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Borregaard

Annual Report Feb 3, 2022

3562_rns_2022-02-03_0fbd0ff3-0804-412c-aec9-5d1f16d48acd.pdf

Annual Report

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4 TH QUARTER 2021 INTERIM REPORT

CONTENTS

  • 4th quarter in brief
  • The Group
  • The Business Areas
  • BioSolutions
  • BioMaterials
  • Fine Chemicals
  • Foreign exchange and hedging
  • Cash flow and financial situation
  • Dividend
  • Share information
  • Other matters and subsequent events
  • Outlook
  • The Group's condensed income statement
  • Earnings per share
  • The Group's condensed comprehensive income statement
  • The Group's condensed balance sheet
  • Changes in equity
  • The Group's condensed cash flow statement
  • Notes
  • Alternative performance measures

Q4 2021

4 T H QUARTER IN BRIEF

  • EBITDA1 NOK 263 million (NOK 263 million)2
  • Favourable product mix in BioSolutions
  • Lower deliveries in BioMaterials and Fine Chemicals
  • High energy spot prices
  • Below normal production levels at the Sarpsborg site
  • Strong cash flow

Figures in parentheses are for the corresponding period in the previous year.

THE GROUP

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million Note 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operating revenues 2 1,446 1,338 5,805 5,328
EBITDA1 263 263 1,372 1,132
Operating profit 156 131 952 568
Profit/loss before taxes 2 132 119 873 496
Earnings per share (NOK) 1.02 1.22 6.95 4.38
Net interest-bearing debt1 11 1,417 1,794 1,417 1,794
Equity ratio1
(%)
60.1 53.9 60.1 53.9
Leverage ratio1 1.03 1.58 1.03 1.58
Return on capital employed1
(%)
16.1 11.4 16.1 11.4

OPERATING REVENUES EBITDA MARGIN1

EBITDA MARGIN1 EBITDA1

EBITDA MARGIN1

EBITDA1 EARNINGS PER SHARE CUMULATIVE

FOURTH QUARTER

Borregaard's operating revenues reached NOK 1,446 million (NOK 1,338 million)2 in the 4th quarter of 2021. EBITDA1 was NOK 263 million (NOK 263 million). BioSolutions' result improved significantly, while BioMaterials and Fine Chemicals had weaker results. The net currency impact on EBITDA1 was slightly positive compared with the 4th quarter of 2020.

A favourable product mix was the main reason for the significant EBITDA1 improvement in BioSolutions. Lower deliveries of speciality cellulose and increased energy spot prices affected BioMaterials negatively. For Fine Chemicals, the EBITDA1 decrease was due to lower deliveries, weaker product mix and increased raw material costs for fine chemical intermediates. High spot prices for liquefied natural gas and electricity led to increased energy costs in all business areas. Production output from the Sarpsborg site was below normal levels, partly due to an extended annual maintenance stop, which also affected manufacturing costs negatively.

Operating profit reached NOK 156 million (NOK 131 million). Net financial items were NOK -24 million (NOK -12 million). Profit before tax was NOK 132 million (NOK 119 million). Tax expense of NOK -39 million (NOK -8 million), gave a tax rate of 30% (7%) in the quarter.

Earnings per share was NOK 1.02 (NOK 1.22).

Cash flow from operating activities in the 4th quarter was NOK 356 million (NOK 416 million). Net working

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

capital was significantly reduced in the quarter. The cash effect from EBITDA1 was in line with the same quarter in 2020. The reduced cash flow was mainly due to higher tax payments.

FULL YEAR

Borregaard's operating revenues increased to NOK 5,805 million (NOK 5,328 million) in 2021. EBITDA1 increased to an all-time high of NOK 1,372 million (NOK 1,132 million). BioSolutions had a significantly improved result compared with 2020, whereas BioMaterials and Fine Chemicals had slightly weaker results. The net currency impact on EBITDA¹ was negative compared with 2020.

In BioSolutions, the EBITDA1 improvement was due to price increases and a favourable product mix, partly offset by increased energy costs. The result in BioMaterials decreased, mainly due to lower sales prices and higher energy spot prices. A weaker product mix and increased raw material costs for fine chemical intermediates and non-recurring bioethanol sales to disinfectants in 2020 were the main reasons for the decline in Fine Chemicals.

Operating profit increased to NOK 952 million (NOK 568 million). Net financial items amounted to NOK -79 million (NOK -72 million). Profit before tax was NOK 873 million (NOK 496 million). Tax expense of NOK -213 million (NOK -117 million), gave a tax rate of 24% (24%).

Earnings per share was NOK 6.95 (NOK 4.38).

In 2021, cash flow from operating activities was NOK 1,431 million (NOK 886 million). The strong cash flow was due to the cash effect of an increased EBITDA1 and a substantial reduction in net working capital, partly offset by higher tax payments.

In the 2nd half of 2021, Borregaard invested NOK 144 million to acquire 25% of the shares in the marine biotech company Alginor ASA.

Figures in parentheses are for the corresponding period in the previous year.

Alternative performance measure, see page 23 for definition.

BUSINESS AREAS BIOSOLUTIONS

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operating revenues 934 733 3,469 3,082
EBITDA1 214 137 942 632
EBITDA margin1
(%)
22.9 18.7 27.2 20.5

FOURTH QUARTER

BioSolutions' operating revenues reached NOK 934 million (NOK 733 million). EBITDA1 increased to NOK 214 million (NOK 137 million).

A favourable product mix and increased sales prices were the main reasons for the significant EBITDA1 improvement, partly offset by substantially increased energy costs. Net currency effects were slightly negative in BioSolutions.

The sales volume was reduced by 13%. The effect of a reduced raw material supply was partly compensated by increased volume from the Florida

6,701 6,756

6,701 6,756

plant. The volume reduction mainly affected low-value applications.

The average price in sales currency for BioSolutions was 41% higher than in the 4th quarter of 2020 due to a strong product mix improvement with high deliveries of Specialities, price increases and the effect of reduced sales volume to low-value applications. Solid demand led to extraordinarily high deliveries of biovanillin in the quarter. This was partly influenced by reduced global supply of synthetic vanillin and ethyl vanillin following downtime among Chinese producers.

AVERAGE GROSS SALES PRICE3 AVERAGE GROSS SALES PRICE3

7,431

6,885

10,000

10,000

11,000 NOK per mtds4

8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000

9,000

11,000 NOK per mtds4

8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000

6,885

9,000

Sales price and sales volume include lignin-based biopolymers and biovanillin.

Includes 100% of sales volume from the J/V in South Africa. Average sales price is calculated using actual FX rates, excluding hedging impact.

4 Metric tonne dry solid.

SALES VOLUME3 SALES VOLUME3

Alternative performance measure, see page 23 for definition.

Figures in parentheses are for the corresponding period in the previous year.

FULL YEAR

BioSolutions operating revenues reached NOK 3,469 million (NOK 3,082 million) in 2021. EBITDA1 increased to NOK 942 million (NOK 632 million). The EBITDA1 improvement was due to price increases and a favourable product mix, partly offset by increased energy costs and negative net currency effects.

Total sales volume was 12% lower than in 2020. Discontinued raw material supply in South Africa and Spain was partly offset by increased sales volume from the Florida plant and inventory reductions. Raw material deliveries from the pulp mill in Park Falls, Wisconsin, ceased in the 1st quarter of 2021, and the pulp mill is in liquidation.

The average price in sales currency was 24% higher than in 2020 due to price increases, a favourable product mix and the effect of reduced sales volume to low-value applications. Demand for lignin-based biopolymers was strong, and the increase in the average price was a result of optimisation and diversification of the product portfolio into more advanced applications with high value-added, stable growth and preference for sustainable solutions. The market introduction of the new biovanillin capacity is ahead of target. Solid demand for biovanillin was partly influenced by reduced global supply of synthetic vanillin and ethyl vanillin following downtime among Chinese producers.

BIOMATERIALS

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operating revenues 405 458 1,878 1,732
EBITDA1 27 80 284 318
EBITDA margin1
(%)
6.7 17.5 15.1 18.4

FOURTH QUARTER

Operating revenues in BioMaterials ended at NOK 405 million (NOK 458 million) in the 4th quarter. EBITDA1 was NOK 27 million (NOK 80 million).

Lower deliveries of speciality cellulose as well as increased energy spot prices were partly offset by reduced wood costs and a favourable product mix. Production of speciality cellulose was below normal levels, partly due to an extended annual maintenance stop, which also affected manufacturing costs negatively. The net currency impact in BioMaterials was positive. The average price in sales currency was 4% higher compared with the 4th quarter of 2020 due to a favourable product mix.

FULL YEAR

Operating revenues in 2021 increased to NOK 1,878 million (NOK 1,732 million). EBITDA1 was NOK 284 million (NOK 318 million).

The weaker EBITDA1 was mainly due to lower sales prices and higher energy spot prices partly offset by reduced wood costs, an improved product mix and high deliveries of speciality cellulose compared with 2020. The net currency impact was slightly negative.

The average price in sales currency for BioMaterials was 1% lower than in 2020. Demand was strong for most speciality cellulose grades in 2021, and deliveries were higher than production, resulting in a considerable inventory reduction. Demand was particularly strong for cellulose ethers to the construction, food and pharma markets. The sales of cellulose fibrils continued to grow.

AVERAGE GROSS SALES PRICE5 AVERAGE GROSS SALES PRICE5

SALES VOLUME SALES VOLUME

Sales price and sales volume include speciality cellulose and cellulose fibrils.

Alternative performance measure, see page 23 for definition.

6 Average sales price is calculated using actual FX rates, excluding hedging impact.

7 Metric tonne.

5 The Exilva project has received funding from the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI) under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 709746

FINE CHEMICALS

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operating revenues 114 153 491 543
EBITDA1 22 46 146 182
EBITDA margin1
(%)
19.3 30.1 29.7 33.5

FOURTH QUARTER

Fine Chemicals' operating revenues were NOK 114 million (NOK 153 million). EBITDA1 ended at NOK 22 million (NOK 46 million).

The EBITDA1 decrease was due to lower deliveries, weaker product mix and increased raw material costs for fine chemical intermediates. Lower deliveries of bioethanol were offset by the effect of a continued high production volume. The net currency impact in Fine Chemicals was slightly positive.

FULL YEAR

Operating revenues in Fine Chemicals were NOK 491 million (NOK 543 million) in 2021. EBITDA1 was

The result for fine chemical intermediates decreased in 2021, due to a weaker product mix and increased raw material costs. Deliveries of fine chemical intermediates were stable with full capacity utilisation. Bioethanol had lower sales while production volume increased with improved yield and lower costs. Bioethanol sales were mainly to biofuels in 2021. In 2020, EBITDA1 was positively affected by non-recurring sales to disinfectants.

FINE CHEMICALS – SALES REVENUES

Sales revenues include pharma intermediates and bioethanol.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND HEDGING

Borregaard has a significant currency exposure which is hedged according to the company's hedging strategy. The impact of currency rate fluctuations will be delayed as a result of the currency hedging strategy. Compared with the 4th quarter of 2020, the net impact of foreign exchange on EBITDA1 , including hedging effects, was NOK 5 million. Hedging effects were NOK 6 million (NOK -44 million) in the quarter.

In 2021, the net impact of foreign exchange on EBITDA1 , including hedging effects, was

NOK -60 million when compared with 2020. Hedging effects were NOK -29 million (NOK -241 million).

Assuming currency rates as of 2 February 2022 (USD 8.76 and EUR 9.92) and based on currency exposure forecasts, Borregaard expects a net impact of foreign exchange on EBITDA1 of approximately NOK 25 million in the 1st quarter of 2022 and NOK 130 million for the full year of 2022.

CASH FLOW AND FINANCIAL SITUATION

FOURTH QUARTER

Cash flow from operating activities in the 4th quarter was NOK 356 million (NOK 416 million). Net working capital was significantly reduced in the quarter. The cash effect from EBITDA1 was in line with the same quarter in 2020. The reduced cash flow was mainly due to higher tax payments.

Investments amounted to NOK 262 million (NOK 191 million). Expansion investments1 totalled NOK 72 million (NOK 38 million). The main expenditure was related to the additional investment in Alginor ASA (see Other matters and subsequent events and Note 4 and 14).

FULL YEAR

In 2021, cash flow from operating activities was NOK 1,431 million (NOK 886 million). The strong cash flow was due to the cash effect of an increased EBITDA1 and a substantial reduction in net working capital, partly offset by higher tax payments.

Investments amounted to NOK 701 million (NOK 503 million). Replacement investments were NOK 398 million (NOK 344 million). Expansion investments1 totalled NOK 303 million (NOK 159 million), where the largest expenditure was related to the investment in Alginor ASA and the biovanillin capacity expansion.

Dividend of NOK 249 million (NOK 229 million) was paid out in the 2nd quarter. In 2021, the Group has sold and repurchased treasury shares with a net payment of NOK 59 million (NOK 27 million). Realised effect of hedging of net investments in subsidiaries was NOK -14 million (NOK 10 million).

On 31 December 2021, the Group had net interestbearing debt1 totalling NOK 1,417 million (NOK 1,794 million), a decrease of NOK 377 million from year-end 2020.

At the end of December, the Group was well capitalised with an equity ratio1 of 60.1% (53.9%) and a leverage ratio1 of 1.03 (1.58).

DIVIDEND

The Board of Directors of Borregaard ASA will propose an ordinary dividend for 2021 of NOK 2.75 (NOK 2.50) per share to the General Meeting, corresponding to 40% of net profit. In addition, the Board has decided to propose an extraordinary dividend of NOK 2.25 per share due to increased earnings and a strong cash

flow. In total, the proposed dividend is NOK 5.00 per share. Dividend payment is estimated at NOK 498 million. The exact amount will depend on the number of treasury shares held at the date of the General Meeting.

SHARE INFORMATION

In the 4th quarter of 2021, Borregaard repurchased a total of 33,506 treasury shares at an average price of NOK 210.13.

During the 4th quarter, 29,520 share options were exercised at a strike price of NOK 70.95 per share and 15,000 share options were exercised at a strike price of NOK 75.30.

Total number of shares outstanding on 31 December 2021 was 100 million, including 414,862 treasury shares. Total number of shareholders was 7,846. Borregaard ASA's share price was NOK 222.00 at the end of 2021 compared with NOK 212.50 at the end of the 3rd quarter of 2021 and NOK 141.80 at the end of 2020.

OTHER MATTERS AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

INVESTMENT IN ALGINOR ASA

In August and November, Borregaard co-invested with the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund) and the Hatteland Group in two direct offerings of new shares in the marine biotech company Alginor ASA. In August, Borregaard also acquired shares in Alginor from a company controlled by founder and CEO, Thorleif Thormodsen, representing 25% of

his shareholding. Alginor also carried out a public equity issue that closed on 7 October 2021. As of 31 December 2021, Borregaard holds 25% of the shares in Alginor which represent a total investment of NOK 144 million. See notification to the Oslo Stock Exchange as of 23 July 2021.

OUTLOOK

In 2022, the total sales volume for BioSolutions is expected to be largely in line with the 2021 volume. The positive market development within several biopolymer applications is expected to continue, improving both product mix and average price in sales currency. The market for biovanillin is expected to remain positive and the new capacity will be phased gradually into the market. Cost increases, primarily driven by freight and energy costs, are expected to largely offset the effect of a positive market development. Energy spot prices represent the largest uncertainty.

In BioMaterials, the average price in sales currency is expected to be approximately 20% above the 2021 level, mainly driven by strong demand and a tight speciality cellulose market balance in general. Total sales volume is expected to be lower in 2022, while

volume of highly specialised grades is expected to be in line with 2021. The positive impact from price increases and improved product mix will be partly offset by increased freight, raw material and energy costs. Sales growth will continue for cellulose fibrils, but new development and customer trials continue to be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the 1st quarter of 2022, total sales volume for BioMaterials is expected to be lower than in the corresponding quarter of 2021.

The market conditions for biofuel in several EU countries are favourable. Bioethanol sales are expected to be mainly into these markets in 2022. The product mix for fine chemical intermediates is expected to improve, partly offset by increased raw material costs.

Sarpsborg, 2 February 2022 The Board of Directors of Borregaard ASA

1 Alternative performance measure, see page 23 for definition.

2 Figures in parentheses are for the corresponding period in the previous year.

3 Metric tonne dry solid

THE GROUP´S CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

INTERIM CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENT

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million Note 2021 2020 2021 2020
Operating revenues 2 1,446 1,338 5,805 5,328
Operating expenses -1,183 -1,075 -4,433 -4,196
Depreciation property, plant and equipment -106 -110 -416 -443
Amortisation intangible assets -1 -2 -4 -5
Other income and expenses1 3 - -20 - -116
Operating profit 156 131 952 568
Financial items, net 4 -24 -12 -79 -72
Profit before taxes 132 119 873 496
Income tax expense 5 -39 -8 -213 -117
Profit for the period 93 111 660 379
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests -9 -10 -32 -57
Profit attributable to owners of the parent 102 121 692 436
EBITDA1 263 263 1,372 1,132

EARNINGS PER SHARE

INTERIM EARNINGS PER SHARE

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK 2021 2020 2021 2020
Earnings per share 6 1.02 1.22 6.95 4.38
Diluted earnings per share 6 1.02 1.21 6.94 4.37

THE GROUP'S CONDENSED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT

INTERIM CONDENSED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Profit for the period 93 111 660 379
Items not to be reclassified to P&L
Actuarial gains and losses (after tax) 55 7 55 7
Total 55 7 55 7
Items to be reclassified to P&L
Change in hedging-reserve after tax (cash flow) 8 37 444 86 180
Change in hedging-reserve after tax
(net investment in subsidiaries)
8 - 50 -9 5
Translation effects 6 -80 25 -24
Total 43 414 102 161
The Group's comprehensive income 191 532 817 547
Comprehensive income non-controlling interests -8 -22 -28 -56
Comprehensive income owners of the parent 199 554 845 603

THE GROUP´S CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

INTERIM CONDENSED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Amounts in NOK million Note 31.12.2021 31.12.2020
Intangible assets 13 89 86
Property, plant and equipment 13 4,191 3,973
Right-of-use assets 351 381
Other assets 9 339 380
Investments in joint venture and associate company 4, 14 173 38
Non-current assets 5,143 4,858
Inventories 792 887
Receivables 9 1,107 1,051
Cash and cash deposits 11 124 207
Current assets 2,023 2,145
Total assets 7,166 7,003
Group equity 10 4,222 3,668
Non-controlling interests 84 110
Equity 4,306 3,778
Provisions and other liabilities 257 291
Interest-bearing liabilities 9, 11 1,320 1,381
Non-current liabilities 1,577 1,672
Interest-bearing liabilities 9, 11 224 623
Other current liabilities 9 1,059 930
Current liabilities 1,283 1,553
Equity and liabilites 7,166 7,003
Equity ratio1 60.1 % 53.9 %

CHANGES IN EQUITY INTERIM CONDENSED CHANGE IN EQUITY

1.1-31.12.2021 1.1.-31.12.2020
Amounts in NOK million Note Controlling
interests
Non
controlling
interests
Total
equity
Controlling
interests
Non
controlling
interests
Total
equity
Equity 1 January 3,668 110 3,778 3,306 158 3,464
Profit/loss for the period 692 -32 660 436 -57 379
Items in Comprehensive Income 8 153 4 157 167 1 168
The Group's Comprehensive income 8 845 -28 817 603 -56 547
Paid dividend -249 - -249 -229 - -229
Buy-back of treasury shares -118 - -118 -62 - -62
Exercise of share options 38 - 38 16 - 16
Reduced tax payable of exercised share options - - - - - -
Shares to employees 28 - 28 25 - 25
Option costs (share based payment) 10 - 10 9 - 9
Transactions with non-controlling interests - 2 2 - 8 8
Equity at the end of the period 4,222 84 4,306 3,668 110 3,778

Alternative performance measure, see page 23 for definition.

THE GROUP'S CONDENSED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

INTERIM CONDENSED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million Note 2021 2020 2021 2020
Profit before taxes 132 119 873 496
Amortisation, depreciation and impairment charges 107 113 420 449
Changes in net working capital, etc. 174 200 256 -21
Investments in joint venture and associate company 4, 14 6 -12 6 51
Taxes paid -63 -4 -124 -89
Cash flow from operating activities 356 416 1,431 886
Investments property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets *
-262 -191 -701 -503
Other capital transactions 4 12 9 14
Cash flow from investing activities -258 -179 -692 -489
Dividends - - -249 -229
Proceeds from exercise of options/shares to employees 10 4 1 59 35
Buy-back of shares 7 -7 -1 -118 -62
Gain/(loss) on hedges for net investments in
subsidiaries
-25 59 -14 10
Net paid to/from shareholders -28 59 -322 -246
Proceeds from interest-bearing liabilities 11 - 200 300 1,550
Repayment from interest-bearing liabilities 11 -146 -257 -814 -1,703
Change in interest-bearing receivables/other liabilities 11 4 -12 -1 18
Change in net interest-bearing liabilities -142 -69 -515 -135
Cash flow from financing activities -170 -10 -837 -381
Change in cash and cash equivalents -72 227 -98 16
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 76 -127 96 81
Change in cash and cash equivalents -72 227 -98 16
Currency effects cash and cash equivalents 1 -4 7 -1
Cash and cash equivalents
at the close of the period
11 5 96 5 96
*Investment by category
Replacement investments 190 153 398 344
Expansion investments1 72 38 303 159

NOTES

NOTE 01 Organisation and basis for preparation

GENERAL INFORMATION

Borregaard ASA is incorporated and domiciled in Norway. The address of its registered office is Hjalmar Wessels vei 6, Sarpsborg.

Borregaard ASA was listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange on 18 October 2012 and was incorporated as a public limited liability company on 22 August 2012.

Basis for preparation

These unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. Borregaard ASA is the parent company of the Borregaard Group presented in these Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

The same accounting principles and methods of calculation have been applied as in the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2020 for the Borregaard Group.

Use of estimates

The same use of estimates has been applied as in the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2020.

NOTE 02 Segments

OPERATING REVENUES

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Borregaard 1,446 1,338 5,805 5,328
BioSolutions 934 733 3,469 3,082
BioMaterials 405 458 1,878 1,732
Fine Chemicals 114 153 491 543
Eliminations -7 -6 -33 -29

There is limited intercompany sales between the different segments and eliminations consist essentially of allocations from the corporate headquarter.

cont. next page

cont. NOTE 02 Segments

EBITDA1

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Borregaard 263 263 1,372 1,132
BioSolutions 214 137 942 632
BioMaterials 27 80 284 318
Fine Chemicals 22 46 146 182
Reconciliation against operating profit
& profit before tax
EBITDA1 263 263 1,372 1,132
Depreciations and write downs -106 -110 -416 -443
Amortisation intangible assets -1 -2 -4 -5
Other income and expenses - -20 - -116
Operating profit 156 131 952 568
Financial items, net -24 -12 -79 -72
Profit before taxes 132 119 873 496

SALES REVENUES

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Borregaard 1,424 1,314 5,715 5,227
BioSolutions 915 714 3,392 2,995
BioMaterials 398 448 1,840 1,695
Fine Chemicals 112 153 485 538
Eliminations -1 -1 -2 -1

Operating revenues consist of sales revenues and other revenues such as commissions, revenues from waste received for incineration etc.

NOTE 03 Other income and expenses1

There are no Other income and expenses in 2021. In the 4th quarter of 2020, Other income and expenses1 were NOK -20 million related to environmental accruals.

For the full year of 2020, Other income and expenses1 were NOK -116 million due to impairment of assets and restructuring costs mainly related to LignoTech South Africa and LignoTech Ibérica and environmental accruals for preventive measures to reduce the risk of emissions to water at the Sarpsborg site.

NOTE 04 Financial items

NET FINANCIAL ITEMS

1.10 - 31.12 1.1 - 31.12
Amounts in NOK million 2021 2020 2021 2020
Net interest expenses -13 -17 -59 -76
Currency gain/loss -7 6 -8 7
Share of profit/-loss from an associate -2 - -2 -
Other financial items, net -2 -1 -10 -3
Net financial items -24 -12 -79 -72

Borregaard invested in an associate company, Alginor ASA, in the 3rd and 4th quarter of 2021 and holds 25% of the shares as of 31 December 2021. The purchase price allocation is not yet finalised. For more information, see Note 14.

NOTE 05 Income tax expense

The tax rate of 24.4% (23.6%) for 2021 is a compilation of the tax rates in the various countries in which Borregaard operates and has taxable income. The corporate income tax rate in Norway is 22%.

In addition to the compilation of the tax rates in the various countries in which Borregaard operates and has taxable income, the income tax rate for the Group is also impacted by the following: LignoTech Florida is a limited liability company (LLC) which is taxed on the owners' hand. Profit before tax is 100% consolidated

in the Borregaard Group, whereas the tax expense is calculated based on Borregaard's 55% ownership. Consequently, profit attributable to non-controlling interests for LignoTech Florida (45%) is calculated on profit before tax. Share of profit after tax from the joint venture, LignoTech South Africa, is accounted for as part of operating profit and profit before tax (due to IFRS 11). There are carry forward losses in the Group which will not be recognised as deferred tax assets, and hence increase the Group's tax rate.

NOTE 06 Earnings per share (EPS)

The share capital consists of 100 million shares. The company holds 414,862 treasury shares. As of 31 December 2021, there are 99,742,686 diluted shares

(99,712,283 as of 31 December 2020). Earnings per diluted share were NOK 1.02 in the 4th quarter (NOK 1.22 in the 4th quarter of 2020).

NOTE 07 Stock options

During the 4th quarter of 2021, 29,520 share options were exercised at a strike price of NOK 70.95 and 15,000 share options were exercised at a strike price of NOK 75.30.

The Group Executive Management and other key employees hold a total of 1,236,274 stock options in five different share option programmes in Borregaard.

Stock options Issued 2017 Issued 2018 Issued 2019 Issued 2020 Issued 2021
Number of stock options 5,307 226,967 355,000 400,000 249,000
Strike price (NOK)* 91.56 70.95 75.3 99.60 180.70
Vesting period 3 years 3 years 3 years 3 years 3 years
Expiry date 17 February 2022 7 February 2023 6 February 2024 13 February 2025 16 February 2026

* Strike prices have been adjusted for dividend paid since issuance of stock options

NOTE 08 Statement of comprehensive income

The statement of comprehensive income shows changes in the value of hedging instruments, both cash flow

hedges and hedges of net investments in subsidiaries (hedging reserve). These figures are presented after tax.

31.12.2021 31.12.2020
Amounts in NOK million Cash flow
hedges
Hedges of net
investments in
subsidiares
Cash flow
hedges
Hedges of net
investments in
subsidiares
Tax effect year-to-date 39 -45 15 -40
Hedging reserve after tax 137 -126 51 -117

NOTE 09 Fair value hierarchy

For financial instruments that are recognised at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation at the end of each reporting period.

The following measurement levels are used for determining the fair value of financial instruments:

  • Level 1 Quoted market prices in an active market (that are unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities
  • Level 2 Valuation techniques (for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable)

• Level 3 — Valuation techniques (for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable)

There were no transfers from one level to another in the measurement hierarchy from 2020 to the 4th quarter of 2021. Borregaard has no items defined as level 1. The bond is determined as measurement level 3. The fair value of the bond is deemed to equal its book value.

Set out below is a comparison of the carrying amount and the fair value of financial instruments as of 31 December 2021:

FINANCIAL ASSETS

31.12.2021 31.12.2020
Amounts in NOK million Level Carrying
amount
Fair value Carrying
amount
Fair value
Non-current financial receivables 2 188 188 195 195
Non-current derivatives 2 136 136 165 165
Current derivatives 2 116 116 35 35
Total financial assets 440 440 395 395
FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
Non-current financial liabilities 2, 3 1,322 1,322 1,383 1,383
Non-current derivatives 2 30 30 29 29
Current financial liabilities 2 224 224 623 623
Current derivatives 2 32 32 93 93
Total financial liabilities 1,608 1,608 2,128 2,128
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE
Amounts in NOK million Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial instruments 31.12.2021 -1,168 - -768 -400
Financial instruments 31.12.2020 -1,733 - -1,333 -400

The financial instruments are measured based on observable spot exchange rates, the yield curves of the respective currencies as well as the currency basis spreads between the respective currencies.

NOTE 10 Compilation of Equity

Amounts in NOK million 31.12.2021 31.12.2020
Share capital 100 100
Treasury shares - -
Share premium 1,346 1,346
Other paid-in capital 822 746
Translation effects 98 77
Hedging reserve (after tax) 11 -66
Actuarial gains/Losses 41 -14
Retained earnings 1,804 1,479
Group equity (controlling interests) 4,222 3,668

As of 31 December 2021, the company held 414,862 treasury shares at an average cost of NOK 192.08.

The various elements of net interest-bearing debt are shown in the following table:

Amounts in NOK million 31.12.2021 31.12.2020
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 1,320 1,381
Current interest-bearing liabilities including overdraft of cashpool 224 623
Non-current interest-bearing receivables (included in "Other Assets") -3 -3
Cash and cash deposits -124 -207
Net interest-bearing debt1 1,417 1,794
- of which impact of IFRS 16 Leases 371 396

NOTE 12 Related parties

The members of the Group Executive Management of Borregaard held a total of 629,361 stock options in the Company as of 31 December 2021.

NOTE 13 Assessments relating to impairment

No impairment indicators have been identified in the Borregaard Group's property, plant and equipment or intangible assets in the 4th quarter of 2021.

NOTE 14 Other matters and subsequent events

INVESTMENT IN ALGINOR

In August and November 2021, Borregaard co-invested with the European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund) and the Hatteland Group in two direct offerings of new shares in the marine biotech company Alginor ASA.

In August 2021, Borregaard also acquired shares in Alginor from a company controlled by founder and CEO, Thorleif Thormodsen, representing 25% of his shareholding.

Alginor also carried out a public equity issue that closed on 7 October 2021. As of 31 December 2021, Borregaard holds 25% of the shares in Alginor which represent a total investment of NOK 144 million. See notification to the Oslo Stock Exchange as of 23 July 2021.

There have been no other events after the balance sheet date that would have had a material impact on the financial statements, or the assessments carried out.

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES

In the discussion of the reported operating results, financial position and cash flows, Borregaard refers to certain measures which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) such as IFRS. Borregaard management makes regular use of these Alternative Performance Measures and is of the opinion that this information, along with comparable GAAP measures, is useful to investors who wish to evaluate the company's operating performance, ability to repay debt and capability to pursue new business opportunities. Such Alternative Performance Measures should not be viewed in isolation or as an alternative to the equivalent GAAP measure.

EBITDA

EBITDA is defined by Borregaard as operating profit before depreciation, amortisation and other income and expenses.

EBITDA MARGIN

EBITDA margin is defined by Borregaard as EBITDA divided by operating revenues.

EQUITY RATIO

Equity ratio is defined by Borregaard as equity (including non-controlling interests) divided by equity and liabilities.

EXPANSION INVESTMENTS

Expansion investments is defined by Borregaard as investments made in order to expand production capacity, produce new products or to improve the performance of existing products. Such investments include business acquisitions, pilot plants, capitalised research and development costs and new distribution set-ups.

OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES

Other income and expenses is defined by Borregaard as non-recurring items or items related to other periods or to a discontinued business or activity. These items are not viewed as reliable indicators of

future earnings based on the business areas' normal operations. These items will be included in the Group's operating profit.

LEVERAGE RATIO

Leverage ratio is defined by Borregaard as net interest bearing debt (see note 11) divided by last twelve months' (LTM) EBITDA.

NET INTEREST-BEARING DEBT (NIBD)

Net interest-bearing debt is defined by Borregaard as interest-bearing liabilities minus interest-bearing assets (see Note 11).

CAPITAL EMPLOYED

Capital employed is defined by Borregaard as the total of net working capital, intangible assets, property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and investment in joint venture minus net pension liabilities.

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED (ROCE)

Return on capital employed (ROCE) is defined by Borregaard as last twelve months (LTM) capital contribution (operating profit before amortisation and other income and expenses) divided by average capital employed based on the ending balance of the last five quarters.

1.1 - 31.12
Capital employed end of 2021 2020
Q1, 2020 6,371
Q2, 2020 6,091
Q3, 2020 6,103
Q4, 2020 5,904 5,904
Q1, 2021 5,884 5,884
Q2, 2021 5,854
Q3, 2021 5,991
Q4, 2021 6,043
Average 5,935 6,057
EBITA (LTM) 956 689
ROCE (%) 16.1 11.4

NOTES

$\cdots$
$rac{1}{2}$

Q4 2021

Borregaard ASA P.O. Box 162, NO-1701 Sarpsborg, Norway Telephone: (+47) 69 11 80 00 Fax: (+47) 69 11 87 70 E-mail: [email protected] www.borregaard.com

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