Third quarterNet sales for the third quarter reached SEK 789m (624), corresponding to an increase of 26%. Currency translations had a positive effect of SEK39 m on net sales
Order intake was SEK 492 m (675), corresponding to a decrease of 27%
Operating profit reached SEK 223 m (179), equal to a 28.2% (28.7) operating margin
Profit after tax totalled SEK 172 m (135). Earnings per share was SEK 3.69 (2.90)
Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 167 m (118)
The Board of Directors have decided on updated strategic targets for the Group
First nine months
Net sales for the first nine months reached SEK 2,265 m (1,742), corresponding to a 30% increase. Currency translations had a positive effect of SEK 119 m on net sales
Order intake was SEK 1,877 m (2,346), corresponding to a decrease of 20%
Operating profit reached SEK 584 m (461, adjusted operating profit previous year 434), equal to a 25.8% (26.5, adjusted 24.9) operating margin
Profit after tax totalled SEK 460 m (356, adjusted profit after tax previous year 330). Earnings per share was SEK 9.87 (7.64, adjusted7.07)
Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 400 m (254)
Acquisition of additionally 20% of the shares in Owasys Advanced Wireless Devices S.L.
CEO commentsNORMALIZATION OF ORDER INTAKE AND RECORD NET SALES
The third quarter of 2023 shows a mixed picture. We set new records in net sales and profitability when we can now deliver from our large order book. At the same time, we see a temporarily weakened order intake linked to the normalization of orders and customers' inventory adjustments, which is currently affecting the entire supply chain.
The order intake for the quarter amounts to SEK 492 million (675), corresponding to an organic decline of 25%. We estimate that the quarter's order intake is negatively affected by normalization of orders and our customers' inventory adjustments of approximately SEK 150 million, in contrast to the corresponding quarter last year, when we had inflated orders of SEK 50 million. The recent disruptions in the global supply chain of electronic components are now resolved to a large extent, resulting in shorter delivery times. As our order book is still very large, we expect the normalization of order intake to continue for another couple of quarters. However, we estimate that order intake will improve going forward when customers' inventory levels are in line with market demand.
The quarter's net sales amounted to a record level of SEK 789 million (624), which corresponds to an organic growth of 20% compared to the corresponding period last year. In the previous quarter, we reported delivery delays due to the roll out of a new business system (ERP). This is now remedied, and we are back to a satisfactory delivery capacity.
The order book amounts to SEK 1,106 million, which is a decrease of SEK 210 million compared to the previous quarter. On the long term, we estimate that a normal order book over time is approximately SEK 500-600 million.
THE US AHEAD OF EUROPE AND JAPAN IN NORMALIZING ORDERS
In general, we see a mixed picture of customer needs as lead times are now starting to normalize. Some customers want deliveries as quickly as possible, while others are waiting with new orders to manage their stocks.
Our largest market, Europe, is characterized by rapid change where we see the majority of large customers waiting to place orders. This is as expected, since they have already placed large orders in previous quarters. We also see a similar situation in Japan. In the US, we have seen this trend in the previous quarter, and we assess that inventory reduction and order normalization are beginning to be completed.
In China, which is a relatively small part of our sales, order intake continues to be at low levels, where the economy as a whole has developed significantly weaker compared to previous expectations.
STRONG PROFITABILITY
We continue to see a good development of our gross margin which amounts to 65.4% (63.6) driven by a combination of favorable currency situation, price adjustments and increased efficiency in our supply chain. Our operating expenses increased to SEK 293 million (225), corresponding to an organic increase of 24%. Last year's planned investments to build a new base for future growth are now in place, and we assess that operating costs will increase at a slower pace going forward as we expect to see the effect of these investments. During the quarter, we reached a new record level for operating profit with SEK 223 million (179), corresponding to an operating margin of 28.2% (28.7). The quarter's cash flow from current operations amounts to SEK 167 million (118), which is impacted by continued increased working capital, primarily related to our inventory.
Our balance sheet remains strong, and we no longer have any interest-bearing net debt.
UPDATED STRATEGIC TARGETS
In September, we presented updated targets for growth and profitability at our capital markets day in Stockholm. The company's growth ambition is to reach (3.14) billion in 2025 through organic growth alone. Any upcoming acquisitions will be added to this, and we therefore speak of this new target as + 2025. The profitability target was raised to 25% EBIT. Raised targets for employee satisfaction and customer loyalty were also presented. When it comes to sustainability, the company presented its ambition to adhere to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
OUTLOOK
In the short term, the outlook is characterized by inventory adjustments and normalization of order placement at our customers. These adjustments aside, our underlying market continues to look relatively stable. With a continued large order book, we are in a favorable position for good sales during a period of weaker order intake. We estimate that order intake will i
