“In 2020, we delivered a record-breaking result and the Group's highest sales to date. Net sales for 2020 increased to SEK 6,681 million (6,631), operating EBITA rose to SEK 729 million (646) and the operating EBITA margin increased to 10.9 percent (9.7)”.

“During the fourth quarter, we grew organically and strengthened our margins for the seventh consecutive quarter, thanks to a good sales mix and good cost control. A strong cash flow reduced net debt to 0.9x operating EBITDA, excluding IFRS 16. Net sales grew organically by 1 percent to SEK 1,798 million (1,813). Operating EBITA increased to SEK 231 million (211) and the operating EBITA margin rose to 12.9 percent (11.6). We closed the year with a strong increase in order intake of 11 percent and an order backlog that was 48 percent higher than at the same time last year”.

“In the fourth quarter, Business Area South continued to deliver strong results. Sales grew organically by 5 percent and the operating EBITA margin was 18.8 percent (19.7). Our business unit e-Commerce continued to grow organically by 32 percent and accounted for 11 percent of the Group's sales in the quarter and 12 percent in 2020. In Business Area North, capacity and sales in Sweden in particular were negatively affected by increased sick leave due to covid-19. Sales decreased organically by 2 percent while the operating EBITA margin increased, for the second quarter in a row, to 7.4 percent (7.3)”.

“We now enter 2021 strengthened by a record order backlog, great ambitions and inexhaustible energy. As always, however, we will achieve this with a considerable dose of humility for the unknown in general and for the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on societies and people in particular”.

Read the full press release, including KPI table, attached