STOCKHOLM, April 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --  Well positioned for the gardening season First quarter 2024            Net sales decreased by 14% to SEK 14,719m (17,167). Changes in exchange rates had a neutral effect.  Planned exits of low-margin petrol-powered business impacted with -4%. Organic sales* decreased by 11%.  The Gardena Division achieved an organic growth of 2%.  Operating income was SEK 1,930m (2,364) and the operating margin was 13.1% (13.8).  Earnings per share before dilution amounted to SEK 2.31 (2.90) and earnings per share after dilution amounted to SEK 2.31 (2.88).  Cash flow from operations and investments was SEK -1,057m (588). Direct operating cash flow was SEK -1,614m (-239), impacted by the planned reduction of trade receivables financing. Husqvarna Group acquired ETwater – expanding the Gardena Division's commercial irrigation offering in North America, see page 7.  Well positioned for the gardening season "As the first quarter progressed, which is a sell-in period, sales gradually improved. We went from a cautious start among our trade partners, to a more favorable development as the gardening season now begins. The Group's organic sales declined by 11% during the quarter, coming from a record first quarter last year. The operating income amounted to SEK 1,930m (2,364). Our cost savings program is progressing as planned, with savings of SEK 185m in the quarter. The Gardena Division achieved organic growth, driven by the watering category and hand tools in Europe. The division delivered improved operating income and higher operating margin from the sales growth and result from operational efficiency measures. In addition, good progress in North America contributed to an improved operating income.  In the Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division, sales of robotic mowers for the professional market and battery-powered products were strong. However, sales of petrol-powered wheeled products continued on a low ...