Annual Report • Feb 23, 2024
Annual Report
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer
BOARD OF DIRECTORS' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2023
0 This is a voluntary prepared pdf report, so it does not fulfill the disclosure obligation pursuant to Section 7:5§ of the Securities Markets Act.
| Report of the Board of Directors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Consolidated financial statements | 20 |
| Consolidated statement of comprehensive income | 20 |
| Consolidated statement of financial position | 21 |
| Consolidated cash flow statement | 22 |
| Consolidated statement of changes in equity | 23 |
| Notes to consolidated financial statements | 24 |
| 1. GENERAL INFORMATION | 24 |
| 1.1 Group information | 24 |
| 1.2 Basis of preparation | 24 |
| 1.3 Going concern principle | 24 |
| 1.4 New and amended standards applied in financial year | 25 |
| 1.5 Management judgement and use of estimates | 25 |
| 2. FINANCIAL RESULT | 26 |
| 2.1 Segment reporting | 26 |
| 2.2 Revenue from contracts with customers | 27 |
| 2.3 Employee benefit expenses | 31 |
| 2.4 Other income and expenses | 31 |
| 2.5 Research and development costs | 32 |
| 2.6 Financial income and expenses | 33 |
| 2.7 Income taxes | 34 |
| 2.8 Earnings per share | 36 |
| 2.9 Adjustments to cash flow from business operations | 36 |
| 3. TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS | 36 |
| 3.1 Tangible assets | 36 |
| 3.2 Right-of-use assets | 38 |
| 3.3 Intangible assets | 40 |
| 3.4 Depreciation, amortization, and impairment | 44 |
| 4. OPERATIONAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES | 44 |
| 4.1 Trade and other receivables | 44 |
| 4.2 Inventories | 45 |
| 4.3 Trade and other payables | 45 |
| 4.4 Provisions | 46 |
| 5. CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL ITEMS | 47 |
| 5.1 Financial risk management and capital management | 47 |
| 5.2 Financial assets and liabilities | 49 |
| 5.3 Other investments | 52 |
| 5.4 Cash and cash equivalents | 52 |
| 5.5 Equity | 53 |
| 5.6 Conditional debts and liabilities | 54 |
| 6. OTHER NOTES | 54 |
| 6.1 Consolidation principles and group companies | 54 |
| 6.2 Related party transactions | 55 |
| 6.3 Business combinations | 57 |
| 6.4 Events after the balance sheet date | 58 |
| PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS | 59 |
| Parent company's statement of comprehensive income | 59 |
| Parent company's statement of financial position | 60 |
| Parent company's cash flow statement | 61 |
| Parent company's statement of changes in equity | 62 |
| Notes to Solteq Plc financial statements | 63 |
| Proposal for distribution of profits | 81 |
| Signatures to the report of the Board of directors and the financial statements | 82 |
| Auditor's report | 83 |
The year 2023 was tough for Solteq. The revenue and profitability development was hindered by the weakened demand in the Retail & Commerce segment, along with the continued problems in the development and quality of products in the Utilities segment. The Group's comparable revenue was EUR 54.2 million (57.2), down by 5.3 percent relative to the comparison period. The comparable EBITDA was EUR 0.7 million (4.5), and the comparable operating result was EUR -3.9 million (-0.6).
In Retail & Commerce, the comparable revenue for the financial year was EUR 40.5 million (42.6). The comparable EBITDA was EUR 3.4 million (4.9), and the comparable operating result was EUR 0.7 million (1.7) for the financial year. The volatile world economy negatively impacted demand for services and solutions offered by the segment, as well as cost levels. In the second quarter of the year, the segment's business based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Retail was sold to Azets Group. The net debt-free purchase price of the business will be closed in the second quarter of the ongoing financial year, and it will be EUR 15–20 million. The transaction allowed the company to decrease its indebtedness and focus even more on the chosen software solutions, expert services, and business areas.
In the Utilities segment, the revenue diminished in the financial year and was EUR 13.7 million (14.6). Problems in the quality and development of Utilities software products burdened the performance of the segment particularly in the first half of the year. This reduced customer invoicing and increased project delivery costs. For the financial year, the comparable EBITDA was EUR -2.7 million (-0.5), and the comparable operating result was EUR -4.5 million (-2.3). In the third quarter, the company initiated change negotiations for the Utilities software business to improve profitability and operational efficiency. The negotiations were completed in the fourth quarter. As a result of the negotiations and implemented efficiency and cost-saving measures, the company expects to achieve approximately EUR 3.8 million in cost savings annually. These savings are expected to be fully realized during the financial year 2024, although optimizing cost structure during the review period has already enhanced the segment's profitability.
During the fourth quarter of the review period, the company announced a change in its product development practices. Developing its software products had become an integral part of continuous services and standard operations, and the costs related to product development no longer met the requirements for activating them. During the fourth quarter, the company treated the product development expenses of its existing software products as cost items in the income statement, as part of normal business operations, and ceased product development cost activations. Additionally, in December 2023, the company assessed the product development investment activations on the balance sheet and the expected returns. As a result of the assessment, the company made a EUR 7.5 million writeoff, issued a profit warning, and updated its profit guidance.
Solteq aims to meet the changing needs of the energy sector, retail industry, and e-commerce through its product development and expert services in the Nordics. The Group's reportable business segments are Utilities and Retail & Commerce. The Utilities segment offers software solutions and expert services for the energy sector, and the Retail & Commerce segment for retail and e-commerce.The business areas share similar characteristics, such as the rapidly evolving digital transformation and the need for more intelligent and efficient core functions. The company estimates that its offering matches the industryspecific development needs where the Nordic decision-makers are focusing their IT investments in the coming years.
The demand for software solutions and expert services in the Nordic energy sector is accelerated by changes in the industry's regulation, the transition towards renewable energy, and the potential for more streamlined business operations created by the developing technology. The business of the Utilities segment consists of software solutions and expert services, which comprehensively take into account the regulatory changes in the Nordics and EU. Among these are nationally driven datahub projects for centralized information exchange and the unification of operating models regarding measurement practices and the opening of electricity markets. The company estimates that the segment's industryspecific expertise and offering create a clear competitive advantage in the Nordic energy market. The long-term market outlook for the Utilities segment is expected to remain good and provide opportunities for profitable growth.
The volatile world economics has created significant uncertainties, such as high inflation and increased interest rates, which negatively affect the customer organizations' capability to invest in solutions and services represented by the Retail & Commerce segment. The long-term market outlook for Retail and commerce is moderate, and the Nordic markets are slowly recovering from the economic downturn. The rapidly evolving digitalization, adoption of omnichannel and AI strategies, and the need for secure, reliable, and coherent IT ecosystems will accelerate the demand as the economies stabilize.
The company expects the comparable revenue to grow and the operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023.
| 2023 | 2022 | Change-% 2023-2022 |
2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue, TEUR | 57,655 | 68,426 | -15.7 | 69,055 |
| Comparable revenue, TEUR | 54,183 | 57,230 | -5.3 | 56,633 |
| EBITDA, TEUR | 8,695 | 5,555 | 56.5 | 12,267 |
| Comparable EBITDA, TEUR | 694 | 4,469 | -84.5 | 10,209 |
| Operating result, TEUR | -3,541 | -4,406 | -19.6 | 7,123 |
| Comparable operating result, TEUR | -3,881 | -613 | 533.2 | 5,568 |
| Result for the financial period, TEUR | -5,380 | -5,404 | -0.4 | 4,100 |
| Earnings per share, EUR | -0.28 | -0.28 | -0.4 | 0.21 |
| Operating result, % | -6.1 | -6.4 | 10.3 | |
| Comparable operating result, % | -7.2 | -1.1 | 9.8 | |
| Equity ratio, % | 30.1 | 30.3 | 36.9 |
Revenue decreased by 15.7 percent compared to the previous year and totaled EUR 57,655 thousand (68,426). Operating result for the review period was EUR -3,541 thousand (-4,406). Comparable operating result was EUR -3,881 thousand (-613). Result before taxes was EUR -4,715 thousand (-6,574) and the result for the financial period was EUR -5,380 thousand (-5,404).
The segment's comparable revenue for the review period was EUR 40,486 thousand (42,629), a decrease of 5.0 percent relative to the comparison period. The comparable EBITDA was EUR 3,363 thousand (4,931), and the comparable operating result was EUR 666 thousand (1,695).
On April 17, 2023, Solteq announced the selling of its business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail ERP systems to Azets Group. The transaction was completed on May 2, 2023.
The segment provides software solutions and expert services for the retail industry and e-commerce. Of the segment's revenue, 60.0percent came from e-commerce solutions and expert services, 10.0 percent from ERP systems, and 30.0 percent from solutions and expert services related to the retail industry.
The segment's revenue for the review period was EUR 13,697 thousand (14,601), down by 6.2 percent relative to the comparison period. The segment's comparable EBITDA was EUR -2,669 thousand (-462), and the comparable operating result was EUR -4,547 thousand (-2,308).
Utilities offers software solutions and expert services for the energy sector. Software solutions accounted for 83.7 percent, and expert services for 16.3 percent of the segment's revenue.
Recurring revenue accounted for 33.2 percent of the segment's revenue and consists of software licensing, maintenance, and support fees. In the long term, the aim is to raise recurring software-based revenue to half of the Utilities segment's revenue.
The persistent work with product development and quality assurance continued throughout the review period. The results are expected to materialize in the financial year 2024.
The segment has been exploring the business potential of the Salesforce-based customer information system, acquired in November 2022. The solution has generated customer interest and is being further developed to expand the applications from water to electricity and district heating.
On August 29, 2023, change negotiations concerning the segment's software business were initiated to restructure the organization and improve the business's profitability. As a result of the negotiations and the efficiency and cost savings measures taken, the company estimates to achieve annual cost-savings of approximately EUR 3.8 million. The majority of cost savings are expected to be realized for 2024. Following the negotiations, the number of employees working for the Utilities software business was reduced by 39 in Finland. In addition, the company implemented cost savings and reduction measures in other group companies.
Total assets amounted to EUR 57,189 thousand (74,336) at the end of the review period. Liquid assets totaled EUR 1,853 thousand (2,057). The company has a standby credit limit of EUR 5,000 thousand. At the end of the review period, EUR 1,000 thousand (5,000) of the standby credit limit was in use. The company also has a bank account credit limit of EUR 2,000 thousand. At the end of the review period, EUR 698 thousand (805) of the bank account credit limit was in use. At the end of the review period, the company had a EUR 329 thousand (1,463) Business Finland loan for product development. During the review period, the company received a decision from Business Finland, whereby a total of EUR 1,011 thousand will not be collected from the capital of the loans granted forresearch and product development projects that ended in the previous financial period.
The Group's interest-bearing liabilities were EUR 26,357 thousand (33,474).
Solteq Group's equity ratio was 30.1 percent (30.3).
On October 1, 2020, Solteq issued a fixed rate senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million. Annual interest of 6.0 percent is paid on the bond, and it will mature on October 1, 2024. The bond can be redeemed before its final maturity date. Solteq Plc repurchased a share of the above-mentioned bond with a nominal value of EUR 0.6 million in the financial year 2023.
The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing during the financial year 2023. The arrangement consists of the renewal of the existing bond and of the standby and bank account credit limits. The financial negotiations and related measures have progressed as planned and the management believes that the negotiations will end with a positive outcome. Based on this, the management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small.
The terms of the bond include financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond (Incurrence Covenant). The covenants require that the equity ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1, and that the Group's net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the reporting period. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the above-mentioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond.
The net investments during the review period were EUR 2,868 thousand (9,217). During the review period, no investments were made in business acquisitions, but of the net investments in the comparison period, EUR 5,291 thousand were related to business acquisitions. The effect of the Microsoft BC and LS Retail business transaction in May 2023 on the goodwill at the time of sale was EUR -5,904 thousand. In the comparison period, on January 3, 2022, Solteq Plc acquired the entire share capital of Enerity Solutions Oy and the entire share capital of S2B Energia Oy on November 7, 2022. A total of EUR 2,698 thousand (3,676) of the net investments were capitalized development costs relating to the continued further development of the existing software products and the development of new software products. Other investments were EUR 170 thousand (250). Other investments include the net change in rented
premises and equipment, totaling EUR 170 thousand (302). During the review period, the Company made a EUR 3,955 thousand write-off to the development costs in the Utilities business and EUR 3,520 thousand in the Retail & Commerce business.
Capitalized development costs included EUR 1,501 thousand (2,367) in personnel costs.
The number of permanent employees at the end of the review period was 498 (662).
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average number of personnel during the financial period | 572 | 676 | 637 |
| Employee benefit expenses, TEUR | 33,570 | 37,273 | 33,987 |
Solteq Group's related parties include the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the Group's Executive Team, as well as their related parties and entities according to the IAS24 standard. The related party transactions and euro amounts are presented in attachment 6.2.
Solteq Plc's equity on December 31, 2023, was EUR 1,009,154.17 which was represented by 19,396,501 shares. The shares have no nominal value. All shares have an equal entitlement to dividends and company assets. Shares are governed by a redemption clause.
Solteq Plc did not hold any treasury shares at the end of the review period.
During the review period, the exchange of Solteq's shares in the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd was 4.5 million shares (13.0) and EUR 4.9 million (36.3). The highest rate during the review period was EUR 1.80 and the lowest rate was EUR 0.68. The weighted average rate of the share was EUR 1.08, and the end rate was EUR 0.76. The market value of the company's shares at the end of the review period totaled EUR 14.7 million (23.9).
At the end of the review period, Solteq had a total of 7,060 shareholders (7,864). Solteq's 10 largest shareholders owned 10,486 thousand shares, i.e., they owned 54.1 percent of the company's shares and votes. Solteq Plc's members of the Board of Directors and CEO owned 79 thousand (26) shares on December 31, 2023.
| Number of owners | Shares and votes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCS | % | PCS | % | |
| Private companies | 212 | 3.00 | 4,225,409 | 21.78 |
| Financial and insurance institutions | 10 | 0.14 | 1,254,455 | 6.47 |
| Public sector organizations | 3 | 0.04 | 5,196,890 | 26.79 |
| Households | 6,807 | 96.42 | 8,412,941 | 43.37 |
| Non-profit organizations | 4 | 0.06 | 93,731 | 0.48 |
| Foreign owners | 16 | 0.23 | 213,075 | 1.10 |
| Total | 7,060 | 100.00 | 19,396,501 | 100.00 |
| Total of nominee registered | 8 | 0.11 | 231,969 | 1.20 |
| Number of owners | Shares and votes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of shares | PCS | % | PCS | % |
| 1 - 100 | 2,402 | 34.02 | 112,349 | 0.58 |
| 101 – 1,000 | 3,470 | 49.15 | 1,429,620 | 7.37 |
| 1,001 – 10,000 | 1,059 | 15.00 | 2,994,455 | 15.44 |
| 10,001 – 100,000 | 112 | 1.59 | 3,223,506 | 16.62 |
| 100,001 – 1,000,000 | 13 | 0.18 | 4,244,112 | 21.88 |
| 1,000,000 - | 4 | 0.06 | 7,392,459 | 38.11 |
| Total | 7,060 | 100.00 | 19,396,501 | 100.00 |
| of which nominee registered | 8 | 0.11 | 231,969 | 1.20 |
| Shares and votes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| number | % | ||
| 1. | Profiz Business Solution Oy | 2,195,569 | 11.32 |
| 2. | Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company | 2,000,000 | 10.31 |
| 3. | Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company | 1,651,293 | 8.51 |
| 4. | Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company | 1,545,597 | 7.97 |
| 5. | Aktia Capital Mutual Fund | 770,000 | 3.97 |
| 6. | Aalto Seppo Tapio | 625,000 | 3.22 |
| 7. | Saadetdin Ali Urhan | 602,216 | 3.10 |
| 8. | Säästöpankki Small Cap Mutual Fund | 500,000 | 2.58 |
| 9. | Incedo Oy | 313,178 | 1.61 |
| 10. | Mandatum Life Insurance Company Ltd. | 283,439 | 1.46 |
| 10 largest shareholders total | 10,486,292 | 54.06 | |
| Total of nominee-registered | 231,969 | 1.20 | |
| Others | 8,678,240 | 44.74 | |
| Total | 19,396,501 | 100.00 |
Solteq's Annual General Meeting was held on March 29, 2023. The Annual General Meeting approved the financial statements for the period January 1–December 31, 2022, and discharged the CEO and the Board of Directors from liability.
In accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors, it was resolved that no dividend is distributed for the financial year that ended on December 31, 2022.
The Annual General Meeting approved the shareholders' proposal to establish a Shareholders' Nomination Committee for the company and its Rules of Procedure were confirmed.
The Annual General Meeting adopted the remuneration report of the company's governing bodies. The decision to adopt the remuneration report is advisory.
The Annual General Meeting approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to amend Article 11 of the Articles of Association to enable holding general meetings of shareholders remotely entirely without a physical meeting venue.
The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to decide on a share issue carried out with or without payment and on issuing share options and other special rights referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act as follows:
The maximum total number of shares or other rights issued under the authorization is 2,000,000. The authorization includes the right to issue new shares and special rights or convey treasury shares. The new shares and rights can be issued, and treasury shares conveyed in a directed share issue deviating from the shareholders' pre-emptive right of subscription if there is a weighty financial reason for the company, e.g., to improve the capital structure, to execute business acquisitions, and other business improvement arrangements. The authorization cannot be used to implement the company's incentive schemes. The authorization is proposed to include the right for the Board of Directors to decide on all other terms concerning the share issue and granting special rights, including the subscription price and payment of the subscription price in cash or in whole or in part by other means (subscription in kind) or by using the subscriber's receivable to offset the subscription price and record it in the company's balance sheet. The authorization is effective until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than April 30, 2024. This authorization cancels the corresponding decision made by the Annual General Meeting 2022.
The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to decide on a share issue carried out with or without payment and on issuing share options and other special rights referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act as follows:
The maximum total number of shares or other rights issued under the authorization is 1,000,000. The authorization includes the right to issue new shares and special rights or convey treasury shares. The new shares and rights can be issued, and treasury shares conveyed in a directed share issue deviating from the shareholders' pre-emptive right of subscription as part of the implementation of the company's incentive schemes, which means there is a weighty financial reason for the company. The purpose of such incentive schemes must be to bind the company's key personnel for a period of 3-5 years. In addition, the purpose is that the now granted authorization's maximum amount covers the company's key personnel's incentive schemes for at least 3 years. The authorization is proposed to include the right
for the Board of Directors to decide on the other terms concerning the share issue and granting special rights, including the subscription price and payment of the subscription price in cash or by using the subscriber's receivable to offset the subscription price and record it in the company's balance sheet. The authorization is effective until April 30, 2026. This authorization cancels the corresponding decision made by the Annual General Meeting 2022.
The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to decide on repurchasing the company's own shares as follows: The number of own shares to be repurchased based on the authorization cannot exceed 500,000. Shares may be repurchased in one or more lots. The Company may use only unrestricted equity to repurchase its own shares.
Own shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the share ownership of the shareholders (directed repurchase). The purchase price shall be at least the lowest price paid for the company's shares in regulated trading at the time of purchase and at most the highest price paid for Company shares in regulated trading at the time of purchase. Own shares can be purchased to be used to improve the capital structure of the company, to execute business acquisitions and other business improvement arrangements, or as a part of the implementation of the company's incentive schemes. The authorization is effective until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than April 30, 2024. This authorization cancels the corresponding decision made by the Annual General Meeting 2022.
The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to decide on accepting the company's own shares as pledge as follows: The Board of Directors is authorized to decide on accepting the company's own shares as pledge (directed) in connection with business acquisitions or when executing other business arrangements. The pledge may occur in one or several transactions. The number of own shares accepted as pledge cannot exceed 2,000,000. The Board of Directors decides on other terms concerning the pledge. The authorization is effective until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than April 30, 2024. This authorization cancels the corresponding decision made by the Annual General Meeting 2022.
The Annual General Meeting on March 29, 2023, resolved to re-elect the current members of the Board of Directors Markku Pietilä, Panu Porkka, Anni Sarvaranta, Katarina Cantell, and Mika Sutinen, and elect Esko Mertsalmi as a new member of the Board.
In its organizing meeting after the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors re-elected Markku Pietilä as its chairman.
Mika Sutinen, Katarina Cantell, and Markku Pietilä were elected as members of the Audit Committee. Mika Sutinen acts as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
The Annual General Meeting resolved that KPMG Oy Ab, would continue as the company's auditor. KPMG Oy Ab has informed that Petri Sammalisto, Authorized Public Accountant, is the auditor with principal responsibility.
On January 16, 2023, Solteq announced having updated its long-term financial targets. Solteq Plc's Board of Directors has approved the company's segment-specific long-term targets, which are based on the updated strategy and segment structure.
On January 27, 2023, Solteq announced that the Board of Directors has appointed Oona Silén as VP of People and Culture and member of the Executive Team of the company as of February 6, 2023.
On March 22, 2023, Solteq published comparable data according to the new reporting structure for the financial year 2022. Starting from the financial year 2023, the Group's reported business segments are Utilities and Retail & Commerce. The reported business segments in the previous reporting structure were Solteq Software and Solteq Digital.
On April 17, 2023, Solteq announced having sold its ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail solutions to Azets Group. The completion of the transaction took place on May 2, 2023. The table section of this Financial Statements Bulletin provides more detailed information regarding the transaction.
On April 17, 2023, Solteq announced withdrawing the profit guidance, published on February 16, 2023, due to the ongoing business transfer transaction.
On May 3, 2023, Solteq issued the new profit guidance for 2023. The company's new profit guidance for 2023 is: Solteq's revenue is expected to be EUR 60–62 million and operating result to be slightly negative excluding the one-time profit recognition of EUR 8 million on the sale of the Group's ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail solutions. The previous profit guidance for 2023 was: Solteq Group's revenue is expected to remain on the same level and operating profit to be positive.
On August 23, 2023, Solteq announced initiating change negotiations to improve operational efficiencies and profitability in the Utilities segment.
On September 6, 2023, Solteq announced that the members of Shareholders' Nomination Committee have been appointed. The Shareholders' Nomination Committee of Solteq Plc consists of representatives of the four largest shareholders, registered on August 31, 2023.
On September 19, 2023, Solteq issued a profit warning, lowering its 2023 profit guidance for revenue and operating result. The new profit guidance for 2023 is: Solteq's revenue is expected to be EUR 57–59 million and operating result to be negative, excluding the one-time profit recognition of EUR 8 million on the sale of the Group's ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail solutions.
On September 20, 2023, Solteq published the financial reporting schedule and planned Annual General Meeting date for 2024.
On October 11, 2023, Solteq announced having completed the change negotiations concerning the Utilities segment. As a result of efficiency and cost savings measures to be implemented, the company estimates to achieve annual cost savings of approximately EUR 3.8 million in total. The majority of cost savings are expected to be realized for 2024. As a result of the negotiations, the number of employees working for the Utilities software business will reduce by, at most, 39 due to resignations and lay-offs.
On December 20, 2023, Solteq announced having changed its product development practices during the current financial year, having assessed the activated product development investments on the balance sheet and their expected returns, and writing off product development investments made. The write-off has no cash flow impact. As a result of the write-off, the company updated its profit guidance for 2023: Solteq's revenue is expected to be EUR 57–59 million and operating result to be negative, excluding the one-time profit recognition of EUR 8 million on the sale of the Group's ERP business based on Microsoft BC and LS Retail solutions and the one-time EUR 6.3 million product development investment write-off.
On January 25, 2024, Solteq announced the proposals of Solteq's Shareholders' Nomination Committee for the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Solteq Plc's Shareholders' Nomination Committee proposes to the Annual General Meeting, planned to be held on March 27, 2024, that seven (7) members are elected to the Board of Directors, the current Board members – Markku Pietilä, Katarina Cantell, Panu Porkka, Anni Sarvaranta, Mika Sutinen, and Esko Mertsalmi – are re-elected, and Lotta Airas is elected as a new member of the Board. The Board members' term will end at the close of the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
On February 2, 2024, Solteq announced changes in the Executive Team of Solteq Plc as of February 2, 2024. With the change, Kari Lehtosalo, the company's CFO and member of the Executive Team since 2019, will step down from his position by mutual agreement. The Board of Directors of Solteq Plc has appointed LL.M. Mikko Sairanen (b. 1985) as the company's new CFO. He will also continue in his role as the company's General Counsel.
The company's management is not aware of other events of material importance after the review period that might have affected the preparation of the Financial Statements Bulletin.
The financial statements for the financial year 2023 have been drawn up under the going concern principle. In assessing the going concern principle, the management of the company has considered the risks related to the refinancing of the company. The key elements of Solteq Group's debt financing are a fixed-rate bond, as well as standby and bank account credit limits.
Solteq issued a fixed-rate unsecured senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million on October 1, 2020. Of the EUR 23.0 million bond outstanding at the time of the financial statements bulletin, EUR 0.6 million was held by the company. The bond matures on October 1, 2024. The standby and bank account credit limits total EUR 7.0 million. The related financial covenants are linked to the terms of the bond.
The terms of the bond include financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond (Incurrence Covenant). The covenants require that the equity ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1, and that the Group's net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the reporting period. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the above-mentioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond.
The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing of the company. The arrangement consists of the renewal of the existing bond and of the standby and bank account credit limits.
In assessing the going concern, the management of the company has considered the effects of the measures taken during the financial year 2023 on the company's financial performance, financial forecasts and risks related to financial negotiations. Based on these factors, management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small. The company believes that the planned financing arrangements will lead to a favorable outcome. However, if the company fails to restructure the financing, this would jeopardize the continuity of the company's operations.
These financial statements have therefore been drawn up under the going concern principle.
In the management's view, the material uncertainties and near-term risks directed at the company's business and financial position in the near future are related to the general economic uncertainty caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, high inflation, and the financial market situation.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has had no direct impact on the company's business. However, the weakened economic situation, inflation, rising financing costs and other indirect impacts may further weaken customer companies' investments in Solteq's products and services in both the short and long term. The weakening of the security situation increases the risk of cyber attacks and other disruptions in society that may have an impact on the company's business.
In addition, tightening financial markets and their functionality may affect the company's financing costs or the availability of financing. The risk to the financial position relates especially to the refinancing of a fixed-rate unsecured senior bond issued by the company with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million. The bond matures on October 1, 2024. The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing.
Other key uncertainties and risks relate to managing changes in the balance sheet structure, the timing and pricing of transactions on which revenue is based, changes in the cost level, the development of the company's own products and their commercialization, and the company's ability to manage extensive contract and delivery packages.
The most important risks and uncertainties for the company's business are monitored regularly as part of the work of the Board of Directors and Executive Team. In addition, the company has an Audit Committee appointed by the Board of Directors, whose tasks include monitoring the company's financial and financing situation.
At the end of financial year 2023, the distributable equity of the Group's parent company is 19,466,865.03 euros. Solteq Plc's Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that for the financial year 2023, no dividend will be paid out.
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that there are no financial prerequisites for dividend pay-outs, or other kind of distribution of funds. According to the terms and conditions of the company debenture stock distribution of funds would lead to the expiration of the credit. The covenants of the bond do not permit distribution of funds based on the financial year 2023.
No essential changes have taken place in the company's financial situation after the end of the financial year.
Documentation on administration and governance structure is given as a separate report attached to the annual report.
Statement of non-financial information is given as a separate report attached to the annual report.

| development | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue, MEUR | 57.7 | 68.4 | 69.1 | 60.5 | 58.3 |
| Change in revenue, % | -15.7 | -0.9 | 14.2 | 3.7 | 2.5 |
| Operating result, MEUR | -3.5 | -4.4 | 7.1 | 5.4 | 5.7 |
| % of revenue | -6.1 | -6.4 | 10.3 | 8.9 | 9.8 |
| Result before taxes, MEUR | -4.7 | -6.6 | 5.2 | 2.7 | 3.7 |
| % of revenue | -8.2 | -9.6 | 7.6 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Return on equity, % | -27.1 | -21.4 | 15.0 | 7.8 | 12.1 |
| Return on investment, % | -4.1 | -6.9 | 13.0 | 9.1 | 10.4 |
| Equity ratio, % | 30.1 | 30.3 | 36.9 | 35.5 | 32.0 |
| Net investments in non-current assets, MEUR | 2.9 | 9.2 | 7.1 | 5.5 | 4.6 |
| % of revenue | 5.0 | 13.5 | 10.3 | 9.0 | 7.9 |
| Research and development costs, MEUR | 2.4 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 3.0 | 3.9 |
| % of revenue | 4.1 | 5.4 | 4.1 | 5.0 | 6.7 |
| Net debt, MEUR | 24.5 | 31.4 | 25.9 | 26.5 | 31.5 |
| Gearing, % | 142.3 | 139.4 | 92.6 | 99.9 | 128.5 |
| Average number of employees over the | |||||
| financial period | 572 | 676 | 637 | 593 | 597 |
| Group's key figures per share | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
| Earnings per share, EUR | -0.28 | -0.28 | 0.21 | 0.10 | 0.15 |
| Equity per share, EUR | 0.89 | 1.16 | 1.44 | 1.37 | 1.27 |
| Dividends per share, EUR | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.15 | 0.00 |
| Dividend from result, % | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 146.3 | 0.0 |
| Effective dividend yield, % | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 5.4 | 0.0 |
| Price–earnings ratio (P/E) | -2.7 | -4.4 | 22.1 | 27.3 | 10.3 |
| Highest share price, EUR | 1.80 | 4.94 | 7.16 | 3.7 | 1.65 |
| Lowest share price, EUR | 0.68 | 1.15 | 2.56 | 0.96 | 1.27 |
| Average share price, EUR | 1.08 | 2.81 | 5.08 | 1.95 | 1.44 |
| Market value of the shares, TEUR | 14,741 | 23,858 | 90,776 | 54,058 | 28,767 |
| Shares trade volume, 1,000 pcs | 4,486 | 13,024 | 25,148 | 6,720 | 808 |
| Shares trade volume, % | 23.1 | 67.1 | 129.7 | 34.8 | 4.2 |
| Weighted average of the share issue | |||||
| corrected number of shares during the | |||||
| financial period, 1,000 pcs | 19,397 | 19,397 | 19,382 | 19,307 | 19,307 |
| Number of shares corrected by share issue at the end of the financial period, 1,000 pcs |
19,397 | 19,397 | 19,397 | 19,307 | 19,307 |
| Return on Equity (ROE), %: | |
|---|---|
| Profit for the financial period (rolling 12 months) | |
| Equity (average for the period) | x 100 |
| Return on investment (ROI), %: | |
| Profit before taxes + Finance expenses (rolling 12 months) | x 100 |
| Balance sheet total - Interest free debt (average for the period) | |
| Equity ratio, %: | |
| Equity x 100 |
|
| Balance sheet total - Advances received | |
| Net debt: | |
| Interest bearing liabilities - Cash and cash equivalents | |
| Gearing, %: | |
| Interest bearing liabilities - Cash and cash equivalents | |
| Equity | x 100 |
| Earnings per share: | |
| Profit before taxes -/+ Minority interest | |
| Adjusted average basic number of shares | |
| Diluted earnings per share: | |
| Profit before taxes -/+ Minority interest | |
| Adjusted diluted average number of shares | |
| Equity per share: | |
| Equity | |
| Number of shares | |
| Dividend per share: | |
| Dividend for the period | |
| Number of shares at the year-end | |
| Dividend from result, %: | |
| Dividend per share x 100 |
|
| Earnings per share | |
| Effective dividend yield: | |
| Dividend per share | |
| x 100 Share price at the year-end |
|
| Price-earnings (P/E) ratio: | |
| Share price at the year-end | |
| x 100 Earnings per share |
|
| The market value of Company's shares: |
The number of shares at the year-end x Share price at the year-end
Recurring revenue / SaaS
Solteq uses alternative performance measures to describe the Company's underlying financial performance and to improve the comparability between review periods. The alternative performance measures should not be regarded as indicators that replace the financial key figures as defined in IFRS standards.
Performance measures used by Solteq Group are EBITDA, equity ratio, gearing, return on equity, return on investment, and net debt. The calculation principles of these financial key figures are presented above, Calculation of the key figures.
Transactions that are unrelated to the regular business operations, or valuation items that do not affect the cash flow, but have an important impact on the income statement, are adjusted as items that affect comparability. These non-recurring items may include the following:
Impairments
Items related to the sale or discontinuation of significant business operations
The reconciliation of the comparable revenue to revenue is presented in the table below.
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | Retail & Commerce |
Utilities | Group | Retail & Commerce |
Utilities | Group |
| Revenue | 43,958 | 13,697 | 57,655 | 53,826 | 14,601 | 68,426 |
| Items affecting comparability | ||||||
| BC / LS Retail business transfer agreement | -3,472 | -3,472 | -11,196 | -11,196 | ||
| Total items affecting comparability | -3,472 | 0 | -3,472 | -11,196 | 0 | -11,196 |
| Comparable revenue | 40,486 | 13,697 | 54,183 | 42,629 | 14,601 | 57,230 |
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & | Retail & | |||||
| TEUR | Commerce | Utilities | Group | Commerce | Utilities | Group |
| Comparable EBITDA* | 3,363 | -2,669 | 694 | 4,931 | -462 | 4,469 |
| Comparable EBITDA, % | 8.3 | -19.5 | 1.3 | 11.6 | -3.2 | 7.8 |
| Operating profit (EBIT) | 5,177 | -8,718 | -3,541 | -1,842 | -2,564 | -4,406 |
| Items affecting comparability | ||||||
| BC / LS Retail business transfer agreement | -8,379 | -32 | -8,410 | -1,501 | -1,501 | |
| Acquisition costs | 0 | 124 | 124 | |||
| Cost of integrating the acquired business | 0 | 24 | 24 | |||
| Non-recurring severance packages | 262 | 248 | 509 | 117 | 47 | 164 |
| Fines and similar indemnities and damages | 0 | 2 | 27 | 29 | ||
| Impairments | 3,584 | 3,955 | 7,539 | 4,439 | 9 | 4,448 |
| Costs incurred by the re-organization of operations | 22 | 22 | 479 | 26 | 506 | |
| Total items affecting comparability | -4,512 | 4,171 | -340 | 3,536 | 256 | 3,793 |
| Comparable operating profit (EBIT) | 666 | -4,547 | -3,881 | 1,695 | -2,308 | -613 |
| Comparable operating profit, % | 1.6 | -33.2 | -7.2 | 4.0 | -15.8 | -1.1 |
* The reconciliation of the comparable operating profit to operating profit is presented in the table. The same adjusting items apply when reconciling the comparable EBITDA to EBITDA, excluding Impairments.
| TEUR | Notes | 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 |
1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 2.1, 2.2 | 57,655 | 68,426 |
| Other income | 2.4 | 8,309 | 166 |
| Materials and services | -7,033 | -7,550 | |
| Employee benefit expenses | 2.3 | -39,936 | -44,560 |
| Other expenses | 2.4, 2.5 | -10,299 | -10,928 |
| Depreciations and impairments | 3.4 | -12,236 | -9,960 |
| Operating profit | -3,541 | -4,406 | |
| Financial income | 2.6 | 1,497 | 504 |
| Financial expenses | 2.6 | -2,671 | -2,672 |
| Profit before taxes | -4,715 | -6,574 | |
| Income taxes | 2.7 | -665 | 1,170 |
| Profit for the financial period | -5,380 | -5,404 | |
| Other comprehensive income to be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods |
|||
| Currency translation differences | 60 | -61 | |
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | 60 | -61 | |
| Total comprehensive income | -5,320 | -5,465 | |
| Earnings per share attributable to equity holders of the parent | |||
| Earnings per share, EUR (undiluted) | -0.28 | -0.28 | |
| Earnings per share, EUR (diluted) | -0.28 | -0.28 |
Result for the financial year and total comprehensive income belong exclusively to the owners of the Parent Company.
The financial statements should be read together with the notes
| TEUR | Notes | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 3.1 | 25 | 64 |
| Right-of-use assets | 3.2 | 1,781 | 3,309 |
| Intangible assets | |||
| Goodwill | 3.3 | 40,555 | 46,493 |
| Other intangible assets | 3.3 | 1,236 | 9,125 |
| Other investments | 5.3 | 437 | 437 |
| Deferred tax assets | 2.7 | 1,222 | 1,380 |
| Trade and other receivables | 4.1 | 260 | 269 |
| Non-current assets total | 45,515 | 61,078 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Inventories | 4.2 | 60 | 133 |
| Trade and other receivables | 4.1 | 9,762 | 11,068 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 5.4 | 1,853 | 2,057 |
| Current assets total | 11,674 | 13,258 | |
| Total assets | 57,189 | 74,336 | |
| Equity and liabilities | |||
| Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company | |||
| Share capital | 5.5 | 1,009 | 1,009 |
| Share premium reserve | 5.5 | 75 | 75 |
| Distributable equity reserve | 5.5 | 13,260 | 13,260 |
| Currency translation difference | -146 | -205 | |
| Retained earnings | 3,021 | 8,400 | |
| Total equity | 17,219 | 22,539 | |
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 2.7 | 575 | 759 |
| Financial liabilities | 5.2 | 246 | 24,179 |
| Lease liabilities | 5.2 | 405 | 1,694 |
| Non-current liabilities total | 1,226 | 26,632 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Financial liabilities | 5.2 | 24,149 | 5,928 |
| Trade and other payables | 4.3 | 12,940 | 17,485 |
| Provisions | 4.4 | 99 | 78 |
| Lease liabilities | 5.2 | 1,556 | 1,673 |
| Current liabilities total | 38,745 | 25,164 | |
| Total liabilities | 39,970 | 51,797 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 57,189 | 74,336 |
The financial statements should be read together with the notes
| TEUR | Notes | 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 |
1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | |||
| Profit for the financial period | -5,380 | -5,404 | |
| Adjustments for operating profit | 2.9 | 5,621 | 10,275 |
| Changes in working capital | -3,471 | 852 | |
| Interests paid | -2,154 | -1,854 | |
| Interests received | 81 | 18 | |
| Net cash flow from operating activities | -5,302 | 3,887 | |
| Cash flow from investing activities | |||
| Business acquisitions | -20 | -5,109 | |
| Divested businesses | 14,137 | ||
| Investments in tangible and intangible assets | -2,351 | -3,454 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | 11,766 | -8,563 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | |||
| Long-term loans, decrease | 5.2 | -548 | -8 |
| Short-term loans, increase | 5.2 | 4,371 | 6,813 |
| Short-term loans, decrease | 5.2 | -8,601 | -1,194 |
| Payment of lease liabilities | 5.2 | -1,891 | -2,465 |
| Net cash used in financing activities | -6,668 | 3,145 | |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents | -204 | -1,531 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period | 2,057 | 3,588 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period | 5.4 | 1,853 | 2,057 |
| Cash and cash equivalents presented in the cash flow statement consist of the following items: |
|||
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,853 | 2,057 |
Total 1,853 2,057
The financial statements should be read together with the notes
| Share capital |
Share premium account |
Invested unrestricted equity |
Currency translation difference |
Retained earnings |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | reserve | |||||
| Equity 1 Jan 2022 | 1,009 | 75 | 13,260 | -144 | 13,805 | 28,004 |
| Result for the financial period Other items on comprehensive |
-5,404 | -5,404 | ||||
| income | -61 | -61 | ||||
| Total comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | 0 | -61 | -5,404 | -5,465 |
| Equity 31 Dec 2022 | 1,009 | 75 | 13,260 | -205 | 8,400 | 22,539 |
| Equity 1 Jan 2023 | 1,009 | 75 | 13,260 | -205 | 8,400 | 22,539 |
| Result for the financial period Other items on comprehensive |
-5,380 | -5,380 | ||||
| income | 60 | 60 | ||||
| Total comprehensive income | 0 | 0 | 0 | 60 | -5,380 | -5,320 |
| Equity 31 Dec 2023 | 1,009 | 75 | 13,260 | -146 | 3,021 | 17,219 |
The financial statements should be read together with the notes
Solteq is a Nordic provider of IT services and software solutions specializing in the digitalization of business and industry-specific software. The key sectors in which the Company has long-term experience include retail, industry, energy, and services. The Company operates in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.
The Group's Parent Company is Solteq Plc, whose business ID is 0490484-0. Solteq Plc is a Finnish public limited company whose shares are quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. The Company is domiciled in Vantaa, Finland, with headquarters at: Karhumäenkuja 2, 01530 Vantaa. A copy of Solteq Plc's consolidated financial statements is available at www.solteq.com or from the headquarters in Vantaa.
Solteq Plc's Board of Directors approved these financial statements for publication in its meeting on February 23, 2024. Pursuant to the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act, shareholders have the right to either accept or reject the financial statements at the Annual General Meeting held after publication. The Annual General Meeting also has the option of deciding that the financial statements be amended.
Solteq's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) complying with the IAS and IFRS standards as well as the SIC and IFRIC interpretations valid as at December 31, 2023. International Financial Reporting Standards mean the standards and their interpretations that have been approved for adoption in the EU in accordance with the procedure No. 1606/2002 enacted in the Finnish Accounting Act and EU (EC) regulations laid down by the Act. The notes to the consolidated financial statements are also in accordance with the requirements of the Finnish Accounting and Companies legislation.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis of accounting, except for available-for-sale financial assets measured at fair value. The values are presented in thousand euros. As the values have been rounded, the total of the individual values may deviate from the presented totals.
The financial statements for the financial year 2023 have been drawn up under the going concern principle. In assessing the going concern principle, the management of the company has considered the risks related to the refinancing of the company. The key elements of Solteq Group's debt financing are a fixed-rate bond, as well as standby and bank account credit limits.
Solteq issued a fixed-rate unsecured senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million on October 1, 2020. Of the EUR 23.0 million bond outstanding at the time of the financial statements bulletin, EUR 0.6 million was held by the company. The bond matures on October 1, 2024. The standby and bank account credit limits total EUR 7.0 million. The related financial covenants are linked to the terms of the bond.
The terms of the bond include financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond (Incurrence Covenant). The covenants require that the equity ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1, and that the Group's net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the reporting period. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the above-mentioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond.
The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing of the company. The arrangement consists of the renewal of the existing bond and of the standby and bank account credit limits.
In assessing the going concern, the management of the company has considered the effects of the measures taken during the financial year 2023 on the company's financial performance, financial forecasts and risks related to financial negotiations. Based on these factors, management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small. The company believes that the planned financing arrangements will lead to a favorable outcome. However, if the company fails to restructure the financing, this would jeopardize the continuity of the company's operations.
These financial statements have therefore been drawn up under the going concern principle.
The impact from new and amended standards issued during financial year 2023 are not considered to be material to the Group's financial reporting.
The impact from other new and amended standards issued but not yet effective is not considered to be material to the Group's financial reporting.
The preparation of the financial statement in accordance with the IFRS standards requires the Group management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies.
The accounting policies and descriptions of management's judgment-based conclusions are mainly found in the notes to the financial statements. Only the general accounting policies are described in this section.
In preparation of the consolidated financial statements, estimates and assumptions regarding the future must be made. The end results may deviate from these assumptions and estimates. In addition, some judgement must be exercised in the application of the policies of the financial statements.
The Group management uses judgement regarding selection and application of accounting policies. This applies especially to those cases where the IFRS standards and interpretations in effect have recognition, measurement and presentation alternatives.
Accounting estimates in preparation of the financial statements are based on management's best estimate at the end of the financial period. These estimates and assumptions are based on experience and other reasonable assumptions, which are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances that form the basis on which the consolidated financial statements are prepared. Uncertainties are related to, inter alia, existing uncertainty in the assessment of project outcomes, valuation of accounts receivable, the measuring and recognition of deferred tax assets and the development of the overall financial environment. Possible changes in estimates and assumptions are recognized in accounting during the financial year when the estimate or assumption is revised, and all the periods after that.
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision maker. The chief operating decision maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified the Group CEO. Segments are defined based on Group's business segments.
There are no significant mutual business transactions between the segments. The performance of the segments is estimated on the basis of EBITDA and operating profit. Group-level expenses are allocated to reportable business segments according to predetermined principles.
Solteq has two reportable business segments: Utilities and Retail & Commerce. The Utilities segment offers software solutions and expert services for the energy sector. The Retail & Commerce segment is focused on the software solutions and expert services related to retail industry and e-commerce.
Since the beginning of the financial year 2023, the reportable business segments of the Group have been Utilities and Retail & Commerce (Solteq Software and Solteq Digital in the previous financial years). The data regarding the segments from the 2022 comparison period has been adjusted to be comparable to the current segment structure.
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail & | Retail & | |||||
| TEUR | Commerce | Utilities | Group | Commerce | Utilities | Group |
| Revenue | 43,958 | 13,697 | 57,655 | 53,826 | 14,601 | 68,426 |
| EBITDA | 11,580 | -2,885 | 8,695 | 6,264 | -710 | 5,555 |
| EBITDA, % | 26.3 | -21.1 | 15.1 | 11.6 | -4.9 | 8.1 |
| Depreciations and impairments | -6,403 | -5,834 | -12,236 | -8,106 | -1,855 | -9,960 |
| Operating profit | 5,177 | -8,718 | -3,541 | -1,842 | -2,564 | -4,406 |
| Operating profit, % | 11.8 | -63.7 | -6.1 | -3.4 | -17.6 | -6.4 |
| Financial income and expenses | -1,174 | -2,169 | ||||
| Result before taxes | -4,715 | -6,574 | ||||
| Income taxes | -665 | 1,170 | ||||
| Result for the financial period | -5,380 | -5,404 |
Solteq operates in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK. The revenues of geographical areas are reported based on the geographical location of the seller.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finland | 48,471 | 52,644 | |
| Other countries | 9,184 | 15,783 | |
| Total | 57,655 | 68,426 |
Solteq recognizes revenue based on the five-step model required by IFRS 15. The process involves defining the subject of the contract with the customer, the performance obligation based on it, the transaction price to be allocated and the allocation of the transaction price to the time of delivery, arising from the partial and/or complete satisfaction of the performance obligation.
The Company recognizes the majority of its service revenue over time. Service revenue mainly consists of general consulting based on time and materials as well as support and development services provided for the Company, for which the customer receives benefits as the service is produced (e.g. helpdesk and media services). The Company recognizes sales revenue evenly over time.
The Company is increasingly shifting towards Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, which give customers access to software as a service in exchange for a pre-agreed monthly fee. For these services, the customer receives the benefits as the service is produced, and revenue is recognized evenly over time.
Solteq's revenue recognition principles for long-term contracts are based on the contract's measure of progress and the management's judgement. The Company defines the performance obligation of each delivery agreement and the transaction price allocated to it. The current policy is to subsequently assess the satisfaction of the performance obligation mainly by using the input method. In other words, the measure of progress towards complete satisfaction of the performance obligation is defined by assessing the ratio between the cumulative rate of utilization and costs of the project resources to the total resource and cost forecast for the performance obligation.
Guidelines concerning principal/agent considerations require the Company to recognize only the proportion of revenue for which the Company is responsible for the delivered product and service, for which the Company bears the inventory/credit risk and/or is able to freely set the market price of the product. In the event that the Company acts as a dealer and is not subject to the aforementioned obligations, the Company only recognizes revenue corresponding to the margin received from resale services. Revenue is always recognized based on the transfer of control, either over time or at a point in time. The third-party license and maintenance business includes, for example, the Microsoft BC-, HCL-, Adobe- and Informatica solutions provided by Solteq.
The primary services and products for which revenue is recognized at a point in time are related to the right to use software, products directly related to the right to use software and equipment separately provided for customers. In these cases, the right to use software, the functions and rights enabled by products directly related to that right and the ownership of the separately provided equipment are transferred to the customer at the time of delivery.
Contract assets on the balance sheet primarily consist of trade receivables. When an item is presented on the balance sheet under trade receivables, Solteq has an unconditional right to consideration for goods or services delivered to the customer. For long-term contracts, the Company presents a contract asset in its financial statements. The contract asset represents the right to consideration for goods and services already delivered to the customer. An assessment in accordance with IFRS 9 standard is carried out regarding the impairment of contract assets and trade receivables.
A contract liability is an obligation to transfer goods or services to the customer for which the Company has received consideration from the customer. If the customer pays consideration before a good or service is transferred to the customer, the Company presents a contract liability in its financial statements when the customer has made the payment. Contract liabilities are primarily related to longterm contracts.
Solteq's contracts with customers may include variable consideration components, such as penalties for late project delivery. The management's judgement is that, as a rule, the level of uncertainty concerning the amount of consideration to be received is low. The Company estimates variable consideration components particularly at the end of each reporting period.
The sales income from the Retail & Commerce segment's customer contracts are classified as services, recurring revenue from own software/Saas, and software and hardware sales. The services consist mainly of time and material based consulting, support and development services provided by the company, and projects. The sales income from these services is recognized over time depending on the progress of customer projects. Recurring revenue from software is reported for sales income related to the company's own products. In addition, the Retail & Commerce segment generates sales income from software and hardware sales consisting mainly of license and maintenance fees for third party software.
The Utilities segment covers the business based on the company's own energy sector products. The revenue of the segment is mainly based on license and maintenance fees from own products and related services, like integration and implementation projects. The sales income from the Utilities segment's customer contracts is classified as services, recurring revenue from own software/Saas and nonrecurring license and hardware sales. The services consist mainly of time- and material-based consulting, support and development services provided by the company, and projects. The services will benefit the customers as the service is provided.
Recurring revenue from own software / SaaS in both segments includes sales related to Solteq's own products where the amount charged is not dependent on the amount of work performed and the charge is recurring or deferred over the contract period. In addition, the contract needs to be valid until further notice or the contract period is minimum 12 months in order to be classified as recurring revenue/SaaS. Non-recurring license and hardware sales include license fees related to the company's own software and directly related products and hardware. The revenue is recognized as point in time.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Services | 35,440 | 44,095 |
| Recurring revenue / SaaS | 6,335 | 5,994 |
| Software and hardware sales | 2,182 | 3,737 |
| Total | 43,958 | 53,826 |
| Utilities | ||
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
| Services | 8,686 | 9,325 |
| Recurring revenue / SaaS | 4,544 | 3,834 |
| Non-recurring sales | 468 | 1,442 |
| Total | 13,697 | 14,601 |
| Group total | 57,655 | 68,426 |
| 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|
| 6,926 | 8,499 |
| 812 | 387 |
| -461 | -563 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Contract assets on Jan 1 | 387 | 500 |
| Transfers from contract assets to receivables | -113 | -433 |
| Increases as a result of changes in the measure of progress | 537 | 321 |
| Contract assets on Dec 31 | 812 | 387 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Contract liabilities on Jan 1 | -564 | -527 |
| Revenue recognized from contract liabilities | 491 | 474 |
| Increases due to cash received, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during the period |
-389 | -512 |
| Contract liabilities on Dec 31 | -461 | -564 |
The Group expects to meet a significant part of outstanding performance obligations during the reporting period 2024.
Pension arrangements are classed as defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans. The Group has only defined contribution plans. Payments under the Finnish pension system and other contributionbased pension schemes are recognized as expenses as incurred.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and wages | 33,570 | 37,273 |
| Pension expenses - defined contribution plan | 5,260 | 5,876 |
| Other personnel expenses | 1,106 | 1,411 |
| Total | 39,936 | 44,560 |
| Average number of employees over the financial period | 572 | 676 |
Information on management's employee benefits is presented in note 6.2 Related party transactions.
Other operating income and expenses includes income and expenses that are not considered as being directly linked to the group's business operations. These items include, for instance, gains and losses on the sale of fixed assets and business operations, expenses and allowances for credit losses as well as the corresponding cancellations.
Government grants that compensate for expenses incurred are recognized in the income statement when the expenses are recognized. These grants are presented in other income. If the government grant relates to the product development cost to be capitalized, the grant received reduces the cost to be capitalized and it is recognized in the form of lower depreciation expense during the useful life of the asset.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Government grants Income resulting from the sales of assets and business operations |
8,275 | 3 83 |
| Other income Total |
34 8,309 |
80 166 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone and telecommunication costs | 513 | 711 |
| Voluntary personnel expenses | 952 | 870 |
| Rental and other office related expenses | 1,538 | 1,751 |
| Hardware and software expenses | 1,777 | 1,770 |
| Car and travel expenses | 686 | 673 |
| External services | 3,269 | 3,493 |
| Bad debts | 26 | 57 |
| Warranty provisions | 21 | 5 |
| Other expenses | 1,515 | 1,600 |
| Total | 10,299 | 10,928 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 1,887 | 2,288 |
| Interest expense from lease contracts | 145 | 212 |
| Costs from short-term lease contracts | 28 | 20 |
| Costs from low-value asset lease contracts | 836 | 847 |
| Total | 2,896 | 3,367 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Auditing | 200 | 148 |
| Certificates and statements | 8 | 7 |
| Tax consulting | 31 | 11 |
| Other services | 63 | 74 |
| Total | 301 | 239 |
The non-audit services charged by KPMG Oy Ab to Solteq Group companies in the financial year 2023 were EUR 72 thousand (85).
Research costs are recorded as expenses in the income statement. Development cost for new or substantially improved product or service processes are capitalized in the balance sheet as intangible assets from the date when the product is technically and commercially feasible and it is expected to bring financial benefit. Development costs previously expensed will not be capitalized at a later date. Assets are amortized from the date when they are ready for use. Assets that are not yet ready for use are tested
annually for impairment. Development expenses that have been capitalized have a useful life of 3 to 5 years, during which capitalized assets are expensed on a straight-line basis.
The income statement includes a total of EUR 0 thousand (542) of research and development costs recognized as expense in 2023.
Interest income is recognized using the effective interest rate method and dividend income at the time when the right to the dividend arises.
Borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in the period in which they incur. If there are certain known criteria concerning qualifying asset, the borrowing costs are capitalized. Transaction costs directly attributable to acquisition of loans which clearly relate to a certain loan are included in the original amortized cost of the loan and are expensed using effective interest method.
Any exchange rate gain or loss from transactions in foreign currencies has been recognized in the financial statements under financial income and expense.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interest income | 80 | 15 | |
| Foreign currency exchange income | 405 | 416 | |
| Other financial income* | 1,011 | 69 | |
| Dividend income | 1 | 3 | |
| Total | 1,497 | 504 |
* For the financial year 2023, EUR 1,011 thousand in other financial income were related to the non-collection of Business Finland's loan.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest expenses from financial expenses in amortized costs | 1,750 | 1,612 |
| Interest expense on lease liabilities | 145 | 212 |
| Foreign currency exchange expenses | 624 | 537 |
| Other financial expenses* | 152 | 312 |
| Total | 2,671 | 2,672 |
*For the financial year 2022, EUR 198 thousand in other financial expenses were related to the fees for changing the terms of the bond.
Tax expenses for the financial period comprise current tax based on the taxable income of the financial period and deferred taxes. Tax calculated from the taxable income of the financial period is based on the tax rate prevailing in each country. Taxes are adjusted with possible taxes relating to previous financial periods.
Deferred taxes are calculated from temporary differences between book value and taxable value. Deferred taxes are not recognized on temporary differences arising from goodwill impairment losses that are not tax deductible. Deferred taxes are neither recognized on undistributed profit from subsidiaries when the differences are unlikely to reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred taxes are calculated using the tax rates enacted at the end of the financial period. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is probable that taxable profit will be available, against which the temporary differences can be utilized.
The calculated tax receivables and liabilities are deducted from each other, only in the case that the Company has a legally enforceable right to even the tax receivables and liabilities of the period, and these are related to the income taxes of the same tax holder.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Tax based on the taxable income for the period | 257 | 141 |
| Taxes from previous periods | -120 | -45 |
| Deferred taxes | -25 | -1,266 |
| Other taxes | 553 | |
| Total | 665 | -1,170 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
| Result before taxes | -4,715 | -6,574 |
| Taxes based on domestic tax rate | -943 | -1,315 |
| Difference in local tax rates | -31 | |
| Non-deductible expenses * | 1,199 | 37 |
| Exempt from taxes | 0 | -1 |
| Unrecognized deferred tax assets for unrealized losses | 201 | 105 |
| Utilization of unused tax losses | -223 | |
| Revaluation of deferred taxes | -11 | -8 |
| Other items | 38 | 56 |
| Taxes from previous periods and other taxes | 436 | -45 |
| Taxes on the income statement | 665 | -1,170 |
* Consists mainly of goodwill attributable to the sale of business that is non-deductible in taxation
| TEUR | Acquisition | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recognized | of | Recognized | ||||
| on the | subsidiaries | on the | ||||
| 1 Jan | income | and | 31 Dec | income | 31 Dec | |
| 2022 | statement | businesses | 2022 | statement | 2023 | |
| Deferred tax assets: | ||||||
| Provisions | 15 | 1 | 16 | 4 | 20 | |
| Postponed depreciations | 38 | 9 | 47 | -2 | 45 | |
| From the loss of the financial period | 1,244 | 1,244 | -156 | 1,088 | ||
| Other items | 94 | -51 | 31 | 74 | -4 | 70 |
| Netted with deferred tax liabilities | -64 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 82 | 1,202 | 31 | 1,380 | -158 | 1,222 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||
| Tax-deductible goodwill | 78 | 94 | 172 | 94 | 266 | |
| Allocated intangible liabilities | 378 | -169 | 106 | 315 | -131 | 184 |
| Other items | 218 | 54 | 272 | -148 | 124 | |
| Netted with deferred tax assets | -64 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Total | 610 | -21 | 106 | 759 | -184 | 575 |
A deferred tax asset has been recognized in full on the parent company's loss for the financial years 2023 and 2022, as if the financial estimates prepared by the management and the going concern principle are met, it is likely that taxable income will be generated in the future against which previous tax losses can be utilized. No deferred tax assets have been booked for the losses of foreign subsidiaries due to the uncertainty regarding their utilization.
At the end of 2023, the Group had EUR 2,339 thousand (3,286) of deductible unused losses and tax credits for which no deferred tax assets have been recognized because the realization of the tax benefit is not likely. These losses and tax credits do not have an expiration period or are more than five years. Unrecognized losses and tax credits relate to the Group's foreign subsidiaries.
Undiluted EPS is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity holders of the Parent Company by the weighted average number of shares outstanding.
When calculating the result per share, the weighted average will also have to consider the dilutive impact of the shares owned by the Company.
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the financial period attributable to equity holders of the parent | ||
| company (TEUR) | -5,380 | -5,404 |
| Weighted average of the number of shares during the financial period (1 000) | 19,397 | 19,397 |
| Undiluted EPS (EUR/share) | -0.28 | -0.28 |
There were no diluting factors during the financial year 2023 nor the comparison period 2022.
Significant events are listed in the cash flow statement. Significant adjustments to cash flow from business operations are due to depreciations and impairments made during the financial period, EUR 12,236 thousand (9,960) and from the profit on the sale of the business transaction EUR -8,129 thousand (0).
Tangible assets consist mainly of machines and equipment. They are measured at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and possible impairment losses.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Machinery and equipment 2 - 5 years
Other tangible assets have consisted of works of art which are not depreciated.
The residual values and useful lives are reviewed at each reporting date and, when necessary, are corrected to reflect any possible changes in expected future economic benefit.
Gains and losses from disposal and divestment of tangible assets are recognized under other income or expenses.
| Machinery | Other | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | and equipment |
tangible assets |
Prepayments | Total |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2023 | 2,482 | 34 | 0 | 2,515 |
| FX rate differences | 4 | 4 | ||
| Additions | 0 | 0 | ||
| Disposals | -28 | -28 | ||
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2023 | 2,458 | 34 | 0 | 2,492 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2023 | 2,421 | 30 | 0 | 2,452 |
| FX rate differences | 4 | 4 | ||
| Depreciation | 36 | 1 | 38 | |
| Accumulated depreciation on disposals | -26 | -26 | ||
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec | 2,436 | 31 | 0 | 2,468 |
| 2023 | ||||
| Book value 1 Jan 2023 | 60 | 4 | 0 | 64 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2023 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 25 |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2022 | 2,569 | 55 | 56 | 2,679 |
| FX rate differences | 2 | 2 | ||
| Additions | 20 | 20 | ||
| Disposals | -109 | -21 | -56 | -186 |
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2022 | 2,482 | 34 | 0 | 2,515 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2022 | 2,408 | 27 | 0 | 2,435 |
| FX rate defferences | 1 | 1 | ||
| Depreciation | 108 | 3 | 111 | |
| Accumulated depreciation on disposals | -96 | -96 | ||
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec 2022 |
2,421 | 30 | 0 | 2,452 |
| Book value 1 Jan 2022 | 161 | 28 | 56 | 244 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2022 | 60 | 4 | 0 | 64 |
IFRS 16 standard requires lessees to recognize the lease agreements in the balance sheet as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Solteq is a lessee and mainly leases business premises. Solteq applies the exemption for short-term leases allowed under the IFRS 16 standard as well as the exemption for low value assets on a contractual basis. Solteq is not a lessor at the moment.
According to IFRS 16 standard, the lessee's lease period is the period during which the lease cannot be terminated. Also, a potential extension or termination option should be considered if the use of such option is judged to be reasonably certain. The lease agreements for premises are mainly fixed term. The lease term for ongoing contracts will be regularly assessed by Solteq's management, and the length of the lease term is based on management's estimate.
The lessee should value the lease agreement by discounting the future minimum lease payments to the present value at the inception of the contract. The internal interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily available, the future minimum lease payments are discounted using Solteq's incremental borrowing rate. According to the standard, the incremental borrowing rate is defined as the interest that the lessee would have to pay when borrowing for the similar term and with s similar security to obtain an asset of an equivalent value to the right-of-use asset in a similar economic environment. Solteq determines the incremental borrowing rate for leases based on the lease term and the financial environment of the lease.
Solteq applies the reliefs allowed by IFRS 16 for short-term agreements and low-value commodities per agreement.
| TEUR | Machinery | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premises | and equipment |
Right-of-Use assets total |
||
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2023 | 10,185 | 6,625 | 16,810 | |
| FX rate differences | 18 | 0 | 18 | |
| Additions * | 478 | 188 | 666 | |
| Disposals | -136 | -201 | -337 | |
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2023 | 10,545 | 6,611 | 17,157 | |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2023 | 7,373 | 6,128 | 13,500 | |
| Depreciation | 1,647 | 240 | 1,887 | |
| Accumulated depreciation on disposals | 0 | -11 | ||
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec 2023 | 9,020 | 6,357 | 15,377 | |
| Book value 1 Jan 2023 | 2,812 | 497 | 3,309 | |
| Book value 31 Dec 2023 | 1,525 | 255 | 1,780 | |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2022 | 9,768 | 6,613 | 15,958 | |
| FX rate differences | -30 | -14 | ||
| Additions * | 873 | 239 | 694 | |
| Disposals | -427 | -227 | -257 | |
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2022 | 10,185 | 6,625 | 16,381 | |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2022 | 5,463 | 5,909 | 9,025 | |
| Depreciation | 2,068 | 219 | 2,418 | |
| Accumulated depreciation on disposals | -158 | 0 | -72 | |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec 2022 | 7,373 | 6,128 | 11,371 | |
| Book value 1 Jan 2022 | 4,305 | 705 | 5,010 | |
| Book value 31 Dec 2022 | 2,812 | 497 | 3,309 |
*Including also changes to lease contracts.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Within a year | 602 | 782 |
| More than one year | 430 | 747 |
| Total | 1,032 | 1,530 |
An intangible asset is recognized in the balance sheet only if the asset's acquisition cost can be reliably measured and if it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the entity. Intangible assets with a finite useful life are recognized in the balance sheet at historical cost and are amortized on a straightline basis during their useful life. Estimated amortization periods are as follows:
| Development costs | 3 - 5 years |
|---|---|
| Intangible rights | 3 - 10 years |
| Other intangible assets | 3 - 10 years |
Government Grants
Government grants, such as grants from public institutions for acquisition of intangible assets, are deducted from the carrying amount of the asset when it is reasonably certain that they will be received, and the Group fulfils the requirements to receive such grants. Grants are recognized in the form of lower depreciation expense during the useful life of the asset.
Goodwill
The goodwill deriving from merging businesses is booked to the amount with which the remuneration is exceeding the Group's part of the acquired net equity's value. The remuneration includes also the portion held by the owners without mastery rights, as well as the portion which has already previously been held by the Company.
Goodwill is not amortized but is tested annually for impairment. For this purpose, the goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units. The goodwill is valued at the original acquisition cost less impairment losses.
The Company estimates at the end of each financial period whether there is any indication of impairment on any asset. In the event of any such indication, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated. Recoverable amounts are also estimated annually on the goodwill and intangible assets not yet available for use regardless of whether there is any indication of impairment. Need for impairment is monitored at the cash-generating unit level, that is, at the level of units that are independent from other units and whose cash flows can be separated from other cash flows.
Recoverable amount is the greater of the asset's fair value less selling costs or its value in use. Value in use is defined as the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from an asset or a cash generating unit. In the calculation of present value, discounting percentage is pretax rate which reflects the market's view of time value of money and asset-specific risks.
Impairment loss is recognized when the asset's carrying amount is higher than its recoverable amount. Impairment loss is immediately recognized in the income statement. If the impairment loss is allocated to a cash-generating unit, it is first allocated to decrease the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the cash-generating unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro rata on the basis of the carrying
amount of each asset in the unit. Impairment loss is reversed, if circumstances change and the asset's recoverable value has changed from the time of the recognition of the impairment loss. Reversal amount cannot, however, be higher than the asset's book value would be without the recognition of the impairment loss. Impairment loss on goodwill is not reversed under any circumstances.
The Group carries out annual tests for the possible impairment of goodwill and intangible assets not yet available for use, and indications of impairment are evaluated in accordance with the principles described earlier. Recoverable amount of cash-generating units is defined with calculations based on value in use. These calculations require the use of estimates.
As described under 1.3 Going concern principle, the financial statements for the financial year 2023 are prepared according to the going concern principle. The company's bond matures on October1, 2024 and the company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing of the company. However, if the company fails to restructure the financing, it would jeopardize the continuity of the company's operations, which would also have an impact on the valuation of goodwill in the group and goodwill and merger losses in the parent company.
| Payments in | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| advance and uncompleted |
Development | Intangible | Other intangible |
|||
| actions | Goodwill | costs | rights | assets | Total | |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2023 | 1,393 | 48,692 | 12,555 | 12,992 | 846 | 76,478 |
| FX rate differences | -1 | -8 | -9 | |||
| Additions | 2,356 | 5 | 2,361 | |||
| Disposals | -819 | -5,930 | -11,966 | 82 | -18,633 | |
| Transfers between items | -2,929 | 2,929 | 0 | |||
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2023 | 0 | 42,754 | 3,517 | 13,079 | 846 | 60,197 |
| Accumulated amortization and | ||||||
| impairment 1 Jan 2023 Amortization |
2,199 | 6,653 1,885 |
11,161 888 |
846 | 20,859 2,773 |
|
| Accumulated amortization on disposals | -5,228 | -5,228 | ||||
| Accumulated amortization and impairment 31 Dec 2023 |
2,199 | 3,311 | 12,049 | 846 | 18,405 | |
| Book value 1 Jan 2023 | 1,393 | 46,493 | 5,901 | 1,831 | 0 | 55,619 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2023 | 0 | 40,555 | 207 | 1,030 | 0 | 41,792 |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2022 | 4,687 | 44,524 | 9,634 | 12,473 | 846 | 72,164 |
| Merger of subsidiary | 4,265 | 421 | 4,685 | |||
| FX rate differences | -96 | -96 | ||||
| Additions | 3,586 | 401 | 99 | 4,086 | ||
| Disposals | -4,360 | -1 | -4,361 | |||
| Transfers between items | -2,520 | 2,520 | 0 | |||
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2022 | 1,393 | 48,692 | 12,555 | 12,992 | 846 | 76,478 |
| Accumulated amortizations and | ||||||
| impairment 1 Jan 2022 Amortization |
2,199 | 4,791 1,863 |
9,911 1,250 |
846 | 17,747 3,113 |
|
| Accumulated amortization on disposals | -1 | -1 | ||||
| Accumulated amortization and impairment 31 Dec 2022 |
2,199 | 6,653 | 11,161 | 846 | 20,859 | |
| Book value 1 Jan 2022 | 4,687 | 42,325 | 4,843 | 2,562 | 0 | 54,416 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2022 | 1,393 | 46,493 | 5,901 | 1,831 | 0 | 55,619 |
In the financial year 2023, a total of EUR 179 thousand (182) of government grants related to the acquisition of intangible assets were received.
The goodwill values related to business combinations are allocated to the cash-generating units which are based on the Group's budgeting and reporting structure, and which are the smallest independent entities with separate cash flows. The content of the cash-generating units is in line with the Group's segment structure.
The book value of the goodwill in the group on December 31, 2023 was EUR 40,555 thousand (46,493). At the end of the financial period, there were investments in progress in development projects of a value of EUR 0 thousand (1,393).
Impairment tests have been carried out at the cash-generating unit level. The recoverable amount has been determined by means of the value in use. The determined anticipated cash flows are based on the operating profit budget for 2024 and operating profit forecasts for the subsequent four years.
Based on testing performed in 2023, no need was found for recognizing impairment losses: a clear margin was left for each tested unit. The effect of the Microsoft BC and LS Retail business transaction in May 2023 on the goodwill at the time of sale was EUR -5,904 thousand. No impairment losses were recognized in 2023 related to the goodwill of the group. During the review period, the Company made a EUR 3,955 thousand write-off to the development costs in the Utilities business and EUR 3,520 thousand in the Retail & Commerce business.
| TEUR | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| Retail & Commerce | 30,497 | 36,435 |
| Utilities | 10,058 | 10,058 |
| Total | 40,555 | 46,493 |
Development costs in progress have been tested with use value calculations. The expected return has been discounted to present value. The interest rate used in the calculations is 12.25 percent after tax. The calculations generated a need for write-off for the financial year, based on which the Company made a EUR 3,955 thousand write-off to the development costs in the Utilities business and EUR 3,520 thousand in the Retail & Commerce business.
The key variables of impairment testing are presented in the table below.
| Retail & Commerce | Utilities | |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue growth % on average * | 7.0 % | 8.0 % |
| EBITDA margin on average * | 10.8 % | 9.6 % |
| Terminal period growth | 2.0 % | 2.0 % |
| WACC after tax | 12.25 % | 12.25 % |
| WACC pre tax | 15.31 % | 15.31 % |
* In the five-year forecast period, on average
A summary of unit-specific sensitivities is below:
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciations by asset group | ||
| Intangible assets | ||
| Development costs | 1,885 | 1,863 |
| Intangible rights | 888 | 1,250 |
| Total | 2,773 | 3,113 |
| Tangible assets | ||
| Machinery and equipment | 38 | 111 |
| Right of use asset depreciation | 1,887 | 2,288 |
| Total | 1,924 | 2,399 |
| Impairments* | 7,539 | 4,449 |
| Total depreciations and impairments | 12,236 | 9,960 |
* For the financial year 2023 mainly related to the write-offs of the Utilities and Retail & Commerce business' development costs and for the financial year 2022 mainly related to the write-offs of the Solteq Robotics business
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | 6,926 | 8,499 |
| Contract assets | 812 | 387 |
| Accrued income | 2,032 | 2,188 |
| Other receivables | 251 | 262 |
| Total | 10,021 | 11,337 |
Contract assets are related to ongoing long-term projects which are recognized based on rate of completion. Significant items included in prepayments and accrued income relate to normal business accruals.
| TEUR | 2023 | Impairment losses |
Net 2023 |
Probability of losses |
Presumed losses |
2022 | Impairment losses |
Net 2022 |
Probability of losses |
Presumed losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not due | 6,107 | 6,107 | 7,623 | 7,623 | ||||||
| Due | 1,658 | -26 | 1,631 | 53 | 1,321 | -57 | 1,265 | 55 | ||
| Under 30 days | 1,413 | 1,413 | 991 | 991 | ||||||
| 31-60 days | 150 | 150 | 108 | 108 | ||||||
| 61-90 days | 65 | 65 | 75.8 | 72 | 72 | |||||
| More than 90 days | 30 | -26 | 4 | 100.0 | 4 | 150 | -57 | 93 | 59.0 | 55 |
| Total | 7,765 | -26 | 7,739 | 53 | 8,944 | -57 | 8,888 | 55 |
All current receivables are denominated in euros. There are no significant concentrations of risk related to receivables. Historically there have not been significant impairment losses. The balance sheet values correspond to the maximum amount of credit risk. Because the receivables are current their fair value is equivalent to carrying value.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Finished goods | 60 | 133 |
| Total | 60 | 133 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade payables | 3,351 | 3,916 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 6,629 | 8,613 |
| Other liabilities | 2,960 | 4,956 |
| Total | 12,940 | 17,485 |
Current liabilities are denominated in euros and their fair values equal their book values. Significant items included in accruals and deferred income relate to usual accruals for business operations. Withheld taxes for paid wages and salaries, social security payments and other social security related items to be accounted for in connection with tax withholding, as well as VAT liability are disclosed in other payables.
Provision is recognized when the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, realization of the payment obligation is probable, and the amount of the obligation can be reliably estimated. Provisions are valued at the present value required to cover the obligation. Present values are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects the market's view of that moment's time value and risks associated with the obligation. If part of the obligation is possible to be covered by a third party, the obligation is recognized as a separate asset, but only once this coverage is virtually certain.
The warranty provision is accumulated for the project business expenses while the project proceeds. The amount of the warranty provision is an estimate of anticipated warranty work based on previous experiences. The Group recognizes a provision for onerous contracts when the expected benefits from a contract are less than the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations.
| TEUR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Warranty provisions | Total | |
| 31 Dec 2022 | 78 | 78 |
| Additional provisions | 21 | 21 |
| 31 Dec 2023 | 99 | 99 |
Warranty provision is recorded for long-term projects based on anticipated warranty work. The general warranty period is 6 – 12 months. The warranty provisions are based on the historical information on the amount of warranty obligations. The warranty provisions are expected to be used during the next financial period.
The Company is subject to a number of financial risks in its business operations. The Company's risk management aims to minimize the adverse effects of the finance markets to the Company's result. The general principles of the Company's risk management are approved by the Board of Directors and their implementation is the responsibility of the accounting department together with the operating segment units. The Audit Committee is responsible for monitoring the risk management.
The Company's operating style defines the customers' and investment transactions' creditworthiness demands and investment principles. The Company does not have any significant credit risk concentrations in its receivables, because it has a wide customer base, and it gives credit only to companies who have an unblemished credit rating. During the financial period, the effect of credit losses has not been significant. The Company's credit risk's maximum amount is the carrying value of financial assets as at December 31, 2023.
The Company monitors and estimates continuously the amount of funds needed to run the business operations, so that the Group will, at all times, retain enough liquid assets to fund the operation and repay debts that fall due. The availability of funding and its flexibility is ensured by unused credit limits and by using a number of different banks and financing methods in the procurement of funding. The Company has a standby credit limit of EUR 5,000 thousand and a bank account credit limit of EUR 2,000 thousand. At the end of the review period, EUR 1,000 thousand of the standby credit limit and EUR 698 thousand of the bank account credit limit was in use.
On October 1, 2020, Solteq issued a fixed rate senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million. Annual interest of 6.0 percent is paid on the bond, and it will mature on October 1, 2024. The bond can be redeemed before its final maturity date. Solteq Plc repurchased a share of the above-mentioned bond with a nominal value of EUR 0.6 million in the financial year 2023.
The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing during the financial year 2023. The arrangement consists of the renewal of the existing bond and of the standby and bank account credit limits. The financial negotiations and related measures have progressed as planned and the management believes that the negotiations will end with a positive outcome. Based on this, the management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small.
The Company's income and operative cash flows are mainly free from market rate fluctuation effects. Company is able to take out either fixed rate or fluctuating rate loans and to use interest rate swaps to achieve its objective relating to the financial principles.
With the current financial structure, the Company is not exposed to significant interest rate risk related to the market rate fluctuation, because only the credit limits used to control the liquidity risk are tied to market rates. The most of the Company's interest-bearing liabilities consists of fixed rate bond totaling
to EUR 23,000 thousand, which will mature on October 1, 2024, and of lease agreements with fixed interest rates.
In the end of the reporting period the Company did not have open interest rate swaps or other instruments used to manage interest rate risks or other risks.
Because the most of the Company's cash flows are in euros, the Company is exposed only to low currency rate risk. The currency rate risks related to the business operations are mainly arising from the business practiced in Sweden and Poland (the part that is not in euros) and in small amounts from the Group's purchases. The most essential currencies are Swedish krona (SEK), Polish zloty (PLN), Danish krone (DKK), Norwegian krone (NOK), Pound sterling (GBP), and the US dollar (USD). Other currencies have only minor significance. The currency rate hedges were not used in the financial year. The Group's financial liabilities do not include currency rate risk.
The objective for the Group's capital management is to secure the continuance of activities (going concern) and increase in shareholder value. The capital structure can be managed among other things through decisions regarding dividend distribution and return of equity, purchase of own shares as well as share issues.
The financial covenants concerning the Company's bond (EUR 23,000 thousand at the end of the financial year) and the standby and bank account credit limits (EUR 7,000 thousand at the end of the financial year) are tied to the terms of the bond, which are monitored regularly. The bond will mature on October 1, 2024.
The terms and conditions of the Bond contain financial and other covenants as well as the prerequisites for early maturity and repurchase. The financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted in the terms of the Bond (Incurrence Covenant) require that the Equity Ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the Interest Coverage Ratio (EBITDA / net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1 and that the Group's Net Interest Bearing Debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the financial year 2023. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the abovementioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond.
In addition, the Bond Issue includes other covenants related to divestment of assets, negative pledge, changes in the nature of business, related party dealings, use of credit limits, listing of the Bond, and to preserving and maintaining intellectual property rights. In addition, it includes an obligation of early repayment associated with a change in the control of the Company as well as maturity conditions related to a merger, de-merger, discontinuation of business, failures to pay and insolvency. The terms of the bond are available as a whole at Company's website.
Financial assets are classified into the following categories based on the Group's business model for the management of financial assets and their contractual cash flow characteristics: measured at amortized cost and measured at fair value through profit or loss. The classification is based on the objective of the business model and the contractual cash flows of the investments, or by applying the fair value alternative at the time of initial acquisition.
The purchases and sales of financial assets are recognized on the transaction date, which is the date on which the Group commits to buying or selling the financial instrument. At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at fair value and, if the item in question is an item that is not classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss, the transaction costs that are directly attributable to the item are added to, or deducted from, the item. Transaction costs are included in the original carrying amount of financial assets for items that are not measured at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss are recognized at fair value on the balance sheet at initial recognition and the transaction costs are recognized through profit or loss.
Financial assets measured at amortized cost consist of trade receivables and other receivables. They are initially measured at fair value and subsequently at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
For trade receivables, expected credit losses are estimated using the simplified approach described in IFRS 9. The simplified approach involves assessing credit losses using a provision matrix and recognizing credit losses at an amount corresponding to lifetime expected credit losses. Expected credit losses are estimated based on historical data on previous actual credit losses, and the model also takes into consideration the information available at the time of assessment regarding future economic conditions. Expected credit losses are recognized in the income statement under other expenses.
Financial assets recognized at fair value through profit or loss consist of shares and they are included in non-current assets, except where the intention is to hold them for a period of less than 12 months from the financial statements date, in which case they are included in current assets. On the financial statements date, the Group's other investments consisted of unlisted shares.
Financial liabilities are initially recognized at fair value. Transaction costs are included in the financial liability value at the initial measurement. Later all financial liabilities are valued at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Financial liabilities are classified under non-current and current liabilities which can be either interest-bearing or interest-free.
When the Group measures an asset item or a liability at fair value, the measurement is based on as highly observable input in the market as possible. The fair values are categorized at various hierarchy levels, depending on the input data used as follows:
• Level 1: The fair values are based on the quoted prices (unadjusted) of identical asset items or liabilities in a well-functioning market.
| TEUR | 2023 Book value |
2023 Fair value |
2022 Book value |
2022 Fair value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial liabilities at amortized cost | ||||
| Non-current | ||||
| Bond | 22,839 | 22,839 | ||
| Loans from financial institutions | 247 | 247 | 1,340 | 1,340 |
| Lease liabilities | 405 | 405 | 1,694 | 1,694 |
| Total | 652 | 652 | 25,873 | 25,873 |
| Current | ||||
| Bond | 22,369 | 22,369 | ||
| Loans from financial institutions | 1,780 | 1,780 | 5,928 | 5,928 |
| Lease liabilities | 1,556 | 1,556 | 1,673 | 1,673 |
| Total | 25,705 | 25,705 | 7,601 | 7,601 |
The fair value of the financial liabilities is mainly the same as the book value.
Financial liabilities, including finance lease liabilities and the interest rate swap are categorized at fair value level 2.
| TEUR | 31 Dec 2022 |
Cash flows | Transfer from non current to current |
New financial lease contracts |
*)Other changes |
31 Dec 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current liabilities | 24,179 | -22,988 | -944 | 247 | ||
| Current liabilities | 5,928 | -4,773 | 22,988 | 6 | 24,149 | |
| Lease liabilities | 3,368 | -1,891 | 668 | -185 | 1,960 | |
| Total financing liabilities | 33,475 | -6,663 | 0 | 668 | -1,122 | 26,356 |
*) The cumulative effective interests during the financial period, which are valuated to the acquisition costs, and disposals of lease liabilities.
| Book value |
Contractual cash flows |
1-12 months |
13-24 months |
25-36 months |
Later | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | ||||||
| Financial liabilities, Dec 31 2023 | ||||||
| Bond | 22,369 | 23,786 | 23,786 | |||
| Loans from financial institutions | 329 | 335 | 85 | 84 | 83 | 82 |
| Lease liabilities | 1,960 | 2,031 | 1,618 | 373 | 33 | 7 |
| Trade payables | 3,351 | 3,351 | 3,351 | |||
| Financial liabilities total | 28,009 | 29,504 | 28,840 | 457 | 117 | 89 |
| Financial liabilities, Dec 31 2022 | ||||||
| Bond | 22,839 | 25,766 | 1,383 | 24,383 | ||
| Loans from financial institutions | 1,463 | 1,525 | 95 | 414 | 359 | 657 |
| Lease liabilities | 3,368 | 3,486 | 1,803 | 1,351 | 326 | 5 |
| Trade payables | 3,916 | 3,916 | 3,916 | |||
| Financial liabilities total | 31,585 | 34,693 | 7,197 | 26,148 | 686 | 663 |
In 2023, the average interest rate of the loans was 6.0 percent (6.0). All financial liabilities are denominated in euros.
The financial statements for the financial year 2023 have been drawn up under the going concern principle. In assessing the going concern principle, the management of the company has considered the risks related to the refinancing of the company. The key elements of Solteq Group's debt financing are a fixed-rate bond, as well as standby and bank account credit limits.
Solteq issued a fixed-rate unsecured senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million on October 1, 2020. Of the EUR 23.0 million bond outstanding at the time of the financial statements bulletin, EUR 0.6 million was held by the company. The bond matures on October 1, 2024. The standby and bank account credit limits total EUR 7.0 million. The related financial covenants are linked to the terms of the bond.
The terms of the bond include financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond (Incurrence Covenant). The covenants require that the equity ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1, and that the Group's net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the reporting period. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the above-mentioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond.
The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing of the company. The arrangement consists of the renewal of the existing bond and of the standby and bank account credit limits.
In assessing the going concern, the management of the company has considered the effects of the measures taken during the financial year 2023 on the company's financial performance, financial forecasts and risks related to financial negotiations. Based on these factors, management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small. The company believes that the planned financing arrangements will lead to a favorable outcome. However, if the company fails to restructure the financing, this would jeopardize the continuity of the company's operations.
These financial statements have therefore been drawn up under the going concern principle.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of financial period | 437 | 438 |
| Change | 0 | -1 |
| End of financial period | 437 | 437 |
The item includes unquoted shares. Fair value is estimated to correspond to book value (fair value hierarchy level 3).
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and bank deposits that can be withdrawn on demand. Account with overdraft facility is included in current financial liabilities. Unused overdraft facility has not been recognized in the balance sheet.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,853 | 2,057 | |
| Total | 1,853 | 2,057 |
Costs relating to the acquisition of own shares are deducted from the equity. If Solteq Plc acquires its own shares, the acquisition costs are deducted from the equity.
Below is the reconciliation of the number of shares:
| Number of shares (1 000) |
Share capital |
Share premium reserve |
Invested unrestricted equity |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | reserve | ||||
| Beginning of financial period | 19,397 | 1,009 | 75 | 13,260 | 14,344 |
| End of financial period | 19,397 | 1,009 | 75 | 13,260 | 14,344 |
The maximum number of shares is 28,000 thousand (28,000). The shares have no nominal value. The Group's maximum share capital according to the articles of association is EUR 2,400 thousand (2,400).
The reserves included in equity are as follows:
A reserve to be used in accordance with the old Companies Act § 12:3a.
In accordance with the Companies Act 8:2 §, the proportion of payments received from shares that is not recognized as share capital is recognized in this reserve.
Reserve for own shares consists of acquisition cost of own shares acquired by the Group. There were no own shares in Solteq Plc's possession at the end of the financial year 2023 nor 2022.
At the end of financial year 2023, the distributable equity of the Group's parent company is 19,466,865.03 euros. Solteq Plc's Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that for the financial year 2023, no dividend will be paid out.
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that there are no financial prerequisites for dividend pay-outs, or other kind of distribution of funds. According to the terms and conditions of the company debenture stock distribution of funds would lead to the expiration of the credit. The covenants of the bond do not permit distribution of funds based on the financial year 2023.
No essential changes have taken place in the company's financial situation after the end of the financial year.
Contingent liability is a possible obligation that arises from past events and whose existence will be confirmed only by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Group. Also, present obligation that is not probable to cause liability to pay or the amount of obligation cannot be measured with sufficient reliability are considered contingent liabilities. Contingent liabilities are disclosed as notes to the financial statements.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral given on our own behalf | ||
| Business mortgages Total |
10,000 10,000 |
10,000 10,000 |
Until the issuance of the bond the business mortgages as well as the pledged shares are given as collateral by the Parent Company for credit limits and long-term loans.
Consolidated financial statements include Solteq Plc and its subsidiaries.
Subsidiaries are companies in which the Group exercises control. Control is defined as the Group having exposure, or rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and the ability to use its power over the investee to affect the amount of the returns.
The Group's mutual shareholdings have been eliminated using the acquisition method. Companies acquired are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date when the Group has acquired right of control and subsidiaries sold until the date when the right of control seizes. All intercompany business transactions, receivables, debts, and unrealized profits as well as internal distribution of profit are eliminated in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Unrealized losses are not eliminated if they are caused by impairment.
Figures on the result and the financial position of the Group's entities are measured in the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates ("functional currency"). The consolidated financial statements are presented in euros, which is the Parent Company's functional and presentation currency.
Transactions in foreign currencies have been recorded in the functional currency, using the event date's rate of exchange or one that is approximately the same. At the time of closing the annual accounts, receivables and debts in foreign currencies have been converted to functional currency at the exchange rate of that date.
Group's Parent Company and subsidiary relations December 31, 2023 are as follows:
| Company | Domicile | Share of ownership (%) | Share of votes (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solteq Oyj | |||
| S2B Energia Oy | Finland | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Robotics Oy | Finland | 100 % | 100 % |
| Aponsa AB | Sweden | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Sweden AB | Sweden | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Poland Sp. z. o. o | Poland | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Digital UK Ltd | Great Britain | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Denmark A/S | Denmark | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Norway AS | Norway | 100 % | 100 % |
| Theilgaard Mortensen Sverige AB | Sweden | 100 % | 100 % |
| Forsyning 360 Aps (merged January 1, 2023) | Denmark | 100 % | 100 % |
Forsyning 360 Aps merged to Solteq Denmark A/S on January 1, 2023.
Solteq Group's related parties include the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the Group's Executive Team, as well as their related parties and entities according to the IAS24 standard.
There were no related party transactions to be reported in the review or the comparison period.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and other short-term employment benefits | 1,426 | 1,127 |
| Total | 1,426 | 1,127 |
The compensations of CEO, the Board of Directors and the Executive Team are included in the management employee benefits.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| CEO Olli Väätäinen until Jan 31, 2022 | 58 | |
| Interim CEO Kari Lehtosalo during Feb 1 - Jun 30, 2022 | 114 | |
| CEO Aarne Aktan from Jul 1, 2022 | 350 | 175 |
| Board members | ||
| Markku Pietilä, Chairman of the Board | 71 | 64 |
| Aarne Aktan until Jun 30, 2022 | 20 | |
| Lotta Kopra until Mar 24, 2022 | 8 | |
| Panu Porkka | 37 | 33 |
| Katarina Cantell (formerly Segerståhl) | 41 | 37 |
| Anni Sarvaranta from Mar 24, 2022 | 38 | 26 |
| Mika Sutinen from Mar 24, 2022 | 40 | 25 |
| Esko Mertsalmi from Mar 29, 2023 | 26 |
The CEO's accrual-based pension costs amount to EUR 89 thousand. The CEO's pension plan complies with the employment pension legislation. The CEO's notice period is six months and the agreement does not include any separate severance payments.
Solteq Plc's members of the Board of Directors and CEO owned directly or through controlled companies 79 thousand shares at the end of 2023 (26).
There were no acquisitions during the financial year 2023.
In the comparison period of 2022, two business acquisitions were made. On January 3, 2022, Solteq Plc signed an agreement to purchase the entire share capital of the energy software company Enerity Solutions Oy. Through the acquisition, Solteq is expanding its software offering in the utilities sector, which is one of the company's key growth drivers in the Nordic market. The deal also further increases the company's expertise in the changing operating environment of the energy sector. Enerity Solutions specializes in software solutions for electricity trading and grid profitability and risk management.
| TEUR | 1-12/2022 |
|---|---|
| Consideration | |
| Paid in cash | 5,291 |
| Total | 5,291 |
| Values of the assets and liabilities arising from the acquisition | |
| Tangible assets | 5 |
| Intangible assets ** | 577 |
| Trade and other receivables | 229 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 869 |
| Total assets | 1,680 |
| Trade payables and other liabilities | 445 |
| Financial liabilities | 115 |
| Total liabilities | 560 |
| The goodwill value of the acquisition | 4,171 |
| Cash flow from the acquisition | |
| Consideration paid in cash in 2022 | 5,291 |
| Cash and cash equivalents of the acquired companies | 869 |
| Total cash flow from the acquisition | 4,422 |
| Goodwill consists of assets that cannot be separated like synergy benefits, competent personnel, market share and entrance to new market. |
|
| ** Depreciations of the intangible rights during the reporting period are 115 thousand euros. | |
| Expenses related to the acquisition | |
| Other expenses | 124 |
| Total expenses related to the acquisition | 124 |
| Impact on the Solteq Group's number of personnel | 17 |
| Impact on the Solteq Group's comprehensive income statement | 1-12/2022 |
| Revenue * | 2,323 |
| Operating profit * | 802 |
* The amount of the revenue and the operating profit from the acquisition date to the merger. Enerity Solutions Oy is consolidated to Solteq Group as of the beginning of the reporting period. The company has been merged to the parent company on June 1, 2022.
Solteq Plc acquired on November 7, 2022, the entire share capital of energy sector system and service provider S2B Energia Oy. As a result of the acquisition 10 employees transferred to be part of Solteq Group. The debt-free purchase price was EUR 1 and net assets EUR 32 thousand. The revenue and operating profit of the acquired businesses is not presented as if the consolidation would have happened in the beginning of the financial year because it has no significant effect on Solteq Group's figures.
On April 17, 2023, Solteq signed a business transfer agreement, whereby the Group's ERP business based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Retail solutions was sold to Azets Group.
The net debt-free purchase price of the business is a maximum of EUR 20,000 thousand. The fixed purchase price is EUR 15,000 thousand deducted by the net working capital of the business. EUR 12,000 thousand was paid upon the completion of the Transaction. The remainder of the fixed purchase price will be paid at the latest six (6) months after the completion of the Transaction. A possible additional purchase price is a maximum of EUR 5,000 thousand, and it shall be determined based on the revenue of the transferring business for a period of twelve (12) months from the first date of the month the Transaction has been completed. The purchase price is paid in cash. The company recognized a onetime profit of EUR 8,129 thousand (before tax effects) on the fixed purchase price in the second quarter. The net assets sold in the business transaction were EUR 5,247 thousand, consisting of the allocated goodwill of the business (EUR 5,904 thousand) and provisions for personnel costs related to transferred persons (EUR 657 thousand). In addition, the expenses related to the business transaction were approximately EUR 749 thousand.
The Transaction consists of expert and maintenance services as well as clientele related to Solteq's Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Retail ERP solutions. Following the transfer of the business, approximately 60 experts located in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark were transferred to Azets Group.
On January 25, 2024, Solteq announced the proposals of Solteq's Shareholders' Nomination Committee for the 2024 Annual General Meeting. Solteq Plc's Shareholders' Nomination Committee proposes to the Annual General Meeting, planned to be held on March 27, 2024, that seven (7) members are elected to the Board of Directors, the current Board members – Markku Pietilä, Katarina Cantell, Panu Porkka, Anni Sarvaranta, Mika Sutinen, and Esko Mertsalmi – are re-elected, and Lotta Airas is elected as a new member of the Board. The Board members' term will end at the close of the 2025 Annual General Meeting.
On February 2, 2024, Solteq announced changes in the Executive Team of Solteq Plc as of February 2, 2024. With the change, Kari Lehtosalo, the company's CFO and member of the Executive Team since 2019, will step down from his position by mutual agreement. The Board of Directors of Solteq Plc has appointed LL.M. Mikko Sairanen (b. 1985) as the company's new CFO. He will also continue in his role as the company's General Counsel.
The company's management is not aware of other events of material importance after the review period that might have affected the preparation of the Financial Statements Bulletin.
| TEUR | Notes | 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 |
1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 1.1 | 49,222 | 56,449 |
| Other income | 1.3 | 10,780 | 897 |
| Materials and services | -8,636 | -8,623 | |
| Employee benefit expenses | 1.2 | -32,073 | -35,613 |
| Other expenses | 1.3, 1.4 | -8,347 | -8,847 |
| Depreciations and impairments | 2.4 | -9,823 | -9,090 |
| Operating result | 1,123 | -4,827 | |
| Financial income | 1.5 | 1,169 | 52 |
| Financial expenses | 1.5 | -5,082 | -2,046 |
| Result before taxes | -2,790 | -6,821 | |
| Income taxes | 1.6 | -93 | 1,291 |
| Result for the financial period | -2,883 | -5,529 | |
| Total comprehensive income | -2,883 | -5,529 |
| TEUR | Notes | 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assets | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 2.1 | 17 | 45 |
| Right-of-use assets | 2.2 | 1,127 | 2,097 |
| Intangible assets | 2.3 | ||
| Goodwill | 1,991 | 1,991 | |
| Other intangible assets | 39,270 | 46,020 | |
| Other investments | 4.3 | 453 | 453 |
| Shares in subsidiaries | 5.1 | 5,546 | 8,644 |
| Deferred tax assets | 1.6 | 1,152 | 1,306 |
| Trade and other receivables | 3.1 | 1,373 | 636 |
| Non-current assets total | 50,928 | 61,192 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Inventories | 3.2 | 60 | 133 |
| Trade and other receivables | 3.1 | 8,522 | 10,750 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 4.4 | 438 | 869 |
| Current assets total | 9,020 | 11,753 | |
| Total assets | 59,947 | 72,945 | |
| Equity and liabilities | |||
| Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company | |||
| Share capital | 4.5 | 1,009 | 1,009 |
| Share premium reserve | 4.5 | 75 | 75 |
| Distributable equity reserve | 4.5 | 14,374 | 14,374 |
| Retained earnings | 5,299 | 8,182 | |
| Total equity | 20,757 | 23,640 | |
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 1.6 | 441 | 507 |
| Financial liabilities | 4.2 | 747 | 24,179 |
| Lease liabilities | 4.2 | 217 | 939 |
| Non-current liabilities total | 1,405 | 25,624 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Financial liabilities | 4.2 | 24,149 | 5,928 |
| Trade and other payables | 3.3 | 12,607 | 16,609 |
| Provisions | 3.4 | 99 | 78 |
| Lease liabilities | 4.2 | 929 | 1,065 |
| Current liabilities total | 37,785 | 23,680 | |
| Total liabilities | 39,190 | 49,304 | |
| Total equity and liabilities | 59,947 | 72,945 |
| TEUR | Notes | 1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023 |
1 Jan 2022 - 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow from operating activities | |||
| Result for the financial period | -2,883 | -5,529 | |
| Adjustments for operating profit | 1.8 | 3,672 | 9,007 |
| Changes in working capital | -2,001 | 1,228 | |
| Interests paid | -2,060 | -1,749 | |
| Interests received | 131 | 48 | |
| Net cash flow from operating activities | -3,141 | 3,005 | |
| Cash flow from investing activities | |||
| Business acquisitions | -5,291 | ||
| Divested businesses | 9,959 | ||
| Investments in tangible and intangible assets | -1,725 | -3,116 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | 8,234 | -8,407 | |
| Cash flow from financing activities | |||
| Long-term loans, increase | 500 | ||
| Long-term loans, decrease | 4.2 | -548 | |
| Short-term loans, increase | 4.2 | 4,371 | 6,813 |
| Short-term loans, decrease | 4.2 | -8,601 | -1,008 |
| Payment of lease liabilities | 4.2 | -1,246 | -1,902 |
| Net cash used in financing activities | -5,523 | 3,903 | |
| Changes in cash and cash equivalents | -431 | -1,500 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period | 869 | 1,403 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents transferred in the merger | 966 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period | 4.4 | 438 | 869 |
Cash and cash equivalents presented in the cash flow statement consist of the following items:
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 438 | 869 |
| Total | 438 | 869 |
| Share capital |
Share premium account |
Invested unrestricted equity |
Retained earnings |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | reserve | ||||
| Equity 1 Jan 2022 | 1,009 | 75 | 14,374 | 13,711 | 29,170 |
| Total comprehensive income | -5,529 | -5,529 | |||
| Equity 31 Dec 2022 | 1,009 | 75 | 14,374 | 8,182 | 23,640 |
| Equity 1 Jan 2023 | 1,009 | 75 | 14,374 | 8,182 | 23,640 |
| Total comprehensive income | -2,883 | -2,883 | |||
| Equity 31 Dec 2023 | 1,009 | 75 | 14,374 | 5,299 | 20,757 |
Solteq Plc's consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) complying with the IAS and IFRS standards as well as the SIC and IFRIC interpretations valid as at December 31, 2023. International Financial Reporting Standards mean the standards and their interpretations that have been approved for adoption in the EU in accordance with the procedure No. 1606/2002 enacted in the Finnish Accounting Act and EU (EC) regulations laid down by the Act. The notes to the consolidated financial statements are also in accordance with the requirements of the Finnish Accounting and Companies legislation.
The Group accounting policies are applied to both the Group financial statements as well as the Parent Company financial statements, unless otherwise mentioned.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Services | 37,321 | 43,698 |
| Recurring revenue / SaaS | 9,224 | 7,861 |
| Software and hardware sales | 2,677 | 4,889 |
| Total | 49,222 | 56,449 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade and other receivables | 5,597 | 8,279 |
| Contract assets | 812 | 387 |
| Contract liabilities | -428 | -556 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Contract assets on Jan 1 | 387 | 500 |
| Transfers from contract assets to receivables | -113 | -433 |
| Increases as a result of changes in the measure of progress | 537 | 321 |
| Contract assets on Dec 31 | 812 | 387 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Contract liabilities on Jan 1 | -556 | -517 |
| Revenue recognized from contract liabilities | 485 | 465 |
| Increases due to cash received, excluding amounts recognized as revenue during | ||
| the period | -357 | -504 |
| Contract liabilities on Dec 31 | -428 | -556 |
The Company expects to meet a significant part of outstanding performance obligations during the reporting period 2024.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and wages | 26,685 | 29,566 |
| Pension expenses - defined contribution plan | 4,466 | 5,008 |
| Other personnel expenses | 922 | 1,039 |
| Total | 32,073 | 35,613 |
| Average number of employees over the financial period | 428 | 508 |
Information on management's employee benefits is presented in note 5.1 Related party transactions.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Government grants | 1 | |
| Income resulting from the sales of assets and business operations | 10,070 | 81 |
| Other income | 25 | 104 |
| From Group companies, compensation for administration costs Total |
685 10,780 |
711 897 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Telephone and telecommunication costs | 419 | 612 |
| Voluntary personnel expenses | 719 | 583 |
| Rental and other office related expenses | 1,279 | 1,427 |
| Hardware and software expenses | 1,610 | 1,630 |
| Car and travel expenses | 479 | 361 |
| External services | 2,819 | 3,026 |
| Bad debts | 26 | 55 |
| Warranty provisions | 21 | 5 |
| Other expenses | 975 | 1,149 |
| Total | 8,347 | 8,847 |
| Lease Expenses | ||
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 1,320 | 1,725 |
| Interest expense from lease contracts | 83 | 126 |
| Costs from short-term lease contracts | 20 | |
| Costs from low-value asset lease contracts | 770 | 802 |
| Total | 2,172 | 2,672 |
| Auditor's Fees | ||
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
| Auditing | 141 | 101 |
| Certificates and statements | 8 | 7 |
| Tax consulting | 9 | 11 |
| Other services | 63 | 74 |
| Total | 221 | 193 |
The non-audit services charged by KPMG Oy Ab from Solteq Plc in the financial year 2023 were EUR 72 thousand (85).
The income statement includes a total of EUR 0 thousand (542) of research and development costs recognized as expense in 2023.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest income | 130 | 45 |
| Foreign currency exchange income | 27 | 4 |
| Other financial income * | 1,011 | |
| Dividend income | 1 | 3 |
| Total | 1,169 | 52 |
* For the financial year 2023, EUR 1,011 thousand in other financial income were related to the non-collection of Business Finland's loan.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest expenses from financial expenses in amortized costs | 1,749 | 1,610 |
| Interest expense on lease liabilities | 83 | 126 |
| Foreign currency exchange expenses | 25 | 16 |
| Other financial expenses | 126 | 295 |
| Impairments on investments | 3,099 | |
| Total | 5,082 | 2,046 |
For the financial year 2023 the impairments on investments were related to revaluation of holdings in group companies. For the financial year 2022, EUR 198 thousand in other financial expenses were related to the fees for changing the terms of the bond.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax based on the taxable income for the period | 3 | 3 | |
| Taxes from previous periods | 2 | ||
| Deferred taxes | 88 | -1,294 | |
| Total | 93 | -1,291 | |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Result before taxes | -2,790 | -6,821 | |
| Taxes based on domestic tax rate | -558 | -1,364 | |
| Non-deductible expenses | 8 | 31 | |
| Exempt from taxes | 0 | -1 | |
| 620 | |||
| Revaluation of deferred taxes | -11 | -8 | |
| Other items | 37 | 50 | |
| Taxes from previous periods | -2 | ||
| Taxes on the income statement | 93 | -1,291 |
| TEUR | 1 Jan 2022 |
Recognized on the income statement |
Acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses |
31 Dec 2022 |
Recognized on the income statement |
31 Dec 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deferred tax assets: | ||||||
| Provisions | 15 | 1 | 16 | 4 | 20 | |
| Postponed depreciations | 38 | 9 | 47 | -2 | 45 | |
| From the loss of the financial period | 1,244 | 1,244 | -156 | 1,088 | ||
| Other items | 12 | -12 | 0 | |||
| Netted with deferred tax liabilities | -64 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 0 | 1,242 | 0 | 1,306 | -154 | 1,152 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||
| Tax-deductible goodwill | 78 | 94 | 172 | 94 | 266 | |
| Allocated intangible liabilities | 317 | -153 | 106 | 270 | -119 | 151 |
| Other items | 58 | 7 | 64 | -41 | 24 | |
| Netted with deferred tax assets | -64 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 389 | -53 | 106 | 507 | -66 | 441 |
For the financial year 2023 and 2022, the parent company's loss has been booked in full as a deferred tax asset, as it is likely that taxable income will be generated in the future against which it can be utilized.
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Profit for the financial period attributable to equity holders of the parent company | ||
| (TEUR) | -2,883 | -5,529 |
| Weighted average of the number of shares during the financial period (1 000) | 19,397 | 19,397 |
| Undiluted EPS (EUR/share) | -0.15 | -0.29 |
There were no diluting factors during the financial year 2023 nor the comparison period 2022.
Significant events are listed in the cash flow statement. Significant adjustments to cash flow from business operations are due to depreciations and impairments made during the financial period, EUR 9,823 thousand (9,090) and from the profit on the sale of the business transaction EUR -9,944 thousand (0).
| Machinery | Other | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | and equipment |
tangible assets |
Prepayments | Total |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2023 | 2,379 | 1 | 0 | 2,380 |
| Additions | 0 | |||
| Disposals | 0 | |||
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2023 | 2,379 | 1 | 0 | 2,380 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2023 | 2,335 | 0 | 2,335 | |
| Depreciation | 28 | 28 | ||
| Accumulated depreciation on disposals | 0 | |||
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec | 2,363 | 0 | 0 | 2,363 |
| 2023 | ||||
| Book value 1 Jan 2023 | 44 | 1 | 0 | 45 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2023 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 17 |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2022 | 2,473 | 21 | 56 | 2,550 |
| Additions | 12 | 12 | ||
| Disposals | -106 | -21 | -56 | -182 |
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2022 | 2,379 | 1 | 0 | 2,380 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2022 | 2,335 | 0 | 0 | 2,335 |
| Depreciation | 94 | 94 | ||
| Accumulated depreciation on disposals | -94 | -94 | ||
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec 2022 |
2,335 | 0 | 0 | 2,335 |
| Book value 1 Jan 2022 | 138 | 21 | 56 | 216 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2022 | 44 | 1 | 0 | 45 |
| TEUR | Machinery and |
Right-of-Use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premises | equipment | assets total | |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2023 | 7,220 | 6,464 | 13,683 |
| Additions * | 385 | 188 | 573 |
| Disposals | -47 | -177 | -224 |
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2023 | 7,558 | 6,475 | 14,033 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2023 | 5,592 | 5,995 | 11,587 |
| Depreciation | 1,089 | 230 | 1,320 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec 2023 | 6,681 | 6,226 | 12,906 |
| Book value 1 Jan 2023 | 1,628 | 469 | 2,097 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2023 | 877 | 249 | 1,126 |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2022 | 6,786 | 6,495 | 13,281 |
| Additions * | 702 | 196 | 898 |
| Disposals | -269 | -227 | -496 |
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2022 | 7,220 | 6,464 | 13,683 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 1 Jan 2022 | 4,072 | 5,790 | 9,862 |
| Depreciation | 1,519 | 205 | 1,725 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment 31 Dec 2022 | 5,592 | 5,995 | 11,587 |
| Book value 1 Jan 2022 | 2,714 | 705 | 3,419 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2022 | 1,628 | 469 | 2,097 |
* Includes also changes to lease contracts
Solteq applies the reliefs allowed by IFRS 16 for short-term agreements and low-value commodities per agreement. See the table below for the minimum leases payable based on these lease agreements:
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Within a year | 550 | 737 |
| More than one year | 430 | 730 |
| Total | 980 | 1,468 |
In the balance sheet of the Parent Company, under the immaterial rights section, there are merger losses, which are not depreciated evenly. These are instead tested as goodwill by performing impairment tests.
In the Parent Company, the transaction is handled at book value as for companies under mutual control.
| TEUR | Payments in advance and uncompleted actions |
Goodwill | Development costs |
Intangible rights |
Other intangible assets |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2023 | 634 | 4,356 | 11,483 | 49,309 | 401 | 66,184 |
| Additions | 1,725 | 1,725 | ||||
| Disposals | -819 | -9,827 | -10,646 | |||
| Transfers between items | -1,540 | 1,540 | 0 | |||
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2023 | 0 | 4,356 | 3,196 | 49,309 | 401 | 57,263 |
| Accumulated amortization and impairment 1 Jan 2023 |
2,365 | 5,998 | 9,409 | 401 | 18,172 | |
| Amortization | 1,659 | 837 | 2,496 | |||
| Accumulated amortization on disposals | -4,667 | -4,667 | ||||
| Accumulated amortization and impairment 31 Dec 2023 |
2,365 | 2,990 | 10,245 | 401 | 16,001 | |
| Book value 1 Jan 2023 | 634 | 1,991 | 5,485 | 39,900 | 0 | 48,011 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2023 | 0 | 1,991 | 206 | 39,064 | 0 | 41,262 |
| Acquisition cost 1 Jan 2022 | 4,307 | 4,356 | 8,898 | 44,703 | 401 | 62,665 |
| Merger of the subsidiary | 4,546 | 4,546 | ||||
| Additions | 3,208 | 65 | 61 | 3,334 | ||
| Disposals | -4,360 | -1 | -4,361 | |||
| Transfers between items | -2,520 | 2,520 | 0 | |||
| Acquisition cost 31 Dec 2022 | 634 | 4,356 | 11,483 | 49,309 | 401 | 66,184 |
| Accumulated amortizations and impairment 1 Jan 2022 |
2,365 | 4,303 | 8,281 | 401 | 15,350 | |
| Amortization | 1,695 | 1,128 | 2,823 | |||
| Accumulated amortization on disposals | -1 | -1 | ||||
| Accumulated amortization and impairment 31 Dec 2022 |
2,365 | 5,998 | 9,409 | 401 | 18,172 | |
| Book value 1 Jan 2022 | 4,307 | 1,991 | 4,595 | 36,422 | 0 | 47,315 |
| Book value 31 Dec 2022 | 634 | 1,991 | 5,485 | 39,900 | 0 | 48,011 |
In the financial year 2023, a total of EUR 179 thousand (182) government grants related to the acquisition of intangible assets were received.
The goodwill values related to business combinations are allocated to the cash-generating units which are based on the Group's budgeting and reporting structure, and which are the smallest independent entities with separate cash flows. The content of the cash-generating units is in line with the Group's segment structure.
The book value of the goodwill and merger loss in the Parent Company on December 31, 2023 was EUR 40,144 thousand (40,144). At the end of the financial period, in the Parent Company there were investments in progress in development projects of a value of EUR 0 thousand (634).
Impairment tests have been carried out at the cash-generating unit level. The recoverable amount has been determined by means of the value in use. The determined anticipated cash flows are based on the operating profit budget for 2024 and operating profit forecasts for the subsequent four years.
Based on testing performed in 2023, no need was found for recognizing impairment losses: a clear margin was left for each tested unit. No impairment losses were recognized in 2023 related to the goodwill of the group or to merger losses of the Parent Company. During the review period, Solteq Plc made a EUR 3,684 thousand write-off to the development costs in the Utilities business and EUR 2,295 thousand in the Retail & Commerce business.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Retail & Commerce | 31,651 | 31,651 |
| Utilities | 8,494 | 8,494 |
| Total | 40,144 | 40,144 |
Development costs in progress have been tested with use value calculations. The expected return has been discounted to present value. The interest rate used in the calculations is 12.25 percent after tax. The calculations generated a need for write-off for the financial year, based on which Solteq Plc made a EUR 3,684 thousand write-off to the development costs in the Utilities business and EUR 2,295 thousand in the Retail & Commerce business.
The key variables of impairment testing are presented in the table below.
| Retail & Commerce | Utilities | |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue growth % on average * | 6.7 % | 5.9 % |
| EBITDA margin on average * | 10.1 % | 11.6 % |
| Terminal period growth | 2.0 % | 2.0 % |
| WACC after tax | 12.25 % | 12.25 % |
| WACC pre tax | 15.31 % | 15.31 % |
* In the five-year forecast period, on average
A summary of unit-specific sensitivities is below:
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Depreciations by asset group | ||
| Intangible assets | ||
| Development costs | 1,659 | 1,695 |
| Intangible rights | 837 | 1,128 |
| Total | 2,496 | 2,823 |
| Tangible assets | ||
| Machinery and equipment | 28 | 94 |
| Right of use asset depreciation | 1,320 | 1,725 |
| Total | 1,348 | 1,819 |
| Impairments* | 5,979 | 4,449 |
| Total depreciations and impairments | 9,823 | 9,090 |
* For the financial year 2023 mainly related to the write-offs of the Utilities and Retail & Commerce business' development costs and for the financial year 2022 mainly related to the write-offs of the Solteq Robotics business
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | 5,446 | 6,189 |
| Contract assets | 812 | 387 |
| Accrued income | 1,858 | 2,099 |
| Receivables from group companies | 1,765 | 2,695 |
| Other receivables | 14 | 17 |
| Total | 9,894 | 11,386 |
Contract assets are related to ongoing long-term projects which are recognized based on rate of completion. Significant items included in prepayments and accrued income relate to normal business accruals.
| TEUR | 2023 | Impairment losses |
Net 2023 |
Probability of losses |
Presumed losses |
2022 | Impairment losses |
Net 2022 |
Probability of losses |
Presumed losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not due | 5,303 | 5,303 | 6,448 | 6,448 | ||||||
| Due | 1,132 | -26 | 1,106 | 53 | 2,274 | -55 | 2,218 | 53 | ||
| Under 30 days | 875 | 875 | 698 | 698 | ||||||
| 31-60 days | 149 | 149 | 361 | 361 | ||||||
| 61-90 days | 64 | 64 | 54.7 | 35 | 316 | 316 | ||||
| More than 90 days | 43 | -26 | 18 | 100.0 | 18 | 899 | -55 | 844 | 6.3 | 53 |
| Total | 6,435 | -26 | 6,409 | 53 | 8,721 | -55 | 8,666 | 53 |
All current receivables are denominated in euros. There are no significant concentrations of risk related to receivables. Historically there have not been significant impairment losses. The balance sheet values correspond to the maximum amount of credit risk. Because the receivables are current their fair value is equivalent to carrying value.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Finished goods | 60 | 133 |
| Total | 60 | 133 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade payables | 2,911 | 3,416 |
| Accruals and deferred income | 5,762 | 7,835 |
| Other liabilities | 2,350 | 4,371 |
| Liabilities to Group companies | 1,585 | 987 |
| Total | 12,607 | 16,609 |
Current liabilities are denominated in euros and their fair values equal their book values. Significant items included in accruals and deferred income relate to usual accruals for business operations. Withheld taxes for paid wages and salaries, social security payments and other social security related items to be accounted for in connection with tax withholding, as well as VAT liability are disclosed in other payables.
| TEUR | ||
|---|---|---|
| Warranty provisions | Total | |
| 31 Dec 2022 | 78 | 78 |
| Additional provisions | 21 | 21 |
| 31 Dec 2023 | 99 | 99 |
Warranty provision is recorded for long-term projects based on anticipated warranty work. The general warranty period is 6 – 12 months. The warranty provisions are based on the historical information on the amount of warranty obligations. The warranty provisions are expected to be used during the next financial period.
Solteq Plc, the Group's parent company, is responsible for managing the Group's financial risks and capital. The Group's information is presented in note 5.1. The parent company's information is in line with the Group's.
| TEUR | 2023 Book value |
2023 Fair value |
2022 Book value |
2022 Fair value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial liabilities at amortized cost | ||||
| Non-current | ||||
| Bond | 22,839 | 22,839 | ||
| Loans from financial institutions | 247 | 247 | 1,340 | 1,340 |
| Loans from Group companies | 500 | 500 | ||
| Lease liabilities | 217 | 217 | 939 | 939 |
| Total | 964 | 964 | 25,118 | 25,118 |
| Current | ||||
| Bond | 22,369 | 22,369 | ||
| Loans from financial institutions | 1,780 | 1,780 | 5,928 | 5,928 |
| Lease liabilities | 929 | 929 | 1,065 | 1,065 |
| Total | 25,079 | 25,079 | 6,993 | 6,993 |
The fair value of the financial liabilities is mainly the same as the book value.
Financial liabilities, including finance lease liabilities and the interest rate swap are categorized at fair value level 2.
| TEUR | 31 Dec 2022 |
Cash flows | Transfer from non current to current |
New financial lease contracts |
*)Other changes |
31 Dec 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-current liabilities | 24,179 | 500 | -22,988 | -944 | 747 | |
| Current liabilities | 5,928 | -4,773 | 22,988 | 6 | 24,149 | |
| Lease liabilities | 2,004 | -1,246 | 573 | -185 | 1,146 | |
| Total financing liabilities | 32,111 | -5,519 | 0 | 573 | -1,122 | 26,043 |
*) The cumulative effective interests during the financial period, which are valuated to the acquisition costs and disposals of the lease liabilities.
| Book value |
Contractual cash flows |
1-12 months |
13-24 months |
25-36 months |
Later | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | ||||||
| Financial liabilities, Dec 31 2023 | ||||||
| Bond | 22,369 | 23,786 | 23,786 | |||
| Loans from financial institutions | 329 | 335 | 85 | 84 | 83 | 82 |
| Lease liabilities | 1,146 | 1,188 | 963 | 184 | 33 | 7 |
| Trade payables | 4,495 | 4,495 | 4,495 | |||
| Financial liabilities total | 28,340 | 29,804 | 29,330 | 268 | 117 | 89 |
| Financial liabilities, Dec 31 2022 | ||||||
| Bond | 22,839 | 25,766 | 1,383 | 24,383 | ||
| Loans from financial institutions | 1,463 | 1,525 | 95 | 414 | 359 | 657 |
| Lease liabilities | 2,004 | 2,033 | 1,135 | 769 | 124 | 5 |
| Trade payables | 4,403 | 4,403 | 4,403 | |||
| Financial liabilities total | 30,709 | 33,727 | 7,016 | 25,566 | 483 | 663 |
In 2023, the average interest rate of the loans was 6.0 percent (6.0). All financial liabilities are denominated in euros.
The financial statements for the financial year 2023 have been drawn up under the going concern principle. In assessing the going concern principle, the management of the company has considered the risks related to the refinancing of the company. The key elements of Solteq Group's debt financing are a fixed-rate bond, as well as standby and bank account credit limits.
Solteq issued a fixed-rate unsecured senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million on October 1, 2020. Of the EUR 23.0 million bond outstanding at the time of the financial statements bulletin, EUR 0.6 million was held by the company. The bond matures on October 1, 2024. The standby and bank account credit limits total EUR 7.0 million. The related financial covenants are linked to the terms of the bond.
The terms of the bond include financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond (Incurrence Covenant). The covenants require that the equity ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1, and that the Group's net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the reporting period. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the above-mentioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond.
The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing of the company. The arrangement consists of the renewal of the existing bond and of the standby and bank account credit limits.
In assessing the going concern, the management of the company has considered the effects of the measures taken during the financial year 2023 on the company's financial performance, financial forecasts and risks related to financial negotiations. Based on these factors, management estimates that
operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small. The company believes that the planned financing arrangements will lead to a favorable outcome. However, if the company fails to restructure the financing, this would jeopardize the continuity of the company's operations.
These financial statements have therefore been drawn up under the going concern principle.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning of financial period | 453 | 453 |
| Change | 0 | 0 |
| End of financial period | 453 | 453 |
The item includes unquoted shares. Fair value is estimated to correspond to book value (fair value hierarchy level 3).
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | 438 | 869 |
| Total | 438 | 869 |
| Number of shares |
Share | Share premium |
Invested unrestricted equity |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEUR | (1 000) | capital | reserve | reserve | Total |
| Beginning of financial period | 19,397 | 1,009 | 75 | 14,374 | 15,458 |
| End of financial period | 19,397 | 1,009 | 75 | 14,374 | 15,458 |
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Collateral given on our own behalf | ||
| Business mortgages | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Total | 10,000 | 10,000 |
Until the issuance of the bond the business mortgages as well as the pledged shares are given as collateral by the Parent Company for credit limits and long-term loans.
Solteq Group's related parties include the Board of Directors, the CEO, and the Group's Executive Team, as well as their related parties and entities according to the IAS24 standard.
On December 31, 2023, Solteq Plc owned the following subsidiaries:
| Company | Domicile | Share of ownership (%) | Share of votes (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2B Energia Oy | Finland | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Robotics Oy | Finland | 100 % | 100 % |
| Aponsa AB | Sweden | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Poland Sp. z. o. o | Poland | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Digital UK Ltd | Great Britain | 100 % | 100 % |
| Solteq Denmark A/S | Denmark | 100 % | 100 % |
There were no related party transactions to be reported in the review or the comparison period.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and other short-term employment benefits | 1,426 | 1,127 |
| Total | 1,426 | 1,127 |
The compensations of CEO, the Board of Directors and the Executive Team are included in the management employee benefits.
| TEUR | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| CEO Olli Väätäinen until Jan 31, 2022 | 58 | |
| Interim CEO Kari Lehtosalo during Feb 1 - Jun 30, 2022 | 114 | |
| CEO Aarne Aktan from Jul 1, 2022 | 350 | 175 |
| Board members | ||
| Markku Pietilä, Chairman of the Board | 71 | 64 |
| Aarne Aktan until Jun 30, 2022 | 20 | |
| Lotta Kopra until Mar 24, 2022 | 8 | |
| Panu Porkka | 37 | 33 |
| Katarina Cantell (formerly Segerståhl) | 41 | 37 |
| Anni Sarvaranta from Mar 24, 2022 | 38 | 26 |
| Mika Sutinen from Mar 24, 2022 | 40 | 25 |
| Esko Mertsalmi from Mar 29, 2023 | 26 |
The CEO's accrual-based pension costs amount to EUR 89 thousand. The CEO's pension plan complies with the employment pension legislation. The CEO's notice period is six months, and the agreement does not include any separate severance payments.
Solteq Plc's members of the Board of Directors and CEO owned directly or through controlled companies 79 thousand (26) shares at the end of 2022.
There were no acquisitions during the financial year 2023.
In the comparison period of 2022, two business acquisitions were made. On January 3, 2022, Solteq Plc signed an agreement to purchase the entire share capital of the energy software company Enerity Solutions Oy. Through the acquisition, Solteq is expanding its software offering in the utilities sector, which is one of the company's key growth drivers in the Nordic market. The deal also further increases the company's expertise in the changing operating environment of the energy sector. Enerity Solutions specializes in software solutions for electricity trading and grid profitability and risk management. Enerity Solutions Oy was merged into the parent company on June 1, 2022.
Solteq Plc acquired on November 7, 2022, the entire share capital of energy sector system and service provider S2B Energia Oy. As a result of the acquisition 10 employees transferred to be part of Solteq Group. The debt-free purchase price was EUR 1 and net assets EUR 32 thousand.
On April 17, 2023, Solteq signed a business transfer agreement, whereby the Group's ERP business based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Retail solutions was sold to Azets Group.
The net debt-free purchase price of the business is a maximum of EUR 20,000 thousand. The fixed purchase price is EUR 15,000 thousand deducted by the net working capital of the business. EUR 12,000 thousand was paid upon the completion of the Transaction. The remainder of the fixed purchase price will be paid at the latest six (6) months after the completion of the Transaction. A possible additional purchase price is a maximum of EUR 5,000 thousand, and it shall be determined based on the revenue of the transferring business for a period of twelve (12) months from the first date of the month the Transaction has been completed. The purchase price is paid in cash. The company recognized a onetime profit of EUR 9,944 thousand (before tax effects) on the fixed purchase price in the second quarter. The net assets sold in the business transaction were EUR 617 thousand, consisting of the provisions for personnel costs related to transferred persons (EUR 617 thousand). In addition, the expenses related to the business transaction were approximately EUR 632 thousand.
The Transaction consists of expert and maintenance services as well as clientele related to Solteq's Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central and LS Retail ERP solutions. Following the transfer of the business, approximately 60 experts located in Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark were transferred to Azets Group.
The Parent Company's events after the balance sheet date are the same as those of the Group. The information as regards the Group is presented in the Group note 6.4.
The distributable equity of the Parent Company Solteq Plc as at December 31, 2023 is:
| The distributable equity | ||
|---|---|---|
| 31 Dec 2023 | 31 Dec 2022 | |
| Invested unrestricted equity reserve | 14,374,181.33 | 14,374,181.33 |
| Result for previous financial periods | 8,181,965.39 | 13,711,364.54 |
| Result for the financial year | -2,882,912.52 | -5,529,399.15 |
| Total non-restricted equity | 19,673,234.20 | 22,556,146.72 |
| Capitalized development costs | -206,369.17 | -6,119,607.80 |
| Total distributable funds | 19,466,865.03 | 16,436,538.92 |
At the end of financial year 2023, the distributable equity of the Group's parent company is 19,466,865.03 euros. Solteq Plc's Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that for the financial year 2023, no dividend will be paid out.
The Board of Directors is of the opinion that there are no financial prerequisites for dividend pay-outs, or other kind of distribution of funds. According to the terms and conditions of the company debenture stock distribution of funds would lead to the expiration of the credit. The covenants of the bond do not permit distribution of funds based on the financial year 2023.
No essential changes have taken place in the company's financial situation after the end of the financial year.
Vantaa, February 23, 2024
Markku Pietilä Mika Sutinen Chairman of the Board Board Member
Anni Sarvaranta Panu Porkka Board Member Board Member
Katarina Cantell Esko Mertsalmi Board Member Board Member
Aarne Aktan CEO
Auditor's note
Our auditors' report has been issued today.
Helsinki, February 23, 2024
KPMG Oy Ab
Petri Sammalisto Authorized Public Accountant

This document is an English translation of the Finnish auditor's report. Only the Finnish version of the report is legally binding.
We have audited the financial statements of Solteq Plc (business identity code 0490484-0) for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements comprise both the consolidated and the parent company's statement of financial position, statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity, statement of cash flows and notes, including material accounting policy information.
In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the group's and parent company's financial performance, financial position and cash flows in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted by the EU and comply with statutory requirements.
Our opinion is consistent with the additional report submitted to the Audit Committee.
We conducted our audit in accordance with good auditing practice in Finland. Our responsibilities under good auditing practice are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statementssection of our report.
We are independent of the parent company and of the group companies in accordance with the ethical requirements that are applicable in Finland and are relevant to our audit, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
In our best knowledge and understanding, the non-audit services that we have provided to the parent company and group companies are in compliance with laws and regulations applicable in Finland regarding these services, and we have not provided any prohibited non-audit services referred to in Article 5(1) of regulation (EU) 537/2014. The non-audit services that we have provided have been disclosed in note 2.4 to the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
We draw attention to the section 1.3 Going Concern principle in the Notes to Consolidated Financial statements. As it has been described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial statements, Solteq has a fixed-rate bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million which matures on October 1, 2024 and the company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing of the company. The arrangement consists of the renewal of the existing bond and of the standby and bank account credit limits. In assessing the going concern, the management of the company has considered the effects of the measures taken during the financial year 2023 on the company's financial performance, financial forecasts and risks related to financial negotiations. Based on these factors, management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small. The company believes that the planned financing arrangements will lead to a favorable outcome. However, if the company fails to restructure the financing, this would jeopardize the continuity of the company's operations.
The abovementioned circumstances indicate that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Solteq Plc's ability to continue as a going concern. In addition, we draw attention to the note 3.3 to the consolidated financial statements which describes that if the company fails to restructure the
financing, it would also have an impact on the valuation of goodwill in the group and goodwill and merger losses in the parent company.
Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. The materiality is determined based on our professional judgement and is used to determine the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of identified misstatements on the financial statements as a whole. The level of materiality we set is based on our assessment of the magnitude of misstatements that, individually or in aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have influence on the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements. We have also taken into account misstatements and/or possible misstatements that in our opinion are material for qualitative reasons for the users of the financial statements.
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current period. These matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. The significant risks of material misstatement referred to in the EU Regulation No 537/2014 point (c) of Article 10(2) are included in the description of key audit matters below.
We have also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls. This includes consideration of whether there was evidence of management bias that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
In addition to the matter described in the Material uncertainty related to going concern section, we have determined the matters described below to be the key audit matters to be communicated in our report.
| THE KEY AUDIT MATTER | HOW THE MATTER WAS ADDRESSED IN THE AUDIT |
|---|---|
Due to the high level of judgement related to the forecasts used, and the significant carrying amounts involved, impairment assessment of goodwill and merger loss is considered a key audit matter.
We evaluated the cash flows used by comparing them to the group's budgets and the understanding we gained from our audit.
The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the preparation of consolidated financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards as adopted by the EU, and of financial statements that give a true and fair view in accordance with the laws and regulations governing the preparation of financial statements in Finland and comply with statutory requirements. The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for assessing the parent company's and the group's ability to continue as going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting. The financial statements are prepared using the going concern basis of accounting unless there is an intention to liquidate the parent company or the group or cease operations, or there is no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance on whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with good auditing practice will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.
As part of an audit in accordance with good auditing practice, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:
We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor's report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.
Solteq Plc became a public interest entity on 6 September 1999. We have been the company's auditors since it became a public interest entity.
The Board of Directors and the Managing Director are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the report of the Board of Directors and the information included in the Annual Report, but does not include the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. We have obtained the report of the Board of Directors prior to the date of this auditor's report, and the Annual Report is expected to be made available to us after that date.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. With respect to the report of the Board of Directors, our responsibility also includes considering whether the report of the Board of Directors has been prepared in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
In our opinion, the information in the report of the Board of Directors is consistent with the information in the financial statements and the report of the Board of Directors has been prepared in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor's report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Helsinki, 23 February 2024
KPMG OY AB
PETRI SAMMALISTO Authorised Public Accountant, KHT
Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.