Annual Report • Jan 26, 2024
Annual Report
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer

• Extraordinary General Meeting will be held on January 26, 2024
This is a translation of the Swedish language original. In the event of any differences between this translation and the Swedish original, the latter shall prevail.
• Net sales for the year reached SEK 3,025 m (2,506), corresponding to a 21% increase. Currency translations had a positive effect of SEK 135 m on net sales
January - December
The last quarter of 2023 followed the same trend as the previous quarters. Continued solid turnover while order intake continues to be negatively affected when our customers continue to reduce their inventory levels in a somewhat weaker market.
The order intake for the quarter amounts to SEK 426 million (718), corresponding to an organic decline of 34%. We estimate that the quarter's order intake is negatively affected by our customers' inventory adjustments of approximately SEK 150 million, in contrast to the corresponding quarter last year, when we had inflated orders of SEK 85 million. Furthermore, the order intake has been negatively impacted by currency revaluations of the order book by SEK 43 million. Underlying order intake is estimated to be SEK 618 million, indicating a somewhat weaker market than previous quarter.
The quarter's turnover amounted to SEK 760 million (764), which corresponds to an organic decline of 3% compared to the corresponding period last year.
The order book amounted to SEK 778 million, which is a decrease of SEK 328 million compared to the previous quarter.
Our gross margin remains at almost the same level as previous quarter, 65.3% (63.6) and we are pleased to see that we have managed to navigate through the last years with growing gross margins, with a full year margin in 2023 of 65%.
Our operating expenses increased to SEK 335 million (294) and is burdened with restructuring costs of SEK 7 million primarily from realizing efficiency improvement with the integration of the sales organization from our previous acquisition, Procentec. The quarter is also impacted by transaction costs of SEK 17 million, relating to the acquisition of Red Lion Controls. Organic increase of operating costs excluding restructuring and transaction costs were 3%.
The adjusted operating profit in the quarter reached SEK 193 million (192), corresponding to an operating margin of 25.3% (25.1). The quarter's cash flow from operations amounts to SEK 119 million (177), which is impacted by continued increased working capital, primarily related to our inventory.
The order normalization has continued with a similar pace as in Q3 for both Europe and Japan where many of our large customers still are placing few or small orders. This is due to a combination of previous large orders, but also an increased uncertainty for the market's underlying demand.
In the Americas, we see a trend break where order intake is now increasing compared to the last two quarters and we assess that the customers' inventory adjustments have essentially been completed, which is a promising indication for 2024.
On December 11th we entered into a binding agreement with Spectris
Order intake Q4 -41% -1% 22%
Net sales Q4
Group Holdings Limited to acquire the Red Lion Controls business, a well-established US-based provider of industrial communications & automation solutions. The acquisition will significantly strengthen our presence in the North American market and enable several cross-selling opportunities and expand our product offer.
We are currently waiting for all the necessary approvals to close the transaction, that we expect to happen during springtime.
With the acquisition, HMS will have a solid platform for further growth in the American market.
For our Design-Win business model (approximately 52% of HMS's turnover) we see a continued stable inflow of new customers in 2023. In total, we received 139 (146) new Design-Wins during the year, and the total number of active Design-Wins now amounts to 1,945 (1,843), an increase of 6% compared to 2022. Of these, 1,582 (1,493) are in production, while 259 (280) are expected to go into production in the coming years.
HMS has during the quarter started the development of the nextgeneration Ewon Remote Access and Remote Data solution. Already having connected over half a million devices worldwide, Ewon continues to develop the portfolio to remain market leader.
Specifically designed for machine builders, this strategic initiative includes the development of a state-of-the-art device and an advanced Cloud platform, promising heightened levels of performance, reliability, and security in Remote Access and Remote Data with extended features for more advanced users. Initial customer testing is scheduled for 2024, with the official product release planned early 2025.
Operating margin Q4
In the short term, the market continues to be characterized by inventory adjustments and uncertainties due to the macro-economic situation. The market is in "wait-and-see mode" where customers are hesitant to place order until their view of the market demand is clearer. We estimate that order intake will improve first in the second half of 2024, with a gradual improvement during the second quarter.
Our customers' willingness to invest in digitalization, productivity improvements and sustainability is strong and underlying demand is still considered to be good, although there is some concern linked to how the industry will be affected by weaker consumer purchasing power, increasing energy costs and the complicated security situation.
We continue to work with a focus on long-term growth based on a balanced view of our costs. In the long term, we continue to believe that the market for Industrial ICT (Information & Communication Technology) will be an interesting area, both in terms of organic growth and acquisitions.

Staffan Dahlström, CEO with Hatsuki Yasuoka, Ewon Sales Japan & Alexander Hess, SrVP Information Centric presenting our new Ewon-product concept in Japan
Order intake decreased by 41% to SEK 426 m (718), of which currency translations amounted to SEK-46 m (29). The organic decrease in order intake was 34%.
Net sales decreased by 1% to SEK 760 m (764), of which currency translation effects were SEK 16 m (65). The organic decrease in net sales was 3%.
Gross profit reached SEK 496 m (486), corresponding to a gross margin of 65.3% (63.6). Operating expenses amounted to SEK 335 m (294). Included in the operating profit was restructuring costs of SEK 7 m primarily from realizing efficiency improvement with the integration of the sales organization from our previous acquisition, Procentec and also transaction costs of SEK 17 m, relating to the acquisition of Red Lion Controls. The organic increase in operating expenses was 3%, corresponding to SEK 8 m. During the fourth quarter, the next generation of Ewon products has started to be developed, which has resulted in capitalized development costs of SEK 11 m.
Operating profit before depreciation/amortization and write-downs amounted to SEK 201 m (225), corresponding to a margin of 26.5% (29.4). Depreciations/amortizations and write-downs amounted to SEK 32 m (33). Operating profit amounted to SEK 169 m (192), corresponding to a margin of 22.3% (25.1). Adjusted operating profit for the above-mentioned restructuring and transaction costs amounted to SEK 193 m, corresponding to a margin of 25.3%. Currency translations affected the Group's operating profit by SEK 2 m (13).
Net financials were SEK -27 m (-11), mainly attributable to a stronger

The graph shows net sales per quarter on the bars referring to the scale on the left axis. The line shows net sales for the latest 12 month period referring to the scale on the axis to the right.
SEK exchange rate which has resulted in negative revaluation effects on primarily internal receivables and loans, which resulted in a profit before tax of SEK 142 m (180).
Profit after tax amounted to SEK 110 m (151) and earnings per share before and after dilution was SEK 2.36 (3.25) and SEK 2.35 (3.24) respectively. Adjusted profit after tax amounted to SEK 134 m and adjusted earnings per share was SEK 2.86.
Order intake decreased by 25% to SEK 2,303 m (3,064), of which currency translations amounted to SEK-45 m (233). The organic decrease in order intake was 24%.
Net sales increased by 21% to SEK 3,025 m (2,506), of which currency translation effects were SEK 135 m (158). The organic increase in net sales was 15%.
Gross profit reached SEK 1,967 m (1,577), corresponding to a gross margin of 65.0% (62.9). Operating expenses amounted to SEK 1,223 m (958). Included in the operating profit was restructuring costs of SEK 7 m primarily from realizing efficiency improvement with the integration of the sales organization from our previous acquisition, Procentec and also transaction costs of SEK 17 m, relating to the acquisition of Red Lion Controls. The organic increase in operating expenses was 20%, corresponding to SEK 189 m, mostly related to increased sales and marketing initiatives and costs related to IT and change of ERP system. During the fourth quarter, the next generation of Ewon products has started to be developed, which has resulted in capitalized development costs of SEK 11 m.
Operating profit before depreciation/amortization and write-downs amounted to SEK 877 m (760), corresponding to a margin of 29.0% (30.3). Depreciations/amortizations and write-downs amounted to SEK 124 m (108). Operating profit amounted to SEK 753 m (653), corresponding to a margin of 24.9% (26.0).

The graph shows operating result EBIT per quarter. The bars refer to the scale on the left axis. The line shows operating result for the last 12 month period referring to the scale on the axis to the right.
| Quarterly data | Q3 2023 |
Q2 2023 |
Q1 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q3 2022 |
Q2 2022 |
Q1 2022 |
Q4 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 426 | 492 | 703 | 682 | 718 | 675 | 815 | 857 | |
| Order intake (SEK m) | ||||||||
| Net sales (SEK m) | 760 | 789 | 703 | 773 | 764 | 624 | 601 | 517 |
| Gross margin (%) | 65.3 | 65.4 | 64.7 | 64.8 | 63.6 | 63.6 | 62.2 | 61.8 |
| EBITDA (SEK m) | 201 | 255 | 180 | 241 | 225 | 204 | 167 | 165 |
| EBITDA (%) | 26.5 | 32.3 | 25.6 | 31.2 | 29.4 | 32.7 | 27.7 | 31.9 |
| EBIT (SEK m) | 169 | 223 | 150 | 211 | 192 | 179 | 143 | 139 |
| EBIT (%) | 22.3 | 28.2 | 21.4 | 27.4 | 25.1 | 28.7 | 23.7 | 26.9 |
| Cash flow from operating activities per share (SEK) | 2.54 | 3.59 | 1.67 | 3.32 | 3.80 | 2.52 | 1.21 | 1.71 |
| Earnings per share before dilution (SEK)¹ | 2.36 | 3.69 | 2.48 | 3.70 | 3.25 | 2.90 | 2.33 | 2.41 |
| Earnings per share after dilution (SEK)¹ | 2.35 | 3.68 | 2.47 | 3.69 | 3.24 | 2.89 | 2.33 | 2.40 |
| Equity per share (SEK) | 40.74 | 38.21 | 36.57 | 35.64 | 32.54 | 28.91 | 27.27 | 26.27 |
¹ Attributed to parent company shareholders
Adjusted operating profit for the above-mentioned restructuring and transaction costs amounted to SEK 777 m, corresponding to a margin of 25.7%. The operating profit last year had a positive effect of SEK 27 m, related to the revaluation of option debt for HMS Technology Center B.V (previously Procentec B.V.). Adjusted operating profit last year amounted to SEK 626 m, corresponding to a margin of 25.0%. Currency translations affected the Group's operating profit by SEK 25 m (39).
Net financials were SEK -36 m (-29), mainly attributable to a stronger SEK exchange rate which has resulted in negative revaluation effects on primarily internal receivables and loans, which resulted in a profit before tax of SEK 717 m (623).
Profit after tax amounted to SEK 571 m (508) and earnings per share before and after dilution was SEK 12.23 (10.89) and SEK 12.19 (10.85) respectively. Adjusted profit after tax amounted to SEK 594 m (481) and adjusted earnings per share was SEK 12.73 (10.31).
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital amounted to SEK 147 m (208) for the fourth quarter of the year. Changes in working capital were SEK -28 m (-31) which mainly corresponds to increased inventory. Cash flow from operating activities was thereby SEK 119 m (177).
Cash flow from investing activities amounted to SEK -23 m (-51) and mainly corresponds to investments in intangible and tangible assets of SEK -20 m (-45).
Cash flow from financing activities was SEK -121 m (-125) which is mainly explained by changes in external loans of SEK -106 m (-113). Amortizations of lease liabilities was SEK -15 m (-12). This means that cash flow for the fourth quarter was SEK -26 m (2).
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital amounted to SEK 751 m (647) for the year. Changes in working capital were SEK -232 m (-216) which mainly corresponds to increased inventory. Cash flow from operating activities was thereby SEK 519 m (431).
Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -135 m (-366) of which SEK - 55 m (-280) corresponds to investments in subsidiaries. Investments in intangible and tangible assets has been made of SEK -74 m (-83).
Cash flow from financing activities was SEK -400 m (-99) which is mainly explained by disbursed dividend of SEK -187 m (-140). Changes in external loans amounts to SEK -140 m (112). Repurchase of own shares has been made of SEK -13 m (-34). Amortizations of lease liabilities was SEK -60 m (-41). This means that cash flow for the year was SEK -16 m (-34).
Cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 124 m (144) and unused credit facilities to SEK 529 m (397). Net debt amounted to SEK 289 m (300) and mainly consists of lease liabilities of SEK 261 m (160). Net debt also consists of a debt corresponding to expected exercise price on option, in total SEK 127 m (99). External loans amounts to only SEK 2 m (136).
Net debt to EBITDA ratio for the last twelve months was 0.33 (0.39). Net debt/Equity ratio was 15% (19) and Equity/Assets ratio was 64% (59).
HMS Networks AB (publ) is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm Large Cap list, in the sector Telecommunications. By the end of the period the total number of shares amounted to 46,818,868 of which 162,880 shares are held by the company.
A list of the company's ownership structure can be found on the company's website (www.hms-networks.com).
The company has four ongoing share savings programs. Based on a decision by the Annual General Meetings, permanent employees are offered to save in HMS shares in an annual share savings program. Between 41% and 56% of the employees opted to participate in the respective program. If certain criteria are met the company is committed to distribute a maximum of two HMS performance shares for every share saved by the employee, to the participant. As of December 31, 2023, the total number of saved shares amounted to 72,793 (78,082) within ongoing programs.
On December 31, 2022 the share savings program from 2019 was finalized. During the first quarter of 2023, 46,440 performance shares, were distributed free of charge to the participants. Shares used for the allocation were own shares held by the company.
The parent company's operations are primarily focused on Group wide management and financing. Apart from the Group's CEO, the parent company has no employees. The operating profit amounted to SEK 1 m (0). Dividends from subsidiaries amounted to SEK 455 m (229). The profit after tax for the year was SEK 465 m (236). Cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 2 m (3) and external borrowing does not exist.
No material transactions with related parties have occurred during the period.
There have been no changes in the Group's contingent liabilities, described on page 93 in Note 37 of the Annual Report for 2022.
December 11, 2023, HMS entered into a binding agreement with Spectris Group Holdings Limited to acquire Red Lion Controls, a well-established US-based provider of industrial communications and automation solutions, through acquisition of 100% of the shares in Red Lion Controls Inc. and Red Lion Europe GmbH as well as certain assets in other jurisdictions.
The cash consideration amounts to USD 345 m (approximately SEK 3,600 m)1 , on a cash and debt free basis. The combination of HMS and Red Lion had annual sales exceeding SEK 4.4 billion2 , with an adjusted EBIT margin of approximately 24.0% (during the twelve-month period ending on September 30, 2023)³.
Closing of the acquisition is expected to take place during the first half year of 2024, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
HMS Networks will arrange an Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday January 26, at 10.30 a.m. at the HMS head office in Halmstad. The board proposes that the general meeting authorizes the Board of director to resolve on a new issue of shares. The total number of shares that may be issued shall amount to not more than the number of shares that corresponds to sufficient issue proceeds mainly for the purpose to refinance the company's bridge loan facility for the acquisition of Red Lion Controls Inc.
No other events that are to be considered significant has occured after the end of the period until the signing of this interim report.
In the short term, the market continues to be characterized by inventory adjustments and uncertainties due to the macro-economic situation. The market is in "wait-and-see mode" where customers are hesitant to place order until their view of the market demand is clearer. The estimation is that order intake will improve first in the second half of 2024, with a gradual improvement during the second quarter.
Our customers' willingness to invest in digitalization, productivity improvements and sustainability is strong and underlying demand is still considered to be good, although there is some concern linked to how the industry will be affected by weaker consumer purchasing power, increasing energy costs and the complicated security situation.
HMS is exposed to business and financial risks through its operations. These risks have been described at length in the Company's Annual Report 2022. In addition, no significant risks are considered to have arisen.
This interim report has not been reviewed by the Company's auditors.
In accordance with principles adopted at a prior HMS' Annual General Meeting, the following persons have been assigned to be a part of the Nomination Committee: Johan Menckel, Investment AB Latour, representing 26% of the shares, Staffan Dahlström representing 13% of the shares, Sophie Larsén, AMF Fonder representing 9% of the shares, Patrik Jönsson, SEB Fonder representing 6% of the shares, and Charlotte Brogren, Chairman of the Board. The Nomination Committee has appointed Johan Menckel as its Chairman.
HMS' consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), adopted by the EU. The Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. The parent company applies Swedish Financial Reporting Board's recommendation, RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities, and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act.
The accounting principles applied conform to those described in the 2022 Annual Report, with exception of the below addendum.
HMS holds option liabilities for acquisitions which have previously been assessed as financial instruments reported at fair value through profit and loss. As of January 1, 2023, such put options are reported at the present value of expected future cash outflow to settle the put option. Changes in this valuation are reported directly in equity.
Put options issued to owners with a minority interest are related to agreements that give the minority owner the right to sell the holding in the company to HMS at a future time when the option can be redeemed. The amount to be paid if the option expires is recorded at the present value of future settlement as a financial liability. Thus, HMS reports no minority interest within the framework of equity. Instead, the debt is revalued on an ongoing basis using the group's best assessment of the expected outcome and changes are reported directly against equity.
Other new or revised IFRS standards or other IFRIC-interpretations that came into effect after January 1, 2023 have not had any significant impact on the Group's financial reports as of December 31, 2023.
HMS applies the European Securities and Market Authority's (ESMA) guidelines on alternative key indicators (measures that are not defined in accordance with IFRS).
GROWTH STRATEGY – HMS' growth strategy is a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. Expansion in existing markets is done through a continuously improved and expanded product offering. This is combined with a high level of service and active investments in new sales channels globally. New markets are addressed with innovative and targeted solutions.
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY – HMS' core competence is the broad and deep knowledge of industrial communication and IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things. A clear platform strategy ensures that all development centres within HMS are using core HMS technology.
PRODUCT STRATEGY – HMS offers solutions for industrial ICT (Information and Communication Technology) under the brands Anybus®, Ewon®, Ixxat® and Intesis®.
² Translated to SEK based on currency rates for the corresponding period.
¹ To be determined in SEK upon closing.
³ The EBIT numbers have been adjusted to reflect how the Red Lion business would, on a preliminary and indicative basis, be reported in the group (excluding any purchase price allocation adjustments), with the main adjustments relating to Spectris management fee and cost for management incentive programs. The Red Lion financial information presented herein refers to unaudited IFRS figures. Furthermore, the adjusted EBIT also excludes any amortization coming from potential purchase price allocations related to the acquisition that could impact EBIT. The adjusted EBIT excludes any potential synergies, transaction costs and integration costs from the acquisition.
HMS also offers solutions for wireless communication in mobile industrial applications through Owasys.
PRODUCTION STRATEGY – Flexible low volume production in own factories in Halmstad, Nivelles and Igualada is combined with high volume production in Europe and Asia in close collaboration with carefully selected subcontractors.
MARKETING STRATEGY – HMS' markets its solutions to several customer segment in the industrial value chain. Device manufacturers and machine builders are offered solutions that are tightly integrated into the customer's application. System integrators and end users are offered flexible infrastructure products that solve all kinds of communication problems in industrial systems and IIoT applications. HMS' most important market is factory automation, but other important markets are energy and infrastructure, transport and logistics, and building automation.
SALES STRATEGY – HMS combines direct sales from own sales offices with sales through distribution. HMS has sales offices in key markets in 18 countries, complemented by a network of distributors and solution partners in more than 50 countries.
HMS has developed its business models by packaging technology into targeted solutions for each targeted customer group. With device manufacturers and machine builders, HMS signs long-term framework agreements, so-called Design-Wins. This model is characterized by a relatively long sales cycle and design phase during which HMS' solutions are integrated into the customer's application, ensuring long-term revenue. The close collaboration gives HMS clear insight into the customer's future needs.
The business model towards system integrators is more traditional with a short sales cycle and manufacturing against customer orders or short-term forecasts. This sale is often handled by local distributors who are supported by HMS' sales and marketing organization.
President and CEO Staffan Dahlström and CFO Joakim Nideborn present the fourth quarter report 2023.
For link to the webcast, go to: https://www.hms-networks.com/sv/aktieagare Halmstad January 26, 2024
Staffan Dahlström Chief Executive Officer
Further information can be obtained by: Staffan Dahlström, CEO, +46 (0)35 17 2901 Joakim Nideborn, CFO, +46 (0)35 710 6983
This information is such that HMS Networks AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, at 07.30 CET on January 26, 2024.
| SEK millions | Q4 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q1-Q4 2023 |
Q1-Q4 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 760 | 764 | 3,025 | 2,506 |
| Cost of goods and services sold | -264 | -278 | -1,057 | -930 |
| Gross profit | 496 | 486 | 1,967 | 1,577 |
| Selling expenses | -160 | -139 | -588 | -457 |
| Administrative expenses | -66 | -68 | -282 | -212 |
| Research and development expenses | -86 | -76 | -319 | -261 |
| Other operating income¹ | 9 | - | 9 | 34 |
| Other operating expenses² | -23 | -11 | -33 | -27 |
| Operating profit | 169 | 192 | 753 | 653 |
| Financial income and expenses | -28 | -11 | -35 | -28 |
| Results from associated companies | 1 | 0 | -1 | -1 |
| Profit before tax | 142 | 180 | 717 | 623 |
| Tax | -32 | -29 | -147 | -116 |
| Profit for the period | 110 | 151 | 571 | 508 |
| Earnings per share regarding profit attributed to parent company shareholders: |
||||
| Before dilution (SEK) | 2.36 | 3.25 | 12.23 | 10.89 |
| After dilution (SEK) | 2.35 | 3.24 | 12.19 | 10.85 |
¹ During the first quarter 2022, the Group reported non-taxable operating income of SEK 27 m, regarding revaluation of option debt related to HMS Technology Center B.V. (previously Procentec B.V.).
² During the fourth quarter 2023, the Group reported restructuring costs of SEK 7 m. The Group also reported transaction costs of SEK 17 m, relating to the acquisition of Red Lion Controls.
| SEK millions | Q4 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q1-Q4 2023 |
Q1-Q4 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Profit for the period | 110 | 151 | 571 | 508 |
| Other comprehensive income: | ||||
| Items that may be reclassified subsequently to income statement |
||||
| Cash flow hedges | 36 | 7 | 41 | -8 |
| Hedging of net investments | 1 | -1 | -4 | -16 |
| Translation differences | -80 | 24 | -5 | 108 |
| Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income |
-8 | -1 | -7 | 5 |
| Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax | -50 | 29 | 24 | 89 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period attributed to parent company shareholders |
60 | 180 | 595 | 597 |
| SEK millions | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Goodwill | 1,117 | 1,120 |
| Other intangible assets | 276 | 290 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 70 | 69 |
| Right-of-use assets² | 266 | 164 |
| Deferred tax assets | 21 | 22 |
| Shares in associated companies | 13 | 14 |
| Other long-term receivables | 21 | 15 |
| Total fixed assets | 1,783 | 1,693 |
| Inventories | 589 | 362 |
| Accounts receivable - trade | 385 | 412 |
| Other current receivables | 130 | 119 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 124 | 114 |
| Total current assets | 1,228 | 1,037 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 3,011 | 2,730 |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||
| Equity attributed to parent company shareholders | 1,933 | 1,610 |
| Total Equity | 1,933 | 1,610 |
| Liabilities | ||
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 16 | 114 |
| Non interest-bearing liabilities¹ | 127 | 113 |
| Lease liabilities² | 202 | 118 |
| Deferred income tax liabilities | 104 | 89 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 449 | 434 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 1 | 36 |
| Non interest-bearing liabilities | 8 | 21 |
| Lease liabilities² | 59 | 42 |
| Accounts payable - trade | 250 | 243 |
| Other current liabilities | 312 | 344 |
| Total current liabilities | 630 | 686 |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 3,011 | 2,730 |
¹December 31, 2022, SEK 98 m was referred to the expected exercise price of options related to the remaining shares in Owasys S.L. On December 31, 2023, the item refers to exercise price of a new option for Owasys of SEK 127 m.
²Increased Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities during 2023 refers to renegotiated rental agreement in Germany, Belgium and Italy. Increased Right-of-use assets during 2022 refers to renegotiated rental agreement in Sweden.
| SEK millions | Q4 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q1-Q4 2023 |
Q1-Q4 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital |
147 | 208 | 751 | 647 |
| Cash flow from changes in working capital | -28 | -31 | -232 | -216 |
| Cash flow from operating activities | 119 | 177 | 519 | 431 |
| Cash flow from investing activities¹ | -23 | -51 | -135 | -366 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | -121 | -125 | -400 | -99 |
| Cash flow for the period | -26 | 2 | -16 | -34 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 153 | 138 | 144 | 172 |
| Translation differences in cash and cash equivalents | -3 | 4 | -4 | 6 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 124 | 144 | 124 | 144 |
| Interest-bearing and Non-interest-bearing liabilities2 | 413 | 444 | 413 | 444 |
| Net debt | 289 | 300 | 289 | 300 |
1 The acquisition of the remaining shares in HMS Technology Center B.V.'s (previously Procentec B.V.) impact on the Group's cash and cash equivalents was SEK -266 m in Q2, 2022.
1 Reclassification from tangible assets to right-of-use assets in Q3 2023 impact investing activites with SEK +6 m.
2 Non-interest-bearing liabilities refers to additional purchase price and option debt related to Owasys.
| SEK millions | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Opening balance at January 1 | 1,610 | 1,177 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 595 | 597 |
| Share-related payment | 11 | 10 |
| Repurchase of own shares | -13 | -34 |
| Put option¹ | -83 | - |
| Dividend | -187 | -140 |
| Closing balance attributed to parent company shareholders | 1,933 | 1,610 |
¹ HMS holds an option liability for acquisitions which have previously been measured as financial instruments reported at fair value through profit or loss. As of January 1, 2023, such put options are reported at the present value of expected future cash outflow to settle the put option. Changes in this valuation are reported directly in the equity.
| Q4 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q1-Q4 2023 |
Q1-Q4 2022 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net increase in net sales (%) | -0.6 | 33.8 | 20.7 | 27.1 |
| Gross margin (%) | 65.3 | 63.6 | 65.0 | 62.9 |
| EBITDA (SEK m) | 201 | 225 | 877 | 760 |
| EBITDA (%) | 26.5 | 29.4 | 29.0 | 30.3 |
| EBIT excl acquisition-related costs (SEK m) | 190 | 198 | 786 | 675 |
| EBIT excl acquisition-related costs (%) | 25.0 | 25.9 | 26.0 | 26.9 |
| EBIT (SEK m) | 169 | 192 | 753 | 653 |
| EBIT (%) | 22.3 | 25.1 | 24.9 | 26.0 |
| Return on capital employed (%)² | - | - | 35.9 | 41.0 |
| Return on shareholder's equity (%) | - | - | 32.3 | 37.6 |
| Working capital in relation to sales (%) | - | - | 13.9 | 8.7 |
| Capital turnover rate | - | - | 1.02 | 1.04 |
| Net debt/equity ratio | 0.15 | 0.19 | 0.15 | 0.19 |
| Equity/assets ratio (%) | 64.2 | 59.0 | 64.2 | 59.0 |
| Investments in tangible fixed assets (SEK m)³ | 4 | 24 | 38 | 34 |
| Investments in right-of-use assets (SEK m)¹ ³ | 14 | 7 | 126 | 108 |
| Investments in intangible fixed assets (SEK m) | 16 | 21 | 36 | 49 |
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets (SEK m) | -5 | -3 | -18 | -13 |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets (SEK m) | -14 | -13 | -56 | -41 |
| Amortization of intangible fixed assets (SEK m) | -13 | -12 | -50 | -47 |
| of which amortization of overvalues acquired | -4 | -6 | -16 | -22 |
| of which amortization of capitalized development costs | -9 | -7 | -34 | -25 |
| Impairment of intangible fixed assets (SEK m) | 0 | -5 | -1 | -7 |
| Number of employees (average)⁴ | 818 | 737 | 803 | 726 |
| Net sales per employees (SEK m)⁴ | 0.9 | 1.0 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Equity per share (SEK) | 40.74 | 32.54 | 37.82 | 28.97 |
| Cash flow from operations per share (SEK) | 2.54 | 3.80 | 11.12 | 9.24 |
| Total number of share average (thousands) | 46,819 | 46,819 | 46,819 | 46,819 |
| Holding of own shares average (thousands) | 163 | 176 | 166 | 174 |
| Total outstanding shares average (thousands) | 46,656 | 46,643 | 46,653 | 46,645 |
¹ Increased Right-of-use assets during 2023 refers to renegotiated rental agreement in Germany, Belgium and Italy. Increased Right-of-use assets during 2022 refers to renegotiated rental agreement in Sweden.
² The key ratio for Q1-Q4 2022 have been corrected as incorrect values were reported in previous reports.
³ The key ratio for Q1-Q4 2023 have been corrected as incorrect values were reported in previous reports.
⁴ The key ratio for Q1-Q4 2023 and Q1-Q4 2022 have been corrected as incorrect values were reported in previous reports.
| Division of net sales per brand SEK millions |
Q4 2023 |
Q3 2023 |
Q2 2023 |
Q1 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q3 2022 |
Q2 2022 |
Q1 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anybus | 450 | 486 | 381 | 440 | 431 | 364 | 326 | 305 |
| Ixxat | 84 | 91 | 78 | 62 | 60 | 61 | 67 | 46 |
| Ewon | 116 | 117 | 126 | 157 | 143 | 114 | 134 | 103 |
| Intesis | 59 | 60 | 64 | 56 | 49 | 39 | 49 | 41 |
| Other¹ | 52 | 34 | 54 | 59 | 81 | 45 | 25 | 22 |
| Total | 760 | 789 | 703 | 773 | 764 | 624 | 601 | 517 |
All brands are based on a common technology platform and are marketed and sold in common sales channels. Therefore, no complete segment follow-up is reported.
¹Net sales in "Other" includes Owasys from Q3 2021. Previously, net sales regarding Procentec has also been included in "Other" but due to the integration of Proctentec into the Anybus brand from 2023, earlier quarters has been updated for comparability.
| Net sales per region SEK millions |
Q4 2023 |
Q3 2023 |
Q2 2023 |
Q1 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q3 2022 |
Q2 2022 |
Q1 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMEA | 447 | 486 | 414 | 463 | 486 | 378 | 372 | 320 |
| Americas | 175 | 160 | 169 | 165 | 148 | 127 | 117 | 100 |
| APAC | 138 | 143 | 120 | 145 | 130 | 119 | 111 | 97 |
| Total | 760 | 789 | 703 | 773 | 764 | 624 | 601 | 517 |
| Income statement SEK millions |
Q4 2023 |
Q3 2023 |
Q2 2023 |
Q1 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q3 2022 |
Q2 2022 |
Q1 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 760 | 789 | 703 | 773 | 764 | 624 | 601 | 517 |
| Gross profit | 496 | 516 | 455 | 501 | 486 | 397 | 374 | 319 |
| Gross margin (%) | 65.3 | 65.4 | 64.7 | 64.8 | 63.6 | 63.6 | 62.2 | 61.8 |
| Operating profit | 169 | 223 | 150 | 211 | 192 | 179 | 143 | 139 |
| Operating margin (%) | 22.3 | 28.2 | 21.4 | 27.4 | 25.1 | 28.7 | 23.7 | 26.9 |
| Profit before tax | 142 | 220 | 143 | 213 | 180 | 168 | 140 | 135 |
| SEK millions | Q4 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q1-Q4 2023 |
Q1-Q4 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 8 | 6 | 25 | 19 |
| Gross profit | 8 | 6 | 25 | 19 |
| Administrative expenses | -7 | -6 | -24 | -19 |
| Operating profit | 1 | - | 1 | - |
| Profit from participations in subsidiaries | 55 | - | 455 | 229 |
| Interest income/ expenses and similar items | 12 | 7 | 12 | 9 |
| Profit before tax | 68 | 7 | 468 | 238 |
| Tax | -3 | -2 | -3 | -2 |
| Profit for the period | 65 | 5 | 465 | 236 |
| SEK millions | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||
| Financial assets | 337 | 337 |
| Total financial assets | 337 | 337 |
| Receivables from Group companies | 640 | 371 |
| Other receivables | 0 | 0 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2 | 3 |
| Total current assets | 642 | 374 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 980 | 711 |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | ||
| Equity | 964 | 698 |
| Current liabilities | ||
| Accounts payable - trade | 1 | 0 |
| Other current liabilities | 14 | 12 |
| Total current liabilities | 15 | 13 |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 980 | 711 |
Share of the adjusted profit after tax attributable to the parent company shareholders in relation to the average number of outstanding shares.
ADJUSTED OPERATING MARGIN Adjusted operating profit in relation to net sales.
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT Operating profit excluding significant non-recurring items.
Profit excluding significant non-recurring items and tax effects on these items.
The average number of registered shares less repurchased own shares that are held as treasury shares.
Total assets less non-interest-bearing current liabilities, provisions, and total deferred tax liabilities.
CAPITAL TURNOVER Net sales in relation to average balance sheet total.
Cash flow from operating activities in relation to the average number of outstanding shares.
Share of the profit after tax attributable to the parent company shareholders in relation to the average number of outstanding shares.
Share of the profit after tax attributable to the parent company shareholders in relation to the average number of outstanding shares plus an adjustment for the average number of shares that are added when converting the outstanding number of convertibles and options.
Operating income according to income statement.
Operating income excluding amortization and impairment of acquired overvalues and goodwill as well as acquisition-related transaction costs.
Operating profit excluding depreciation, amortization and impairment of tangible and intangible assets.
Average equity attributable to the parent company's shareholders divided by the number of outstanding shares at the end of the period.
EQUITY/ASSETS RATIO Shareholders' equity in relation to total assets.
Long-term and short-term financial receivables plus cash and cash equivalents.
Long-and short-term interest-bearing financial liabilities, additional purchase price and option liability, reduced with financial interestbearing assets and cash and cash equivalents.
Net debt in relation to Shareholders' equity.
The number of registered shares, less repurchased own shares that are held as treasury shares.
OPERATING MARGIN Operating profit in relation to net sales.
Change in order intake, net sales and operating expenses excluding increase attributable to acquisitions, converted to the previous year's exchange rates and calculated as a percentage of the previous year's figures. Amounts from acquired companies are included in the calculation of organic change from the first turn of the month, which falls 12 months after the acquisition date.
Profit after financial income in relation to the average capital employed.
Share of the profit after tax attributable to the parent company shareholders in relation to the average of Shareholder's equity.
Current assets less cash and cash equivalents and current liabilities calculated on average values.
HMS presents certain financial measures in the interim report that has not been defined in accordance with IFRS. The company considers that these measures provide valuable additional information for investors and the company's management, as they enable the evaluation of relevant trends and the company's performance.
As not all companies calculate financial measures in the same way, these are not always comparable with the measures used by other companies. These financial measures should therefore not be viewed as substitutes for IFRS-defined measures, unless otherwise stated.
EBITDA is a measure of the underlying operational activities and an indicator of cash flow.
| SEK millions | Q4 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q1-Q4 2023 |
Q1-Q4 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating profit | 169 | 192 | 753 | 653 |
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets (incl right-of-use assets) | 19 | 16 | 74 | 53 |
| Amortization of intangible fixed assets | 13 | 12 | 50 | 47 |
| Impairment of intangible fixed assets | 0 | 5 | 1 | 7 |
| EBITDA | 201 | 225 | 877 | 760 |
| Net sales | 760 | 764 | 3,025 | 2,506 |
| EBITDA (%) | 26.5 | 29.4 | 29.0 | 30.3 |
EBIT before amortization and impairment of acquired overvalues and goodwill and transaction costs is a value that the company uses to describe how the operating activities develop and perform without the impact of acquisition-related costs.
| SEK millions | Q4 2023 |
Q4 2022 |
Q1-Q4 2023 |
Q1-Q4 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating profit | 169 | 192 | 753 | 653 |
| Amortization of acquired overvalues | 4 | 6 | 16 | 22 |
| Acquisition-related transaction costs | 17 | 0 | 17 | 1 |
| EBIT excl acquisition-related costs | 190 | 198 | 786 | 675 |
| Net sales | 760 | 764 | 3,025 | 2,506 |
| EBIT excl acquisition-related costs (%) | 25.0 | 25.9 | 26.0 | 26.9 |
HMS Networks AB (publ) is a market-leading provider of solutions in industrial information and communication technology (Industrial ICT). HMS develops and manufactures products under the Anybus®, Ixxat®, Ewon® and Intesis® brands. Development takes place at the headquarter in Halmstad and also in Ravensburg, Nivelles, Igualada, Wetzlar, Buchen, Delft, Sibiu, Rotterdam and Bilbao. Local sales and support are handled by branch offices in Germany, USA, Japan, China, Singapore, Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands, India, UK, Sweden, South Korea, Australia, UAE and Vietnam, as well as through a worldwide network of distributors and partners. HMS employs over 800 people and reported sales of SEK 3,025 million in 2023. HMS is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm, category Large Cap, Telecommunications.

To become the World's greatest industrial ICT company. (ICT = Information & Communication Technology.)
We enable valuable data and insights from industrial equipment allowing our customers to increase productivity and sustainability.
HMS Networks AB (publ) Org.Nr. 556661-8954 Box 4126 | 300 04 Halmstad | Sweden Tel: +46 35 17 29 00 [email protected] www.hms-networks.com/ir
Hardware Meets Software™
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.