Financial position and cash flow

At the end of the interim period, the equity ratio stood at 48 percent (46). Equity per share totalled SEK 19.14 (16.73) and the return on equity at the end of the interim period was 39 percent (31). Return on working capital, P/WC (EBITA in relation to working capital) amounted to 122 percent (103). The increase is mainly due to the increased EBITA result.

The Group’s interest-bearing net debt at the end of the interim period totalled SEK 548m (700), including pension liabilities of SEK 80m (81) and leasing liabilities of SEK 215m (233). The net debt/equity ratio, calculated on the basis of net debt including provisions for pensions and leasing liability, totalled 0.2 compared to 0.4 at the beginning of the financial period.

Cash and cash equivalents, consisting of cash and bank balances, together with approved but non-utilised credit facilities, totalled SEK 1,147m (1,006) on 31 March 2021. 

Cash flow from operating activities reached SEK 184m (80) during the interim period. The increase comes from the strong result but is counteracted by increased tied-up working capital, especially trade receivables. Acquisitions of companies amounted to SEK 6m (66). Investments in non-current assets during the interim period amounted to SEK 25m (23). Disposals of non-current assets amounted to SEK 1m (2). Repurchase and disposal of treasury shares amounted to SEK 0m (31). Exercised and issued call options amounted to SEK 5m (0).