Financial position and cash flow

At the end of the financial year, the equity ratio stood at 40 percent (46). Equity per share totalled SEK 35.14 (16.73) and the return on equity at the end of the financial year was 22 percent (31). Return on working capital, P/WC (EBITA in relation to working capital) amounted to 95 percent (103). The slight decrease is mainly due to a relatively higher working capital. 

The Group’s interest-bearing net debt at the end of the financial year totalled SEK 3,870m (700), including pension liabilities of SEK 82m (81) and leasing liabilities of SEK 339m (233). The net debt/equity ratio, calculated on the basis of net debt including provisions for pensions and leasing liability, totalled 0.9 compared to 0.4 at the beginning of the financial period. In connection with the two acquisitions in the second quarter, new loans of SEK 2,250m were taken out. The credit agreement runs for 12 months with an extension option of up to a further 24 months.

Cash and cash equivalents, consisting of cash and bank balances, together with approved but non-utilised credit facilities, totalled SEK 674m (1,006) on 31 December 2021. The decrease is due to the financing of the acquisitions during the financial year. 

Cash flow from operating activities reached SEK 1,010m (950) during the financial year. The increase is due to the strong result but is counteracted by large payment of trade payables. Acquisitions of companies amounted to SEK 2,843m (345). Investments in non-current assets during the financial year amounted to SEK 143m (91). Disposals of non-current assets amounted to SEK 9m (7). Repurchase of treasury shares amounted to SEK 0m (19). Exercised, issued and repurchased call options amounted to SEK 9m (58). Dividend paid to the parent company's shareholders amounted to SEK 183m (56).