New Wave Group AB Annual report 2017 EN | Page 5

2017 IN SUMMARY Net sales amounted to SEK 5,597.3 million, which was 7 % higher than last year (SEK 5,237.1 million). Cash flow from operating activities to SEK 207.8 (448.9) million. Operating result amounted to SEK 469.1 (400.2) million. Equity ratio amounted to 50.9 (48.4) %. Operating margin amounted to 8.4 (7.6) %. Net debt to equity ratio amounted to 54.1 (62.1) %. Result for the year amounted to SEK 354.0 (276.7) million. The Board of Directors has decided to propose the Annual General Meeting a dividend of SEK 1.70 (1.35) per share. Earnings per share amounted to SEK 5.34 (4.16). EVENTS IN BRIEF The Group has continued its high level of marketing activities NOTABLE EVENTS IN 2017: whereby we have increased the number of employees in sales, continued high activity in advertising and made a number of new - - Craft has launched a Teamwear collection. product launches. We had growth of 7 % and sales increases in all operating segments and in all four quarters. Marketing invest- - - A new warehouse has been established for Cutter & Buck and ments are made in all operating segments, but mainly for the Clique in Toronto, Canada. promo sales channel. - - Our eco-labeled brand Cottover was launched in France and is Our external expenses increased during the year as a result of the now established in seven countries. marketing investments that have been made. Even staff costs have increased as the number of employees in sales, warehouses and - - The brand Kosta Boda celebrated its 275th anniversary. customer service have increased. Total expenses are expected to increase next year as we expand our advertising in North America, - - CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and sustainability have hiring more salespeople, as well as the full cost effect occurring on long been an important issue for the New Wave Group. This the appointments made during this year. year we make a more comprehensive sustainability report for the first time. The sustainability report gives us an opportunity to talk about what we do well - but also what we can do better. Result for the year improved by 28%, which is a result of our expanded marketing activities and good delivery reliability. During the year, the Group made a number of product launches and also established another warehouse in Canada. As a result of these activities, we have increased our working capital and cash flow from operating activities decreased and amounted to SEK 207.8 (448.9) million. The Group's inventories amounted to 2,643.4 (2,496.4) million at 31 December 2017. Our equity ratio improved by 2.5 percentage points to 50.9 (48.4)% and our net debt to equity ratio decreased with 8 percentage points to 54.1 (62.1)%. NWG 2017 | 5