Growth in Q1 amounted to 3% after a volatile quarter impacted by geopolitical turbulence and cold weather. EBITA improved to SEK 7 (6) million driven by increased sales and improved gross margins in ten out of twelve subsidiaries. Borö-Pannan’s restructuring is continuing according to plan, but with temporarily increased costs, which were charged to the quarter. After the end of the quarter, Seafire’s acquisition of Splendor Plant was completed and a rights issue of SEK 140 million. Through the acquisition, net sales will increase by about 21% and EBITA by about 39% (2025 pro forma) and the Group’s balance sheet is strengthened with scope for further acquisitions.
Q1 2026
Significant events during and after the reporting period
THE CEO’S COMMENTS ON Q1
The first quarter of 2026 marked the fourth consecutive quarter of organic growth for Seafire. The summary of growth in Q1 was not a given in a quarter with volatility influenced by geopolitics and weather conditions. Profit increased despite increased costs due to Borö-Pannan’s ongoing restructuring. The acquisition of Splendor Plant and the related rights issue were concluded after the quarter and mark a new chapter for Seafire.
Sales growth in a seasonally small quarter
Net sales in the first quarter increased by 3 percent, where effects from implemented structural changes (discontinued and divested operations) had a negative impact of approximately three percentage points. Q1 is Seafire's smallest quarter seasonally, with Q2 and Q3 normally having the highest level of activity. The quarter was volatile with a weak development in January and February but with a strong recovery in March. DOFAB performed particularly well, supported by a robust order book and underlying interest driven by stronger consumer sentiment and partly by pent-up demand. Bara Mineraler and Nordbutiker were negatively impacted by a cold start to the year but showed a good recovery in March. We remain focused on earnings rather than on volume and net sales.
Growth and improved gross margin driving improved earnings
The gross margin continued to increase and was 49 (48) percent in the quarter, with an improvement in ten out of twelve subsidiaries driven by active measures. EBITA increased to SEK 7 (6) million despite an increased cost level. Borö-Pannan’s transformation project is continuing and the Kalix facility will take over production from Motala at the end of the first half of 2026. The cost level is temporarily elevated until the move is completed. Nordbutiker has inaugurated the reconstructed facility in Rimbo and the relocation from Norrtälje will be completed in Q2, and the last inventory for the Rull segment was also sold during the quarter.
Satisfactory cash flow and reduced debt
The operating cash flow was satisfactory, particularly in view of seasonal patterns, strong sales in March as well as inventory build-up in Borö-Pannan before the relocation. Our focus on working capital is continuing but as previously communicated, the full effects will take time to achieve. Net debt including tax deferrals decreased to SEK 242 (308) million and the Net debt/EBITDA ratio was 3.0x (4.3x) at the end of the quarter, excluding tax deferrals 2.5x (3.3x).
Transformative acquisition of Splendor Plant completed
After the end of the quarter, a rights issue of SEK 140 million was carried out and the acquisition of Splendor Plant was completed. The significantly oversubscribed (127 percent) rights issue was a sign of strength in a turbulent stock market – we thank you, our shareholders, for your trust. The acquisition of Splendor is strategically important and creates a larger and more resilient Seafire with about 20 percent higher net sales and 40 percent higher EBITA (2025 pro forma). The acquisition, the rights issue and the new financing facilities agreement reduce our debt ratio and increase our available liquidity for acquisitions and investments.
Cautiously positive outlook, volatile macro environment
The start of 2026 has been turbulent with disruptions in supply chains and increased energy costs. We see signs of good underlying demand, but at the same time realize that geopolitics, which is beyond our control, has a major impact on our subsidiaries on both the cost and demand side. We ensure good preparedness and are ready to act according to prevailing circumstances. Our priorities are continued profit growth, cash flow and value-creating acquisitions related to our subsidiaries.
I would like to extend a big thank you to all employees in the Group for your dedicated efforts and to our shareholders for your continued support and trust.
Daniel Repfennig
President and CEO