AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation increased by 14 percent to SEK 976 million (855) and EBITA increased by 52 percent to SEK 132 million (87).

Market
The Automation business area had a highly favourable market situation in the first quarter, with strong demand across all key segments for the business area, including the mechanical industry, medical technology, defence and the process industry. Stronger order intake resulted in a good increase in sales, providing highly favourable leverage on earnings and the operating margin, thanks to a stronger gross margin combined with previously implemented cost-saving and restructuring measures.

ELECTRIFICATION
Net sales in Electrification increased by 27 percent to SEK 1,099 million (863) and EBITA increased by 43 percent to SEK 178 million (124).

Market
Market conditions for the Electrification business area were generally very strong in the first quarter. Demand was strong across all of the business area’s key segments, such as electronics, special vehicles, energy, medical technology and defence. Sales increased compared with the previous year, thanks to a generally favourable business climate and strong contributions from acquisitions, primarily through sales within the marine segment. An improved product mix, increased sales and good margins from acquisitions led to strong earnings growth and a stronger operating margin. The revaluation of contingent purchase considerations affected profit for the quarter negatively by about SEK 2 million.

ENERGY
Net sales in Energy amounted to SEK 1,096 million (1,184) and EBITA amounted to SEK 213 million (227).

Market
Market conditions in the Energy business area developed very favourably over the quarter. Following a period of lower project inflows for infrastructure products relating to the renovation and expansion of national and regional grids, order intake was again very strong over the quarter. Demand was also strong in power distribution and railway, stable in power generation, while it was somewhat weak in the mechanical industry. The operating margin strengthened thanks to a good product mix, despite a decline in sales against very tough comparisons and as a result of weaker order intake in previous quarters. 

INDUSTRY
Net sales in Industry amounted to SEK 1,172 million (1,205) and EBITA amounted to SEK 245 million (256).

Market
Market conditions were favourable for the Industry business area as a whole in the first quarter, but with variations between market segments. For companies exposed to the forestry and sawmill industry, order intake remained weak and sales fell against tough comparison figures. Market conditions were favourable in electronics manufacturing and the mechanical industry, and demand increased for companies operating in subsea, as well as in waste and recycling, while it was somewhat weaker within special vehicles. The decline in turnover had a negative impact on the operating margin. The revaluation of contingent purchase considerations affected profit for the quarter positively by about SEK 13 million (7).

PROCESS 
Net sales in Process increased by 2 percent to SEK 1,001 million (978) and EBITA amounted to SEK 144 million (145).

Market
Overall, the Process business area experienced a stable market situation in the first quarter. Demand was strong in the marine segment, as well as in energy and special vehicles, while it was stable in the mechanical industry and weak in medical technology and the forestry and process industries. Although market activity was generally favourable, customers continue to hold back on investment decisions and projects are being postponed. Sales increased slightly compared with the preceding year thanks to acquisitions, and the operating margin strengthened, adjusted for the revaluation of additional purchase considerations, which affected profit for the quarter positively by approximately SEK 3 million (11). 

SAFETY
Net sales in Safety increased by 10 percent to SEK 836 million (762) and EBITA increased by 31 percent to SEK 125 million (95).

Market
For the Safety business area, the first quarter brought a good start to the financial year, with a favourable business climate and a positive demand trend. Market conditions were favourable for companies operating in traffic safety, while demand remained weak for our companies exposed to building and installation. Demand remained stable at a high level for companies operating in products and solutions for data centres and was good in electronics, energy and the mechanical industry, while remaining stable in medical technology. Overall, sales increased and the operating margin was favourable, thanks to an improved product mix and the effects of previously implemented cost-saving and restructuring measures.