.3
Accrued expenses and deferred income 3.8 1.9 2.6
Total current liabilities 4.1 3.2 48.2
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 2,198.2 1,621.5 1,881.4

Note 1 Accounting policies

This report has been prepared by 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 2016/17 financial year, except for the information provided about segment reporting on page 73 in the Annual Report's description of significant accounting policies. New segment reporting was presented during last quarter.

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 amendments and interpretations in existing standards that have been applied from the financial year beginning September 1, 2017 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, 2018. 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 categorization. The standard is effective for financial years beginning on or after January 1, 2018, which for Dustin means the financial year beginning September 1, 2018.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The standard deals with the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers and the sale of certain nonfinancial assets. The new standard replaces IAS 11 Construction Contracts and 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 preceding financial year, Dustin began working to identify the effects of the standard with respect to revenue recognition and disclosure requirements. This process included a review of existing customer contracts, the categorization of revenue and the establishment of procedures for ensuring compliance with the standard. While Dustin has not yet completed its analysis of the impact of the new regulations on the Group's financial statements, the majority of Dustin's current revenue comprises product sales for which current revenue recognition under IAS 18 Revenue corresponds in all material respects to IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. A project to comprehensively identify all of the effects for the Group is under way, but a preliminary assessment has shown that the effects will not be material from a financial perspective.

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. The financial statements will be affected by this standard, partly as a result of the current value of the future leasing payments being recognized as an asset and interest-bearing liability in the balance sheet, and by the fact that the current lease expenses in the income statement will be replaced by the recognition of depreciation and an interest expense in net financial items. The contracts that will be recognized in Dustin's balance sheet relate mainly to buildings (offices and warehouses), transportation (vehicles and forklifts) and other equipment (e.g. IT and machinery). A project to evaluate the effects is in progress and Dustin has not yet completed its quantification of the impact of the new standard on the consolidated financial statements.

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

Note 2 Segments

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full-year
All amounts in SEK million. unless otherwise indicated 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Net sales
LCP 1,261.5 1,228.1 4,060.6 3,888.5 5,356.7 5,184.6
SMB 1,051.3 897.3 3,213.7 2,699.7 4,044.8 3,530.8
B2C 148.9 132.0 502.0 455.6 637.2 590.8
Total 2,461.7 2,257.4 7,776.3 7,043.8 10,038.7 9,306.2
Segment results
LCP 74.3 83.9 257.2 278.9 333.8 355.4
SMB 118.9 92.3 376.0 286.9 466.5 377.5
B2C 7.9 4.9 23.9 16.4 32.0 24.6
Total 201.1 181.1 657.1 582.2 832.3 757.4
Central functions -93.2 -86.8 -275.2 -248.0 -358.5 -331.3
Adjusted EBITA 107.9 94.3 381.9 334.2 473.8 426.1
Segment margin
LCP, segment margin (%) 5.9 6.8 6.3 7.2 6.2 6.9
SMB, segment margin (%) 11.3 10.3 11.7 10.6 11.5 10.7
B2C, segment margin (%) 5.3 3.7 4.8 3.6 5.0 4.2
Costs for central functions, excluding items affecting
comparability in relation to net sales (%) -3.8 -3.8 -3.5 -3.5 -3.6 -3.6
Reconciliation with profit after financial items
Items affecting comparability 0.6 -4.2 -2.6 -6.6 -3.3 -7.3
Amortization and impairment of intangible assets -11.0 -18.1 -42.8 -51.9 -60.2 -69.3
EBIT, Group 97.5 72.0 336.5 275.8 410.3 349.5
Financial income and other similar income-statement
items 0.3 0.3 0.8 0.9 1.1 1.2
Financial expenses and other similar income-statement -12.0 -10.4 -35.8 -31.6 -46.8 -42.6
items
Profit after financial items, Group 85.8 61.9 301.6 245.0 364.6 308.1

Note 3 Acquisitions of businesses during the year

Acquisitions during the period

During the period, Dustin completed five acquisitions, were as three was finalised in the first quarter of the fiscal year. In September, the Denmark-based Norriq's business area for hosting and outsourcing IT services was acquired on the basis of an asset transfer. In October, Dustin acquired all of the shares outstanding in the Norwegian company Core Services AS, which is one of the leading players in the new generation of data centre solutions, known as Software Defined Data Centres. In November, Dustin acquired all of the shares in the Swedish company JML-

System AB. which offers installation and service of audio/video solutions for meeting rooms and conferences.

In the third quarter, agreements were signed for two acquisitions: DAV Partner AB, which is a company specialised in audio/video solutions, with focus on the public sector, and ITaito Oy, a Finnish supplier of IT services, focusing on small and medium-sized businesses. Both acquisitions, which were conducted during the third quarter, are expected to be closed during the fourth quarter.

Preliminary purchase price allocations

Million SEK Q1-Q3
Fair value of acquired assets and liabilities 17/18
Intangible assets (excl. goodwill) 47.2
Tangible assets 8.4
Financial assets 0.1
Inventories 7.0
Accounts receivables and other current assets 92.4
Cash and cash equivalents 35.7
Other current liabilities 85.5
Total identifiable assets 105.4
Consolidated goodwill 432.3
Purchase consideration including estimated contingent earn-out 537.7
Less:
Cash and cash equivalents 35.7
Non-regulated earn-out 32.4
Estimated contingent earn-out 149.5
Net cash outflow 320.0

The maximum performance-based earn-out liability for acquisitions in the quarter totals SEK 184 million. These acquisitions are strategically important in terms of complementing Dustin's service offering with respect to advanced products and services. The total acquisition costs are presented in Note 4 Items affecting comparability.

Acquired goodwill comprises new distribution channels, new sales channels for advanced products and services, and employee expertise. The fair value of the acquired receivables is expected to be fully regulated. The contracted gross amounts essentially correspond to the fair values of the receivables.

Note 4 Items affecting comparability

Costs attributable to acquisitions during the financial year amounted to SEK 10 million (11) and mainly pertained to remuneration to consultants and attorneys for financial and legal advisory services in conjunction with acquisitions and divestments. The change in value of the acquisition

related liability is related to the previous acquisition of IDENET AB, and an impairment of earn-out liability related to IKT. The gain attributable to the divestment of operations relates to the sale of IT-Hantverkarna Sverige AB, which was carried out in December 2017.

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full-year
SEK million 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Acquisition and divestment-related expenses -5.8 -8.4 -10.2 -10.8 -10.9 -11.6
Recruitment costs, senior executives - - -2.9 - -2.9 -
Change in value of acquisition-related liabilities 7.3 22.3 10.1 22.3 10.1 22.3
Gain attributable to divestment of operations -0.9 - 0.4 - 0.4 -
Provision for repayment requirement - -18.0 - -18.0 0.0 -18.0
Total 0.6 -4.2 -2.6 -6.6 -3.3 -7.3

Note 5 Investments

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full-year
SEK million 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Capitalized expenditure for IT development (integrated IT
platform and other long term strategic IT-systems)
7.9 5.3 17.8 13.8 20.9 16.9
Other investments in tangible and intangible assets 4.1 4.6 12.1 8.0 14.4 10.3
Investments in financial lease assets 0.1 - 4.0 - 4.0 -
Total 12.1 9.9 33.9 21.8 39.3 27.3

Note 6 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.

Note 7 Liabilities and related-party transactions

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

Note 8 Financial instruments

Financial instruments measured at fair value consist of derivative instruments and acquisition-related attests and 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. Derivative instruments have been structured as hedges for variable interest on external bank loans. Currency futures pertain to hedging for USD purchases from China and hedging of investments in foreign subsidiaries. The Group applies hedge accounting for derivatives and currency futures, and the fair value measurement is Level 2, according to the definition in IFRS 13. The valuation level is unchanged compared with August 31, 2017.

At May 31, 2018, the fair value of liabilities for derivative instruments was SEK 6 million (7).

Acquisition-related assets and liabilities

Acquisition-related liabilities pertain to contingent earnouts. Measurement is carried out on a continuous basis at fair value and the liability is settled as required via profit or loss. If a change in value occurs prior to the preparation of the purchase price allocation and is not the result of events following the acquisition date, measurement is carried out via the balance sheet. Acquisition-related assets pertain to contingent earn-outs for the divestment of IT Hantverkarna i Sverige AB. 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 earn-out 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 refer to the Danish company Norriq's business area for hosting and outsourcing IT services (SEK 75 million), Norwegian company Core Services (SEK 73 million) and the Swedish acquisition of JML-System (SEK 34 million).

Change in acquisition-related liabilities measured at fair value based on inputs that
are not based on observative market date (Level 3)
May 31,
2018
May 31,
2017
Aug 31.
2017
Opening balance 109.6 52.6 52.6
Remeasurements recognized in profit and loss:
Unrealized remeasurements of contingent earn-out recognized under items affecting
comparability
-10.1 -22.3 -22.3
Discount of contingent earn-out recognized under Financial expenses and other similar
income-statement items
3.1 0.5 0.9
Remeasurements recognized under other comprehensive income:
Unrealized exchange-rate differences recognized under Translation differences
8.9 -2.1 -3.1
Changes recognized via the balance sheet:
Payments attributable to previous acquisitions -39.9 -26.6 -26.6
Acquisitions 182.0 108.0 108.0
Closing balance 253.6 110.1 109.6
Change in acquisition-related receivables measured at fair value based on inputs that
are not based on observative market date (Level 3)
May 31,
2018
May 31,
2017
Aug 31.
2017
Opening balance - - -
Remeasurements recognized in profit or loss:
Estimated purchase consideration, divestment of subsidiary. long and short term 6.6 - -
Closing balance 6.6 - -

Key ratios

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full-year
All amounts in SEK million. unless otherwise indicated 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Income statement
Organic sales growth (%) 1.6 9.2 4.1 7.5 6.1 8.6
Gross margin (%) 16.1 15.1 15.7 15.0 15.4 14.8
EBIT 97.5 72.0 336.5 275.8 410.2 349.5
Adjusted EBITDA 112.3 97.7 393.9 342.7 489.5 438.4
Adjusted EBITA 107.9 94.3 381.9 334.2 473.8 426.1
Adjusted EBITA margin (%) 4.4 4.2 4.9 4.7 4.7 4.6
Return on equity (%) - - - - 18.1 16.1
Balance sheet
Net working capital -236.9 35.0 -236.9 35.0 -236.9 118.1
Capital employed -77.9 191.3 -77.9 191.3 -77.9 269.1
Net debt 967.5 996.7 967.5 996.7 967.5 998.3
Net debt/adjusted EBITDA (multiple) - - - - 2.0 2.3
Maintenance investments -12.1 -9.9 -29.8 -13.3 -43.8 -27.3
Equity/assets ratio (%) - - - - 29.8 35.6
Cash flow
Operating cash flow 255.0 21.2 787.3 311.9 776.7 301.2
Cash flow from operating activities 221.1 -22.6 688.8 227.1 675.2 213.6
Data per share
Earnings per share before dilution (SEK) 0.87 0.62 3.07 2.50 3.71 3.14
Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) 0.87 0.62 3.06 2.50 3.69 3.13
Equity per share before dilution (SEK) 20.29 18.90 20.29 18.90 20.29 19.50
Cash flow from operating activities per share before
dilution (SEK)
2.89 -0.30 9.03 2.98 8.85 2.80
Cash flow from operating activities per share after
dilution (SEK)
2.88 -0.30 8.98 2.98 8.82 2.80
Average number of shares 76,569,451 76,173,115 76,319,388 76,173,115 76,282,519 76,173,115
Average number of shares after dilution 76,852,529 76,389,010 76,672,180 76,328,838 76,595,221 76,338,787
Number of shares issued at end of period 77,226,502 76,173,115 77,226,502 76,173,115 77,226,502 76,173,115

Source of alternative performance measures

Dustin applies financial measures that are not defined under IFRS. Dustin believes that these financial measures provide the reader of the 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. Definitions on page 27 present 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. The sources of Net working capital and Net debt are described on pages 8.

Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full year
17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Organic growth
Sales growth (%) 9.0 13.5 10.4 10.9 11.6 12.1
Acquired growth (%) -4.7 -2.4 -5.6 -1.4 -4.8 -1.7
Currency effects in sales growth (%) -2.7 -1.9 -0.7 -2.0 -0.8 -1.8
Organic sales growth (%) 1.6 9.2 4.1 7.5 6.1 8.6
Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full year
SMB 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Organic growth
Sales growth (%) 17.2 12.5 19.1 9.8 19.2 11.9
Acquired growth (%) -5.8 -6.0 -8.7 -3.5 -7.8 -4.4
Currency effects in sales growth (%) -2.0 -1.4 -0.5 -1.5 -0.6 -1.3
Organic sales growth (%) 9.4 5.1 9.9 4.8 10.8 6.2
Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full year
LCP 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Organic growth
Sales growth (%) 2.7 17.1 4.4 13.1 7.1 14.0
Acquired growth (%) -4.4 0.0 -4.1 -0.2 -3.3 -0.1
Currency effects in sales growth (%) -3.4 -2.3 -0.9 -2.5 -0.9 -2.1
Organic sales growth (%) -5.0 14.8 -0.6 10.5 2.9 11.8
Q3 Q3 Q1-Q3 Q1-Q3 Rolling Full year
B2C 17/18 16/17 17/18 16/17 12 months 16/17
Organic growth
Sales growth (%) 12.8 -6.3 10.2 0.8 6.0 -1.2
Acquired growth (%) - - - - - -
Currency effects in sales growth (%) -1.9 -1.5 -0.2 -1.7 -0.4 -1.5
Organic sales growth (%) 10.9 -7.8 10.0 -0.9 5.6 -2.7

Segment information by quarter

All amounts in SEK million, unless Kv 3 Kv 2 Kv 1 Kv 4 Kv 3 Kv 2 Kv 1 Kv 4 Kv 3 Kv 2
otherwise indicated 17/18 17/18 17/18 16/17 16/17 16/17 16/17 15/16 15/16 15/16
Net sales 2,461.7 2,722.9 2,591.8 2,262.4 2,257.4 2,502.9 2,283.6 1,951.8 1,988.9 2,236.6
Organic sales growth (%) 1.6 1.7 8.8 12.2 9.2 8.7 4.4 10.2 3.6 2.4
Gross margin (%) 16.1 15.4 15.6 14.3 15.1 14.9 14.9 15.3 15.4 14.7
Adjusted EBITA 107.9 143.1 130.9 91.9 94.3 124.1 115.8 80.7 91.4 112.7
Adjusted EBITA margin (%) 4.4 5.3 5.1 4.1 4.2 5.0 5.1 4.1 4.6 5.0
Net sales per segment
LCP* 1,261.5 1,444.1 1,348.4 1,296.1 1,228.0 1,440.7 1,219.8 - - -
SMB* 1,051.3 1109.6 1059.8 831.1 897.2 909.2 893.2 - - -
B2B 2,312.7 2,553.7 2,408.2 2,127.2 2,125.3 2,349.9 2,113.0 1,806.2 1,847.6 2,069.4
B2C 148.9 169.2 183.5 135.2 132.0 153.0 170.6 145.6 141.3 167.2
Segment results
LCP* 74.3 93.4 88.8 76.5 83.9 106.1 88.9 - - -
SMB* 118.9 135.7 121.8 90.6 92.3 97.0 97.6 - - -
B2B 193.2 229.1 210.6 167.1 176.2 203.1 186.5 150.3 155.6 183.2
B2C 7.9 8.4 7.9 8.1 4.9 5.9 5.5 5.6 6.7 6.0
Segment margin (%)
LCP* 5.9 6.5 6.6 5.9 6.8 7.4 7.3 - - -
SMB* 11.3 12.2 11.5 10.9 10.3 10.7 10.9 - - -
B2B 8.4 9.0 8.7 7.9 8.3 8.6 8.8 8.3 8.4 8.9
B2C 5.3 5.0 4.3 6.0 3.7 3.9 3.3 3.8 4.7 3.6
Central functions
Central functions -93.2 -94.4 -87.5 -83.3 -86.8 -84.9 -76.2 -75.2 -70.9 -76.5
Percentage of net sales -3.8 -3.5 -3.4 -3.7 -3.8 -3.4 -3.3 -3.9 -3.6 -3.4

* Comparative figures for the 2015/16 quarters have not been restated.

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 and divested 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 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 before
items affecting comparability and
amortisation/depreciation and impairment of
intangible and tangible 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
utilization 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 recognized
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 excluding financial leasing.
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 and divested 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
amortization/depreciation and items affecting
comparability.
Dustin believes that this
performance measure shows the
earnings capacity of the segment.

Glossary

Word/Term Definition/Calculation
B2B Pertains to all sales to companies and organizations.
B2C Pertains to all sales to consumers.
Central functions Includes all non-allocated central expenses, including amortization
and depreciation, and excluding items affecting comparability.
Clients Umbrella term for the product categories computers, mobile phones
and tablets.
LCP Pertains to all sales to large corporate and public sector. As a general
rule, this segment is defined as companies and organizations with
more than 500 employees or public sector operations.
LTI Long-term incentive program that includes Group management and
other key employees within Dustin.
SaaS Software as a service (SaaS) is a type of cloud service that provides
software over the Internet.
SMB Pertains to all sales to small and medium-sized businesses.

Financial calendar

October 10. 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] 0708-67 79 97

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 July 4, 2018.

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