ViaCon’s Interim Report January – March 2023

Good demand, however, with lower sales related to GeoTechnical Solutions’ sales development compared to the previous year, resulting in a volume- and inflation-driven weaker operating earnings.

FIRST QUARTER

  • As of January 1, 2023, the accounting currency and presentation currency is Euro.
  • Net sales amounted to EUR 30,534 thousand (34,959), a decrease of 12.7% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to -9.6%.
  • Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to EUR -3,600 thousand (-2.757), corresponding to an EBIT margin of -11.8% (-7.9).
  • Operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to EUR -2,023 thousand (-1,243), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of -6.6% (-3.6).
  • Underlying earnings before depreciation (underlying EBITDA) amounted to EUR -1,742 thousand (130), corresponding to an underlying EBITDA margin of -5.7% (0.4).
  • Order intake amounted to EUR 43,330 thousand (64,219), a decrease of 32.5% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to -30.3%.

COMMENTS FROM THE CEO

ViaCon has a clear seasonal variation throughout the year that follows weather conditions, which vary between quarters and between years. The first quarter of the year followed a more normal seasonal pattern with a long winter that has affected the quarter negatively. Compared to the first quarter 2022, with a record high order intake driven by concerns for material availability and the invasion of Ukraine, the year 2023 started in line with our expectation and demand was good for the season and the prevailing economic situation.

Sales for the quarter amounted to EUR 30,534 thousand (34,959), a decrease of 12.7% on the previous year. The sales development was mainly related to GeoTechnical Solutions with an organic growth of -24.0%, while Bridges & Culverts Solutions and StormWater Solutions had good organic growth of 5.1% and 10.6% respectively. ViaCon’s acquired operations have contributed to a turnover of EUR 496 thousand, but we have also chosen to leave, and divest, non-core operations with a turnover of around EUR 650 thousand in the corresponding period of the previous year. By continuing to leave product groups with low profitability, we increase our product margins. Organic growth amounted to -9.6% adjusted for divestments and acquisitions.

The operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to EUR -3,600 thousand (-2,757), corresponding to an EBIT margin of -11.8% (-7.9). The adjusted operating earnings amounted to EUR -3,320 thousand (-1,384), corresponding to an adjusted EBIT margin of -10.9% (-4.0). The operating earnings were affected by the lower sales as a result of the quarter’s unfavourable weather conditions and high inflation. The quarter’s cash flow was affected by the quarter’s results and seasonal build-up of working capital.

There are several infrastructure investments taking place around Europe as there is a great need to renew and expand an ageing infrastructure in many countries. Order intake during the quarter amounted to EUR 43,330 thousand (64,219), of which organic growth was -30.3%. Demand and order intake for 2022 was high, but unevenly distributed between the quarters.

The availability and pricing of input goods has stabilized and efficiency activities are underway to offset the gradually realized inflationary pressure. Given the geopolitical and macroeconomic situation, uncertainty remains high and the caution of some of our customers remains.

ViaCon is an entrepreneurial company with a history of meeting challenges in a flexible, dynamic way. This is also made possible by our strong market position, and the solid, long-term customer relationships we have in the markets where we operate.

There are a large number of projects underway in Europe that aim to strengthen the economy and improve an infrastructure that is neglected. Our strategy gives us confidence in being able to deliver continued good development as the leading European provider, with more sustainable solutions compared to alternative types of materials. This, combined with gradually broadening our market presence and our customer offering, means that we aim to grow faster than the market. ViaCon is determined to be at the forefront of contributing to sustainable development in the infrastructure sector, an area where we can make a difference for our customers and our environment.

Stefan Nordström,
President and CEO, ViaCon Group

Presentation of the report

A live presentation of the financial results and development for the period followed by a Q&A session will be held as follows:

Date: May 24, 2023
Time: 14:00 -15:00 CET
Presenters: CEO Stefan Nordström and CFO Philip Delborn
Link to webcast: https://www.finwire.tv/webcast/viacon-group/q1-2023/

The session will be recorded and available to watch on-demand via the link above.

The full report is published at www.viacongroup.com.

Invitation to presentation of ViaCon’s Q1 2023 report

The ViaCon Group invites you to a webcast presenting 2023’s first-quarter results.

Date: 24 maj 2023
Time: 14:00-15:00 CET
Presenters: CEO Stefan Nordström and CFO Philip Delborn
Link to webcast: ViaCon Group Q1 presentation – Finwire (https://www.finwire.tv/webcast/viacon-group/q1-2023/)

On May 24, 2023 at 14:00 CET, the ViaCon Group will present its 2023 first-quarter results.

ViaCon’s CEO, Stefan Nordström, and CFO, Philip Delborn, will present financial results and development and will be available to answer questions at the end of the session.

The presentation will be in English. The session will be recorded and available to watch on demand via ViaCon Group Q1 presentation – Finwire.

The Q1 report will be published on May 24 in advance of the webcast. All information about the results and presentation will be available on ViaCon's website: Reports – Viacon Group.

Press release from the Annual General Meeting of ViaCon Group AB (publ) on May 16, 2023

ViaCon Group AB (publ) held the Annual General Meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2023. Below is a summary of the resolutions at the meeting, all made by the required majority and in accordance with proposals presented to the meeting.

Determination of the income statement and balance sheet, as well as the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet and discharge from liability

At the Annual General Meeting, the income statement and balance sheet as well as the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet for 2022 were adopted. The Annual General Meeting granted each of the Board members and the CEO during the year discharge from liability for the 2022 financial year.

Decision on disposition of the company's profits

The Annual General Meeting resolved in accordance with the Board of Directors’ proposal, to distribute in total SEK 4,208,400 (EUR 378,392) of the company's profit of SEK 162,048,350 (EUR 14,570,335) available to the meeting, to the shareholders, equivalent to a dividend of total SEK 84 (EUR 7.55) per share, and to balance SEK 157,839,950 (EUR 14,191,943).

Election of Board members, Chairman of the Board and re-election of auditor

The Board of Directors shall consist of six (6) members elected by the Annual General Meeting and one (1) deputy. The AGM resolved on the re-election of the board members Patrik Nolåker, Krzysztof Andrulewicz, Ulrik Smith, Niclas Thiel, Moritz Madlener, Elke Eckstein and Gunilla Spongh as ordinary board members and Philip Delborn as a deputy board member for the period until the next Annual General Meeting. For the same period, Patrik Nolåker was re-elected as Chairman of the Board.

The company must have an auditor. The Annual General Meeting resolved to re-elect the auditing company Ernst & Young AB as the company's auditor for the period up to the end of the 2024 AGM. Authorized Public Accountant Staffan Landén will remain as the principal auditor.

Determination of fees to the Board members and the auditor

The Annual General Meeting resolved that fees to the Board members shall be paid in a total of SEK 1,550,000, of which SEK 500,000 shall be paid to the Chairman of the Board, Patrik Nolåker, SEK 350,000 shall be paid to each of Gunilla Spongh, Elke Eckstein and Krzysztof Andrulewicz. A prerequisite for payment is that a member is a board member who is appointed by the Annual General Meeting and is not employed by FSN Capital, the company or subsidiaries.

Furthermore, the Annual General Meeting decided that fees should be paid to the auditor according to approved invoice.

The decision in its entirety

The decisions as a whole are available at www.viacongroup.com.

ViaCon’s Annual Report with Sustainability Report for 2022

The Annual Report with Sustainability Report for 2022 for ViaCon Group AB (publ) has today been published on the company’s website.

The report, together with the appendix "ViaCon Emissions Data Report 2022" are available for download from https://viacongroup.com/portfolio/reports/.

Salomeh Tafazoli appointed as ViaCon’s new VP of Bridges and Culverts business unit

The ViaCon Group has appointed Salomeh Tafazoli as ViaCon’s new Vice President, Business Unit Bridges & Culverts Solutions. Bringing extensive leadership and business development experience with her, most recently as Executive Vice President of the industrial division of Alimak Group, Salomeh will contribute to the high-growth trajectory of the business. Salomeh will take on the new role at ViaCon as of May 2nd, 2023.

At the same time, the acting VP of Bridges and Culverts, Onur Başar, will return to his previous role as Regional Business Unit Director, Southeast Europe for the same Business Unit.

We are pleased to welcome Salomeh to the ViaCon Group and wish to thank Onur for his great contributions in the interim VP role. We are pleased to have both Salomeh and Onur aboard, helping steer the organisation from strength to strength.

Harri Sara, VP of Geotechnical Solutions, steps down; Andrzej Rokosz will join ViaCon to take on VP role

ViaCon’s VP of Geotechnical Solutions, Harri Sara, has decided to step down from his current role within the organization as well as the executive team. He will stay within ViaCon Group and take on the role of Senior Director, Plastic Pipes, Geotechnical Solutions which is a key step to further develop the Business Unit.
We are very happy to announce and welcome Andrzej Rokosz as the new VP of Business Unit Geotechnical as of June 5, 2023. Based in Warsaw, Poland, Andrzej comes to ViaCon from Logstor, where he served as VP of Sales for Central Europe. He will support the strategic aims of the business unit and company overall while ensuring business continuity.
We wish to express our gratitude to Harri for his contributions in the VP role during the past three years, and we look forward to welcoming Andrzej to the ViaCon team

ViaCon’s Full Year Report 2022

Strong end to the year, despite ongoing geopolitical tension and rising inflation.

FOURTH QUARTER

  • Net sales amounted to SEK 651.8 million (466.8), an increase of 39.6% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 41.0%.
  • Operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 86.7 million (14.9), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 13.3% (3.2).
  • Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to SEK 70.5 million (0.7), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 10.8% (0.1).
  • Underlying earnings before depreciation (underlying EBITDA) amounted to SEK 93.1 million (31.7) , corresponding to an underlying EBITDA margin of 14.3% (6.8).
  • Order intake amounted to SEK 391.5 million (334.9), an increase of 16.9 % on the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 14,8%.

JANUARY – DECEMBER

  • Net sales amounted to SEK 2,321.5 million (1,946.3), an increase of 19.3% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 18.8%.
  • Operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 239.3 million (200.9), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 10.3% (10.3).
  • Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to SEK 178.1 million (143.7), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 7.7% (7.4).
  • Underlying earnings before depreciation (underlying EBITDA) amounted to SEK 285.5 million (239.1), corresponding to an underlying EBITDA margin of 12.3% (12.3).
  • Order intake amounted to SEK 2,293.0 million (1,925.6), an increase of 19.1 % on the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 17,1%.

COMMENTS FROM THE CEO

Sales for the quarter amounted to SEK 651.8 (466.8) million, an increase of 39.6% on the previous year. ViaCon’s acquired operations contributed SEK 26.4 million to sales, although we chose to leave and divest non-core operations with a sales amount of approximately SEK 24.8 million in the corresponding period last year. Organic growth was 41.0%, adjusted for divestments and acquisitions. During the first three quarters of the year, ViaCon experienced that deliveries to customers were postponed as an effect of disruptions in the supply chain and longer lead times in customers’ financing of projects. During the fourth quarter, ViaCon has focused on delivering these orders, which had a positive impact on sales and results. Adjusted for non-recurring items, adjusted operating earnings before depreciation and amortisation amounted to SEK 93.1 (31.7) million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.3 (6.8)%. The quarter’s operating earnings were also affected by rising inflation, a higher cost structure, and one-off costs for medium- and long-term growth initiatives.

There are several infrastructure investments taking place around Europe as there is a great need to renew and expand an ageing infrastructure in many countries. During the fourth quarter, we had a high order intake which amounted to SEK 391.5 (334.9) million, of which the organic growth was 14.8%. Demand and order intake have been strong during the year, but unevenly distributed between the quarters, and for the full year order intake amounted to SEK 2,293.0 (1,925.6) million, of which organic growth was 17.1%. The order book at the end of December remained good.

Cash flow for the quarter was strong as an effect of earnings and reduced working capital, driven by deliveries of previously deferred infrastructure projects. Through concerted efforts, we also reduced our inventory and our overdue accounts receivable during the quarter, which also contributed positively to the business’s cash flow.

During the first six months of the year, ViaCon experienced greatly increased prices for input goods and longer lead times for these. During the last six months, prices and lead times decreased and we experienced a stabilisation in the market for both suppliers’ and customers’ financing. During the quarter we have focused on increased flexibility so that we can quickly adapt the business to any changes in demand. ViaCon is affected by the ongoing geopolitical turmoil and rising inflation. The costs related to energy, transport and disruptions in the supply chain are high, which is a challenge, and we work actively to try to compensate for the related effects. High inflation and interest rate rises increases lead to some uncertainty for the market in 2023, especially within the StormWater Solutions business unit which has a larger share of privately funded projects.

ViaCon is an entrepreneurial company with a history of meeting challenges in a flexible, dynamic way. This is also made possible by our strong market position, and the solid, long-term customer relationships we have in the markets where we operate.

Thousands of sustainability projects are underway, aiming to strengthening Europe and rebuilding the economy of an entire continent whose infrastructure has been neglected. Our strategy gives us confidence in being able to deliver continued good development as the leading European provider, with more sustainable solutions compared to alternative types of materials. This, combined with gradually broadening our market presence and our customer offering, means that we aim to grow faster than the market. ViaCon is determined to be at the forefront of contributing to sustainable development in the infrastructure sector, an area where we can make a difference for our customers and our environment.

Stefan Nordström,
President and CEO, ViaCon Group

Presentation of the report

A live presentation of the financial results and development for the period followed by a Q&A session will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, February 20, 2023
Time: 10:00 -11:00 CET
Presenters: CEO Stefan Nordström and CFO Philip Delborn
Link to webcast: https://www.finwire.tv/webcast/viacon-group/2022-q4/

The session will be recorded and available to watch on-demand via the link above.

The full report is published at www.viacongroup.com.

Invitation to presentation of ViaCon’s Q4 2022 report

The ViaCon Group invites you to a webcast presenting 2022’s fourth-quarter results.

Date: Monday, February 20, 2023
Time: 10-11 CET
Presenters: CEO Stefan Nordström and CFO Philip Delborn
Link to webcast: ViaCon Group Q4 presentation – Finwire
(https://www.finwire.tv/webcast/viacon-group/2022-q4/)

On February 20, 2023 at 10 a.m. CET, the ViaCon Group will present its 2022 fourth-quarter results.

ViaCon’s CEO, Stefan Nordström, and CFO, Philip Delborn, will present financial results and development and will be available to answer questions at the end of the session.

The presentation will be in English. The session will be recorded and available to watch on-demand via ViaCon Group Q4 presentation – Finwire.

The Q4 report will be published on February 17 in advance of the webcast. All information about the results and presentation will be available on ViaCon's website: Reports – Viacon Group.

ViaCon’s Interim report January – September 2022

Continued good demand and strong order book, in a quarter of geopolitical tension and rising inflation.

THIRD QUARTER

  • Net sales amounted to SEK 663.5 million (627.8), an increase of 5.7% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 3.1%.
  • Operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 82.8 million (106.0), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 12.5% (16.9).
  • Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to SEK 68.0 million (91.3), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 10.2% (14.5).
  • Underlying earnings before depreciation (underlying EBITDA) amounted to SEK 94.5 million (113.2), corresponding to an underlying EBITDA margin of 14.2% (18.0).
  • Order intake amounted to SEK 585.4 million (520.1), an increase of 12.6 % on the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 15,0%.
  • ViaCon has joined the SteelZero initiative, which entails a commitment to 100% net zero steel by 2050.

JANUARY – SEPTEMBER

  • Net sales amounted to SEK 1,669.7 million (1479.5), an increase of 12.9% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 11.7%.
  • Operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 152.6 million (186.0), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 9.1% (12.6).
  • Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to SEK 107.6 million (143.0), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 6.4% (9.7).
  • Underlying earnings before depreciation (underlying EBITDA) amounted to SEK 192.3 million (207.3), corresponding to an underlying EBITDA margin of 11.5% (14.0).
  • Order intake amounted to SEK 1,901.5 million (1,590.8), an increase of 19.5 % on the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 17,6%.

COMMENTS FROM THE CEO

Sales for the quarter totalled SEK 663.5 million (627.8), an increase of 5.7% on the previous year. ViaCon’s acquired operations contributed SEK 39.5 million to sales, although we also chose to leave non-core business with sales of around SEK 21.8 million in the corresponding period last year. Organic growth was 3.1% adjusted for divestments and acquisitions. Operating earnings for the quarter were affected by inflation, a higher cost structure, and non-recurring expenses for medium- and long-term initiatives. Adjusted for non-recurring items, operating earnings before depreciation and amortisation amounted to SEK 94.5 million (113.2), which resulted in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.2% (18.0). Macroeconomic disruptions have led to a less favourable sales mix, primarily in the GeoTechnical Solutions business unit.

There are various infrastructure investments under way across Europe, as there is a great need to renew and expand ageing infrastructure in many countries. Recent inflation and interest rate rises have caused delays in customers’ financing solutions for infrastructure projects, and certain customers are more cautious about the future, particularly in the StormWater Solutions business unit. Incoming orders were however very good during the third quarter, and the order book for the season remains strong, albeit with unusually long lead times. Demand and incoming orders for the first nine months were strong and amounted to SEK 1,901.5 million (1,590.8), of which organic growth was 17.6%. They were however uneven between the first two quarters. During the third quarter incoming orders amounted to SEK 585.4 million (520.1), of which organic growth was 15.0%.

ViaCon’s business is affected by the geopolitical tension and rising inflation. There is uncertainty regarding macroeconomic developments, so ViaCon has focused heavily on flexibility during the quarter, ensuring agile adaptability of operations in the event of a shift in demand. Costs related to energy, transport and supply chain disruptions are high, which is a challenge, and we are working actively to try to compensate for these effects.

Cash flow was strong during the quarter, mainly as a direct result of a decrease in working capital. Working capital was higher than normal during the first six months of the year. This was a result of postponed deliveries for infrastructure projects, combined with the longer lead times in the wake of recent strains on the supply chain, which have primarily entailed increasingly high inventory levels. The trend has now been bucked, and during the third quarter we have seen some improvement in customers’ requested delivery times and in the supply chain, with shorter lead times and less disruption, with reduced capital tied up as a result. We have also worked concertedly and successfully to reduce our overdue accounts receivable during the quarter.

ViaCon is determined to be at the forefront in guiding the infrastructure sector in a sustainable direction, an area where we genuinely can make a difference for our customers and our wider environment. It is therefore very pleasing to have received several awards for our sustainability work during the year. We view these distinctions as solid recognition of our sustainability work and our contribution to building a sustainable future. To continue our adaptation to important sustainability goals and lead the change for positive action for green development and against climate change, ViaCon has joined the SteelZero initiative, which means we are committed to switching over completely to net zero steel by 2050.

ViaCon is an entrepreneurial company with a history of meeting challenges in a flexible, dynamic way. We will continue to integrate our recent acquisitions, and to develop our operation and further strengthen our team. With our strategy, we are confident that we can continue to deliver strong development as the leading European supplier of sustainable solutions in our business units, both by progressively broadening our market presence and customer offering, and by increasing our productivity.

Stefan Nordström,
President and CEO, ViaCon Group

Presentation of the report

A live presentation of the business results and development for the period will be held as follows:

Date: Friday, November 18, 2022

Time: 09:00-09.30 CET

Presenters: CEO Stefan Nordström and CFO Philip Delborn

Link to webcast: https://www.finwire.tv/webcast/viacon-group/q3-2022/

The presentation material will be available on ViaCon’s website shortly before the broadcast begins. The broadcast will also be available afterwards at the link above.

The full report is published at www.viacongroup.com.

Invitation to presentation of ViaCon’s Q3 report 2022

ViaCon's interim report for January – September 2022 will be published on Thursday, November 17. A live presentation will be held on November 18 2022 of the business results and development for the period:

Date: Friday, November 18, 2022
Time: 09:00-09.30 CET
Presenters: CEO Stefan Nordström and CFO Philip Delborn
Link to webcast: ViaCon Group Q3 Presentation – Finwire
(https://www.finwire.tv/webcast/viacon-group/q3-2022/)

Stefan Nordström, CEO, and Philip Delborn, CFO, will present results and developments for the period and will be available at the end of the broadcast to answer questions.

The presentation is recorded and will be held in English and can be accessed via ViaCon Group Q3 Presentation – Finwire. The broadcast will be available on the same website and the presentation material will be available on ViaCon's website shortly before the broadcast begins.

All information about the results and presentation will be available on ViaCon's website: Reports – Viacon Group.

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About us

ViaCon constructs connections. Consciously.

We combine more than three decades of experience with today's cutting-edge technology and vital sustainable goals. ViaCon is a pioneer in the field of Bridges & Culverts-, GeoTechnical- and StormWater Solutions.

About us

ViaCon constructs connections. Consciously.

We combine more than three decades of experience with today's cutting-edge technology and vital sustainable goals. ViaCon is a pioneer in the field of Bridges & Culverts-, GeoTechnical- and StormWater Solutions.

About us

ViaCon constructs connections. Consciously.

We combine more than three decades of experience with today's cutting-edge technology and vital sustainable goals. ViaCon is a pioneer in the field of Bridges & Culverts-, GeoTechnical- and StormWater Solutions.

About us

ViaCon constructs connections. Consciously.

We combine more than three decades of experience with today's cutting-edge technology and vital sustainable goals. ViaCon is a pioneer in the field of Bridges & Culverts-, GeoTechnical- and StormWater Solutions.