COMMENTS
SUMMARY OF THE QUARTER OCTOBER - DECEMBER
Net sales increased by 19 % (14 % excluding currency fluctuations) compared with last year. The Group had
growth in all segments but mainly within Corporate* and Sports & Leisure, which increased by 18 % and
26 % respectively. Corporate* increased mainly in the United States and Other countries but other regions also
had growth. Sports & Leisure had good growth in all regions. Gifts & Home Furnishings increased by 5 % and
the improvement occurred in all regions except Sweden which was on par with last year.
The retail sales channel increased by 22 % and the improvement is mainly related to Sports & Leisure.
The promo sales channel increased by 18 %, which is attributable to the segments Corporate* as well as
Sports & Leisure.
The gross profit margin improved compared with last year and
amounted to 46.4 (45.6) %.
positive change in deferred tax liabilities. Most of this change was
related to the introduction of a lower corporate tax rate in the
United States. The periods result amounted to SEK 158.9 (146.8)
million.
The Group's expenses increased compared to last year. External
costs increased mainly due to higher marketing activities but also
volume-related costs have contributed to the increase. The increase
in personnel costs is due to an increase in the number of employees,
mostly in sales, warehouses and customer service.
Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 174.4 (134.5)
million. The higher cash flow is primarily a result of increased
operating result. Inventories increased by SEK 587.5 million and
amounted to SEK 3,230.9 (2,643.4) million, of which exchange
rates have increased the value by SEK 93.5 million. The increase is
mainly attributable to new product lines and buildup of inventory
in North America.
Operating result increased by SEK 36.9 million compared with
last year and amounted to SEK 209.4 (172.5) million. The Group's
tax expense increased which is primarily attributable to last year's
* The segment Corporate Promo has been renamed to Corporate.
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