2018 an "intermediate year" for Husqvarna



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Husqvarna leaves a difficult 2018 behind. However, CEO Kai Wärn sees better prospects for commodity prices and says the restructuring will already produce results this year.

husqvarnas vd Kai Wärn describes 2018 as an "intermediate year". It focuses on the decision to close the consumer goods division, which has been a problem for a long time.

"Now we are working with all the force to make 2019 a significant improvement over what we have already done," Kai Wärn told Börsmorgon.

He does not believe commodity prices will continue to rise at the same rate in 2019.

"Commodity costs for 2019 will not be decisive, but tariff increases are quite large for an effect from one year to the next.In total, we probably have half a billion dollars against us. in 2019, "says Kai Wärn.

However, the CEO declares Husqvarna can counteract this development, notably by raising its prices.

"It's very much linked to North America, of course, but we can do it," said Kai Wärn.

He also says that the restructuring costs assumed up to now will have a positive effect on the result as early as 2019. The plan remains firm, but Kai Wärn admits that Husqvarna leaves 2018 in a slightly worse situation than the one planned by the company.

"The path we have before us is solid, but we feel much better prepared for the task this year than in 2018, when significant price increases and the like have taken place adversely compared to the fixing routines. prices in the industry, "said Kai Wärn.

As for the goal According to Kai Wärn, the operating margin was 9.6% at the end of 2017, for indicative purposes, at around 10%.

"Then we'll see, I do not have the visibility today that for the whole season, so it's too early to be precise," said Kai Wärn.

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