It is a quarter in the right direction, says CEO Karl Sandlund.
We continue to improve both profitability and sales during the quarter. Not least our core categories developed positively. The increased sales contribute to increased profitability, he adds.
"Private individuals who do projects themselves"
Compared to the first quarter, the second quarter, as usual, is roughly twice as large.
We have spent a lot of time and energy on being fully prepared for the high season and have succeeded well with that, says Sandlund.
Early ordering and payment of goods have positively affected the gross margin. In addition, there is a streamlining of the range in the e-commerce store.
Well-stocked warehouses and increased frequency of deliveries to the stores are crucial factors behind the sales boost.
The increased ROT deduction – which has had positive effects in the construction industry – has an indirect positive impact.
The majority of our customers are private individuals who do projects themselves, says Sandlund.
But it is clear that everything that affects households' purchasing power – interest rates, wages, inflation – usually has an effect on demand. So, all else being equal, the ROT deduction is positive.
The number of housing transactions plays a role
Another important factor is that the number of housing transactions is increasing in the housing market.
When you buy a new house, you often want to change something or fix it, says Sandlund.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and new digital tools are also important, primarily to simplify things for customers.
We have, for example, on our website, launched a test version of an AI-based chat where customers can get advice and help on how to build and what type of products they need to build what they want, says Sandlund.
He adds that technological development is also important for Byggmax's store staff, whose most important tool is the handheld computer.
Facts: Byggmax interim report in brief
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Building materials chain Byggmax reports an operating profit of 223 million kronor for the second quarter of the year. This can be compared to 170 million the same quarter last year. The result was slightly higher than expected by analysts, according to Bloomberg. The building materials chain's sales increased to 2.2 billion during the quarter, which can be compared to 2.1 billion a year earlier. It was in line with expectations. Sales in comparable stores increased by 7.3 percent.
