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

AAK

Quarterly Report Feb 3, 2016

2874_10-k_2016-02-03_a895c396-f074-4e59-ae2a-c4312806e987.pdf

Quarterly Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

Interim Report

Fourth quarter and Year-end report, 2015

Chief Executive's comments

A new record high operating profit and continued organic volume growth

Again, a record high operating profit was achieved with solid year-on-year improvements. Food Ingredients reported a very strong quarter due to a further improved product mix, continued organic volume growth and a relatively moderate fourth quarter last year. Chocolate & Confectionery Fats continued to improve but, as expected, at a slightly slower pace after some very strong quarters. Technical Products & Feed reported a very strong quarter, mainly due to a positive development for the technical fatty acids business.

Total volumes continued to grow nicely and were up 6 percent (9). Organic volume growth was 1 percent (1).

Operating profit, excluding acquisition costs of SEK 15 million, reached SEK 388 million (343 excluding net positive, non-recurring items of SEK 16 million), an improvement of 13 percent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2014. Operating profit at fixed foreign exchange rates, and adjusted for acquisition costs and non-recurring items, improved by 7 percent. During the quarter we have continued to invest in the organization by adding more resources in Sales and Customer Innovation, particularly in growth markets.

The currency translation impact was positive SEK 22 million (27).

Operating profit per kilo, excluding acquisition costs, reached SEK 0.79 (0.74 excluding nonrecurring items). The currency translation impact was SEK 0.04 (0.06).

Business Area operating profit:

  • Food Ingredients improved by 17 percent, reaching SEK 257 million (220).
  • Chocolate & Confectionery Fats reported a result of SEK 135 million (128), an improvement of 5 percent.
  • Technical Products & Feed improved by 28 percent, reaching SEK 32 million (25).

Operating profit per kilo for Food Ingredients increased from SEK 0.71 to SEK 0.77. At fixed foreign exchange rates, operating profit per kilo improved by 4 percent despite continued volume growth in commodity products.

Operating profit per kilo for Chocolate & Confectionery Fats reached SEK 1.57 (1.52), an improvement of 3 percent. At fixed foreign exchange rates operating profit per kilo declined by 5 percent due to a continued very strong competitive

pressure on low-end products and previously mentioned investments in the organization.

Technical Products & Feed reported an increased operating profit per kilo, reaching SEK 0.45 (0.37).

Earnings per share decreased by 21 percent, to SEK 5.65 (7.12). This was due to an exceptional low tax cost related to nonrecurring items in the fourth quarter, 2014.

Sales amounted to SEK 5,266 million (4,856). The increase was mainly due to acquisitions, organic volume growth and a positive currency translation impact of SEK 158 million. This was, however, partly offset by lower raw material prices.

Business development

Food Ingredients continued to grow organically and reported a 2 percent volume increase. The picture between the segments was, however, very variable.

The Bakery segment had a challenging quarter, particularly in Europe. Other regions, such as the US, continued to show good organic volume growth.

The Dairy segment continued the strong trend from the third quarter and reported double-digit organic volume growth despite the low prices on milk fat. Europe and the US showed particularly strong growth in this segment.

Infant Nutrition speciality volumes, comprising InFat® business in Advanced Lipids AB, a joint venture of AAK and Enzymotec, continued the organic growth trend from the last two quarters. For the full year though, we only see a modest organic volume growth after the extraordinary first quarter in 2014. Infant Nutrition product range Akonino® continued to show good organic volume growth.

Food Service reported low organic volume growth, however with continued good growth in the UK. Market conditions in the US were more challenging.

Commodity products showed organic volume growth for the fifth consecutive quarter, but still from a very low level and bringing in some incremental profit.

Total volumes for Chocolate & Confectionery Fats increased by 2 percent. The organic volume growth in the quarter was negative by 2 percent. The business area was, however, again negatively influenced by the deteriorating market conditions in Russia. After 24 months of deteriorating market conditions, Ukraine has during the fourth quarter stabilized at a low level. Total volumes excluding Russia were stable in the quarter. Low-end products continued to be under very strong competitive pressure, a trend since several quarters.

Operating cash flow as expected

Operating cash flow including changes in working capital amounted to SEK 661 million (495). Cash flow from working capital was positive mainly due to lower raw material prices and amounted to SEK 292 million (84).

Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)

Calculated on a rolling 12 months basis, Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) was 15.7 percent (16.0 at December 31, 2014). ROCE was negatively affected by the greenfield investments in Brazil and China. The ROCE for the fourth quarter reached 14.9 percent compared to 14.5 percent for the corresponding quarter in 2014.

Greenfield investments

As earlier communicated, the start-up of the new factory in Brazil is planned for the first quarter, 2016. Construction of the new factory in China is developing according to plan.

AAK has taken over the activities of phospholipids business

During November, AAK entered a management agreement with the trustee in the bankruptcy of TLC and Belovo – both part of the BNLfood Group – to restart the operations of TLC, an ingredient supplier to the global nutrition market, located in Bastogne, Belgium.

TLC is specialized in extracting phospholipids from egg yolk. Such phospholipids offer additional benefits when included in nutrition formulas and reinforce functions of the brain,

the eyes and the immune system at all life stages.

By blending these phospholipids with Akonino®, AAK's solution for infant formulas, AAK will be able to extend its product range within the infant nutrition market and the nutrition markets in general, with new advanced customer co-developed products.

AAK awarded best chocolate innovation

In December, AAK's revolutionary chocolate solution TROPICAO™ was recognized with an award at Food ingredients Europe (FiE) Innovation Awards in Paris.

TROPICAO™ has been developed to overcome heat-related bloom, the most frequent reason for chocolate quality complaints in hot climates. With AAK's innovative solution, chocolate manufacturers in hot climate markets such as Latin America, Asia and the Middle East are able to produce bloom-stable chocolate and still maintain the chocolate's sensorial properties. Early feedback from customers has been very strong. However, sales cycles are lengthy.

AAK awarded best bakery innovation

AAK's solution Akopastry HP was also awarded at FiE. This innovation has been developed for industrial puff pastry manufacturers and shows significant cost efficiency. In addition, products with Akopastry HP show an improved structure of the pastry as well as an improved nutritional profile.

AAKtion

Our company program for 2014–2016, "AAKtion", is developing according to plan. The program is intended to further strengthen our focus on "Sales-Innovation-Execution".

Concluding remarks

Based on AAK's customer value propositions for health and reduced costs, and our customer product co-development and solutions approach, we continue to remain prudently optimistic about the future.

The main drivers are the continued positive underlying development in Food Ingredients and the continued improvement in Chocolate & Confectionery Fats.

Arne Frank Chief Executive Officer and President

3

Financial highlights and key ratios

Q4 Q4 Full year Full year
SEK million 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Income statement
Volumes ('000 MT) 491 462 +6 1,833 1,703 +8
Operating profit excluding non-recurring items 3881) 3432) +13 1,4111) 1,2422) +14
Operating profit including non-recurring items 373 359 +4 1,409 1,262 +12
Net profit 245 299 -18 945 887 +7
Financial position
Total assets 13,896 12,512 - 13,896 12,512 -
Equity 6,650 5,800 - 6,650 5,800 -
Net working capital 3,087 3,301 - 3,087 3,301 -
Net interest-bearing debt 2,083 2,508 - 2,083 2,508 -
Cash flow
EBITDA 490 459 +7 1,840 1,643 +12
Cash flow from operating activities 661 495 - 1,736 692 -
Cash flow from investing activities -549 -47 - -1,016 -708 -
Free cash flow 112 448 - 720 -16 -
Earnings per share
Earnings per share before dilution 5.65 7.12 -21 22.17 21.15 +5
Earnings per share after dilution 5.64 7.06 -20 22.12 20.97 +5
Key figures
Volume growth, % +6 +9 - +8 +5 -
Operating profit per kilo (excl. non-recurring items1,2) 0.79 0.74 +7 0.77 0.73 +5
Return on Capital Employed (R12 months) 15.7 16.0 -2 15.7 16.0 -2
Net debt / EBITDA 1.13 1.52 -26 1.13 1.52 -26

1 ) Non-recurring items for the fourth quarter 2015 consist of acquisition costs of SEK 15 million related to the acquisition of 51 percent of Kamani Oil Industries Pvt. and the acquisition of TLC of BNLfood Group. Non-recurring items for the full year 2015 amounted to negative SEK 2 million and consist of above mentioned acquisition costs of SEK 15 million, SEK 45 million in net profit as a result of the sale of the company's office building in M.P. Bruuns Gade, Aarhus, Denmark. An assessment of previously made non-recurring provisions has resulted in increased provisions of SEK 32 million.

2 ) Non-recurring items for the fourth quarter 2014 consist of the net profit from the divestment of Binol (SEK 81 million) and, mainly, a non-recurring cost for further production optimization in Europe of SEK 65 million. Net total positive impact of SEK 16 million in the fourth quarter 2014. Non-recurring items for the full year 2014 amounted to SEK 20 million and consist of above mentioned items, acquisition costs of SEK 16 million and a net positive impact of SEK 20 million related to the acquisition of CSM Benelux NV in Merksem, Belgium.

Operating profit and operating profit per kilo in the diagrams above have been adjusted to exclude acquisition costs and nonrecurring items.

The AAK Group, fourth quarter 2015

Volumes

Volumes increased by 6 percent (9) compared to the fourth quarter 2014. The organic volume growth in the quarter was 1 percent (1).

Net sales

Sales amounted to SEK 5,266 million (4,856). The increase was mainly due to acquisitions, organic volume growth and a positive currency translation impact of SEK 158 million. This was, however, partly offset by lower raw material prices.

Operating profit

Operating profit, excluding acquisition costs of SEK 15 million, reached SEK 388 million (343 excluding net positive, non-recurring items of SEK 16 million), an improvement of 13 percent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2014. Operating profit at fixed foreign exchange rates, and adjusted for acquisition costs and nonrecurring items, improved by 7 percent. The currency translation impact was positive SEK 22 million (27).

Operating profit per kilo, excluding acquisition costs, reached SEK 0.79 (0.74 excluding nonrecurring items). The currency translation impact was SEK 0.04 (0.06).

Net financial cost

Net financial cost increased and amounted to SEK 29 million (22). The Group's borrowings in high-interest rate countries have increased due to ongoing greenfield projects and recently made acquisitions.

Cash flow and investments

Operating cash flow including changes in working capital amounted to SEK 661 million (495). Cash flow from working capital was positive mainly due to lower raw material prices and amounted to SEK 292 million (84).

Cash outflow from investing activities amounted to SEK 549 million (47, including received payment from the sale of Binol). The increased outflow is mainly related to the ongoing greenfield projects in Brazil and China, and the payment for 51 percent of Kamani Oil Industries Pvt Ltd.

Financial position

The equity/assets ratio amounted to 48 percent (46 percent at December 31, 2014). Net debt at December 31, 2015, amounted to SEK 2,083 million (SEK 2,508 million on December 31,

2014). At December 31, 2015, the Group had total committed credit facilities of approximately SEK 5,924 million (5,818 as of December 31, 2014), with approximately SEK 3,766 million of unused committed credit facilities.

Employees

The average number of employees at December 31, 2015 was 2,712 (2,439 at December 31, 2014). The increased number of employees is entirely related to the acquisition of 51 percent of Kamani Oil Industries Pvt Ltd.

Partnership established in Japan

AAK has in October established a partnership with Miyoshi Oils & Fats Co. by forming a new company together for the Japanese market, AAK Miyoshi JP. The Japanese market is particularly interesting for the Chocolate & Confectionery Fats and Bakery segments.

AAK owns 70 percent of the new company. The remaining 30 percent is owned by Miyoshi Oils & Fats Co. AAK Miyoshi JP will have both sales and customer innovation resources and will focus on products for the chocolate and confectionery, bakery, dairy and infant nutrition markets. The partnership is operational since January, 2016.

AAK has taken over the activities of phospholipids business

During November, AAK entered a management agreement with the trustee in the bankruptcy of TLC and Belovo – both part of the BNLfood Group – to restart the operations of TLC, an ingredient supplier to the global nutrition market, located in Bastogne, Belgium.

TLC is specialized in extracting phospholipids from egg yolk. By blending these phospholipids with Akonino®, AAK's solution for infant formulas, AAK will be able to extend its product range within the infant nutrition market and the nutrition markets in general, with new advanced customer co-developed products.

AAK awarded best chocolate and best bakery innovations in Europe

In December, TROPICAO™, the company's revolutionary chocolate solution, and Akopastry HP, AAK's latest innovation within the Bakery segment, were both recognized with innovation awards at Food ingredients Europe Innovation Awards in Paris.

Business Area Food Ingredients, Q4 2015

Q4 Q4 Full year Full year
Operating profit SEK million 2015 2014 % 2015 2014 %
Volumes ('000 MT) 335 310 +8 1,258 1,117 +13
+ 17
%
Net sales 3,542 3,215 +10 13,556 11,509 +18
Operating profit per kilo Operating profit 257 220 +17 903 803 +12
+ 8
%
Operating profit per kilo 0.77 0.71 +8 0.72 0.72 -0

Volumes

Food Ingredients reported organic volume growth of 2 percent. The picture between the segments was, however, very variable.

The Bakery segment had a challenging quarter, particularly in Europe. Other regions, such as the US, continued to show good organic volume growth.

The Dairy segment continued the strong trend from the third quarter and reported double-digit organic volume growth despite the low prices on milk fat. Europe and the US showed particularly strong growth in this segment.

Infant Nutrition speciality volumes, comprising InFat® business in Advanced Lipids AB, a joint venture of AAK and Enzymotec, continued the organic growth trend from the last two quarters. For the full year though, we only see a modest organic volume growth after the extraordinary first quarter in 2014. Infant Nutrition product range Akonino® continued to show good organic volume growth.

Food Service reported low organic volume growth, however with continued good growth in the UK. Market conditions in the US were more challenging.

Commodity products showed organic volume growth for the fifth consecutive quarter, but still from a very low level and bringing in some incremental profit.

Net sales

Sales amounted to SEK 3,542 million (3,215). The increase was mainly due to increased volumes related to acquisitions, organic volume growth and a positive currency translation impact of SEK 108 million. This was, however, partly offset by lower raw material prices.

Operating profit

Operating profit improved by 17 percent to SEK 257 (220). The currency translation impact was positive SEK 13 million.

Operating profit per kilo in Food Ingredients increased from SEK 0.71 to SEK 0.77. At fixed foreign exchange rates operating profit per kilo improved by 4 percent despite continued volume growth in commodity products.

We expect a continued positive underlying development for this business area.

Business Area Chocolate & Confectionery Fats, Q4 2015

Operating profit SEK million Q4
2015
Q4
2014
% Full year
2015
Full year
2014
%
Volumes ('000 MT) 86 84 +2 312 314 -1
+ 5
%
Net sales 1,414 1,319 +7 5,315 4,891 +9
Operating profit per kilo Operating profit 135 128 +5 553 460 +20
+
3
%
Operating profit per kilo 1.57 1.52 +3 1.77 1.46 +21

Volumes

Total volumes for Chocolate & Confectionery Fats increased by 2 percent. The organic volume growth in the quarter was negative by 2 percent. The business area was, however, again negatively influenced by the deteriorating market conditions in Russia. After 24 months of deteriorating market conditions, Ukraine has during the fourth quarter stabilized at a low level. Total volumes excluding Russia were stable in the quarter. Low-end products continued to be under very strong competitive pressure, a trend since several quarters.

Net sales

Net sales for Chocolate & Confectionery Fats increased by SEK 95 million as a consequence of increased volumes due to acquisitions, partly offset by lower raw material prices. The currency translation impact was positive SEK 49 million.

The professional efforts within this business area during 2011 to 2013, with very low cocoa butter prices, our customer co-development work and the promotion of Cocoa Butter Equivalent (CBE) based on other customer benefits than just cost, are now yielding results and will yield further.

Operating profit

As expected, operating profit improved further, by 5 percent, and reached SEK 135 million (128). Margins continued to improve driven by the increase in cocoa butter prices since 2013. The currency translation impact was positive SEK 10 million.

Operating profit per kilo improved by 3 percent to SEK 1.57 (1.52). The main reason for this improvement is the positive currency translation impact, partly offset by a continued very strong competitive pressure on low-end products. During the quarter we have continued to invest in the organization by adding more resources in Sales and Customer Innovation, particularly in growth markets.

We are expecting continued improvement in Chocolate & Confectionery Fats.

Business Area Technical Products & Feed, Q4 2015

Operating profit SEK million Q4
2015
Q4
2014
% Full year
2015
Full year
2014*
%
+
28
%
Operating profit per kilo
+
22
%
Volumes ('000 MT)
Net sales
Operating profit
Operating profit per kilo
70
310
32
0.45
68
322
25
0.37
+3
-4
+28
+22
263
1,243
88
0.33
268
1,324
89
0.33
-2
-6
-1
0

Volumes

After a challenging third quarter due to a planned but more extensive maintenance stop than normal, volumes for the fourth quarter increased by 3 percent compared to the corresponding quarter in 2014. This was mainly related to increased sales of technical fatty acids.

Net sales

Net sales for the business area decreased by SEK 12 million mainly as a result of lower raw material prices.

Operating profit

Operating profit reached SEK 32 million (25) due to a positive development of the fatty acids business.

Operating profit per kilo increased by 22 percent at SEK 0.45 (0.37).

The operating profit is expected to be stable or to improve slightly compared to the prior year.

The AAK Group, full year 2015

Volumes

Total volumes were up 8 percent (5) and organic volume growth was up 3 percent (negative 1).

Net sales

Sales amounted to SEK 20,114 million (17,814). The increase was mainly due to the effect of the acquisitions, organic volume growth and a positive currency translation impact of SEK 1,417 million. This was, however, partly offset by lower raw material prices.

Operating result

Operating profit, excluding acquisition costs and non-recurring items, reached SEK 1,411 million (1,242), an improvement of 14 percent. Operating profit at fixed foreign exchange rates, and adjusted for last year's divestment of Binol, acquisition costs, and non-recurring items, improved by 4 percent.

Including non-recurring items – the profit from the divestment of the office building in Aarhus; nonrecurring provisions made in the second quarter 2015; acquisition costs reported in the fourth quarter 2015; last year's acquisition costs; and the net positive impact related to the acquisition of CSM Benelux NV in Merksem, Belgium – operating profit reached SEK 1,409 million (1,262), an improvement of 12 percent. The currency translation impact was positive SEK 125 million (48).

Operating profit per kilo, excluding acquisition costs and non-recurring items, improved and reached SEK 0.77 (0.73). The currency translation impact was SEK 0.07 (0.03). Operating profit per kilo was negatively impacted by the dilutive effect of the acquisitions in Belgium, Colombia and India, and continued volume growth in commodity products in Food Ingredients.

Net financial cost

Net financial cost increased and reached SEK 114 million (108). The Group's borrowings in high-interest rate countries have increased due to ongoing greenfield projects and recently made acquisitions.

Tax

Reported tax cost corresponds to an average tax rate of 27 percent (23). The underlying average tax rate for the Group is approximately 26–28 percent (26–27). The increased tax rate is related to increased earnings from countries with higher

tax rates. The favorable tax rate in 2014 was mainly due to the fact that most of the profit from the divestment of Binol was tax exempt.

Cash flow

Cash flow after changes in working capital amounted to SEK 1,736 million (692), including improvements in working capital by SEK 380 million (negative SEK 560 million). This is mainly due to lower raw material prices, partly offset by organic volume growth.

Sale of office building in Aarhus

The company has sold its office building in M.P. Bruuns Gade, Aarhus, Denmark. The transaction was completed during the month of June, 2015.

Acquisition of 51% of Kamani Oil Industries

During September, 2015, we acquired 51 percent of the shares of Kamani Oil Industries Pvt Ltd. The company had revenues of approximately SEK 1,000 million last year, with an annual volume of 100,000 MT. The acquisition was completed on October 1, 2015.

The acquired surplus value preliminary amounted to approximately SEK 260 million for 100 percent of the company and relates to customer relations (which are amortized annually), goodwill and brands.

There is, in addition, a put/call option under which AAK could acquire the remaining 49 percent of the company within the next 3–7 years. The acquisition cost related to Kamani has been expensed during the fourth quarter.

Partnership established in Japan

AAK has established a partnership with Miyoshi Oils & Fats Co. by forming a new company together for the Japanese market, AAK Miyoshi JP. AAK owns 70 percent of the new company. The remaining 30 percent is owned by Miyoshi Oils & Fats Co. The partnership is operational since January, 2016.

AAK has taken over the activities of phospholipids business

During November, AAK entered a management agreement with the trustee in the bankruptcy of TLC and Belovo – both part of the BNLfood Group – to restart the operations of TLC, an ingredient supplier to the global nutrition market, located in Bastogne, Belgium.

General information

Related parties

No significant changes have taken place in relations or transactions with related parties since 2014.

The dispute between AAK and Enzymotec has been ruled upon

In the spring of 2014, AAK AB communicated that it had initiated arbitration proceedings at ICC, International Court of Arbitration, against the company Enzymotec Ltd with respect to certain disputed matters under the Shareholders' Agreement entered into on June 14, 2007 regarding the joint venture company Advanced Lipids AB.

In the arbitration Enzymotec submitted a claim of USD 40 million against AAK. Enzymotec's claim was denied in its entirety by the ICC tribunal. AAK's declaratory claim against Enzymotec regarding liability was also denied.

Risks and uncertainty factors

AAK is a global company represented in many countries and as such is exposed to a number of commercial and financial risks. Accordingly, risk management is an important process for AAK in its work to achieve established targets.

Efficient risk management is an ongoing process conducted within the framework of business control, and is part of the ongoing review of operations and forward-looking assessment of operations.

AAK's long-term risk exposure is assumed not to deviate from the inherent exposure associated with AAK's ongoing business operations.

For a more in-depth analysis of risks, refer to AAK's Annual Report for 2014.

Accounting principles in 2015

This interim report is prepared in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. For information regarding the accounting policies applied, see the Annual Report for 2014. The accounting policies are unchanged, compared with those applied in 2014. A number of new and amended standards are effective for periods beginning after January 1, 2015. None of these are expected to have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group or the Parent company.

Definitions

For definitions, see the Annual Report for 2014.

Nomination Committee

At the Annual General Meeting 2015, Mikael Ekdahl (Melker Schörling AB), Henrik Didner (Didner & Gerge Fonder), Åsa Nisell (Swedbank Robur Fonder) and Lars-Åke Bokenberger (AMF Fonder), were elected members of the Nomination Committee in respect of the Annual General Meeting 2015. Mikael Ekdahl was elected chairman of the Nomination Committee.

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will be held on May 11, 2016 at 14:00 CET in Malmö, Sweden (Europaporten). The Annual Report for 2015 is expected to be distributed to the shareholders during the week starting April 18, 2016 and will at that time also be available on AAK's website and at its head office.

Shareholders who wish to participate at the Annual General Meeting must be registered in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB on May 4, 2016. To be eligible to participate in the Annual General Meeting, shareholders with nominee-registered holdings should temporarily re-register their shares in their own names through the agency of their nominees so that they are recorded in the share register in good time before May 4, 2016. Notification of attendance should be made to AAK's head office no later than 16:00 CET on May 4, 2016.

Proposed dividend

The Board of Directors and the CEO propose that a dividend of SEK 7.75 (6.75) per share be paid for the financial year 2015. The proposed recording day for the dividend is May 13, 2016. It is expected that the dividend will reach the shareholders on May 18, 2016.

The Parent Company and Group Functions

The Parent Company is a holding company for the AAK Group. Its functions are primarily activities related to the development and administration of the Group.

The result for the Parent Company after financial items amounted to SEK 1 million (negative 4).

Interest-bearing liabilities minus cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing assets totalled a negative of SEK 1,007 million (negative 803 as of

December 31, 2014). Investments in intangible and tangible assets amounted to SEK 4 million (0).

The Parent Company's balance sheet and income statement are shown on pages 13-14.

Accounting policies

AAK AB (publ.) is the Parent Company of the

Malmö, February 3, 2016

Melker Schörling Ulrik Svensson Märta Schörling Chairman of the Board Board member Board member

entities.

year-end.

AAK Group. The company has prepared its financial reports in accordance with the Annual Accounts Act and RFR 2 Reporting for legal

No major change in the parent company since

Changes in the balance sheet

Marianne Kirkegaard Lillie Li Valeur Arne Frank

Board member Board member Chief Executive Officer and President

Annika Westerlund Leif Håkansson Trade union Trade union

representative representative

The information is that which AAK AB (publ.) is obliged to publish under the provisions of the Stock Exchange and Clearing Operations Act and/or the Trading in Financial Instruments Act. The information was released to the media for publication on February 3, 2016 at 08:50 am CET.

Report of Review of Interim Financial Information

Introduction

We have reviewed the condensed interim financial information (interim report) of AAK AB (publ.) as of December 31, 2015 and the twelve-month period then ended. The board of directors and the CEO are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the interim financial information in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on this interim report based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with the International Standard on Review Engagements ISRE 2410, Review of Interim Report Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity. A review consists of making inquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing, ISA, and other generally accepted auditing standards in Sweden. The procedures performed in a review do not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim report is not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, regarding the Group, and with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act, regarding the Parent Company.

Malmö, February 3, 2016

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Sofia Götmar-Blomstedt Authorized Public Accountant

Income statement

Group Parent
Q4 Q4 Full year Full year Full year Full year
SEK million 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Net sales 5,266 4,856 20,114 17,814 80 74
Other operating income 47 105 194 216 0 0
Total operating income 5,313 4,961 20,308 18,030 80 74
Raw materials and supplies -3,884 -3,676 -15,008 -13,452 - -
Other external expenses -513 -525 -1,833 -1,630 -111 -95
Cost for remuneration to employees -425 -296 -1,590 -1,297 -88 -61
Amortisation and impairment losses -117 -100 -431 -381 -1 -1
Other operating expenses -1 -5 -37 -8 0 0
Total operating costs -4,940 -4,602 -18,899 -16,768 -200 -157
Operating profit (EBIT) 373 359 1,409 1,262 -120 -83
Income from shares in group companies - - 125 93
Interest income 1 2 3 6 - -
Interest expense -27 -22 -99 -97 -4 -13
Other financial items -3 -2 -18 -17 - -1
Total financial net -29 -22 -114 -108 121 79
Result before tax 344 337 1,295 1,154 1 -4
Income tax -99 -38 -350 -267 -1 0
Net result 245 299 945 887 - -4
Attributable to non-controlling interests 6 2 12 8 - -
Attributable to the Parent company's
shareholders
239 297 933 879 - -4

Comprehensive income

Group Parent
Q4 Q4 Full year Full year Full year Full year
SEK million 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014
Profit for the period 245 299 945 887 - -4
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or
loss:
Remeasurements of post employment benefit
16 -46 19 -62 - -
obligations
16 -46 19 -62 - -
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to
profit or loss:
Translation differences -62 270 44 755 - -
Fair-value changes in cash flow hedges 8 2 25 -5 - -
Tax attributable to fair-value changes in
cash flow hedges
-2 -1 -6 1 - -
-56 271 63 751 - -
Total comprehensive income for the period 205 524 1,027 1,576 - -4
Attributable to:
Non-controlling interests
Parent company shareholders
4
201
3
521
7
1,020
11
1,565
-
-
-
-4

Condensed balance sheet

Group Parent
SEK million 31.12.2015 31.12.2014 31.12.2015 31.12.2014
Assets
Goodwill 1,567 1,327 - -
Other intangible assets 377 127 3 0
Tangible assets 4,295 3,812 1 1
Financial assets 149 162 5,476 5,476
Total non-current assets 6,388 5,428 5,480 5,477
Inventory 3,599 3,209 - -
Current receivables 3,450 3,611 192 156
Cash and cash equivalents 459 264 0 0
Total current assets 7,508 7,084 192 156
Total assets 13,896 12,512 5,672 5,633
Equity and liabilities
Shareholders' equity 6,597 5,755 4,589 4,767
Non-controlling interests 53 45 - -
Total equity including non-controlling
interests 6,650 5,800 4,589 4,767
Total non-current liabilities 3,002 3,109 - -
Accounts payables 2,383 2,244 6 7
Other current liabilities 1,861 1,359 1,077 859
Total current liabilities 4,244 3,603 1,083 866
Total equity and liabilities 13,896 12,512 5,672 5,633

No changes have arisen in contingent liabilities.

AAK Group – Change in equity

SEK million Total equity
capital
Non
controlling
interests
Total equity
incl. non
controlling
interests
Openings equity January 1, 2015 5,755 45 5,800
Profit for the period 933 12 945
Other comprehensive income 86 -4 82
Total comprehensive income 6,774 53 6,827
New issue of shares 107 107
Dividend -284 -284
Closing equity December 31, 2015 6,597 53 6,650

During 2015, 569,400 new shares have been issued which have increased equity by SEK 107 million.

Total equity Non
controlling
Total equity
incl. non
controlling
SEK million capital interests interests
Openings equity January 1, 2014 4,330 34 4,364
Profit for the period 879 8 887
Other comprehensive income 686 3 689
Total comprehensive income 5,895 45 5,940
New issue of shares 112 - 112
Dividend -250 - -250
Divestment of subsidiary -2 - -2
Closing equity December 31, 2014 5,755 45 5,800

During 2014, 597,250 new shares have been issued which have increased equity by SEK 112 million.

Financial instruments

SEK million Asset Liability
Financial instruments reported in balance sheet
December 31, 2015
Raw material hedge contracts 256 188
FX hedge contracts 103 90
Interest rate swaps 3 40
Total derivatives financial instruments 362 318
Fair value adjustment inventory 102 -15
Total financial instruments 464 303

AAK Group – Cash flow statement

Q4 Q4 Full year Full year
SEK million 2015 2014 2015 2014
Operating activities
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working 369 411 1,356 1,252
capital
Changes in working capital 292 84 380 -560
Cash flow from operating activities 661 495 1,736 692
Investing activities
Cash flow from investing activities -549 -47 -1,016 -708
Cash flow after investing activities 112 448 720 -16
Financing activities
Cash flow from financing activities -55 -615 -521 26
Cash flow for the period 57 -167 199 10
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 392 429 264 231
Exchange rate difference for cash equivalents 10 2 -4 23
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 459 264 459 264

AAK Group – Share data

Q4 Q4 Full year Full year
2015 2014 2015 2014
Number of shares, thousand 42,288 41,719 42,288 41,719
Earnings per share, SEK* 5.65 7.12 22.17 21.15
Earnings per share incl. dilution, SEK** 5.64 7.06 22.12 20.97
Earnings per share incl. full dilution, SEK*** 5.65 7.02 22.16 20.86
Equity per share, SEK 156,77 138.51 156,77 138.51
Market value on closing date 627,50 417.50 627,50 417.50

* The calculation of earnings per share is based on weighted average number of outstanding shares.

** The calculation of earnings per share is based on weighted average number of outstanding shares including dilution from outstanding subscription options (in accordance with IAS 33).

*** Earnings per share after full dilution is calculated by dividing net income for the period by the total number of average outstanding shares for the period including a conversion of all outstanding share options to ordinary shares.

Quarterly data – Business areas

Operating profit

2014 2015
Full Full
SEK million Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 year Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 year
Food Ingredients 174 198 211 220 803 195 221 230 257 903
Chocolate & Confectionery Fats 116 91 125 128 460 136 116 166 135 553
Technical Products & Feed 29 24 24 25 102 23 22 11 32 88
Group Functions -32 -32 -29 -30 -123 -33 -33 -31 -36 -133
Total AAK Group excl. non 287 281 331 343 1,242 321 326 376 388 1,411
recurring items
Acquisition costs and non-recurring
items
-9 13 16 20 13 -15 -2
Total legal operating profit AAK 287 272 344 359 1,262 321 339 376 373 1,409
Group
Financial net -26 -31 -29 -22 -108 -27 -30 -28 -29 -114
Result before tax 261 241 315 337 1,154 294 309 348 344 1,295

Price trends in raw materials

Palm oil and rapeseed oil Cocoa butter

For information regarding cocoa and cocoa butter, please refer to information at www.icco.org

Additional information

Press and analyst conference

AAK will host a conference call on February 3, 2016 at 1 p.m. CET. The conference call can be accessed via our home page, www.aak.com.

The annual and quarterly reports are also published on www.aak.com.

Financial calendar 2016

The interim report for the first quarter 2016 will be published on April 27, 2016.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on May 11, 2016.

The interim report for the second quarter 2016 will be published on July 15, 2016.

The interim report for the third quarter 2016 will be published on October 26, 2016.

The fourth quarter and year-end report for 2016 will be published on February 3, 2017.

Forward-looking statements

This report contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties as various factors, many of which are beyond the control of AAK AB (publ.), may cause actual developments and results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in this report.

Governing text

The report has been translated from Swedish. The Swedish text shall govern for all purposes and prevail in the event of any discrepancy between the versions.

Investor Relations contact:

Fredrik Nilsson, CFO Phone: + 46 40 627 83 34 Mobile: + 46 708 95 22 21 E-mail: [email protected]

The first choice for value-adding vegetable oil solutions

We develop and provide value-adding vegetable oil solutions in close collaboration with our customers, enabling them to achieve long lasting business results.

We do so through our in-depth expertise in oils & fats within food applications, working with a wide range of raw materials and broad process capabilities.

Through our unique co-development approach we bring together our customers' skills and know-how with our capabilities and mindset. By doing so, we solve customer specific needs across many industries – Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Infant Nutrition, Food Service, Personal Care, and more.

AAK's proven expertise is based on more than 140 years of experience within oils & fats. With our headquarters in Malmö, Sweden, 19 production facilities and customization plants, and sales offices in more than 25 countries, our more than 2,700 employees are dedicated to providing innovative value-adding solutions to our customers.

So no matter where you are in the world, we are ready to help you achieve long lasting results.

We are AAK – The Co-Development Company.

AAK AB (publ)

Jungmansgatan 12, SE-211 19 Malmö, Sweden

Talk to a Data Expert

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