Description:
Highlights of the first quarter of 2013. Net sales amounted to SEK 25,328m (25,875) and reported income for the period was SEK 361m (499), or SEK 1.26 (1.76) per share. Organic growth was 3.8%, while currencies had a negative impact of –5.9%. Continued strong sales growth in North America, Asia/Pacific and Latin America. Market conditions in Europe weakened and sales for Major Appliances, Small Appliances and Professional Products were negatively impacted. North America more than tripled its earnings year-over-year as a result of strong volume growth and improvements in price and mix. Lower volumes and a weak price/mix trend in Europe negatively impacted results. Negative impact from currencies by SEK –318m impacted earnings for Latin America, Europe and Small Appliances. Seasonal build-up of inventories and working capital needs driven by strong growth impacted cash-flow in the quarter.