AI assistant
Grieg Seafood — Earnings Release 2014
Feb 19, 2015
3612_rns_2015-02-19_7ffad089-d6b3-4a9e-8a4f-db4fc3514486.html
Earnings Release
Open in viewerOpens in your device viewer
Grieg Seafood ASA: Production Stabilized in Fourth Quarter 2014
Grieg Seafood ASA: Production Stabilized in Fourth Quarter 2014
Highlights - Fourth Quarter 2014
* EBIT before fair value adjustment of biomass was MNOK 140 in Q4 (MNOK 87 in
2013).
* This includes a MNOK 60 gain from sale of GSF's shares in SalmoBreed AS in
Q4.
* Production was as expected throughout the period, with the exception of
Shetland where gill disease led to increased loss.
* Compared to 2013 the production in BC was especially good. The development
is now according to the plan for a normalised level in the course of 2015.
* Salmon prices increased during the period, but trade sanctions against
Russia had negative impact on the prices, especially around Christmas.
* Andreas Kvame was appointed CEO and will start not later than 1 June 2015.
* Final allocation of 4 green licences to Finnmark. This provides a basis for
a good growth in the region.
Main features of 2014
* EBIT before fair value adjustments of biomass MNOK 341 in 2014 (MNOK 348 in
2013).
* The Board will decide on the proposed dividend for the year in connection
with its consideration of the annual accounts for 2014.
* Prices were strong throughout the year, but trade sanctions against Russia
have resulted in a lower price at the end of the year than expected.
* Pacific salmon activities are being terminated and the focus is now on the
production of Atlantic salmon.
* 64 736 tons were harvested in 2014, reflecting an increase of 6 675 tons on
2013. The same level of growth is planned in the coming years. The company
is systematically working to reduce the level of costs through improved
operations and increased capacity utilisation.
* The equity ratio in the company is increased to 44%. The key figures cover
all requirements in the loan agreement with a satisfactory margin.
EBIT for the Group in Q4 before fair value adjustment of biomass was MNOK 140,
against MNOK 87 in 2013. The harvested volume in Q4 was 15 941 tons, against
15 995 in Q4 2013, reflecting a decrease of 0.3%.
Salmon prices increased throughout Q4, but the absence of the Russian market
meant that price growth in the Christmas period was less than could normally
have been expected.
The level of business based on fixed price contracts was low in Norway, and
slightly higher in the UK.
Costs were slightly higher in Q4 as a result of lice treatment and mortality due
to gill disease in Shetland, as well as fish that had been affected by PD
(Pancreas Disease) in Rogaland.
Sea production was stable throughout the period, with underlying production in
BC better than expected.
GSF's shareholding in SalmoBreed AS was sold and the resulting pre-tax gain of
MNOK 60 is included in EBIT for the Group.
The accounts show a profit of MNOK 139.9 before tax and fair value adjustment of
biomass, against MNOK 69.9 in Q4 2013.
GSF has investments in both GBP and CAD, which has given a foreign exchange
profit in Q4 since the Norwegian krone has been weakened.
Group sales revenues in Q4 totalled MNOK 696.6, reflecting an increase of 1.1%
on the corresponding period in 2013. Volumes were 0.3% down, while prices were
1.4% up in the same period in 2013.
Outlook
Limited supply-side growth is expected to result in a strong market in the
period ahead, and the continuing weakness of the Norwegian krone is also likely
to contribute to high prices.
GSF expects to harvest 72 000 tons in 2015, taking account of a normalised
harvested volume of around 13 000 tons, which is expected to be re-established
in BC. In Finnmark and Shetland, some decline in the harvested volume is likely
in 2015 as a consequence of adjustment to the zoning and location structure in
these regions, which also will result in increased cost in 2015, and an expected
increase in these volumes again in 2016. The harvested volume in Q1 2015 is
expected to be 13 900 tons.
The final allocation of green licences in Finnmark was made in Q4 2014. In this
connection GSF was awarded 4 licences, providing a basis for considerable growth
in this region.
Ocean Quality is developing its business to include the sale of GSF's fish in BC
with effect from and including Q1 2015. All fish produced by GSF will therefore
be sold through Ocean Quality.
Andreas Kvame has been appointed CEO of the company and will take up his
position not later than 1 June 2015. He has long experience from major
operational units in the fish farming business, and in this connection we
envisage a strengthened focus on improvement of the company's internal operating
procedures. The company's main goals are better licence utilisation and lower
costs through continuous improvement of biological performance.
The Board will revert with a proposition of a potential dividend in connection
with consideration of the annual accounts for 2014.
Please find enclosed the company's Q4 2014 report and presentation.
This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
[HUG#1895539]