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Kitron Interim / Quarterly Report 2010

May 6, 2010

3643_rns_2010-05-06_49cdff70-db06-463c-b21e-d5058ae25b7d.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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Kitron

INTERIM REPORT Q1 2010

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Kitron Q1 2010

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Market conditions continue to improve

Key items

Figures in brackets refer to the first quarter of 2009 unless otherwise stated.

  • Positive order development
    The order intake increased by 12.9 per cent to NOK 406.7 million (NOK 360.2 million). The order backlog at the end of the first quarter was NOK 783.5 million (NOK 731.9 million).

  • Expanding market coverage
    The integration and set up of the new operations in Germany and China are progressing according to plan.

  • Lower revenue
    Revenue decreased by 25.4 per cent to NOK 411.1 million (NOK 550.7 million). First quarter 2009 reflects a phasing out of backlog before the impact of the recession.

  • Operating profit
    EBITDA and EBIT were NOK 13.4 million (NOK 43.5 million) and NOK 5.9 million (NOK 34.3 million) respectively. Restructuring costs of NOK 6.0 million related to the Swedish operation in Karlskoga were charged to the profit and loss in first quarter 2010. The Karlskoga operation showed a negative EBIT of NOK 14.0 million in the first quarter.

  • Profit before tax
    Profit before tax amounted to NOK 3.0 million (NOK 25.0 million), which reflects a margin of 0.7 per cent (4.5 per cent).

  • Weak cash flow
    Cash flow from operations in the first quarter was negative by NOK 31.7 million (NOK 35.0 million) mainly due to working capital changes.

The order intake increased by 12.9% compared with last year and reached NOK 406.7 million. Revenue amounted to NOK 411.1 million in first quarter of 2010, a 25.4 per cent decrease compared with the same period last year. First quarter 2009 reflects a phasing out of backlog before the impact of the recession. The profit before tax was NOK 3.0 million (NOK 25.0 million). Cash flow from operations was negative by NOK 31.7 million (NOK 35.0 million). The order intake was NOK 406.7 million and the order backlog was NOK 783,5 million, an increase of 12.9 and 7.1 per cent respectively.

Expanding market coverage

While the activity level in first quarter 2010 is lower than the same period in 2009 we see a stable trend towards improved market conditions quarter by quarter. The sales and marketing activity is high and there is an increase in the value of pending prospects.

Kitron has also taken strategic steps to expand the market coverage and further improve its competitiveness. As reported last quarter Kitron has acquired a small German EMS company (about 20 employees) as a stepping-stone to approach the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. In China Kitron has decided to set up a competitive manufacturing unit to serve Kitron's existing customers and the Asian market. The integration and set up of these new operations are progressing according to plan. In addition Kitron has decided to establish an operation in North America in order to be able to serve its customers on a global basis.

Poor performance in Karlskoga operation

As announced on March 12 Kitrons's subsidiary Kitron AB in Karlskoga Sweden has faced operational challenges in the first quarter. The challenges are related to unsatisfactory margins for certain customers and overcapacity within the work force. Kitron booked NOK 14 million of losses in Kitron AB whereof NOK 6 million are provisions for restructuring costs. Firm measures are being taken to turn around Kitron AB and it is expected that performance will improve during the rest of 2010.

Positive impact from reversal of pension liability

Kitron Group has during this quarter recognised effects of reversal of pension provisions for early retirement (AFP) according to the old scheme with a net effect of NOK 10.5 million. The new AFP scheme applicable from 19 February 2010 is recognised as a contribution scheme in the quarterly report.

Revenue

Kitron's revenue in the first quarter was 25.4 per cent lower than in the same period in 2009 and amounted to NOK 411.1 million (NOK 550.7 million). Data/Telecoms was up 2.7 per cent, Defence was down 25.5 per cent, Industry decreased by 8.0 per cent, Medical equipment was up by 21.9 per cent and Offshore/Marine was down 81.5 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2009.

Revenue in the Norwegian operation represented 60.1 per cent of Kitron's gross revenue during the first quarter (59.2 per cent). The Swedish operation represented 22.9 per cent of the group (16.1 per cent) and Kitron's operation in Lithuania provided for 17.0 per cent (24.7 per cent).

Kitron's revenue in the first quarter of 2010 was distributed as follows:

Data/Telecoms 28% (20%)
Defence 20% (20%)
Industry 16% (13%)
Medical equipment 29% (18%)
Offshore/Marine 7% (29%)

Revenue from customers in the Swedish market represented a 34.4 per cent share of the total revenue during the first quarter


Kitron Q1 2010 3

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REVENUE Group
NOK million

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PROFIT BEFORE TAX Group
NOK million

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ORDER BACKLOG Group
NOK million

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GROSS MARGIN Group
Per cent

REVENUE BUSINESS AREAS

NOK million Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
Norway 267.0 344.8 1 143.9
Sweden 101.5 93.8 362.4
Lithuania 75.5 143.9 336.1
Others and eliminations (33.0) (31.7) (111.7)
Total group 411.1 550.7 1 730.7

OPERATING PROFIT/(LOSS) BUSINESS AREAS

NOK million Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
Norway 14.2 27.4 48.3
Sweden (13.8) (1.2) (0.5)
Lithuania 6.9 11.2 21.0
Others and eliminations (1.4) (3.1) (4.8)
Total group 5.9 34.3 64.0

ORDER BACKLOG BUSINESS AREAS

NOK million Data/Telecoms Defence Industry Medical equipment Offshore/Marine Total
Norway 92.0 206.8 67.3 145.6 29.6 541.2
Sweden 39.9 43.8 22.5 71.3 - 177.5
Lithuania* 13.2 - 28.4 7.5 15.0 64.1
Germany - - 0.8 - - 0.8
Total group 145.1 250.6 118.9 224.4 44.6 783.5
  • Only third party order backlog
NOK million Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
Norway 246.6 350.3 1 038.3
Sweden 141.4 170.5 595.3
Rest of Europe 11.4 13.2 48.2
USA 11.2 16.0 47.0
Others 0.5 0.6 1.9
Total group 411.1 550.7 1 730.7

Kitron Q1 2010

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REVENUE Data/Telecoms
NOK million

(31.0 per cent). The Norwegian market represented 60.0 per cent of Kitron's total revenue in the first quarter (63.6 per cent).

Gross and net margin

The gross margin decreased in first quarter 2010 compared to first quarter 2009, and amounted to 35.8 per cent (36.8 per cent). This is mainly due to margin slippages on projects in the Swedish operation in Karlskoga. Furthermore the reclassification of the Norwegian development department to discontinued operations reduces the gross margin (nearly 100 per cent gross margin on engineering and development sales). The net margin decreased from 22.7 per cent to 21.9 per cent.

Profit

Kitron's operating profit (EBIT) in the first quarter was NOK 5.9 million, which is a significant decrease, compared to the same period in 2009 (34.3 million). During the first quarter there have been major challenges for the Karlskoga operation, both related to structural- and operational issues. The operation shows a negative EBIT of NOK 14.0 million for the first quarter, whereof NOK 6.0 million is provision for restructuring costs.

Profit before tax and discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2010 was NOK 3.0 million, which is a decrease of NOK 21.9 million compared to the same period last year.

The company's total payroll expenses in the first quarter were NOK 26.6 million lower than the corresponding period in 2009. Of this NOK 10.5 million is the positive effect related to the reversal of pension liability. The remaining reduction is due to lower activity and decreased number of employees compared to the same quarter last year. However, the restructuring provision in Karlskoga effects the payroll costs negatively by NOK 1.8 million. The relative payroll costs went from 23.2 per cent of revenue in first quarter 2009 to 24.7 per cent of revenue in the first quarter 2010. Other operating costs increased to 7.9 per cent

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REVENUE Defence
NOK million

of revenue in the first quarter of 2010 (5.7 per cent). Of this 1.1 percentage points are related to restructuring provisions.

During the quarter net financial items amounted to a cost of NOK 2.8 million. This was a decrease of NOK 6.5 million compared to the same period the last year. The principal reasons are lower financial debt during first quarter of 2010 and currency losses on intra-group long-term financial loans in first quarter 2009.

Balance sheet

Kitron's gross balance as at 31 March 2010 amounted to NOK 971.1 million, against NOK 1173.7 million at the same time in 2009. Equity was NOK 443.5 million (NOK 478.9 million), corresponding to an equity ratio of 45.6 per cent (40.8 per cent).

Inventory was NOK 277.5 million at 31 March 2010 (NOK 338.1 million). Considerable resources have been applied to improve inventory management, but due to lower revenue inventory turns has gone from 5.0 in the first quarter of 2009 to 4.7 in the first quarter of 2010.

Trade debtors and other receivables amounted to NOK 339.6 million at the end of the first quarter of 2010. The corresponding amount at the same time in 2009 was NOK 383.8 million. Credit losses have been insignificant.

The group's reported interest-bearing debt totalled NOK 215.3 million as of 31 March 2010. Interest-bearing debt at the end of the first quarter of 2009 was NOK 274.9 million.

Cash flow from operational activities for the first quarter of 2010 was NOK (31.7) million (NOK 35.0 million). Kitron's cash and bank credit at 31 March 2010 comprised the following:

NOK million

Cash and cash equivalents 73.3
Drawings on the overdraft facility (4.4)
Restricted bank deposits (18.5)
Total 50.4

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REVENUE Industry
NOK million

Available liquidity (unrestricted bank deposits and unused credit lines) amounted to NOK 124.2 million at the end of the first quarter, versus NOK 162.5 million at the same time in 2009. The overall credit line at 31 March 2010 were NOK 73.8 million versus NOK 103.8 million at the same time in 2009.

Organisation

The Kitron workforce corresponded to 1 106 FTE at 31 March 2010. This represents a decrease of 306 FTEs since the first quarter of 2009.

Full time equivalents 31.03.2010 31.03.2009
Norway 531 705
Sweden 218 251
Lithuania 335 451
Other 22 5
Total 1 106 1 412

Market

Kitron's services are most competitive within complex products. Kitron has chosen to focus its sales and marketing activities within the Data/Telecoms, Defence, Industry, Medical equipment and Offshore/ Marine market segments.

The market conditions are improving and the order intake shows a positive trend. Order intake in the quarter was NOK 407 million, which is 12.9 per cent higher than the first quarter 2009. The order backlog was relatively flat in the quarter (down by NOK 12 million) and ended at NOK 784 million, which is 7.1 per cent higher than the same time last year. Four quarter moving average order intake was up from NOK 402 million at the beginning of the first quarter to NOK 414 million at the end of the quarter.

The tender activity has increased in the first quarter and several important prospects will be concluded in the second quarter. A positive signal is that Kitron is starting to secure business with new customers.

The renewable energy market is showing a strong growth trend. Kitron has decided to focus on this market and is pursuing sev


Kitron Q1 2010 5

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REVENUE Medical equipment NOK million

eral opportunities.

Generally there has been a strong interest in Kitron's capability within NPI (new product introduction) and testing. The close interaction between Kitron's experts and the R&D department of the customer is crucial for success. This is an important channel to new business as most clients maintain a strong R&D presence in Scandinavia even if the manufacturing is moved to lower cost countries.

Kitron's order backlog generally includes four months customer forecast plus all firm orders.

Data/Telecoms

Within the Data/Telecoms segment Kitron offers clients particular expertise to realise products such as transmission systems, high frequency microwave modules, radio frequency (RF), electrical metering and data/video projection equipment.

The order backlog decreased by 6.4 per cent and revenue increased by 2.7 per cent compared to the first quarter in 2009. The decrease in backlog is due to the phase out of a business area for one specific customer. Adjusting for this, the trend in this segment has been positive.

We are optimistic about the outlook for Data/Telecoms products. The demand for video projection equipment is expected to continue to be strong and the electrical meetering business looks very promising. Kitron has during the last year secured contracts with several meetering companies and the revenue volume is expected to be more than NOK 50 million in 2010.

Defence

The Defence segment consists of three main product divisions: military avionics, military communication and weapon control systems.

The revenue decreased by 26 per cent compared to the first quarter in 2009.

The outlook for the Defence segment remains positive. Kitron is currently involved in defence programs with among others the Kongsberg Group and Lockheed Martin that could yield more than 1 billion NOK

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REVENUE Offshore/Marine NOK million

in revenue in the years to come. Under the Manufacturing License Agreement between Kitron ASA and Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Kitron will manufacture, test, maintain and repair the Integrated Backplane Assembly in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter globally. The positive trend in the Swedish defence industry is further supporting our optimistic outlook. Defence is also a prioritised area for our new operation in Germany. Furthermore Kitron sees the opportunity for offset business in this segment.

Industry

Within the Industry segment Kitron operates and delivers a complete range of services within industrial applications like automation, energy, environmental, material warehousing and security. The Industry segment consists of three main product divisions: control systems, electronic control units (ECU) and automats.

The order backlog increased by 26 per cent while revenue decreased by 8 per cent compared to the first quarter in 2009. The trend in Industry has been positive with three quarter in a row with increasing volumes.

The market situation within the Industry segment has stabilised and the signs of a recovery are increasing. The order intake is gradually picking up again and we see an increasing number of RFI/RFQs in the market.

Medical equipment

The Medical equipment segment consists of three main product groups: ultrasound and cardiology systems, respiratory - medical devices and Lab/IVD (In-Vitro Diagnostics).

The order backlog increased by 36.1 per cent and revenue increased by 21.9 per cent compared to the first quarter in 2009. The strong trend in Medical is driven by ramp up of production for existing clients.

The Medical equipment segment is less cyclical than other market segments. Kitron focuses on additional growth in this segment and expects a long-term positive development with customers in both Norway and Sweden. This trend is supported by strong market fundamentals for the products and

services Kitron offers to the market. Even though start-up companies are having difficulties in finding financing due to the recession Kitron is working on several interesting new prospects within this segment. The medical equipment segment is also a prioritised area for Kitron in Germany.

Offshore/Marine

Kitron divides the Offshore/Marine segment into three main areas; subsea production systems, oil and gas exploration equipment and navigation, positioning, automation and control systems for the marine sector.

The revenue decreased by 82 per cent compared to the first quarter in 2009.

The trend in the Offshore/Marine segment is closely correlated with the development of the oil price. In the last year there has been a sharp drop in demand from the offshore segment but lately the development has stabilised and the outlook is positive. Kitron expects a stable trend within this segment for the first half of 2010 but are increasingly optimistic about the longer-term outlook.

Outlook

Kitron's markets are mainly Norway and Sweden, but most customers of Kitron sell their products on international markets. During 2009 Kitron has experienced a significant drop in demand in line with the general development in the market. The signs of a slow but steady recovery were visible in the first quarter of 2010 and it is expected that this trend will continue during the rest of the year.

Kitron is working on several operational improvement programs that should yield a positive contribution in 2010. The focus on manufacturing efficiency is continuing and global sourcing initiatives remains a priority area. The strong focus on balance sheet management and cash flow will continue in 2010. Particular attention is given to inventory management and payment terms.

Operating expenses and investments are carefully monitored and managed. Investments that improve Kitron's competitiveness are being prioritised. Training of employees and competency enhancing initiatives are still highly prioritised.

The significant loss in Kitron AB and the operational challenges are being addressed and it is expected that the company will be profitable during the rest of 2010.

Given the positive market outlook and the operational improvement initiatives being undertaken it is expected that the profitability will improve from the second quarter and onwards.

Board of directors, Kitron ASA

Asker, 5 May 2010


Kitron Q1 2010

Condensed profit and loss statement

NOK 1 000 Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
Revenue 411 103 550 708 1 730 690
Cost of materials 264 002 347 791 1 077 375
Payroll expenses 101 349 127 973 445 754
Other operational expenses 32 330 31 410 110 568
Operating profit before depreciation and impairments (EBITDA) 13 421 43 534 96 993
Depreciation and impairments 7 565 9 210 33 031
Operating profit (EBIT) 5 856 34 325 63 962
Net financial items (2 823) (9 345) (20 547)
Profit before tax 3 033 24 980 43 415
Tax 618 4 559 1 543
Net profit (loss) from continuing operations 2 414 20 421 41 872
Profit (loss) from discontinued operations (2 223) (5 304) (33 704)
Profit (loss) for the period 191 15 117 8 167
Earnings per share (basic and diluted) 0.00 0.09 0.05

Condensed balance sheet

NOK 1 000 Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
ASSETS
Goodwill 26 826 25 537 24 332
Intangible and tangible fixed assets 145 712 149 313 146 256
Investment in shares 9 9 9
Deferred tax assets 94 247 99 191 98 981
Other receivables 3 205 - 4 884
Total fixed assets 269 999 274 050 274 462
Inventory 277 459 338 060 256 288
Accounts receivable and other receivables 339 556 383 839 337 858
Cash and cash equivalents 73 273 116 346 105 238
Total current assets 690 288 838 245 699 384
Assets classified as held for sale 10 822 61 440 8 316
Total assets 971 109 1 173 735 982 162
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Equity 443 542 478 946 450 406
Total equity 443 542 478 946 450 406
Loans 12 618 19 564 12 802
Pension commitments 10 929 21 299 21 326
Total long-term liabilities 23 547 40 863 34 128
Accounts payable and other current liabilities 296 077 351 959 271 633
Loans 202 659 255 347 220 159
Total current liabilities 498 736 607 306 491 792
Liabilities classified as held for sale 5 284 46 620 5 836
Total liabilities and equity 971 109 1 173 735 982 162

Kitron Q1 2010 7

Condensed cash flow statement

NOK 1 000 Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
Net cash flow from operational activities (31 713) 34 951 93 779
Net cash flow from investment activities (4 068) (4 524) (24 041)
Net cash flow from financing activities (543) (3 573) (14 792)
Change in cash and bank credit (36 324) 26 854 54 946
Cash and bank credit opening balance 86 754 31 808 31 808
Cash and bank credit closing balance 50 431 58 662 86 754

Statement of comprehensive income

NOK 1 000 Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
Net profit 191 15 117 8 167
Currency translation differences and other changes (6 915) (16 570) (38 160)
Total comprehensive income for the period (6 724) (1 453) (29 993)
Profit attributable to shareholders 191 15 117 8 167

Changes in equity

NOK 1 000 Q1 2010 Q1 2009 31.12.2009
Equity opening balance 450 266 480 398 480 398
Comprehensive income for the period (6 724) (1 453) (29 993)
Equity closing balance 443 542 478 946 450 406

Notes to the financial statements

Note 1 – General information and principles

The condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2010 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Accounting Standards (IFRS) and IAS 34 for interim financial reporting. Kitron has applied the same accounting policies as in the consolidated financial statements for 2009.

The interim financial statements do not include all the information required for a full financial report and should therefore be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for 2009, which were prepared in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act and IFRS, as adopted by the EU. The consolidated financial statements for 2009 are available upon request from the company and at www.kitron.com

Note 2 – Estimates

The preparation of the interim financial statements requires the use of evaluations, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the accounting principles and amounts recognised as assets and liabilities, income and expenses. The actual results may deviate from these estimates. The important assessments underlying the application of Kitron's accounting policy and the main sources of uncertainty are the same for the interim financial statements as for the consolidated statements for 2009.

Note 3 – Financial risk management

Kitron's business exposes the company to financial risks. The purpose of the company's procedures for risk management is to minimise possibly negative effects caused by the company's financial arrangements. There has been no change of impact or material incidents in 2010.

Note 4 – Discontinued operations

On June 30 2009, the Kitron group sold Kitron Microelectronics AS for cash consideration of NOK 1.00. Kitron Microelectronics AS results are presented in this condensed interim financial information as discontinued operations. Comparative figures have been restated.

To further consolidate its operation Kitron has decided to divest its development department and to enter into a strategic alliance with a dedicated development company. At the same time Kitron is increasing its focus on industrialisation, test and new product introduction. The objective is to improve the complete offering to the customers by combining the strengths of Kitron with a larger development environment. In the financial accounts the development department will be recognised as discontinued operations until a sales transaction has been completed.


Kitron

Kitron ASA
Olav Brunborgs vei 4
P O Box 97
NO-1375 Billingstad
Norway

Your ambition. Our passion.

Kitron is a medium-size Electronic Manufacturing Services company. The company has manufacturing facilities in Norway, Sweden and Lithuania, and has about 1 100 employees. Kitron manufactures both electronics that are embedded in the customers' own product, as well as box-built electronic products. Kitron also provides high-level assembly (HLA) of complex electromechanical products for its customers.

Kitron offers all parts of the value chain: from design via industrialisation, manufacturing and logistics, to repairs. The electronics content may be based on conventional printed circuit boards or ceramic substrates.

Kitron also provides various related services such as cable harness manufacturing and components analysis, and resilience testing, and also source any other part of the customer's product. Customers typically serve international markets and provide equipment or systems for professional or industrial use.