New Wave Group AB Q4_Feb_7_EN_HQ | Page 10

CAPITAL TIED UP REPORTING OF OPERATING SEGMENTS Capital tied up in stock amounted to SEK 3,230.9 million and increased by SEK 587.5 million, compared with last year (SEK 2,643.4 million). The increase is related to the Group's continued buildup of stock in North America as well as new product lines. In addition, the currency exchange rates increased the value by SEK 93.5 million. The Group has a well-balanced stock and the level of service is good. The stock value is expected to be at a higher level even during the coming quarter due to our extended promo range. Stock turnover is on par with last year and amounted to 1.1 (1.2) times. New Wave Group AB divides its operations into segments Corporate*, Sports & Leisure and Gifts & Home Furnishings. The group monitors the segments’ and brands’ sales as well as EBITDA. The operating segments are based on the group's operational management. CORPORATE* Net sales for the fourth quarter increased by 18 % and amounted to SEK 977.5 (828.9) million. EBITDA increased by SEK 34.4 million and amounted to SEK 145.0 (110.6) million. It is the promo sales channel which increased and this occurred in all regions. The improved result is related to the increased turnover but the segment also has higher costs in the form of increased sales and marketing activities, as well as costs for the expansion and improvement of distribution centers. SEK million Raw materials Work in progress Goods in transit Merchandise on stock Total Net sales for the period January - December increased by 16 % and amounted to SEK 3,069.0 (2,648.7) million. EBITDA increased by SEK 63.4 million and amounted to SEK 353.1 (289.7) million. The improved turnover is due to increased sales and marketing activities, as well as improved inventory structure and level of service. It is the promo sales channel that increased and the improvement occurs in all regions. The improved result is mainly related to the increase in turnover. 2018-12 40.3 14.0 222.6 2 954.0 3 230.9 2017-12 34.9 8.7 144.0 2 455.8 2 643.4 Inventories were written down by SEK 121.5 (106.0) million and write-down related to merchandise on stock amounted to 4,0 (4.1) %. Accounts receivable amounted to SEK 1,084.1 (982.8) million where growth is mainly related to the higher turnover. SPORTS & LEISURE Net sales for the period October - December increased by 26 % and amounted to SEK 750.1 (596.8) million. EBITDA increased by SEK 14.7 million and amounted to SEK 84.4 (69.7) million. Sales increased in both sales channels whereby promo sales increased by 20 % and retail by 28 %. We had growth in all regions. The improved result is related to the increased turnover but the segment also has higher costs in the form of increased sales and marketing activities. Net sales for the year increased 11 % and amounted to SEK 2,573.7 (2,311.5) million. EBITDA decreased by SEK 12.1 million and amounted to SEK 218.2 (230.3) million. Sales increased in both sales channels. The segment had growth in most regions. The lower result is related to higher costs, but the segment also had a higher gross profit margin. GIFTS & HOME FURNISHINGS Net sales increased 5 % during the fourth quarter and amounted to SEK 215.7 (204.7) million. Sales increased in the retail sales channel and decreased slightly in promo. Growth is occurring in all regions except Sweden which was on par with last year. EBITDA was lower compared with last year and amounted to SEK 1.8 (10.4) million, which is attributable to higher costs. Net sales for the period January - December amounted to SEK 647.8 (637.1) million. Sales increased in both sales channels. However, the retail sales channel was affected negatively in Kosta during the warm summer months. EBITDA amounted to SEK -10.6 million which was SEK 25,0 million less than last year (SEK 14.4 million). The decrease is mainly related to additional marketing activities and hence higher costs but also a slightly lower gross profit margin. * The segment Corporate Promo has been renamed to Corporate. 10