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.

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.

SECOND QUARTER

• Net sales amounted to SEK 639.9 million (537.5), an increase of 19.1% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 20.6%.
• Operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 82.7 million (72.0), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 12.9% (13.4).
• Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to SEK 68.5 million (56.5), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 10.7% (10.5).
• Underlying earnings before depreciation (underlying EBITDA) amounted to SEK 96.5 million (81.4), corresponding to an underlying EBITDA margin of 15.1% (15.1).
• Order intake amounted to SEK 643.3 million (679.5), a decrease of -5.3 % on the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to -9,1%.
• The acquisition of the assets from Bergschenhoek Civiele Techniek B.V. was completed.
• Philip Delborn appointed new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), starting latest mid-October.

JANUARY – JUNE

• Net sales amounted to SEK 1,006.2 million (851.8), an increase of 18.1% compared with the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 18.2%.
• Operating earnings before depreciation (EBITDA) amounted to SEK 69.7 million (80.0), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 6.9% (9.4).
• Operating earnings (EBIT) amounted to SEK 39.6 million (51.7), corresponding to an EBIT margin of 3.9% (6.1).
• Underlying earnings before depreciation (underlying EBITDA) amounted to SEK 97.8 million (94.2), corresponding to an underlying EBITDA margin of 9.7% (11.1).
• Order intake amounted to SEK 1,316.1 million (1,070.7), an increase of 22.9 % on the same period last year. Organic growth amounted to 18,9%.

COMMENTS FROM THE CEO

Sales for the quarter totalled SEK 639.9 million (537.5), an increase of 19.1% on the previous year. ViaCon’s acquired operations contributed SEK 33.5 million to sales, although we also chose to leave non-core business with annual sales of around SEK 22.5 million in the corresponding period last year. Organic growth was 20.6% adjusted for divestments and acquisitions, a result of price increases and good underlying demand in all segments. During the first half of the year, demand and order intake have been strong and amounted to 1,316.1 (1,070.7) with an organic growth of 17.4%. However, it has been unevenly distributed between the quarters. During the second quarter, order intake amounted to SEK 643.3 (679.5) million, a decrease of -5.3% compared to the same period last year. The organic growth of order intake amounted to -9.1%. The order intake growth for the first quarter amounted to a total of 72.0% and 67.5% for the organic growth, which is the highest level ever.

Operating earnings for the quarter were affected by a higher cost structure through acquisitions and higher volume, as well as one-off costs. Adjusted for non-recurring items, underlying operating earnings before depreciation and amortisation amounted to SEK 96.5 million (81.4), which resulted in an underlying EBITDA margin of 15.1% (15.1).

Geopolitical tension and rising inflation bring some uncertainty in developments moving forward. The quarter has brought continued disruptions in supply chains, long delivery times and some raw material shortages, but the situation has now stabilised. Cash flow was weak during the first half of the year as a direct result of a continued increase in working capital. The main reason for having to increase our inventories is the longer lead times in the wake of the recent strain on supply chains. We expect this trend to turn around during the autumn, and can already see improvements in the supply level, with shorter lead times and less disruption.

On 2 May 2022, the acquisition of assets from Bergschenhoek Civiele Techniek B.V. (BCT) in the Netherlands was finalised. The acquisition further strengthens ViaCon’s market-leading position in Europe for corrugated steel-based infrastructure solutions, thus establishing an even stronger platform for delivering sustainable, competitive customer solutions. Intensive work is under way to integrate recent acquisitions while we also continue to develop our business long-term, both by progressively broadening our market presence and customer offering, and by increasing our productivity.

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 further awards for our sustainability work during the quarter. We won FSN Capital’s ESG Award 2021, a distinction set up by ViaCon’s owners to create strong, more sustainable portfolio companies as part of their efforts to integrate ESG and climate aspects in the entire investment cycle. In addition, we were made Project of the Year winner 2022 by The National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) in the Going Green category, for our efforts in building a sustainable future. We also won the prestigious prize in the GoGreen class at the IFAT trade fair. We see these awards as firm acknowledgements of our sustainability work and our contribution to building a sustainable future.

Continuing to align with key sustainability goals and leading the charge for positive action toward green development and against climate change, the ViaCon Group has joined the SteelZero initiative, which is focused on increasing market demand for net-zero steel. By joining the initiative, ViaCon makes a commitment to transition to 100% 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 develop our operation by implementing efficiency improvements and further strengthening our team. ViaCon is without a doubt significantly stronger today than it was a year ago. With our strategy, we are confident that we can continue to deliver strong development as the leading European supplier of sustainable solutions in our segments.

Stefan Nordström,
President and CEO, ViaCon Group

The report is published at www.viacongroup.com.