Multiconsult

Earnings Release • Nov 4, 2020

Third quarter results: Strong results, ahead of schedule

Third quarter results: Strong results, ahead of schedule

Multiconsult (OSE: MULTI)

Multiconsult had a strong third quarter with an EBIT ex. restructuring cost of

NOK 98.1 million (13.1% margin) and year to date at NOK 318.1 million (11.8%

margin). Restructuring cost from the nextLEVEL improvement programme amounts to

NOK 30 million, and the programme is ahead of schedule. Order intake in the

quarter of NOK 919 million gives a stabile order backlog of NOK 3 040 million.

The board of directors proposes a dividend of NOK 2.00 per share.

"Multiconsult delivered a strong third quarter EBIT. I am very satisfied with

the strong improvements and continued profitability this year. We are ahead of

the plan for this turnaround thanks to solid dedication and efforts across our

organisation and strong customer relations. Focus on core business, sales and

project execution, and significantly reduced operating expenses partially

resulting from the nextLEVEL improvement programme have been key factors for our

recent improvements. I am very grateful to our employees for joining in on this

important and necessary improvement journey" says Grethe Bergly, CEO of

Multiconsult ASA.

Third quarter 2020

Net operating revenues increased by 3.9% to NOK 748.5 million (NOK 720.4

million). The increase in net operating revenues is exclusively organic and

driven by higher billing ratio and improved project execution compared to the

same quarter in 2019.

Operating expenses consist mainly of employee benefit expenses and other

operating expenses. Operating expenses decreased by 7.4% to NOK 600.4 million

(NOK 648.3 million). Other operating expenses decreased by 24.7% to NOK 79.4

million (NOK 105.5 million), partly an effect from the nextLEVEL improvement

programme, together with the impact of reduced costs on general expenditures

such as travel and certain other expenses due to Covid-19.

EBITDA was NOK 148.1 million (NOK 72.1 million), an increase of 105.5% compared

to the same period last year. The EBITDA margin for the quarter was 19.8%

(10.0%).

EBIT reported was NOK 68.1 million and includes a one-off restructuring cost of

NOK 30.0 million.

EBIT ex. restructuring cost was NOK 98.1 million (NOK 21.0 million), reflecting

an EBIT margin of 13.1% (2.9%). The restructuring of NOK 30 million is a right

-of-use assets impairment loss. The impairment relates to a review of

Multiconsult's office rental portfolio and is part of the previously announced

restructuring costs in the nextLEVEL improvement programme.

YTD 2020

Net operating revenues increased by 6.4% to NOK 2 694 million (NOK 2 531

million) and is exclusively organic driven. The increase in net operating

revenues was driven by improved billing ratio, higher billing rates and improved

project performance compared to the same period in 2019. There was a calendar

effect of two more working days increasing net operating revenues by

approximately NOK 28.3 million compared to the same period last year.

Operating expenses decreased by 2.8% to NOK 2 226 million (NOK 2 290 million).

Other operating expenses decreased by 16.3%, a reduction of NOK 58.0 million due

to lower travel, office and general cost reductions in most areas. The cost

reduction on other operating expenses is partly a nextLEVEL effect as well as

cost reduction related to Covid-19.

EBITDA was NOK 468.2 million (NOK 241.8 million), an increase of 93.7% compared

to the same period last year. The EBITDA margin for the period was 17.4% (9.6%).

EBIT reported was NOK 288.1 million and includes a one-off restructuring cost of

NOK 30.0 million. The comparable 2019 EBIT figure includes one-off charges of

NOK 30.2 million.

The EBIT ex. restructuring cost was NOK 318.1 million (NOK 127.8 million),

reflecting an EBIT margin of 11.8% (5.1%). The restructuring of NOK 30 million

is as a right-of-use assets impairment loss. The impairment relates to a review

of Multiconsult's office portfolio and is part of the previously announced

restructuring costs in the nextLEVEL improvement programme. The comparable 2019

EBIT figure includes one-off charges of NOK 30.2 million.

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Multiconsult is still in the turnaround process that started in the first half

of 2019, where the focus has been on the core business, sales and project

execution. The nextLEVEL programme is on track, and the order backlog provides a

good foundation, supported by frame agreements generated from a broad customer

base.

While Multiconsult has so far registered limited negative impact of the Covid-19

situation, the pandemic continues to create uncertainty for our industry going

forwards.

Subject to the above mentioned Covid-19 uncertainties, the market outlook for

Multiconsult's services remains good across most business areas. There are

however more uncertainties within Buildings & Properties (including

architecture) and in our international Energy business.

With a solid market position, high competence and technology, as well as leading

solutions for our customers, Multiconsult believes it is well placed to handle

the challenges of the current uncertainties facing the economy and our industry.

For a full review of our report, please refer to Q3 2020 report

Presentation

The presentations will be held in English by CEO Grethe Bergly and CFO Hans

-Jørgen Wibstad, and held at Felix Conference Centre, Bryggetorget 3, Oslo.

Due to COVID-19 and corresponding restrictions only maximum of 50 (pre

-registered) participants will be allowed to attend the presentation. Please

ensure to maintain social distancing and follow the health authorities' general

recommendations.

The presentations will also be available as a live webcast.

Third quarter webcast 4. November 08:30 CET

The live webcast from the third quarter presentation can be accessed at

https://www.multiconsult-ir.com

and at https://channel.royalcast.com/hegnarmedia/#!/hegnarmedia/20201104_2

Capital Markets Day webcast 4. November 09:15 CET

The live webcast from the Capital Markets Day can be accessed at

https://www.multiconsult-ir.com

and at https://channel.royalcast.com/hegnarmedia/#!/hegnarmedia/20201104_6

Questions to the management can be made in writing during the live webcast and

will be answered after the presentations.

For further information, please contact:

Investor relations:

Hans-Jørgen Wibstad, CFO

Phone: +47 916 89 661

E-mail: hans-jorgen.wibstad@multiconsult.no

Media:

Gaute Christensen, VP Communications

Phone: +47 911 70 188

E-mail: gaute.christensen@multiconsult.no