DEVELOPMENT IN THE BUSINESS AREAS

AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation increased in the third quarter by 6 percent to SEK 625 million (588) and EBITA increased by 13 percent to SEK 58 million (51). Net sales during the period increased by 2 percent to SEK 1,770 million (1,731) and EBITA amounted to SEK 168 million (168).

Market
Overall, the Automation business area was affected marginally negatively by COVID-19. During the quarter, demand increased for the companies exposed to the Nordic engineering sector. In other segments of importance for the business area, such as medical technology, the defence industry and the data and telecommunications segment, the market situation remained positive with stable sales. The business situation among the companies operating in the markets outside the Nordic region remained affected by shutdowns and restrictions.

COMPONENTS
Net sales in Components increased in the third quarter by 2 percent to SEK 498 million (489) and EBITA decreased by 9 percent to SEK 37 million (41). Net sales during the period decreased by 2 percent to SEK 1,481 million (1,504) and EBITA decreased by 10 percent to SEK 137 million (153).

Market
On the whole, the Components business area was affected moderately negatively by COVID-19. In Denmark and Sweden the market situation over the quarter was favourable, in Norway it was stable, while in Finland the business situation was varied. Demand remained favourable in the wind power market and the automotive and engineering industries saw a certain degree of recovery from low levels, while the business situation in electronics was stable. Currency effects, product mix and non-recurring items in the form of restructuring costs had a negative effect on outcomes and margins.

ENERGY
Net sales in Energy increased in the third quarter by 10 percent to SEK 657 million (596) and EBITA increased by 42 percent to SEK 87 million (62). Net sales during the period increased by 9 percent to SEK 1,973 million (1,808) and EBITA increased by 21 percent to SEK 247 million (204).

Market
The business situation in the Energy business area remained highly favourable in the third quarter, affected only marginally by COVID-19. Sales of infrastructure products for upgrading and building out national and regional grids and for wind power, maintained high levels and the market situation remained stable throughout the quarter. The market situations for the units that are active in sales of niche products for electrical power distribution and for building and installation were stabilised during the quarter after a long period of declining demand due to the pandemic.

INDUSTRIAL PROCESS
Net sales in Industrial Process decreased in the third quarter by 12 percent to SEK 707 million (800) and EBITA decreased by 10 percent to SEK 86 million (95). Net sales during the period decreased by 17 percent to SEK 2,056 million (2,472) and EBITA decreased by 29 percent to SEK 236 million (332).

Market
The Industrial Process business area was affected very negatively by the effects of COVID-19. In the process industry, the business situation was stable and demand for projects in the forest industry remained high. Demand for solutions for scrubber installations remained low and sales decreased by approximately 80 percent compared with the corresponding period in the preceding year. The market situation developed favourable for the companies within special vehicles and the engineering sector.

POWER SOLUTIONS
Net sales in Power Solutions increased in the third quarter by 6 percent to SEK 398 million (377) and EBITA increased  by 38 percent to SEK 50 million (36). Net sales during the period decreased by 4 percent to SEK 1,144 million (1,196) and EBITA decreased by 10 percent to SEK 146 million (163).

Market
The Power Solutions business area was affected moderately negatively by the effects of COVID-19. The market situation for the operations within special vehicles stabilised and demand increased. Demand was favourable for customised battery solutions and for the companies operating in power supply. In wind power the business situation remained favourable over the quarter and in data and telecommunications it was stable.