Skip to main content

AI assistant

Sign in to chat with this filing

The assistant answers questions, extracts KPIs, and summarises risk factors directly from the filing text.

AKVA Group Interim / Quarterly Report 2010

Apr 29, 2010

3532_rns_2010-04-29_b049040e-9494-4b48-9d0e-8d111241c2fd.html

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in viewer

Opens in your device viewer

AKVA group 1Q 2010 Financial reporting

Highlights

-           Operating revenues in 1Q were 158.0 MNOK versus 152.4 MNOK last

year.

-          The EBITDA in 1Q was 0.5 MNOK versus -3.3 MNOK last year.

-              Order backlog at the end of 1Q2010 was 260 MNOK which is

approximately 30% higher than last year.

-              The order inflow in 1Q was 140% higher than last year.

In the comments below on the financial accounts, the 2009 figures are presented

in parentheses following the 2010 stated values when included. From the change

in the group structure that was implemented in the second half last year with a

flatter structure, the group does no longer operate according to the split

between the two former operational segments OPTECH and INTECH.

Operations and profit

Operating revenues in 1Q were 158.0 MNOK (152.4) with an EBITDA of 0.5 MNOK

(-3.3). The depreciations in 1Q were 7.5 MNOK (7.8) which gave an EBIT - 7.0

MNOK (-11.1). The revenue level is marked by the restrictive investments regime

with the Norwegian salmon farmers in 2009 and the corresponding low order inflow

in the last quarter of 2009. The order inflow in 1Q suggests a gradual

improvement going forward.

Net financial items were 2.2 MNOK (1.4). The increase is related to on average

higher net interest-bearing debt. Profit before tax in 1Q was -9.2 MNOK (-12.6)

and net loss -5.3 MNOK after allowing for taxes of -3.8 MNOK.

Balance sheet and cash flow

Working capital in the group balance sheet, defined as non-interest bearing

current assets less non-interest bearing current liabilities was 105.6 MNOK down

from 120.0 MNOK from the beginning of the year and down from 168.2 MNOK from end

of 1Q last year. The reduction YTD should be seen in relation to projects but is

expected to increase in 2Q.

Net interest-bearing debt amounted to 133.9 MNOK at the end of 1Q versus 141.9

MNOK at the beginning of the year. Gross interest bearing debt amounted to

177.4 MNOK versus 198.3 MNOK at the beginning of the year. The reduction is

mainly related to the reduction in working capital. Cash and unused credit

facilities amounted to 86.0 MNOK. Total assets and total equity amounted to

641.0 MNOK and 250.4 MNOK respectively, resulting in an equity ratio of 39.1%.

Investments in the first quarter amounted to 4.4 MNOK whereof 1.7 MNOK is

capitalized R&D expenses in accordance with IFRS.

A waiver extending through 2Q 2010 relating to the financial covenants of the

major credit facilities and loans was agreed with the company's main bank in 4Q.

Shareholder issues

Earnings per share for 1Q 2010 were -0.31 NOK (-0.51). The calculation is based

on 17.222.869 shares average.

Market and future outlook

In the first quarter of 2010, we saw a normalized and sound development in the

markets in the UK and Canada. There are also signs of positive developments in

Chile, and an improving situation in a number of other markets. However, the

general situation is still dominated by uncertainty. In spite of this

uncertainty the Group experienced an improved order inflow and increased order

backlog compared to previous quarters.

The order backlog was at the end of 1Q 260 MNOK versus 200 MNOK at the end of

last quarter last year. During the first quarter AKVA group strengthened its

position in the recirculation business with new important contracts for delivery

this year and during 2011.

The salmon industry is enjoying high salmon prices and good volumes, resulting

in correspondingly strong results. This should fund reason for improvement in

the market development going forward, however uncertainty is still prevalent.

In April AKVA group signed a contract of 54 MNOK for delivery of 3 complete full

scale farming sites in Croatia. AKVA group believes there will be an increasing

demand for such complete turn-key solutions also in other markets in the future.

Furthermore the market interest for recirculation is increasing and it is likely

that this will lead to more investments by AKVA's customers going forward.

The challenging fish health situation in the Chilean market through the last

years now seems to be under control. This is now leading to a gradual

improvement of the market activity, however the return of the Chilean market is

expected to take years.

Dated: 29(th) April 2010

AKVA group ASA

Web: www.akvagroup.com

CONTACTS:

Knut Molaug, Chief Executive Officer

Phone: +47 51 77 85 40

Email: [email protected]

Morten Nærland, Chief Financial Officer

Phone: +47 51 77 85 00

Mobile: +47 91 80 40 32

E-mail: [email protected]

******************************

AKVA group is the leading provider of technology to the global fish farming

industry and the only with global distribution. The products consist of software

systems, operational equipment and sensor systems, feed systems, cage systems,

net cleaning systems, light systems and recirculation aquaculture systems.

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl

(Norwegian Securities Trading Act)

[HUG#1409785]