Record quarterly margins and operating leverage
Q4 record margins: EBIT margin 16.8% (up ~30 bps year-over-year) and EBITA margin 17.9%; strong operating leverage across the group (quarter-level operating leverage ~80 bps; Americas 120 bps; Global Tech significant leverage). EBIT in Q4 was SEK 6.5 billion.
Very strong cash generation and balance sheet metrics
Exceptional cash conversion of 137% in Q4 and 106% for the full year; continued improvement in gearing (net debt/EBITDA ~2.1x, net debt/equity ~63%). Board proposes dividend SEK 6.4 per share. Continued capacity to pursue acquisitions.
Organic growth complemented by acquisitions
Q4 organic sales growth of 4% and net acquisition growth of 3% (sales "north of SEK 38 billion" in the quarter); full year: 3% organic, 5% acquired net growth, but FX hit (-7%) reduced reported growth to +1% for the year. Company completed 7 acquisitions in Q4 and 23 over the full year representing ~SEK 6 billion annualized sales.
Strong divisional performance (Global Tech & Americas)
Global Tech: organic growth +9% in Q4 with an EBIT margin of 18.9%. Americas: organic +5% with EBIT margin 17.9% and excellent operating leverage. Regional wins: Latam +12%, Australia & New Zealand +8%, North America +4%, EMEIA organic +4%.
Electromechanical shift and recurring software momentum
Continued shift from mechanical to electromechanical with electromechanical organic sales growth of 8% in regional divisions. Recurring Software-as-a-Service revenue increased materially (from ~2% of sales in 2018 to close to ~6% today), driving higher-margin, recurring revenue streams.
Operational efficiency and cost actions
MFP savings of ~SEK 180 million in the quarter; flow-through about 40% in Q4 delivering ~80 bps EBIT accretion. Conversion costs improved (~30 bps better versus prior year for the quarter).
Active and sizable M&A pipeline with targeted strategic deals
23 acquisitions in the year (seven in Q4); highlighted strategic buys include Sargent & Greenleaf (SEK 430m sales) and International Door Products (SEK 220m sales). Company states a pipeline of potential targets (~900 identified) and reiterates ambition of ~5% acquisition growth over a cycle.