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.