AUTOMATION
Net sales in Automation increased in the second quarter by 20 percent to SEK 964 million (801) and EBITA increased by 54 percent to SEK 134 million (87). Net sales during the period increased by 17 percent to SEK 1,940 million (1,656) and EBITA increased by 53 percent to SEK 266 million (174). 

Market
The Automation business area had a highly favourable business climate over the second quarter, with strong demand and sales across all segments of key importance to the business area, such as the mechanical industry, medical technology, defence and the process industry. The increase in sales, combined with a stronger gross margin and the implementation of cost-saving and restructuring measures, provided very good leverage on earnings and an improved operating margin. 

ELECTRIFICATION
Net sales in Electrification increased in the second quarter by 31 percent to SEK 1,078 million (822) and EBITA increased by 41 percent to SEK 168 million (120). Net sales during the period increased by 29 percent to SEK 2,177 million (1,685) and EBITA increased by 42 percent to SEK 346 million (244). 

Market
The Electrification business area saw a highly positive sales trend over the second quarter with strong demand. Market conditions were favourable in defence, transport, medical technology and energy, while they remained stable in electronics and special vehicles. An improved product mix, increased sales and good margins from acquisitions led to strong earnings growth and a strengthened operating margin. The revaluation of contingent purchase considerations had a positive impact on earnings for the quarter of approximately SEK 2 million. 

ENERGY
Net sales in Energy increased in the second quarter by 2 percent to SEK 993 million (972) and EBITA increased by 4 percent to SEK 187 million (180). Net sales during the period amounted to SEK 2,089 million (2,156) and EBITA amounted to SEK 400 million (407). 

Market
The Energy business area experienced exceptionally strong demand in the second quarter with a positive sales trend. Market conditions were strongest for companies supplying products and solutions for the renovation and expansion of national and regional grids. Demand was good in distribution and railway, while it was weak in the mechanical industry and stable in power generation, as well as in data and telecom. The operating margin strengthened thanks to a favourable product mix. 

INDUSTRY
Net sales in Industry in the second quarter amounted to SEK 1,080 million (1,163) and EBITA amounted to SEK 195 million (224). Net sales during the period amounted to SEK 2,252 million (2,368) and EBITA amounted to SEK 440 million (480). 

Market
Overall, the Industry business area faced a challenging business environment in the second quarter. Sales declined against tough year-on-year comparisons, while demand remained stable. Companies exposed to the forestry and sawmill industries reported an increase in order intake from low levels, but the underlying market situation remained weak and sales declined. Market conditions were stable in the mechanical industry, waste and recycling, and special vehicles; furthermore, demand was strong in subsea, electronics manufacturing, and for products and solutions for data centers. The decline in turnover had a negative impact on the operating margin. Extraordinary acquisition costs had a negative impact on the quarter’s profit of approximately SEK 10 million. 

PROCESS 
Net sales in Process increased in the second quarter by 7 percent to SEK 1,003 million (936) and EBITA increased by1 percent to SEK 137 million (136). Net sales during the period increased by 5 percent to SEK 2,004 million (1,914) and EBITA amounted to SEK 281 million (281). 

Market
Overall, market conditions were favourable for the Process business area in the second quarter. Demand was strong for companies operating in marine, as well as in the energy and special vehicles segments, while it was weaker in medical technology and stable in mechanical industry. The market situation was also generally favourable in the forestry and process industries, although there were variations: oil and gas, forestry and the chemical industry were somewhat weaker, while food and water management experienced strong demand. Although market activity was generally favourable, customers are still holding back on investment decisions. Although sales performed well over the quarter, the product mix, combined with increased costs at a number of companies, impacted the operating margin negatively. 

SAFETY
Net sales in Safety increased in the second quarter by 5 percent to SEK 798 million (763) and EBITA increased by 63 percent to SEK 177 million (109). Net sales during the period increased by 7 percent to SEK 1,634 million (1,525) and EBITA increased by 48 percent to SEK 302 million (204). 

Market
While market conditions for the Safety business area were generally favourable in the second quarter, there were variations between market segments. Demand was very strong for companies operating in products and solutions for data centers, while it was weaker for those in traffic safety. The market situation was also favourable in electronics, defence and energy, while remaining generally weak for companies exposed to the building and installation. Sales increased overall, mainly due to contributions from acquisitions, and the adjusted operating margin rose thanks to an improved product mix and the effects of previously implemented cost-saving and restructuring measures. During the quarter, the business area implemented an operational realignment in one of its companies, which involved writing off associated contingent purchase considerations, impacting profit positively by about SEK 64 million. This also incurred restructuring costs, negatively impacting profit by about SEK 9 million.