Skip to main content

Hexatronic Group AB (publ) Interim Report January – June 2020

Written by Customer Service on . Posted in Public Companies.

Press Release 14 August 2020 
Hexatronic Group AB (publ)
Interim Report January – June 2020 
Events during the quarterHexatronic signed a strategic supply agreement with KCOM in the UK worth up to MSEK 40.
 Hexatronic acquired the UK-based fiber optic company Tech Optics Ltd.
 Hexatronic won submarine cable orders totalling MSEK 40.
 Based on the very uncertain situation in the world, the Board decided to withdraw the previously announced dividend proposal. Events since the end of the periodHexatronic acquired the US-based fiber optic training company The Light Brigade Inc.
 Hexatronic estimated the negative sales effect in the second quarter, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, to be approximately MSEK 40-50 but an increased profitability.COMMENTS FROM THE CEO
Strong profitability and strategic acquisitionsProfitability (EBITA) increased during the quarter to 10.5 percent, an increase of 35 percent on the same period last year. This good profitability means that we are clearly approaching our goal of at least 9 percent on a rolling 12-month basis. The operating result and earnings per share also improved considerably at 50 percent and 63 percent respectively compared to the same period last year. The higher profitability is primarily due to a high gross margin and good capacity utilisation in our factories.
During the second quarter and just after its end, we made two minor strategic acquisitions: Tech Optics in the UK and Light Brigade in the USA. The companies are well established on their markets and have a long history, with more than 30 years in fiber optics.  Tech Optics consolidates our position in fiber optic solutions for demanding sectors such as defence, oil and gas. The acquisition of Light Brigade, which was completed on 1 August, means that the Group now includes North America’s leading training company in fiber optics. The acquisition strengthens our position as a Group that offers complete system solutions and enables us to offer more training in our Fiber to the Home (FTTH) systems.Growth on our strategic markets remained strong during the second quarter. In Europe, excluding Sweden, we grew organically by 13 percent, primarily driven by strong growth in the UK. We are continuing to grow in North America where organic growth was 9 percent. Altogether the Group’s sales grew by 5 percent during the quarter. In the prevailing circumstances with the adverse effects of COVID-19, we are satisfied with the sales growth during the quarter.We judge that COVID-19 had a negative impact on sales of around 10 percent during the quarter. Most of our companies have been affected to some extent. Our operation in New Zealand essentially closed for a month, resulting in a corresponding loss of sales. Our training companies, which work extensively with practical training, were severely impacted. The new factory in Texas is up and running, although not to the extent we were hoping. This is due to difficulties recruiting enough operators due to the ongoing pandemic.The effects of COVID-19 have begun gradually decreasing during the quarter. We do, however, anticipate continued negative impact during the third quarter. In what remains a very uncertain situation, we currently believe that the effects will be less in the third quarter than in the second.The order book has continued to develop positively, and we entered the third quarter with an order book that was 22 percent higher organically than at the same point last year.Despite the ongoing pandemic, we remain positive in our outlook on the market. We believe that the need for robust networks with high capacity will increase due to the dramatic increase in distance working and the higher demand for online meetings.Thank you for joining us on this journey.Henrik Larsson Lyon
President and CEO Hexatronic Group AB (publ)
 PublicationThis information comprises disclosures that Hexatronic Group AB (publ) must publish according to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and the Swedish Securities Market Act. The information was submitted for publication, under responsibility of the contact persons named below, on 14 August 2020 at 07:00 CET.Please direct any questions to:
• Henrik Larsson Lyon, President and CEO, + 46 (0)70-650 34 00
• Lennart Sparud, CFO, + 46 (0)70-558 66 04
This is HexatronicHexatronic Group AB (publ) is a group that develops, markets and delivers products, components and system solutions with the main focus on the fiber optic market. Hexatronic offers a wide range of innovative system and product solutions mainly for passive fiber optic infrastructure with global trademarks like Ribbonet®, Micronet™, Drytech™, Lightmate®, FibreHub™, Matrix, Viper, Stringray, Raptor, InOne and Wistom®. The Group has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden and has sales offices and/or subsidiaries in Sweden, Norway, Finland, United Kingdom, Germany, China, New Zealand and the US. The Group is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the ticker HTRO. For more information, visit www.hexatronicgroup.com.Hexatronic Group AB (publ) Org nr 556168-6360AttachmentHexatronic Group – Interim report Q2 2020

Disclaimer & Cookie Notice

Welcome to GOLDEA services for Professionals

Before you continue, please confirm the following:

Professional advisers only

I am a professional adviser and would like to visit the GOLDEA CAPITAL for Professionals website.

Important Notice for Investors:

The services and products offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. are intended exclusively for professional market participants as defined by applicable laws and regulations. This typically includes institutional investors, qualified investors, and high-net-worth individuals who have sufficient knowledge, experience, resources, and independence to assess the risks of trading on their own.

No Investment Advice:

The information, analyses, and market data provided are for general information purposes only and do not constitute individual investment advice. They should not be construed as a basis for investment decisions and do not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs of any recipient.

High Risks:

Trading in financial instruments is associated with significant risks and may result in the complete loss of the invested capital. Goldalea Capital Ltd. accepts no liability for losses incurred as a result of the use of the information provided or the execution of transactions.

Sole Responsibility:

The decision to invest or not to invest is solely the responsibility of the investor. Investors should obtain comprehensive information about the risks involved before making any investment decision and, if necessary, seek independent advice.

No Guarantees:

Goldalea Capital Ltd. makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Markets are subject to constant change, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

Regional Restrictions:

The services offered by Goldalea Capital Ltd. may not be available to all persons or in all countries. It is the responsibility of the investor to ensure that they are authorized to use the services offered.

Please note: This disclaimer is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual legal or tax advice.