Q2: President’s statement
Strong resilience and high acquisition activity.
Beijer Alma delivered a stable performance in the second quarter, following a strong end to the first quarter. Business activity remained at a healthy level, although the market has not yet shown any clear signs of gaining momentum. With strong earnings growth, improved profitability and a rapid acquisition rate, the Group is demonstrating resilience in an uncertain economic climate.
Organic growth and good profitability
Net revenue increased 5 percent during the second quarter. Organic growth was 1 percent. Growth for the first half of the year amounted to 4 percent, of which 1 percent was organic. Beijer Components’ performance was partly impacted by the earlier decision to discontinue certain less profitable businesses. Beijer Tech continued to grow organically and was up 8 percent in the second quarter, while acquisitions completed during the quarter made a marginal contribution.
The earnings trend remained favorable during the second quarter, with adjusted EBITA increasing 14 percent to MSEK 346. The EBITA margin thus increased to 16.2 percent. The trend for the first half of the year was also positive. The EBITA margin was 16.1 percent and earnings growth amounted to 14 percent.
An acquisition-intensive quarter
Following a slower start to the year, the level of acquisition activity increased significantly during the second quarter. Beijer Tech completed five acquisitions over a period of 17 days, contributing combined net revenue of approximately MSEK 415 on an annual basis. A particularly notable milestone was the acquisition of MGA Controls in the UK, which marked Beijer Tech’s first acquisition outside the Nordic region and a logical geographic expansion into a segment where the company already possesses strong expertise.
The increase in acquisition activity demonstrates the organization’s ability and capacity to identify, execute and integrate acquisitions and is aligned with Beijer Alma’s long-term growth ambitions. However, discipline must take precedence over growth, and we always acquire companies with good profitability, strong customer relationships and pricing power as well as clear opportunities for us to act as a long-term owner.
Beijer Components building pipeline
The name change from Lesjöfors to Beijer Components is intended to better reflect our ambition to grow in a broader range of niches beyond our traditional spring business. We see opportunities to grow within new areas and expand our addressable market, without compromising on our key criteria. Beijer Components is now working in a structured manner to build a pipeline of acquisition candidates with an initial focus on Europe, where we will be able to leverage our presence, relationships and industrial expertise.
Overall, Beijer Alma is entering the second half of the year with stable operations, a clear acquisition agenda and the drive to deliver high and sustainable profit growth, with strong cash flow and a good return on capital over time.
Johnny Alvarsson, acting President and CEO
