With stable cash flow and a solid financial position, conditions are being created for sustainable and profitable growth as well as attractive returns to shareholders.
Growth
Target:
Sales are to increase organically by 5 per cent per year.
Outcome:
In the 2023/24 financial year, sales amounted to 10,232 MSEK (9,024), including the acquired Spares Group. Organic sales increased by 11 per cent compared with the preceding year. Excluding the Spares Group, online sales increased by 14 per cent.
Profitability
Target:
The operating margin is to amount to between 7-9 per cent per year.
Outcome:
In the 2023/24 financial year, the operating margin was 7.0 per cent (3.4). Excluding non-recurring costs related to impairments of IT systems, acquisition costs and organisational changes, the operating margin was 9.0 per cent (5.1*).
Financial position
Target:
Net debt in relation to EBITDA (excluding the effect of IFRS 16), is to be below two (2) times. Investments are to be made with regards to the company’s financial position, cash flow and strategic activities.
Outcome:
In the 2023/24 financial year, net debt in relation to EBITDA (excluding the effect of IFRS 16) was -0.2 times (0.2).
Dividend policy
Target:
The dividend is to comprise at least 50 per cent of earnings per share after tax, considering the company’s financial position.
Outcome:
The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of 4.25 SEK (1.50) per share be paid for 2023/24, comprising two separate payments of 2.13 SEK per share and 2.12 SEK per share. It is proposed that payments be made in September and January. The proposed dividend totals 279 MSEK (98). The dividend as a percentage of earnings per share amounts to 53 per cent (53).
