Interim Report New Wave Group AB (publ) Q2 JANUARY - JUNE 2010


Interim Report New Wave Group AB (publ)

Q2 JANUARY - JUNE 2010

The period 1 April - 30 June 2010

“9 % growth in local currencies”

-   Sales amounted to SEK 1 065 million, which was 9 % higher than
previous year in local currencies and 4 % higher in SEK (SEK 1 023
million).
-   Profit before tax amounted to SEK 82.8 million (82.6).
-   Profit after tax amounted to SEK 59.4 million (60.5).
-   Earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.90 (0.91).
-   Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 117 million
(373).
-   Equity ratio amounted to 42.4 (35.8) %.
-   Net debt to equity ratio amounted to 86.7 (129.7) %. 

The period 1 January - 30 June 2010
-   Sales amounted to SEK 1 981 million, which was 5 % higher then
previous year in local currencies but 1 % lower in SEK (SEK 2 002
million).
-   Profit before tax amounted to SEK 93.1 million (9.8).
-   Profit after tax improved by SEK 59.8 million and amounted to SEK
67.0 million (7.2).
-   Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.01 (0.11).
-   Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 183 million
(235). 

OUTLOOK FOR 2010

The recovery continues and growth during the 2nd quarter was better than
expected despite some shortages of goods. It is mainly the Swedish and
U.S. markets that have improved. The coming quarters are expected to be
relative strong as we anticipate a better stock situation. We expect
2010 to have a higher turnover and a better result than the outcome for
2009.

CEO Comments 

Now that we have passed the second quarter, I feel more confident and
even more optimistic with regard to the rest of 2010 and ahead. It is a
real pleasure to know that we have turned sales around. I am also very
pleased with 9% growth excluding currency changes, especially due to the
fact that during the second quarter we suffered, to a certain degree, a
shortage of goods.

Even gross profit suffered, to a certain degree, because of the shortage
of goods. We tried to compensate and reimburse our customers with more
expensive alternative goods. Gross profit was also affected negatively
due to trading between our group companies' warehouses, which resulted
in higher freight charges.

I am, under the circumstances, satisfied with the result from the second
quarter - but it could - and shall be considerably better in the future.
We now have a strong balance sheet which exceeds our goals with regard
to equity ratio, net debt/equity ratio etc and this is a pleasing
situation forward.

Because the shortage of goods will not affect us as much during the
third quarter, and probably not at all during the fourth quarter, I
believe in a good result for the second half of the year and for 2010 as
a whole. My focus as CEO will be to increase the operating margin,
maintain organic growth and then expansion. But in the future I will
always have one eye on cash flow and the balance sheet.

Unlike last year I have allowed myself a few days rest and recreation -
but now it will be full speed again!

 Torsten Jansson

 

 SUMMARY OF THE QUARTER APRIL - JUNE

The recovery continues and sales are increasing again. Sales, excluding
currency changes, increased by 9%, which is mainly attributable to the
Swedish and U.S. markets. Out of our larger brands, in terms of sales,
Cutter & Buck sales improved significantly compared to last year, while
Craft and Orrefors Kosta Boda were in line with last year's sales. Both
sales channels are growing, but the activity is still higher in retail
than in promo. 

The gross profit margin was lower than last year's, partly due to a
change in the mix of customers and countries, but also shortages in some
promo segments. Gross profit was also affected negatively due to trading
between our group companies' warehouses, which resulted in higher
freight charges. External costs are higher due to increased marketing
costs, while implemented savings measures have decreased personnel costs
which are lower than the previous year. 

Profit before tax is in line with last year; however last year includes
a one time income related to capital gains of SEK 16.4 million. 

The change in working capital is still positive. Cash flow from
operating activities amounts to SEK 117 million (373). In the first
quarter last year, our actions to reduce stock yielded results. The
stock value amounts to SEK 1 579 million and has decreased by SEK 46
million since year-end and by SEK 502 million since 30 June, 2009. With
the improved cash flow we have decreased our net debt by another SEK 54
million during the quarter and the rolling twelve months by SEK 730
million. Net debt amounted to SEK 1 622 million (2 352) and the net
debt-to-equity ratio to 86.7 (129.7) %. 

APRIL - JUNE

Sales
Sales amounted to SEK 1 065 million (1 023), which was 4% better than
last year. Exchange rates affected sales negatively by SEK 53 million
and sales in local currencies increased by 9%. 

Sales in the Promo business area decreased by 2%. The promo market has
continued to recover. Mainly the Swedish market is showing signs of
improvement, while the development in Europe is still weak. Sports &
Leisure increased sales by 9%. Cutter & Buck has grown substantially in
both sales channels. Craft sales were in line with last year. Gifts &
Home Interior increased sales by 10%. Increased sales during the quarter
are mainly attributable to the new establishment of Kosta Boda Art
Hotel, which opened in June 2009. Excluding the new establishment, there
is a decrease attributable to lower Sagaform promo sales. 

Sales in the Nordic region increased by 6%, which is attributable to the
Swedish market. Sales in Mid Europe were 8% lower than the previous year
and the decrease is mainly attributable to Germany and changes in
exchange rates. Southern Europe decreased by 14% and this is mainly
attributable to the Italian and Spanish markets, but changes in exchange
rates have also affected sales negatively. Sales increased by 23% in
North America with a negative currency impact of approximately 4%. 

Gross profit
Gross profit margin amounted to 47.1 (49.2) %. The lower margin is
partly due to a change in the mix of customers and countries, as well as
shortages in some promo stock segments. Due to a shortage of goods we
have had increased freight costs, as well as trying to compensate and
reimburse our customers with more expensive alternative goods. 

Other operating income and other expenses
Other operating income decreased by SEK 16.9 million to SEK 5.1 million
(22.0). The decrease is due to last year's capital gains in connection
with sales of Orrefors' glass collections and real estate of SEK 16.4
million. In addition to this, other operating income is mainly
attributable to operating exchange gains and results should be compared
to the line “Other expenses” in which the company's main foreign
exchange losses are reported. Other expenses decreased by SEK 7.2
million and amounted to SEK -1.5 million (-8.7). The net of the above
items, excluding the mentioned capital gains, amounted to SEK 3.6
million (-3.1) and the improved net profit is mainly due to lower
clearance sale losses. 

Expenses and depreciation
External costs increased by SEK 10.5 million and amounted to SEK -230.6
million (-220.1), which is attributable to higher sales and marketing
costs. 

Personnel costs amounted to SEK -171.7 million, which is SEK 11.1
million lower than last year (SEK -182.8 million). The decrease is due
to a decrease in the number of employees. 

The exchange rates have affected overall costs positively by SEK 18
million. 

Depreciation amounted to SEK -15.1 million (-19.0). 

Operating margin was 8.3 (9.3) %. The lower margin is attributable to
last year's capital gains of SEK 16.4 million. 

Net financial items and taxes
Net financial items amounted to SEK -5.1 million (-12.8). The decrease
is mainly due to reduced net debt. The Group's policy is to have a short
duration, which means that changing short-term rates quickly affect the
Group's net interest income.

 

Tax expenses in absolute terms amounted to SEK -23.4 million (-22.1) and
the tax rate to 28.3 (26.8) %.

 

Result
Profit after tax was in line with previous year - SEK 59.4 million
(60.5) - and earnings per share amounted to SEK 0.90 (0.91). Previous
year's result included capital gains of SEK 12.1 million after tax.

 

JANUARY - JUNE

Sales
Sales amounted to SEK 1 981 million (2 002), which was 1% lower than
previous year. Exchange rates affected sales negatively by SEK 119
million, which means that sales excluding exchange rates were 5% better
than last year. 

The Promo business area sales decreased by 5%. The Promo market has
recovered slightly, mainly in Sweden, but is still weak in Europe.
Sports & Leisure is in line with previous year. Cutter & Buck and the
U.S. market shows signs of increase and a clear improvement compared to
last year. Craft sales increased, mainly in Sweden and Norway. Gifts &
Home Interior increased sales by 9%. The sales increase is attributable
to the new establishment of Kosta Boda Art Hotel, which opened in June
2009. Excluding the new establishment, there is a decrease attributable
to lower Orrefors Kosta Boda export sales, mainly in Greece, and
Sagaform promo sales. 

Sales increased by 4% in the Nordic region, which is mainly attributable
to Sweden and Norway. Mid Europe's sales were 9% lower than previous
year's and the decrease is mainly attributable to Germany and currency
changes. Southern Europe decreased by 15%. Mainly the Italian and
Spanish markets are weak, but currency changes have affected sales
negatively here also. North America increased by 4% despite a negative
currency effect of about 10%. 

Gross profit
Gross profit margin amounted to 47.4 (47.7) %. Previous year's gross
profit was, however, affected negatively by SEK 25 million (1.2%) due to
restructuring costs. The lower margin is due to a change in the mix of
customers and countries and more expensive promo substitutes together
with higher freight costs since there have been shortages in certain
segments of the stock. 

Other operating income and other expenses
Other operating income decreased by SEK 34.6 million to SEK 10.2 million
(44.8). The decrease is mainly due to, among other things, last years
capital gains in connection with sales of Orrefors' glass collections
and real estate of SEK 16.4 million. Remaining other operating incomes
are mainly attributable to operating exchange gains and results should
be compared to the line “Other expenses” in which the company's main
foreign exchange losses are reported. Other expenses decreased by SEK
17.9 million and amounted to SEK -5.4 million (-23.3). The net of the
above items, excluding capital gains, was SEK 4.8 million (5.1). 

Expenses and depreciation
External costs decreased by SEK 16.8 million and amounted to SEK -471.0
million (-487.8). The lower costs are due to savings as well as last
year's restructuring costs of SEK 7.1 million. 

Personnel costs amounted to SEK -338.7 million, which is SEK 75.3
million lower than last year (SEK -414.0 million). The lower costs are
due to a decrease in the number of employees as well as last year's
restructuring costs of SEK 45.1 million. 

The exchange rates have affected overall costs positively by SEK 47
million. 

Depreciation amounted to SEK -30.0 million (-37.5). 

Operating margin was 5.3 (1.9) %, where the improvement is mainly due to
savings as well as last year's restructuring costs. 

Net financial items and taxes
Net financial items amounted to SEK -11.7 million (-28.3). The decrease
is mainly due to reduced net debt, but also lower interest rates. The
Group's policy is to have a short duration, which means that changing
short-term rates quickly affect the Group's net interest income. 

Tax expenses in absolute terms amounted to SEK -26.1 million (-2.6) and
the tax rate amounted to 28.0 (26.5) %. 

Result
Profit after tax improved by SEK 59.8 million to SEK 67.0 million (7.2)
and earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.01 (0.11). Previous year's
results were affected by one-off costs of SEK 44.1 million totally (net
of restructuring costs and capital gains). 

REPORTING OF BUSINESS AREAS
New Wave Group AB divides its operations into three business areas;
Promo, Sports & Leisure and Gifts & Home Interior. The Group follows the
areas' and brand's sales and profit (EBITDA). The operating segments are
based on the Group's operational management. 

Promo
Turnover for the period April-June decreased by 2% to SEK 483 million
(490) and the profit (EBITDA) increased by SEK 0.9 million to SEK 77.3
million (76.4). Lower sales are due to currency changes and a continued
weak promo market in Southern Europe. The Nordic region, mainly Sweden,
is doing better and showing growth. In Mid Europe, Germany had a weak
development while other countries in the area are showing signs of a
more stable market and is on the same levels as last year, excluding
currency rate changes. The improved result is related to cost savings. 

Turnover for the period January-June decreased by 5% to SEK 881 million
(927) and the profit (EBITDA) decreased by SEK 11.3 million to SEK 91.0
million (102.3). Lower sales are due to currency changes and a continued
weak promo market in Southern Europe. In Mid Europe, Germany had a weak
development while other countries in the area are showing signs of a
more stable market and is on the same levels as last year, excluding
currency rate changes. The Nordic region, mainly Sweden and Norway, is
doing better and showing growth. The decreased result is related to
lower sales volumes. 

Sports & Leisure
For the period April-June sales increased by 9% to SEK 404 million (370)
and profit (EBITDA) increased by SEK 1.9 million to SEK 30.1 million
(28.2). The sales increase is related to the U.S. market and Cutter &
Buck. The company is showing strong growth in both business areas, and
last year's cost-cutting measures are giving good results. Craft sales
are on the same levels as last year or show a small increase in most
countries, while they are down in Denmark. The improved result is
related to higher turnover, but with lower gross margins and increased
marketing costs. 

Turnover for the period January-June was in line with previous year's,
SEK 784 million (785) and profit (EBITDA) increased by SEK 23.6 million
to SEK 70.5 million (46.9). The brands Cutter & Buck and Craft are
showing growth, but the business area's other brands have decreased. The
improvement in profit is related to better profit margins, primarily in
the U.S. market, and last year's cost-cutting measures. Last year's
results include restructuring costs of SEK 7.1 million. 

Gifts & Home Interior
Turnover for the period April-June increased by 10% to SEK 179 million
(162) and profit (EBITDA) decreased by SEK 14.2 million to SEK -4.4
million (9.8). The higher turnover is mainly related to the new
establishment of Kosta Boda Art Hotel, which opened in June 2009.
Excluding the new establishment, sales decreased by 2%, which is
attributable to Sagaform and lower promo sales. Orrefors Kosta Boda are
increasing sales in Sweden, but decreasing export sales. Last year's
result includes capital gains of SEK 16.4 million. 

Turnover for the period January-June increased by 9% to SEK 316 million
(290) and profit (EBITDA) increased by SEK 46.9 million to SEK -26.7
million (-73.6). The higher turnover is mainly related to the new
establishment of Kosta Boda Art Hotel which opened in June 2009.
Excluding the new establishment, sales decreased 3%. Orrefors Kosta Boda
sales are increasing in Sweden, but decreasing on the export market,
mainly in Greece. Sagaform retail sales are increasing, but in
similarity to the promo business area, has weaker sales in sales channel
promo. The period's result increased by SEK 46.9 million, however, last
year's result was affected by one-off costs of SEK 53.7 million net (net
of restructuring costs and capital gains). EBITDA, excluding net one-off
costs, decreased, which is mainly due to lower Orrefors Kosta Boda
export sales. 

GEOGRAPHIC ALLOCATION
Table of turnover in the regions Nordic countries, Mid Europe, Southern
Europe, North American and Other countries is reported on page 15. 

During the period April-June sales increased by 6% in the Nordic
countries, with mainly Sweden showing a better development and growth.
Mid Europe was negatively affected by Germany and currency exchange
rates. Other countries in the area had a small increase or are in par
with previous year. Southern Europe has had a weaker development, mainly
Italy and Spain, and decreased by 14%. A major part of the sales are in
the promo business area and currency exchange rates have also had a
negative affect in this region. In North America, sales increased by
23%. Sales in local currency increased by 28%. 

During the period January-June sales in the Nordic countries increased
by 4%. The increase is mainly related to Sweden and Norway. Beside
Germany, the other Mid European countries have a small increase or are
in par with last year, but were negatively affected by currency exchange
rates. Southern Europe has had a weaker development, mainly Italy and
Spain, and decreased by 15%. Currency exchange rates have had a negative
effect in this region too. In North America, sales increased by 4%.
Sales in local currency increased by about 15%. 

CAPITAL TIED UP
During the period April-June, capital tied up in stock has decreased by
SEK 8 million and by SEK 502 million since June 30, 2009. Total stock
value amounted to SEK 1 579 million (2 081). 

                                                                        
     2010-06       2009-06

Raw materials                                                        
     71.5             75.1
Products in progress                                                   
34.5             36.9
Goods in transit                                                     
     88.6             33.6
Merchandise on stock                                              1
384.1        1 935.6
Total                                                                   
    1 578.7        2 081.2 

Efforts to reduce capital tied up in stock have also led to many
obsolete items being sold out, which means that the provision for
obsolescence has decreased. Provision for obsolescence as of June 30,
2010 amounted to SEK 61 million (88) and is 4.4 (4.5) % of the reported
merchandise on stock. The increased delivery times have unfortunately
resulted in a temporary shortage of goods for resale in some segments. 

The stock turnover rate continues to improve and amounted to 1.3
compared to last year's 1.0. 

Accounts receivable decreased by SEK 10 million to SEK 779 million
(789), reflecting improved credit periods and currency fluctuations. 

The Group continues its work and its priority to reduce working capital.
Efforts will continue to concentrate on logistics and assortment. 

INVESTMENTS, FINANCING AND LIQUIDITY
During the period April-June consolidated cash flow from operations
amounted to SEK 117 million (373). Efforts to reduce capital tied up
continue to show results and the Group decreased its working capital in
the period by SEK 35 million. Last year's strong cash flow is
attributable to a massive decrease in working capital, mainly the stock
which decreased by SEK 199 million. The Group's net cash investments
totalled SEK -6.7 million (-0.3). 

Compared with the same period last year, net debt decreased by SEK 730
million and amounted to SEK 1 622 million where currency changes have
reduced debt by SEK 51 million. Net debt relative to equity decreased
and amounted to 86.7 (129.7) %. 

The equity ratio improved by 6.6 percentages and amounted to 42.4 (35.8)
%, which is a result of reduced net debt. 

The Group had SEK 2 825 million in credit lines as of June 30, 2010 and
the credit agreement extends through to April 2011. The interest rate is
based on the respective currency's base rate and fixed margin. The
Group's policy is to have a short duration, which means that changing
short-term rates quickly reflect in the Group's net interest income. 

New Wave Group's financing agreement includes a commitment (covenant)
regarding the equity ratio and that the total credit ceiling of SEK 2
825 million as of June 30, 2010, shall be amortised down to SEK 2 475
million as of April 30, 2011. The Group's equity ratio amounts to 42.4%
and the net debt amounts to SEK 1 622 million as of June 30, 2010. 

The Group has begun work on a new funding agreement. 

PERSONNEL AND ORGANISATION
In connection with the cost saving measures taken within the group, the
number of full-time employees decreased by 211 as per June 30, 2010 to 2
159 (2 370) of whom 48% were female and 52% were male. Out of the total
number of employees 557 (653) work in production. The production that
exists within New Wave Group is attributable to Orrefors Kosta Boda,
Seger, Dahetra, Toppoint and Cutter & Buck (embroidery). 

SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS IN NEW WAVE GROUP AB

New Wave Group has three outstanding subscription option programs. 

In June 2009 a program addressed to senior executives was launched. The
option program consists of 1 000 000 stock options and runs until June
2012 with an exercise price of SEK 26.10. The options were subscribed
with a premium of SEK 0.21 per option. 

In July 2008 two programs were launched, one addressing senior
executives and one addressing the Board. The option program for senior
executives consists of 1 800 000 stock options and runs until June 2011
with an exercise price of SEK 64.05. The options were subscribed with a
premium of SEK 1.11 per option. The option program for the Board
consists of 200 000 options and runs until June 2013 with an exercise
price of SEK 85.40. The options were subscribed with a premium of SEK
0.88 per option. 

Premiums received in all above mentioned programs are based on market
value. 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
There are leasing agreements with associated companies. The parent
company has purchased consulting services from a member of the Board.
All transactions are on market terms. 

OUTLOOK FOR 2010
The recovery continues and growth during the 2nd quarter was better than
expected despite some shortages of goods. It is mainly the Swedish and
U.S. markets that have improved. The coming quarters are expected to be
relative strong as we anticipate a better stock situation. We expect
2010 to have a higher turnover and a better result than the outcome for
2009. 

PARENT COMPANY
Turnover during the period January-June amounted to SEK 81.9 million
(88.2). Profit after financial items was SEK 50.5 million (23.7). Net
borrowings amounted to SEK 1 613 million (2 286), of which SEK 1 369
million (1 870) are related to financing of subsidiaries. Net
investments amounted to SEK 65.9 million (-156.3). Total assets amounted
to SEK 3 439 (3 794) and shareholder's equity to SEK 1 251 (1 076)
million. 

RISKS AND RISK CONTROL
New Wave is, with its international operations, regularly exposed to
various financial risks. The financial risks are currency, borrowing and
interest rate risks, as well as liquidity and credit risks. To minimise
these risks impact on earnings, the Group has established a financial
policy. For a more detailed description of the Group's risk management
refer to the Annual Report 2009; www.nwg.se (http://www.nwg.se). 

The Group's policy is to have a short duration, which means that
changing short-term rates quickly reflect in the Group's net interest
income. 

The Group's reported risks are deemed to be essentially unchanged. 

ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
This report has been prepared according to IAS 34 Interim Report and the
Annual Report Law. Report regarding Total result has been prepared
according to IAS 1 (R) and was applied for the first time September 30,
2009. The interim report for the parent company has been prepared
according to Annual Report Law as well as the Swedish Financial
Accounting Standards Council's standards RFR 2:2 - Accounting for legal
entity. Applied accounting principles are in accordance with the Annual
Report for 2009. 

CALENDAR
•     12th November, 2010
      Interim Report for third quarter

•     10th February, 2011
      Year End Report 2010

•     21st April, 2010
      Interim Report for first quarter 

The Board and the CEO assure that the Interim Report gives a true and
fair view of the company and the Group's operations, position and result
and describes the material risks and uncertainties that the company and
the Group face. 

Gothenburg, August 12, 2010

New Wave Group AB (publ)

 

Anders Dahlvig              Christina Bellander         Göran Härstedt
Chairman of the Board   Member of the Board     Member of the Board 

Helle Kruse Nielsen        Mats Årjes                      Torsten
Jansson
Member of the Board     Member of the Board     CEO

The information in this report is that which New Wave Group is required
to disclose under the Securities Exchange and Clearing Operations Act
and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. Released for publication
August 12, 2010 at 7 am (CET).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

CEO Torsten Jansson
      Phone: +46 31 712 89 01
      E-mail: torsten.jansson@nwg.se

CFO Lars Jönsson
      Phone: +46 31 712 89 12
      E-mail: lars.jonsson@nwg.se

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