AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

Multiconsult

Earnings Release Aug 21, 2024

3667_rns_2024-08-21_6fac8e59-b64a-4f77-bf22-f1f14f5fc073.html

Earnings Release

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Correction: Multiconsult first quarter and first half result 2024 - very strong performance

Correction: Multiconsult first quarter and first half result 2024 - very strong performance

Multiconsult (OSE: MULTI) Reference is made to the release issued 21 August

2024, 07:00 CET related to second quarter and first half result 2024: Heading

referred to the first quarter 2024, the correct quarter should be second quarter

Corrected release follows:

______

Multiconsult second quarter and first half result 2024 - very strong performance

Multiconsult ASA (OSE: MULTI)

Multiconsult delivered a very strong quarter, continuing the positive

development with high activity and strong operational efficiency. The EBITA came

in at NOK 185.7 million (55.6), equal to an EBITA margin of 13.0 per cent. The

performance was influenced by high activity, with a billing ratio of 73.8 per

cent, 1.7 percentage points higher than the comparable quarter last year. Net

operating revenues grew by 23.5 per cent to NOK 1?424.9 million, the organic

revenue growth was 11.4 per cent adjusted for the calendar effect. There was an

impact of five more working days compared to the same period last year, with an

estimated positive effect of NOK 92.6 million on net operating revenues and

EBITA. The order intake was solid at NOK 1?531 million resulting in an order

backlog of NOK 4?943 million.

SECOND QUARTER 2024

· Successful quarter with strong operational performance and results

· Net operating revenues increased by 23.5 per cent to NOK 1?424.9 million

(1?153.8)

· The organic revenue growth adjusted for the calendar effect was 11.4 per

cent

· EBITA of NOK 185.7 million (55.6), equal to an EBITA margin of 13.0 per cent

(4.8)

· Net revenues and EBITA impacted positively by NOK 92.6 million from the

calendar effect compared with second quarter 2023

· Significantly improved billing ratio of 73.8 per cent (72.1), up 1.7pp

· Order intake of NOK 1?531 million (1?572)

· Order backlog of NOK 4?943 million (4 943)

· Full-time equivalents (FTE) increased by 5.1 per cent, to 3?531 (3?360)

· Net profit of NOK 147.9 million (36.0)

· Earnings per share NOK 5.36 (1.30)

· The overall market outlook remains good and stable

FIRST HALF 2024

· Net operating revenues of NOK 2?791.8 million (2?464.0), a y-o-y growth of

13.3 per cent

· The organic revenue growth adjusted for the calendar effect was 10.7 per

cent

· EBITA of NOK 322.4 million (271.9), equal to an EBITA margin of 11.5 per

cent (11.0)

· Net revenues and EBITA impacted negatively by NOK 21.1 million from the

calendar effect compared with first half 2023

· Order intake of NOK 3?378 million (4?146)

· Net profit of NOK 243.4 million (194.1)

· Earnings per share 8.88 (7.07)

· Full-time equivalents (FTE) increased by 7.6 per cent, to 3?540 (3?289)

EXTRACT OF COMMENTS FROM CEO, GRETHE BERGLY:

Multiconsult delivered a very strong quarter, continuing the positive

development with high activity and good operational performance and efficiency.

An all-time high billing ratio of 73.8 per cent registered in the quarter is a

testament to a high activity level in the organisation. We continue to deliver

strong results and can record a record high first half of 2024. I would like to

express my gratitude to all our employees for contributing to the strong

results.

Multiconsult's strong performance over time demonstrates that we are succeeding

in our strategic priorities to position ourselves to win the right projects and

that we have an organisation with highly skilled employees who are capable of

delivering services that meet our customers' expectations.

The overall market development has been stable, with continued uncertainty

during the quarter. The solid order intake of NOK 1?531 million resulted in a

flat development in our order backlog year-over-year. It is a great achievement

by the organisation that we maintain a strong order backlog giving us a solid

foundation at the end of the second quarter. We see a continued high level of

activity and increased opportunities to provide solutions that support our

clients in their green transition. We are experiencing increased demand for our

services in biodiversity and projects that can help mitigate the consequences of

the climate changes.

To remain relevant and competitive, we must stay at the forefront of both

professional and technological development. Therefore, we invest heavily in this

area. In the quarter, we have started a 12-month mentorship/candidate program to

enhance our capability in managing the largest and most complex transportation

projects.

For a full review of comments from CEO, please refer second quarter and first

half year 2024 report.

FINANCIAL REVIEW, SECOUND QUARTER 2024:

Net operating revenues amounted to NOK 1?424.9 million (1?153.8), an increase of

23.5 per cent compared to the same quarter last year. The organic revenue growth

amounted to 11.4 per cent, adjusted for calendar effect and acquisition. The

increase in net operating revenues was driven by higher billing ratio, increased

capacity, and higher billing rates. The billing ratio exceeded last year's

comparable quarter by 1.7 percentage points, reaching 73.8 per cent (72.1).

Higher capacity, reflected by an increase in full-time equivalents (FTE) of 5.1

per cent and higher billing rates, contributed positively to the growth in net

operating revenues.

Operating expenses consist of employee benefit expenses and other operating

expenses. Operating expenses increased by 12.9 per cent to NOK 1?178.9 million

(1?044.5) compared to the same quarter in 2023. Employee benefit expenses

increased by 14.2 per cent in line with ordinary salary adjustment, increased

manning level from acquisitions, and increase in net recruitment. Other

operating expenses increased by 5.2 per cent to NOK 158.0 million (150.3),

primarily due to higher IT-cost and cost increase in general.

EBITDA was NOK 245.9 million (109.3), an increase of 124.9 per cent compared to

the same period last year, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 17.3 per cent (9.5) in

the quarter.

EBITA was NOK 185.7 million (55.6), an increase of 234.1 per cent year-over

-year, reflecting an EBITA margin of 13.0 per cent (4.8) in the quarter.

Calendar effect: In the second quarter of 2024 there were five more working days

compared to the second quarter 2023. This had an estimated positive impact of

NOK 92.6 million on net operating revenues and operating results.

FINANCIAL REVIEW, FIRST HALF 2024:

Net operating revenues increased by 13.3 per cent to NOK 2?791.8 million

(2?464.0). The organic revenue growth amounted to 10.7 per cent, adjusted for

calendar effect and acquisition. The increase in net operating revenues was

driven by higher billing ratio, increased capacity reflected by an increase in

full-time equivalents (FTE) of 7.6 per cent and higher billing rates. Billing

ratio increased to 73.6 per cent (71.5) an increase by 2.1 percentage points and

contributed positively to growth in net operating revenues.

Operating expenses consist of employee benefit expenses and other operating

expenses. Reported operating expenses increased by 12.8 per cent to NOK 2?349.8

million (2?083.5) compared to the first half year of 2023. Employee benefit

expenses increased by 13.7 per cent and came in at NOK 2?038.8 million

(1?793.0), an increase driven by net recruitment, regular salary adjustment and

employee benefit expenses arising from acquisitions. Other operating expenses

increased by 7.0 per cent to NOK 311.0 million (290.5), partly an effect of

operating expenses included from prior acquisitions and from cost increase in

general.

EBITDA was NOK 442.0 million (380.5), an increase of 16.2 per cent compared to

the same period last year, reflecting an EBITDA margin of 15.8 per cent (15.4).

EBITA was NOK 322.4 million (271.9), an increase of 18.6 per cent y-o-y,

reflecting an EBITA margin of 11.5 per cent (11.0).

Calendar effect: In the first half of 2024 there was one less working day

compared to the same period in 2023. This had an estimated negative impact of

NOK 21.1 million on net operating revenues and operating results.

OUTLOOK

The overall market outlook remains good and stable, with anticipated high

activity levels across various sectors. Despite expected challenges such as

investment delays and shifts in political priorities, the market for

Multiconsult's services is expected to be good across all four business areas.

Demand for infrastructure and projects related to the green transition is likely

to remain strong, and the potential for new opportunities in the pipeline is at

a good level. However, the competitive landscape is expected to evolve due to

lower investment levels in some markets, with pricing and margins for

engineering services being sensitive and varying across the different segments.

Overall, while specific challenges are anticipated, the outlook supports

continued stability and continued performance.

For a full review, please refer to second quarter and first half year 2024

report.

---

Presentations today 21 August 2024:

Participants are invited to attend the Norwegian presentation that will be held

at Hotel Continental, Stortingsgata 24/26, Oslo, Norway at 08:30 (CEST). The

results will also be presented through a live webcast: In Norwegian at 08:30 and

in English presentation at 09:30. Participants will have the opportunity to

submit questions online throughout the webcast sessions.

The Norwegian presentation at 08:30 can be accessed at:

https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20240821_6/

The English presentation at 09:30 can be accessed at:

https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/hegnarmedia/20240821_7/

Live webcasts, complete report, presentation and a recording of the webcast will

be available on www.multiconsult-ir.com and https://newsweb.oslobors.no/

For further information, please contact:

Investor relations:

Ove B. Haupberg, CFO

Phone: +47 401 00 900

E-mail: [email protected]

Media:

Gaute Christensen, VP Communications

Phone: +47 911 70 188

E-mail: [email protected]

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.