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Lifco

Quarterly Report Jul 17, 2018

2939_ir_2018-07-17_665522aa-64f4-4d44-953d-97fc5fa5fe05.pdf

Quarterly Report

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INTERIM REPORT JANUARY – JUNE 2018

Reporting period January – June

  • Net sales increased by 17.2 per cent to SEK 5,715 (4,876) million. Organically, net sales grew by 4.5 per cent
  • EBITA* increased by 19.6 per cent to SEK 978 (818) million
  • The EBITA margin* increased to 17.1 (16.8) per cent
  • Earnings before tax grew by 17.9 per cent to SEK 824 (699) million
  • Net profit for the period grew by 22.1 per cent to SEK 640 (524) million
  • Earnings per share increased by 22.4 per cent to SEK 6.94 (5.67)
  • Cash flow from operating activities increased to SEK 483 (438) million
  • During the period, Lifco acquired six businesses with total annual sales of around SEK 340 million
  • After the end of the reporting period, the following acquisitions will be consolidated: the French dental company Denterbridge and a majority stake in the Italian dental company Rhein 83

Reporting period April – June

  • Net sales increased by 24.0 per cent to SEK 3,041 (2,453) million. Organically, net sales grew by 9.6 per cent
  • EBITA* increased by 29.3 per cent to SEK 560 (433) million
  • The EBITA margin* increased to 18.4 (17.6) per cent
  • Earnings before tax grew by 30.6 per cent to SEK 478 (366) million
  • Net profit for the period grew by 39.1 per cent to SEK 381 (274) million
  • Cash flow from operating activities increased to SEK 452 (302) million

Summary of financial performance

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER Rolling 12
months
FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change change 2017
Net sales 5,715 4,876 17.2% 3,041 2,453 24.0% 10,869 8.4% 10,030
EBITA* 978 818 19.6% 560 433 29.3% 1,892 9.2% 1,732
EBITA margin* 17.1% 16.8% 0.3 18.4% 17.6% 0.8 17.4% 0.1 17.3%
Profit before tax 824 699 17.9% 478 366 30.6% 1,599 8.5% 1,473
Net profit for the period 640 524 22.1% 381 274 39.1% 1,224 10.6% 1,107
Earnings per share 6.94 5.67 22.4% 4.12 2.95 39.7% 13.21 10.6% 11.94
Return on
capital employed**
19.5% 18.4% 1.1 19.5% 18.4% 1.1 19.5% 0.2 19.7%
Return on capital
employed excl.
goodwill**
153% 137% 16.0 153% 137% 16.0 153% 3.0 177%

* Before acquisition costs.

** New definition, see page 20.

COMMENTS FROM THE CEO

Net sales increased by 17.2 per cent to SEK 5,715 (4,876) million in the first half of the year, driven by acquisitions, foreign exchange gains and organic growth. All three business areas reported robust sales and earnings growth for the six-month period. All divisions in all business areas had a good first half of the year, reporting increased sales and earnings. The market environment in the three business areas remained generally favourable.

EBITA before acquisition costs increased by 19.6 per cent over the six-month period to SEK 978 (818) million and the EBITA margin expanded by 0.3 percentage points to 17.1 (16.8) per cent. The improvement in profitability is attributable to acquisitions, foreign exchange gains and organic growth. Earnings per share increased by 22.4 per cent in the first half, to SEK 6.94 (5.67).

Cash flow from operating activities increased by 10.3 per cent during the six-month period to SEK 483 (438) million. We are still experiencing certain delivery problems, which has resulted in high inventories. The high trade receivables are offset by large customer advances and higher accounts payable.

In the first half of the year, Lifco consolidated six new businesses with combined annual sales of around SEK 340 million. At the end of June, we announced the acquisitions of the French dental company Denterbridge and a majority stake in the Italian dental company Rhein 83. Taken together, the eight acquisitions will have a positive impact on Lifco's results and financial position in the current year.

Since the scope of liabilities related to acquisitions, call/put options and additional considerations for acquisitions, has increased in recent years, we have decided to add these to the net debt. We have also changed the definition of capital employed. You find the new definitions on page 20. Even after these changes and the acquisitions made in 2018, Lifco has ample financial scope for further acquisitions, as net debt stands at 2.1 times EBITDA before acquisition costs, still well below our target of a net debt of up to three times EBITDA.

Fredrik Karlsson CEO

GROUP PERFORMANCE IN JANUARY – JUNE

Net sales increased by 17.2 per cent to SEK 5,715 (4,876) million, driven by acquisitions, foreign exchange gains and organic growth. Acquisitions contributed 10.1 per cent, foreign exchange gains 2.6 per cent and organic growth 4.5 per cent to the increase in net sales. In the first half of the year, Flörchinger Zahntechnik, Spocs, Toolpack's Norwegian service vehicle interior business and Lifco's majority stakes in Computer konkret, Dental Direct and Wexman were consolidated.

EBITA* increased by 19.6 per cent to SEK 978 (818) million and the EBITA margin* expanded by 0.3 percentage points to 17.1 (16.8) per cent. EBITA* improved on the back of acquisitions, foreign exchange gains and organic growth. Foreign exchange gains accounted for 2.6 percentage points of the increase in EBITA*. In the first six months, 36 per cent of EBITA* was generated in EUR, 28 per cent in SEK, 15 per cent in NOK, 6 per cent in USD, 5 per cent in DKK, 3 per cent in GBP and 7 per cent in other currencies.

Net financial items were SEK -23 (-21) million.

The profit before tax increased by 17.9 per cent to SEK 824 (699) million and the net profit for the period increased by 22.1 per cent to SEK 640 (524) million.

Average capital employed excluding goodwill increased by SEK 85 million over the six-month period, to SEK 1,240 million at 30 June 2018, compared with SEK 1,155 million at 31 December 2017. EBITA* in relation to average capital employed excluding goodwill increased by 3 percentage points in the first half of the year to 153 per cent. At 30 June 2017, EBITA* in relation to average capital employed excluding goodwill was 137 per cent. The improvement was due chiefly to higher earnings.

The Group's net debt1 increased by SEK 462 million from 31 December 2017 to SEK 4,256 million at 30 June 2018. In the first quarter, Lifco issued SEK 1,750 million in two series of unsecured bonds with maturities of two years. The proceeds of the bond issues were used to refinance existing bank loans and bonds. At the end of the period, liabilities related to call/put options and additional considerations for acquisitions totalled SEK 396 (158) million.

The net debt to equity ratio at 30 June 2018 was 0.7 (0.8) and net debt to EBITDA* was 2.1 (2.5) times. At the end of the period, 24 per cent of the Group's interest-bearing liabilities were denominated in EUR.

Cash flow from operating activities increased to SEK 483 (438) million in the first half, mainly due to higher earnings. Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -292 (-943) million, which was mainly attributable to acquisitions.

GROUP PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND QUARTER

The Group performed strongly in the second quarter after a weak first three months. Net sales increased by 24.0 per cent to SEK 3,041 (2,453) million, driven by acquisitions, foreign exchange gains

1 New definition, see page 20.

and organic growth. Acquisitions contributed 10.5 per cent, foreign exchange gains 3.9 per cent and organic growth 9.6 per cent to the increase in net sales.

EBITA* increased by 29.3 per cent to SEK 560 (433) million and the EBITA margin* improved by 0.8 percentage points to 18.4 (17.6) per cent. EBITA* improved on the back of acquisitions, foreign exchange gains and organic growth. Foreign exchange gains accounted for 3.7 percentage points of the increase in EBITA*. In the second quarter, 35 per cent of EBITA* was generated in EUR, 29 per cent in SEK, 16 per cent in NOK, 6 per cent in USD, 4 per cent in DKK, 3 per cent in GBP and 7 per cent in other currencies.

Net financial items were SEK -10 (-12) million.

Earnings before tax increased by 30.6 per cent to SEK 478 (366) million. Net profit grew by 39.1 per cent to SEK 381 (274) million. After corporation tax rates were cut in Norway, the UK and Sweden, deferred tax liabilities were restated during the period, which had a positive one-off effect of SEK 22 million.

Average capital employed excluding goodwill increased by SEK 41 million to SEK 1,240 million at 30 June 2018, compared with SEK 1,199 million at 31 March 2018. EBITA in relation to average capital employed excluding goodwill increased from 147 per cent at 31 March 2018 to 153 per cent at 30 June 2018.

The Group's net debt increased by SEK 279 million to SEK 4,256 million over the three-month period. Dividend payments during the period totalled SEK 374 (330) million. At 0.7, the net debt/equity ratio was unchanged compared with 31 March 2018.

Cash flow from operating activities increased by 49.7 per cent to SEK 452 (302) million in the second quarter, mainly due to higher earnings. Cash flow from investing activities was SEK -185 (-381) million, which was mainly attributable to acquisitions.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – BUSINESS AREAS

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER Rolling 12
months
FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change change 2017
Net sales 2,066 1,961 5.4% 1,056 961 9.9% 3,922 2.8% 3,817
EBITA* 391 362 8.0% 200 177 13.0% 730 4.1% 701
EBITA margin* 18.9% 18.5% 0.4 18.9% 18.5% 0.4 18.6% 0.2 18.4%

Dental

The companies in Lifco's Dental business area are leading suppliers of consumables, equipment and technical service to dentists across Europe, and the business area also has operations in the US. Lifco

sells dental technology to dentists in the Nordic countries and Germany, and develops and sells medical record systems in Denmark and Sweden. The business area also includes a number of manufacturers which produce disinfectants, saliva ejectors, bite registration and dental impression materials, bonding agents and other consumables that are sold to dentists through distributors around the world.

Dental's net sales grew by 5.4 per cent to SEK 2,066 (1,961) million in the first half of the year. EBITA* increased by 8.0 per cent to SEK 391 (362) million during the period and the EBITA margin* expanded by 0.4 percentage points to 18.9 (18.5) per cent.

The dental market remains generally stable. The results of individual companies in Lifco's Dental business may in any individual quarter be influenced by significant fluctuations in exchange rates, calendar effects such as Easter, gained or lost contracts in procurements of consumables by publicsector or major private-sector customers and fluctuations in the delivery of equipment. In the first quarter of 2018, the early Easter had a slight negative impact on net sales and earnings in Dental. In the second quarter, the early Easter had a correspondingly positive impact on organic growth.

Lifco's majority stake in Computer konkret, a German software provider to dentists and orthodontists, was consolidated as of January 2018. The company generated net sales of around SEK 36 million in 2017 and has about 50 employees. Lifco's majority stake in Dental Direct of Norway and its Danish subsidiary 3D Dental, which have around 20 employees and generated combined net sales of around SEK 135 million in 2017, were consolidated with effect from April 2018. Flörchinger Zahntechnik of Germany, which has around 25 employees and generated net sales of about EUR 1.7 million in 2017, was consolidated with effect from May 2018. In late June 2018, Lifco announced that it had acquired Denterbridge of France as well as a majority stake in Rhein 83 of Italy. The two companies generated net sales of EUR 9 million and EUR 8 million, respectively, in 2017 and each have about 20 employees. The businesses will be consolidated as of July 2018.

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER Rolling 12 months FULL YEAR SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change change 2017 Net sales 1,308 1,058 23.6% 711 579 22.8% 2,511 11.1% 2,261 EBITA* 305 261 16.9% 188 150 25.3% 642 7.4% 598 EBITA margin* 23.3% 24.7% -1.4 26.4% 25.9% 0.5 25.6% -0.9 26.5%

Demolition & Tools

Demolition & Tools develops, manufactures and sells equipment for the construction and demolition industries. The Group is the world's leading supplier of demolition robots and crane attachments. The Group is also one of the leading global suppliers of excavator attachments. The operations are divided into two divisions, Demolition Robots and Crane & Excavator Attachments, which are of roughly equal size in terms of sales.

In the first six months, net sales increased by 23.6 per cent to SEK 1,308 (1,058) million. The market situation was generally good. Among the larger markets, France and Germany saw the fastest growth. EBITA* increased by 16.9 per cent over the period to SEK 305 (261) million and the EBITA margin* was 23.3 (24.7) per cent. Profitability improved considerably in the second quarter following a weak first three months.

Systems Solutions

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER Rolling 12
months
FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change change 2017
Net sales 2,341 1,857 26.1% 1,274 913 39.5% 4,436 12.2% 3,952
EBITA* 339 246 37.8% 201 130 54.6% 630 17.3% 537
EBITA margin* 14.5% 13.2% 1.3 15.8% 14.1% 1.7 14.2% 0.6 13.6%

Through its operating units, Systems Solutions operates in industries offering systems solutions. Systems Solutions is divided into five divisions: Construction Materials, Interiors for Service Vehicles, Contract Manufacturing, Environmental Technology and Forest.

Net sales in Systems Solutions increased by 26.1 per cent to SEK 2,341 (1,857) million in the first half of the year on the back of a good performance across all divisions.

EBITA* increased by 37.8 per cent to SEK 339 (246) million in the first six months. All divisions improved their earnings during the period. The EBITA margin* expanded by 1.3 percentage points to 14.5 (13.2) per cent.

Construction Materials reported good sales and earnings growth in the first half, mainly as a result of acquisitions.

Interiors for Service Vehicles saw strong sales growth in the first six months with increased profitability. Toolpack's Norwegian service vehicle interiors business, which has around 15 employees and generated net sales of approximately NOK 40 million in 2017, was consolidated as of May 2018.

Contract Manufacturing saw strong sales growth in the first six months with increased profitability. Spocs, a Swedish provider of final assembly and testing services for electronic products, was consolidated as of March 2018. The company had net sales of around SEK 61 million in 2017 and has 23 employees.

Environmental Technology reported good sales and earnings growth in the first half, primarily as a result of acquisitions.

Forest reported good sales and earnings growth for the six-month period. The projects which created problems in Forest in 2017 have been concluded. This, coupled with strong demand, led to a strong performance during the period. Lifco's majority stake in Wexman of Sweden, which makes

professional workwear, was consolidated as of June 2018. The company generated net sales of around SEK 46 million in 2017 and has twelve employees.

ACQUISITIONS

In the first six months of 2018, Lifco made the following acquisitions:

Consolidated
from month Acquisition Business area Net sales Employees
January Computer konkret Dental EUR 3.8m 50
March Spocs Systems Solutions SEK 61m 23
April Dental Direct Dental NOK 95m 20
DKK 25m
May Toolpack's Norwegian Systems Solutions NOK 40m 15
service vehicle interiors
business
May Flörchinger Zahntechnik Dental EUR 1.7m 25
June Wexman Systems Solutions SEK 46m 12

Further information on acquisitions is provided on page 16. The figures for net sales and number of employees refer to estimated annual net sales and the number of employees at the acquisition date.

Taken together, the acquisitions will have a positive impact on Lifco's results and financial position in the current year.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Employees

The average number of employees in the six-month period was 4,790 (3,732) and the number of employees at the end of the period was 4,812 (3,851). Acquisitions added 145 employees.

Events after the end of the reporting period

At the end of June, Lifco announced that it had acquired the French dental company Denterbridge and a majority stake in the Italian dental products manufacturer Rhein 83. Denterbridge and Rhein 83 will be consolidated as of July 2018.

Related party transactions

No significant transactions with related parties took place during the period.

Annual General Meeting 2018

The Annual General Meeting 2018 was held on 24 April in Stockholm. The following principal resolutions were adopted at the AGM: • The Board of Directors and auditor were re-elected.

• Resolutions were adopted on Directors' and auditors' fees, the payment of a dividend for 2017 and guidelines on remuneration of senior executives.

Risks and uncertainties

The risk factors which have the biggest impact for Lifco are the competitive situation, structural changes in the market and general level of economic activity. Lifco is also exposed to financial risks, including currency risks, interest rate risks, credit and counterparty risks.

The parent company is affected by the above risks and uncertainties in its capacity as owner of the subsidiary companies. For further information on Lifco's risks and risk management, see the annual report for 2017.

Accounting principles

The Group's interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. In respect of the parent company, the report has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and Recommendation RFR 2 Financial Reporting for Legal Entities of the Swedish Financial Reporting Board. The accounting principles have been applied in accordance with those which are presented in the annual report for 2017 and should be read in conjunction with these.

The Group has evaluated the effects of implementing IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, which became effective on 1 January 2018 and has established that the impact is marginal. No adjustments have therefore been made to the opening balances for 2018. IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers became effective on 1 January 2018, and the effects of the standard in Lifco's subsidiaries have been assessed in a project that was initiated in 2016. No material differences compared with the previous standards have been identified, and no adjustments have therefore been made to the opening balances for 2018. IFRS 15 is being applied from 1 January 2018 and the disclosures in the interim report have been adapted in accordance with this new standard. The Group is currently evaluating the effects of introducing the IFRS 16 Leases standard, which will become effective on 1 January 2019. The Group does not currently intend to apply the standard prior to the effective date.

This report has not been examined by the Company's auditors.

DECLARATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer warrant and declare that this six-month report gives a true and fair view of the Parent Company's and Group's operations, financial positions and results, and that it describes significant risks and uncertainties faced by the Parent Company and the companies included in the Group.

Enköping, 17 July 2018

Carl Bennet Chairman of the Board Gabriel Danielsson Director

Ulrika Dellby Director

Erik Gabrielson Director

Ulf Grunander Director

Anna Hallberg Director

Annika Espander Jansson Director

Fredrik Karlsson President and CEO, Director

Anders Lorentzson Director, employee representative

Johan Stern Vice Chairman Axel Wachtmeister Director

Peter Wiberg Director, employee representative

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

The report for the third quarter will be published on 25 October The year-end report for 2018 will be published on 6 February 2019

FURTHER INFORMATION

Media and investor relations: Åse Lindskog, [email protected], telephone +46 (0)730 24 48 72

TELECONFERENCE

Media and analysts are welcome to call in to a teleconference, where CEO Fredrik Karlsson, CFO Therése Hoffman and Deputy CEO Per Waldemarson will present the interim report. After the presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions.

Time: Wednesday 18 July, 5 p.m. CET.

Link to the presentation: https://tv.streamfabriken.com/lifco-q2-2018

Telephone numbers: Sweden +46 8 506 395 49 UK +44 203 008 98 13 US +1 855 753 22 37

LIFCO IN BRIEF

Lifco offers a safe haven for small and medium-sized businesses. Lifco's business concept is to acquire and develop market-leading niche businesses with the potential to deliver sustainable earnings growth and robust cash flows. Lifco is guided by a clear philosophy centred on long-term growth, a focus on profitability and a strongly decentralised organisation. The Group has three business areas: Dental, Demolition & Tools and Systems Solutions. At year-end, the Lifco Group consisted of 138 operating companies in 29 countries. In 2017, Lifco reported EBITA of SEK 1,732 million on net sales of SEK 10.0 billion. The EBITA margin was 17.3 per cent. Read more at www.lifco.se

This information constitutes information that Lifco AB is required to publish under the EU's Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication through the aforementioned contact person on 17 July 2018, at 8:00 p.m. CET.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change 2017
Net sales 5,715 4,876 17.2% 3,041 2,453 24.0% 10,030
Cost of goods sold -3,287 -2,847 15.5% -1,737 -1,429 21.6% -5,766
Gross profit 2,428 2,029 19.7% 1,304 1,024 27.3% 4,264
Selling expenses -638 -515 23.9% -328 -257 27.6% -1,095
Administrative expenses -848 -733 15.7% -439 -359 22.3% -1,525
Development costs -77 -50 54.0% -40 -26 53.8% -105
Other income and expenses -18 -11 63.6% -9 -4 125% -20
Operating profit 847 720 17.6% 488 378 29.1% 1,519
Net financial items -23 -21 9.5% -10 -12 -16.7% -46
Profit before tax 824 699 17.9% 478 366 30.6% 1,473
Tax -184 -175 5.1% -97 -92 5.4% -366
Net profit for the period 640 524 22.1% 381 274 39.1% 1,107
Profit attributable to:
Parent company shareholders 630 515 22.3% 374 267 40.1% 1,084
Non-controlling interests 10 9 11.1% 7 7 - 23
Earnings per share before and after
dilution for the period, attributable to
Parent company shareholders
6.94 5.67 22.4% 4.12 2.95 39.7% 11.94
EBITA* 978 818 19.6% 560 433 29.3% 1,732
Depreciation of tangible assets 60 53 13.2% 30 27 11.1% 112
Amortisation of intangible assets 6 5 20.0% 3 3 - 11
Amortisation of intangible assets arising
from acquisitions
119 88 35.2% 62 47 31.9% 196

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change 2017
Net profit for the period 640 524 22.1% 381 274 39.1% 1,107
Other comprehensive income
Items which can later be reclassified to profit or loss:
Hedge of net investment
- 51 - -20 41 -149% 99
Translation differences 307 -64 -580% 110 -41 -368% -59
Tax related to other comprehensive
income
- -11 - 4 -9 -144% -22
Total comprehensive income for the
period
947 500 89.4% 475 265 79.2% 1,125
Comprehensive income attributable to:
Parent company shareholders 934 492 89.8% 467 259 80.3% 1,102
Non-controlling interests 13 8 62.5% 8 6 33.3% 23
947 500 89.4% 475 265 79.2% 1,125

SEGMENT OVERVIEW

Lifco's operations are monitored and evaluated by the CEO and resources are allocated based on information from the three operating segments: Dental, Demolition & Tools and Systems Solutions. The defined quantitative limits have been exceeded only by Dental and Demolition & Tools. One further operating segment, Systems Solutions, is presented. This operating segment consists of a merger of those divisions which have similar economic characteristics and which do not individually meet the defined quantitative limits. These divisions are Construction Materials, Interiors for Service Vehicles, Contract Manufacturing, Environmental Technology and Forest.

NET SALES TO EXTERNAL CUSTOMERS

No sales are made between the segments.

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER Rolling 12
months
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change change YEAR
2017
Dental 2,066 1,961 5.4% 1,056 961 9.9% 3,922 2.8% 3,817
Demolition & Tools 1,308 1,058 23.6% 711 579 22.8% 2,511 11.1% 2,261
Systems Solutions 2,341 1,857 26.1% 1,274 913 39.5% 4,436 12.2% 3,952
Group 5,715 4,876 17.2% 3,041 2,453 24.0% 10,869 8.4% 10,030

Net sales by type of income:

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER months Rolling 12 FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change change 2017
Dental products 2,066 1,961 5.4% 1,056 961 9.9% 3,922 2.8% 3,817
Machinery and Tools 1,308 1,058 23.6% 711 579 22.8% 2,511 11.1% 2,261
Construction Materials 534 342 56.1% 290 171 69.6% 996 23.9% 804
Interiors for Service
Vehicles
294 274 7.3% 158 133 18.8% 573 3.6% 553
Contract Manufacturing 489 451 8.4% 281 211 33.2% 939 4.2% 901
Environmental
Technology
667 531 25.6% 352 244 44.3% 1,260 12.1% 1,124
Forest 357 259 37.8% 193 154 25.3% 668 17.2% 570
Group 5,715 4,876 17.2% 3,041 2,453 24.0% 10,869 8.4% 10,030

EBITA

A breakdown of results by segment is made up to and including EBITA. EBITA is reconciled to profit before tax in accordance with the following table:

SIX MONTHS SECOND QUARTER months Rolling 12 FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 change 2018 2017 change change 2017
Dental 391 362 8.0% 200 177 13.0% 730 4.1% 701
Demolition & Tools 305 261 16.9% 188 150 25.3% 642 7.4% 598
Systems Solutions 339 246 37.8% 201 130 54.6% 630 17.3% 537
Central Group functions -57 -51 11.8% -29 -24 20.8% -110 5.8% -104
EBITA before acquisition
costs
978 818 19.6% 560 433 29.3% 1,892 9.2% 1,732
Acquisition costs* -12 -10 20.0% -10 -8 25.0% -19 11.8% -17
EBITA 966 808 19.6% 550 425 29.4% 1,873 9.2% 1,715
Amortisation of intangible
assets arising on acquisition
Net financial items
-119
-23
-88
-21
35.2%
9.5%
-62
-10
-47
-12
31.9%
-16.7%
-227
-48
15.8%
4.3%
-196
-46
Profit before tax 824 699 17.9% 478 366 30.6% 1,598 8.5% 1,473

* Of which, change in put/call options and additional considerations for the current year, SEK -5 (-) million.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

SEK million 30 Jun 2018 30 Jun 2017 31 Dec 2017
ASSETS
Intangible assets 8,946 7,656 8,288
Tangible fixed assets 596 528 550
Financial assets 166 112 130
Inventories 1,710 1,291 1,391
Accounts receivable - trade 1,553 1,192 1,274
Current receivables 295 302 254
Cash and cash equivalents 301 227 305
TOTAL ASSETS 13,567 11,308 12,192
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity 6,112 4,923 5,546
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities incl. pension provisions 2,873 37 1,033
Other non-current liabilities and provisions 1,192 802 1,025
Current interest-bearing liabilities 1,288 4,019 2,808
Accounts payable - trade 670 540 557
Other current liabilities 1,432 987 1,223
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 13,567 11,308 12,192

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Attributable to parent company shareholders

SEK million 30 Jun 2018 30 Jun 2017 31 Dec 2017
Opening equity 5,496 4,712 4,712
Comprehensive income for the period 934 492 1,102
Dividend -363 -318 -318
Closing equity 6,067 4,886 5,496
Equity attributable to:
Parent company shareholders 6,067 4,886 5,496
Non-controlling interests 45 37 50
6,112 4,923 5,546

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

SIX MONTHS SECOND
QUARTER
FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 2018 2017 2017
Operating activities
Operating profit 847 720 488 378 1,519
Non-cash items 190 146 100 77 318
Interest and financial items, net -23 -21 -10 -12 -46
Tax paid -254 -216 -103 -106 -368
Cash flow before changes in working
capital 760 629 475 337 1,423
Changes in working capital
Inventories -275 -85 -120 -62 -124
Current receivables -238 -106 -40 82 -85
Current liabilities 236 0 137 -55 112
Cash flow from operating activities 483 438 452 302 1,326
Business acquisitions and sales, net -215 -858 -149 -343 -1,378
Net investment in tangible fixed assets -74 -80 -35 -35 -137
Net investment in intangible assets -3 -5 -1 -3 -9
Cash flow from investing activities -292 -943 -185 -381 -1,524
Borrowings/repayment of borrowings, net 137 799 136 405 557
Dividends paid -381 -335 -374 -330 -337
Cash flow from financing activities -244 464 -238 75 220
Cash flow for the period -53 -41 29 -4 22
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period 305 293 250 255 293
Translation differences 49 -25 22 -24 -10
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
period 301 227 301 227 305

ACQUISITIONS IN 2018

During the six-month period, six new businesses were consolidated. The acquisitions comprised all shares of Spocs as well as majority stakes in Computer konkret, Dental Direct and Wexman. In an asset deal, Lifco also acquired the assets of Toolpack's Norwegian service vehicle interiors business and Flörchinger Zahntechnik.

The purchase price allocation includes all acquisitions that were made in the first six months of the year. Purchase price allocations are preliminary until one year after the acquisition date.

Acquisition-related expenses of SEK 7 million are included in administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement for the first half of 2018. If the businesses had been consolidated from 1 January 2018, consolidated net sales would have increased by around SEK 115 million. The acquisitions would have had a positive impact on earnings if the companies had been consolidated from 1 January 2018.

Acquired net assets

Net assets, SEK million Carrying Value Fair value
amount adjustment
Trademarks, customer relationships, licences 4 163 167
Tangible assets 13 1 14
Inventories, trade and other receivables 90 -2 88
Trade and other payables -77 -38 -115
Cash and cash equivalents 72 - 72
Net assets 102 124 226
Goodwill - 138 138
Total net assets 102 262 364
Effect on cash flow, SEK million
Consideration 364
Consideration not paid -77
Cash and cash equivalents in acquired companies -72
Total cash flow effect 215

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

CARRYING AMOUNT FAIR VALUE
SEK million 30 Jun 2018 30 Jun 2017 30 Jun 2018 30 Jun 2017
Loans and receivables
Accounts receivable - trade 1,553 1,192 1,553 1,192
Other non-current financial receivables 6 4 6 4
Cash and cash equivalents 301 227 301 227
Total 1,860 1,423 1,860 1,423
Liabilities at fair value through profit or
loss
Other liabilities 396 158 396 158
Other financial liabilities
Interest-bearing borrowings 4,125 4,021 4,125 4,021
Accounts payable - trade 670 540 670 540
Total 5,191 4,719 5,191 4,719

Financial instruments at fair value are classified into different levels depending on how fair value is determined. All financial instruments at fair value in the Lifco Group have been classified as level 3, i.e. non-observable inputs. The fair value of short-term borrowings is equal to the carrying amount, as the discount effect is insignificant. Other liabilities classified as financial instruments refer to mandatory put/call options and additional considerations related to non-controlling interests.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

2018 2017 2017
ROLLING TWELVE MONTHS TO 30 JUNE 31 DEC 30 JUNE
Net sales, SEK million 10,869 10,030 9,439
Change in net sales, % 8.4 11.6 5.0
EBITA*, SEK million 1,892 1,732 1,514
EBITA margin*, % 17.4 17.3 16.0
EBITDA*, SEK million 2,022 1,855 1,627
EBITDA margin, % 18.6 18.5 17.2
Capital employed, SEK million 9,705 8,962 8,227
Capital employed excl. goodwill and other intangible 1,240 1,155 1,102
assets, SEK million
Return on capital employed, % 19.5 19.3 18.4
Return on capital employed excl. goodwill, % 153 150 137
Return on equity, % 21.4 21.5 20.7
Net interest-bearing debt, SEK million 4,256 3,794 3,987
Net debt/equity ratio 0.7 0.7 0.8
Net debt/EBITDA* 2.1 2.0 2.5
Equity/assets ratio, % 45.0 45.5 43.5
Number of shares, thousand 90,843 90,843 90,843
Average number of employees 4,790 4,107 3,732

CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT

SIX MONTHS
SECOND QUARTER
FULL
YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 2018 2017 2017
Administrative expenses -68 -64 -35 -30 -128
Other operating income* - - - - 89
Operating profit -68 -64 -35 -30 -39
Net financial items** 31 398 -13 69 683
Profit after financial items -37 334 -48 39 644
Appropriations - - - - -41
Tax 14 -2 8 -3 -10
Net profit for the period -23 332 -40 36 593

* Invoicing of Group-wide services.

** Net financial items include SEK 39 (321) million in dividends received during the six-month period.

CONDENSED PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET

SEK million 30 Jun 2018 30 Jun 2017
ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets 0 0
Financial assets 4,297 4,097
Current receivables 3,803 3,697
Cash and cash equivalents 15 40
TOTAL ASSETS 8,115 7,834
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Equity 2,323 2,447
Untaxed reserves 70 41
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 2,837 -
Current interest-bearing liabilities 1,275 4,010
Current non-interest-bearing liabilities 1,610 1,336
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 8,115 7,834
Pledged assets - -
Contingent liabilities 82 21

DEFINITIONS AND OBJECTIVE

Return on equity Net profit for the period divided by average equity.
Return on capital employed EBIT before acquisition costs divided by capital employed.
Return on capital employed
excluding goodwill and other
intangible assets
EBITA before acquisition costs divided by capital employed
excluding goodwill and other intangible assets.
EBITA EBITA is a measure which Lifco considers relevant for
investors who wish to understand the earnings generated
after investments in tangible and intangible assets requiring
reinvestment but before investments in intangible assets
attributable to acquisitions. Lifco defines earnings before
interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) as operating profit
before amortisation and impairment of intangible assets
arising from acquisitions. In its financial reports Lifco
excludes acquisition costs. This is indicated by an asterisk.
EBITA margin EBITA divided by net sales.
EBITDA EBITDA is a measure which Lifco considers relevant for
investors who wish to understand the earnings generated
before investments in fixed assets. Lifco defines earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)
as operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and
impairment of tangible and intangible assets. In its financial
reports Lifco excludes acquisition costs. This is indicated by
an asterisk.
EBITDA margin EBITDA divided by net sales.
Net debt/equity ratio Net interest-bearing debt divided by equity.
Earnings per share Profit after tax attributable to parent company
shareholders divided by average number of outstanding
shares.
Net debt* Lifco uses the alternative KPI net debt. Lifco considers that
this is a useful additional KPI which allows users of the
financial reports to assess the Group's ability to pay
dividends, make strategic investments and meet its
financial obligations. Lifco defines the KPI as follows:
current and non-current liabilities to credit institutions,
bond loans, liabilities related to call/put options and
additional considerations for acquisitions as well as
interest-bearing pension provisions less cash and cash
equivalents.
Equity/assets ratio Equity divided by total assets (balance sheet total).
Capital employed* Capital employed is a measure which Lifco uses for
calculating the return on capital employed and for
measuring how efficient the Group is. Lifco considers that
capital employed is useful in helping users of the financial
reports to understand how the Group finances itself. Lifco
defines capital employed as total assets less cash and cash
equivalents, interest-bearing pension provisions and non
interest-bearing liabilities except liabilities related to
call/put options and additional considerations for
acquisitions, calculated as the average of the last four
quarters.
Capital employed excluding
goodwill and other intangible
assets*
Capital employed excluding goodwill and other intangible
assets is a measure which Lifco uses for calculating the
return on capital employed and for measuring how efficient
the Group is. Lifco considers that capital employed
excluding goodwill and other intangible assets is useful in
helping users of the financial reports to understand the
impact of goodwill and other intangible assets on that
capital which requires a return. Lifco defines capital
employed excluding goodwill and other intangible assets as
total assets less cash and cash equivalents, interest-bearing
pension provisions, non-interest-bearing liabilities except
liabilities related to call/put options and additional
considerations for acquisitions, goodwill and other
intangible assets, calculated as the average of the last four
quarters.

*New definition as of 2018-06-30.

RECONCILIATION OF ALTERNATIVE KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

The interim report presents alternative key performance indicators for assessing the Group's performance. The primary alternative KPIs presented in this interim report are EBITA, EBITDA, net debt and capital employed. Definitions of the alternative KPIs are presented on pages 19−20.

EBITA compared with financial statements in accordance with IFRS

SIX MONTHS SIX MONTHS FULL YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 2017
Operating profit 847 720 1,519
Amortisation of intangible assets arising from acquisitions
119 88 196
EBITA 966 808 1,715
Acquisition costs 12 10 17
EBITA before acquisition costs 978 818 1,732

EBITDA compared with financial statements in accordance with IFRS

SIX MONTHS SIX MONTHS FULL YEAR
SEK million 2018 2017 2017
Operating profit 847 720 1,519
Depreciation of tangible assets 60 53 112
Amortisation of intangible assets 6 5 11
Amortisation of intangible assets arising from acquisitions 119 88 196
EBITDA 1,032 866 1,838
Acquisition costs 12 10 17
EBITDA before acquisition costs 1,044 876 1,855

Net debt compared with financial statements in accordance with IFRS*

SEK million 30 Jun 2018 30 Jun 2017 31 Dec 2017
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities including
pension provisions 2,873 37 1,033
Current interest-bearing liabilities 1,288 4,019 2,808
Call/put options and additional considerations for
acquisitions 396 158 258
Cash and cash equivalents -301 -227 -305
Net debt 4,256 3,987 3,794

*KPIs have been recalculated as of 2018-06-30 according to the new definition on page 20 of net debt. Also, KPIs for comparing periods have been recalculated according to the new definition.

Capital employed and capital employed excluding goodwill and other intangible assets compared with financial statements in accordance with IFRS*

SEK million 30 Jun 2018 31 Mar 2018 31 Dec 2017 30 Sep 2017
Total assets 13,567 12,909 12,192 11,843
Cash and cash equivalents -301 -250 -305 -237
Interest-bearing pension provisions -36 -33 -36 -36
Non-interest-bearing liabilities -2,899 -2,671 -2,547 -2,342
Capital employed 10,331 9,955 9,304 9,228
Goodwill and other intangible assets -8,946 -8,606 -8,288 -8,017
Capital employed excluding goodwill
and other intangible assets 1,385 1,349 1,016 1,211

*KPIs have been recalculated as of 2018-06-30 according to the new definitions of capital employed and capital employed excluding goodwill and other intangible assets on page 20. Also, KPIs for comparing periods have been recalculated according to the new definition.

Capital employed and capital employed excluding goodwill and other intangible assets calculated as the average of the last four quarters compared with financial statements in accordance with IFRS*

Q2 Q1 Q4 Q3
SEK million Average 2018 2018 2017 2017
Capital employed 9,705 10,331 9,955 9,304 9,228
Capital employed excluding goodwill
and other intangible assets 1,240 1,385 1,349 1,016 1,211
Total
EBITA before acquisition costs 1,892 560 418 510 404
Return on capital employed 19.5%
Return on capital employed excluding
goodwill and other intangible assets 153%

*KPIs have been recalculated as of 2018-06-30 according to the new definitions of capital employed and capital employed excluding goodwill and other intangible assets on page 20. Also, KPIs for comparing periods have been recalculated according to the new definition.

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