A good start to the year

Today NCC’s report for the first quarter 2021 was published. The first quarter of the year is our low season. The weather-dependent asphalt operations are essentially at the standstill and there is always slightly lower activity throughout the contracting business due to the cold weather. Considering these factors, we had a good and consistent start to the year. 

All the business areas maintained their improvements from 2020 and deliver on a stable level. We see lower sales, but stable earnings in the contracting business and in the Industry business area. The Property Development business area recognized a project in Norway in profit but the earnings for the quarter were impacted by provisions for rental guarantees and VAT. 

We also see continued healthy demand in all countries. Major public investments in new infrastructure and maintenance contributes. In addition the economies in the Nordic countries are strong which is driving our business. NCC has a stronger order backlog, and the orders received were at a normal level for the quarter. 

For the rest of the year, I am looking forward to being able to work on developing the company and the business in the partly new situation that will follow on from the coronavirus. We are constantly taking steps in the right direction and implementing well-conceived changes internally to be able to deliver more value to our shareholders, customers, employees, and other stakeholders. 

Now, we are all hoping for the easing of pandemic restrictions in the spring and the beginning of a new normal status.