This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

Total Growth: 11.7% in the quarter.

Organic Growth: Positive growth in all segments, contributing to the fourth consecutive quarter of organic growth.

Gross Margin: Improved by 2.1 percentage points to 33.2%.

Adjusted Operating Margin: Increased to 14.7% from 13.1% last year.

Adjusted Operating Profit: Increased by SEK 65 million or 24.2% to SEK 333 million.

Cash Flow: Increased versus the comparative quarter, supported by reduction in net working capital.

Net Debt to EBITDA: Remained at a solid 2.4% multiple.

Region Europe North and East Growth: 3.8% total growth, with a gross margin of 35.1%.

Region Europe West Growth: 35.8% total growth, with a gross margin improvement of 1.3 percentage points.

Region Americas Growth: -3.2% total growth, with a gross margin improvement of 1.6 percentage points.

Region UK and Ireland Growth: -2.3% total growth, with a gross margin improvement of 2.2 percentage points.

Region Asia-Pacific Growth: 14.6% total growth, with a gross margin improvement of 3.5 percentage points.

Release Date: July 14, 2026

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Bufab AB (FRA:29B0) achieved strong organic growth of 5.3%, driven by increased market shares and contributions from larger projects.

The company reported a significant improvement in gross margin, reaching 33.2%, an increase of 2.1 percentage points from the previous year.

Adjusted operating margin improved to 14.7%, marking consistent profitability growth over the past seven quarters.

The acquisition of DC Iron aligns with Bufab’s strategy of acquiring profitable companies in niche markets, enhancing their market position.

Bufab Shanghai received recognition as an Excellent Cooperative Supplier by Schneider Electric, highlighting strong customer relationships and service capabilities.

Negative Points

Underlying demand remained cautious, with weak performance in sectors such as construction, kitchen, bathroom, and automotive industries.

Operating expenses increased slightly, reaching 18.5% of net sales, due to investments in growth opportunities and higher personnel costs.

The Swedish krona’s strength had a slight negative impact on growth during the quarter.

The Americas region experienced a total growth decline of 3.2%, impacted by longer-than-usual plant closures and lower demand in the automotive industry.

The UK and Ireland region faced weak demand in the construction industry, affecting performance despite some positive effects from rising stainless steel prices.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you elaborate on the 10% organic growth in the West region? Is it due to previously won contracts or market share gains? A: It’s a combination of both. We have several sister companies performing well and gaining market share. Additionally, we have good momentum in the Netherlands with a big semiconductor player ramping up, contributing positively to the organic growth. The ramp-up phase is ongoing, with more expected to come. – Erik Lunden, CEO

Q: What is driving the strong growth in Asia? Are there specific projects contributing to this? A: The growth is primarily due to regular market share gains. We have strong momentum in China and India, with both regions performing well this quarter. It’s mainly driven by good performance in these areas. – Erik Lunden, CEO

Q: The UK region shows a positive trajectory. Is this due to market stabilization or specific factors? A: The market in the UK remains cautious, especially in construction. However, rising stainless steel prices positively impacted Apex. Overall, market conditions are still tough and cautious, with no significant improvements this quarter. – Erik Lunden, CEO

Q: The gross margin in America is strong at 42.4%. Were there any temporary effects impacting this? A: No, there were no temporary effects. The strong gross margin is a result of structural changes and strategic execution. – Erik Lunden, CEO

Q: Are you expecting any tariff refunds from the US? A: We have not seen any tariff refunds so far, and it’s uncertain if we will receive any. – Erik Lunden, CEO

Q: In the North and East segments, you mentioned increased personnel costs. What are these related to? A: The increased personnel costs are mainly linked to bonus accruals due to developments in the quarter. Most cost additions are from personnel, which is a significant part of our operating expenses. – Erik Lunden, CEO and Marcus Soderberg, CFO

Q: Is the price effect on organic growth in this quarter due to volume or price acceleration? A: The growth is mainly driven by volume rather than price acceleration. – Erik Lunden, CEO

Q: What is the outlook for the UK market, given the current conditions? A: The UK market remains cautious, with no significant improvements expected in the near term. We continue to focus on market share gains and strategic execution. – Erik Lunden, CEO

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.