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Swedish Match — Interim / Quarterly Report 2021
Oct 27, 2021
2979_10-q_2021-10-27_1e5ee379-4ed2-4b5f-a759-d90972c6b03d.pdf
Interim / Quarterly Report
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Q3 2021
Interim Report January – September 2021
Highlights for the third quarter
- Record sales with year-on-year revenue growth across product segments, despite comparing to a prior year quarter with elevated demand for certain product lines.
- In local currencies, sales increased by 10 percent for the third quarter. Reported sales increased by 9 percent to 4,778 MSEK (4,400).
- Record operating profit from product segments, in spite of continued ramp-up in spending behind growth opportunities for smokefree products.
- In local currencies, operating profit from product segments1) increased by 2 percent for the third quarter. Reported operating profit from product segments increased by 1 percent to 2,099 MSEK (2,075).
- For the Smokefree product segment, continued momentum for ZYN nicotine pouches in the US and solid performance in Scandinavia drove increased sales and operating profit.
- For the Cigars product segment, increased sales of natural leaf varieties outpaced declines for HTL cigars while operating profit in local currency was virtually flat principally reflecting higher production costs.
- For the Lights product segment, robust performance for lighters drove enhanced earnings.
- Operating profit amounted to 2,075 MSEK (2,048) for the third quarter.
- Profit after tax for the third quarter amounted to 1,540 MSEK (1,222). Profit after tax for the third quarter of the prior year included a charge of 286 MSEK following an adverse ruling in a tax case.
- Earnings per share increased by 30 percent to 0.99 SEK (0.76) for the third quarter. Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5 percent to 0.99 SEK (0.94).2)
- On September 14, Swedish Match announced its intention to spin off its US cigar business to shareholders. Subject to various conditions, the separation is expected to be completed during the second half of 2022, at the earliest. For more details, see the September 14 press release.
- 1) Excludes Other operations and larger one-time items.
- 2) In May 2021, a share split (10:1) was made. Historical share data in this report has been restated in accordance with IAS 33.

CEO Lars Dahlgren comments:
Sales and operating profit growth despite increased brand investments and challenging comparisons
I am pleased to report that Swedish Match in the third quarter continued to deliver double-digit revenue growth in local currencies along with improved operating profit compared to the third quarter of the prior year. With continued ramp-up in marketing related activities to support brand building and long-term growth, as well as the elevated demand (brought on by the pandemic) for several product lines in the prior year period, the financial development in the third quarter is a testimony to the strength and potential of our business.
In the US, more and more adult tobacco consumers are discovering the benefits of nicotine pouches. Our ZYN portfolio in the US continued its impressive growth trajectory with higher velocities in existing stores and a resilient market share relative to the second quarter, despite very aggressive promotional activities by our largest competitors. During the quarter, Swedish Match continued to ramp up marketing investments geared toward driving awareness, engagement and loyalty with both consumers and the trade in support of long-term growth and brand building. These investments, along with targeted promotions, also supported the volume development for ZYN in the quarter. For traditional smokefree products in the US (moist snuff and chewing tobacco), the impact of comparing against a period with elevated demand was the most evident, and relatively steep volume declines for traditional products (accentuated by timing effects on promotions) muted the earnings growth for our US Smokefree business compared with the prior year period.
Also, in Scandinavia, more and more consumers turn to nicotine pouches as a better alternative to smoking, and snus consumption also held up well. For Swedish Match, volume growth was less pronounced than the smokefree category growth rate, but revenues grew relatively strongly as the realized price per can was higher as a consequence of favorable geographic and product mix along with price increases. Our target of increasing market share within the fast-growing Scandinavian nicotine pouch market was not achieved during the quarter. We will continue to invest behind this growth opportunity, and as the third quarter demonstrated, our Scandinavian smokefree business has the potential to combine high investment levels with strong earnings.
In September, we announced the intention to spin off our US cigar business into a stand-alone entity to be listed on a stock exchange in the US (expected completion during the second half of 2022, at the earliest). Detailed preparations have been initiated but are in early stages with significant work ahead. I am convinced that the prospects for the US cigar business are even more attractive as an independent company with the ability to explore a wider scope of growth opportunities within its autonomous and focused strategic agenda. With further progress in addressing capacity constraints for natural leaf varieties, the third quarter demonstrated the potential of our US cigar business by reporting notable market share gains within the faster growing natural leaf segment for Swedish Match. At the same time, production challenges have not been completely overcome and limitations in the supply of certain input materials had a significant negative effect on the performance for HTL cigars. Despite these production challenges and a difficult comparison period in the third quarter of the prior year, we managed to grow revenues, and also shipments slightly. Operating profit measured in USD remained in line with the prior year.
Our Lights business continued to perform well during the quarter and despite the effects of steep price increases for several raw materials, underlying operating profit grew notably attributable to the strong performance for lighters.
In summary, while year-on-year earnings growth in the third quarter was lower than for the first six months of the year, we reported record sales and operating profit from product segments. Our businesses generally demonstrated strength and we are very pleased that we have been able to ramp up our investments for growth. We expect the growing demand for modern smokefree products to continue in our core markets and through innovation and market insight, building upon our strong platforms and trusted brands, we continue to take great strides toward our vision of a world without cigarettes.
Summary of consolidated income statement
| MSEK | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||||
| 2021 | 20204) | % | 2021 | 20204) | % | 2020 | |
| Sales | 4,778 | 4,400 | 9 | 13,738 | 12,561 | 9 | 16,698 |
| Sales from product segments1) | 4,691 | 4,303 | 9 | 13,482 | 12,287 | 10 | 16,332 |
| Operating profit from product segments1) | 2,099 | 2,075 | 1 | 6,179 | 5,465 | 13 | 7,160 |
| Operating profit, excl. larger one-time items2) | 2,075 | 2,048 | 1 | 6,086 | 5,341 | 14 | 6,991 |
| Operating profit | 2,075 | 2,048 | 1 | 6,385 | 5,341 | 20 | 6,991 |
| Profit before income tax | 1,987 | 1,943 | 2 | 6,123 | 5,074 | 21 | 6,644 |
| Profit for the period | 1,540 | 1,222 | 26 | 4,761 | 3,644 | 31 | 4,888 |
| Operating margin from product segments, %1) | 44.7 | 48.2 | 45.8 | 44.5 | 43.8 | ||
| Earnings per share, basic and diluted, SEK5) | 0.99 | 0.76 | 3.03 | 2.26 | 3.04 | ||
| Adjusted earnings per share, basic and diluted, | |||||||
| SEK3)5) | 0.99 | 0.94 | 2.88 | 2.43 | 3.22 |
1) Excluding Other operations and larger one-time items.
2) Excluding a larger one-time item during the first quarter 2021, relating to a settlement income of 300 MSEK.
3) Adjusted earnings per share in 2021 excludes settlement income of 300 MSEK (238 MSEK net of tax) recognized in the first quarter 2021. Adjusted earnings per share in 2020 excludes a tax charge including interest of 286 MSEK related to adverse ruling in a tax case in Sweden recognized in the third quarter 2020, see Note 5.
4) Operating profit for the Group and for the Cigars product segment was restated for the first three quarters of 2020 following an accounting error that has been corrected in the fourth quarter, see Note 1.
5) In May 2021, a share split (10:1) was made. Historical share data in this report has been restated in accordance with IAS 33.
The third quarter
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the third quarter 2021 vs. the third quarter 2020).
Sales
Group sales and sales from product segments increased by 9 percent to 4,778 MSEK (4,400) and 4,691 MSEK (4,303), respectively. In local currencies, sales from product segments increased by 11 percent. Currency translation negatively affected the comparability of sales from product segments by 67 MSEK. Sales increased for all product segments both as reported and measured in local currency. The Smokefree product segment was the largest contributor to the sales growth, with growth in both the US and Scandinavia, as well as in Other markets. Despite a difficult comparison, sales of cigars grew by 7 percent in local currency on the back of a slight volume increase and improved pricing. For Lights, sales grew strongly for both lighters and matches.
Earnings
Group operating profit and operating profit from product segments increased by 1 percent to 2,075 MSEK (2,048) and 2,099 MSEK (2,075), respectively. In local currencies, operating profit from product segments was up by 2 percent. Currency translation has affected the comparison of the operating profit negatively by 10 MSEK.
Operating profit increased for the Smokefree and the Lights product segments. For Cigars, reported operating profit declined but the earnings development measured in US dollars was virtually flat. Within the Smokefree product segment, operating profit in local currency increased in both the US and in Scandinavia, despite a significant increase in market related investments behind nicotine pouches. For Cigars, higher production costs and other operating expenses weighed on the earnings development.
The Group's net finance cost decreased to 88 MSEK (105) but was virtually unchanged when adjusting for 16 MSEK of interest cost in the prior year quarter relating to an adverse ruling in a tax case in Sweden. The income tax expense amounted to 447 MSEK (721), corresponding to a corporate tax rate of 22.5 percent (37.1). The extraordinarily high tax rate for the Group in the third quarter of 2020 was a result of an additional income tax expense of 270 MSEK relating to the aforementioned tax case. The Group's profit for the period amounted to 1,540 MSEK (1,222).
Earnings per share for the third quarter amounted to 0.99 SEK (0.76). Adjusted earnings per share increased by 5 percent to 0.99 SEK (0.94) for the third quarter.
The first nine months
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the first nine months 2021 vs. the first nine months 2020).
Sales
Group sales increased by 9 percent to 13,738 MSEK (12,561) and sales from product segments increased by 10 percent to 13,482 MSEK (12,287). In local currencies, sales from product segments increased by 18 percent, with double-digit increases for all three product segments. Currency translation negatively affected the comparability of sales from product segments by 992 MSEK. The largest contributor to the sales growth was the Smokefree product segment, with impressive performances in both the US and in Scandinavia.
Earnings
Group operating profit increased by 20 percent to 6,385 MSEK (5,341) and included settlement income of 300 MSEK relating to a previously ongoing arbitration. Operating profit from product segments increased by 13 percent to 6,179 MSEK (5,465). In local currencies, operating profit from product segments was up by 21 percent with strong double-digit growth for all three segments. Currency translation has affected the comparison of the operating profit negatively by 449 MSEK.
The Group's net finance cost amounted to 262 MSEK (267). Excluding the above-mentioned interest cost of 16 MSEK relating to the adverse tax ruling in Sweden, net finance cost increased by 11 MSEK reflecting lower financial returns on surplus cash and higher interest rates on debt. The income tax expense amounted to 1,362 MSEK (1,430), corresponding to a tax rate of 22.2 percent (28.2). The extraordinarily high tax rate for the Group for the first nine months of 2020 was a result of the above-mentioned additional income tax expense. When adjusted for associated companies and non-recurring items the underlying tax rate was 22.8 percent (23.0). The Group's profit for the period amounted to 4,761 MSEK (3,644).
Earnings per share for the first nine months amounted to 3.03 SEK (2.26). Adjusted earnings per share amounted to 2.88 SEK (2.43).
US Smokefree pouches, from traditional to modern
Swedish Match offers smokefree pouches in a wide range, from traditional moist snuff, to Swedish snus, to nicotine pouches without tobacco. Moist snuff is the largest smokefree segment in the US and Swedish Match's largest moist snuff brand is Longhorn. In the US, the snus segment is small and the Company is present with its General brand. The demand for nicotine pouches in the US has grown dramatically over the past several years and Swedish Match's ZYN brand is the leader within the nicotine pouch segment.

Smokefree
Third quarter highlights:
- Sales and operating profit up by 10 and 3 percent respectively in local currencies.
- Increased operating profit in local currency in both the US and in Scandinavia despite higher marketing investments to support growth for nicotine pouches.
- In the US, continued momentum for ZYN nicotine pouches drove the operating profit growth while earnings for moist snuff and chewing tobacco were down on challenging comparisons.
- In Scandinavia, higher volumes for both snus and nicotine pouches in combination with better prices drove improved operating profit.

Key data
| MSEK | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Sales | 3,100 | 2,842 | 9 | 8,878 | 8,045 | 10 | 10,651 |
| Operating profit | 1,558 | 1,519 | 3 | 4,451 | 3,974 | 12 | 5,142 |
| Operating margin, % | 50.3 | 53.5 | 50.1 | 49.4 | 48.3 | ||
| EBITDA | 1,663 | 1,617 | 3 | 4,755 | 4,270 | 11 | 5,539 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 53.6 | 56.9 | 53.6 | 53.1 | 52.0 | ||
| Depreciation, amortization and impairment | -104 | -98 | -304 | -296 | -397 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 247 | 207 | 19 | 748 | 665 | 12 | 1,003 |
The third quarter
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the third quarter 2021 vs. the third quarter 2020).
In local currencies, sales for the Smokefree product segment increased by 10 percent. Currency translation affected the sales comparison negatively by 33 MSEK. Operating profit in local currencies increased by 3 percent, with increases in the US, in Scandinavia as well as in Other markets. Currency translation negatively affected comparability of the operating profit by 8 MSEK.
The US
Key data, the US
| July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Financials, MSEK | |||||||
| Sales | 1,708 | 1,566 | 9 | 4,900 | 4,457 | 10 | 5,818 |
| Operating profit | 813 | 816 | 0 | 2,433 | 2,187 | 11 | 2,802 |
| Operating margin, % | 47.6 | 52.1 | 49.7 | 49.1 | 48.2 | ||
| Financials, MUSD | |||||||
| Sales | 197 | 176 | 12 | 577 | 474 | 22 | 632 |
| Operating profit | 94 | 91 | 3 | 287 | 233 | 23 | 304 |
| Operating margin, % | 47.5 | 51.9 | 49.7 | 49.1 | 48.2 | ||
| Shipment volumes | |||||||
| Moist snuff, million cans | 31.5 | 36.2 | -13 | 99.3 | 103.6 | -4 | 133.3 |
| Nicotine pouches, million cans | 46.2 | 32.3 | 43 | 125.7 | 83.2 | 51 | 114.1 |
| Chewing tobacco, thousands of pounds | |||||||
| (excluding contract manufacturing volumes) | 1,304 | 1,480 | -12 | 4,056 | 4,450 | -9 | 5,687 |
Market shares, the US1)
| Percent | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | ppts | 2021 | 2020 | ppts | 2020 | |
| Nicotine pouches | 63.8 | 74.1 | -10.3 | 64.1 | 75.2 | -11.1 | 74.8 |
| Moist snuff Chewing tobacco |
8.8 | 9.2 | -0.4 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 0.2 | 8.8 |
| (excluding contract manufacturing volumes) | 41.0 | 41.2 | -0.2 | 40.7 | 41.1 | -0.3 | 40.9 |
1) Based on MSA distributor shipments: 13 weeks and YTD to September 26, 2021 and September 27, 2020 respectively. Figures for 2020 have been restated to reflect changes in MSA store measurements.
The 12 percent growth in sales in local currency resulted from strong revenue growth for ZYN nicotine pouches, partially offset by a notable volume-driven decline for traditional smokefree products in the quarter.
With year-on-year volume growth exceeding 40 percent and sequential volume growth of 9 percent relative to the second quarter, ZYN shipments reached a new record high during the quarter. While the number of outlets that sold ZYN increased both compared to the third quarter of the prior year and on a sequential basis, higher velocities in existing stores were the predominant growth driver relative to both the prior year period and the second quarter of 2021. Several competitors continued with broad-based deep price promotions for nicotine pouches during the quarter. As part of the planned step-up in market investments for ZYN, certain targeted promotions were deployed during the quarter resulting in net sales growing at a less pronounced rate than shipment volumes. Despite the average retail selling price for ZYN remaining significantly above the levels of the brands of the two major nicotine pouch competitors, ZYN's market share in the quarter increased slightly on a sequential basis compared to the second quarter based on distributor shipments to retail. The ramp-up in ZYN marketing investments during the quarter comprised a wide array of consumer and trade activities designed to drive awareness, engagement and loyalty. Marketing related expenses were significantly higher than in the prior year and were also notably higher than during the second quarter. Despite these investments, operating profit for ZYN grew at a double-digit rate in local currency compared to the prior year quarter.
Within traditional smokefree products, both moist snuff and chewing tobacco faced difficult comparisons with these categories impacted by unusually strong demand in the prior year period, likely impacted by COVID-19 related effects. In addition, timing of promotions contributed to the relatively steep volume declines for the moist snuff and chewing tobacco portfolios of Swedish Match. Improved pricing only partially offset the effects of lower volumes and sales declined for both moist snuff and chewing tobacco. The lower sales and higher production costs per unit, influenced by price increases on input materials, resulted in notable operating profit declines for both product categories in the isolated quarter.
Scandinavia
Scandinavia refers to Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
Key data, Scandinavia
| July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Financials | |||||||
| Sales, MSEK | 1,341 | 1,240 | 8 | 3,857 | 3,458 | 12 | 4,675 |
| Operating profit, MSEK | 761 | 735 | 4 | 2,129 | 1,850 | 15 | 2,465 |
| Operating margin, % | 56.7 | 59.2 | 55.2 | 53.5 | 52.7 | ||
| Shipment volumes | |||||||
| Snus, million cans | 65.3 | 63.9 | 2 | 187.7 | 180.8 | 4 | 243.6 |
| Nicotine pouches, million cans | 5.2 | 3.7 | 40 | 14.4 | 9.7 | 49 | 13.1 |
| Chew bags and tobacco bits, million cans | 0.9 | 1.1 | -18 | 2.6 | 3.2 | -17 | 4.4 |
Market shares, Scandinavia1)
| Percent | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | ppts | 2021 | 2020 | ppts | 2020 | |
| Snus2) | 59.4 | 59.9 | -0.5 | 59.6 | 60.0 | -0.3 | 60.0 |
| Nicotine pouches3) | 14.8 | 15.6 | -0.8 | 15.3 | 16.0 | -0.7 | 16.0 |
| Total4) | 49.6 | 53.0 | -3.4 | 50.7 | 53.8 | -3.1 | 53.5 |
1) Based on Nielsen data (excluding tobacconists and e-commerce): 13 weeks and YTD to September 26, 2021 and September 27,
2020 respectively. All figures have been restated to reflect changes in Nielsen store measurements.
2) Includes snus in Sweden and Norway. Snus is not allowed to be sold in Denmark. 3) Nicotine pouches in Norway contain a small amount of tobacco for regulatory reasons.
4) Includes snus in Sweden and Norway, chew bags in Denmark, and nicotine pouches in all three countries.
In local currencies sales and operating profit for Smokefree in Scandinavia grew by 8 and 3 percent, respectively. The increase in sales stemmed from both higher volumes and improved pricing, resulting from price increases and positive mix effects. The volume growth came from both snus and nicotine pouches, with the latter showing the steeper rate of increase.
Gross profit grew almost in line with sales in percentage terms while the operating profit growth was less pronounced due to a high activity level to support the growth of nicotine pouches coupled with unusually low operating expenses in the prior year period. One element of the higher marketing spend was continued support behind the roll-out of the recently launched VOLT nicotine pouch brand family on the Swedish market. According to Nielsen, in the most recent four-week period ending September 26, VOLT had reached a volume market share of 4 percent of the Swedish nicotine pouch market, which makes it the third largest nicotine pouch brand.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, travel restrictions, changes in consumer behavior, as well as the relatively sharp excise tax decrease in Norway from January 1 of this year have impacted consumption and purchase patterns within the Scandinavian smokefree category. During the third quarter, travel restrictions have continued to ease and sales in border and travel retail classes of trade were higher than in the prior year period but remained well below pre-COVID levels. With several moving pieces, getting an exact read of underlying consumption trends remains challenging. However, it is clear that the overall growth in the Scandinavian smokefree category has remained at very healthy levels. For the nine-month period ending September 30, Swedish Match's best estimate is that the consumption of smokefree products in Scandinavia grew by close to 10 percent, fueled by particularly strong growth for nicotine pouches along with a slightly growing snus category.
According to Nielsen, on a sequential basis relative to the second quarter of 2021, Swedish Match's market share of the Scandinavian smokefree category declined by somewhat more than 1 percentage point. Modest sequential share declines were recorded for both snus and nicotine pouches.
Other markets
Key data, Other markets
| July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Sales, MSEK | 50 | 36 | 39 | 120 | 130 | -8 | 158 |
| Operating profit, MSEK | -16 | -31 | 50 | -111 | -63 | -78 | -125 |
| Operating margin, % | -31.2 | -87.4 | -92.6 | -48.0 | -79.1 | ||
| Shipment volumes, million cans1) | 2.4 | 1.8 | 34 | 6.0 | 6.5 | -8 | 7.9 |
1) Total shipment volumes for snus, nicotine pouches, chew bags, and tobacco bits.
For Smokefree in Other markets, sales increased from higher volumes of both nicotine pouches and chewing tobacco. Operating loss decreased despite continued investments in support of growth for nicotine pouches, partly as a result of timing effects on certain expenses.
The first nine months
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the first nine months 2021 vs. the first nine months 2020).
In local currencies, sales and operating profit for the Smokefree product segment grew by 17 percent and 18 percent, respectively. The main contributor to the strong local currency sales development was the impressive
performance in the US market where ZYN shipments grew by more than 40 percent. Revenue growth in Scandinavia was also strong, up by 11 percent in local currencies, benefitting from strong underlying category growth, timing effects on shipments, as well as favorable price/mix that resulted from price changes, product mix effects and channel shifts. In Other markets, sales growth for nicotine pouches and snus was more than offset by lower sales of chewing tobacco resulting primarily from regulatory changes in the German market.
In local currencies, operating profit for the Smokefree product segment increased by 18 percent. Earnings grew strongly in both the US and in Scandinavia, but in Other markets operating profit declined, principally due to increased market investments to support future growth.
Cigars
Third quarter highlights:
- Sales increased by 8 percent in local currency resulting from price increases as well as favorable mix effects. Operating profit development was virtually flat in local currency.
- Swedish Match shipments of natural leaf cigars increased sharply while shipments of HTL varieties declined at a similar rate. The main cause for the decline in shipments of HTL cigars was limited availability of certain input materials.
- Swedish Match gained market share in the faster growing natural leaf segment, both compared to Q3 of the prior year and sequentially relative to the second quarter.

Key data
| MSEK | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||||
| 2021 | 20201) | % | 2021 | 20201) | % | 2020 | |
| Sales | 1,237 | 1,184 | 4 | 3,625 | 3,381 | 7 | 4,533 |
| Operating profit | 481 | 499 | -4 | 1,498 | 1,316 | 14 | 1,796 |
| Operating margin, % | 38.8 | 42.2 | 41.3 | 38.9 | 39.6 | ||
| EBITDA | 502 | 520 | -3 | 1,562 | 1,380 | 13 | 1,883 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 40.6 | 43.9 | 43.1 | 40.8 | 41.5 | ||
| Depreciation, amortization and impairment | -22 | -21 | -64 | -65 | -87 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 19 | 15 | 26 | 58 | 49 | 19 | 74 |
1) Restated to reflect a correction of an accounting error relating to elimination of internal profits in inventory that understated the previously reported operating profit for the Group and for the Cigars product segment, see Note 1.
| Key data | |
|---|---|
| -- | ---------- |
| MUSD | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||||
| 2021 | 20201) | % | 2021 | 20201) | % | 2020 | |
| Sales | 143 | 133 | 8 | 427 | 360 | 19 | 493 |
| Operating profit | 55 | 56 | 0 | 177 | 140 | 26 | 195 |
| Operating margin, % | 38.8 | 41.9 | 41.3 | 38.9 | 39.6 | ||
| EBITDA | 58 | 58 | 0 | 184 | 147 | 25 | 205 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 40.5 | 43.7 | 43.1 | 40.8 | 41.5 | ||
| Depreciation, amortization and impairment | -2 | -2 | -8 | -7 | -9 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 2 | 2 | 28 | 7 | 5 | 31 | 8 |
1) Restated to reflect a correction of an accounting error relating to elimination of internal profits in inventory that understated the previously reported operating profit for the Group and for the Cigars product segment, see Note 1.
The third quarter
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the third quarter 2021 vs. the third quarter 2020).
The Cigars product segment derives its sales and profit almost exclusively from the US operations.
The 8 percent increase in local currency sales was driven by higher average price per cigar as a result of both price increases and a favorable portfolio mix, with very limited shipments of value priced offerings and a higher share of natural leaf varieties. Shipments of natural leaf cigars grew sharply as a result of strong segment growth and continued progress in addressing production constraints brought on by the COVID-19 situation, in turn resulting in market share improvement within the segment. Swedish Match shipment volumes of HTL varieties declined at a more accelerated pace than the decline for the overall HTL segment, to a large extent due to limited availability of certain raw materials. While we work diligently to mitigate production related challenges, restrictions on certain input materials, in particular, are likely to continue limiting our ability to fully meet expected strong cigar demand for some time ahead.
Despite the increase in sales, gross profit in local currency increased only marginally as the unit cost of production was unfavorable due to production mix, higher raw material costs, as well as employee costs relating to restoring and enhancing capacity levels in the Dominican manufacturing facility. Other operating expenses increased slightly, partly due to timing of certain activities, resulting in flat operating profit development in local currency.
Based on MSA measures of distributor shipments to retail, total mass market cigar category volumes (excluding little cigars) declined by 3 percent in the quarter versus the prior year period with continued good growth for natural leaf cigars not fully offsetting declines for HTL varieties. On a sequential basis, relative to the second quarter, Swedish Match's market share of the cigar category (excluding little cigars) improved slightly, driven by a notable increase within the growing natural leaf segment.
| Million sticks | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Homogenized tobacco leaf (HTL) cigars | 147 | 238 | -38 | 599 | 617 | -3 | 838 |
| Natural leaf cigars | 366 | 272 | 35 | 960 | 788 | 22 | 1,065 |
| Cigars total | 513 | 509 | 1 | 1,559 | 1,405 | 11 | 1,903 |
Shipment volumes, the US
Market shares, the US1)
| Percent | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | ppts | 2021 | 2020 | ppts | 2020 | |
| Homogenized tobacco leaf (HTL) cigars Natural leaf cigars |
12.5 37.0 |
16.9 33.9 |
-4.4 3.1 |
14.2 35.0 |
14.6 37.4 |
-0.4 -2.5 |
14.8 37.2 |
| Cigars total | 22.4 | 23.0 | -0.7 | 22.2 | 22.4 | -0.2 | 22.5 |
1) Based on MSA distributor shipments: Mass market cigars (excluding little cigars) 13 weeks and YTD to September 26, 2021 and September 27, 2020 respectively. Figures for 2020 have been restated to reflect changes in MSA store measurements.
The first nine months
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the first nine months 2021 vs. the first nine months 2020).
For the first nine months, sales grew by 19 percent in local currency attributable to improved pricing and double-digit volume growth, driven by natural leaf varieties. Operating profit in local currency increased by 26 percent reflecting the benefits of improved pricing as well as the leveraging effect of higher volumes.
Based on MSA measures of distributor shipments to retail, total mass market cigar category volumes (excluding little cigars) increased by 6 percent in the nine-month period, with Swedish Match growing at a marginally slower pace.
Lights
Third quarter highlights:
- Strong sales growth on the back of higher volumes for lighters, positive product and format mix, price increases, as well as acquisition effects.
- Operating profit growth despite higher raw material costs.

| Key data | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSEK | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Sales | 354 | 277 | 28 | 980 | 861 | 14 | 1,149 |
| Operating profit | 60 | 57 | 6 | 230 | 176 | 31 | 222 |
| Operating margin, % | 17.0 | 20.5 | 23.4 | 20.4 | 19.3 | ||
| EBITDA | 71 | 67 | 7 | 262 | 207 | 26 | 261 |
| EBITDA margin, % | 20.0 | 24.1 | 26.7 | 24.1 | 22.7 | ||
| Depreciation, amortization and impairment | -11 | -10 | -32 | -31 | -39 | ||
| Capital expenditures | 11 | 7 | 74 | 35 | 20 | 73 | 29 |
The third quarter
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the third quarter 2021 vs. the third quarter 2020).
Excluding currency translation effects, sales increased by 31 percent, with robust revenue growth for both matches and lighters. For lighters, strong volume performance along with improved pricing, stemming from both price increases and enhanced product mix, drove the increase in revenues. For matches, improved price/mix more than compensated for the volume decline of 4 percent and the sales development further benefitted from the inclusion of the Dutch fire products company Fire-Up, which was acquired during the first quarter.
The increase in operating profit resulted from improved earnings for lighters where the stronger sales more than offset the effect of higher raw material costs. For matches the operating profit in the third quarter of the prior year included a gain on a sale of land amounting to 11 MSEK. Adjusted for the land sale in the prior year period, operating profit for matches was flat, with production costs being negatively affected by increased raw material costs and an unfavorable production mix. The acquisition of Fire-Up did not meaningfully impact the operating profit development.
Shipment volumes, worldwide
| 2021 | July-September 2020 |
Chg % |
2021 | January-September 2020 |
Chg % |
Full year 2020 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches, billion sticks | 12.5 | 13.0 | -4 | 43.5 | 43.0 | 1 | 57.3 |
| Lighters, million units | 91.1 | 77.9 | 17 | 242.3 | 213.0 | 14 | 293.4 |
The first nine months
(Note: Comments below refer to the comparison between the first nine months 2021 vs. the first nine months 2020).
Excluding currency translation effects, as well as the impact from the Fire-Up acquisition, sales in local currencies increased by 15 percent with solid performance for both lighters and matches. Operating profit in the period benefitted from income relating to land sales and the resolution of indirect tax disputes amounting to about 70 MSEK in total, while the prior year period included income of a similar nature of 30 MSEK. Excluding these items and the negative effects from currency translation, operating profit increased by more than 20 percent on the back of a strong performance for lighters. For matches, the underlying result was largely in line with the prior year period, while complementary products recorded a decrease in operating profit.
Cash flow and financing
Cash flow from operating activities for the first nine months of 2021 amounted to 4,766 MSEK (4,220). The improved cash flow was driven by the stronger EBITDA development, the above-mentioned settlement income of 300 MSEK and lower tax payments, partly offset by negative changes in cash flow from working capital, mainly due to timing effects.
Investments in property, plant and equipment increased to 859 MSEK (747) principally benefitting the Smokefree product segment. Cash flow used in investing activities reflects an acquisition of Fire-Up, a small European manufacturer of sustainable firelighters and related products (see Note 4).
The Group's net finance cost amounted to 262 MSEK (267). Excluding interest costs of 16 MSEK relating to the adverse tax ruling in Sweden in the prior year period, net finance cost increased by 11 MSEK reflecting lower financial returns on surplus cash and higher interest rates on debt.
During the first nine months, new bond loans of 1,813 MSEK were issued, repayments of maturing bond loans amounted to 1,553 MSEK, and early repayment of short-term bond loans amounted to 716 MSEK. As of September 30, 2021, Swedish Match had 14,704 MSEK of interest-bearing debt excluding retirement benefit obligations but including the recognition of lease liabilities of 275 MSEK. The Group's interest-bearing debt at December 31, 2020 amounted to 15,523 MSEK. For further detail on the maturity profile of the debt portfolio, please see the Company's website. Net retirement benefit obligations decreased to 1,183 MSEK as of September 30, 2021, from 1,411 MSEK at December 31, 2020 due to positive remeasurements effects from higher discount rates and higher return on plan assets.
As of September 30, 2021, Swedish Match had 1,500 MSEK in unutilized committed credit lines. Cash and cash equivalents amounted to 2,243 MSEK at the end of the period, compared to 3,411 MSEK at December 31, 2020.
The net debt as of September 30, 2021 amounted to 13,644 MSEK compared to 13,523 MSEK at December 31, 2020 and 13,346 MSEK at September 30, 2020.
Shareholder distributions and the share
In the first nine months of 2021, Swedish Match paid dividends of 2,369 MSEK to its shareholders. During the same period, Swedish Match repurchased 29.9 million shares for 2,232 MSEK at an average price of 74.73 SEK, following authorization from the Annual General Meetings held in 2020 and 2021. Total shares bought back by Swedish Match since the buyback program started have been repurchased at an average price of 15.49 SEK. As per September 30, 2021, Swedish Match held 25.8 million shares, corresponding to 1.63 percent of the total number of shares. The number of shares outstanding, net, as per September 30, 2021, amounted to 1.554 billion.
In May 2021, the number of shares and votes in Swedish Match AB (publ) increased as a result of the share split (ratio 10:1) that was resolved by Swedish Match AB's Annual General Meeting on April 13, 2021, through which each existing share was divided into ten shares. The record date for the share split was May 10, 2021. Following the share split, the total number of shares in the Company amounts to 1,580,000,000 shares (previously 158,000,000 shares).
Effects from COVID-19
While longer-term effects from the pandemic are uncertain, the negative commercial, operational and financial consequences to Swedish Match have thus far been limited. Just as in the previous year, for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2021, the Scandinavian smokefree business has likely benefitted financially from favorable channel mix effects that have been brought on by COVID-19 restrictions related to travel. For Cigars, since the on-set of the pandemic, consumer demand is likely to have been elevated as a consequence of changed consumption patterns. However, it is challenging to identify and quantify any such potential effects and Swedish Match has faced production constraints in its cigar operations, partly as a consequence of the COVID-19 situation, which has led to an inability to fully meet demand. Swedish Match, like many other companies, has experienced higher costs and some difficulties in sourcing certain input materials. These challenges in relation to input materials may have been caused, at least to some extent, by direct or indirect consequences of the pandemic.
No material governmental subsidies or concessions related to COVID-19 have been sought or received by Swedish Match during the first nine months of 2021.
Swedish Match is closely monitoring the current situation including governmental guidelines and advice from public health authorities in every country where we operate. We are proactively taking the steps that we believe are appropriate to mitigate potential impacts to our employees, our customers and our business, as well as to society.
Other events during the quarter
Nominating Committee
In accordance with the instructions adopted by the Annual General Meeting 2021, a Nominating Committee has been appointed. In addition to Conny Karlsson (Chairman of the Board), the following (in alphabetical order) have been appointed members of the Nominating Committee: Mads Eg Gensmann (Nordflint Capital Partners Fondsmaeglerselskab A/S), Filippa Gerstädt (Nordea Funds), Roseanna Ivory (Aberdeen Standard Investments), and Dan Juran (Framtiden Management Company, LLC). Filippa Gerstädt serves as Chairman of the Nominating Committee.
Full year 2021 outlook
Swedish Match expects that the trend of increased interest from consumers, industry participants and regulators in less harmful alternatives to cigarettes will continue. Our ambition is to create value for both shareholders and society by providing products that are recognized as safer alternatives to cigarettes.
For the full year of 2021, Swedish Match expects continued market growth for smokefree products, most notably driven by rapid growth of nicotine pouches. Swedish Match expects that the attractive prospects of the nicotine pouch category will further elevate competitive activity.
For 2021, Swedish Match expects increased investments in marketing, distribution and sales efforts in both existing and new markets to actively participate in growth opportunities. Continued capital investments by Swedish Match to further expand nicotine pouch production capacity are expected to result in capital expenditures in 2021 above the 2020 level.
While Swedish Match expects that the COVID-19 pandemic will remain a serious public health issue for the remaining part of 2021, Swedish Match expects its business to remain largely resilient to material negative COVID-19 related effects.
The effective underlying corporate tax rate in 2021, excluding associated companies, is expected to be around 23 percent.
The Company remains committed to returning cash not needed in operations to shareholders.
Risk factors
Swedish Match faces intense competition in all of its markets and for each of its products and such competition may increase in the future. To remain successful, the Group must develop products and brands that resonate with changing consumer trends, and price and promote its brands competitively. Restrictions on advertising and promotion may, however, make it more difficult to counteract any loss of consumer loyalty. Competitors may develop and promote new products which could be successful, and could thereby have an adverse effect on Swedish Match results of operations.
Swedish Match has substantial sales in the US, with products sourced from local US production facilities and imports from Swedish Match's production facilities in the Dominican Republic and in Sweden. Swedish Match also has operations in Brazil, Denmark, Norway, the Philippines and EMU member countries. Consequently, changes in import duties as well as in exchange rates of the euro, Norwegian krone, Danish krone, Brazilian real, the Dominican peso and in particular the US dollar may adversely affect the Group's results of operations, cash flow, financial condition or relative price competitiveness in the future. Such effects may occur both in local currencies and when such local currencies are translated into Swedish currency for purposes of financial reporting.
Regulatory developments and fiscal changes related to tobacco and other nicotine products, corporate income and other taxes, as well as to the marketing, sale and consumption of tobacco products and other products
containing nicotine in the countries where the Group is operating may have an adverse effect on Swedish Match financial results.
For a further description of risk factors affecting Swedish Match, see the Effects from COVID-19 above as well as the Risk and risk management section in the Report of the Board of Directors in the Swedish Match annual report for 2020, available on swedishmatch.com.
Swedish Match AB (publ)
Swedish Match AB (publ) is the Parent Company of the Swedish Match Group. The main sources of income for the Parent Company are dividends and Group contributions from subsidiaries.
Revenue from the Parent Company for the first nine months of 2021 amounted to 23 MSEK (19). Profit before income tax amounted to 887 MSEK (2,075) and net profit for the first nine months amounted to 975 MSEK (2,169). The lower profit before income tax compared to previous year was primarily related to participation in Group companies.
Part of the Group's treasury operations are within the operations of the Parent Company, including the major part of the Group's external borrowings. Substantially all of these loans have been hedged to fixed interest rates.
Repayment of bond loans amounted to 2,270 MSEK during the first nine months and new bond loans of 1,813 MSEK were issued.
During the second quarter of 2021 it was resolved to split each of the Company's shares into ten shares (ratio 10:1). All references to shares and earnings per share in this document have been restated to reflect this split. During the first nine months, the Parent Company made share repurchases of 29.9 million (34.9) shares for 2,232 MSEK (2,183).
A dividend of 2,369 MSEK (2,020) has been paid during the period.
Forward-looking information
This report contains forward-looking information based on the current expectation of the Swedish Match Group's management. Although management deems that the expectations presented by such forward-looking information are reasonable, no guarantee can be given that these expectations will prove correct. Accordingly, the actual future outcome could vary considerably compared to that stated in the forward-looking information, due to such factors as changed market conditions for Swedish Match's products and more general factors such as business cycles, markets and competition, unforeseen commercial or operational implications attributable to COVID-19, changes in legal requirements or other political measures, and fluctuations in exchange rates.
Additional information
This report has not been reviewed by the Company's auditors. The full year 2021 report will be released on February 16, 2022.
________________________________________________________________________
Stockholm, October 27, 2021
Lars Dahlgren President and CEO
Product segments summary and key ratios
Sales MSEK July-September Chg January-September Chg Full year 2021 2020 % 2021 2020 % 2020 Smokefree 3,100 2,842 9 8,878 8,045 10 10,651 Cigars 1,237 1,184 4 3,625 3,381 7 4,533 Lights 354 277 28 980 861 14 1,149 Sales from product segments 4,691 4,303 9 13,482 12,287 10 16,332 Other operations 87 97 -11 255 275 -7 366 Sales 4,778 4,400 9 13,738 12,561 9 16,698
Operating profit
| MSEK | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Smokefree | 1,558 | 1,519 | 3 | 4,451 | 3,974 | 12 | 5,142 |
| Cigars | 481 | 499 | -4 | 1,498 | 1,316 | 14 | 1,796 |
| Lights | 60 | 57 | 6 | 230 | 176 | 31 | 222 |
| Operating profit from product segments | 2,099 | 2,075 | 1 | 6,179 | 5,465 | 13 | 7,160 |
| Other operations | -24 | -28 | -93 | -124 | -169 | ||
| Settlement income | - | - | 300 | - | - | ||
| Operating profit | 2,075 | 2,048 | 1 | 6,385 | 5,341 | 20 | 6,991 |
Operating margin by product segment
| Percent | July-September | January-September | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Smokefree | 50.3 | 53.5 | 50.1 | 49.4 | 48.3 |
| Cigars | 38.8 | 42.2 | 41.3 | 38.9 | 39.6 |
| Lights | 17.0 | 20.5 | 23.4 | 20.4 | 19.3 |
| Operating margin from product | |||||
| segments | 44.7 | 48.2 | 45.8 | 44.5 | 43.8 |
EBITDA by product segment
| MSEK | July-September | Chg | January-September | Chg | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||||
| 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | ||
| Smokefree | 1,663 | 1,617 | 3 | 4,755 | 4,270 | 11 | 5,539 |
| Cigars | 502 | 520 | -3 | 1,562 | 1,380 | 13 | 1,883 |
| Lights | 71 | 67 | 7 | 262 | 207 | 26 | 261 |
| EBITDA from product segments | 2,236 | 2,204 | 1 | 6,579 | 5,858 | 12 | 7,684 |
EBITDA margin by product segment
| Percent | July-September | January-September | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Smokefree | 53.6 | 56.9 | 53.6 | 53.1 | 52.0 |
| Cigars | 40.6 | 43.9 | 43.1 | 40.8 | 41.5 |
| Lights | 20.0 | 24.1 | 26.7 | 24.1 | 22.7 |
| EBITDA margin from product segments | 47.7 | 51.2 | 48.8 | 47.7 | 47.0 |
Key ratios
| January-September | 12 months | Full year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Restated 2020 |
ended Sep 30, 2021 |
2020 | ||
| Operating margin from product segments, % Operating margin, excl. larger one-time items, % |
45.8 44.3 |
44.5 42.5 |
44.9 43.3 |
43.8 41.9 |
|
| Net debt, MSEK Investments in property, plant and equipment, MSEK Depreciation, amortization and impairments, MSEK |
13,644 859 446 |
13,346 747 442 |
13,644 1,238 592 |
13,523 1,126 588 |
|
| EBITA, MSEK EBITA interest cover Net debt/EBITA Adjusted earnings per share, basic and diluted, SEK1)2) |
6,141 24.4 - 2.88 |
5,401 22.1 - 2.43 |
7,809 23.1 1.7 3.66 |
7,068 21.4 1.9 3.22 |
|
| Share data Number of shares outstanding at end of period2) Average number of shares outstanding2) |
1,554,204,420 1,572,116,054 |
1,597,371,410 1,614,617,558 |
1,554,204,420 1,576,789,244 |
1,584,070,830 1,608,665,372 |
1) Adjusted earnings per share in 2021 excludes settlement income of 300 MSEK (238 MSEK net of tax) recognized in the first quarter 2021. Adjusted earnings per share in 2020 excludes a tax charge including interest of 286 MSEK related to an adverse ruling in a tax case in Sweden recognized in the third quarter 2020.
2) In May 2021, a share split (10:1) was made. Historical share data in this report has been restated in accordance with IAS 33.
Financial statements
Condensed consolidated income statement
| MSEK | Jul-Sep | Chg | Jan-Sep | Chg | Full year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | |||||||
| Note | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2021 | 2020 | % | 2020 | |
| Sales, including tobacco tax | 5,675 | 5,389 | 16,461 | 15,352 | 20,451 | |||
| Less tobacco tax | -897 | -989 | -2,723 | -2,791 | -3,753 | |||
| Sales | 2 | 4,778 | 4,400 | 9 | 13,738 | 12,561 | 9 | 16,698 |
| Cost of goods sold | -1,612 | -1,409 | -4,596 | -4,292 | -5,751 | |||
| Gross profit | 3,166 | 2,990 | 6 | 9,142 | 8,270 | 11 | 10,947 | |
| Selling and admin. expenses | -1,103 | -946 | -3,073 | -2,937 | -3,968 | |||
| Share of profit/loss in associated companies | 12 | 4 | 17 | 8 | 13 | |||
| Settlement income | - | - | 300 | - | - | |||
| Operating profit | 2,075 | 2,048 | 1 | 6,385 | 5,341 | 20 | 6,991 | |
| Finance income | 6 | 7 | 24 | 44 | 49 | |||
| Finance costs | -94 | -112 | -286 | -311 | -396 | |||
| Net finance cost | -88 | -105 | -262 | -267 | -347 | |||
| Profit before income tax | 1,987 | 1,943 | 2 | 6,123 | 5,074 | 21 | 6,644 | |
| Income tax expense | 5 | -447 | -721 | -1,362 | -1,430 | -1,756 | ||
| Profit for the period | 1,540 | 1,222 | 26 | 4,761 | 3,644 | 31 | 4,888 | |
| Attributable to: | ||||||||
| Equity holders of the Parent | 1,539 | 1,222 | 4,760 | 3,643 | 4,888 | |||
| Non-controlling interests | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Profit for the period | 1,540 | 1,222 | 26 | 4,761 | 3,644 | 31 | 4,888 | |
| Earnings per share, basic and diluted, SEK1) | 0.99 | 0.76 | 3.03 | 2.26 | 3.04 |
1) In May 2021, a share split (10:1) was made. Historical share data in this report has been restated in accordance with IAS 33.
Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income
| MSEK | Jul-Sep | Jan-Sep | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Profit for the period | 1,540 | 1,222 | 4,761 | 3,644 | 4,888 |
| Other comprehensive income that may be reclassified to the | |||||
| income statement | |||||
| Translation differences related to foreign operations | 231 | -267 | 497 | -401 | -1,120 |
| Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges | 38 | 6 | 76 | -32 | -51 |
| Income tax relating to reclassifiable components of other | |||||
| comprehensive income | -8 | -1 | -16 | 7 | 11 |
| Sub-total, net of tax for the period | 261 | -263 | 558 | -426 | -1,160 |
| Other comprehensive income that will not be reclassified to the | |||||
| income statement | |||||
| Actuarial gains/losses attributable to pensions, incl. payroll tax | 34 | 162 | 404 | -256 | -132 |
| Income tax relating to non-reclassifiable components of other | |||||
| comprehensive income | -8 | -41 | -97 | 60 | 33 |
| Sub-total, net of tax for the period | 25 | 122 | 307 | -196 | -99 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 1,826 | 1,081 | 5,625 | 3,022 | 3,629 |
| Attributable to: | |||||
| Equity holders of the Parent | 1,826 | 1,081 | 5,624 | 3,022 | 3,628 |
| Non-controlling interests | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 1,826 | 1,081 | 5,625 | 3,022 | 3,629 |
Condensed consolidated balance sheet
| MSEK | Note | September 30, 2021 | December 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible assets | 2,280 | 2,237 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | 4,305 | 3,633 | |
| Right-of-use assets | 263 | 278 | |
| Investments in associated companies | 51 | 42 | |
| Other non-current assets and operating receivables | 25 | 20 | |
| Other non-current financial assets and receivables | 3,6 | 1,779 | 1,556 |
| Total non-current assets | 8,704 | 7,765 | |
| Other current financial receivables | 3,6 | 300 | 219 |
| Current operating assets and receivables | 3 | 4,315 | 3,732 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 3 | 2,243 | 3,411 |
| Total current assets | 6,858 | 7,362 | |
| Assets held for sale1) | - | 28 | |
| Total assets | 15,562 | 15,155 | |
| Equity attributable to equity holders of the Parent | -6,791 | -7,814 | |
| Non-controlling interests | 17 | 16 | |
| Total equity | -6,773 | -7,798 | |
| Non-current financial provisions | 1,259 | 1,268 | |
| Non-current loans | 3 | 14,117 | 13,514 |
| Other non-current financial liabilities | 3,6 | 1,649 | 1,926 |
| Other non-current operating liabilities | 3 | 470 | 485 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 17,495 | 17,194 | |
| Current loans | 3 | 988 | 1,850 |
| Other current financial liabilities | 3,6 | 355 | 653 |
| Other current operating liabilities | 3 | 3,498 | 3,257 |
| Total current liabilities | 4,840 | 5,759 | |
| Total liabilities | 22,335 | 22,953 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 15,562 | 15,155 |
________________________________________________________________________
1) Assets held for sale in 2020 refers to land and forestry assets.
Condensed consolidated cash flow statement
| MSEK | January-September | |
|---|---|---|
| Restated | ||
| 2021 | 2020 | |
| Operating activities | ||
| Profit before income taxes | 6,123 | 5,074 |
| Share of profit/loss in associated companies | -17 | -8 |
| Dividend received from associated companies | 9 | 10 |
| Adjustments for non-cash items etc.1) | 358 | 511 |
| Income tax paid | -1,403 | -1,524 |
| Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital | 5,069 | 4,063 |
| Changes in working capital | -303 | 157 |
| Net cash generated from operating activities | 4,766 | 4,220 |
| Investing activities | ||
| Purchase of property, plant and equipment | -859 | -747 |
| Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | 49 | 20 |
| Purchase of intangible assets | -7 | -39 |
| Acquisition of subsidiaries2) | -39 | -32 |
| Changes in financial receivables etc. | 5 | 9 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | -851 | -789 |
| Financing activities | ||
| Proceeds from borrowings | 1,813 | 3,175 |
| Repayment of borrowings | -2,270 | -500 |
| Dividend paid to equity holders of the Parent | -2,369 | -2,020 |
| Repurchase of own shares | -2,232 | -2,183 |
| Lease payments | -65 | -61 |
| Realized exchange gain/losses on financial instruments | -95 | -318 |
| Other | -0 | - |
| Net cash used in financing activities | -5,218 | -1,906 |
| Net decrease/increase in cash and cash equivalents | -1,303 | 1,524 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period | 3,411 | 2,370 |
| Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and cash equivalents | 134 | -134 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period | 2,243 | 3,760 |
1) Non-cash items etc. mainly refer to depreciation, amortization and accrued interest.
2) Acquisition of subsidiaries in 2021 includes consideration paid relating to the acquisition of Fire-Up International B.V. (see Note 4) and in 2020 refers to the remaining consideration related to the acquisition of Gotlandssnus in 2018.
Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity
| MSEK | Equity attributable to holders of |
Non controlling |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| the Parent | interests | Total equity | |
| Equity at January 1, 2020 | -6,324 | 16 | -6,308 |
| Profit for the period | 3,643 | 1 | 3,644 |
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax for the period | -622 | 0 | -622 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 3,022 | 0 | 3,022 |
| Dividend | -2,020 | 0 | -2,020 |
| Repurchase of own shares | -2,183 | - | -2,183 |
| Cancellation of shares | -18 | - | -18 |
| Bonus issues | 18 | - | 18 |
| Restated equity at September 30, 2020 | -7,505 | 16 | -7,489 |
| Equity at January 1, 2021 | -7,814 | 16 | -7,798 |
| Profit for the period | 4,760 | 1 | 4,761 |
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax for the period | 864 | 0 | 865 |
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 5,624 | 1 | 5,625 |
| Dividend | -2,369 | 0 | -2,369 |
| Repurchase of own shares | -2,232 | - | -2,232 |
| Cancellation of shares | -10 | - | -10 |
| Bonus issues | 10 | - | 10 |
| Equity at September 30, 2021 | -6,791 | 17 | -6,773 |
Objectives, policies and processes for managing capital
The basis for determining dividends and repurchasing of own shares is the equity of the Parent Company. Total equity in the Parent Company as per September 30, 2021 amounted to 8,279 MSEK and distributable earnings amounted to 7,936 MSEK.
In addition, before any distribution of capital to shareholders is determined, the financial position of the Group is carefully analyzed. As part of this analysis, the Board of Directors of Swedish Match has adopted certain financial guidelines and risk management procedures to ensure that the Parent Company and the Group maintain adequate liquidity to meet reasonably foreseeable requirements taking into account the maturity profile of debt obligations.
The dividend policy of the Company is a pay-out ratio of 40 to 60 percent of the earnings per share, subject to adjustments for larger one-time items. The Board has further determined that the financial policy should be, for the Group, to strive to maintain a net debt that does not exceed 3 times EBITA. The Board continually reviews the financial position of the Company, and the actual level of net debt is assessed against anticipated future profitability and cash flow, investment and expansion plans, acquisition opportunities as well as the development of interest rates and credit markets. Excess funds are returned to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. For further information on distribution of capital to the shareholders during the period see section Shareholder distributions and the share in this report.
Condensed Parent Company income statement
| MSEK | January-September | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | ||
| Sales | 23 | 19 | |
| Administrative expenses | -182 | -235 | |
| Operating loss | -159 | -216 | |
| Result from participation in Group companies | 1,314 | 2,550 | |
| Finance income | 0 | 0 | |
| Finance costs | -267 | -258 | |
| Net finance cost | -267 | -258 | |
| Profit before income tax | 887 | 2,075 | |
| Income tax | 88 | 93 | |
| Profit for the period | 975 | 2,169 |
Condensed Parent Company statement of comprehensive income
| MSEK | January-September | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
| Profit for the period | 975 | 2,169 | ||
| Other comprehensive income that may be reclassified to the income statement | ||||
| Effective portion of changes in fair value of cash flow hedges | 76 | -32 | ||
| Income tax relating to components of other comprehensive income | -16 | 7 | ||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax for the period | 61 | -26 | ||
| Total comprehensive income for the period | 1,036 | 2,143 |
Condensed Parent Company balance sheet
| MSEK | September 30, 2021 | September 30, 2020 | December 31, 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intangible and tangible assets | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Non-current financial assets | 31,829 | 32,047 | 31,675 |
| Current assets | 606 | 493 | 2,555 |
| Cash and other current deposits | 0 | 0 | 250 |
| Total assets | 32,436 | 32,540 | 34,481 |
| Equity | 8,279 | 9,910 | 11,843 |
| Untaxed reserves | 2,675 | 2,325 | 2,675 |
| Provisions | 72 | 113 | 93 |
| Non-current liabilities | 14,255 | 13,570 | 13,726 |
| Current liabilities | 7,155 | 6,621 | 6,143 |
| Total liabilities | 21,482 | 20,305 | 19,962 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 32,436 | 32,540 | 34,481 |
Note 1 – Accounting principles
This report for the Group is prepared in accordance with the Accounting Standard IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting and applicable rules in the Annual Accounts Act. The report for the Parent Company for the same period is prepared in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act, Chapter 9 and RFR 2. Additional disclosures as required under IAS 34.16A may be found within the financial statements and related notes and in the narrative text of the interim financial report.
There are no changes to IFRS standards, amendments and interpretations of existing standards applicable as of January 1, 2021 that have had an effect on the Group's financial result or position. The accounting principles and basis of calculation in this report are the same as in the annual report for 2020.
Restatement of prior period financial information
During 2020, COVID-19-related implications on the cigar supply chain resulted in unusually low inventory levels of cigars manufactured and shipped from the production facility in the Dominican Republic. In conjunction with the 2020 year end reconciliation processes, an accounting error relating to elimination of internal profits in inventory that understated the previously reported operating profit for the Group and for the product segment Cigars amounting to 63 MSEK (7 MUSD) for the first nine months of 2020 was discovered and corrected. Operating profits for the Group and for the product segment Cigars have been restated for Q1 through Q3 2020 and the corrected operating profits exceeded the previously reported levels by 7 MSEK for the first quarter, by 26 MSEK for the second quarter and by 30 MSEK for the third quarter. Periods before 2020 were not affected by the accounting error and consequently have not been restated. Restated quarterly financials affected by the adjustments are presented on pages 27-28 in this report.
Note 2 – Disaggregation of revenue
The main revenue streams for the Swedish Match Group arise from sale of goods manufactured by the Group. Within Lights, a small portion of the revenue also pertains to the distribution of third party products. Revenue within Other operations mainly pertains to income from logistics services for delivery of third party products to retail customers. Revenue for the sale of goods and logistics services are recognized at the point when the control of the promised good or service is transferred to the customer at the expected consideration to be received for such delivery. The expected consideration recognized reflects estimates of potential outcome of variable considerations as well as expected reimbursements for product returns.
| MSEK | Segments | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smokefree | Cigars | Lights | Total segments |
Other operations |
Group | ||||||||
| Primary geographical |
Jul-Sep | Jul-Sep | Jul-Sep Jul-Sep |
Jul-Sep | Jul-Sep | ||||||||
| markets | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | |
| The US | 1,708 | 1,566 | 1,237 | 1,184 | 63 | 25 | 3,009 | 2,775 | - | - | 3,009 | 2,775 | |
| Scandinavia | 1,341 | 1,240 | - | - | 15 | 13 | 1,356 | 1,254 | 87 | 97 | 1,442 | 1,350 | |
| Other markets | 50 | 36 | - | - | 277 | 239 | 327 | 275 | - | - | 327 | 275 | |
| Total sales | 3,100 | 2,842 | 1,237 | 1,184 | 354 | 277 | 4,691 | 4,303 | 87 | 97 | 4,778 | 4,400 |
Sales – July to September
Sales – January to September
| MSEK | Segments | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary geographical |
Smokefree Jan-Sep |
Cigars Jan-Sep |
Lights Jan-Sep |
Jan-Sep | Total segments |
operations Jan-Sep |
Other | Jan-Sep | Group | |||
| markets | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 |
| The US | 4,900 | 4,457 | 3,625 | 3,381 | 142 | 72 | 8,667 | 7,910 | - | - | 8,667 | 7,910 |
| Scandinavia | 3,857 | 3,458 | - | - | 39 | 35 | 3,896 | 3,492 | 255 | 275 | 4,152 | 3,767 |
| Other markets | 121 | 130 | - | - | 799 | 754 | 920 | 885 | - | - | 920 | 885 |
| Total sales | 8,878 | 8,045 | 3,625 | 3,381 | 980 | 861 | 13,482 | 12,287 | 255 | 275 | 13,738 | 12,561 |
Note 3 – Carrying value and fair value of financial assets and liabilities
Swedish Match applies IFRS 9 to classify and measure financial instruments.
The following valuation techniques of the fair value hierarchy are used in determining the fair values of the financial instruments:
Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly
Level 3 - Inputs that are not based on observable market data
The following table shows carrying value and fair value for financial instruments per September 30, 2021.
Carrying value and fair value
| MSEK | Financial | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial instruments measured at |
assets measured at amortized |
Other financial |
Cash flow hedges measured at |
Other receivables |
Total carrying |
Estimated | |
| FVTPL | cost | liabilities | FVOCI | and liabilities | value | fair value | |
| Trade receivables | - | 1,819 | - | - | - | 1,819 | 1,819 |
| Other non-current financial receivables |
- | 36 | - | 626 | 561 | 1,224 | 1,224 |
| Other current assets and | |||||||
| financial receivables | 82 | 98 | - | 42 | 170 | 392 | 392 |
| Prepaid expenses and | |||||||
| accrued income1) | - | - | - | 1 | 152 | 153 | 153 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | - | 2,243 | - | - | - | 2,243 | 2,243 |
| Total assets | 82 | 4,196 | - | 669 | 883 | 5,831 | 5,831 |
| Loans and borrowings | - | - | 15,105 | - | - | 15,105 | 15,482 |
| Other non-current financial | |||||||
| liabilities | - | - | 192 | 138 | 41 | 372 | 372 |
| Other current liabilities | 0 | - | 83 | - | 1,654 | 1,737 | 1,737 |
| Accrued expenses and | |||||||
| deferred income1) | - | - | 109 | 39 | 836 | 984 | 984 |
| Trade payables | - | - | 511 | - | - | 511 | 511 |
| Total liabilities | 0 | - | 16,000 | 177 | 2,531 | 18,709 | 19,086 |
1) Accrued interest income on cash flow hedges is reported in the balance sheet as Prepaid expenses and accrued income and accrued interest expense on cash flow hedges is reported as Accrued expenses and deferred income.
Fair value measurement by level
| MSEK | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derivative financial assets | - | 751 | - | 751 |
| Derivative financial liabilities | - | 177 | - | 177 |
The following table shows carrying value and fair value for financial instruments per December 31, 2020.
Carrying value and fair value
| MSEK | Financial | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial instruments |
assets measured at |
Other | Cash flow hedges |
Other | Total | ||
| measured at FVTPL |
amortized cost |
financial liabilities |
measured at FVOCI |
receivables and liabilities |
carrying value |
Estimated fair value |
|
| Trade receivables | - | 1,577 | - | - | - | 1,577 | 1,577 |
| Other non-current financial receivables |
- | 3 | - | 459 | 473 | 935 | 935 |
| Other current assets and financial receivables |
1 | 69 | - | - | 246 | 315 | 315 |
| Prepaid expenses and accrued income1) |
- | - | - | 1 | 115 | 117 | 117 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | - | 3,411 | - | - | - | 3,411 | 3,411 |
| Total assets | 1 | 5,060 | - | 460 | 834 | 6,355 | 6,355 |
| Loans and borrowings | - | - | 15,364 | - | - | 15,364 | 15,713 |
| Other non-current financial liabilities |
- | - | 208 | 213 | 45 | 466 | 466 |
| Other current liabilities | 258 | - | 77 | - | 1,617 | 1,952 | 1,952 |
| Accrued expenses and | |||||||
| deferred income1) | - | - | 122 | 46 | 850 | 1,018 | 1,018 |
| Trade payables | - | - | 409 | - | - | 409 | 409 |
| Total liabilities | 258 | - | 16,180 | 259 | 2,512 | 19,209 | 19,558 |
1) Accrued interest income on cash flow hedges is reported in the balance sheet as Prepaid expenses and accrued income and accrued interest expense on cash flow hedges is reported as Accrued expenses and deferred income.
Fair value measurement by level
| MSEK | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derivative financial assets | - | 461 | - | 461 |
| Derivative financial liabilities | - | 517 | - | 517 |
No transfer in or out of level 2 has been made during the third quarter 2021. The recognized amounts are regarded as reasonable estimates for all items measured at carrying value in the balance sheet, except for loans and borrowings, as these amounts have a long time to maturity. The fair value of loans and borrowings differ from their carrying value as a consequence of changes in the market interest rates. Items not valued at fair value in the balance sheet are measured at amortized cost. The total nominal amount of outstanding derivatives was 15,600 MSEK (14,035) of which 10,493 MSEK (9,991) was in cash flow hedges consisting of cross currency and interest rate swaps related to bond loans. The remaining 5,107 MSEK (4,044) consisted of currency swaps mainly related to the conversion of surplus cash in US dollars to Swedish kronor. Methodologies utilized in the valuation of financial instruments can be found in Note 1 in the annual report for 2020.
Note 4 – Business combinations
On February 3, 2021, Svenska Tändsticksbolaget Försäljningsaktiebolag (a subsidiary of Swedish Match AB) acquired 100 percent of the shares in Fire-Up International B.V., a Dutch company, which produces ecological firelighters (used for stoves, fireplaces, barbecues, etc.) and trades in a variety of fire-related products mainly in Europe. The company's annual revenues amounts to approximately 80 MSEK. The acquired net assets amounted to 15 MSEK and the preliminary acquisition fair value adjustments consisted of goodwill and trademarks. Complete IFRS 3 disclosures are not provided as the acquisition is not deemed to materially impact the Group's statement of income or financial position.
Note 5 – Tax related contingencies
Tax audits in Sweden
During 2017, the Swedish Tax Agency performed tax audits in a number of Swedish Match's Swedish group companies. After completing the audits, the Swedish Tax Agency decided to deny certain cost deductions in two cases. Both cases were appealed by Swedish Match but the cases were ruled in favor of the Tax Agency by the County Administrative Court in Stockholm in May 2019 and January 2020 respectively. Swedish Match subsequently appealed to the Administrative Court of Appeals in both cases. In August 2020 one of the cases was ruled in favor of the Tax Agency by the Administrative Court of Appeals and the tax charges of in total 270 MSEK and related interest costs of 16 MSEK has been paid and debited in the 2020 accounts. Swedish Match applied for leave to appeal and the leave was granted in June 2021 by the Supreme Administrative Court. In the other case (in which the tax charge amounts to 43 MSEK excluding interest), the Court of Appeal decided to hold the judgment pending the judgment of a similar case which may constitute a precedent by the Supreme Administrative Court and in June 2021 the Supreme Administrative Court decided in favor of the taxpayer in that case.
Resolution of indirect tax disputes in Brazil
In May 2021, Swedish Match received favorable decisions on the court-cases related to indirect taxes in Brazil (principally value added taxes), including a new calculation methodology prescribed by the Brazilian tax authority. Swedish Match has assessed its recovery rights for duplicative indirect taxes under the Supreme court's decision to 37 MSEK (24 MSEK, net of taxes on income). The amount has been recognized as operating income in the Lights product segment in the second quarter 2021. In 2020, an operating income of 16 MSEK (11 MSEK, net of taxes on income) relating to additional indirect tax recoveries was recognized within the Lights product segment based on the calculation methodology issued by the Brazil tax authority at the time.
Note 6 – Alternative performance measures
Swedish Match presents several financial measures that are outside IFRS definitions (Alternative performance measures, according to ESMA's guidelines) with the aim of enabling effective evaluation of the Group's financial position and performance for investors and for the Group's management. This means that these measures are not always comparable with measures used by other companies and shall therefore be considered as a complement to measures defined according to IFRS. Swedish Match applies these alternative key ratios consistently over time. The key ratios are alternative performance measures according to ESMA guidelines unless otherwise stated.
| KEY RATIO | DEFINITION/CALCULATION | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|
| SALES FROM PRODUCT | Sales from reportable segments, which | Used as a measure of sales performance of the |
| SEGMENTS | excludes Other operations | core commercial businesses of Swedish Match, |
| excluding the impact of Other operations (incl. | ||
| Swedish distribution function). | ||
| OPERATING PROFIT/LOSS | Operating profit from reportable segments, | Used as a measure of operating performance of |
| (EBIT) FROM PRODUCT | excluding Other operations and larger one | the core commercial businesses of Swedish |
| SEGMENTS | time items | Match, excluding the impact of Other operations |
| (incl. Swedish distribution function) and items | ||
| which impact comparability between periods | ||
| OPERATING MARGIN | 100 × Operating profit from product segments | Used as a measure of operational profitability of |
| FROM PRODUCT | ÷ Sales from product segments | the core commercial businesses of Swedish Match |
| SEGMENTS (%) | excluding the impact of Other operations (incl. | |
| Swedish distribution function). | ||
| LARGER ONE-TIME ITEMS | Larger one-time items are separately | Used to provide information regarding items which |
| disclosed non-recurring income and cost | impact comparability between periods. | |
| which usually refer to larger capital gains or | ||
| losses on divestments, larger asset | ||
| impairments and restructuring costs and other | ||
| larger non-recurring income and costs | ||
| recognized during the period | ||
| EBITDA | Profit for the period excluding larger one-time | Used as an alternative measure of operating |
| items, net finance cost, income tax, | performance that is not impacted by historical | |
| depreciation, amortization and impairments of | investments and the related accounting treatment | |
| tangible, intangible and right-of-use assets | of such investments as well as items which impact | |
| comparability between periods. | ||
| EBITDA FROM PRODUCT | Operating profit from product segments | Used as an alternative measure of operating |
| SEGMENTS | excluding depreciation, amortization and | performance for the core commercial businesses |
| impairments of tangible, intangible and right | of Swedish Match, that is not impacted by | |
| of-use assets | historical investments and the related accounting | |
| treatment of such investments as well as items | ||
| which impact comparability between periods. | ||
| EBITDA MARGIN (%) | 100 × EBITDA ÷ Sales | Used as an alternative measure of operating |
| profitability. | ||
| EBITDA MARGIN FROM | 100 × EBITDA from product segments ÷ Sales | Used as an alternative measure of operating |
| PRODUCT SEGMENTS (%) | from product segments | profitability for the core commercial businesses of |
| Swedish Match. | ||
| PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD | Profit for the period excluding larger one-time | Used as an alternative measure of profit for the |
| EXCLUDING LARGER | items | period of the ongoing business which is not |
| ONE-TIME ITEMS | affected by items which impact comparability | |
| between periods. | ||
| EBITA | Profit for the period excluding larger one-time | Used as a measure of operating performance |
| items, net finance cost, tax, amortization and | relative to the financial obligations of the Group. | |
| impairments of intangible assets | ||
| EBITA 12 months rolling | The aggregated profit excluding larger one | Used as a measure of operating performance |
| time items, net finance cost, tax, amortization | relative to the financial obligations of the Group. | |
| and impairments of intangible assets for the | ||
| 12-month period preceding the closing date | ||
| EBITA INTEREST COVER | EBITA ÷ (Interest income - interest expense) | Used as a measure of the ability to fund interest |
| expense. | ||
| NET DEBT | Current and non-current loans, adjusted for | Used as a measure of net financial obligations. |
| components of derivatives (assets and | ||
| liabilities) relating to these loans + net | ||
| provisions for pensions and similar obligations | ||
| + current and non-current lease liabilities – | ||
| cash and cash equivalents and other short | ||
| term investments | ||
| NET DEBT/EBITA | Net debt ÷ EBITA 12 months rolling | Used as an indication of the duration (in years) |
| required to fund existing net financial obligations | ||
| with free cash flows from the ongoing business. | ||
| ADJUSTED EARNINGS | Profit for the period excluding larger one-time | Used as an alternative measure of earnings per |
| PER SHARE | items net of tax ÷ Average number of shares | share which is not affected by items which impact |
| outstanding | comparability between periods. |
EBITA and EBITDA
| MSEK | Jul-Sep | Jan-Sep | 12 months | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ended | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | Sep 30, 2021 | 2020 | |
| Profit for the period | 1,540 | 1,222 | 4,761 | 3,644 | 6,005 | 4,888 |
| Income tax expense | 447 | 721 | 1,362 | 1,430 | 1,688 | 1,756 |
| Net finance cost | 88 | 105 | 262 | 267 | 342 | 347 |
| Operating profit for the period | 2,075 | 2,048 | 6,385 | 5,341 | 8,035 | 6,991 |
| Less larger one-time items | - | - | -300 | - | -300 | - |
| Amortization and impairment of intangible | ||||||
| assets | 19 | 19 | 56 | 59 | 73 | 77 |
| EBITA | 2,094 | 2,067 | 6,141 | 5,401 | 7,809 | 7,068 |
| Depreciation and impairment of tangible and | ||||||
| right-of-use assets | 133 | 126 | 390 | 382 | 511 | |
| EBITDA | 2,227 | 2,193 | 6,531 | 5,783 | 7,580 |
EBITDA and EBITDA margin from product segments
| MSEK | Jul-Sep | Jan-Sep | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Operating profit for the period | 2,075 | 2,048 | 6,385 | 5,341 | 6,991 |
| Less operating loss from Other operations | 24 | 28 | 93 | 124 | 169 |
| Less larger one-time items | - | - | -300 | - | - |
| Operating profit from product segments | 2,099 | 2,075 | 6,179 | 5,465 | 7,160 |
| Amortization, depreciation and impairment of intangible, | |||||
| tangible and right-of-use assets | 152 | 145 | 446 | 442 | 588 |
| Less amortization, depreciation and impairment of intangible, | |||||
| tangible and right-of-use assets for Other operations | -15 | -16 | -46 | -50 | -65 |
| EBITDA from product segments | 2,236 | 2,204 | 6,579 | 5,858 | 7,684 |
| Sales from product segments | 4,691 | 4,303 | 13,482 | 12,287 | 16,332 |
| EBITDA margin from product segments, % | 47.7 | 51.2 | 48.8 | 47.7 | 47.0 |
Larger one-time items
| MSEK | Jul-Sep | Jan-Sep | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Settlement income | - | - | 300 | - | - |
| Total larger one-time items in operating profit | - | - | 300 | - | - |
| Income tax expense on settlement income | - | - | -62 | - | - |
| Tax charge including interest related to an adverse ruling in a | |||||
| tax case in Sweden | - | -286 | - | -286 | -286 |
| Total larger one-time items in net profit | - | -286 | 238 | -286 | -286 |
Adjusted earnings per share
| Basic and diluted | Jul-Sep | Jan-Sep | 12 months | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Restated | ended | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | Sep 30, 2021 | 2020 | |
| Profit for the period attributable to equity | ||||||
| holders of the Parent, MSEK | 1,539 | 1,222 | 4,760 | 3,643 | 6,004 | 4,888 |
| Settlement income, net of tax, MSEK | - | - | -238 | - | -238 | - |
| Tax charge including interest, MSEK | - | 286 | - | 286 | - | 286 |
| Profit for the period attributable to | ||||||
| equity holders of the Parent, excl. | ||||||
| larger one-time items, MSEK | 1,539 | 1,508 | 4,522 | 3,929 | 5,766 | 5,174 |
| Weighted average number of shares | ||||||
| outstanding, thousands1) | 1,560,548 | 1,604,436 | 1,572,116 | 1,614,618 | 1,576,789 | 1,608,665 |
| Adjusted earnings per share, SEK1) | 0.99 | 0.94 | 2.88 | 2.43 | 3.66 | 3.22 |
1) In May 2021, a share split (10:1) was made. Historical share data in this report has been restated in accordance with IAS 33.
EBITA interest cover
| MSEK | January-September | 12 months | Full year | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | ended | ||||
| 2021 | 2020 | Sep 30, 2021 | 2020 | ||
| EBITA | 6,141 | 5,401 | 7,809 | 7,068 | |
| Interest income | 24 | 44 | 29 | 49 | |
| Interest expense | -275 | -288 | -366 | -379 | |
| EBITA interest cover | 24.4 | 22.1 | 23.1 | 21.4 |
Net debt/EBITA
| MSEK | 12 months ended Sep 30, 2021 |
Full year 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Net debt EBITA 12 months rolling |
13,644 7,809 |
13,523 7,068 |
| Net debt/EBITA | 1.7 | 1.9 |
Net debt
| MSEK | January-September | Full year | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2020 | |
| Non-current loans | 14,117 | 13,504 | 13,514 |
| Current loans | 988 | 2,649 | 1,850 |
| Components of derivatives (liabilities)1) | 114 | 13 | 420 |
| Components of derivatives (assets)2) | -790 | -971 | -546 |
| Non-current lease liabilities3) | 192 | 207 | 208 |
| Current lease liabilities4) | 83 | 82 | 77 |
| Subtotal | 14,704 | 15,485 | 15,523 |
| Net provision for pensions and similar obligations3) | 1,316 | 1,706 | 1,503 |
| Net asset for pensions and similar receivables5) | -132 | -84 | -92 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | -2,243 | -3,760 | -3,411 |
| Net debt | 13,644 | 13,346 | 13,523 |
1) Included in Other non-current financial liabilities and Other current financial liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
2) Included in Other non-current financial assets and receivables and Other current financial receivables in the condensed
consolidated balance sheet. 3) Included in Other non-current financial liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
4) Included in Other current financial liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
5) Included in Other non-current financial assets and receivables in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Currency components of derivatives included in the net debt are recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheet based on the total value of all components in the financial instrument, i.e. if the total value of the financial instrument is an asset, but includes a negative derivative component, that derivative component is recognized as a negative asset in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and vice versa.
Quarterly data
Quarterly data for the third quarter of 2020 have been restated (see Note 1).
Consolidated income statement in summary
| MSEK | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sales, including tobacco tax | 5,675 | 5,403 | 5,383 | 5,099 | 5,389 |
| Less tobacco tax | -897 | -898 | -928 | -962 | -989 |
| Sales | 4,778 | 4,505 | 4,455 | 4,136 | 4,400 |
| Cost of goods sold | -1,612 | -1,514 | -1,469 | -1,460 | -1,409 |
| Gross profit | 3,166 | 2,990 | 2,986 | 2,677 | 2,990 |
| Selling and administrative expenses | -1,103 | -1,037 | -933 | -1,031 | -946 |
| Share of net profit/loss in associated companies | 12 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Settlement income | - | - | 300 | - | - |
| Operating profit | 2,075 | 1,956 | 2,354 | 1,650 | 2,048 |
| Finance income | 6 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 7 |
| Finance costs | -94 | -92 | -100 | -92 | -112 |
| Net finance cost | -88 | -85 | -89 | -80 | -105 |
| Profit before income tax | 1,987 | 1,871 | 2,265 | 1,570 | 1,943 |
| Income tax expense | -447 | -430 | -485 | -326 | -721 |
| Profit for the period | 1,540 | 1,441 | 1,780 | 1,244 | 1,222 |
| Attributable to: | |||||
| Equity holders of the Parent | 1,539 | 1,441 | 1,779 | 1,244 | 1,222 |
| Non-controlling interests | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Profit for the period | 1,540 | 1,441 | 1,780 | 1,244 | 1,222 |
Quarterly data by product segment
Quarterly data by product segment for the third quarter of 2020 have been restated (see Note 1).
| Sales | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSEK | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
| Smokefree | 3,100 | 2,955 | 2,823 | 2,606 | 2,842 |
| Cigars | 1,237 | 1,138 | 1,249 | 1,152 | 1,184 |
| Lights | 354 | 321 | 305 | 288 | 277 |
| Sales from product segments | 4,691 | 4,414 | 4,376 | 4,045 | 4,303 |
| Other operations | 87 | 90 | 78 | 91 | 97 |
| Sales | 4,778 | 4,505 | 4,455 | 4,136 | 4,400 |
Operating profit
| MSEK | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smokefree | 1,558 | 1,428 | 1,465 | 1,168 | 1,519 |
| Cigars | 481 | 458 | 560 | 481 | 499 |
| Lights | 60 | 103 | 67 | 46 | 57 |
| Operating profit from product segments | 2,099 | 1,988 | 2,092 | 1,695 | 2,075 |
| Other operations | -24 | -32 | -37 | -45 | -28 |
| Settlement income | - | - | 300 | - | - |
| Operating profit | 2,075 | 1,956 | 2,354 | 1,650 | 2,048 |
Operating margin by product segment
| Percent | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smokefree | 50.3 | 48.3 | 51.9 | 44.8 | 53.5 |
| Cigars | 38.8 | 40.3 | 44.8 | 41.7 | 42.2 |
| Lights | 17.0 | 31.9 | 22.0 | 16.0 | 20.5 |
| Operating margin from product segments | 44.7 | 45.0 | 47.8 | 41.9 | 48.2 |
EBITDA by product segment
| MSEK | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smokefree | 1,663 | 1,532 | 1,561 | 1,269 | 1,617 |
| Cigars | 502 | 479 | 581 | 503 | 520 |
| Lights | 71 | 113 | 77 | 54 | 67 |
| EBITDA from product segments | 2,236 | 2,124 | 2,219 | 1,826 | 2,204 |
EBITDA margin by product segment
| Percent | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smokefree | 53.6 | 51.8 | 55.3 | 48.7 | 56.9 |
| Cigars | 40.6 | 42.1 | 46.5 | 43.6 | 43.9 |
| Lights | 20.0 | 35.3 | 25.3 | 18.8 | 24.1 |
| EBITDA margin from product segments | 47.7 | 48.1 | 50.7 | 45.1 | 51.2 |
Additional quarterly data
Depreciation, amortization and impairments
| MSEK | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property, plant and equipment | 110 | 109 | 101 | 105 | 103 |
| Right-of-use assets | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Intangible assets | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 |
| Total | 152 | 151 | 142 | 146 | 145 |
Net finance cost
| MSEK | Q3/21 | Q2/21 | Q1/21 | Q4/20 | Q3/20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | 6 | 7 | 11 | 5 | 7 |
| Interest expense | -92 | -90 | -93 | -91 | -109 |
| Net interest expense | -86 | -84 | -83 | -86 | -102 |
| Other finance costs/income, net | -3 | -2 | -6 | 6 | -3 |
| Total net finance cost | -88 | -85 | -89 | -80 | -105 |
Contacts:
__________
___________
___________
___________
Lars Dahlgren, President and Chief Executive Officer Phone +46 8 658 0441
Anders Larsson, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President Group Finance Phone +46 10 139 3006
Emmett Harrison, Senior Vice President Investor Relations Phone +46 70 938 0173
This information is information that Swedish Match AB (publ) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Securities Markets Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 08.15 a.m. CET on October 27, 2021.
Swedish Match develops, manufactures, and sells quality products with market-leading brands in the product segments Smokefree, Cigars, and Lights. Production is located in seven countries, with sales concentrated in the US and Scandinavia. The Swedish Match share is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (SWMA).
Swedish Match's vision is a world without cigarettes. Some of its well-known brands include: General, Longhorn, ZYN, Game, Big Duke, Fiat Lux, and Cricket.
Swedish Match AB (publ), SE-118 85 Stockholm, Sweden Visiting address: Sveavägen 44, 8th Floor. Telephone: +46 10 13 93 000 Corporate Identity Number: 556015-0756 swedishmatch.com