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Hexatronic Group Interim / Quarterly Report 2020

Nov 5, 2020

2924_10-q_2020-11-05_ebd27292-4ea2-469a-848e-dc0edc349b33.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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Hexatronic Group AB (publ)

Interim Report January – September 2020

Key ratio

2020 2019 2020 2019
Q3 Q3 Δ % Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Δ %
534.3 473.1 13% 1,481.0 1,379.0 7%
63.2 47.3 34% 139.0 108.3 28%
11.8% 10.0% 9.4% 7.9%
56.5 40.3 40% 118.4 85.8 38%
39.1 27.2 44% 81.1 52.6 54%
1.04 0.73 42% 2.17 1.41 54%
42.4 79.6 -47% 110.4 115.8 -5%
73.0 87.4 -16% 73.0 87.4 -16%
31 mars 2020 Hexatronic Group AB (publ)

Events during the quarter

• Hexatronic acquired the training company The Light Brigade Inc., a US-based fiber optic training provider for broadband communication, wireless, service providers etc.

Events since the end of the period

  • Hexatronic acquired the fiber optic companies Baltronic Group OÜ, based in Estonia and the Canadian company Toronics Inc.
  • Hexatronic acquired 90 percent of the shares in Qubix S.pA., an Italian supplier of structured cabling.

COMMENTS FROM THE CEO

Strong profitability and several strategic acquisitions

Profitability (EBITA) increased during the quarter to 11.8 percent, an increase of 34 percent on the same period last year. This strong rise in profitability means we are now less than half a percentage point from our goal of at least 9 percent on a rolling 12 month basis.

Earnings per share also improved considerably and is 54 percent higher than in the corresponding quarter of 2019. The strong profitability is primarily due to good gross margins and high capacity utilisation in several of our factories.

Sales continue to develop positively with growth of 13 percent during the quarter, despite an estimated adverse impact of 5 percent due to COVID-19, as well as negative currency effects of 4 percent. Virtually all the growth is organic.

North America continued to develop very positively with growth of 20 percent. This growth was primarily driven by duct sales, where our new factory in Texas was one contributing factor. Growth in Europe excluding Sweden was 16 percent, primarily driven by strong sales in the UK and Germany. Sales in Sweden reported growth of 11 percent, driven by continued extension of FTTH as well as projects relating to bolstering core networks.

The acquisition of Light Brigade, North America's leading training company in telecom, was completed during the quarter. Light Brigade makes us a better-known player in North America, with opportunities to offer training in our FTTH systems across the continent, something we believe will enhance our potential for higher system sales.

Since the end of the quarter, we have made several strategic acquisitions. Baltronic Group, headquartered in Estonia, is a long-standing partner of Hexatronic. Baltronic Group increases our production capacity in Europe, while also strengthening us in several geographic markets and in wireless networks. Toronics of Toronto gives us a local presence in Canada, and Qubix with headquarters in Italy establishes us on a new market and adds strength in indoor solutions.

The order book has continued to develop positively. We entered the fourth quarter with an order book that was 6 percent higher organically than at the same point last year.

We remain positive in our outlook on the market for fiber optic systems. Part of this lies in the fact that COVID-19 has made consumers and governments alike realise that fiber optic networks need to be extended to meet the needs that already exist and are set to increase with new services.

We have laid a solid foundation for continued strong growth and intend to continue to consolidate our position with further acquisitions.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

Henrik Larsson Lyon President and CEO Hexatronic Group AB (publ)

Net sales and earnings

The third quarter (1 June – 30 September 2020)

The Group´s net sales for the third quarter of 2020 increased 13 percent to MSEK 534.3 (473.1), mainly as a result of organic growth. The increase was 17 percent cleared for exchange-rate effects.

Analysis of change in Q3 Q3
net sales (MSEK) 2020 (%) 2019 (%)
Year-earlier quarter 473.1 - 403.6 -
Organic growth 72.8 15% 20.3 5%
Acquisitions and structural changes 7.3 2% 36.9 9%
Exchange-rate effects -18.8 -4% 12.2 3%
Current quarter 534.3 13% 473.1 17%

The Group's net sales on its strategic growth markets of the UK, Germany and North America continued to grow during the quarter.

Geographical net sales Q3 Allocation Growth
(MSEK) 2020 (%) (%)
Sweden 149.8 28% 11%
Rest of Europe 172.5 32% 16%
North America 135.2 25% 20%
Rest of the world 76.9 14% 0%
Total 534.3 100% 13%

EBITA rose 34 percent to MSEK 63.2 (47.3) in the quarter. The EBITA margin amounted to 11.8 percent (10.0).

Net financial items during the quarter amounted to -2.8 MSEK (-4.2), whereof net interest amounted to -2.1 MSEK (-2.9), unrealised foreign exchange differences to -0.4 MSEK (-0.8) and other financial items to -0.3 MSEK (-0.5).

Net earnings for the quarter amounted to MSEK 39.1 (27.2) and earnings per share after dilution, increased by 42 percent and amounted to SEK 1.04 SEK (0.73). Tax for the period was MSEK 14.6 (8.8) which means the average effective tax rate for the Group was 27.2 percent (24.4) for the quarter.

The period (1 January – 30 September 2020)

The Group´s net sales for the period January-September 2020 increased 7 percent to MSEK 1,481.0 (1,379.0), mainly as a result of organic growth. The exchange-rate effect was marginal during the period compared to the same period last year.

Analysis of change in Jan-Sept Jan-Sept
net sales (MSEK) 2020 (%) 2019 (%)
Year-earlier period 1,379.0 - 1,154.6 -
Organic growth 98.0 7% 36.7 3%
Acquisitions and structural changes 9.6 1% 151.2 13%
Exchange-rate effects -5.7 0% 36.6 3%
Current period 1,481.0 7% 1,379.0 19%

The Group's net sales on its strategic growth markets of the UK, Germany and North America continued to grow during the period January-September.

Geographical net sales Jan-Sept Allocation Growth
(MSEK) 2020 (%) (%)
Sweden 422.4 29% 2%
Rest of Europe 491.7 33% 15%
North America 369.0 25% 15%
Rest of the world 197.9 13% -10%
Total 1,481.0 100% 7%

EBITA rose 28 percent to MSEK 139.0 (108.3) during the period. The EBITA margin amounted to 9.4 percent (7.9).

Net financial items during the period amounted to -8.7 MSEK (-12.9), whereof net interest amounted to -7.1 MSEK (-9.2), unrealised foreign exchange differences to -0.5 MSEK (-2.5) and other financial items to -1.1 MSEK (-1.2).

Net earnings during the period amounted to MSEK 81.1 (52.6) and earnings per share after dilution, increased by 54 percent and amounted to SEK 2.17 SEK (1.41). Tax for the period was MSEK 28.7 (20.3) which means the average effective tax rate for the Group was 26.1 percent (27.8) during the period.

Cash flow and investments

Cash flow from operating activities in the quarter amounted to MSEK 42.4 (79.6), including a change in working capital of MSEK -19.9 (21.4). The negative change in working capital is primarily attributable to increased capital tied-up in accounts receivables.

Cash flow from operating activities during the period January-September amounted to MSEK 110.4 (115.8), including a change in working capital of MSEK -46.8 (-27.6).

Investments during the period January-September amounted to MSEK 98.2 (72.4). This is mainly related to an investment in a new production facility in the US, production equipment in Hudiksvall and payments of additional purchase price related to the acquisitions of Blue Diamond Industries and Opternus.

Net sales (MSEK) and EBITA margin (%) rolling 12 months

Liquidity and financial position

The Group´s net debt

Net debt totalled MSEK 318.2 at the end of the reporting period compared to MSEK 318.9 as per 31 December 2019.

Available funds

Available funds on 30 September 2020, including unutilised overdraft facilities, amounted to MSEK 196.5 (171.8).

Equity

Equity amounted to MSEK 650.2 on 30 September 2020 (574.4), which equated to SEK 17.33 per outstanding share before dilution at the end of the reporting period.

The Group´s financial goals

9 percent EBITA margin

Earnings before amortisation of intangible assets (EBITA) should be at least 9 percent on a rolling 12-month basis. The EBITA margin on a rolling 12-month basis on 30 September 2020 was 8.6 percent (7.3).

20 percent annual growth

The Group shall grow more than its market organically. Annual growth of at least 20 percent.

The growth will be both organic and acquisition driven. Growth during the quarter year was 13 percent.

Growth on a rolling 12-month basis was 7 percent (23).

Customers

The Group's customers are mainly wholesalers, telecom operators, network owners, telecom companies, installers, and system houses.

Employees

There were 705 (588) employees in the Group on 30 September 2020. The increase is mainly related to production personnel in Sweden and North America and the acquisitions of Tech Optics and The Light Brigade.

Parent Company

The Parent Company's main business consists of performing Group-wide services. Revenue for the period amounted to MSEK 13.5 (14.2) and the result for the quarter was MSEK -37.3 (-45.4).

Ownership structure

The company's share is listed in the Mid cap segment on Nasdaq Stockholm. At the end of the period the share capital amounted to MSEK 1.9.

Number of Number Percentage Percentage
Class of shares shares of votes of capital of votes
Ordinary share, 1 vote per share 37,508,930 37,508,930 99.0% 99.9%
Class C share, 1/10 vote per share 360,000 36,000 1.0% 0.1%
Total number of shares before repurchases 37,868,930 37,544,930 100% 100%
Repurchased class C shares -360,000 1.0% 0.1%
Total number of shares after repurchases 37,508,930

Employee stock option programmes active at the time of this report's publication are:

Outstanding warrant Number of Corresponding
number
Proportion
of total
Exercise
programme warrants of shares shares price Expiration period
Warrant programme 2018/2021 578,000 578,000 1.5% 82.20 15 May -
15 Jun 2021
Warrant programme 2019/2022 357,500 357,500 0.9% 66.73 15 May -
15 Jun 2022
Warrant programme 2020/2023 290,000 290,000 0.8% 63.00 15 May -
15 Jun 2023
Total 1,225,500 1,225,500

In addition to above warrant programmes, a decision was made in 2019 to introduce a long-term, performance-based incentive plan (LTIP 2019) for 11 senior executives in the Group who are resident in Sweden. The participants have invested 48,640 savings shares in total.

Under the LTIP, for each acquired Hexatronic share (savings share), participants can receive 4–6 shares in Hexatronic (performance shares) free of charge, assuming achievement of certain performance targets. To

qualify for performance shares, participants must acquire and retain a number of Hexatronic shares for the whole of the three-year vesting period and must, with some exceptions, remain in employment during the same period. In addition to the above conditions, performance shares also require certain performance targets to be met, linked to the development of the per-share earnings, the Group's growth and the growth in EBITA during the vesting period.

The targets relate to the 2019, 2020 and 2021 financial years. Hexatronic has judged that all the above conditions are non-market related conditions under IFRS 2.

The company's market value at the end of the period was MSEK 2,393. The number of shareholders at period end, 8,987, is based on data from Euroclear.

The shareholder structure of Hexatronic Group AB (publ) on 30 September 2020 is shown in the table below.

Shareholder No. of ordinary shares Votes %
Accendo Capital 3,756,012 10.0%
Handelsbanken Funds 3,673,630 9.8%
Jonas Nordlund, privately and corporately 3,003,000 8.0%
Länsförsäkringar Funds 1,945,868 5.2%
Martin Åberg and Erik Selin via Chirp AB 1,785,872 4.8%
AMF Insurance & Funds 1,393,288 3.7%
Swedbank Robur, West Fund 1,309,572 3.5%
Consensus Asset Management 927,994 2.5%
Avanza Pension -
Insurance Company
892,401 2.4%
Göran Nordlund, privately and corporately 875,364 2.3%
Other shareholders 17,945,929 47.8%
Total outstanding shares 37,508,930 100.0%

Sustainability

Together with our employees, customers, and suppliers, Hexatronic wants to contribute to a more sustainable society. The Hexatronic Group focuses on the following nine sustainability areas: high business ethics, sustainable supply chain, stable profitability, low climate impact, environmentally sound products, high resource efficiency, diversity and gender equality, good working environment, health and safety and social involvement.

In 2019, Hexatronic Group was ranked among the top 5 percent of the stock exchange's most sustainable companies linked to anti-corruption and the top 25 percent linked to Agenda 2030. In 2019, we became a supporting member of the Swedish Anti-Corruption Institute and a member of the Global Compact.

In 2020, special focus will be on developing and improving the Group in the areas of low climate impact, sustainable supply chain and diversity and gender equality. In addition, a sustainability roadmap 2030 will be drawn up.

For more information about what Hexatronic has done and what is planned within the Group's sustainability work, please see Hexatronic' s Annual Report 2019 on pages 24-37 and the website https://hexatronicgroup.com/en/sustainability/.

The market

The general transition to a more digital, sustainable society is continuing at an increasing rate, and this change is extensively dependent on a fast, reliable infrastructure for digital communication. There are many factors driving this transition and the increased need for connection, from altered behaviours such as increased work from home, online shopping, digital banking services, online gaming, HD TV, streaming services and VR/MR, to a higher degree of connectivity in industry and driverless vehicles. The common denominator for it all is reliable internet connection with increasing demands on short response times.

The world's fiber network consists of powerful international transport networks that link together national and regional networks, backbone networks, and finally access networks (FTTH, fiber-to-the-home) which reach out to individual households. Millions of homes around the world need to be connected to highperformance communication networks, which means that the international market for FTTH is continuing to develop positively. Market Panorama, an annual report by FTTH Council Europe conducted, shows that growth in subscribers between September 2018 and September 2019 was 5 percent in the Nordic countries, 40 percent in the UK and 42 percent in Germany. The 2017-2018 growth was 42 percent in New Zealand and 21 percent in North America.

Various reports and national forecasts indicate continued strong demand for FTTH on Hexatronic' s strategic growth markets (the UK, North America and Germany) up to 2025–2030, and probably beyond as well.

Other disclosures

Nature of operations

Hexatronic Group AB (publ) is an engineering group specialising in fibre communications. The Group delivers products and solutions for optical fibre networks and supplies a complete range of passive infrastructure for telecom companies, including related training.

The Group develops, designs, manufactures, and sells its own products and system solutions in combination with products from leading partners around the world. The Group conducts its own business through established companies in Sweden, Norway, the UK, Germany, Italy, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, China, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

All amounts are in thousands of Swedish kronor (SEK thousand) unless otherwise stated. The figures in parentheses refer to the previous year.

Transactions with related parties

The Group rents premises from Fastighets AB Balder, in which the Group's board member Erik Selin has a significant influence. The rental contract has been entered under normal commercial conditions. The rent for the premises amounts to approximately MSEK 5.0 annually.

Significant risks and uncertainties

Like all business activities, Hexatronic' s operation is associated with risks of various kinds. Continually identifying and assessing risks is a natural and integral part of the operation, enabling risks to be controlled, limited and managed proactively. The Group's ability to map and prevent risks minimises the likelihood of unpredictable events having an adverse impact on the business. The aim of risk management is not necessarily to eliminate the risk, but rather to safeguard set business goals with a balanced risk portfolio. Mapping, planning and management of identifiable risks supports the management in making strategic decisions. Risk assessment also aims to increase the entire organisation's risk awareness.

On 1 January 2021, the customs union between the EU and UK comes to an end. All trade to and from the UK will be affected by new administration, and some products will be subject to customs duty. At the time of publishing this report, the precise regulations and processes remain unclear as negotiations are still in progress. Preparations have been made to minimise the risk of negative impact in the product flows from January 2021 onwards, primarily in the form of stock-building in the UK, as well as higher in-house administration capacity.

Several risk areas have been identified in Hexatronic' s risk management process. Hexatronic has divided identified risks into operational and environmental risks, market risks and financial risks. A more detailed description of the Group's risks and risk management is provided in the Hexatronic Group Annual Report for 2019 on page 44-47.

Accounting policies

The consolidated financial statements for Hexatronic Group ("Hexatronic") have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU, RFR 1 Supplementary Accounting Rules for Groups and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Reporting, the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and RFR 1 Supplementary Accounting Rules for Groups.

The Parent Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and the Swedish Financial Reporting Board's recommendation RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities. The application of RFR 2 means that in its interim report for the legal entity, the Parent Company applies all IFRS and statements adopted by the EU as far as possible within the framework of the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and the Swedish Insurance Act and regarding the relationship between accounting and taxation.

For full accounting policies, see the Annual Report for 2019.

Review

This interim report has been reviewed by the company's auditor.

Other information

Publication

This information comprises disclosures that Hexatronic Group AB (publ) must publish according to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication, under responsibility of the contact persons named below, on 5 November 2020 at 07:00 CET.

Financial calendar

Year-End Report 2020: 24 February 2021 Interim Report January-March 2021: 29 April 2021 Interim Report April-June 2021: 12 August 2021 Interim Report July-September 2021: 2 November 2021

Annual General Meeting

The AGM will be held on 6 May 2021.

Please direct any questions to:

  • Henrik Larsson Lyon, President and CEO, + 46 (0)70-650 34 00
  • Lennart Sparud, CFO, + 46 (0)70-558 66 04

The Board of Directors and President hereby confirm that this interim report provides a true and fair overview of the business, financial position and results of the Parent Company and the Group and describes significant risks and uncertainty factors with which the Parent Company and the companies forming the Group are faced.

Gothenburg, 5 November 2020

Anders Persson Erik Selin Chairman Board member

Board member Board member

Board member Board member

Henrik Larsson Lyon President and CEO

Jaakko Kivinen Malin Frenning

Helena Holmgren Frida Westerberg

Auditor´s report

Hexatronic Group AB (publ) – org.nr 556168-6360

Introduction

We have reviewed the condensed interim financial information (interim report) of Hexatronic Group AB (publ) as of 30 September 2020 and the nine-month period then ended. The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the interim financial information 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 Report 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, ISA, 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

We 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 with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, regarding the Parent Company.

Gothenburg, November 5, 2020

Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

Johan Palmgren Authorized Public Accountant

Consolidated income statement

(SEK thousand) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2019
Q3 Q3 Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Full year
Revenue
Net sales 534,325 473,068 1,480,992 1,379,030 1,842,266
Other operating income 3,687 6,278 10,164 8,540 14,043
538,012 479,346 1,491,156 1,387,570 1,856,310
Operating expenses
Raw materials and goods for resale -296,455 -267,427 -819,343 -767,799 -1,022,632
Other external costs -59,349 -66,055 -180,791 -192,429 -266,716
Personnel costs -97,316 -83,131 -298,765 -270,600 -368,880
Other operating expenses -4,337 0 -4,337 -695 -1,294
Depreciation of tangible assets -17,357 -15,458 -48,957 -47,698 -60,876
Earnings before amortisation of intangible assets (EBITA) 63,198 47,275 138,963 108,349 135,911
Amortisation of intangible assets -6,677 -7,013 -20,541 -22,585 -29,501
Operating result (EBIT) 56,521 40,261 118,422 85,764 106,410
Result from financial items
Financial income 117 102 223 184 285
Financial expenses -2,929 -4,329 -8,910 -13,113 -15,664
Result after financial items 53,710 36,035 109,736 72,835 91,031
Income taxes -14,624 -8,806 -28,664 -20,257 -23,965
Net result for the period 39,086 27,229 81,072 52,578 67,066
Attributable to:
Parent Company shareholders 39,086 27,229 81,072 52,578 67,066
Earnings per share
Earnings per share before dilution (SEK) 1.04 0.73 2.17 1.42 1.81
Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) 1.04 0.73 2.17 1.41 1.80
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 2020 2019 2020 2019 2019
Q3 Q3 Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Full year
Result for the period 39,086 27,229 81,072 52,578 67,066
Items which can later be recovered in the income statement
Translation differences -14,858 20,749 -25,760 33,823 12,025
Other comprehensive income for the period -14,858 20,749 -25,760 33,823 12,025
Comprehensive income for the period 24,228 47,978 55,311 86,401 79,091
Attributable to:
Parent Company shareholders 24,228 47,978 55,311 86,401 79,091

Consolidated balance sheet

(SEK thousand)
Assets 30/9/2020 30/9/2019 31/12/2019
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 422,681 453,547 434,253
Tangible assets 391,616 341,320 352,562
Financial assets 1,564 1,722 1,729
Total non-current assets 815,861 796,589 788,544
Current assets
Inventories 352,996 344,908 339,346
Accounts receivable 362,584 299,747 242,413
Other receivables 6,812 4,900 3,232
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 24,126 18,439 20,559
Liquid assets 73,035 87,407 103,762
Total current assets 819,552 755,400 709,312
TOTAL ASSETS 1,635,413 1,551,989 1,497,856
Equity 650,161 580,772 574,400
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities to credit institutions 305,232 349,323 320,430
Deferred tax 56,444 60,912 58,497
Non-current lease liabilities 122,913 132,162 123,415
Total non-current liabilities 484,589 542,397 502,342
Current liabilities
Liabilities to credit institutions 57,000 57,000 57,000
Current lease liabilities 36,662 34,158 34,349
Overdraft facilities 29,040 27,583 45,258
Accounts payable 194,483 171,880 162,584
Provisions 3,000 3,000 3,000
Current tax liabilities 20,012 2,379 2,811
Other liabilities 65,819 64,752 48,346
Accrued expenses and deferred income 94,647 68,069 67,765
Total current liabilities 500,663 428,821 421,114
TOTAL EQUITY, PROVISIONS AND LIABILITIES 1,635,413 1,551,989 1,497,856

Consolidated statement of changes in equity

(SEK thousand) Share
capital
Other capital
contributions
Reserves Result
brought
forward,
including
result for the
period
Total equity
Balance brought forward as of 1 January 2019 1,826 205,787 5,905 280,897 494,415
Result for the period 0 0 0 67,066 67,066
Other comprehensive income 0 0 12,025 0 12,025
Total comprehensive income 0 0 12,025 67,066 79,091
New shares related to employee stock option
programme
34 12,795 0 0 12,828
Employee stock option programme 0 2,186 0 0 2,186
Share-based remuneration 18 0 0 736 754
Dividend paid 0 0 0 -14,874 -14,874
Total transactions with shareholders, reported
directly in equity
52 14,981 0 -14,138 894
Balance carried forward as of 31 December 2019 1,877 220,768 17,930 333,825 574,400
Balance brought forward as of 1 January 2020 1,877 220,768 17,930 333,825 574,400
Result for the period 0 0 0 81,072 81,072
Other comprehensive income 0 0 -25,760 0 -25,760
Total comprehensive income 0 0 -25,760 81,072 55,311
New shares related to employee stock option
programme
15 15,854 0 0 15,869
Employee stock option programme 0 2,003 0 4 2,008
Share-based remuneration 0 0 0 1,441 1,441
New share issue related to business acquisitions 1 1,132 0 0 1,133
Total transactions with shareholders, reported
directly in equity
16 18,989 0 1,445 20,450
Balance carried forward as of 30 September 2020 1,893 239,757 -7,830 416,342 650,161

Consolidated statement of cash flows

(SEK thousand) 2020 2019 2020 2019 2019
Q3 Q3 Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Full year
Operating result 56,521 40,261 118,422 85,764 106,410
Items not affecting cash flow 20,984 29,717 59,983 88,313 97,206
Interest received 117 102 223 184 285
Interest paid -2,411 -3,253 -9,088 -10,103 -16,090
Income tax paid -12,884 -8,669 -12,425 -20,734 -27,679
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working
capital
62,328 58,158 157,115 143,424 160,132
Increase (-)/decrease (+) in inventories 8,245 30,340 -11,253 -10,626 -5,065
Increase (-)/decrease (+) in accounts receivable -32,431 -6,998 -118,302 -37,973 19,361
Increase (-)/decrease (+) in operating receivables 2,743 4,092 -5,984 4,390 3,938
Increase (+)/decrease (-) in accounts payable -17,293 -21,527 30,927 -1,892 -11,188
Increase (+)/decrease (-) in operating liabilities 18,843 15,532 57,853 18,516 6,736
Cash flow from changes in working capital -19,893 21,440 -46,760 -27,584 13,782
Cash flow from operating activities 42,435 79,598 110,355 115,840 173,915
Investing activities
Acquisition of tangible and intangible assets -13,225 -28,765 -59,611 -57,854 -81,781
Acquisition of subsidiaries after deduction of acquired liquid assets -13,753 -13,809 -38,752 -13,809 -13,809
Change in financial assets 8 -8 165 -707 -714
Cash flow from investing activities -26,970 -42,581 -98,198 -72,369 -96,304
Financing activities
Borrowings 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000
Amortisation of loans -21,375 0 -35,625 -27,611 -56,971
Amortisation of lease liabilities -9,209 -9,026 -27,794 -26,514 -35,657
Changes in overdraft facilities -6,375 -44,634 -16,218 -2,280 15,395
New share issues for the period 0 0 16,147 13,106 13,106
Dividends paid 0 0 0 -14,874 -14,874
Cash flow from financing activities -16,959 -33,660 -43,489 -38,172 -59,000
Cash flow for the period -1,493 3,356 -31,332 5,298 18,610
Liquid assets at the start of the period 74,904 84,878 103,762 84,621 84,621
Exchange rate difference in liquid assets -376 -827 605 -2,512 531
Liquid assets at the end of the period 73,035 87,407 73,035 87,407 103,762

Key metric for the group

2020 2019 2020 2019 2019
Q3 Q3 Jan-Sept Jan-Sept Full year
Growth in net sales 13% 17% 7% 19% 15%
EBITA margin 11.8% 10.0% 9.4% 7.9% 7.4%
EBITA margin, 12 months rolling 8.6% 7.3% 8.6% 7.3% 7.4%
Operating margin 10.6% 8.5% 8.0% 6.2% 5.8%
Earnings per share before dilution (SEK) 1.04 0.73 2.17 1.42 1.81
Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) 1.04 0.73 2.17 1.41 1.80
Net sales per employee (SEK thousand) 766 798 2,289 2,361 3,133
Result per employee (SEK thousand) 56 46 125 90 114
Quick asset ratio 93% 96% 93% 96% 88%
Average number of employees 698 593 647 584 588
Number of shares at period end before dilution 37,508,930 37,183,825 37,508,930 37,183,825 37,183,825
Average number of shares before dilution 37,508,930 37,183,825 37,436,684 37,109,158 37,127,825
Average number of shares after dilution 37,513,319 37,210,169 37,441,436 37,185,969 37,217,336

For definition of key metrics, see the section Definition alternative key metrics.

The key metrics presented are deemed essential to describing the Group's development as they both constitute the Group's financial objectives (growth in net sales and EBITA margin) and are the key metrics by which the Group is governed. Several key metrics are considered relevant to investors, such as earnings per share and the number of shares. Other key metrics are presented in order to provide different perspectives on how the Group is developing and are therefore deemed to be of benefit to the reader.

Parent Company income statement

(SEK thousand) 2020 2019
Jan-Sept Jan-Sept
Revenue
Net sales 13,537 14,161
13,537 14,161
Operating expenses
Other external costs -26,734 -35,009
Personnel costs -19,279 -19,543
Depreciation of tangible assets -173 -161
Operating result (EBITA) -32,649 -40,553
Result from financial items
Interest income 3,088 2,469
Interest expenses -7,689 -7,353
Result after financial items -37,250 -45,437
Appropriations 0 0
Result before tax -37,250 -45,437
Tax on profit for the period -39 -76
Net result for the period -37,289 -45,513

Total comprehensive income is the same as net result for the period in the parent company since there is nothing accounted for as other comprehensive income.

Parent Company balance sheet

(SEK thousand) 30/9/2020 30/9/2019 31/12/2019
Assets
Intangible assets 1,915 388 388
Tangible assets 325 386 333
Financial assets 657,384 635,212 631,753
Total non-current assets 659,624 635,986 632,473
Current receivables
Receivables from Group companies 248,113 160,851 257,463
Other receivables 5,079 3,508 2,262
Prepaid expenses and accrued income 2,564 2,626 4,118
Total current receivables 255,757 166,985 263,843
Cash and bank balances 0 0 0
Total current assets 255,757 166,985 263,843
TOTAL ASSETS 915,382 802,971 896,316
Equity 192,069 155,333 210,390
Untaxed reserves 16,950 12,350 16,950
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities to credit institutions 305,232 349,323 320,430
Deferred tax 43 2 4
Total non-current liabilities 305,275 349,325 320,434
Current liabilities
Liabilities to credit institutions 57,000 57,000 57,000
Overdraft facilities 29,040 27,583 45,258
Accounts payable 4,023 6,994 8,465
Liabilities to Group companies 291,054 150,811 200,084
Current tax liabilities 0 78 3,462
Other liabilities 12,396 33,415 29,270
Accrued expenses and deferred income 7,575 10,082 5,002
Total current liabilities 401,087 285,963 348,541
TOTAL EQUITY, PROVISIONS AND LIABILITIES 915,382 802,971 896,316

Notes

Note 1 Revenue

January to September 2020
Rest of the
Geographical markets Sweden Rest of Europe North America world Total
Revenue from external customers 422,358 491,711 369,037 197,887 1,480,992
Category
Goods 405,380 451,969 364,933 197,887 1,420,168
Services 16,978 39,742 4,104 0 60,824
Total 422,358 491,711 369,037 197,887 1,480,992
Time for revenue recognition
At a given time 422,358 491,711 369,037 197,887 1,480,992
Over time 0 0 0 0 0
Total 422,358 491,711 369,037 197,887 1,480,992

January to September 2019

Rest of the
Geographical markets Sweden Rest of Europe North America world Total
Revenue from external customers 412,882 426,986 320,095 219,067 1,379,030
Category
Goods 388,131 379,334 320,095 219,067 1,306,627
Services 24,751 47,652 0 0 72,403
Total 412,882 426,986 320,095 219,067 1,379,030
Time for revenue recognition
At a given time 412,882 426,986 320,095 219,067 1,379,030
Over time 0 0 0 0 0
Total 412,882 426,986 320,095 219,067 1,379,030

Note 2 Pledged assets

Group Parent Company
Pledged assets 30/9/2020 30/9/2019 31/12/2019 30/9/2020 30/9/2019
Assets pledged for liabilities to credit institutions
Chattel mortgages 157,350 157,350 157,350 100 100
Shares in subsidiaries 349,958 324,444 269,517 83,402 82,645
Total 507,308 481,794 426,867 83,502 82,745

Note 3 Business acquisitions

Tech Optics Ltd. ("Tech Optics")

On 1 June 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital in Tech Optics for MGBP 0.374.

The table below summarises the purchase price paid for Tech Optics and the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities recognised on the acquisition date.

Purchase price as of 1 June 2020
Liquid assets 4,655
Total purchase price 4,655
Recognised amounts for identifiable acquired assets and taken-over liabilities
Liquid assets 1,043
Tangible assets 277
Accounts receivable 141
Inventories 1,888
Other receivables 567
Accounts payable -945
Other payables -435
Total identifiable net assets 2,536
Goodwill 2,119

Acquisition-related costs of SEK 406 thousand are included in other external costs in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 2020 financial year. Total cash flow, excluding acquisition related costs, attributable to the business acquisition amounted to SEK -3,612 thousand. Goodwill is attributable to the added earning capacity the company is expected to bring.

The fair value of accounts receivable totals SEK 141 thousand. No accounts receivable is deemed to be doubtful.

Tech Optics net sales have been included in the consolidated income statement since 1 June 2020 and amount to SEK 5,514 thousand. Tech Optics also generated a net profit of SEK 550 thousand in the same period on group level.

Had Tech Optics been consolidated from 1 January 2020, the consolidated income statement for the period 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020 would have shown increased net sales amounting to SEK 10,436 thousand and a net profit of SEK 107 thousand.

The Light Brigade Inc. ("Light Brigade")

On 1 August 2020, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital in Light Brigade for MUSD 1.6.

The preliminary table below summarises the purchase price paid for Light Brigade and the fair value of acquired assets and assumed liabilities recognised on the acquisition date.

Purchase price as of 1 August 2020
Liquid assets 14,009
Total purchase price 14,009
Recognised amounts for identifiable acquired assets and taken-over liabilities
Liquid assets 617
Tangible assets 851
Accounts receivable 1,728
Inventories 508
Other receivables 596
Accounts payable -27
Other payables -1,831
Total identifiable net assets 2,441
Goodwill 11,568

Acquisition-related costs of SEK 702 thousand are included in other external costs in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the 2020 financial year. Total cash flow, excluding acquisition related costs, attributable to the business acquisition amounted to SEK -13,392 thousand. Goodwill is attributable to the added earning capacity the company is expected to bring.

The fair value of accounts receivable totals SEK 1,728 thousand. No accounts receivable is deemed to be doubtful.

Light Brigade net sales have been included in the consolidated income statement since 1 August 2020 and amount to SEK 4,104 thousand. Light Brigade also generated a net profit of SEK 155 thousand in the same period on group level.

Had Light Brigade been consolidated from 1 January 2020, the consolidated income statement for the period 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020 would have shown increased net sales amounting to SEK 18,837 thousand and a net profit of SEK -2,799 thousand.

Business acquisitions (post balance date)

Baltronic Group OÜ ("Baltronic")

On 2 November 2020, the Group acquired 100 percent of the share capital in Baltronic for MEUR 1.9.

There are no definitive admission accounts at the time of publication of this interim report. Detailed acquisition calculation will be included in the next interim report which will be published on 24 February 2021.

Qubix S.p.A. ("Qubix")

On 2 November 2020, the Group acquired 90 percent of the share capital in Qubix for MEUR 14.4.

There are no definitive admission accounts at the time of publication of this interim report. Detailed acquisition calculation will be included in the next interim report which will be published on 24 February 2021.

Reconciliation between IFRS and key metrics used

In this interim report, Hexatronic presents certain financial parameters that are not defined in IFRS, known as alternative key metrics. The Group believes that these parameters provide valuable supplementary information for investors, as they facilitate an evaluation of the company's results and position. Since not all companies calculate financial parameters in the same way, these metrics are not always comparable with those used by other companies. Investors should see the financial parameters as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, financial reporting in accordance with IFRS.

Organic growth, SEK thousand, % Q3 2020 Jan-Sept 2020
Net sales 2020 534,325 1,480,992
Exchange-rate effects 18,802 5,693
Acquisition driven -7,298 -9,618
Comparable net sales 545,829 1,477,067
Net sales 2019 473,068 1,379,030
Net sales increase cleared of exchange-rate effects 80,059 107,655
% 17% 8%
Organic growth 72,761 98,037
% 15% 7%
Annual growth, rolling 12 months, % 12 months
Net sales January-September 2020 1,480,992
Net sales October-December 2019 463,236
Net sales rolling 12 months 1,944,228
Net sales January-September 2019 1,379,030
Net sales October-December 2018 443,159
Net sales rolling 12 months 1,822,189
Annual growth, rolling 12 months 7%
Quick asset ratio, % 30/9/2020 30/9/2019 31/12/2019
Current assets 819,552 755,400 709,312
Inventories -352,996 -344,908 -339,346
Current assets-inventories 466,557 410,492 369,965
Current liabilities 500,663 428,821 421,114
Quick asset ratio 93% 96% 88%
Core working capital, SEK thousand 30/9/2020 30/9/2019 31/12/2019
Inventories 352,996 344,908 339,346
Accounts receivable 362,584 299,747 242,413
Accounts payable -194,483 -171,880 -162,584
Core working capital 521,096 472,775 419,176

Definition alternative key metrics

EBITA

Earnings before amortisation of intangible assets.

EBITA margin

Earnings before amortisation of intangible assets as a percentage of net sales.

EBIT (operating result)

Earnings before interest and taxes.

Operating margin

Earnings before interest and taxes as a percentage of net sales.

Number of shares

Number of outstanding shares at the end of the period.

Organic growth

Changes in net sales excluding exchange-rate effects and acquisitions compared with the same period last year.

Annual growth

Average annual growth is calculated as the Group´s total net sales during the period compared to the same period the year before.

Quick asset ratio

Quick asset ratio is calculated as current assets minus inventories divided by current liabilities.

Core working capital

Core working capital is defined as inventories plus accounts receivable minus accounts payable.

Average number of outstanding shares

Weighted average of the number of outstanding shares during the period.

Average number of outstanding shares after dilution

Number of outstanding shares at the end of the period plus the number of shares that would be added if all dilutive potential shares were converted.

Earnings per share before dilution

Earnings as a percentage of average number of outstanding shares before dilution.

Earnings per share after dilution

Earnings as a percentage of average number of outstanding shares after dilution.

Equity per share

Equity divided by the number of shares at the end of the period.

Number of employees

Number of employees at the end of the period.

This is Hexatronic

Hexatronic Group AB (publ) is a group that develops, markets and delivers products, components and system solutions with the main focus on the fiber optic market. Hexatronic offers a wide range of innovative system and product solutions mainly for passive fiber optic infrastructure with global trademarks like Ribbonet®, Micronet™, Drytech™, Lightmate®, FibreHub™, Matrix, Viper, Stringray, Raptor, InOne and Wistom®. The Group has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden and has sales offices and/or subsidiaries in Sweden, Norway, Finland, United Kingdom, Germany, China, New Zealand and the US. The Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker HTRO. For more information, visit www.hexatronicgroup.com.

Hexatronic Group AB (publ) Org nr 556168-6360

Hexatronic Group AB (publ) Sofierogatan 3a, 412 51 Göteborg, Sverige www.hexatronicgroup.com