Annual Report • Apr 18, 2018
Annual Report
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6 Semcon's 2017 8 CEO's comments 10 Strategy 12 Employees 15 History 16 Semcon's shares 18 Business models 22 Product development 24 Macro trends 26 Focus industries 28 Market 29 Research and development 30 Sustainability report 34 Financial statements 74 Auditor's report 78 Definitions 79 Glossary 80 Corporate Governance Report 86 Board of Directors 88 Group management 90 Five-year summary
Information about Semcon's business, financial reporting, previous Annual Reports, share information, corporate governance, activities and press releases, etc. can be found on Semcon's website at www.semcon.com, where you can also subscribe to and order financial information via e-mail.
For sustainability reasons, Semcon has chosen to only distribute the Annual Report to shareholders who have specifically requested a copy. Before the Annual Report is published each year, new shareholders are sent an order form giving them the opportunity of subscribing for the coming printed versions of the Annual Reports.
Contacts: Björn Strömberg, CFO, [email protected] and Sofia Lindqvist, Investor Relations Manager, [email protected]
This is a translation of the Swedish language original. In the events of any differences between this translation and the Swedish original the latter shall prevail.
3
For us, a deep understanding of people and their behaviours is central to everything we do. This knowledge makes it possible to develop better products. Better for the end user, but also better for our customers, as a product of higher perceived quality provides a greater competitive advantage – and usually increased sales too.
User experience is the real proof of quality and is crucial for all companies and organisations. We are convinced of this. And if it is crucial for our customers' future then there is nothing more important for us at Semcon.
Semcon is an international technology company that develops products for our customers based on human needs and behaviours. We strengthen our customers' competitiveness by always starting from the end user, because the one who knows most about the user's needs creates the best products and the clearest benefits. Semcon's customers are primarily in the automotive, industry, energy, life science and telecom & IT sectors. With more than 2,000 dedicated employees, Semcon has the expertise to take care of the entire product development cycle – from strategy and technology development to design and product information. Semcon was founded in Sweden in 1980 and has offices in over 30 locations in eight different countries.
Semcon divested Business Area Engineering Services Germany in February 2017.
| 2017 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating income | SEK 475 | SEK 447 | SEK 367 | SEK 473 |
| million | million | million | million | |
| (434) | (473) | (383) | (467) | |
| Operating profit | SEK 40 | SEK 10 | SEK 9 | SEK 37 |
| million | million | million | million | |
| (20) | (27) | (16) | (32) | |
| Operating margin | 8.5% | 2.1% | 2.4% | 7.7% |
| (4.7) | (5.6) | (4.2) | (6.9) | |
| Number of employees at the end of the period |
2,077 (1,987) |
2,077 (2,023) |
2,082 (2,036) |
2,076 (2,044) |
Despite two fewer working days, results were in line with the preceding year and the year ended with a good quarter in terms of earnings. Improved earnings for the fourth quarter were due to efforts to increase productivity in operations and a positive development in terms of sales of Semcon's concept offering. Measures to strengthen margins are starting to yield results in the Business Area Engineering Services. In the Business Area Product Information, several new collaborations, not least in digital information solutions, failed to fully compensate for lower volumes in the partnership with a major customer in the UK. The strong financial position, after the divestment of the German engineering business, has enabled the Board to propose an extra dividend, at the same time as there is scope to grow through acquisitions.
Autonomous snowploughs were developed during the year. In March 2018, they will be demonstrated for the first time in their true environment – at a snowy airport in Norway. Yeti Snowtechnology, which is jointly owned by Semcon and Øveraasen, is developing the autonomous snow removal vehicle for the Norwegian airport operator Avinor. This should lead to fewer delays for passengers and more efficient management for airports.
| Key figures | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Operating income (mSEK) | 1,762 | 1,756 |
| Operating profit (mSEK) | 95 | 95 |
| Operating margin (%) | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Equity/assets ratio (%) | 61 | 45 |
| Debt/equity ratio (multiple) | – | 0.2 |
| Return on capital employed (%) | 14.1 | 13.2 |
| Dividend per share (SEK) | 3.50* | 2.25 |
| Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) | 4.00 | 3.75 |
| Share price at year-end | 47.70 | 46.00 |
| Number of employees at year-end | 2,076 | 2,044 |
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 2,076
Important events during the year are presented in the Director's Report on page 35.
*Board's proposal
Markus Granlund, President and CEO
During 2017, Semcon strengthened its position as strategic partner in digitization in all of the industries where we operate: automotive, industrial, energy, life science and telecom & IT. Our mission, to use technology to create the best
user experience, has never been more relevant than at times like these, with rapid and radical technology shifts. At Semcon, we prioritise people ahead of technology. Everything we do focuses on the end user, our customers, our employees and our partners.
Constant improvements in the business gradually yield results and Semcon proudly received the Stora Leverantörspriset 2017 (2017 Supplier Award) from the Scandinavian Automotive Supplier Association (FKG). This was thanks to our committed employees and a successful collaboration with our customers.
One of our main priorities in recent years has been to strengthen our financial position and at the end of 2017 the Group had net cash of SEK 78 million.
In the fourth quarter, Business Area Engineering Services further improved its margin and achieved an operating margin of 9 per cent. Business Area Product Information achieved a healthy margin of 9 per cent for the full-year 2017, despite lower production volumes in customer projects in progress. In the light of Semcon's strong financial position, the Board proposed a raised share dividend and an extra dividend.
Following the divestment of the Business Area Engineering Services Germany, we assembled the remaining business areas for engineering services into a new business area, Engineering Services. This has helped us to create a more efficient organisation with greater collaboration and enhanced synergies. Close interaction between our markets and divisions offers a major advantage to our customers, who are thereby provided with better access to Semcon's total international expertise and delivery capacity.
During the year, Semcon continued industrial cooperation in key fields of technology. ESPLANADE is an example of a project where Semcon is collaborating with the Swedish automotive industry, academia and specialists to guarantee safety in autonomous vehicles. Another example of pioneering technological cooperation is the Born to Drive project, where we provided expertise to allow newly manufactured cars to move driverlessly through the logistics chain.
The trend is also clear for more autonomous solutions in products and manufacturing outside the automotive industry, which is reflected in the rising number of customer projects in sectors where Semcon operates.
We can see continued rising demand for our offering in Automotive Projects, Energy Solutions, Smart Services (Smart Products and Production) and in Design Management. During the year, we noted healthy demand from the automotive industry and the share of Semcon's deliveries in the system field also grew.
A number of partnerships began during the year with customers who are taking the next step in their product development by utilising the opportunities offered by digitization in terms of greater benefits to end users. Semcon assists in preparing a digitization strategy, in constructing prototypes and then implements the solution in the customer's future product development.
The Design Management offering is becoming increasingly relevant as product design, brand and function interact more. It is therefore particularly pleasing that Semcon's design department was awarded two Red Dot Awards for product design during the year.
In 2017, demand from the energy sector in the Nordic region was at relatively low levels, but at the end of the year we signed new substantial contracts in the energy sector, primarily related to services in hydropower.
As an internationally leading player in product information, Semcon continues to optimise its
Semcon's greatest asset is our employees and our culture. Recruiting, retaining and developing our employees is therefore a top priority. As part of our striving to be an even more attractive employer, we appointed a new Director HR and Sustainability at Group level during the year. Our ambition is that the appointment will further accentuate work with sustainability, diversity and employee issues moving forward. This will help ensure that Semcon remains an attractive company for customers and employees in the future. Semcon's mentoring programme for women at upper secondary schools is one example of an initiative in 2017 that aims to increase gender equality in our industry.
To fully capitalise on our offering, we work actively to strengthen our brand. Our brand campaigns have reached a broad audience and received attention around the world. During the year, we received a large number of awards for our creative communication, and Semcon received the Årets Varumärkesresa [Brand Journey of the Year] award 2017 in Sweden. Traffic to our website has never been higher and contact with new customers and potential employees through social media has increased significantly.
In 2018, we will further strengthen our margin by becoming an even more attractive employer, by
enhancing productivity and cost efficiency regardless of business model, and will accelerate our strategic shift by boosting sales of Semcon's offering.
Semcon is a company in constant change and plays an ever more important role in developing products that make life easier for people in all parts of the world. I would like to thank our fantastic employees who are dedicated to pushing developments forwards towards more user-friendly products. I would also like to
Semcon's greatest asset is our employees and our culture. Recruiting, retaining and developing our employees is therefore a top priority. ''
customers' aftermarket business. We have extended collaboration with several customers who understand the advantage of raising quality, of benefiting from digital distribution and of enhancing efficiency in producing product information. Our services in the field can be used to create the best user experience of complex products, systems and factories, which enhances competitiveness for our customers.
thank our customers and partners for a successful and exciting year together. Last, but not least, I would like to thank our shareholders, for your strong engagement.
Gothenburg, 20 March 2018
Markus Granlund President and CEO
We will turn technology and innovation into excellent user experiences. With satisfied end users, our customers will become more competitive – as will we. Because growth and profitability are a result of successful product development. It is therefore crucial for us to attract and retain the right employees for our continuing success.
To turn technology into excellent user experiences.
Product development based on human behaviour.
People first, then technology.
We believe that a positive user experience is the true measure of quality. That you have to understand the user's needs in order to develop the best products with the clearest benefits.
Employees – attract, develop and retain the best talents in our industry through a strong brand and a successful culture.
Offering – prioritise areas with substantial potential for profitable growth with increased focus on digitization.
Market – increase our presence in markets and industries where we can make a difference through user-focused technology and innovations.
Operations – increase the proportion of solution-based deliveries, where we can utilise Semcon's global potential, at the same time as we develop our efficient direct services.
To further strengthen our margin by becoming an even more attractive employer, by enhancing productivity and cost-efficiency regardless of business model, and to accelerate our strategic shift by boosting sales of Semcon's concept offering, primarily in smart and connected technology.
An operating margin of at least 8 per cent
An equity/assets ratio of over 30 per cent
A share dividend from a long-term perspective of at least one-third of profit after tax
Outcome: By strengthening our brand we become a more interesting choice – among current and potential customers, employees and partners. During the year, both award-winning strategic campaigns and tactical activities were undertaken to increase interest in Semcon and our offerings. We are reaching more people than before, breaking records for the number of followers on social media and traffic to the website has never been higher. The impact was also positive internally, with a high level of involvement. Semcon received the Årets Varumärkesresa [Brand Journey of the Year] award 2017 in Sweden.
Outcome: In both business areas, surveys show that customer satisfaction remains at high levels and that deliveries often exceed expectations. This is largely due to our focus on benefits for the end user, based on needs and behaviour, with solutions tailored for the specific situations and conditions of our customers. New insights and knowledge can be implemented through close collaboration with universities and research institutions. Semcon received the Stora Leverantörspriset 2017 (2017 Supplier Award) from the Scandinavian Automotive Supplier Association (FKG).
Outcome: Several initiatives were undertaken to increase the share of project deliveries in the Group. These included organisational changes to further move expertise and markets closer together, in order to offer a more flexible and cost-efficient delivery. Deliveries in product information traditionally have a larger share of overall responsibility, while greater changes will need to occur in engineering services. The percentage of project deliveries have increased in both business areas, though there remains a substantial potential, particularly in Engineering Services.
Outcome: The year was permeated by a focus on profitability. In addition to a review of costs, a number of activities were performed to enhance productivity and utilisation. The prospects for a closer collaboration between markets and industries improved, which increased the mix in project deliveries. In order to better focus on profitable core business, the German engineering business was also divested during the first quarter. A strong financial position offers scope for future strategic acquisitions that can benefit further profitable growth.
An operating margin of at least 8 per cent Outcome: In 2017, the operating margin amounted to 5.4 per cent (5.4).
Outcome: The equity/assets ratio was 61 per cent (45) at year-end.
Outcome: The Board of Directors proposes a regular dividend of SEK 2.50 (2.25) per share, which represents 62.5 per cent (60.0) of earnings per share for continuing operations. In addition, the Board proposes an extra dividend of SEK 1.00 (-) per share in view of the company's strong financial position.
End users' needs and behaviour are key in everything we do. The more we understand the user, the better products we develop. This contributes towards a favourable workplace, more satisfied customers and higher profitability.
We are an international employer with dedicated employees. It is important that we create the conditions so everyone can do a really good job, feel content and develop.
Our main strength is in the opportunities we can offer through the breadth of our services and our organisation and the proximity to our customers. The regular employee surveys we conduct give high ratings to working environment, particularly for management, fellowship and support between colleagues.
It is pleasing to see that all of the key metrics in our employee surveys continue to move in the right direction. Most of our employees express that they are strong ambassadors for Semcon. This is something we are proud of, as we are convinced that it has a significant impact on our ability to ensure that potential and existing employees continue to choose us as employer.
The results of the employee surveys indicate again this year that our main strengths as an employer is a good working environment and strong
leadership. The main change during the year was in the field of communication, particularly that employees now consider that they are increasingly provided with information promptly.
In addition to this, we are pleased with the positive development for how employees view opportunities to participate in networks and to share expertise with colleagues. Harnessing all of the expertise and knowledge available in the Group not only increases our chances to perform well and to have satisfied customers, it also means we create a workplace that is more enjoyable and focuses on professional development.
During the year, we continued to focus on, and launched initiatives within, professional development for managers and employees.
For us at Semcon, people matter most. Even if we are a technology company, we always put people before technology – the people who are to use the product and the people who develop it. Given that we develop products that are used by people around the world, we understand the importance of broadening our perspective to include different types of end users. This requires a broad mix of experiences and different backgrounds among our employees. At the end of 2016, we set an ambitious target to increase the gender balance in our organisation, whereby we want at least 40 per cent women, both in the company as a whole and in managerial positions, by the end of 2022. During the year, we initiated a number of targeted activities and we will increase the intensity of this work. At the end of 2017, we had an average of 30 per cent women employees, though with major variations in different markets.
We are proud of our mentoring programme where women engineers offer guidance and inspiration to young women who are interested in engineering at a large number of upper secondary schools across Sweden. Role models are important for development.
It is not only important for us to achieve a good gender balance. It is also important that our employees reflect the diversity in the environment where our end users are. To make wise decisions, insight is needed into user behaviour, otherwise
decisions could be made for the wrong reasons.
This is why we also want to make space for diversity in terms of nationality and ethnicity. Currently, people of more than 40 different nationalities work in the Swedish part of the Group. We are conducting several initiatives to enhance our ability to fully leverage our differences. One example is the "Language café" at our Gothenburg office. Here you can learn to speak better Swedish; but can also get to know new colleagues and understand other parts of our business. In 2017, employees with a total of 23 different native tongues attended the café.
Semcon's attractiveness is created through our culture – the people we are and what we do. This requires that our managers are skilful at attracting and developing talented employees. Managers and leaders at Semcon are role models through their thoughts, attitudes and choices, which we see as vital in creating a successful Semcon. We carry out management courses on a continuous basis to support the leaders in this work. We are proud that employees gave management a 5.0 out of 6.0 in the "Leadership index" survey, which measures specific leadership criteria. It is also important for us to continue to identify and develop the next generation of managers. A number of our employees have
advanced into management positions using internal career opportunities offered through our talent programme.
In 2017, we had a particular focus on improving the form and the frequency of continuous discussions between managers and employees. The discussions aim to support the individual development of employees and improve job satisfaction, but also to enhance the business acumen of employees to make it easier for them to identify opportunities for us and for our customers. The discussions are a development of the more traditional performance reviews and support our managers in an agile and attentive leadership based on the perspectives of employees and customers.
At a time when competition for skilled labour is increasing in the market, Semcon has invested in strengthening its position through a number of activities in 2017.
Easier to apply for work at Semcon: During the first six months of the year, a new, international recruitment system was launched, aimed at improving the application experience, in part through
creating a feeling of belonging in advertisements, and by using application forms and advertising that are adapted to groups of candidates. The system also aims to offer a simplified and more efficient handling of internal users and supports easier sharing in social media.
offering: New target groups were identified and recruited to strengthen the offering in IT and digitization. The initiative includes investments in operative recruitment support in close collaboration with marketing activities.
Re-attract: A very large majority of employees who leave Semcon state that they may wish to return in the future. A campaign was rolled out at the beginning of the year to open up for a potential return. Further activities are planned for 2018.
Strengthen relations with future employees: As a long-term investment, Semcon has in recent years chosen to focus further on future skills supply by establishing good relationships with technology universities and students. As part of a move to produce internal ambassadors at universities, student ambassadors are recruited each year at the main locations. We hope this will further confirm Semcon's position as a future employer.
Percentage of women in Sweden 31 (30)
*31 December 2017
Gender division, women and men* (%) 7030z
Average employment duration* (%)
Key figures 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Number of employees at year-end 2,076 2,044 1,979 2,990 3,001 Average number of employees 1,982 1,956 1,855 2,887 2,874 Average age 37 38 38 38 38 Employee turnover¹ (%) 21 22 22 21 20
2013–2014 including discontinuing operations.
¹Average for the Group due to where major variations occur between countries.
Semcon has a long tradition of being close to customer's business and needs. This is how we have grown into an international Group with cross-border partnerships in 2017.
Sometimes a sudden splash of water covers the windscreen and it takes a while for the wiper system or the driver to react. And it is perhaps not surprising that 50 per cent of all car drivers are anxious before overtaking a truck on a wet road. This is why Semcon has developed ProActive Wipers: smart windscreen wipers that activate even before the water hits the windscreen.
PAW is a proprietary and patent pending innovation from Semcon, which uses information from the car's existing equipment. The feature has been evaluated in real conditions and the software could easily be implemented in today's cars. The development team can see several other opportunities using PAW – not least when autonomous cars come to market.
Semcon's shares have been quoted on the Nasdaq Stockholm Small Cap in the industrial sector, under the SEMC ticker since May 1997.
The company's share price noted a positive trend in 2017 with a 4 per cent increase. Overall, the share price rose by SEK 1.70 from SEK 46.00 to SEK 47.70, representing a market capitalisation of SEK 864 million. The highest price paid was SEK 68.50 on 8 June and the lowest price paid was SEK 43.10 on 20 November. Semcon's shares are quoted on Nasdaq Stockholm and trading on this exchange represented 100 per cent of overall turnover of shares in 2017. A total of 9 million Semcon shares were traded, valued at SEK 500 million. The turnover rate, calculated as the number of shares traded in relation to the overall number of shares in the company, was 50 per cent.
Semcon's share capital on the closing date was SEK 18.1 million, divided between 18,112,534 ordinary shares all with a quotient value of SEK 1 each. Each ordinary share entitles the shareholder to one voting right and an equal right to a share of the company's capital and profits. Changes to the share capital and number of shares over time are presented in Note 21 on page 70.
On 6 December 2017, the Board resolved to buy-back no more than 200,000 ordinary shares pursuant to the authorization of the 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Board's decision aims to improve the company's capital structure. Acquisitions may be made on one or more occasions during the period between 11 December 2017 and the 2018 AGM. Up until 31 December, 40,044 shares had been repurchased.
Semcon's holding of its own shares on 31 December amounted to 281,719 (242,718).
A decision was made at the AGM on 26 April 2017 to introduce a long-term performance-based share savings scheme for senior executives and key employees in the Semcon Group. The scheme will extend for four years, starting in July 2017, and cover no more than 200,000 shares, equivalent to 1.10 per cent of the total number of shares outstanding. The existing holding of own ordinary shares held by Semcon is deemed sufficient to cover the fulfilment of the obligations in the "Performance-based share
savings schemes" for 2015 and 2017. For more information about current incentive schemes, see Note 9 on page 62.
On 31 December, Semcon had 4,440 shareholders (4,478). The registered amount of foreign ownership at year-end was 33.1 per cent (29.9), of which 14.2 per cent (14.0) is made up of owners in Finland, 4.3 per cent (2.9) in the UK and 8.1 per cent (8.2) in the US. The JCE Group owned 25.9 per cent (25.9) of Semcon's shares, Nordea Investment Funds 7.9 per cent (7.2), Ålandsbanken 5.0 per cent (5.1), DNB Carlson Fonder 3.6 per cent (3.3) and BNYM RE Regents 3.5 per cent (3.4). The ten largest shareholders controlled 59.9 per cent (56.8) of the share capital and voting rights, of which the three largest shareholders controlled 38.8 per cent (38.1).
According to Semcon's financial objectives, a share dividend should be paid to shareholders and, from a long-term perspective, is to be at least one-third of profit after tax. The Board of Directors proposes a regular dividend of SEK 2.50 (2.25) per share, which represents 62.5 per cent (60) of earnings per share for continuing operations. In addition, the Board proposes an extra dividend of SEK 1.00 (-) per share in view of the company's strong financial position. The total dividend proposed of SEK 3.50 (2.25) per share corresponds to SEK 63.4 million (40.8).
In 2017, Semcon was monitored by Fredrik Lithell, [email protected], at Danske Bank and Victor Höglund, [email protected], at SEB Enskilda Securities.
The company regularly publishes information in order to facilitate an accurate valuation of Semcon's shares. A capital market day was held in Stockholm on 10 May. In addition in 2017, presentations and meetings were held with representatives from financial institutions, mainly in Gothenburg and Stockholm.
Stock market contacts are mainly carried out through interim and year-end financial reports, press releases, financial information at www.semcon.com and company presentations for investors and analysts. The financial information contacts are mainly Semcon's CEO and CFO as well as the Investor Relations Manager.
| Total | 4,440 | 18,112,534 | 100.0 | 863,968 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Own shares | 1 | 281,719 | 1.5 | 13,438 |
| 100,001– | 23 | 12,925,616 | 71.4 | 616,552 |
| 10,001-100,000 | 76 | 2,350,604 | 13.0 | 112,124 |
| 1,001-10,000 | 562 | 1,598,320 | 8.8 | 76,240 |
| 501-1,000 | 583 | 481,760 | 2.7 | 22,980 |
| 1–500 | 3,195 | 474,515 | 2.6 | 22,634 |
| Shareholding, % |
No. of share holders |
No. of shares |
Votes, % |
Market value, tSEK |
Source: Euroclear Sweden AB shareholders' register.
| Other Total |
6,989,345 18,112,534 |
38.6 100.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Own shares | 281,719 | 1.5 |
| Total | 10,841,470 | 59.9 |
| Zur-Non-Resident/Domestic Rates |
348,793 | 1.9 |
| Europea i Malmö | 490,000 | 2.7 |
| Northern Trust Company | 514,385 | 2.8 |
| Avanza Pension | 593,648 | 3.3 |
| Lannebo Fonder | 597,830 | 3.3 |
| BNYM RE Regents | 632,455 | 3.5 |
| DNB Carlson Fonder | 644,293 | 3.6 |
| Ålandsbanken | 906,595 | 5.0 |
| Nordea Investment Funds | 1,430,480 | 7.9 |
| JCE Group | 4,682,991 | 25.9 |
| Name | No. of shares |
Share holding, % |
Source: Euroclear Sweden AB shareholders' register.
*31 December 2017 For information on key figures for the share, refer to page 91.
Knowledge about users, design and technology in all areas of product development makes Semcon unique – and offers customers better control and quality. This has been our core competence for almost 40 years. In addition, we have broad experience in the industry and a solid knowledge bank in the form of our more than 2,000 employees. We also act as a partner to our customers, and our solutions are based on innovation, expertise and the courage to dare to challenge, when necessary. Always with a focus on sustainability and end-users. In this way, we create value for our customers by making them successful through the products they offer endusers.
In recent years, we have seen that more of our customers want to work with fewer suppliers and that the selected suppliers are expected to have an international presence. Companies are now looking for partners that can handle major projects and increasingly, entire functions within companies. Semcon has the required size and breadth in its offering, and also the flexibility to drive small projects using local specialists. Time-to-
| Our solutions |
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| are based on |
| innovation, |
| expertise and |
| the courage to |
| challenge when |
| necessary. |
market has long been central as a means of competition. Therefore, it is also critical for customers that their products are developed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Semcon has the potential to react rapidly to meet customer needs at short notice.
This is where we have an advantage, with more than 30 offices around the world. We meet customers locally, but also benefit from an international network, consisting of our partners. Specialists from offices in different countries often work on project assignments together, such as in the development of technology for self-driving vehicles or in the implementation of a modularised product platform. By offering a cost-effective mix of expertise, we save time and money for customers. Our offices in India, China and Hungary play a vital
role in these deliveries as skills centres for both engineering services and product information. We call this type of delivery model FOBO, where the Front Office is responsible for project coordination, while the Back Office carries out several parts of the project. The offices are well established and have the capacity to take part in major, advanced projects. Semcon also works on satellite
projects, whereby employees at a Semcon office work in a customer's IT system from our own offices.
Semcon's main business model is based on three flexible delivery solutions with the ability to tie together our expertise around the world and give our customers the solution that best suits their situation.
Semcon provides specialists in a number of areas. We work as an integrated part of our customers' organisations, providing knowledge that strengthens their capacity.
Semcon is comprehensively responsible for all or part of a project, with delivery consisting of a specified result. In projects in which Semcon assumes responsibility for part of the process, it is a question of improving or developing elements of a product, plant or service for the customer. In cases in which Semcon assumes overall responsibility, the company is responsible for the entire project process, from planning to delivery.
Semcon assumes overall responsibility for a defined function designed to provide products and services, such as product information. Semcon takes over customer processes in this area and manages the work from our own offices supported by proprietary systems. Customers receive the latest expertise in the field at the same time as their flexibility and cost-control are improved.
There are expected to be 50 billion connected devices by 2020 – at the same time as surveys show a growing frustration with technology. At Semcon, we develop smart products that actually make a real difference – not simply because we can. Just because something is connected doesn't mean it's smart.
We chose to illustrate this using a format that is not usually associated with Semcon: "The Internet of Sh*t Song" with a related music video. It shows how wrong it can be when things are connected without proper consideration. The music video has more than one million views on Youtube. In addition to the video, we started a help line for anyone who wanted to vent about their frustration with technology.
It is time to seriously enter into the market for connected devices. The market is maturing, not to mention the opportunities. Though it is easy to end up in the wrong place. We help to increase the precision of connected products, so they really work in everyday situations, both for consumers and customers in the industry. ''
Watch the film and be inspired by our offering in Smart: semcon.com/smart
Semcon is a partner for all phases of product development: from target group analysis and concept to production systems and user support. Our deliveries are often complex and can rarely be compared with each other, but generally we can divide what we do into four overarching areas which are all deeply rooted in product development.
How can you optimise your income and become more competitive? Create greater value for end users? Increasingly, we find ourselves engaged in a dialogue with our customers about these issues. In particular, since technology, users, the world around us and organisations influence each other today. And things are moving rapidly. We provide a solid analysis and solutions that work in the real world. From strategies and concept development right through to business models for aftermarket or the sustainable recycling of the product.
Semcon's offering includes business modelling, strategy services with a focus on product and product portfolio strategies, as well as services related to quality management and quality assurance.
Successful concept development begins with collecting requirements. Especially from the people who are going to use the final product. We work in close proximity to our customers, often in workshops, to distinguish what is important and what creates the most value and innovation. By rapid prototyping, we can try different routes and even challenge traditional methods to make the final
product even easier, smarter, safer – and more profitable.
Semcon offers a range of design services targeting most industries. User experience (UX) is an important puzzle piece in the product development process. Products are becoming increasingly complex and often have both a physical form and builtin software. They can also be interconnected and it is often possible to control them through cloud solutions and apps. Semcon's offering encompasses the entire design process and covers all aspects of the product.
Semcon has a strong tradition in technical development. More than 100 competencies within Semcon collaborate to make the product optimal: in terms of production, the aftermarket and most importantly, the user. Our offering includes production de-
velopment in the form of automation and production technology, calculation and simulation, embedded systems, sound and vibration solutions and mechanics.
To meet the requirements and keep focused, we use our own project methodology, XLPM, with clear processes and specific tollgates. Many disciplines work efficiently together and we continuously
employ virtual verification methods within various fields such as sound, vibration, structural strength and safety. We also work in modules so that different parts can be easily changed or adapted, without restarting the entire product development. Intelligent systems will soon be present in every new product in the home, the car, the office and industry. The ability to control a product using a smartphone or connect them with other products is something we increasingly take for granted. By bringing in specialist expertise in strategic areas such as software, hardware, architecture, testing and verification, dynamic control systems and cabling, we help our customers to develop competitive products.
The importance of product information for complex and advanced technology products, systems and plants is increasing. Modern product information has to satisfy the needs of different users, whether it comes to marketing or selling a product, or providing a quick start to understanding and using a product or a system. And also to facilitate troubleshooting, service and repairs and to order the right spare parts or to train service technicians.
Semcon's product information services include the entire development cycle from strategy development and design via production to distribution and evaluation. The current trend is digitization, where product information is integrated into the product, such as in infotainment systems, or an operator panel, or is distributed digitally to be presented via mobile applications or animations on the internet. This means information is more accessible and can be personalised to better meet user needs, and that new technologies can be used to increase value, such as through the use of animation or augmented reality solutions.
Semcon's offering also includes a cloud-based distribution service for digital information – Lodges. This service helps our customers cut their distribution costs, boost business benefits and improve user experience of products. The solution means, for example, that user/service information can be simply made available in various digital platforms such as web-based, tablet or mobile phones and integrated into our customers' products. This also safeguards that the users of customers' information always have access to updated information that is customised according to their specific requirements.
Semcon has identified a number of macro and industry trends that influence the company's operations to varying degrees. These are often complex events that Semcon needs to consider and they entail challenges and opportunities depending on how they are managed. By having a proactive approach, the courage to think differently, and a business acumen that permeates the organisation, opportunities are created both to develop our offering and to strengthen our brand.
A growing number of customers choose fewer, larger suppliers with an international presence in order to increase cost efficiency and resource utilisation in their projects.
Business opportunities and challenges for Semcon: Semcon is well-positioned with a global delivery capacity where cost-efficient solutions are provided through our flexible delivery models, such as overall responsibility for a defined function.
Development 2017: Semcon has noted a sharp increase in demand for global delivery capacity with cost-efficient, complete solutions.
Information gathered through the Internet of Things about the behaviour of end-users can be used to optimise existing products and services or as a business case for product development.
Business opportunities and challenges for Semcon: This area is evolving rapidly, which offers significant business opportunities at the same time as it makes demands on us as suppliers.
Development 2017: Semcon has identified a sharp rise in demand in this field and has recruited more employees with system development expertise.
Traditional intermediaries are disappearing with the new digital services. This change has been identified in all of Semcon's focus industries.
Business opportunities and challenges for Semcon: This trend requires the development of existing competence and an increased focus on system development.
Development 2017: Semcon has noted a rise in demand for this type of expertise, and many customer projects look upon digitization as a competitive advantage. Recruitment efforts in several markets have focused on system development expertise.
In the near future, there will be a shortage of engineers and already there is tough competition for talented workers. This is mainly because too few engineers are trained and because of the large number of engineers who will shortly retire.
The search for talent is tough, and it requires a clear positioning strategy to highlight Semcon's employer offering.
Development 2017: During the year, Semcon strengthened its brand through several global strategies combined with local activities in the markets where Semcon operates.
There is a growing number of products and models as well as faster development processes due to consumer demand for innovation and increasing international competition.
Business opportunities and challenges for Semcon: In this context, Semcon acts as a development partner for most of our customers, as our deliveries contribute to shorter development processes.
Development 2017: Semcon has noted healthy demand for deliveries in these areas.
Processes and structures are needed to streamline resources and reduce costs and environmental impact. The world's population is growing and people are living longer, which changes consumer patterns and makes demands on product development.
The company has increased its investments in sustainability and various forms of streamlining projects, which provides Semcon with more opportunities to offer services and products.
Development 2017: Semcon has developed the customer offering within prioritised value areas where resource streamlining is a recurring theme. During the year, Semcon secured several strategically important assignments, for which the key initial parameters from the customers were streamlining and demands for faster product development that requires fewer resources.
In recent years, the industry has undergone a structural change. Competitors have either become bigger and broader or smaller with more niched solutions.
Business opportunities and challenges for Semcon: It is becoming more important to position oneself with a clear brand strategy and to regularly review an attractive offering mix.
Development 2017: The customer offerings developed by Semcon in 2016 in prioritised fields were launched in the market in 2017, and had a substantial impact and were successful in several strategic customer projects. Semcon's overarching communication strategy to strengthen the brand was highly successful and was identified by existing and potential employees as well as customers. In 2017, Semcon received a number of awards linked to its strategic brand building.
Companies are concentrating on their core business, which means a growing share of product development is outsourced to external partners.
Business opportunities and challenges for Semcon: When outsourcing increases, markets where Semcon operates become stronger.
Development 2017: Outsourcing has increased during the year within most of Semcon's focus industries: automotive, industry, life science and telecom & IT.
The industries where most of Semcon's customers operate are characterised by major development needs and a high rate of change.
The automotive industry is still experiencing tough competition. Players in the industry often debate value creation and the constant requirement to enhance cost efficiency, combined with stricter demands on product development, sustainability and innovation.
According to a study carried out by analysts VDA and Berylls in 2015, the automotive industry's investments in R&D amounted to EUR 155 billion in 2014. The automotive industry's Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) accounted for EUR 62 billion of these investments and the remainder was accounted for by subcontractors. Of the EUR 155 billion outsourced, EUR 8.8 billion was allocated to Engineering Service Providers, equivalent to a share of around 6 per cent. Analysts Oliver Wyman estimate that the outsourcing trend in the automotive
industry will increase over the 2015–2025 period, but will level off somewhat compared with developments of previous years.
There are a number of important market trends that influence Semcon's focus and direction. One area where the rate of change is high is connected vehicles (Car IT), meaning when a vehicle collects, processes and presents information. In this field, there are growth opportunities for Semcon to establish a strong position using our expertise where the end-users requirements and needs govern the technology.
The future trend is for consumers' demands for new products and models, plus increasing competition in the industry sector, to contribute to further cutting product lifecycles. This means extra technology development investment and innovative product development. R&D investments in this sector are, therefore, expected to increase by 3 per cent annually over the 2015–2025 period, according to Battelle.
We are in the middle of Industry 4.0, also known as the fourth industrial revolution. This entails the assembly of a series of technologies and concepts within automation, process industrial IT and manufacturing technologies. Another major trend is the Internet of Things (IoT), which creates opportunities and challenges, as completely new products and services have been created by connecting together computers and mobile phones into ubiquitous networks. By 2020, 50 billion products are expected to be connected, which is expected to have a global impact on most industrial players. With its focus on end-users and technology as a facilitator, Semcon has a good mix of product offerings. Semcon can also help to shorten conversion and lead times for customers and create more flexible manufacturing processes.
World energy demand continues to rise while the effects on the environment are becoming more acute. In addition to political will and financial resources, major technological advances and innovations will be required to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This challenge applies not least in Germany, which is decommissioning its nuclear power stations by 2022. Alternative energy sources and energy technology are the areas that will result in the industry's shares of the overall R&D investments increasing over the next few years, according to Battelle. In this context, Semcon acts as a partner to optimise processes and structures to reduce environmental impact and costs during energy production.
The life science industry can generally be split into the more established and global pharmaceutical companies, where outsourcing is relatively low, and the recently established and small pharmaceutical companies in terms of volume, where outsourcing is higher. Because it is costly and risky developing new pharmaceuticals, an increasing number of pharmaceutical companies choose to outsource and purchase complete development projects from small and medium-sized research companies, which ensures access to commercially viable medicines.
In the future, we will witness increasing and changing care needs as the population ages. This will make demands on both new medical device solutions and more efficient health and long-term care. This will provide substantial opportunities for Semcon's offerings within life science.
The telecom & IT industry has seen a constant level of high investment driven by new technologies, a change in customer patterns and changes in market demands. Digitization and servitisation are seen as the greatest structural changes in the industry in recent years. The industry is also undergoing a technological shift, where R&D investments are focusing on various kinds of cloud services. Semcon's offering for cloud services is strong and there is significant potential to grow in these segments. Technologies tied to cloud services are expected to increase, in future accounting for the majority of R&D investments in the industry.
Global investments in research and development (R&D) are expected to rise by an average of 1.1 per cent annually, to EUR 1,253 billion by 2018, according to an analysis carried out by the research organisation Batelle. According to Battelle, the three factors that have mainly affected and driven global R&D investments in recent years were: the ability of governments to understand scientific and technological changes, market demand for sustainable energy and global climate change.
According to the forecast, the rate of investment will rise, but will be slow compared with previous years. The US, Europe, China and Japan are expected to account for 79 per cent of R&D investments in 2018. By 2022 China's investments in R&D are expected to overtake that of the US. Germany, France and the UK are expected to account for 37 per cent of European R&D investments in 2022.
The Engineering Service Provider (ESP) market is the market for technological R&D outsourced by industrial companies, mainly in the manufacturing industry. Many of Semcon's customers are found in this market. Continued healthy growth is expected for ESP services in the automotive industry as a result of a greater share of outsourcing. The global ESP market is expected to amount to EUR 175 billion by 2018, an increase of 7.2 per cent annually over the 2014–2018 period, according to analyses carried out by Battelle, the OECD and the World Bank. The annual growth rate for ESP services is greatest in Asia (12 per cent annually) and weaker in the more mature markets in Europe and North America.
Semcon's main market is Sweden, with a market share of about 5 per cent according to own estimates. Sales of services related to product development and technical information (in industrial technology) was expected to reach SEK 29.3 billion in 2017 with 25,800 employees, according to the trade association Swedish Federation of Consulting Engineers and Architects. The trade association also ranks Semcon fifth in terms of sales amongst the top 50 companies active in industrial technology. Almega's service indicator (December 2017) forecasts that production in the private sector will decline slightly in 2018 compared with the service indicator in 2017, which was 3.6 per cent.
The UK is Semcon's second largest market, with a market share of about 1 per cent according to own estimates. The UK as a market is expected to have strong potential for continued high growth, both in current and new industries, despite the UK's decision to leave the EU. According to the audit and advisory company KPMG, there are major opportunities for the UK automotive industry to – through greater innovation capacity and continuous improvements, together with digitization – increase production by GBP 74 billion over the next two decades.
| Competitor | Domestic market | Number of employees | Income mSEK | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HCL Technologies | India | 119,040 | 63,640 | 2016/2017 |
| Alten | France | 28,000 | 18,964 | 2017 |
| ÅF | Sweden | 9,865 | 12,658 | 2017 |
| Tata Technologies | India | 8,500 | 3,617 | 2016/2017 |
| Sigma | Sweden | 2,785 | 2,878 | 2016 |
| Etteplan | Finland | 2,062 | 2,802 | 2017 |
| Rejlers | Sweden | 1,994 | 2,470 | 2017 |
| Combitech | Sweden | 1,439 | 1,756 | 2016 |
| Prevas | Sweden | 538 | 735 | 2017 |
| Knightec | Sweden | 503 | 486 | 2016/2017 |
When translating from domestic currencies to SEK, the exchange rates were as follows: EUR 9.60 and IND 0.13.
Semcon continually participates in many different research projects in collaboration with academia, institutes and customers. This provides us with the latest theoretical knowledge, and also valuable practical experience of future technologies and user needs.
Insights from research projects are then available for our customers when we discuss their future challenges. We share this knowledge in our customer projects both by actively proposing new solutions and projects and by regularly taking part in development on-site at customer premises.
The emphasis in research projects is in line with our focus areas, such as design, vehicles and connected products. For example, it could concern
new user-focused solutions for connected products, or the challenge of safety in autonomous vehicles.
We also leverage the experiences gained from research projects in our Innovation Lab. Here, our customers can learn about our expertise in many technology fields and innovation methods in our lab environment, with the ability to quickly assemble concepts and prototypes.
The Innovation Lab has a clear user perspective and a business-oriented approach. We operate some projects entirely on our own, such as Life Sticker, an idea that was born, developed and carried out in our Innovation Lab. Read more about Life Sticker on page 13.
Each year, about 80 million cars are produced – where logistics from the factory to the end user is completely manual. Thanks to the Born to Drive research project, cars may – in the near future – be responsible for delivering themselves. The solution is entirely softwarebased and utilises the sensors that already exist in today's vehicles. At present, Born to Drive is designed to steer vehicles from the production line out to a collection point to await further transport. But the system can be evolved to streamline other parts of the logistics chain, such as moving the vehicles onto trucks or ships Born to Drive is a collaboration between technology companies, authorities, component manufacturers and Volvo Cars. Semcon has had a central role in the project, with overall technical responsibility.
30 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
This Sustainability Report, on pages 30–33, has been prepared in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act for Semcon AB and its subsidiaries.
At Semcon, sustainability work is an integrated part of our operations and our everyday work. We are dedicated to a long-term approach in respect of the technology we develop, in our relationships to our customers and owners and in the corporate culture our employees represent. The
Group's objective is to contribute to a sustainable future, satisfied customers that return to us and a corporate culture where our employees develop and flourish. We believe we can then offer longterm profitability to our owners. We take responsibility for our environmental footprint and base our business operations on ethical principles. The foundation for our work is our Quality and Sustainability Policy and Code of Conduct.
Our Code of Conduct is based on the UN's 10 Global Compact
Principles relating to human rights,
labour laws, environment and corruption. We are focusing on the targets that are most relevant for our business and where we can make the greatest contribution, based on the materiality analysis conducted.
Em pl
oyees
B
usiness
The foundation for Semcon's sustainability is to conduct operations using a thoroughly reliable and long-term business approach. Sustainability
work is governed and followed-up in our integrated management system and has targets and metrics that are relevant for the business operations. Since 2017, the Group's head of sustainability is also a member of Group management and reporting on sustainability work is presented regularly at Group management meetings. A knowledge-intensive company such as Semcon has favourable prospects for a proactive and integrated sustainability agenda. During 2018, we will continue to detail and define the foundation for our internal values and an
online training course in sustainability will be launched to all employees, to further raise awareness and reliability. Customer
Semcon has chosen to define sustainability using five perspectives that represent our integrated approach to sustainable development: Employees – through a corporate culture where our employees thrive Business activities – through responsible business focusing on long-term
profitability
Customers – through customer value, based on end users
Environment – through sustainable innovation and responsibility for our own environmental footprint
Social – through social commitment
Enviro
nment
s
Social
Semcon's five sustainability perspectives
Employees are at the heart of Semcon. Given that we develop products for people around the world,
we understand the importance of broadening our perspective to include and understand all different types of end users. This requires a broad mix of experiences and different backgrounds among our employees. It is important that we create the conditions to be an inspirational workplace where everyone can do a really good job, feel content and develop.
We are an international employer with dedicated employees. Our consistent work using employee surveys is continuing to illustrate our progress. The three surveys conducted in 2017 show continuous improvements from already high levels. Our employees, from engineers, designers and technical writers to administrators and managers, are particularly satisfied with the good working environment and management. They also state to a large extent that they would recommend Semcon as an employer. We measure our internal attractiveness as an employer using eNPS, which stands for Employee Net Promoter Score, and is used as a measure for how willing employees are to recommend their workplace to friends and acquaintances. An eNPS value can vary from -100 to +100. A good value tends to vary between different industries, countries and cultures but a guiding principle is usually that a result above 0 is good, above +20 is very good and above 50 is exceptional. In the latest survey, Semcon's eNPS was +24.
Semcon's basis in all recruitment, skills development, promotion or other interaction is the equal value of all people. In 2017, we took part in several recruitment events aimed at helping the many newly arrived academics who have come to Sweden in the major migration flows of recent years to find work and employment. When it comes to the balance between men and women in the company, we have specifically adopted the quantitative target to be an equal-opportunities company (40/60 gender balance) by the end of 2022. Read more about our diversity work on page 13.
As part of work to contribute towards the development of new engineers, we are clear about who we are, when we interact with, for example, universities and colleges. Every year, we supervise a large number of degree projects and similar advanced study projects. We integrate Semcon's work for sustainable solutions for our customers into this work and provide the students with good insight into what Semcon stands for. As an example, read about Mednotes on page 33.
At the beginning of the year, the Semcon Awards
| Men | Women | |
|---|---|---|
| Organisation | 70% | 30% |
| Managers | 75% | 25% |
| Group management | 67% | 33% |
| Board of Directors | 60% | 40% |
competition was introduced to all employees in the Group. The ambition was to encourage all of our employees to actively present new ideas that can contribute to achieving the sustainability targets, as formulated by the UN. There was a large response from the organisation and competition entries were sent from every country where Semcon has operations. Semcon Awards provides strong evidence of our innovative ability and the depth of the technical capacity that Semcon possesses – all of which based on human needs and behaviour. Read more about the winning contribution, Life Sticker, on page 13.
All parts of Semcon's business are to be conducted on a commercial basis, which entails demands on professionalism in both relationships and delivery. Our business activities are clarified through our business models. Read more about these on page 18.
One key aspect of Semcon's professionalism comprises our relationship to customers and other business stakeholders. We build our long-term business commitments on respect and responsibility. Semcon's Code of Conduct is the foundation for how we act in relation to our employees, business partners, shareholders and to the world around us. In the same manner, we also make rigorous demands on our business partners.
Semcon AB's Board has adopted the company's Code of Conduct. Every employee is responsible for complying with the company's Code of Conduct and other internal guidelines. The fulfilment of the Code of Conduct is ensured through training, management systems, internal control and audits. Our whistleblowing function offers all employees an opportunity to raise suspected infringements of laws, the Code of Conduct or other serious irregularities. No cases of infringements against the Code of Conduct or other serious irregularities were reported during the year.
As an international Group, we also have operations, customers and other business partners in countries where there is a greater risk, for example, of corruption. Specific training has been devised to increase knowledge about corruption. No cases of corruption were reported during the year.
To safeguard the long-term investment by the company's owners, we have established a target for our commercial sustainability of an operating margin of at least 8 per cent. Read more about our risks in the Director's Report on pages 38–39.
Customer Satisfaction Index
Semcon has a long history of being close to its customers' business and needs. During our almost 40 years in the market, we have positioned ourselves as an international Group with innovative, sound and cross-border partnerships. We support our customers in their product development and product information processes for a sustainable society. We focus on end users as we know that satisfied users are key to the success of our customers. In our product development process, we place great emphasis on user studies and user experience, as we are convinced that the company that is best at understanding its customers and users is the company that will be most successful and also develop the best solutions.
In order to provide our customers with the latest technology, we continuously participate in research projects in close collaboration with universities, research institutes and customers. For example regarding autonomous vehicles, energy efficiency or connected solutions. Benefits are created both through our efficient and qualityassured processes internally in the project and by encouraging customers to opt for sustainable approaches. By choosing Semcon, customers receive help in implementing their sustainable ambitions and achieve more sustainable complete solutions – from the strategy stage to development, manufacturing and product information. In 2017, several major research-related seminars have been held at our offices and at universities and colleges, with topics including autonomous vehicles and connected products.
When delivery is complete, we follow up how satisfied our customers are, and make rigorous demands on the results. On a scale of 1–6, we aim for an average of 5 over the year. In 2017, our customers gave us a 4.95. We also receive a high ranking for whether our customers would recommend us to others, where our Customer Net Promoter Score was 41 in 2017.
Semcon has been a proud partner company to SOS Children's Villages since 2014. We provide both financial support and direct involvement in the form of voluntary work by our employees. In India, we help children and young people to find a safer childhood and good education. Our employees have given lectures in how to use computers and offered career advice and more socially-oriented activi-
Customer Net Promoter Score
ties, including visits to museums and other excursions. We have also provided funds towards the renovation of a Children's Village for children with disabilities in Khajuri Kalan in northern India. In January, we attended the opening of a new youth centre for unaccompanied refugees in Hammarkullen, Gothenburg. Our employees also offered help here with homework, for example. During the year, we carried out job inspiration initiatives, where we invited young people to our offices in Gothenburg.
A number of charity fund-raising collections were conducted among staff in 2017 via internal ambassadors for our social responsibility, such as the major Christmas collection, which is fully matched with the same amount by Semcon. All of the proceeds are paid to SOS Katastrofhjälp, which makes long-term contributions and saves lives in areas facing crises, including the Rohingya women and children who have been forced to flee from the violence in Burma and who are living in overcrowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Climate change and energy consumption are major challenges facing the global community. Semcon's main contribution and potential towards the environment is through the solutions that we develop for our customers. This could include the electrification of vehicles, digitization or green energy recovery. Through our technical solutions, with a focus on the people who use them, we can contribute to the efficient resource utilisation throughout the entire development and manufacturing process. In this work, Semcon contributes its expertise in digitization and in Industry 4.0, which in turn offers our customers sustainable production.
Semcon's head office, which has given Gothenburg a new skyline, has received a Green Building certification. The double-façade provides effective climate protection. The exemplary architectural work has created a workplace and meeting venue that may have needed much more space if another design had been used, which is an important way to economise with resources over time.
Semcon's main environmental impact is otherwise indirect, as the Group provides services and has neither manufacturing nor any significant logistics. Semcon's environmental management system is certified in accordance with ISO 14001 and the management system is audited both internally and externally.
To the general meeting of Semcon AB (publ), corporate, identity number 556539-9549.
The Board of Directors is responsible for that the statutory sustainability report on pages 30-32 has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.
Our examination of the statutory sustainability report has been conducted in accordance with FAR´s auditing standard RevR 12 The auditor´s report on the statutory sustainability report. This means that our examination of the statutory sustainability report is different and substantially less in
scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. We believe that the examination has provided us with sufficient basis for our opinions.
A statutory sustainability report has been prepared.
Gothenburg, 21 March 2018 Ernst & Young AB
Staffan Landén Authorized Public Accountant
Nina Bergman Authorized Public Accountant
As often as possible, we try to offer students the option to write their degree projects with us. There are many examples of how this helped us to discover new talented people who have joined Semcon after their studies. This was the case with the two students who developed Mednotes as part of their degree project.
Mednotes is a platform that makes it easier to supply patient information in healthcare to optimise treatments. A smart watch is used to combine self assessments with data collected from sensors. The solution was developed by the students Anton Hallin and Azer Vilic together with Semcon and researchers at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Karolinska Institute.
| Directors' Report | 35 |
|---|---|
| Consolidated income statements | 42 |
| Consolidated statements of | |
| comprehensive income | 43 |
| Consolidated balance sheets | 44 |
| Consolidated | |
| changes in shareholders' equity | 45 |
| Consolidated cash flow statements | 46 |
| Consolidated specification of capital | |
| employed and net debt | 47 |
| Parent company's income statement | 48 |
| Parent Company's statement of other | |
| comprehensive income | 48 |
| Parent Company's balance sheets | 49 |
| Parent Company's changes in | |
| shareholders' equity | 50 |
| Parent Company's cash flow statements | 51 |
| Notes | 52 |
| Auditor's report | 74 |
| Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Note 1 | General information | 52 |
| Note 2 | Significant changes during the reporting period |
52 |
| Note 3 | Accounting policies | 52 |
| Note 4 | Financial risks | 57 |
| Note 5 | Critical estimations and assessments | 58 |
| Note 6 | Segment reporting | 59 |
| Note 7 | Net sales | 60 |
| Note 8 | Remuneration to auditors | 60 |
| Note 9 | Employees | 61 |
| Note 10 Interest income and similar items | 63 | |
| Note 11 Interest expenses and similar items | 63 | |
| Note 12 Tax | 63 | |
| Note 13 Earnings per share | 65 | |
| Note 14 Intangible assets | 65 | |
| Note 15 Tangible assets | 67 | |
| Note 16 Shares in Group companies | 68 | |
| Note 17 Discontinuing operations | 68 | |
| Note 18 Accounts receivable | 69 | |
| Note 19 Accrued non-invoiced income and invoiced non-accrued income |
70 | |
| Note 20 Prepaid expenses and accrued income |
70 | |
| Note 21 Share capital | 70 | |
| Note 22 Borrowings | 71 | |
| Note 23 Overdraft facilities | 71 | |
| Note 24 Accrued expenses and deferred income | 71 | |
| Note 25 Contingent liabilities | 72 | |
| Note 26 Transactions with related parties | 72 | |
| Note 27 Operational leasing | 72 | |
| Note 28 Events after the balance sheet date | 73 |
The Board and CEO of Semcon AB (publ) co.id.no. 556539-9549 hereby present the annual report and consolidated accounts for the 2017 financial year.
Semcon is an international technology company with engineering services and product information activities at more than 30 locations in Sweden, the UK, Brazil, Norway, Germany, Hungary, India and China.
Semcon is organised into two business areas: Engineering Services and Product Information. Business Area Engineering Services provides engineering services in product, plant and production development. Operations aim to help customers to develop products, systems and plants to strengthen their competitiveness by providing innovative solutions along the entire development chain, from studies to specify requirements to the finished product. The business area provides engineering services focused on the automotive, energy, industrial and life science industries. Business area Product Information offers services and complete solutions in product information. This includes information production and distribution. The information is made available in an appropriate manner for the user – which today means more frequent distribution via digital solutions, such as animations and mobile apps.
at Semcon and students in the classes.
Operating income amounted to SEK 1,762 million (1,756) and organic growth was 0 per cent. The year included two fewer working days compared with last year, which had a negative impact on income of 1 per cent. New business in Product Information, to sectors such as telecommunications, was not able to fully offset the reduced scope of the partnership with Jaguar Land Rover in the UK.
Operating profit amounted to SEK 95 million (95), yielding an operating margin of 5.4 per cent (5.4). The calendar effect during the year had a negative impact on earnings of about SEK 12 million compared with last year. Engineering Services reported improved earnings while Product Information noted a deterioration. The preceding year included positive non-recurring items of SEK 7 million in Product Information's earnings.
Net financial items amounted to SEK -1 million (-), yielding profit before tax of SEK 95 million (95). The tax expense for the year amounted to SEK -22 million (-27). Profit after tax amounted to SEK 72 million (68) and earnings per share after dilution totalled SEK 4.00 (3.75).
Operating cash flow from current activities was SEK 38 million (33). During the fourth quarter, cash flow was negatively affected by changes implemented by a major customer to its invoicing procedures, which entailed a temporary increase in tied-up working capital. The Group's cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 81 million (40). In addition, the Group had non-utilised credit of SEK 375 million (240) as of 31 December. Shareholders' equity amounted to SEK 557 million (529) and the equity/ assets ratio was 61 per cent (45). During the second quarter, a dividend of SEK 40 million (22) was paid to shareholders. The Group's net cash (net debt) amounted to SEK 78 million (-127).
Investments in hardware, licenses, office supplies and equipment amounted to SEK 9 million (34).
Semcon divested its German engineering business, which formed the Business Area Engineering Services Germany, on 28 February. For further information, see Note 17, page 68.
| Change in operating income compared with preceding year |
|
|---|---|
| Acquisitions | -% |
| Currency effects | -% |
| Organic growth | 0.4% |
| Total | 0.4% |
The business area's approximately 1,450 employees provide services in areas such as product development, plant engineering and production development services. The offer is aimed at requirement and concept studies, design, calculations, construction, embedded systems, testing, simulation, quality control, project management, production and process development and expertise in lean production. Engineering Services has offices in Sweden, Norway, the UK, India and Brazil.
Business activities mainly focus on the automotive, industry, energy and life science sectors. Customers include ABB, AB Volvo, Alstom, Aston Martin, AstraZeneca, Autoliv, Bombardier, CEVT, Geely, Fortum, General Electric, Getinge, Husqvarna, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN, McLaren, Metso, Rolls-Royce Marine, Saab, Scania, Siemens, Vattenfall and Volvo Cars.
The business area's income amounted to SEK 1,314 million (1,307) and organic growth was 0 per cent. A skills shortage in product development, mainly in the Swedish market, impeded growth. Sales to the automotive industry remained favourable, while demand from energy customers in particular was at a lower level. Several new contracts in the field of connected products and smart factories were secured during the year. Operating profit improved to SEK 70 million (66), yielding an operating margin of 5.4 per cent (5.0). Operations in primarily Norway and Brazil reported earnings improvements. The business area is continuing its efforts to develop a more value-based offering and international deliveries. The strategic shift, together with improved productivity, means growth and profitability are expected to increase moving forward.
The business area's approximately 600 employees provide complete information solutions with the primary focus on customers' aftermarket business. The business area's offering supports products and systems throughout the product life cycle: from sales and marketing to installation, maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, as well as training service staff. The business area has offices in Sweden, the UK, Hungary, Germany, China and Norway.
Customers are mainly in the automotive, telecom and IT, engineering, med-tech and energy sectors. These include ABB, AB Volvo, Baxter, Bombardier, CEVT/Lynk & Co, ESAB, Jaguar Land Rover, Saab, Siemens, London Electric Vehicle Company, UniCarriers and Volvo Cars.
The business area's income amounted to SEK 453 million (490) and organic growth was -7 per cent. New business, to sectors such as telecommunications, was not able to fully offset the reduced scope of the partnership with Jaguar Land Rover in the UK. Several contracts were extended during the year, including a three-year contract with one of the largest customers in the business area. Operating profit amounted to SEK 41 million (49), yielding an operating margin of 9.0 per cent (10.0). The preceding year included positive non-recurring items of SEK 7 million in business area's earnings. Part of the business area's strategy is focused on a high proportion of Managed Service contracts and a high level of resource efficiency through deliveries involving networking teams from several countries. The first quarter of 2018 is expected to be weaker than the first quarter of 2017, when production volumes were at relatively high levels.
At 31 December, there were 2,076 (2,044) employees and 1,980 (1,956) employees in active service. The average number of employees was 1,982 (1,956), of which 1,256 (1,251) in Sweden, 191 (193) in Brazil, 176 (149) in Hungary, 121 (119) in India, 108 (108) in the UK, 58 (69) in Norway, 51 (49) in China and 22 (18) in Germany. Employees are trained on an ongoing basis, taking into account employees' requirements and the expertise Semcon expects its customers to require in the future. On 31 December 2017, 64 per cent (72) of employees had university or college education. 48 per cent (49) had worked for more than three years in the Group, 31 per cent (28) between one and three years and 21 per cent (23) shorter than one year. The proportion of women was 30 per cent (29). In Sweden, the proportion of women was 31 per cent (30). In the respective business areas, the number of employees was as follows: Engineering Services 1,447 (1,453) and Product Information 629 (591).
The majority of Semcon's development costs concern development within the framework of customer projects. Other development costs are expensed in the accounts. These costs are not considered to be significant. Exceptions are made for costs for development of specific programs or technical platforms, which are capitalised in accordance with IAS 38. Semcon also takes part in several external research projects in the field of connected vehicles, sustainable product development and new materials to ensure a prominent position in terms of expertise.
Semcon is covered by the new rules for sustainability reporting and has prepared a sustainability report for Semcon AB and its subsidiaries for the period 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. In accordance with Chapter 6, Section 11 of the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, Semcon has chosen to prepare the statutory sustainability report as a report separate from the annual report. The sustainability report is available on pages 30–33 of this document and was submitted to the auditors together with the annual report.
Semcon's main contribution for reducing environmental impact is in the products and services the company develops for customers. Semcon's extensive, specific expertise throughout the product lifecycle means that the company can create sustainable, complete solutions covering energy efficiency, both small and large-scale, light constructions, smart products, efficient production development and user behaviour. This provides technology that promotes eco-friendly use or communicates energy-saving functions in such a way that users understand. Read more about Semcon's sustainability work on pages 30–33 and 39.
Semcon is exposed to a number of risks that may affect the Group's results. Semcon has chosen to divide the risks the company faces into financial and business-related risks. Semcon evaluates and identifies significant risks continually within the organisation and in strategic planning.
The company has identified a number of financial risks that could affect earnings including: financial risk, liquidity risk, credit risk and currency risk. For further information about financial risks, see Note 4 on page 57.
The company has identified the following main business-related risks:
RISKS: Semcon's customers are affected to varying degrees by a poor economic climate as this can negatively impact demand for Semcon's services. MANAGEMENT: Semcon continuously works to broaden its customer base to minimise dependency on different markets and industries as well as individual customers, which may be affected by a poor economic climate. Semcon's customer base consists mainly of companies in the automotive industry and Nordic industrial companies in various industries even though new customers from other geographic markets such as China, India and Brazil have been added in recent years.
EXPOSURE: Semcon is a global company with activities in Sweden, the UK, Brazil, Norway, Germany, Hungary, India and China. The percentage of sales to customers outside Sweden amounts to 24 per cent.
RISKS: Semcon's business is affected to varying degrees by developments and dependency on individual industries.
MANAGEMENT: To minimise the dependency on the automotive industry, Semcon is prioritising growth in other industries, such as energy and life science. EXPOSURE: Since last year, exposure to the automotive industry has been reduced and amounts to 47 per cent of the Group's total sales.
RISKS: A customer can end an assignment/project at short notice or gradually cut back on business volumes. This can result in a risk, since Semcon cannot always guarantee full cost coverage, particularly for employees who cannot immediately be transferred to another assignment.
MANAGEMENT: Semcon works continuously to broaden its customer base to minimise its dependency on single customers.
EXPOSURE: Semcon's customer base mainly comprises Nordic industrial companies in various sectors and foreign customers in the automotive industry. The ten largest customers account for 55 per cent of the Group's total sales, which is 2 per cent lower than in 2016.
RISKS: There is always a risk that key employees or a large number of employees choose to leave the company. There is immense competition for skilled employees, which generally means that salaries may rise above the agreed contracts, both for groups of employees and individual key employees. MANAGEMENT: Semcon prioritises activities to be an attractive employer and thereby improve employees' job satisfaction. Resources are set aside for training, recruiting and induction activities. EXPOSURE: In 2017, employee turnover was 21 per cent.
RISKS: Semcon's presence on the global market carries sustainability risks in the areas of human rights, working conditions, environment and corruption.
MANAGEMENT: Semcon reduces its exposure to sustainability-related risks using set regulations, such as the company's Code of Conduct, which is based on the UN Global Compact, and its Quality and Sustainability Policy. Semcon has a certified environmental management system in place to ensure that environmental legislation is followed throughout the Group. Semcon takes a zero-tolerance approach to any form of corruption and has a framework in place that clarifies the ethical rules for Semcon's conduct in relationships with customers and other stakeholders. In addition, Semcon has a whistleblowing function where each employee is given the opportunity to anonymously report any suspected breaches of the Code of Conduct. No cases of infringements against the Code of Conduct or other serious irregularities were reported during the year.
RISKS: The risk of being exposed to price pressure is high in development-intensive industries. MANAGEMENT: Semcon offers competitive prices in all markets but also gives customers the opportunity of using Semcon's entire network of local and international offices. Semcon is continuing to adhere to its set plan of moving away from fixed hourly-based
pricing towards more performance-based deliveries. This can increase the risk but also provides opportunities to improve profitability. Price pressure has remained strong, although there are variations between different sectors and markets. Every reduction or increase in total annual fees by one percentage point impacts the outcome by about SEK 15 million. The main priority is to offer the right solutions for customers and that they are based on results instead of primarily hours delivered.
RISKS: Fixed price projects expose the company to risks if projects cannot be completed to budget and/or if the project cannot be completed on time. MANAGEMENT: All projects are planned, budgeted and carried out according to joint, fixed working methods. Semcon actively works with project management and is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Meanwhile, projects give the Group the potential of improving profits through efficiency gains and by using expertise from various Semcon offices on projects. EXPOSURE: During the year, employees received training as part of Semcon's project manager training, which is based on the Group's own project methodology, the Semcon Project Model.
RISKS: There is a risk that incorrectly carried out assignments and projects can affect results. MANAGEMENT: The Group is insured according to industry practice for such eventualities. EXPOSURE: During the year, a review of insurance cover took place in all of the Group's markets. Over the years, Semcon has only used its insurance on a few occasions.
A change in the following variables would affect sales and results as follows:
| Variable | Change | Income | Impact on profit before tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utilisation | ± 1% | mSEK 17 | mSEK 17 |
| Price | ± 1% | mSEK 15 | mSEK 15 |
| Staff costs | ± 1% | – | mSEK 12 |
| No. working days |
± 1 day | mSEK 7 | mSEK 6 |
The number of working days per quarter varies year on year, which is an important factor to consider when analysing the income for the various quarters. Each working day represents around SEK 7 million in income.
| No. of working days Sweden |
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 62 | 59 | 66 | 63 | 250 |
| 2016 | 61 | 61 | 66 | 64 | 252 |
| 2017 | 64 | 58 | 65 | 63 | 250 |
| 2018 | 63 | 59 | 65 | 62 | 249 |
| 2019 | 63 | 58 | 66 | 62 | 249 |
The AGM, held on 26 April 2017, decided to establish a long-term performance-based share savings scheme for senior executives and key personnel in the Semcon Group. This scheme runs for four years starting in July 2017 and covering a maximum of 200,000 shares. The current holding of own ordinary shares held by Semcon is considered to fulfil obligations under the Performance-based Share Savings Schemes 2015 and 2017.
The work of the Board is described in the Corporate Governance Report on page 81.
Remuneration to the Board was decided by the 2017 AGM following proposals by the Nominations Committee. Remuneration to the Board until the 2018 AGM amounted to SEK 1,720,000, of which SEK 600,000 for the Chairman and SEK 280,000 for other Board members not employed by the company. The Board decides on remuneration to the CEO. Semcon has decided that the Board in its entirety will carry out the Remuneration Committee's assignments.
The Board proposes that the AGM decides to establish the following guidelines for determining salaries and other remuneration to senior executives up to the time of the 2019 AGM.
In these guidelines, senior executives are the CEO and President and the other members of the Semcon Group's senior management team.
These guidelines shall apply for agreements reached after the 2018 AGM and for previous agreements changed after the 2018 AGM.
The company shall have a remuneration level and other employment terms that are needed to recruit and retain senior executives with the right skills and capabilities to achieve the company's objectives. Total remuneration – made up of various components such as fixed salary, bonus, participation in share-based incentive scheme, pension benefits
and other remuneration and benefits – shall be reasonable, competitive and market-based, and shall be decided with regard to, among other things, performance, position and importance for the Group. 4. Fixed salary shall be paid for satisfactory work and shall normally be reviewed once a year. 5. A bonus of a maximum of nine months' salary shall be offered to senior executives. This bonus shall be primarily based on results and bonus targets, established once a year.
In addition to applicable collective agreements and similar, senior executives shall be given the right to arrange individual pension solutions, whereupon salary and bonus relinquishment may be utilised to increase pension payments provided no increased cost is incurred for the company over time. All solutions agreed in future shall be defined-contribution pensions.
Notice of resignation for senior executives shall be a minimum of six months and maximum of 12 months. If notice is given by the company, a notice period of 12 months is to apply. Dismissal pay and severance pay combined must not exceed 12 months' salary.
In addition, other remuneration and benefits may be offered to senior executives to facilitate possibilities to complete work assignments. 9. The Board has the right to deviate from these guidelines in individual cases if there is good reason.
The Board's proposals are in line with previous years' remuneration principles with the exception of the bonus, which could previously amount to no more than six months' salary. Senior executives' remuneration and benefits are presented in Note 9 on page 61.
At year-end 2017, Semcon's share capital was SEK 18.1 million, or 18,112,534 shares all with a quotient value of SEK 1. All shares carry the right to one vote and are of the same share class. Every share entitles the holder to equal shares in the company's assets and profits. There are no restrictions on the transferability of shares. At 31 December 2017, the JCE Group owned 25.9 per cent (25.9) of Semcon's shares, Nordea Investment Funds 7.9 per cent (7.2), Ålandsbanken 5.0 per cent (5.1), DNB Carlson Fonder 3.6 per cent (3.3) and BNYM RE Regents 3.5 per cent (3.4). The ten largest shareholders owned 59.9 per cent (56.8) of the capital and voting rights in the company. Semcon owned 281,719 (242,718) of the company's shares. Semcon had 4,440 (4,478) shareholders, of whom 33.1 per cent (29.9) were registered abroad.
On 6 December 2017, the Board resolved to buyback no more than 200,000 ordinary shares pursuant to the authorisation of the 2017 AGM. The Board's decision aims to improve the company's capital structure. Acquisitions may be made on one or more occasions during the period between 11 December 2017 and the 2018 AGM. Up until 31 December, 40,044 shares had been repurchased.
The objectives aim to create long-term shareholder value. Semcon aims to achieve the following financial objectives for the company:
Daniel Rundgren was appointed as the new Business Area President of Engineering Services. Daniel is joining Semcon from the IT company EVRY and will start as Business Area President not later than August. No other significant events occurred after the end of the year.
According to Semcon's financial objectives, a share dividend should be paid to shareholders and, from a long-term perspective, is to be at least one-third of profit after tax. The Board of Directors proposes a regular dividend of SEK 2.50 (2.25) per share, which represents 62.5 per cent (60.0) of earnings per share for continuing operations. In addition, the Board proposes an extra dividend of SEK 1.00 (-) per share in view of the company's strong financial position. The total dividend proposed of SEK 3.50 (2.25) per share corresponds to SEK 63.4 million (40.8). The record date is proposed as Friday, 27 April.
Operating income for the Parent Company amounted to SEK 22 million (26) and relates to payment for intra-Group services. Profit before tax amounted to SEK 91 million (14).
The AGM has the following at its disposal in the Parent Company:
| SEK | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total | 308,556,976 |
|---|---|
| Profit for the year according to the income statement |
90,350,903 |
| Profit brought forward and other capital contributions |
218,206,073 |
| Total | 308,556,976 |
|---|---|
| Carried forward | 245,163,107 |
| Dividend to shareholders | 63,393,869 |
For additional results of the Group and Parent Company and their financial position, refer to the following income statements, balance sheets, statements of comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity and cash flow statements, along with the accompanying accounting policies and notes.
| mSEK | Note | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPERATING INCOME | |||
| Net sales | 6, 7 | 1,762.4 | 1,755.9 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES | |||
| Purchase of goods and services | –335.7 | –365.4 | |
| Other external expenses | 8, 27 | –146.2 | –137.5 |
| Staff costs | 9 | –1,170.9 | –1,146.0 |
| Amortisation of intangible assets | 14 | –3.1 | –3.3 |
| Depreciation of tangible assets | 15 | –7.9 | –8.4 |
| Loss from shares in associated companies | –3.4 | –0.2 | |
| Operating profit | 95.2 | 95.1 | |
| FINANCIAL ITEMS | |||
| Interest income and similar items | 10 | 1.7 | 3.4 |
| Interest expenses and similar items | 11 | –2.3 | –3.6 |
| Profit before tax | 94.6 | 94.9 | |
| Tax | 12 | –22.2 | –26.9 |
| Net profit for the year from continuing operations | 72.4 | 68.0 | |
| Net profit/loss for the year from discontinuing operations | 17 | 0.1 | –116.3 |
| Profit/loss for the year | 72.5 | –48.3 | |
| Of which attributable to: | |||
| Parent Company's shareholders | 72.5 | –48.3 | |
| Non-controlling interests | – | – | |
| Total profit/loss after tax | 72.5 | –48.3 | |
| Earnings per share before dilution, SEK | 13 | 4.06 | –2.70 |
| – of which continuing operations | 13 | 4.05 | 3.81 |
| Earnings per share after dilution, SEK | 13 | 4.00 | –2.67 |
| – of which continuing operations | 13 | 4.00 | 3.75 |
| Number of shares at year-end | 13 | 18,112,534 | 18,112,534 |
| Average number of shares | 13 | 18,112,534 | 18,112,534 |
| Average number of shares excluding number of own shares | 13 | 17,866,914 | 17,869,816 |
| mSEK | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit/loss for the year | 72.5 | –48.3 |
| Items that cannot be reclassified to profit or loss | ||
| Actuarial gains and losses | – | –10.0 |
| Tax | – | 2.9 |
| Total | – | –7.1 |
| Items that can be reclassified to profit or loss | ||
| Translation differences for the year | –3.5 | 14.8 |
| Hedging of net investments | – | –15.9 |
| Cash flow hedging | – | – |
| Tax relating to hedging of net investments and cash flow hedging | – | 3.5 |
| Total | –3.5 | 2.4 |
| Total other comprehensive income | –3.5 | –4.7 |
| Total comprehensive income | 69.0 | –53.0 |
| Comprehensive income attributable to: | ||
| Parent Company's shareholders | 69.0 | –53.0 |
| Non-controlling interests | – | – |
| Total comprehensive income | 69.0 | –53.0 |
| Total comprehensive income for the year attributable to Parent Company's shareholders has arisen from: |
||
| Continuing operations | 68.9 | 68.4 |
| Discontinuing operations | 0.1 | –121.4 |
| Total comprehensive income | 69.0 | –53.0 |
| mSEK | Note | 31 Dec 2017 | 31 Dec 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Fixed assets | |||
| Intangible assets | 14 | ||
| Goodwill | 274.7 | 274.7 | |
| Other intangible assets | 13.1 | 14.7 | |
| Tangible assets | 15 | ||
| Plant and machinery | 22.7 | 25.1 | |
| Inventory, computers and equipment | 8.4 | 7.9 | |
| Financial assets | |||
| Deferred tax assets | 12 | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| Total fixed assets | 322.1 | 326.6 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Accounts receivable | 18 | 337.0 | 278.9 |
| Current tax receivables | 0.4 | 0.3 | |
| Other receivables | 6.8 | 2.0 | |
| Accrued non-invoiced income | 19 | 140.3 | 133.7 |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 20 | 22.6 | 28.1 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 80.9 | 39.9 | |
| Assets held for sale | 17 | – | 379.9 |
| Total current assets | 588.0 | 862.8 | |
| Total assets | 910.1 | 1,189.4 | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Shareholders' equity | |||
| Share capital | 21 | 18.1 | 18.1 |
| Other capital contributions | 34.5 | 34.5 | |
| Reserves | –25.0 | –21.5 | |
| Profit brought forward including profit for the year | 529.0 | 498.3 | |
| Total shareholders' equity | 556.6 | 529.4 | |
| Of which non-controlling interests | – | – | |
| Long-term liabilities | |||
| Pension obligations | 3.0 | 3.5 | |
| Deferred tax | 12 | 44.9 | 36.8 |
| Total long-term liabilities | 47.9 | 40.3 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Accounts payable | 51.6 | 45.8 | |
| Current tax liability | 5.6 | 3.1 | |
| Borrowings | 22, 23 | – | 131.3 |
| Other liabilities | 67.5 | 68.9 | |
| Invoiced non-accrued income | 19 | 20.5 | 11.9 |
| Accrued expenses and deferred income | 24 | 160.4 | 178.7 |
| Liabilities held for sale | 17 | – | 180.0 |
| Total current liabilities | 305.6 | 619.7 | |
| Total shareholders' equity and liabilities | 910.1 | 1,189.4 |
| Other | Non-con | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| capital | Profit | trolling | share | ||||
| mSEK | Share capital |
contri | butions Reserves | brought forward |
Total | inter ests |
holders' equity |
| Opening balance on 1 January 2016 | 18.1 | 34.5 | –16.8 | 568.8 | 604.6 | –0.1 | 604.5 |
| Comprehensive income | |||||||
| Loss for the year | – | – | – | –48.3 | –48.3 | – | –48.3 |
| Items that cannot be reclassified to profit or loss | |||||||
| Actuarial gains and losses | – | – | –10.0 | – | –10.0 | – | –10.0 |
| Tax | – | – | 2.9 | – | 2.9 | – | 2.9 |
| Total | – | – | –7.1 | – | –7.1 | – | –7.1 |
| Items that can be reclassified to profit or loss | |||||||
| Exchange rate differences for the year | – | – | 14.8 | – | 14.8 | – | 14.8 |
| Hedging of net investments | – | – | –15.9 | – | –15.9 | – | –15.9 |
| Tax relating to hedging of net invest | |||||||
| ments and cash flow hedging | – | – | 3.5 | – | 3.5 | – | 3.5 |
| Total | – | – | 2.4 | – | 2.4 | – | 2.4 |
| Total other comprehensive income | – | – | –4.7 | – | –4.7 | – | –4.7 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | –4.7 | –48.3 | –53.0 | – | –53.0 |
| Transactions with shareholders | |||||||
| Acquisitions | – | – | – | –0.1 | –0.1 | 0.1 | – |
| Share-based remuneration | – | – | – | 0.2 | 0.2 | – | 0.2 |
| Share dividend | – | – | – | –22.3 | –22.3 | – | –22.3 |
| Total transactions with shareholders | – | – | – | –22.2 | –22.2 | 0.1 | –22.1 |
| Opening balance on 1 January 2017 | 18.1 | 34.5 | –21.5 | 498.3 | 529.4 | – | 529.4 |
| Comprehensive income | |||||||
| Profit for the year | – | – | – | 72.5 | 72.5 | – | 72.5 |
| Items that can be reclassified to profit or loss | |||||||
| Exchange rate differences for the year | – | – | –3.5 | – | –3.5 | – | –3.5 |
| Total other comprehensive income | – | – | –3.5 | – | –3.5 | – | –3.5 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | –3.5 | 72.5 | 69.0 | – | 69.0 |
| Transactions with shareholders | |||||||
| Buy-back of own shares | – | – | – | –1.9 | –1.9 | – | –1.9 |
| Share-based remuneration | – | – | – | 0.3 | 0.3 | – | 0.3 |
| Share dividend | – | – | – | –40.2 | –40.2 | – | –40.2 |
| Total transactions with shareholders | – | – | – | –41.8 | –41.8 | – | –41.8 |
| Closing balance on 31 December 2017 | 18.1 | 34.5 | –25.0 | 529.0 | 556.6 | – | 556.6 |
| mSEK | Note | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURRENT ACTIVITIES | |||
| Operating profit | 78.9 | 44.1 | |
| Depreciation/amortisation & impairment | 14, 15, 17 | 12.6 | 88.7 |
| Shares in associated companies | 3.4 | – | |
| Gain on the divestment of operation | 17.1 | – | |
| Other items not affecting cash flow | –0.9 | 4.1 | |
| Pensions paid and payments into pension plans | –0.3 | –3.1 | |
| Interest received and similar items | 1.6 | 0.6 | |
| Interest paid and similar items | –1.3 | –3.7 | |
| Income tax paid | –11.7 | –14.4 | |
| Cash flow from current activities before changes in working capital | 99.4 | 116.3 | |
| CHANGE IN WORKING CAPITAL | |||
| Change in work in progress | –56.4 | –10.6 | |
| Change in current receivables | –33.0 | 40.3 | |
| Change in current liabilities | 27.5 | –112.6 | |
| Total change in working capital | –61.9 | –82.9 | |
| Cash flow from current activities | 37.5 | 33.4 | |
| INVESTING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Divestment of subsidiaries | 164.2 | – | |
| Investments in associated companies | –2.5 | – | |
| Investments in intangible assets | 14 | –1.7 | –0.8 |
| Investments in tangible assets | 15 | –7.7 | –33.2 |
| Payment from sales of fixed assets | – | 0.4 | |
| Cash flow from investing activities | 152.3 | –33.6 | |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Change in overdraft facilities | 23 | –83.5 | –7.0 |
| Repayment of loans | 22 | –70.2 | –11.5 |
| Buy-back of own shares | –1.9 | – | |
| Dividend paid | –40.2 | –22.3 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | –195.8 | –40.8 | |
| Cash flow for the year | –6.0 | –41.0 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year | 87.8 | 126.1 | |
| Translation differences | –0.9 | 2.7 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at year-end | 80.9 | 87.8 | |
| Cash flow for the year has arisen from: | |||
| Continuing operations | –5.1 | 5.0 | |
| Discontinuing operations | 17 | –0.9 | –46.0 |
| Total cash flow | –6.0 | –41.0 |
*Including cash flow from discontinuing operations, see Note 17.
| mSEK | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| CAPITAL EMPLOYED | ||
| Total assets | 910.1 | 1,189.4 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | –44.9 | –36.8 |
| Accounts payable | –51.6 | –45.8 |
| Other non-interest-bearing current liabilities | –254.0 | –442.6 |
| Total capital employed | 559.6 | 664.2 |
| Average capital employed | 611.9 | 736.6 |
| CHANGE IN NET CASH/NET DEBT (–) | ||
| Opening balance | –126.7 | –78.4 |
| Cash flow from current activities | 37.5 | 33.4 |
| Net investments | –9.4 | –33.6 |
| Acquisition and divestment of subsidiaries | 216.6 | – |
| Share dividend | –40.2 | –22.3 |
| Buy-back of own shares | –1.9 | – |
| Other | 2.0 | –25.8 |
| Closing balance | 77.9 | –126.7 |
| NET CASH/NET DEBT (–) | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 80.9 | 87.8 |
| Pension obligations | –3.0 | –83.2 |
| Interest-bearing liabilities | – | –131.3 |
| Total net debt | 77.9 | –126.7 |
| mSEK | Note | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| OPERATING INCOME | |||
| Net sales | 7 | 21.9 | 26.3 |
| OPERATING EXPENSES | |||
| Other external expenses | 8, 27 | –26.1 | –32.0 |
| Staff costs | 9 | –29.5 | –30.2 |
| Operating loss | –33.7 | –35.9 | |
| FINANCIAL ITEMS | |||
| Interest income and similar items | 10 | 135.7 | 4.5 |
| Interest expenses and similar items | 11 | –31.5 | –17.7 |
| Profit after financial items | 70.5 | 20.6 | |
| APPROPRIATIONS | |||
| Tax allocation reserve | – | –5.2 | |
| Group contributions received | 28.4 | 69.7 | |
| Group contributions paid | –8.3 | –1.4 | |
| Profit before tax | 90.6 | 14.0 | |
| Tax | 12 | –0.2 | –3.6 |
| Profit for the year | 90.4 | 10.4 |
| mSEK | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the year | 90.4 | 10.4 |
| Other comprehensive income | ||
| Other comprehensive income | – | – |
| Total comprehensive income | 90.4 | 10.4 |
| mSEK | Note | 31 Dec 2017 | 31 Dec 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Fixed assets | |||
| Financial assets | |||
| Shares in Group companies | 16 | 92.0 | 100.1 |
| Deferred tax assets | 0.2 | 0.4 | |
| Receivables from Group companies | 369.2 | 369.2 | |
| Total fixed assets | 461.4 | 469.7 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Receivables from Group companies | 85.3 | 128.5 | |
| Other receivables | 1.6 | 1.3 | |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income | 1.1 | 0.9 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 42.3 | – | |
| Total current assets | 130.3 | 130.7 | |
| Total assets | 591.7 | 600.4 | |
| SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Shareholders' equity | |||
| Restricted shareholders' equity | |||
| Share capital | 21 | 18.1 | 18.1 |
| Statutory reserve | 25.1 | 25.1 | |
| Unrestricted shareholders' equity | |||
| Share premium reserve | 12.9 | 12.9 | |
| Profit brought forward | 205.3 | 237.0 | |
| Profit for the year | 90.4 | 10.4 | |
| Total shareholders' equity | 351.8 | 303.5 | |
| Untaxed reserves | |||
| Tax allocation reserve | 12.3 | 12.3 | |
| Total untaxed reserves | 12.3 | 12.3 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Accounts payable | 0.6 | 0.9 | |
| Liabilities to Group companies | 217.2 | 135.8 | |
| Current tax liability | – | 5.9 | |
| Borrowings | 22, 23 | – | 130.5 |
| Other liabilities | 1.1 | 0.6 | |
| Accrued expenses and deferred income | 24 | 8.7 | 10.9 |
| Total current liabilities | 227.6 | 284.6 | |
| Total shareholders' equity and liabilities | 591.7 | 600.4 |
| Profit brought forward |
Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share | incl. | share | |||
| Share | Statutory | premium | profit/loss | holders' | |
| mSEK | capital | reserve | reserve | for the year | equity |
| Opening balance on 1 January 2016 | 18.1 | 25.1 | 12.9 | 259.4 | 315.5 |
| Comprehensive income | |||||
| Profit for the year | – | – | – | 10.4 | 10.4 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | – | 10.4 | 10.4 |
| Transactions with shareholders | |||||
| Share dividend | – | – | – | –22.3 | –22.3 |
| Total transactions with shareholders | – | – | – | –22.3 | –22.3 |
| Opening balance on 1 January 2017 | 18.1 | 25.1 | 12.9 | 247.5 | 303.5 |
| Comprehensive income | |||||
| Profit for the year | – | – | – | 90.4 | 90.4 |
| Total comprehensive income | – | – | – | 90.4 | 90.4 |
| Transactions with shareholders | |||||
| Buy-back of own shares | – | – | – | –1.9 | –1.9 |
| Share dividend | – | – | – | –40.2 | –40.2 |
| Total transactions with shareholders | – | – | – | –42.1 | –42.1 |
| Closing balance on 31 December 2017 | 18.1 | 25.1 | 12.9 | 295.7 | 351.8 |
| mSEK | Note | 2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CURRENT ACTIVITIES | |||
| Operating loss | –33.7 | –35.9 | |
| Interest received and similar items | 13.7 | 4.5 | |
| Interest paid and similar items | –1.5 | –17.8 | |
| Income tax paid | –5.9 | –0.1 | |
| Cash flow from current activities before changes in working capital |
–27.4 | –49.3 | |
| CHANGE IN WORKING CAPITAL | |||
| Change in current receivables | 193.1 | 93.8 | |
| Change in current liabilities | 49.2 | –15.2 | |
| Total change in working capital | 242.3 | 78.6 | |
| Cash flow from current activities | 214.9 | 29.3 | |
| FINANCING ACTIVITIES | |||
| Change in overdraft facilities | 23 | –83.5 | –7.0 |
| Change in loans | 22 | –47.0 | – |
| Buy-back of own shares | –1.9 | – | |
| Dividend paid | –40.2 | –22.3 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | –172.6 | –29.3 | |
| Cash flow for the year | 42.3 | – | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the start of the year | – | – | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at year-end | 42.3 | – |
Semcon AB (publ) is a Swedish listed public company registered with the Swedish Companies Registration Office with co.id.no. 556539-9549. The company is registered in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Small Cap list under the SEMC ticker.
The Group's main business is providing engineer-
ing services and product information, which are described in the Directors' Report in this Annual Report. The consolidated accounts for the financial year ending 31 December 2017 were approved by the Board on 20 March 2018 and will be presented to the Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2018 for final approval.
In February 2017, Semcon divested Business Area Engineering Services Germany. Operations are recognised in this Annual Report as discontinuing
The most important accounting policies applied when these consolidated accounts were prepared are stated below. These policies have been applied consistently for each year represented, unless otherwise stated.
The consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU, IFRIC interpretations, the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and recommendation RFR 1 of the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council (Supplementary Accounting Rules for Groups). Recommendations that come into effect after the closing date will not have any significant effect on either the results or the financial position of the Group. The Parent Company's annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and recommendation RFR 2 (Accounting for Legal Entities).
The Parent Company's functional currency is SEK, which is also the Group's reporting currency. All sums in the financial statements are given in SEK millions, mSEK, unless otherwise stated. The consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the acquisition method, with the exception of:
Financial assets and liabilities (including derivative instruments) – which are measured at fair value
operations. Financial information about discontinuing operations is provided below in Note 17 on page 68.
Assets held for sale – which are measured at fair value
Preparing reports in accordance with IFRS requires using a number of important estimates for accounting purposes. It is also necessary for Group management to make a number of estimates when applying the Group's accounting policies. The areas that require a high degree of assessment, which are complex or are such areas where assumptions and estimates are of considerable significance for the consolidated accounts are presented in Note 5 on page 58.
New and amended IFRS and new interpretations for 2017
New and amended standards and new interpretations did not have any effect on the Group's accounting policies or disclosures for the current or preceding financial year. Neither are they expected to impact forthcoming periods.
New and amended IFRS and new interpretations that have not yet come into force
IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers was issued on 28 May 2014 and replaces IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction Contracts. IFRS 15 includes a revenue recognition model for almost all income arising through contracts with customers, with the exception of leasing contracts, financial instruments and insurance contracts. The basic principle of IFRS 15 is that a company is to recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for the goods or services. IFRS 15 provides significantly more guidance for specific areas and stipulates extensive disclosure requirements. IFRS 15 is applicable from 1 January 2018 or later. The Group will apply the standard prospectively with additional disclosure. Group management has completed its evaluation of the effect of the new standard and the new standard will not have any impact on the financial statements, other than the additional disclosure requirements. Semcon primarily provides services over a certain period of time, and revenue is expected to continue being recognised in accordance with the percentage of completion method for each assignment, given that these performances do not create an asset with an alternative use for the Group.
IFRS 16 Leases was issued on 13 January 2016 and will replace IAS 17 Leases. IFRS 16 introduces a right of use model, meaning that the lessee must report essentially all leases in the balance sheet. Classification in operational and financial leases is therefore not necessary. Exceptions are leases with lease terms of 12 months or less or leases of low-value assets. The income statement is also impacted since the cost is recognised as depreciation and interest expense instead of other external expenses. The cash flow statements will be impacted in that cash flows from current activities will be higher given that the bulk of the payments made in relation to the lease liability will be classified in financing activities. The standard includes greater information disclosure requirements compared with the current standard. IFRS 16 is applicable from 1 January 2019 or later. The standard will mainly impact reporting of the Group's operational leases, which mainly consist of rental agreements for office properties. The Group's future minimum leasing fees are presented in Note 28 – Operational leasing. A detailed analysis of the effects when applying IFRS 16 has yet to be carried out, which is why the effects cannot yet be quantified.
The new standard IFRS 9 Financial Instruments, which comes into effect on 1 January 2018, will not have any significant effect on the financial statements.
Group management does not expect other new and amended standards and interpretations to have any material effect on the Group's financial statements when they are applied for the first time.
In addition to the Parent Company, the Group consists of all subsidiaries in which the Group owns shares and directly or indirectly has the majority of voting rights, or through agreements has a controlling influence. Acquired companies are included in the consolidated accounts from the acquisition date. These consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the purchase method, which means that the cost of the shares in Group
companies is divided among identifiable assets and liabilities at the acquisition date at the fair value. The difference between the cost and the calculated value of equity in the acquisition analysis is recognised as consolidated goodwill. All transaction costs relating to acquisitions are expensed. An allowance is made in the acquisition analysis for deferred tax on acquired untaxed reserves. In addition, deferred tax is seen as the difference between the fair values of assets and liabilities and taxable residual values. Untaxed reserves accumulated after acquisition are divided into deferred tax liability and the remaining portion, which is recognised under profit brought forward. The consolidated shareholders' equity includes the Parent Company's equity and the part of the subsidiaries' equity accumulated after the date of acquisition.
The current rate method was used for translating the income statements and balance sheets. This method means that the balance sheets are translated at the closing day rate and the income statements at the average rate for the year. Translation differences are recognised in other comprehensive income.
Pricing of services between companies in the Group follows market norms.
Transactions with related parties follow market norms.
Associated companies are recognised when the Group is considered to have a significant but not decisive influence over operations and financial control and the company is neither a subsidiary nor a share in a joint venture. A significant influence is considered to exist if the company has a minimum holding of between 20 per cent and 50 per cent of the voting rights, or in any other way has a significant influence, but where there is no parent/subsidiary relationship. Holdings in associated companies are recognised in the consolidated income statement and balance sheet according to the equity method from the time that a significant influence is established. The equity method means that shares in a company are recognised at cost at the date of acquisition and then adjusted using the Group's share of the change in the company's net assets. Shares in associated companies' earnings are recognised on two levels in the consolidated income statement. Shares in earnings before tax is included in consolidated operating profit and shares in the taxes of associated companies is recognised in the consolidated tax expense. Unrealised gains on transactions between the Group and associated companies are eliminated in relation to the Group's holding in the associated company.
Operating segments are reported so they correspond to the internal reports submitted to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker is the CEO, who runs the operation together with the other members of Group management.
The cash flow statement is produced using the indirect method. Recognised cash flow includes only those transactions that have involved payments into or out of the company.
Income from sales of services
Work in progress is recognised as revenue in line with work being carried out. Fixed-rate work is recognised as revenue in accordance with the percentage of completion method on the closing date after reservation for risk of loss. The percentage of completion is assessed on the basis of costs incurred for work performed in relation to the assignment's estimated total costs. On-account invoices received are recognised net against capitalised contract costs. If the net of the costs paid and on-account invoices received is positive, then the project is recognised as "Accrued non-invoiced income". Conversely, if on-account invoices received exceed contract costs incurred, projects are recognised as "Invoiced non-accrued income."
Income from the sale of hardware and software is recognised upon delivery, which coincides with the time when risks and benefits accrue to the buyer.
Receivables and liabilities in foreign currencies are measured at the closing day rates. Exchange rate differences in current receivables and liabilities are included in operating profit/loss, while the differences in financial receivables and liabilities are recognised under financial items.
The majority of Semcon's research and development costs concern development within the scope of customer projects. In other cases, the company's development costs are of an ongoing nature and are carried as an expense in the period in which they occur. These costs are not considered to be significant. Exceptions to this are costs incurred for the development of specific computer programs, which are recognised as an intangible asset (see below for more information).
Tangible assets mainly consisting of computers, inventories and investments in leased premises have been valued at cost with deductions for accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Depreciation is based on the cost and is carried out on a straight-line basis on the useful life of the asset. Depreciation according to plan has been based on the expected useful life as follows: Plant and machinery depreciated over 5–10 years Computers depreciated over 3–5 years Inventories depreciated over 5 years
Acquired goodwill has an indeterminate useful life and is measured at cost with deductions for accumulated impairment. Goodwill is distributed among cash-generating units and is tested for possible impairment annually.
Other intangible assets include programs developed internally and acquired licenses. Other acquired intangible assets are measured at cost with deductions for accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Cost comprises capitalised costs that arise from the date when the program is considered to be commercially viable and other criteria according to IAS 38 have been fulfilled. Expenses are amortised over the expected useful life of 3–8 years. Expenses for internally developed goodwill, trademarks and similar rights are recognised as they arise.
Group management continually assesses the value of capitalised assets to identify any impairment requirement. Impairment is made in the event an asset's carrying amount exceeds its estimated recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the value in use of the asset in the business and the net realisable value. The value in use is the current value of all inward and outward payments relating to the asset during the period in which it is expected to be used in the business, plus the current net realisable value at the end of its useful life. A previous impairment is reversed when the assumptions used to establish the asset's recoverable amount have changed, meaning the impairment is no longer considered necessary. Reversals of previous impairments are tested individually and are recognised in profit or loss. However, impairment of goodwill is not reversed in subsequent periods.
Financial instruments are measured and recognised in the Group according to the regulations in IAS 39. Financial instruments recognised in the balance sheet include, among assets, accounts receivable and cash and cash equivalents. Liabilities and shareholders' equity include accounts payable and borrowings. Financial instruments are initially recognised at cost equivalent to the instruments' fair value plus transaction costs for all financial instruments, except those belonging to the financial assets (liabilities) category, which are recognised at fair value in profit or loss. Recognition and measurement subsequently take place according to how the financial instruments have been classified.
Trade date accounting is applied when buying and selling money and capital-market instruments on the spot market. Other financial assets and liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when the company becomes party to the instrument's contracted terms. Accounts receivable are recognised in the balance sheet when the invoice has
been issued. Liabilities are recognised in the balance sheet when the counterparty has performed and there is a contractual obligation to pay, even if the invoice has not yet been received. Accounts payable are recognised in the balance sheet when the invoice has been received. A financial asset is derecognised from the balance sheet when the rights under the agreement have been realised, fall due or the company loses control over them. The same applies for parts of financial assets. A financial liability is removed from the balance sheet when the contractual obligations have been met or have been extinguished in any other way. The same applies for parts of a financial liability.
Official market listings on the balance sheet date are used when determining the fair value of financial instruments. If listings are not available, measurement is carried out by using generally accepted methods, such as discounting future cash flows to the listed market interest rate for the particular maturity. Translation to SEK is carried out at the price quoted on the balance sheet date. Unless otherwise stated, the carrying amount is considered to be a good approximation of the instrument's fair value due to the asset's or liability's short maturity or fixed-interest term.
Amortised cost is calculated using the effective interest method, meaning that any premiums or discounts and directly attributable costs or income are distributed over the term of the contract applying the estimated effective interest. The effective interest rate is the interest rate that provides the instrument's cost as a result in conjunction with current value calculation of future cash flows.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and recognised in a net amount in the balance sheet when there is a legal right to offset and when it is intended to settle the items with a net amount or to simultaneously realise the asset and settle the liability.
Accounts receivable are categorised as "Loan receivables and accounts receivable," which entails recognition at amoritsed cost. The expected duration of accounts receivable is short, which is why the value is recognised at a nominal amount without discounting with deductions for any impairment. Doubtful accounts receivable are assessed individually and any impairment is recognised in operating expenses.
Cash and cash equivalents recognised in the balance sheets and cash flow statements include cash and bank balances as well as other current investments with a due date within three months of
the acquisition date. Cash and cash equivalents are categorised as "Loan receivables and accounts receivable," which entails that recognition takes place at amortised cost. Because bank balances are payable on demand, the amortised cost is equivalent to the nominal amount.
Accounts payable are categorised as "Other financial liabilities", which entails recognition at amortised cost. Accounts payable are expected to have a short duration, which is why the liability is recognised at a nominal amount without discounting.
Liabilities to credit institutions, overdraft facilities and other liabilities are categorised as "Other financial liabilities" and measured at amortised cost. For liabilities in foreign currencies recognised in accordance with the method for hedging of net investments, the exchange rate gains and exchange rate losses are recognised under equity.
When a formal or informal commitment exists as a result of an event that has occurred and it is possible that resources will be required to fulfill the commitment and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount required, then such a commitment is recognised as a provision if the amount and settlement date are uncertain.
The Group's tax expense and tax income are recognised as current tax, changes in deferred tax as well as tax on changes to untaxed reserves.
Current tax is the tax estimated on the taxable results for the period in accordance with the tax regulations in each country. Current tax also includes possible adjustments originating from previous tax assessments.
Deferred tax is calculated on the basis of the taxable and tax-deductible temporary differences between the carrying amount and taxable values of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax as assets set relating to loss carry-forwards have only been taken into account to the extent that it is probable that the loss carry-forwards can be deducted from the taxable profit in the future.
The Group does not have any significant financial leases. The Group rents offices, cars and some office equipment. Rental agreements in which the risks and benefits associated with ownership remain to a significant extent with the lease provider are recognised as operational leases. The costs are recognised straight-line in the income statement over the rental period.
Employee remuneration is recognised in the form of earned and paid salaries plus bonuses earned. Full remuneration is paid for various commitments such as unutilised holiday entitlement and social security contributions.
For pensions, Semcon recognises remuneration to employees according to IAS 19. According to IFRS, pensions are to be divided between defined contribution and defined benefit pensions. Defined contribution plans are defined as plans under which the company pays a fixed amount to a third party and the company has no further obligations once payment has been made. Such plans are recognised as a cost when the premium is paid. Other plans include defined benefit plans under which the obligation remains within the Group. Commitments for retirement pensions and family pensions for salaried employees in Sweden are safeguarded via insurance with Alecta. According to a statement from the Swedish Financial Reporting Board, UFR 10, this is a defined benefit multi-employer plan. As in previous years, the company has not had access to information to enable it to recognise this plan as a defined benefit plan, which means that the ITP pension plans safeguarded via insurance with Alecta are therefore recognised as defined contribution plans.
Redundancy pay is paid when employment ceases before reaching retirement age, or when an employee voluntarily terminates employment in return for redundancy pay. The Group reports redundancy pay when it is clear that it is either a case of termination of employment in accordance with a detailed formal plan that is irrevocable or that the redundancy offer given was to encourage the voluntary redundancy and accepted by the person who received the offer. Benefits that fall due for payment more than 12 months after the closing date are discounted to the current value, if they are material.
The Group reports liabilities and costs for bonus payments when they are linked to a contract or when there is an established practice that has created an informal obligation.
The Group has two share-based remuneration schemes (share savings schemes) according to which the company receives services from employees as payment for the shares. According to IFRS 2, salary costs should be recognised relating to the share savings scheme with an equivalent increase of the share capital. Costs are estimated on the basis of the number of shares expected to be issued by the end of the vesting period, conditional to an expected employee turnover rate being taken into consideration. The fair value of the shares has been based
on the share price prevailing on the date the employee invested in the shares.
The total cost is recognised apportioned over the vesting period, which is the period during which the vesting conditions must be met. At the end of each reporting period, the Group re-evaluates its estimations of how many shares are expected to be vested. Any deviation from the original estimates that the re-evaluation gives rise to is recognised in the income statement and equivalent adjustments are made to shareholders' equity. When shares are issued, social security contributions must be paid on the value of the benefit for the employee. This value is generally based on the market value on the issue date. During the vesting period, a provision is made for these expected social security contributions, and costs are treated as cash-regulated share-based remuneration.
The Parent Company has prepared its Annual Report in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities.
The changes in RFR 2 Accounting for Legal Entities, which came into force in the 2017 financial year, did not have any significant effect on the Parent Company's financial statements.
Changes to RFR 2 that have yet to come into force Group management does not expect changes to RFR 2 that have yet to come into force to have any significant effect on the Parent Company's financial statements when they are applied for the first time.
The differences between the Group and Parent Company's accounting policies appear below.
Participations in Group companies are recognised at cost in the Parent Company's financial statements. Dividends are recognised as income insofar as they refer to profits generated after the acquisition. Dividends in excess of these profits are considered as repayment of investments and thereby reduce the carrying amount of participations in Group companies.
The Parent Company applies the exception rule in RFR 2 to avoid applying the rules in IAS 39 for financial guarantees concerning guarantee contracts for the benefit of Group and associated companies. In these cases, the rules in IAS 37 are applied, meaning that financial guarantee contracts must be recognised as a provision in the balance sheet when Semcon has a legal or informal commitment as a result of a previous event and it is likely that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the commitment. It must also be possible to reliably estimate the value of the commitment.
In the Parent Company, untaxed reserves are recognised including deferred tax liabilities, unlike the consolidated accounts where untaxed reserves are divided into deferred tax liabilities and shareholders' equity.
Financing risks are risks associated with financing the Group's capital requirements and refinancing of outstanding loans being made more difficult or more expensive. Credit agreements consist of an overdraft facility of SEK 150 million (152) and a revolving credit facility of EUR 22.8 million (22.8), which falls due on 13 October 2018. The revolving credit facility is conditional on the customary covenants being fulfilled in the form of debt/equity ratio, interest coverage ratio and net borrowings (excluding pensions) in relation to the operating profit/loss before depreciation/amortisation. All loan conditions were met with ample headroom as of 31 December.
Interest risks are the risks associated with effects on earnings and cash flow in case of longterm changes to the market rates. However, earnings sensitivity can be limited in the short term through the selected interest maturity structure. The Group's average fixed interest rate term on loans is not to exceed two years. At year-end, the Group had no interest-bearing loans.
Liquidity risks are the risks associated with not having access to cash and cash equivalents or unutilised credit facilities to fulfil payment commitments. At year-end, the Group's cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 81 million (88). In addition, the Group has a unutilised overdraft facility of SEK 375 million (240). Liquidity in the Group will be placed in cash pools. Cash pools enable Semcon to carry out centralised liquidity management at national levels. These cash pools match the excess and shortfalls in the local subsidiaries for the respective countries and currencies.
| Group, | Up to 3 | 3–12 | Over 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| mSEK | months | months | months |
| Liabilities to credit institutions |
– | – | – |
| Accounts payable |
51.6 | – | – |
The company recognises Group contributions paid and Group contributions received in the income statement under appropriations.
Semcon's accounting is conducted in SEK, but the Group has operations in a number of countries around the world. This means that the Group is exposed to currency risks. The majority of the exchange rate differences comprises translation differences that arise when foreign companies' income statements are translated to SEK. Currency exposure mainly relates to GBP. A change in GBP against the SEK of +/- 10 per cent would affect profit before tax by about SEK 2 million and profit after tax and shareholders' equity by about SEK 1 million.
Semcon has export income and expenses in a number of currencies, meaning the Group is exposed to currency fluctuations. This currency risk, referred to as transaction exposure, is currently limited.
The foreign subsidiaries' net assets constitute an investment in foreign currency that, upon consolidation, give rise to a translation difference. To limit the negative effects of the translation differences on the Group's shareholders' equity, hedging sometimes takes place through loans or forward agreements in the equivalent foreign currency.
Exchange rate changes also affect the Group's earnings in connection with translation of the income statements of foreign subsidiaries to SEK. Expected future earnings in foreign subsidiaries are not hedged.
Financial assets mainly consist of accounts receivable and accrued non-invoiced income. The creditworthiness of these items that have neither fallen due for payment nor require impairment have been assessed according to external credit ratings (if available) or on the basis of the customer's payment history. All new customers are checked with respect to their creditworthiness, and existing customers are continuously monitored. The Group's accounts receivable largely consist of receivables from
large international companies whose financial position is considered solid. For certain customers, a separate bad debt insurance policy has been signed under which the excess component is 10 per cent. Of the Group's total accounts receivable, the majority relates to accounts receivable not due for payment. The vast majority of the due and non-reserved accounts receivable have a very short maturity date. The joint credit risk is considered small. The maximum credit exposure corresponds to the assets' carrying amount. The maturity structure of accounts receivable is presented in Note 18 on page 69.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise bank balances at primarily all the major European banks and the assets are not considered to pose any risk. The maximum credit exposure corresponds to the assets' carrying amount.
The Group's aim regarding its capital structure is to safeguard the Group's ability to continue its business, so that it can continue to generate dividends for shareholders and value for other stakeholders, and maintain an optimal capital structure to keep capital costs down. One of Semcon's financial targets is to have an equity/assets ratio of over 30 per cent. This key figure is calculated
as shareholders' equity divided by total assets. At the end of 2017, the equity/assets ratio was 61.2 per cent (44.5). To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group can change the dividend paid to shareholders, buy back shares, repay capital to shareholders, issue new shares, or sell assets to reduce liabilities. Borrowing is restricted by financial covenants in the loan agreements with banks, which is described in more detail in the section on financing risks.
For accounts receivable, accounts payable and other non-interest-bearing receivables and liabilities, which are recognised at amortised cost with deductions for possible impairment, the fair value is judged to correspond to the carrying amount.
The Group's borrowing mainly has a short fixed-interest term. The fair value is therefore judged to correspond to the carrying amount.
The fair value of currency forward agreements is set by using currency forward rates on the balance sheet date, where the resulting value is discounted to the present value. The fair value of these contracts amounts to SEK – million (3.9).
There are no other financial liabilities that are measured at fair value through profit or loss or any financial assets that can be sold.
When compiling the Annual Report in accordance with IFRS and generally accepted accounting principles, the Group has made estimations and assessments about the future, which affect the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities. These estimations and assessments are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and other factors considered reasonable under the prevailing conditions. In the event it is not possible to establish the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities using information from other sources, these estimations and assessments form the basis of the valuation. Using other estimations and assessments, the result may differ and the actual result will, by definition, rarely be equivalent to the actual result. The estimations and assessments that have the greatest influence over Semcon's results and financial position are detailed below.
Every year, the Group tests goodwill for impairment in accordance with the accounting policy presented in Note 3 on page 52. The test requires estimating the parameters that affect the future cash flow and establishing a discount rate. The recoverable amount of the cash-generating units has thereafter been set using an estimate of the value in use.
An account of the significant assumptions made is presented in Note 14 on page 65. As of 31 December 2017, the carrying amount of consolidated goodwill in continuing operations was SEK 274.7 million.
The valuation of projects is based on estimates of the results of projects in progress. Some projects extend over a long period of time, which is why it cannot be ruled out that the results of projects in progress may have an effect on the Group's results and financial position.
The recognised deferred tax assets in the Group concerning loss carry-forwards amounted to SEK 2.8 million on 31 December 2017. The carrying amount of these tax assets was tested on the balance sheet date and it is judged likely that the tax relief can be used against future taxable profit. In addition, there are loss carry-forwards of SEK 45.4 million for which no deferred tax asset has been recognised due to uncertainty as to when sufficient taxable profit will be recognised in the future. The loss carry-forwards refer primarily to Norway where loss carry-forwards can be utilised for an unlimited period. Changes to assumptions regarding
forecast future taxable profit might result in differences in measurements of deferred tax assets. If the future taxable profit in Norway deviates by SEK
10.0 million from management's estimate, then the deferred tax asset would increase or decrease by SEK 2.3 million.
The Group's two business areas, Engineering Services and Product Information, made up the Group's reportable operating segments in 2017. Engineering Services provides engineering services aimed at the energy, automotive, telecom, industrial and life science sectors. Product Information provides complete information solutions, mainly focusing on customers' aftermarket business. These two segments are the highest level at which management and the Board carries out follow-ups. The chief operating decision maker in the Group is the CEO, who runs the operation together with the other members of Group management. Engineering Services generates income mainly from engineering services for designing, developing products and production, while Product Information mainly generates its income by developing product information for entire product lifecycles. No other information concerning income divided between services is provided as this does not form part of the financial reporting, and the cost of producing the information is not justifiable.
The segments' accounting policies adhere to the same policies as those applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, which are presented in Note 3 on page 53.
The Group recognises sales between the operating segments at current market prices.
Group management follows up the segments' results on the basis of operating profit. Financial items are not allocated among segments given that these are affected by measures taken by the central finance function. Neither are taxes allocated among the operating segments. The operating segments' assets and liabilities include directly attributable items together with such items that can be reliably allocated to the respective segment. The Group's long-term borrowing is not considered a liability among the segments, and is instead attributable to the finance function.
| mSEK | Engineering Services |
Product Information |
Non-allocated items |
Group total |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | |
| Income | 1,313.6 | 1,306.7 | 453.4 | 489.8 | –4.6 | –40.6 | 1,762.4 | 1,755.9 |
| Operating profit/loss | 70.4 | 65.6 | 40.8 | 49.2 | –16.0 | –19.7 | 95.2 | 95.1 |
| Net financial items | – | – | – | – | –0.6 | –0.2 | –0.6 | –0.2 |
| Profit/loss before tax | 70.4 | 65.6 | 40.8 | 49.2 | –16.6 | –19.9 | 94.6 | 94.9 |
| Other disclosures | ||||||||
| Operating assets | 605.2 | 579.6 | 171.0 | 152.0 | – | – | 776.2 | 731.6 |
| Non-allocated assets | – | – | – | – | 133.9 | 77.9 | 133.9 | 77.9 |
| Discontinuing operations |
– | – | – | – | – | 379.9 | – | 379.9 |
| Total assets | 605.2 | 579.6 | 171.0 | 152.0 | 133.9 | 457.8 | 910.1 | 1,189.4 |
| Operational liabilities |
210.8 | 203.1 | 56.3 | 53.0 | – | – | 267.1 | 256.1 |
| Non-allocated liabilities |
– | – | – | – | 86.4 | 223.9 | 86.4 | 223.9 |
| Discontinuing operations |
– | – | – | – | – | 180.0 | – | 180.0 |
| Consolidated liabilities |
210.8 | 203.1 | 56.3 | 53.0 | 86.4 | 403.9 | 353.5 | 660.0 |
| Shareholders' equity | – | – | – | – | 556.6 | 529.4 | 556.6 | 529.4 |
| Total shareholders' equity and liabilities |
210.8 | 203.1 | 56.3 | 53.0 | 643.0 | 933.3 | 910.1 | 1,189.4 |
| Investments | 3.5 | 2.4 | 2.7 | 20.6 | 3.2 | 11.0 | 9.4 | 34.0 |
| – of which discontinuing operations |
– | – | – | – | 1.2 | 9.9 | 1.2 | 9.9 |
| Depreciation/ amortisation |
3.2 | 4.0 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 4.4 | 4.2 | 11.0 | 11.7 |
| Sales according to customers' geographic location |
Intangible assets and tangible assets |
Investments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic location | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Sweden | 1,350.0 | 1,338.5 | 296.6 | 289.6 | 3.6 | 1.7 |
| UK | 155.1 | 205.7 | 16.1 | 17.6 | 1.1 | 19.7 |
| Other | 257.3 | 211.7 | 6.2 | 15.2 | 4.7 | 12.6 |
| Total | 1,762.4 | 1,755.9 | 318.9 | 322.4 | 9.4 | 34.0 |
The Group has a single customer that accounted for income of more that 10 per cent of consolidated sales. Income from this customer amounted to SEK 211.1 million (202.3), which is equivalent to 12.0 per cent (11.6) of sales.
Of net sales, income from services accounted for 94.6 per cent (94.2). Other sales comprise licenses, sales of computers, project computers, training income and sales of materials and goods in projects. The Parent Company's sales attributable to Group companies amounted to SEK 19.3 million (26.1) and purchases amounted to SEK – million (0.2).
| Group | Parent Company | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mSEK | 2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 |
| Ernst & Young | ||||
| Auditing assignment | 1.3 | 1,5* | 0.4 | 0,4* |
| Services in addition to auditing assign ment |
– | 0,1* | – | 0,1* |
| Tax consultancy | – | – | – | – |
| Other services | 0.1 | – | – | – |
| Total | 1.4 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Other auditors | ||||
| Auditing assignments | – | 0.1 | – | – |
| Total | – | 0.1 | – | – |
| Total remuneration to auditors | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.5 |
* Amount in 2016 relates to Deloitte AB.
| 2017 | 2016 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group | Average number of employees |
of whom women, % |
Average number of employees |
of whom women, % |
|
| Sweden | 1,256 | 29 | 1,251 | 30 | |
| Brazil | 191 | 23 | 193 | 20 | |
| Hungary | 176 | 37 | 149 | 33 | |
| India | 121 | 15 | 119 | 13 | |
| The UK | 108 | 20 | 108 | 20 | |
| Norway | 58 | 14 | 69 | 13 | |
| China | 51 | 70 | 49 | 67 | |
| Germany | 22 | 49 | 18 | 52 | |
| Group total | 1,982 | 29 | 1,956 | 29 | |
| Parent Company | |||||
| Sweden | 12 | 33 | 13 | 31 | |
| Parent Company total | 12 | 33 | 13 | 31 |
| 2017 | 2016 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mSEK | Total salaries and other remuneration |
Social security expenses |
Of which pension costs |
Total salaries and other remuneration |
Social security expenses |
Of which pension costs |
| Salaries, remuneration and social security expenses | ||||||
| Parent Company | 18.7 | 12.7 | 7.0 | 17.6 | 11.8 | 4.8 |
| Subsidiaries | 796.6 | 303.5 | 68.0 | 775.6 | 306.6 | 69.4 |
| Group total | 815.3 | 316.2 | 75.0 | 793.2 | 318.4 | 74.2 |
| 2017 | 2016 | |||||
| Total salaries and other |
Of which | Pension | Total salaries and other |
Of which | Pension | |
| mSEK | remuneration | bonuses | costs | remuneration | bonuses | costs |
| Of which remuneration to senior executives | ||||||
| CEO of the Parent Company | 3.5 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 3.8 | 0.7 | 1.3 |
| CEOs of subsidiaries | 3.1 | 0.1 | 0.2 | – | – | – |
| Board | 1.7 | – | – | 1.6 | – | – |
| Other senior executives | 8.3 | 0.3 | 2.3 | 9.2 | 1.3 | 2.6 |
Remuneration to the CEO. According to the terms of the CEO's employment contract, the period of notice is 12 months if termination of employment is initiated by Semcon. If the CEO resigns, the period of notice is six months. A bonus may be paid in accordance with the rules established by the Board, which has been set at a maximum of six times the fixed monthly salary. The contract also includes a non-competition clause, which limits the CEO from pursuing a competitive business for 24 months from the time of termination of employment. The CEO is entitled to a retirement benefit in the form of a pension scheme. The monthly premium for this pension scheme is 35 per cent of the fixed monthly salary. Remuneration to the CEOs of subsidiaries does not include remuneration to CEOs who are members of the group "other senior executives." Benefits concerning company cars amounted to TSEK 74 (74) for the CEO. Furthermore, costs for share-based remuneration impacted profit for the year in the amount of TSEK 119 (39) relating to the CEO.
Board of Directors. Of the fees to the Board of Directors in 2017, the Chairman of the Board received TSEK 600 (550). Other Board members elected by the Annual General Meeting each received TSEK 280 (265). Board fees totalled TSEK 1,720 (1,610).
Other senior executives. Other senior executives, five individuals (five), refers to Semcon's Group management (not including the company's CEO). Other senior executives are entitled to bonuses based on how well they meet their respective business targets. The upper limit for bonuses has been set at six times the fixed monthly salary. The period of notice given to other senior executives is a maximum of 12 months. In addition, an executive may receive redundancy pay equivalent to six months of salary according to which remuneration from other employment is to be deducted. The pension agreements for senior executives are paid in accordance with the ITP plan, except for one executive whose monthly premium is 35 per cent of salary. Benefits concerning company cars amounted to TSEK 327 (332) for senior executives. Furthermore, costs for share-based remuneration impacted profit for the year in the amount of TSEK 164 (76) relating to senior executives.
Gender distribution among senior executives. Two of Semcon's five Board members elected by the Annual General Meeting are women. In 2017, Group management consisted of six individuals, of whom two are women.
Pension obligations. Commitments for defined benefit old-age pensions and family pensions (alternative family pension) under the ITP 2 plan for salaried employees in Sweden are covered through insurance with Alecta. According to a statement from the Swedish Financial Reporting Board UFR 10, Recognition of ITP 2 pension plan financed through insurance with Alecta, this is a multi-employer defined benefit plan. For the 2017 financial year, the company has not had access to the requisite information to allow reporting of its proportional share of the plan's obligations, plan assets and costs, which means that it was not possible to report the plan as a defined-benefit plan. Accordingly, the ITP 2 pension plan that is secured through insurance with Alecta is recognised as a defined contribution plan.
Expenses during the year for ITP 2 pension insurance policies signed with Alecta amounted to SEK 26.1 million (27.6). Premiums for the defined benefit old-age pensions and family pensions are calculated on an individual basis and are influenced by items including salary, previously earned pension entitlements and remaining period of service. The collective consolidation level is the market value of Alecta's assets as a percentage of the insurance commitment calculated according to Alecta's actuarial methods and assumptions, which do not comply with IAS 19. The collective consolidation level is usually permitted to vary between 125 and 155 per cent. If Alecta's collective consolidation level falls below 125 per cent or exceeds 155 per cent, then measures must be taken to create the conditions for the consolidation level to return to normal. One possible measure with a low consolidation level is to raise the contractual price for new subscriptions and expansion of existing benefits. One possible measure with a high consolidation level is to lower premiums. At year-end 2017, Alecta's surplus in the form of the collective consolidation level was 154 per cent (149).
Share-based remuneration. Semcon has two long-term performance-based share savings schemes for senior executives and key employees in the Semcon Group ("Performance-based share savings scheme 2015" and "Performance-based share savings scheme 2017"). To be able to take part in the schemes, participants must invest in shares. Employees who participate in the schemes can save an amount equivalent to 10 per cent of their fixed gross salary to purchase ordinary shares on Nasdaq Stockholm over a 12-month period from the date the schemes were implemented. If the shares purchased by the employee are retained for three years from the date of the investment and the individual was employed within the Semcon Group throughout the three-year period, then the employee will receive the same amount of ordinary shares ("matching shares") from the Semcon Group and, as long as performance requirements have been met, then a further one to four performance shares will be issued. For performance matching to occur, the annual average percentage increase in Semcon's earnings per share must meet certain targets. Refer to the table below for the respective schemes.
| Performance-based share savings scheme for the year | 2017 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic value, earnings per share, SEK | 3.75 | 4.16 |
| Target for average increase in earnings per share, % | 5–20 | 5–15 |
| Number of participants on the balance sheet date | 21 | 39 |
| Allocation of matching shares, number | 1 | 1 |
| Allocation of performance shares, number | 2–4 | 1–4 |
| Maximum number of matching shares | 49,981 | 37,344 |
| Maximum number of performance shares | 150,019 | – |
| Maximum number of shares in total | 200,000 | 37,344 |
| Maximum dilution of earnings per share, % | 1.1 | 0.2 |
| Expensed amount during the year, mSEK | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| Savings period | July 2017–June 2018 | July 2015–June 2016 |
| End date | June 2021 | June 2019 |
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest income | 1.7 | 2.3 |
| Exchange rate differences | – | 0.6 |
| Other financial income | – | 0.5 |
| Total | 1.7 | 3.4 |
| Parent Company mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
| Interest income | 6.4 | 4.5 |
| Dividend received | 122.0 | – |
| Exchange rate differences | 7.3 | – |
| Total | 135.7 | 4.5 |
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest expenses | –0.8 | –3.6 |
| Exchange rate differences | –0.3 | – |
| Other financial expenses | –1.2 | – |
| Total | –2.3 | –3.6 |
| Parent Company mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
| Interest expenses | –0.4 | –1.3 |
| Exchange rate differences | – | –14.9 |
| Impairment | –30.0 | – |
| Other financial expenses | –1.1 | –1.5 |
| Total | –31.5 | –17.7 |
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Current tax | 16.2 | 12.5 |
| Tax concerning previous tax years | –2.4 | 0.8 |
| Deferred tax expense attributable to temporary differences | 7.7 | 18.4 |
| Deferred tax income attributable to temporary differences | 0.7 | –4.8 |
| Total | 22.2 | 26.9 |
| Parent Company mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
| Current tax | – | 3.4 |
| Deferred tax expense attributable to temporary differences | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Total | 0.2 | 3.6 |
| Differences between the Group's recognised tax and tax expense based on current tax rate |
||
|---|---|---|
| Recognised profit before tax | 94.6 | 94.9 |
| Tax according to current tax rate in Sweden, 22.0% (22.0) | 20.8 | 20.9 |
| Tax effect of: | ||
| Non-deductible expenses | 1.2 | 2.4 |
| Non-taxable income | –0.6 | –0.4 |
| Adjustments for previous tax years | –2.4 | 0.9 |
| Effects of other tax rates abroad | 1.3 | 0.8 |
| Loss carry-forwards not measured in the financial statements | 2.0 | 2.2 |
| Other | –0.1 | 0.1 |
| Tax for the year | 22.2 | 26.9 |
| Differences between the Parent Company's recognised tax and tax expense based on current tax rate |
||
| Recognised profit before tax | 90.6 | 14.0 |
| Tax according to current tax rate in Sweden, 22.0% (22.0) | 19.9 | 3.1 |
| Tax effect of: | ||
| Non-deductible expenses | 7.5 | 0.6 |
| Non-taxable income | –27.2 | –0.1 |
| Tax for the year | 0.2 | 3.6 |
Temporary differences arise in the event of differences between the carrying amounts and taxable values of assets and liabilities.
| The Group's temporary differences have resulted in deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities for the following items |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets | ||
| Loss carry-forwards | 2.8 | 3.1 |
| Temporary differences for inventories | – | 0.2 |
| Temporary differences for account receivable | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Temporary differences for pension obligations | 0.7 | 1.0 |
| Other | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| Netting against deferred tax liabilities | –0.6 | –0.3 |
| Total | 3.2 | 4.2 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | ||
| Untaxed reserves | 8.4 | 5.8 |
| Temporary differences, accrued non-invoiced income | 27.8 | 22.5 |
| Equity hedge loan | – | 0.7 |
| Goodwill | 6.4 | 5.5 |
| Other | 2.9 | 2.6 |
| Netting against deferred tax assets | –0.6 | –0.3 |
| Total | 44.9 | 36.8 |
The taxable loss carry-forward is SEK 57.7 million (60.5). Of this, SEK 2.0 million (8.9) falls due within five years, SEK – million (2.1) after five years and for the remaining 55.7 million (49.5) there is no maturity date. For SEK 45.4 million (47.8) of the taxable loss carry-forward, no deferred tax asset has been recognised due to uncertainty as to when sufficient taxable profit will be recognised in the future. A deferred tax asset relating to loss carry-forwards was recognised in the amount of SEK 2.8 million (3.1) as it is judged likely that taxable profit will be available in the future, against which this loss carry-forward can be offset.
| 2017 | 2016 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before | After | Before | After | |
| Group | dilution | dilution | dilution | dilution |
| Profit/loss attributable to Parent Company's shareholders, mSEK |
72.5 | 72.5 | –48.3 | –48.3 |
| Weighted average number of shares during the year, (000) |
17,867 | 18,113 | 17,870 | 18,113 |
| Earnings/loss per share, SEK | 4.06 | 4.00 | –2.70 | –2.67 |
| Of which continuing operations | ||||
| Profit attributable to Parent Company's shareholders, mSEK |
72.4 | 72.4 | 68.0 | 68.0 |
| Weighted average number of shares during the year, (000) |
17,867 | 18,113 | 17,870 | 18,113 |
| Earnings per share, SEK | 4.05 | 4.00 | 3.81 | 3.75 |
Earnings per share before dilution are calculated by dividing profit/loss attributable to the Parent Company's shareholders by a weighted average number of outstanding ordinary shares during the period excluding shares held as own shares by the Parent Company, see Note 21 on page 70.
When calculating earnings per share after dilution, the weighted number of outstanding ordinary shares is adjusted for the dilution effect of all potential ordinary shares.
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Goodwill | ||
| Opening cost | 366.6 | 654.4 |
| Translation differences for the year | – | 14.4 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | –302.2 |
| Closing accumulated cost | 366.6 | 366.6 |
| Opening impairment | –91.9 | –188.5 |
| Translation differences for the year | – | –4.7 |
| Impairment of discontinuing operations | – | –66.0 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | 167.3 |
| Closing accumulated impairment | –91.9 | –91.9 |
| Closing carrying amount | 274.7 | 274.7 |
| Specification of goodwill | ||
| Goodwill is distributed across the Group's busi ness areas as follows: |
||
| Engineering Services Nordic | 262.3 | 262.3 |
| Product Information | 12.4 | 12.4 |
| Closing carrying amount | 274.7 | 274.7 |
Testing for goodwill impairment is carried out annually and when there are indications that an impairment requirement exists. Recoverable amounts for each business area (cash-generating units) have been set according to management's calculated value in use. These calculations are based on the budgeted future cash flows for 2018. The budgeted cash flows are based on the current year's results, order intake and management's expectations regarding market development in 2018. For 2019-2023, an assumption has been made that income will rise by 3 per cent annually, while a long-term growth rate of 2 per cent was used for the subsequent period. Sensitivity analyses have been carried out and if the assumed growth or operating margin deteriorates by 1 percentage point, there will be no need for impairment.
Cash flows have been discounted using a weighted cost of capital after tax equivalent to 8 per cent (8). This is calculated using the Group's targeted capital structure, current risk-free long-term interest rate and a risk premium for shareholders' equity of 5 per cent and a margin for borrowed capital of 1 per cent. If the discount rate were to increase by 1 per cent to 9 per cent, the value in use would still be higher than the carrying amount.
Further assumptions used when calculating value in use for 2018:
| Share of income per currency | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange rates and share of income |
Exchange rates | Engineering Services | Product Information |
| SEK | 1.00 | 80% | 57% |
| EUR | 9.50 | – | 14% |
| GBP | 10.75 | 6% | 20% |
| NOK | 1.00 | 6% | 1% |
| Other | 8% | 8% | |
| 100% | 100% | ||
| Average tax rates | 23% | 19% |
The estimated value in use for 2017 exceeded the carrying amounts by a good margin. The same long-term growth rate was used for estimating value in use for 2016. The rates used for 2016 were 23 per cent for Engineering Services and 20 per cent for Product Information. The exchange rates used in 2016 were EUR 9.50 and GBP 11.00.
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Other intangible assets | ||
| Opening cost | 64.9 | 83.9 |
| Sales/disposals | –0.1 | –0.1 |
| Investments | 1.7 | 0.8 |
| Translation differences for the year | –0.9 | 2.5 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | –22.2 |
| Closing accumulated cost | 65.6 | 64.9 |
| Opening amortisation | –50.2 | –65.0 |
| Amortisation for the year | –3.1 | –4.7 |
| Sales/disposals | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Translation differences for the year | 0.7 | –2.3 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | 21.7 |
| Closing accumulated amortisation | –52.5 | –50.2 |
| Closing carrying amount | 13.1 | 14.7 |
Other intangible assets in the Group consist of licenses and computer software. Amortisation occurs straight-line over the useful life.
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Plant and machinery | ||
| Opening cost | 49.9 | 142.3 |
| Investments | 1.5 | 25.7 |
| Sales/disposals | –0.3 | –8.5 |
| Reclassification | –0.1 | 0.6 |
| Translation differences for the year | –0.2 | 4.7 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | –114.9 |
| Closing accumulated cost | 50.8 | 49.9 |
| Opening depreciation | –24.8 | –111.5 |
| Sales/disposals | 0.3 | 8.3 |
| Depreciation for the year | –3.4 | –9.7 |
| Reclassification | –0.3 | –0.2 |
| Translation differences for the year | 0.1 | –3.9 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | 92.2 |
| Closing accumulated depreciation | –28.1 | –24.8 |
| Closing carrying amount | 22.7 | 25.1 |
| Inventory, computers and equipment | ||
| Opening cost | 58.3 | 110.1 |
| Investments | 5.0 | 7.5 |
| Sales/disposals | –1.0 | –2.0 |
| Reclassification | 1.2 | –0.8 |
| Translation differences for the year | –1.1 | 3.9 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | –60.4 |
| Closing accumulated cost | 62.4 | 58.3 |
| Opening depreciation | –50.4 | –89.9 |
| Sales/disposals | 1.0 | 1.9 |
| Depreciation for the year | –4.5 | –8.3 |
| Reclassification | –1.2 | 0.4 |
| Translation differences for the year | 1.1 | –3.0 |
| Discontinuing operations | – | 48.5 |
| Closing accumulated depreciation | –54.0 | –50.4 |
| Closing carrying amount | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Parent Company | Group company | Capital share, % |
Voting rights, % |
Carrying amount, mSEK |
co.id.no. | Registered office |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semcon AB | Semcon Förvaltnings AB | 100 | 100 | 58.8 | 556530-6403 | Gothenburg |
| Semcon Informatic AB | 100 | 100 | 17.7 | 556606-0363 | Gothenburg | |
| Semcon International AB | 100 | 100 | 15.5 | 556534-4651 | Gothenburg | |
| Total | 92.0 |
The accumulated cost of shares in Group companies amounts to SEK 345.0 million. During the year, a shareholder contribution of SEK 21.9 million was paid and an impairment of SEK 33.0 million was made. A statutory specification of co.id.no. and registered office of all Group companies in the Group can be obtained from Semcon's head office.
The engineering business in Germany was divested to Valmet Automotive on 28 February 2017. The operation is recognised in this report as a discontinuing operation. Financial information relating to the divested operation for the period up until the date of divestment is presented below.
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| ANALYSIS OF EARNINGS | ||
| Income | 111.1 | 863.2 |
| Costs | –125.8 | –837.2 |
| Operating profit/loss before depreciation/amortisation | –14.7 | 26.0 |
| Depreciation/amortisation | –1.6 | –11.0 |
| Impairment | – | –66.0 |
| Operating loss | –16.3 | –51.0 |
| Net financial items | –0.2 | –3.5 |
| Loss before tax | –16.5 | –54.5 |
| Tax | –0.4 | –61.8 |
| Net loss from discontinuing operations after tax | –16.9 | –116.3 |
| Gain on the divestment of operation after tax | 17.0 | – |
| Net profit/loss from discontinuing operation | 0.1 | –116.3 |
| ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS | ||
| Net cash flow from current activities | 0.3 | –15.2 |
| Net cash flow from investing activities | –1.2 | –9.9 |
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HELD FOR SALE | ||
| Assets held for sale | ||
| Intangible assets, goodwill | – | 134.9 |
| Other intangible assets | – | 0.5 |
| Tangible assets | – | 34.6 |
| Accounts receivable | – | 135.2 |
| Other current assets | – | 26.8 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | – | 47.9 |
| Total assets held for sale | – | 379.9 |
| Liabilities held for sale | ||
| Pension obligations | – | 79.7 |
| Accounts payable | – | 16.7 |
| Invoiced non-accrued income | – | 8.0 |
| Other non-interest-bearing current liabilities | – | 75.6 |
| Total liabilities held for sale | – | 180.0 |
| 2017 | 2016 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group mSEK |
Gross | Reserve | Carrying amount |
Gross | Reserve | Carrying amount |
| Accounts receivable, not due for payment |
316.0 | – | 316.0 | 264.9 | – | 264.9 |
| Due for payment, 1–30 days | 19.0 | – | 19.0 | 13.4 | – | 13.4 |
| Due for payment, 31–60 days | 1.4 | – | 1.4 | 0.8 | –0.2 | 0.6 |
| Due for payment, over 60 days | 1.6 | –1.0 | 0.6 | 1.9 | –1.9 | – |
| Total | 338.0 | –1.0 | 337.0 | 281.0 | –2.1 | 278.9 |
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 | ||||
| Change in provisions for doubtful accounts receivable | ||||||
| At the start of the year | –2.1 | –3.6 | ||||
| Provision for expected losses | –1.0 | –0.3 | ||||
| Confirmed losses | 0.9 | 0.5 | ||||
| Actual payment of reserved receivables | 1.2 | 0.8 | ||||
| Discontinuing operations | – | 0.5 | ||||
| At year-end | –1.0 | –2.1 |
Accrued non-invoiced income is recognised in the consolidated accounts by project at the net value of the invoice in line with the percentage of completion minus invoiced sub-amounts and deductions for possible losses. In 2017, accrued non-invoiced income totaled a net amount of SEK 119.8 million (121.8).
Projects for which the total of the contract costs as of the closing date exceeds progress billings including deductions for possible losses are recognised in the balance sheet as receivables from customers. Projects for which progress billings exceed the total contract costs are recognised as liabilities to customers.
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued non-invoiced income | ||
| Income/contract costs | 237.8 | 212.4 |
| Progress billings | –97.5 | –78.7 |
| Total | 140.3 | 133.7 |
| Invoiced non-accrued income | ||
| Income/contract costs | 16.8 | 56.1 |
| Progress billings | –37.3 | –68.0 |
| Total | –20.5 | –11.9 |
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued income | 7.9 | 3.0 |
| Prepaid expenses | 14.7 | 25.1 |
| Total | 22.6 | 28.1 |
| Date | Type of issue | Number of shares issued |
Share capital after issue, SEK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 March 1997 | Formation of company | 500,000 | 500,000 |
| 14 April 1997 | Cash issue | 4,003,700 | 4,503,700 |
| 14 April 1997 | Non-cash issue | 496,300 | 5,000,000 |
| 25 April 1997 | Cash issue | 12,338,521 | 17,338,521 |
| 31 August 2001 | Cash issue | 52,500 | 17,391,021 |
| 1 June-31 December 2006 | Conversion of promissory note |
351,245 | 17,742,266 |
| 1 January-31 May 2007 | Conversion of promissory note |
40,268 | 17,782,534 |
| 18 June 2008 | New issue | 330,000 | 18,112,534 |
The Parent Company's holding of own shares on 31 December was 281,719 (242,718).
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Borrowings | ||
| Liabilities to credit institutions | – | 131.3 |
| Total | – | 131.3 |
| Information concerning the currencies of the loans raised | ||
| SEK | – | 69.3 |
| EUR | – | 81.4 |
| NOK | – | 12.2 |
| GBP | – | –31.6 |
| Total | – | 131.3 |
| Parent Company mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
| Borrowings | ||
| Liabilities to credit institutions | – | 130.5 |
| Total | – | 130.5 |
| Information concerning the currencies of the loans raised | ||
| SEK | – | 69.3 |
| EUR | – | 80.6 |
| NOK | – | 12.2 |
| GBP | – | –31.6 |
| Total | – | 130.5 |
Of the bank overdraft facilities granted to the Group totalling SEK 150.0 million (152.3), SEK – million (83.5) was utilised.
The credit facilities are subject to annual renewal. Of the bank overdraft facilities granted to the Parent Company totalling SEK 150.0 million (150.0), SEK – million (83.5) was utilised.
| Group mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Staff-related costs | 130.7 | 139.2 |
| Other items | 29.7 | 39.5 |
| Total | 160.4 | 178.7 |
| Parent Company mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
| Staff-related costs | 6.8 | 7.6 |
| Other items | 1.9 | 3.3 |
| Total | 8.7 | 10.9 |
| Parent Company mSEK |
2017 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Guarantees provided | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| Total | 1.0 | 1.0 |
The JCE Group is Semcon AB's largest shareholder with a shareholding of 25.9 per cent (31 December 2017). No sales (SEK 2.4 million) were made to companies in the JCE Group, nor were any purchases made. Sales in the preceding year were made at market prices.
No transactions occurred between shareholders. For purchases and sales between Group companies, see Note 7 on page 60.
For remuneration to senior executives, see Note 9 on page 61.
The Group rents offices at around 30 sites in Sweden, Brazil, the UK, India, China, Norway, Germany and Hungary. All rental contracts have been signed on commercial rates and with normal duration periods. In addition to rental contracts, the Group has a number of leases, mainly for company cars. These leases are subject to commercial terms and conditions and have a remaining contract term of one to three years.
| 2017 | 2016 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group mSEK |
Rent for premises |
Other | Total | Rent for premises |
Other | Total |
| Within 1 year | 38.8 | 7.7 | 46.5 | 39.9 | 6.7 | 46.6 |
| Between 1 and 5 years | 132.1 | 6.6 | 138.7 | 128.2 | 5.6 | 133.8 |
| More than 5 years | 21.8 | – | 21.8 | 68.1 | – | 68.1 |
| Future minimum leasing charges | 192.7 | 14.3 | 207.0 | 236.2 | 12.3 | 248.5 |
| Minimum leasing charges for the year | 43.7 | 5.7 | 49.3 | 44.1 | 6.0 | 50.1 |
| Parent Company mSEK |
||||||
| Within 1 year | – | 0.6 | 0.6 | – | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| Between 1 and 5 years | – | 0.4 | 0.4 | – | 0.3 | 0.3 |
| More than 5 years | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Future minimum leasing charges | – | 1.0 | 1.0 | – | 0.9 | 0.9 |
| Minimum leasing charges for the year | – | 0.5 | 0.5 | – | 0.2 | 0.2 |
Daniel Rundgren was appointed as the new Business Area President of Engineering Services. Daniel is joining Semcon from the IT company EVRY and will start as Business Area President not later than August. No other significant events occurred after the end of the year.
The Board and CEO give assurance that the consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and give a true account of the Group's position and results. The Annual Report has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting policies and gives a true account of the Parent Company's position and results. The Directors' Report for the Group and Parent Company gives a fair overview of the development of the Group's and Parent Company's business, position and results and describes significant risks and uncertainties that the Parent Company and the Group companies face.
Gothenburg, 20 March 2018
Markus Granlund CEO
Tore Bertilsson Chairman of the Board Marianne Brismar Board member
Jan Erik Karlsson Board member
Jeanette Saveros Board member
Karl Thedéen Board member
Christer Eriksson Employee representative
Monique Pehrsson Employee representative
Mats Sällberg Employee representative
Our audit report was issued on 21 March 2018 Ernst & Young AB
Staffan Landén Nina Bergman Authorised Public Accountant Authorised Public Accountant
To the general meeting of the shareholders of Semcon AB (publ), corporate identity number 556539-9549.
We have audited the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of Semcon AB (publ) for the year 2017. The annual accounts and consolidated accounts of the company are included on pages 34-73 in this document.
In our opinion, the annual accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the parent company as of 31 December 2017 and its financial performance and cash flow for the year then ended in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act. The consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the group as of 31 December 2017 and their financial performance and cash flow for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the EU, and the Annual Accounts Act. The statutory administration report is consistent with the other parts of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts.
We therefore recommend that the general meeting of shareholders adopts the income statement and balance sheet for the parent company and the group.
Our opinions in this report on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts are consistent with the content of the additional report that has been submitted to the parent company's audit committee in accordance with the Audit Regulation (537/2014) Article 11.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities section. We are independent of the parent company and the group in accordance with professional ethics for accountants in Sweden and have otherwise fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. This includes that, based on the best of our knowledge and belief, no prohibited services referred to in the Audit Regulation (537/2014) Article 5.1 have been provided to the audited company or, where applicable, its parent company or its controlled companies within the EU.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinions.
The audit of the annual report for the year 2016 has been performed by a different auditor who has issued an auditor´s report dated 21 March 2017 with unqualified opinions in the "Report on the annual accounts".
Key audit matters of the audit are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of, and in forming our opinion thereon, the annual accounts and consolidated accounts as a whole, but we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context.
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements. The results of our audit procedures, including the procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial statements.
Description
Goodwill amounts to MSEK 274.7 for the year ended December 31, 2017, equal to 30 percent of total assets for the company. The company prepares an impairment test yearly and if any indication of impairment, that the book value not exceeds the fair value. Fair value amount is calculated for each cash generating unit based on discounted future cash flows. Future cash flows are based on budget for 2018 and a growth rate of 3 % for the years 2019-2022 and subsequent cash flow for the terminal period. The calculations also includes also a number of assumptions as result, growth rate, capital expenditures and discount rate.
A change in assumptions can lead to a significant impact of the fair value and therefore the assumptions used have significant impact on the fair value calculation. Therefore, we have assessed valuation of goodwill to be a key audit matter. The impairment test procedures performed by the company is presented in note 5 "Critical estimations and assessments" and in note 14 "Intangible assets".
How our audit addressed this key audit matter In our audit, we have assessed and tested the company's impairment test, including assessment of the accuracy of prior year´s forecasts and assumptions.
We have compared with other companies to assess the reasonableness of estimated cash flow and growth rates, and by using EY valuation experts we have tested used discount rate and growth rates.
We have also tested the company's impairment model and method to prepare the impairment test and sensitivity analysis. We have also audited the accuracy of the related disclosures.
Total revenues for the year 2017 amounts to MSEK 1 762.4 and 95 % of the revenue is generated from the company's projects that are run at current account or fixed prices. Revenue from projects on current accounts is recognized in line with work being carried out and revenue from fixed-price projects is recognized in accordance with the percentage of completion method. The percentage of completion is assessed on the basis of costs incurred for work performed in relation to the projects estimated total costs.
Accrued non-invoiced income and invoiced non-accrued income amounts to MSEK 140.2 and 20.5 MSEK for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Revenue recognition and valuation of projects is based on a several estimates and assumptions such as degree of completion, estimating remaining costs, profit margin and possible loss risk.
Incorrect estimates and assumptions may have a significant impact on the company´s result and financial position.
For further information, refer to the company´s accounting principle for revenues and projects on page 54, note 5 "Critical estimations and assessments" on page 58 and note 19 "Accrued non-invoiced income and invoiced non-accrued income" on page 70.
How our audit addressed this key audit matter In our audit, we have reviewed and assessed Semcon´s procedures for contract management and
project accounting to ensure that the procedures are consistently applied and that the follow-up of projects is performed continuously.
We have identified and tested key controls in the project process to be able to rely on the company´s controls in our audit.
We have reviewed a selection of significant projects in all business areas and discussed them with responsible project controllers. We have tested the samples against underlying data such as time sheets, contracts and suppliers invoices.
We have analyzed the profitability and the degree of completion assumption in a selection of projects to ensure that the assumptions regarding degree of completion and loss risk in the projects is reasonable.
We have also audited the appropriateness of the related disclosures.
This document also contains other information than the annual accounts and consolidated accounts and is found on pages 1–33 and 78–91. The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for this other information.
Our opinion on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts does not cover this other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion regarding this other information.
In connection with our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, our responsibility is to read the information identified above and consider whether the information is materially inconsistent with the annual accounts and consolidated accounts. In this procedure we also take into account our knowledge otherwise obtained in the audit and assess whether the information otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If we, based on the work performed concerning this information, conclude that there is a material
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the preparation of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts and that they give a fair presentation in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and, concerning the consolidated accounts, in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU. The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of annual accounts and consolidated accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the assessment of the company's and the group's ability to continue as a going concern. They disclose, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting. The going concern basis of accounting is however not applied if the Board of Directors and the Managing Director intends to liquidate the company, to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.
The Board of Directors, which constitutes the Audit Committee shall, without prejudice to the Board of Director's responsibilities and tasks in general, among other things oversee the company's financial reporting process.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the annual accounts and consolidated accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these annual accounts and consolidated accounts.
As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also: Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, whether due to fraud or error,
design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinions. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may
involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.
We must inform the Board of Directors of, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit. We must also inform of significant audit findings during our audit, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identified.
We must also provide the Board of Directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with the Board of Directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, including the
most important assessed risks for material misstatement, and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in the auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes disclosure about the matter.
In addition to our audit of the annual accounts and consolidated accounts, we have also audited the administration of the Board of Directors and the Managing Director of Semcon AB (publ) for the year 2017 and the proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss.
We recommend to the general meeting of shareholders that the profit be appropriated in accordance with the proposal in the statutory administration report and that the members of the Board of Directors and the Managing Director be discharged from liability for the financial year.
We conducted the audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities section. We are independent of the parent company and the group in accordance with professional ethics for accountants in Sweden and have otherwise fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinions.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the proposal for appropriations of the company's profit or loss. At the proposal of a dividend, this includes an assessment of whether the dividend is justifiable considering the requirements which the company's and the group's type of operations, size and risks place on the size of the parent company's and the group's equity, consolidation requirements, liquidity and position in general.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the company's organisation and the administration of the company's affairs. This includes among other things continuous assessment of the company's and the group's financial situation and ensuring that the company's organisation is designed so that the accounting, management of assets and the company's financial affairs otherwise are controlled in a reassuring manner. The Managing Director shall manage the ongoing administration according to the Board of Directors' guidelines and instructions and among other matters take measures that are necessary to fulfill the company's accounting in accordance with law and handle the management of assets in a reassuring manner.
Our objective concerning the audit of the administration, and thereby our opinion about discharge from liability, is to obtain audit evidence to assess with a reasonable degree of assurance whether any member of the Board of Directors or the Managing Director in any material respect:
Our objective concerning the audit of the proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss, and thereby our opinion about this, is to assess with reasonable degree of assurance whether the proposal is in accordance with the Companies Act.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden will always detect actions or omissions that can give rise to liability to the company, or that the proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss are not in accordance with the Companies Act.
As part of an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. The examination of the administration and the proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss is based primarily on the audit of the accounts. Additional audit procedures performed are based on our professional judgment with starting point in risk and materiality. This means that we focus the examination on such actions, areas and relationships that are material for the operations and where deviations and violations would have particular importance for the company's situation. We examine and test decisions undertaken, support for decisions, actions taken and other circumstances that are relevant to our opinion concerning discharge from liability. As a basis for our opinion on the Board of Directors' proposed appropriations of the company's profit or loss we examined the Board of Directors' reasoned statement and a selection of supporting evidence in order to be able to assess whether the proposal is in accordance with the Companies Act.
Ernst & Young AB, with Staffan Landén as auditor in charge, was appointed auditor of Semcon AB by the general meeting of the shareholders on the 26 April 2017. This is the first year Ernst & Young AB are auditors of the company.
Gothenburg 21 March, 2018 Ernst & Young AB
Staffan Landén Authorized Public Accountant
Nina Bergman Authorized Public Accountant
Profit for the year after tax divided by the average shareholders' equity.
Profit before tax plus financial costs divided by average capital employed.
Shareholders' equity divided by the number of shares at year-end, excluding shares held as own shares by the company.
Shareholders' equity divided by the number of shares at year-end adjusted for the dilution effect of potential shares.
Cash flow from current activities divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding over the year adjusted for the dilution effect of potential shares.
Interest-bearing provisions and liabilities with deductions for cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing receivables.
Year-on-year increase in income adjusted for currency effects, acquisitions and divestments.
Price per share at year-end divided by earnings per share after dilution.
Price per share at year-end divided by net sales per share.
Profit/loss after tax attributable to the Parent Company's owners divided by the average number of ordinary shares outstanding excluding shares held as own shares by the Parent Company.
Profit/loss after tax attributable to the Parent Company's owners divided by the average number of ordinary shares outstanding adjusted for the dilution effect of potential shares.
Operating profit as a percentage of operating income.
Operating profit before depreciation/amortisation as a percentage of operating income.
Operating profit plus amortisation of intangible assets and depreciation of tangible assets.
Net debt divided by shareholders' equity.
Shareholders' equity as a percentage of the balance sheet total.
The balance sheet total minus non-interest-bearing provisions and liabilities.
Profit before tax as a percentage of operating income.
Semcon's principle for the front office/back office model is that assignments and work should be carried out where we have the best skills and available resources. Back office carries out much of the work and the front office is responsible for project coordination and customer interaction.
Semcon assumes overall responsibility for a defined function designed to provide products and services.
Collective term for how connected products and services integrate, which, for example, enables new cloud services.
Collective name for the pharmaceutical, med-tech and biotech industries.
Semcon assumes comprehensive responsibility for parts of or a complete project.
Manufacturer of complete products intended for end users.
Development of equipment, tools and processes to produce a product.
Product development cycle The cycle from idea to end product.
Semcon Project Model (SPM) Semcon's project methodology, built on XLPM.
Semcon works in the customer's IT system from a Semcon office.
Semcon provides specialists who work in the customer's organisations.
This Corporate Governance Report has been prepared in accordance with Swedish corporate law and Semcon's Articles of Association. The Articles of Association regulates the alignment of the business and share capital, and how and when the notice to attend the Annual General Meeting takes place. The Articles of Association are available in full on Semcon's website semcon.com. Semcon also complies with applicable Swedish and foreign laws and regulations.
Semcon applies the Swedish Corporate Governance Code and has no deviations to report. The current code is available at: www.corporategovernanceboard.se.
The General Meeting of Shareholders is Semcon's highest decision-making body. The notice to attend must be published in the Official Swedish Gazette (PoIT), on semcon.com and in a press release. That the notice to attend has been published must be advertised in Dagens Industri.
At General Meetings of Shareholders, shareholders have the opportunity to exercise their voting rights and, in accordance with Swedish corporate law and Semcon's Articles of Association, to take decisions concerning the composition of the Board and other central issues. Shareholders or proxies can vote for the number of shares he/she owns or represents at the meeting. Resolutions at General Meetings of Shareholders usually require a simple majority. However, a qualified majority is sometimes required for some resolutions.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the 2016 financial year was held on Wednesday, 26 April 2017 at Semcon's head office in Gothenburg, Sweden. Representatives of 41 per cent of the share capital were present, of which underlying shares held by the members of the Nominations Committee represented 35 per cent. Tore Bertilsson was elected to chair the meeting. The Board of Directors, Group management and a representative for Deloitte AB were present at the AGM.
Jan Erik Karlsson, Jeanette Saveros and Karl Thedéen as Board members. Tore Bertilsson was elected as Chairman of the Board
As in previous years, the AGM also granted the Board authorisation to:
Full minutes and information from the 2017 AGM are available at semcon.com.
The AGM for the 2017 financial year will be held on Wednesday, 25 April 2018 at Semcon's head office in Gothenburg, Sweden. More information is available at semcon.com.
Semcon has one share class, ordinary shares, with a quotient value of SEK 1 and entitle the owner to one voting right. There were 18,112,534 (18,112,534) ordinary shares at year-end.
At 31 December 2017, the JCE Group owned 25.9 per cent (25.9) of Semcon's shares, Nordea Investment Funds 7.9 per cent (7.2), Ålandsbanken 5.0 per cent (5.1), DNB Carlson Fonder 3.6 per cent (3.3) and BNYM RE Regents 3.5 per cent (3.4). Semcon had 4,440 (4,478) shareholders, of whom 33.1 per cent (29.9) were registered abroad.
According to a resolution by the AGM, based on ownership statistics from Euroclear Sweden AB on 31 August for each respective year, the Chairman of the Board must convene the three largest shareholders in the company in terms of votes, who each shall appoint one member to the Nominations Committee. Should any of the abovementioned shareholders waive the right to nominate a member, this right will transfer to the next largest shareholder in terms of voting rights. The member nominated by the largest shareholder will serve as the chairman of the Nominations Committee.
The summary below illustrates how responsibility for management and control of Semcon AB is divided between shareholders at the AGM, the Board, auditors and the CEO according to external regulations and internal policies.
The Nominations Committee is to present proposals to the AGM concerning:
The Nominations Committee's members will be announced no later than six months prior to the AGM.
| Nominations Committee ahead of the 2018 AGM | ||
|---|---|---|
| Share of voting rights, |
||
| Representing | %* | |
| Ulf Gillberg | JCE Group | 25.9 |
| Mats Andersson | Nordea Investment Funds |
7.9 |
| Claes Murander | Lannebo Fonder | 3.3 |
| Tore Bertilsson | Semcon AB (co-opted member) | |
| Total | * Share of voting rights 31 December 2017 | 37.1 |
Information about the Nominations Committee's members and how proposals to the AGM can be submitted is available in press releases at semcon.com and in the Interim Report for the third quarter.
The Nominations Committee's members in 2017/2018 consisted of Ulf Gillberg, JCE Group Aktiebolag (Nominations Committee's Chairman), Mats Andersson, Nordea Investment Funds, Claes Murander, Lannebo Fonder and Tore Bertilsson, Chairman of the Board of Semcon AB (co-opted member). No remuneration was paid to the members. The Nominations Committee met twice in the autumn of 2017 and once in 2018. The basis of the Nominations Committee's work has mainly been the company's strategies and priorities and an evaluation of the Board and its size and composition. The Nominations Committee's proposal for election of Chairman of the Meeting, Board members, Chairman of the Board and auditors is outlined in the notice to attend the AGM, in addition to proposed remuneration to AGM-elected Board members and auditors. Furthermore, proposals are submitted for appointing a Nominations Committee, which is published at the same time on semcon. com. Questions to the Nominations Committee can be submitted to: [email protected]
The Board is ultimately responsible for the organisation and management of Semcon's business activities. The work of the Board is regulated by the Companies' Act, the Articles of Association and the rules of procedure adopted annually by the Board.
The General Meeting of Shareholders elects Board members and their deputies in Semcon AB. According to the Articles of Association, the Board must consist of no fewer than three members and no more than eight members with no more than two deputies. Semcon AB's Board consists of five members elected by the AGM with no deputies, and three members and one deputy elected by the employees. Of the eight Board members, of whom three are women, all are Swedish citizens. The Board's composition meets the requirements for being independent set by the Swedish Corporate Governance Code and by Nasdaq Stockholm. See table on page 83.
During the 2017 financial year, the Board held nine regular meetings and two extraordinary meetings per telephone or per capsulam. The Board has adopted a number of steering documents and policies. The Board oversees the CEO's work by continuously monitoring the business throughout the year, and is responsible for ensuring that the organisation, management and guidelines for administering the company's affairs are suitably structured and that there is an appropriate level of internal control. Furthermore, the Board is responsible for developing and following up the company's strategies through plans and objectives, decisions regarding the acquisition and divestment of businesses and major investments. The Board sets out guidelines for the company's conduct in society to ensure its long-term value-adding capability. The Board also approves the six-monthly and annual accounts. The work of the Board adheres to an agenda with fixed points for Board members. The Chairman leads and delegates Board work and ensures that urgent matters in addition to the fixed points on the agenda are addressed. Attendance at Board meetings is presented in the table on page 83. Other salaried employees in the company take part in Board meetings to present reports and as secretary.
February: Annual accounts and Year-end report 2016, financial report, acquisitions and divestments, remuneration issues, CEO evaluation, auditor procurement, internal control, debriefing of audit (auditors present).
March: Review of annual report, proposed resolutions and notice to attend AGM.
April: Interim report, January–March, financial report.
April: Statutory meeting.
June: Review of market, trends and Semcon's position.
July: Interim report, January–June, financial report.
August: Follow-up and setting of strategies. October: Interim report, January–September, financial report, debriefing of audit (auditors present).
December: Business plans and adoption of budget for 2018 for the Group and each of the business areas, decision on share buyback, Board evaluation. In addition, two Board meetings were held by telephone or per capsulam to consider issues such as the approval of acquisitions and divestments.
At the statutory Board meeting in connection with the AGM, the Board adopted the rules of procedure for the Board, terms of reference for the CEO, subsidiary instructions, financial reporting instructions, authorisation procedures, Code of Conduct and the financial policy.
Board members have evaluated the Board's work, which has been summarised and made available to the Nominations Committee. The areas evaluated cover such aspects as the composition of the Board, its level of expertise, organisation, day-to-day work and working climate. In addition, the Nominations Committee conducted personal interviews with the AGM-elected Board members.
Semcon has decided that the entire Board will carry out the Audit Committee's tasks. The entire Board strives to maintain close contact with the company's auditors so that it can satisfactorily monitor significant issues concerning the company's accounts, reporting procedures, management of company assets and internal control. These types of issues are therefore dealt with by the Board as a whole. To ensure that the Board's need for information is satisfied, the company's auditors report to the Board at least twice a year. Staffan Landén, authorised public accountant and auditor in charge at Ernst & Young AB, has reported his views over the past year on the Group's internal control and procedures for reporting and accounting, and for reviewing the January–September interim report and annual accounts.
Remunerations Committee Semcon has decided that the Board in its entirety will carry out the Remuneration Committee's assignments.
Remuneration to the Board is decided by the AGM following proposals by the Nominations Committee. The AGM decided that remuneration to the Board in 2017/2018 should be SEK 600,000 (550,000) for the Chairman and SEK 280,000 (265,000) for each of the other Board members not employed by the company.
Remuneration to the CEO and senior executives The AGM decides on remuneration principles and other employment guidelines for the CEO and senior executives who report to him. The Board decides on remuneration to the CEO.
The CEO's remuneration and benefits are presented in Note 9, page 61. Senior executives' remuneration is proposed by the CEO and approved by the Board. All senior executives in Group management are entitled to a fixed salary, which can be supplemented with a variable salary of no more than six months' salary based on how well they meet their respective targets. The fixed salary is adjusted to conditions in the market and set every calendar year. Remuneration guidelines include the individuals, who during the time the guidelines applied, were part of Group management. The Board has the right to deviate from the guidelines if there is just cause to do so in special circumstances. In 2018, the Board of Directors exercised its right to deviate from the guidelines and variable salary can amount to no more than nine months' salary. Senior executives' remuneration and benefits are presented in Note 9 on page 61.
Ernst & Young AB was elected as the company's auditor by the 2017 AGM until the 2018 AGM. The company's auditor in charge is Staffan Landén (born 1963). His other audit assignments include Vattenfall AB, Polygon AB, Nederman Holding AB and Moment Group AB.
The auditors' interaction with the Board is described above. In addition to auditing, Ernst & Young also provides Semcon with advice on accounting issues. All services provided in addition to the statutory auditing service are checked specially to ensure there is no conflict of interest or disqualification issue. No senior executive at Semcon has held any position at Ernst & Young over the past five years. Semcon's remuneration to auditors and purchase of services in addition to auditing is presented in Note 8 on page 60.
Group management consists of the CEO, CFO, General Counsel, Director HR and Sustainability, Director Corporate Communications and Marketing and business area presidents, see pages 88–89. Group management holds regular meetings led by the CEO. The meetings follow an agenda and are minuted. In addition to these meetings, a number of meetings are held where all, or parts of, Group management are present along with other employees of the Group. Group management strives to maintain close contact with both business areas in order to support and provide help and the tools to enhance efficiency and in relation to marketing, business development and internal exchange of knowledge.
Semcon's business activities were organised into two business areas in 2017. Semcon's organisation is characterised by far-reaching decentralisation, according to which every unit is highly independent and is granted extensive powers. In addition to continuous contacts, Group management's control of the business areas is carried out mainly in the form of monthly internal debriefings by business area presidents, controllers and business area management teams with members of Group management.
The Group has an authorisation and decision-making procedure that clearly regulates powers at every level in the company, from individual employees to Semcon's management. The areas regulated include contract levels, processing of quotes/tenders, investments, rental and lease contracts and over-
| Composition of the Board of Directors | Elected | Attendance | Dependent | Audit Committee |
Remuner ations Committee |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tore Bertilsson | Chairman | 2015 | 11 of 11 | Yes* | Yes | Yes |
| Marianne Brismar | Member | 2008 | 11 of 11 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Jan Erik Karlsson | Member | 2016 | 11 of 11 | Yes** | Yes | Yes |
| Karl Thedéen | Member | 2016 | 10 of 11 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Jeanette Saveros | Member | 2016 | 9 of 11 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Christer Eriksson | Employee representative | 2007 | 11 of 11 | Yes | Yes | |
| Mats Sällberg | Employee representative | 2014 | 11 of 11 | Yes | Yes | |
| Monique Pehrsson | Employee representative | 2014 | 9 of 11 | Yes | Yes |
*Tore Bertilsson is not independent of major shareholders.
**Jan Erik Karlsson is not independent of major shareholders.
A presentation of Board members is available on pages 86–87.
heads. The organisation of an assignment or project varies according to its size, location and complexity. Semcon is certified and applies quality and environmental management systems according to ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 14001:2004, which are reviewed on a regular basis by external auditors.
Further information about corporate governance The following information is available at semcon.com:
The Swedish Companies Act regulates the Board and CEO's responsibility concerning internal control. The Board's responsibility is also regulated by the Swedish Corporate Governance Code, which includes requirements for annual external information disclosure concerning the manner in which the financial reporting is organised.
Semcon has defined internal control as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance that Semcon's objectives are achieved in terms of appropriate, efficient operations, reliable reporting, and
procedures for complying with applicable rules and regulations. The internal control is influenced by the Board, CEO, Group management and other employees and is based on a control environment that creates the basis for the other four components in the process – risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. The process bases itself on the framework for internal control issued by the Committee of the Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The control environment includes the values and ethics that the
Board, CEO and Group management communicate and use and that are documented in Semcon's Code of Conduct. It also includes the Group's organisational structure, management, decision-making channels, authorisations and responsibilities as well as the expertise of employees. Semcon's mission, objectives and strategies are the basis of day-to-day work. Semcon is characterised by a decentralised organisation based in target-oriented management.
Internal control over financial reporting aims to provide reasonable assurance concerning reliability of the external financial reporting in the form of interim reports, year-end reports and annual reports, and that the external financial reports are prepared in accordance with laws, applicable accounting standards and other requirements imposed on listed companies. The following description has been
Framework for
internal control
drawn up in accordance with the Swedish Corporate Governance Code and the current application instructions and constitutes the Board's report concerning internal control over financial reporting.
The Board has overall responsibility for the internal control over financial reporting. The Board has set out written rules of procedure that clarify the Board's responsibilities and that regulate the work of the Board. The Board will ensure that established principles for financial reporting and internal control are observed and that appropriate
relationships with the company's auditors are maintained. The Board has prepared terms of reference for the CEO and instructions for financial reporting. The Group's internal control function provides support for the internal control over financial reporting in the Group's companies and business areas. Internal control instruments for financial reporting consist of the Group's financial policy, credit policy, information policy, investment rules, authorisation rules and the Group's accounting and reporting rules. Semcon's ethical values are documented in the
Group's Code of Conduct, and staff policies complement other rules and instructions for employees. In recent years, much time and effort has been spent on the Group's management systems and to establish clearer procedures and regulations for submitting tenders/bids, contractual terms and for signing agreements. To ensure adherence to these rules, a number of training initiatives were completed during the year. A further two projects were carried out in recent years to fully harmonise the Semcon Group's projects, processes and financial processes at all subsidiaries.
Semcon's risk assessment regarding financial reporting – meaning identification and evaluation of the most significant risks in the Group's companies, business areas and financial reporting processes – forms the basis for how these risks are managed. Management takes the form of accepting, reducing or eliminating the risk. Annual evaluation activities are carried out by the internal control function using a risk-based model. A number of criteria are considered to assess the degree of risk of inaccuracies occurring in financial reporting. Complex accounting policies might, for example, mean that the financial reporting risks being inaccurate for the items covered by such policies. Measuring certain assets or liabilities using various assessment criteria might also constitute a risk. The same applies to complex and/or changed business conditions.
The significant risks identified for financial reporting are managed through various control activities and processes in the Group's companies and business areas, and aim to safeguard that the basic demands on external financial reporting are met. The control activities build on the Group's minimum requirements for internal control over financial reporting and consist of comprehensive, detailed controls that can be preventative and exploratory in nature. The respective business areas are responsible for the Group's control instruments being implemented and observed and that any possible deviations are reported.
Information and communication about internal control instruments for financial reporting is published on Semcon's intranet, which is accessible to every employee. External communication consists of, for example, external financial reporting, such as interim reports and the Annual Report. There is a communication manual to support the
information procedures in the Group. This clearly states who is allowed to communicate what type of information and that the information must be correct, coordinated, consistent, prompt and transparent, both internally and externally.
Monitoring to ensure effective internal control over financial reporting is carried out by the Board, CEO, Group management, the internal control function and the Group's companies and business areas. Monitoring is carried out informally and formally and comprises follow-ups of monthly financial statements against budgets and objectives as well as quarterly reports, which in certain cases is supplemented with independent reviews by external auditors. Monitoring and reporting to the Board function effectively. Semcon has introduced a Group-wide reporting system for work related to internal control over financial reporting, which includes self-evaluation of all the Group's companies and business areas. This provides an overview of how the Group's subsidiaries and business areas meet the minimum requirements for internal control over financial reporting for material risks identified and also provides information concerning the status of the work. Each company and business area is responsible for preparing action plans for deviations, which are subsequently followed-up by the respective internal board of each business area. In view of the results of these activities, the company has thus far found no reason to introduce a special internal audit function.
Gothenburg, 20 March 2018
Board of Directors
To the general meeting of the shareholders of Semcon AB (publ), corporate identity number 556539-9549.
It is the Board of Directors who is responsible for the corporate governance statement for the year 2017 on pages 80–85 and that it has been prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.
Our examination has been conducted in accordance with FAR's auditing standard RevU 16 The auditor's examination of the corporate governance statement. This means that our examination of the corporate governance statement is different and substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing and generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden.
We believe that the examination has provided us with sufficient basis for our opinions.
A corporate governance statement has been prepared. Disclosures in accordance with chapter 6 section 6 the second paragraph points 2-6 the Annual Accounts Act and chapter 7 section 31 the second paragraph the same law are consistent with the annual accounts and the consolidated accounts and are in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act.
Gothenburg, 21 March 2018 Ernst & Young AB
Staffan Landén Authorized Public Accountant
Nina Bergman Authorized Public Accountant
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SINCE 2016.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2015. BORN 1951.
QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Business Administration (MBA), School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Former deputy CEO and CFO of SKF and bank director of SEB.
NATIONALITY: Swedish. OTHER BOARD ASSIGNMENTS: Chairman of Perstorp, PRI Pensionsgaranti and Ludvig Svensson. Deputy Chairman of Ovako Group. Board member of INGKA Holding BV (IKEA), JCE Group and Salinity.
SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 17,000.
Independent in relation to the company and company management. Not independent in relation to major shareholders.
Marianne Brismar
BORN 1961.
(MBA).
Atlet.
JOAB.
5,000.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2008.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Former CEO and owner of
NATIONALITY: Swedish. OTHER BOARD ASSIGNMENTS: Axel Johnson International, Concentric, Creades, Almi Företagspartner Väst and
SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON:
Independent in relation to the company, company management and major shareholders.
QUALIFICATIONS: Pharmacist Graduate and Master of Business Administration
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2016. BORN 1949. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Arts.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Former CEO of Capgemini Sverige and has held other senior positions at Capgemini Group.
NATIONALITY: Swedish. OTHER BOARD ASSIGNMENTS:Board member of Itera AS.
SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: –
Independent in relation to the company and company management. Not independent in relation to major shareholders.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2016. BORN 1974.
QUALIFICATIONS: Construction engineer, Mälardalen University.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: Former CEO of Arcona and Hifab Group.
NATIONALITY: Swedish. OTHER BOARD ASSIGNMENTS: Board member of Sweden Green Building Council. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 1,000.
Independent in relation to the company, company management and major shareholders.
BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2016. BORN 1963.
QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Science (Msc), KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: President and CEO of Edgeware and formerly Senior Vice President and business area manager of Infinera and President of Transmode (publ.). He previously held a number of senior positions at the Ericsson Group. NATIONALITY: Swedish.
OTHER BOARD ASSIGNMENTS: Edgeware. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 7,750.
Independent in relation to the company, company management and major shareholders.
Christer
EMPLOYED SINCE 2000. BORN 1969.
ty of Technology. NATIONALITY: Swedish. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON:
2007.
2,492.
EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE SINCE
QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Mechanical Technology, Luleå Universi-
EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE SINCE 2014. EMPLOYED SINCE 2011. BORN 1969. QUALIFICATIONS: Technical information, Karlstad University. NATIONALITY: Swedish. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: –
EMPLOYEE REPRESENTATIVE SINCE 2014. EMPLOYED SINCE 1998. BORN 1967. QUALIFICATIONS: Mechanical engineering qualifications from Erik Dahlberg upper-secondary school, Jönköping. NATIONALITY: Swedish. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 8,000.
BORN 1975.
QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Law, Lund University (LL.M). Master of International Trade Law, Bond University, Australia.
OTHER BOARD ASSIGNMENTS:Chairman of the Swedish Federation of Consulting Engineers and Architects, Board member of Almega – the Employers' Organisation for the Swedish Service Sector, and the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise.
EMPLOYED SINCE: 2008. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 27,984.
BORN 1960. QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Business Administration (MBA), School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg. EMPLOYED SINCE: 2007. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 16,607.
GENERAL COUNSEL
BORN 1978. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor of Law, University of Gothenburg. EMPLOYED SINCE: 2012. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 3,329.
Daniel Rundgren has been appointed as the new Business Area President of Engineering Services. Daniel is joining Semcon from the IT company EVRY and will start as Business Area President not later than August.
BORN 1975. QUALIFICATIONS: Media and Communication, Karlstad University. EMPLOYED SINCE: 2015. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 991.
BORN 1964. QUALIFICATIONS: Master of Science (Msc), Chalmers University of Technology. Master of Business Administration, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg. EMPLOYED SINCE: 2004. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 8,171.
BORN 1969. QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor of Science, Psychology, University of Gothenburg. EMPLOYED SINCE: 2017. SHAREHOLDING IN SEMCON: 500.
| Income statement mSEK | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net sales | 1,762.4 | 1,755.9 | 1,656.6 | 2,725.7 | 2,508.4 |
| Operating expenses | –1,667.2 | –1,660.8 | –1,598.4 | –2,623.3 | –2,383.6 |
| Operating profit | 95.2 | 95.1 | 58.2 | 102.4 | 124.8 |
| Financial income | 1.7 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 1.0 | 1.3 |
| Financial expenses | –2.3 | –3.6 | –3.5 | –6.0 | –8.3 |
| Profit before tax | 94.6 | 94.9 | 56.9 | 97.4 | 117.8 |
| Tax | –22.2 | –26.9 | –14.2 | –22.0 | –29.7 |
| Net profit for the year from continuing operations |
72.4 | 68.0 | 42.7 | 75.4 | 88.1 |
| Net profit/loss for the year from discontinuing operations |
0.1 | –116.3 | –39.2 | – | – |
| Net profit/loss for the year | 72.5 | –48.3 | 3.5 | 75.4 | 88.1 |
| Balance sheet mSEK | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
| Goodwill | 274.7 | 274.7 | 465.9 | 456.3 | 440.3 |
| Other intangible assets | 13.1 | 14.7 | 18.9 | 16.7 | 16.6 |
| Tangible assets | 31.1 | 33.0 | 51.0 | 49.8 | 39.2 |
| Deferred tax assets | 3.2 | 4.2 | 61.3 | 46.3 | 44.5 |
| Other financial assets | – | – | – | 17.0 | 18.8 |
| Accounts receivable | 337.0 | 278.9 | 433.1 | 416.1 | 371.3 |
| Accrued non-invoiced income | 140.3 | 133.7 | 108.2 | 157.9 | 172.7 |
| Other current assets | 29.8 | 30.4 | 71.7 | 57.6 | 48.9 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 80.9 | 39.9 | 126.1 | 152.3 | 153.3 |
| Assets held for sale | – | 379.9 | – | – | – |
| Total assets | 910.1 | 1,189.4 | 1,336.2 | 1,370.0 | 1,305.6 |
| Shareholders' equity | 556.6 | 529.4 | 604.5 | 662.5 | 633.4 |
| Long-term liabilities | – | 40.3 | 97.3 | 91.6 | 78.5 |
| Current liabilities | 353.5 | 439.7 | 634.4 | 615.9 | 593.7 |
| Liabilities held for sale | – | 180.0 | – | – | – |
| Total shareholders' equity and liabilities | 910.1 | 1,189.4 | 1,336.2 | 1,370.0 | 1,305.6 |
| Cash flow statement mSEK | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
| Cash flow from current activities | 37.5 | 33.4 | 27.3 | 82.3 | 135.0 |
| Cash flow from investing activities | 152.3 | –33.6 | –29.8 | –29.3 | –23.9 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | –195.8 | –40.8 | –19.9 | –65.7 | –78.5 |
| Cash flow for the year | –6.0 | –41.0 | –22.4 | –12.7 | 32.6 |
| Key figures | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth in sales (%) | 0.4 | 6.0 | –1.5 | 8.7 | –2.4 |
| Organic growth (%) | 0.4 | 4.8 | –2.8 | 4.8 | –1.0 |
| Operating margin (%) | 5.4 | 5.4 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 5.0 |
| Profit margin (%) | 5.4 | 5.4 | 3.4 | 3.6 | 4.7 |
| Return on equity (%) | 13.4 | 12.0 | 6.7 | 11.6 | 14.6 |
| Return on capital employed (%) | 14.1 | 13.2 | 13.4 | 12.7 | 16.1 |
| Equity/assets ratio (%) | 61.2 | 44.5 | 45.2 | 48.4 | 48.5 |
| Debt/equity ratio (multiple) | – | 0.2 | 0.2 | – | – |
| Number of employees at year-end | 2,076 | 2,044 | 1,979 | 2,990 | 3,001 |
| Data per share | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
| Earnings per share before dilution (SEK) | 4.05 | 3.81 | 2.38 | 4.20 | 4.90 |
| Earnings per share after dilution (SEK) | 4.00 | 3.75 | 2.36 | 4.16 | 4.86 |
| Shareholders' equity per share before dilution (SEK) |
31.22 | 29.63 | 33.83 | 36.87 | 35.25 |
| Shareholders' equity per share after dilution (SEK) |
30.73 | 29.23 | 33.37 | 36.58 | 34.97 |
| Share price/shareholders' equity per share (multiple) |
1.55 | 1.57 | 1.27 | 1.35 | 1.73 |
| Cash flow per share (SEK) | 2.07 | 1.84 | 1.51 | 4.54 | 7.45 |
| Dividend per share (SEK) | 3.50* | 2.25 | 1.25 | 2.50 | 2.50 |
| P/E ratio | 12 | 12 | 18 | 12 | 12 |
| P/S ratio | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| Share price at year-end (SEK) | 47.70 | 46.00 | 42.40 | 49.40 | 60.50 |
| Market value at year-end (mSEK) | 864 | 833 | 768 | 895 | 1096 |
| No. of shares at year-end (000) | 18,113 | 18,113 | 18,113 | 18,113 | 18,113 |
| Average no. of shares (000) | 18,113 | 18,113 | 18,113 | 18,113 | 18,113 |
| Number of own shares at year-end (000) | 282 | 243 | 243 | 143 | 143 |
| Average no. of own shares (000) | 246 | 243 | 204 | 143 | 143 |
| No. of shareholders | 4,440 | 4,478 | 4,671 | 3,657 | 3,782 |
2013–2014 including discontinuing operations.
*Board's proposal
Layout: Spoon Publishing. Photos: Robin Aron, Anna Sigvardsson, Getty Images, Emil Gustafsson Ryderup and Unsplash. Cover: Anders Lindén. Print:Trydells Tryckeri, Laholm 2018. Translation: The Bugli Company.
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