The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic began in early 2020. Setra’s crisis management team is monitoring the progress of the virus and its potential impact on Setra’s operations on a daily basis.
Setra has reported a positive operating profit of SEK 12 million for the first quarter, which is attributable to high delivery levels coupled with rising selling prices. Earnings for the first quarter have slightly exceeded expectations and have not been noticeably affected by the virus outbreak. There is considerable uncertainty in the market, and in response to declining demand, primarily in Central Europe and the UK, Setra plans to cut back on production by approximately 20 percent over the next few months via the implementation of furloughs.
“Setra is continuing to uphold the strong collaborative spirit that exists within and between its units, while maintaining a high level of flexibility. This is helping us effectively manage the difficulties and challenges we face,” says Katarina Levin, Setra’s CEO.
The end of March saw construction start on Pyrocell’s plant, which is being built next to Setra’s Kastet sawmill. The plant will convert sawdust from the sawmill into pyrolysis oil. It will produce about 25,000 tonnes of pyrolysis oil, equivalent to the annual fuel consumption of 15,000 cars, and is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Setra’s strategic investments in a cross-laminated timber mill in Långshyttan and a trim saw and planing machine in Hasselfors progressed as planned during the quarter.
Cash flow from operating activities in the first quarter of 2020 amounted to SEK 30 million (-6). Net financial debt amounted to SEK 452 million (-9) at the end of the period, which corresponds to a net debt/equity ratio of 32 percent (-1).
| Key figures* | Jan–March (3 months) |
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| 2020 | 2019 | |||
| Net sales, SEKm | 1,094 | 1,128 | ||
| Operating profit/loss SEKm | 12 | 83 | ||
| Profit/loss after tax, SEKm | 3 | 64 | ||
| Operating margin, % | 0.5 | 7.3 | ||
| Return on operating capital, %, 12 months | -3.6 | 20.2 | ||
| Cash flow from operating activities, SEKm | 30 | -6 | ||
Setra does not publish a complete year-end report.
