Release Date: April 29, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

• NCC AB (STU:NCGB) reported stable performance with high orders received, particularly in Building Sweden.
• The company has a solid order backlog, despite the negative impact of the strengthening SEK.
• NCC AB (STU:NCGB) achieved its 2030 CO2 reduction target ahead of schedule and set a new target for further reductions.
• The company is financially strong with a low net debt and is ready for selective M&A to complement its current operations.
• There is a continued positive market outlook with strong demand in key contracting segments such as infrastructure and public buildings.

Negative Points

• Property development did not recognize any sales of properties this quarter, impacting earnings.
• The strengthening SEK negatively affected the overall order backlog when translated to local currency.
• Cash flow from operating activities is significantly down from last year due to the absence of property sales.
• The commercial property and residential markets remain slow, affecting potential sales.
• The company faces competition from smaller players in Sweden and Finland, particularly in less complex projects.

Q & A Highlights

• Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with ELRXF.

Q: Could you elaborate on the M&A strategy and the size of potential acquisitions? A: We are financially strong and ready for selective M&A. We are targeting companies that complement our current operations, primarily those used to working in larger structures. The size of potential acquisitions would be at least a couple of billion in revenues. (Thomas Carlson, CEO)

Q: How do you plan to utilize your large cash position of 22 billion SEK? A: We are not planning to amortize any debts in the short term. We have a clear policy for investing our liquidity, focusing on short-term investments due to high liquidity demands. The second quarter is typically cash negative due to business increases and dividend payouts. (Susan Leander, CFO)

Q: Can you provide an update on the unsold property projects? A: The property transaction market remains slow. We were successful in selling projects last year, but it wasn't indicative of a market change. We continue to work hard to sell more finalized projects, but it depends on finding the right buyer. (Thomas Carlson, CEO)

Q: What is the status of the potential divestment of the industry division? A: The process is proceeding according to plan with significant interest. We are conducting a diligent review to determine if there's a higher value for the industry business externally. Both keeping and divesting the business are still possible outcomes. (Thomas Carlson, CEO)

Q: How is the phasing out of older projects impacting profitability in Building Nordics and Sweden? A: The phasing out is going well, with a clear improvement in margins. Several problematic projects from last year have been finalized, and we expect a gradual positive impact on profitability. (Thomas Carlson, CEO)

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.