Interim report January - March 2013

Report

Press release

Hans Linnarson, President and CEO:
“Husqvarna’s first quarter results were impacted by unfavorable weather conditions and continued macroeconomic slowdown in Europe. Earnings were also negatively affected by the strong Swedish Krona which accounted for more than half of the decline in operating income, and reduced manufacturing utilization to meet the lower demand. Improvements in Americas and Construction were not enough to offset the downturn in Europe.
    We are pleased with the results coming from operational improvements in our business area Americas. The effects of mix, channel management, price and manufacturing efficiencies all contributed to an improved development of operating income and margin in the first quarter.
    The positive development for Construction continued, although it was mixed between the different regions. Operating income and margin improved over prior year, primarily due to a positive product mix impact.
    We have a continued cautious outlook for demand in Europe, while the outlook for North America remains more positive. Late last year we announced actions to reduce cost and improve flexibility. The initiatives are on track and will gradually deliver savings.”

  • Net sales amounted to SEK 9,024m (9,811). Adjusted for exchange rate effects, net sales decreased -4%.
  • Operating income decreased to SEK 688m (930), which entirely relates to Europe & Asia/Pacific.
  • Changes in exchange rates negatively impacted operating income by SEK 135m year over year.
  • Operating cash flow improved to SEK -1,786m (-2,443).
  • Earnings per share decreased to SEK 0.81 (1.10).
  • Announcement of SEK 1bn investment in manufacturing of chainsaw chains and cylinders.
  • Kai Wärn was appointed new President and CEO as of July 1, 2013.

Telephone conference
A combined press and telephone conference, hosted by Hans Linnarson, President and CEO, and Ulf Liljedahl, CFO, will be held at Husqvarna’s office on Regeringsgatan 28 in Stockholm at 10:00 CET on April 24, 2013. To participate by phone, please dial +46 (0) 8 5052 0110 (Sweden) or +44 (0)20 7162 0077 (UK) ten minutes prior to the start of the conference. The conference call will also be audio cast live on www.husqvarnagroup.com/ir. A replay will be available at www.husqvarnagroup.com/ir later the same day.