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Multiconsult

Quarterly Report May 20, 2020

3667_rns_2020-05-20_85ec4661-5630-43b1-80c1-751b294fb1ab.pdf

Quarterly Report

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INTERIM REPORT Q1 | 2020

Illustrasjon: Hardangerbadet, Hundved-Clements Photography.

HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY FIGURES Q1 2020

HIGHLIGHTS

First quarter 2020:

  • \ Net operating revenues up 5.2% year-on year to NOK 993.6 million
  • \ EBIT up 27.0% y-o-y to NOK 117.5 million reflecting an EBIT margin of 11.8%
  • \ Net profit up 42.6% y-o-y to NOK 84.1 million
  • \ Significant cost reductions improving Other operating expenses margin to 15.3% from 18.7% average 2019 – nextLEVEL programme on track
  • \ Strong order intake of NOK 1 306 million and alltime high order backlog of NOK 3 099 million
  • \ Solid working capital and financial position
  • \ Increased uncertainty due to impact of Covid-19
  • \ Ranked #1 in industry attractiveness among engineering students and #3 overall (May 2020)

"Multiconsult delivered a solid Q1 with revenues growth and significant improved profitability compared with 2019. The improvement comes on the back of solid customer deliveries and is also caused by significantly reduced operating expenses resulting from the nextLEVEL improvement programme. We are well underway, but I believe there is more potential.

At the same time we are delivering solid sales resulting in an all-time high order backlog at the end of the quarter. This is very important going into a period of more uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 situation. I would like to thank all of our dedicated Multiconsult employees for their relentless efforts and dedication in achieving these improvements".

Grethe Bergly CEO of Multiconsult ASA

CONSOLIDATED KEY FIGURES

Amounts in TNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
FINANCIAL
Net operating revenues 993 644 944 242 3 435 835
Employee benefit expenses 715 943 680 486 2 654 431
Other operating expenses 109 952 125 422 482 271
EBITDA 167 749 138 334 299 133
EBITDA margin 16.9% 14.7% 8.7%
EBIT 117 464 92 469 106 329
EBIT margin 11.8% 9.8% 3.1%
Reported profit for the period 84 120 58 957 35 110

OPERATIONAL

Other operating expenses excluding IFRS 16 margin 15.3% 17.4% 18.7%
Billing ratio 69.4% 70.0% 69.2%
Number of employees 2 984 2 972 2 994
Order intake 1 305 543 1 171 824 4 348 086
Order backlog 3 098 737 2 864 999 2 967 609

FIRST QUARTER 2020

Multiconsult first quarter EBIT came in at NOK 117.5 million. In the first quarter net operating revenues were up 5.2% y-o-y to NOK 993.6 million. The nextLEVEL improvement programme is on-track, partly reflected in a reduction in other operating expenses of 12.3% y-o-y to NOK 110.0 million. The order intake was solid at NOK 1 306 million giving a record high order backlog of NOK 3 099 million.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

(Figures in brackets = same period prior year or relevant balance sheet date 2019).

Group results

First quarter 2020 Multiconsult group

Net operating revenues increased by 5.2% to NOK 993.6 million (NOK 944.2 million) compared to the same quarter last year. The increase in net operating revenues is exclusively organic. Higher activity, and higher average group billing rates compared to the same period in 2019 contribute positively to the growth in net operating revenues. There was a calendar effect of one more working day with an impact of NOK 13.4 million.

Operating expenses consist mainly of employee benefit expenses and other operating expenses. Reported operating expenses increased by 2.5% to NOK 825.9 million (NOK 805.9 million). Other operating expenses decreased by 12.3%, suggesting that the nextLEVEL improvement programme is ontrack, other operating expenses excluding IFRS 16 was reduced with NOK 12.1 million, an improvement of 7.3% compared to same quarter last year – partly a nextLEVEL effect. Employee benefit expenses increased in line with manning level and regular salary adjustment for the Norwegian workforce.

EBITDA was NOK 167.7 million (NOK 138.3 million), an increase of 21.3% compared to the same period last year.

EBIT was NOK 117.5 million (NOK 92.5 million), an increase of 27.0% y-o-y, reflecting an EBIT margin of 11.8%.

Net financial items were an expense of NOK 6.8 million (expense of NOK 14.9 million). The improvement compared to Q1 2019 is mainly related to currency gains.

Group tax rate was 23.3% (23.3%).

Reported profit for the period was NOK 84.1 million (NOK 59.0 million).

Financial position, cash flow and liquidity First quarter 2020 Multiconsult group

Total assets amounted to NOK 2 828 million (NOK 2 674 million), and total equity amounted to NOK 686.9 million (NOK 581.4 million). The group held cash and cash equivalents of NOK 62.9 million (NOK 73.6 million).

In March 2020 Multiconsult refinanced its loan portfolio with Nordea. This included an overdraft loan facility of NOK 320.0 million which is part of a cash pool that includes the majority of the operational units in the group. The refinancing also included a new 3-year revolving credit facility of NOK 200.0 million until March 2023. Multiconsult have through the new loan portfolio improved loan margins and covenants. Undrawn available amounts under the credit facilities were NOK 348.0 million at the end of the quarter.

Net interest-bearing liabilities amounted to NOK 1 031 million (NOK 1 006 million at 31 December 2019). Adjusted for IFRS 16 lease obligations, net interest-bearing debt is NOK 95.2 million (NOK 91.6 million at 31 December 2019).

Net cash flow from operating activities was positive NOK 48.0 million (negative NOK 62.0 million). Net cash flow from operating activities is affected by increase in revenues, offset by decrease in working capital mainly due to a reduction in work in progress.

Net cash flow used in investment activities was NOK 10.5 million this quarter (NOK 24.5 million), related to ordinary asset replacement.

Net cash flow from financing activities amounted to negative NOK 51.4 million (negative NOK 1.8 million) which is mainly affected by instalments and interest on lease liabilities related to IFRS 16. As part of the refinancing and re-payment of the previous NOK 172.0 million term loan, the company made a drawdown of NOK 172.0 million on the new NOK 200.0 million revolving credit facility. Hence, the refinancing did not have any net effect on cash flow from financing activities.

ORDER BACKLOG AND INTAKE

The order backlog at the end of the quarter was at an alltime high of NOK 3 099 million (NOK 2 865 million). Business areas Buildings & Properties and Transportation currently have the largest proportion of the order backlog, while Water & Environment increased compared to the same period previous year. The size and timing of execution of the order backlog varies significantly between the business areas and locations.

Order intake during the first quarter increased by 11.4% compared to the first quarter in 2019. Business area Water & Environment decreased, while all other business areas experienced an increase.

Significant contracts this quarter were Sykkeltunnel Fløen-Kronstad for Vestland fylkeskommune, Arena Fredrikstad for Østfold Fylkeskommune (Viken Fylkeskommune), Fv. 350 Foruskanalen Bussvei for Rogaland fylkeskommune, Jølstra kraftverk for Jølstra Kraft DA, Västerås sjukhus for Region Västmanland and for NTNU for Backe Trondheim.

The order backlog does not reflect the total volume to be executed under awarded frame agreements and includes only call-offs that have been signed under these agreements. Some of the large frame agreements are for example Fornebubanen for Oslo kommune, submarine maintenance facilities and airbase facilities with Forsvarsbygg and safety and RAMS with Bane NOR.

PROFITABILITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME – nextLEVEL

The improvement programme nextLEVEL was introduced at the end of 2019 and is one of our key measures to improve performance and profitability. This programme has had strong focus throughout the organization in the first quarter.

In total, nextLEVEL has a target of 150 million in annual profitability improvement to be realised over a period of 18 months. The nextLEVEL programme is ahead of suggested time schedule and by mid-May Multiconsult has committed

SEGMENTS

Multiconsult's reporting segments has historically been presented as four segments. As from 2020 Multiconsult's reporting segments will be five segments: Region Oslo, Region Norway, Energy, International and LINK arkitektur. Overhead expenses such as administrative services, office rent and depreciation are allocated to individual segments, however certain corporate cost and group-wide cost are not allocated to the geographical segments. Comparison to same period last year has been re-stated using the new principles, and is made on the new structure. Also see note 3 – Accounting Policies.

Region Oslo

This segment offers services in seven business areas and comprises the Oslo region, in addition the segment includes Multiconsult's internal segment Large Projects in Norway.

to 64% (NOK 95.0 million)] of the target amount, up from 37% mid-February 2020. In addition to already initialised initiatives, the programme will focus further on areas such as travel policies, office space portfolio and "ways of working" with experiences, partially, from the ongoing Covid-19 situation. Based on this we see increased potential for reduced office space. As a consequence, the one-off restructuring cost related to nextLEVEL may increase to NOK 60-70 million - up from NOK 30-40 million previously indicated.

Key figures – Region Oslo

Amounts in MNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Net operating revenues 329.6 309.4 1 090.9
EBIT 57.7 40.4 53.0
EBIT % 17.5% 13.1% 4.9%
Order intake 337.5 432.9 1 431.3
Order backlog 985.1 978.2 1 026.5
Billing ratio 72.9% 70.8% 70.0%
Number of employees 796 818 817

First quarter 2020 Region Oslo

The increase in net operating revenues of 6.5% in the quarter was driven by higher billing rate and higher billing ratio compare to same period last year.

Operating expenses came in 0.8% higher than in the same period in 2019. Employee benefit expenses increased in line with manning level and regular salary adjustment for the workforce. Other operating expenses decreased significantly, mainly due to lower use of consultancy services and lower office expenses.

Order intake in the first quarter decreased by 22.0% compared to the first quarter in 2019. There was a decrease in order intake in all business areas except City & Society.

Order backlog for the segment at the end of the first quarter is NOK 985.1 million, with business areas Buildings & Properties and Water & Environment as the largest proportions. The order backlog increased by 0.7% compared to the first quarter in 2019. Most of the business areas increased except Transportation, Oil & Gas and City & Society.

Region Norway

This segment offers services in seven business areas and comprises all offices outside Oslo with presence in all larger cities in Norway and several other locations, a total of 23 offices.

Key figures – Region Norway
-- -----------------------------
Amounts in MNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Net operating revenues 391.0 376.6 1 381.9
EBIT 42.9 39.6 56.5
EBIT % 11.0% 10.5% 4.1%
Order intake 561.4 397.4 1 437.5
Order backlog 732.7 625.4 580.8
Billing ratio 66.6% 68.0% 67.9%
Number of employees 1 065 1 045 1 068

First quarter 2020 Region Norway

Compared to first quarter 2019 net operating revenues increased by 3.8%. Billing rates were at a higher level and impacted net operating revenues positively. Growth was partly offset by a lower billing ratio that came down by 1.4pp.

Operating expenses increased by 2.9% in the quarter. Considerably lower other operating expenses such as travel and office expense was offset by higher employee benefit expenses.

Order intake in the first quarter increased by 41.3% compared to the first quarter in 2019. There was an increase in all business areas except Renewable Energy.

Order backlog for the segment at the end of the first quarter was at NOK 732.7 million, with business areas Buildings & Properties and Transportation as the largest proportions. The order backlog increased by 17.2% compared to the first quarter in 2019. All business areas increased except Renewable Energy.

Energy

The segment Energy is represented in Multiconsult's offices in Oslo and Trondheim together with the subsidiary Multiconsult UK. The segment offers national and international services in the business area Renewable Energy with minor activity in Water & Environment.

Key figures – Energy

Amounts in MNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Net operating revenues 69.5 64.7 250.6
EBIT 3.5 (1.2) (10.6 )
EBIT % 5.0% (1.9%) (4.2%)
Order intake 88.7 124.3 381.0
Order backlog 263.8 246.2 262.8
Billing ratio 59.4% 62.8% 62.8%
Number of employees 199 204 199

First quarter 2020 Energy

The increase in net operating revenues of 7.5% in the first quarter was mainly driven by higher billing rate. Lower activity in Multiconsult UK in the period compared to same period last year have a negative effect on the net billing ratio.

Operating expenses came in 0.3% higher than in the same period in 2019. Other operating expenses decreased significantly, mainly due to lower use of consultancy and reduced office- and travel expense. Employee benefit expenses increased in line with manning level and regular salary adjustment.

Order intake in the first quarter decreased by 28.7% compared to the first quarter in 2019. However, sales in Q1 2019 were considered to be higher than normal.

Order backlog for the segment at the end of the first quarter increased by 7.2% to NOK 263.8 million. More than 98% of the order backlog in the segment is in business area Renewable Energy.

LINK arkitektur

This segment comprises LINK arkitektur with its 15 offices in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.

Key figures – LINK arkitektur

Amounts in MNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Net operating revenues 151.0 152.3 535.8
EBIT 6.7 16.8 11.0
EBIT % 4.5% 11.0% 2.1%
Order intake 153.5 170.0 728.6
Order backlog 576.9 529.4 620.2
Billing ratio 73.4% 76.0% 74.0%
Number of employees 497 500 489

First quarter 2020 LINK arkitektur

The decrease in net operating revenues of 0.9% in the first quarter was driven by a reduction in activity level and lower billing ratio partly offset by a higher billing rate.

Operating expenses increased by 6.7% in the quarter mainly due to a currency translation effect for currency for the activity in Sweden and Denmark. This effect is reflected both in employee benefit expenses and other operating expenses.

The performance from Link arkitektur AS in Norway is at a good level in the quarter, however, both the businesses in Sweden and Denmark are facing a more challenging market and are loss-making.

Order intake in the first quarter decreased by 9.7% compared to first quarter in 2019. The order intake this quarter was mainly within the business area Buildings & Properties.

Order backlog for the segment at the end of first quarter increased by 9.0% to NOK 576.9 million. More than 90% of the order backlog in the segment is in business area Buildings & Properties.

International

This segment comprises the subsidiaries Multiconsult Polska and Iterio AB.

Key figures – International

Amounts in MNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Net operating revenues 61.2 51.8 206.9
EBIT 6.5 5.9 17.3
EBIT % 10.6% 11.3% 8.4%
Order intake 164.5 47.2 369.6
Order backlog 566.9 415.1 497.6
Billing ratio 78.5% 79.5% 73.5%
Number of employees 308 278 299

ORGANISATION AND HSE

At 31 March 2020 the group had 2 984 (2 972) employees. The employee turnover ratio for the group for the period March 2019 to March 2020 was 12.6% (10.5%). As per mid-May the full-time equivalent of 115 employees (3.8% of the total workforce) are on temporary leave due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

First quarter 2020 International

Net operating revenues increased by 18.2% in the first quarter mainly driven by higher activity level, which resulted in net recruitment and a higher manning level in Iterio AB and Multiconsult Polska.

Operating expenses increased by 19.3% compared to same quarter in 2019, the increase is mainly due to higher activity level and increase in manning level. Other operating expenses increased slightly lower than the increase in manning level due to lower travel and marketing expenditures.

Order intake in the first quarter increased by 248.7% mainly due to higher order intake in the business area Transportation in Multiconsult Polska.

Order backlog for the segment at the end of the first quarter increased by 36.6% to NOK 566.9 million. Business area Transportation is the largest business area with more than 90% of the order backlog in the segment. Business area Renewable Energy had the highest relative growth in the quarter.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On 8 May, Universums annual attractivity survey among engineering students, ranked Multiconsult as the industry's most attractive employer and number three among all companies in Norway.

On 5 May, Multiconsult announced that Consto has been awarded an EPC contract for the construction the new hospital in Hammerfest with LINK arkitektur AS and Multiconsult Norge AS as subcontractors. The total value for the Multiconsult group, is expected to be approximately NOK 57 million.

On 22 April, Multiconsult held the annual general meeting. The general meeting passed a resolution that Tove Raanes is elected as a new member of the board, and Sverre Hurum as a elected deputy board member. The annual general meeting also approved the 2019 annual accounts.

On 20 April, Multiconsult announced an extension of multiple call-offs under the Fornebubanen frame agreement. The value of the call-off is approximately NOK 100 million for Multiconsult, and work has already started and will last until September 2020.

OUTLOOK

These forward-looking statements reflect current views about future events and are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances in the future.

Multiconsult is at the beginning of a turnaround and the nextLEVEL programme is on track. The order backlog is at a historically high level and provides a good foundation, supported by frame agreements generated from a broad customer base.

The Covid-19 situation has resulted in considerably increased uncertainty and will be impacting our business. Multiconsult closely monitors the development of Covid-19 situation and evaluates potential outcomes based on various scenarios. While we so far have seen a relatively modest negative impact of the Covid-19 situation, it is currently not possible to predict the consequences for the industry and for Multiconsult going forward. A softening of the market can be expected in parts of our business as a direct consequence of the Covid-19 situation. The company is taking prudent, responsible and necessary actions, to secure our people, our business, and, in close cooperation with our customers, our deliveries so that our clients are affected to the minimum extent possible.

Subject to comments related to the Covid-19 situation, the overall market outlook for Multiconsult's services is good across most business areas, and with a good pipeline of potential projects coming up for tender over the next 12 months. There are however more uncertainties in particular within buildings and properties (including architects) and in certain areas within our energy sector, where a softening of the market is expected.

With a solid market position, leading competences, technology and solutions for our customers, Multiconsult believes it is well placed to handle the challenges of the current uncertainties facing the economy and our industry.

RISK AND UNCERTAINTIES

The extraordinary risk factor due to the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), is described under Risk and Risk Management in the 2019 Annual Report and in the Outlook section above. Multiconsult has not identified significant additional risk factors related to Covid-19 beyond those described therein.

The risk of disagreements and legal disputes related to the possible cost of delays and project errors is always present in the consultancy business. Multiconsult has developed internal procedures and competences to reduce risk exposure for legal disputes. Multiconsult has also normal and relevant insurance policies and routines for protection of normal and most potential consequences of such matters. Further details

regarding the insurance coverage are provided in note 20 to the consolidated financial statements for 2019.

Multiconsult has not identified significant additional risk exposures beyond the ones described in the 2019 Annual Report. Multiconsult has identified an increase in the number of and size of potential legal disputes, which potentially may, in adverse circumstances, have negative financial impact. Multiconsult is exposed to a number of risk factors: legal liability, credit risk, currency risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and accounting estimates risk. The Risk and Risk Management section in the 2019 Annual Report contains detailed description and mitigating actions.

DEFINITIONS

Net operating revenues: Operating revenues less sub consultants and disbursements.

EBITDA: EBIT before depreciation, amortisation and impairment.

EBITDA margin (%): EBITDA as a percentage of net operating revenues.

EBIT: Earnings before net financial items, results from associates and joint ventures and income tax.

EBIT margin (%): EBIT as a percentage of net operating revenues.

Other operating expenses excluding IFRS 16 margin (APM): Other operating expenses adjusted for IFRS 16 effects as a percentage of net operating revenue.

Billing ratio (%): Hours recorded on chargeable projects as a percentage of total hours worked (including administrative staff) and employer-paid absence. Billing ratio per segment includes allocated administrative staff.

Employees: Number of employees comprise all staff on payroll including staff on temporarily leave (paid and unpaid), excluding temporary personnel.

Order intake: Expected operating revenues on new contracts and confirmed changes to existing contracts. Only group external contracts are included.

Order backlog: Expected remaining operating revenues on new and existing contracts. Only group external contracts are included. Call-offs on frame agreements are included in the order backlog when signed.

Net interest-bearing debt: Non-current and current interest-bearing liabilities deducted cash and cash equivalents.

DISCLAIMER

This report includes forward-looking statements, which are based on our current expectations and projections about future events. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this notice, including statements regarding our future financial position, risks and uncertainties related to our business, strategy, capital expenditures, projected costs and our plans and objectives for future operations, including our plans for future costs savings and synergies may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "may," "assume," "plan," "intend," "will," "should," "estimate," "risk"

and similar expressions or the negatives of these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. In addition, any forwardlooking statements are made only as of the date of this notice, and we do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update any statements set forth in this report.

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Unaudited for the period ended 31 March 2020

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS

Amounts in TNOK, except EPS Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Operating revenues 1 147 827 1 110 184 4 068 683
Expenses for sub consultants and disbursements 154 184 165 942 632 848
Net operating revenues 993 644 944 242 3 435 835
Employee benefit expenses 715 943 680 486 2 654 431
Other operating expenses
Operating expenses excluding depreciation and amortization
109 952
825 895
125 422
805 908
482 271
3 136 702
Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) 167 749 138 334 299 133
Depreciation and amortisation 50 285 45 865 192 804
Operating profit (EBIT) 117 464 92 469 106 329
Share of profit from associated companies and joint ventures (983) (675) (169)
Financial income 11 068 467 3 954
Financial expenses 17 822 15 344 56 683
Net financial items (6 755) (14 877) (52 729)
Profit before income tax 109 727 76 917 53 431
Income tax expense 25 607 17 959 18 320
Profit for the period 84 120 58 957 35 110
Attributable to:
Owners of Multiconsult ASA 84 120 58 957 35 110
Earnings per share
Basic and diluted (NOK) 3.12 2.19 1.30

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Amounts in TNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Profit for the period 84 120 58 957 35 110
Other comprehensive income
Remeasurment of defined benefit obligations - - (1 884)
Income taxes - - 414
Total items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss - - (1 470)
Currency translation differences 21 357 (6 606) (2 450)
Total items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss 21 357 (6 606) (2 450)
Total other comprehensive income for the period 21 357 (6 606) (3 920)
Total comprehensive income for the period 105 477 52 351 31 190
Attributable to:
Owners of Multiconsult ASA 105 477 52 351 31 190

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Amounts in TNOK At 31 March 2020 At 31 March 2019 At 31 December 2019
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets 38 806 39 794 40 322
Intangible assets 24 355 27 359 24 919
Goodwill 459 033 446 010 447 554
Property, plant and equipment 109 581 111 558 112 494
Right-of-use assets 915 436 996 495 898 208
Investments in associated companies and joint ventures 12 060 11 725 12 509
Assets for reimbursement of provisions 21 150 20 600 28 850
Other non-current financial assets and shares 18 556 19 191 17 785
Total non-current assets 1 598 976 1 672 732 1 582 643
Current assets
Trade receivables 673 144 534 477 638 476
Work in progress 379 279 573 100 309 034
Other current receivables and prepaid expenses 113 568 97 109 70 573
Cash and cash equivalents 62 910 33 645 73 558
Total current assets 1 228 901 1 238 331 1 091 642
Total assets 2 827 878 2 911 062 2 674 284
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
Shareholders' equity
Total paid in equity 91 241 91 242 91 241
Other equity 595 678 554 318 490 171
Total shareholders' equity 686 922 645 560 581 413
Non-current liabilities
Pension obligations 6 546 6 172 6 542
Deferred tax
Provisions
16 116
27 550
7 041
39 350
13 074
36 000
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities 172 000 173 307 -
Non-current lease liabilities 802 437 882 667 789 618
Total non-current liabilities 1 024 649 1 108 537 845 234
Current liabilities
Trade payables 158 606 214 653 160 663
Prepaid revenues 129 182 108 579 133 368
Current tax liabilities 38 131 33 411 17 979
Public duties payable 312 837 267 234 333 626
Current interest-bearing liabilities - 62 033 178 400
Current lease liabilities 133 038 118 060 124 940
Other current liabilities 344 512 353 004 298 660
Total current liabilities 1 116 306 1 156 962 1 247 637
Total liabilities 2 140 956 2 265 499 2 092 871
Total equity and liabilities 2 827 878 2 911 062 2 674 284

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Share Own Share Total
paid-in
Retained Employee
share
purchase
Total
Amounts in TNOK capital shares premium capital earnings programme Pension Currency equity
31 December 2018 13 486 - 77 758 91 242 715 381 (22 033) (201 713) 10 332 593 211
Dividend - - - - - - - - -
Share Issue - - - - - - - - -
Treasury shares - - - - - - - - -
Employee share purchase
programme - - - - - - - - -
Comprehensive income - - - - 58 957 - - (6 606) 52 351
31 March 2019 13 486 - 77 758 91 242 774 338 (22 033) (201 713) 3 726 645 560
31 December 2018 13 486 - 77 758 91 242 715 381 (22 033) (201 713) 10 332 593 211
Dividend - - - - (40 456) - - - (40 456)
Treasury shares - (1) - (1) - - - - (1)
Employee share purchase
programme
- - - - - (2 532) - - (2 532)
Comprehensive income - - - - 35 110 - (1 470) (2 450) 31 190
31 December 2019 13 486 (1) 77 758 91 241 710 035 (24 565) (203 183) 7 882 581 413
31 December 2019 13 486 (1) 77 758 91 241 710 035 (24 565) (203 183) 7 882 581 413
Dividend - - - - - - - - -
Treasury shares - - - - - 34 - - 34
Employee share purchase
programme - - - - - - - - -
Comprehensive income - - - - 84 120 - - 21 357 105 477
31 March 2020 13 486 (1) 77 758 91 241 794 155 (24 531) (203 183) 29 239 686 922

INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Amounts in TNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax 109 727 76 917 53 431
Interest lease liability 9 022 9 529 37 134
Interest expense interest-bearing liability 2 515 2 240 11 472
Income taxes paid (2 656) (13 512) (27 952)
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment 13 354 12 055 54 802
Depreciation right-of-use asset 36 931 33 771 138 003
Results from associated companies and joint ventures 983 (675) 169
Other non-cash profit and loss items - - 860
Sub total operating activities 169 875 120 325 267 918
Trade Payables (2 057) (21 840) (75 829)
Trade receivables (34 668) 132 279 28 280
Work in progress (70 245) (229 237) 34 828
Other (14 905) (63 571) (6 951)
Total changes in working capital (121 875) (182 369) (19 671)
Net cash flow from operating activities 48 000 (62 044) 248 246
Cash flows used in investment activities
Net purchase and sale of fixed assets and financial non-current assets (9 876) (28 231) (62 837)
Change in non-current financial assets, restricted funds (673) 3 696 5 634
Net cash flow used in investment activities (10 549) (24 535) (57 203)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceedes on interest bearing liabilities 172 000 36 923 -
Instalments on interest-bearing liabilities (178 400) - (16 473)
Paid interest on interest-bearing liability (2 515) (2 240) (11 472)
Instalments on lease liabilities (33 453) (26 936) (122 693)
Paid interest on lease liability (9 022) (9 529) (37 134)
Paid dividends - - (40 456)
Sale treasury shares 6 400 - 3 607
Purchase treasury shares (6 366) - (12 192)
Net cash flow from financing activities (51 357) (1 782) (236 813)
Foreign currency effects on cash and cash equivalents 3 257 1 966 (714)
Net increase/decrease in cash and cash equivalents (10 649) (86 395) (46 484)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 73 558 120 040 120 040
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 62 910 33 645 73 558

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: General information

The Company and the Group

Multiconsult ASA (the company) is a Norwegian public limited liability company listed on Oslo Børs. The company and its subsidiaries (together the Multiconsult group/the group) are

Note 2: Basis of preparation and statements

Basis for preparation

The financial statements are presented in NOK, rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated. As a result of rounding adjustments, the figures in one or more rows or columns included in the financial statements and notes may not add up to the total of that row or column.

Statements

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2020 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as approved by the EU. They have not been audited. They do not include all of the information required for full

among the leading suppliers of consultancy and design services in Norway and the Nordic region. The group has subsidiaries outside the Nordic region in Poland, UK and Singapore.

annual financial statements of the group and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for 2019. The accounting policies applied are consistent with those applied and described in the consolidated annual financial statements for 2019, which are available upon request from the company's registered office at Nedre Skøyen vei 2, 0276 Oslo and at www. multiconsult.no.

These interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2020 were approved by the Board of Directors and the CEO on 19 May 2020.

Note 3: Accounting policies

The group prepares its consolidated annual financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the EU (International Financial Reporting Standards - IFRS). References to IFRS in these financial statements refer to IFRS as approved by the EU. The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous financial year, with the exemptions presented below.

Updated presentation and restatement

In previous quarterly reporting, net write-downs have been presented as a separate key figure. These adjustments are a consequence of a large volume of projects and is part of normal operations in the group. Starting from 2020, net write-downs will not be presented as a key figure. Any material adjustments outside normal operations will be disclosed separately. This is in line with group annual reporting of financial statements. There have been no material adjustments that require disclosure in Q1 2020.

Starting from 2020 Multiconsult has changed its reporting segments. Note 5 is presented according to the new segments, and figures for 2019 are restated. To ensure comparability between periods, a given percentage of revenue and cost reported in 2019 as "not allocated" is distributed to the new segments according to the same principles applied to allocation in 2020. See section Segments for a description of the new segments.

In Q4 2019 Multiconsult changed the presentation of restricted cash, interest on interest-bearing liabilities and instalments and paid interest on lease liability. The cash flow for Q1 2019 is restated to be comparable to cash flow in Q1 2020.

In Q2 2019 it was discovered that approximately NOK 10 million in employee benefit expenses should be classified as other operating expenses, Q1 2019 is restated to be comparable.

Note 4: Estimates, judgments and assumptions

The preparation of interim condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expense. Actual results may differ from these estimates. In preparing these interim condensed consolidated financial statements, significant judgements made by management in

applying the group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the annual consolidated financial statements for 2019 note 2.

Impairment test of Goodwill

Cash-generating units are reviewed for impairment when indicators exist. The estimated recoverable amounts are affected

by assumptions in connection with the estimation of future cash flows, as well as the discount rate for the estimation of the present value of the cash flows. Due to the increased uncertainties following the Covid-19 pandemic, the group has performed impairment tests at Q1. The tests are based on the same assumptions as for the tests at year end, except for a new WACC that has been updated and simulations of scenarios of decrease

in revenues. The result of the tests confirms that the value in use is higher than the carrying value at Q1 and no impairment of goodwill, property, plant and equipment or tangible assets to the related CGU's are required. The group will follow the situation closely in the upcoming quarters.

Note 5: Segments

Refer to section Segments for more information on the segments. The group has three geographical reporting segments as well as a segment for Energy and LINK arkitektur.

Q1 2020
Amounts in TNOK
Region
Oslo
Region
Norway
Energy LINK
arkitektur
Inter
national
Not
allocated
Elimi
nations
Total
External revenues 374 303 401 271 84 270 187 958 94 533 5 709 (217) 1 147 827
Internal revenues 4 569 8 234 3 343 8 839 646 739 (26 370) -
Total operating revenues 378 871 409 505 87 613 196 797 95 179 6 448 (26 587) 1 147 827
Net operating revenues 329 576 391 045 69 531 150 958 61 212 (5 774) (2 905) 993 644
Operating expenses 267 403 326 534 65 621 137 774 51 103 (19 126) (3 413) 825 895
EBITDA 62 174 64 510 3 910 13 184 10 110 13 352 508 167 749
Depreciation, amortisation,
impairment
4 477 21 620 445 6 435 3 645 13 173 489 50 285
EBIT 57 697 42 890 3 465 6 749 6 465 179 19 117 464
Associates and joint
ventures
- - (983) - - - - (983)
Number of employees 796 1 065 199 497 308 119 - 2 984
Q1 2019 Region Region LINK Inter Not Elimi
Amounts in TNOK Oslo Norway Energy arkitektur national allocated nations Total
External revenues 371 097 398 220 88 224 180 468 68 839 270 3 066 1 110 184
Internal revenues - 114 103 14 973 1 319 1 630 (18 139) -
Total operating revenues 371 097 398 334 88 327 195 441 70 159 1 900 (15 073) 1 110 184
Net operating revenues 309 412 376 596 64 688 152 267 51 767 (8 295) (2 193) 944 242
Operating expenses 265 385 317 414 65 443 129 171 42 838 (12 011) (2 332) 805 908
EBITDA 44 027 59 182 (755) 23 096 8 929 3 716 139 138 334
Depreciation, amortisation,
impairment
3 578 19 582 480 6 289 3 063 13 007 (134) 45 865
EBIT 40 449 39 601 (1 235) 16 807 5 866 (9 292) 273 92 469
Associates and joint
ventures
- - (675) - - - - (675)
Number of employees 818 1 045 204 500 278 127 - 2 972
FY 2019
Amounts in TNOK
Region
Oslo
Region
Norway
Energy LINK
arkitektur
Inter
national
Not
allocated
Elimi
nations
Total
External revenues
Internal revenues
1 310 703
5 763
1 482 754
376
330 123
12 249
651 187
12 042
302 521
7 608
(15 855)
36 917
7 250
(74 955)
4 068 683
-
Total operating revenues 1 316 466 1 483 130 342 372 663 229 310 129 21 061 (67 705) 4 068 683
Net operating revenues 1 090 928 1 381 857 250 607 535 798 206 926 (25 230) (5 051) 3 435 835
Operating expenses 1 020 337 1 241 204 259 273 499 782 176 979 (56 378) (4 495) 3 136 702
EBITDA 70 592 140 653 (8 666) 36 015 29 947 31 148 (556) 299 133
Depreciation, amortisation,
impairment
17 586 84 153 1 912 25 008 12 625 52 056 (535) 192 804
EBIT 53 006 56 500 (10 578) 11 008 17 322 (20 908) (21) 106 329
Associates and joint
ventures
- - (169) - - - - (169)
Number of employees 817 1 068 199 489 299 122 - 2 994

Note 6: Explanatory comments regarding the impact of revenue seasonality on quarterly reporting

The group's net operating revenues are affected by the number of working days within each reporting period while employee expenses are recognised for full calendar days. The number of working days in a month is affected by public holidays and vacations. The timing of public holidays (e.g. Easter) during

quarters and whether they fall on weekends or weekdays impacts revenues, earnings, cashflows and working capital balances. Generally, the company's employees are granted leave during Easter and Christmas. The summer holidays primarily impact the month of July and the third quarter.

Note 7: Significant events and transactions

There were no significant events and transactions in the period.

Note 8: Related party transactions

In the fourth quarter of 2019 Multiconsult ASA entered into a share loan agreement with its largest shareholder, Stiftelsen Multiconsult, for a loan of 100 000 Multiconsult shares in connection with the implementation of the 2019 employee share purchase programme. The loan was setteled as Multiconsult ASA delivered the full amount of shares back to Stiftelsen Multiconsult

in the first quarter of 2020.

See note 23 to the consolidated financial statements for 2019 for a description of related parties and related parties transactions in 2019.

Note 9: Treasury shares

The company has 16 treasury shares as of 31 March 2020. For a description of the share purchase programme for all the employees and the performance bonus based bonus scheme for the group management see note 9 in the consolidated financial statements for 2019.

Note 10: Earnings per share

For the periods presented there are no dilutive effects on profits or number of shares. Basic and diluted earnings per share are therefore the same.

Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Profit for the period (in TNOK) 84 120 58 957 35 110
Average no shares 26 931 354 26 970 387 26 957 519
Earnings per share (NOK) 3.12 2.19 1.30

Note 11: Financial instruments

The group's financial instruments are interest-bearing debt, accounts receivables and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and accounts payables. It is assumed that the

book value is a good approximation of fair value for the group's financial instruments.

Non-current and current interest-bearing liabilities

Amounts in TNOK 31 Mar 2020 31 Mar 2019 31 Dec 2019
Multiconsult ASA 172 000 193 500 178 400
Other - 41 840 -
Total 172 000 235 340 178 400

The group owns a limited amount of shares and participations available for sale (NOK 0.5 million), and it is assumed that the book value is a good estimate of fair value. Fair value of derivatives (interest rate swap) were recorded with an unrealised loss of NOK 2.3 million at 31 March 2020 (gain of NOK 0.7 million at 31 December 2019).

Multiconsult ASA has an overdraft loan facility of NOK 320.0 million, which is part of a cash pool. The cash pool is a multicurrency and multi-account system including the legal enteties Multiconsult Norge AS, LINK arkitektur AS, Iterio AB, Multiconsult UK Limited and Johs Holt AS, where Multiconsult ASA is the owner of the cash pool's top account and the debtor of the facility. In addition, Multiconsult ASA holds a 3-year revolving credit facility of NOK 200 million, plus accordion until March 2023. The loan agreements include a covenant requiring that net interest bearing liabilities (excluding restricted cash) of the group shall not exceed 3.0 times last twelve months EBITDA , and a covenant requiring an equity ratio of at least 25%, reported quarterly. Covenant ratios are calculated excluding IFRS 16 effects, and the EBITDA includes "carve-out" for certain limited one-off costs. Multiconsult ASA is in compliance with its financial covenants at 31 March 2020.

ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES (APMs)

Multiconsult uses alternative performance measures for periodic and annual financial reporting in order to provide a better understanding of the group's underlying financial performance.

Adjusted EBITDA and EBIT – Calendar effect

Amounts in MNOK (except percentage) Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Net operating revenues 993.6 944.2 3 435.8
Estimated calendar effect (13.4) - -
Adjusted net operating revenues 980.2 944.2 3 435.8
Reported employee benefit expenses 715.9 680.5 2 654.4
Reported other operating expenses 110.0 125.4 482.3
Operating expenses 825.9 805.9 3 136.7
Adjusted EBITDA 154.3 138.3 299.1
Depreciation, amortisation and impairments 50.3 45.9 192.8
Adjusted EBIT 104.1 92.5 106.3
Adjusted EBITDA margin (%) 15.7% 14.7% 8.7%
Adjusted EBIT margin (%) 10.6% 9.8% 3.1%

APM does not state underlaying net operating revenues.

Estimated calendar effect equals number of workingdays in comparing periods.

Net interest-bearing liabilities

Amounts in MNOK 31 Mar 2020 31 Mar 2019 31 Dec 2019
Non-current interest-bearing liabilities (including IFRS 16 leases) 974.4 1 056.0 789.6
Current interest-bearing liabilities (including IFRS 16 leases) 133.0 180.1 303.3
Restricted cash non-current and current 14.6 18.3 17.0
Cash and cash equivalents 62.2 30.5 69.7
Interest-bearing debt including IFRS 16 lease liabilities 1 030.7 1 187.3 1 006.2
Less non-current and current IFRS 16 lease liabilities 935.5 1 000.7 914.6
Net interest-bearing liabilities 95.2 186.5 91.6

Equity ratio group

Amounts in MNOK (except percentage) 31 Mar 2020 31 Mar 2019 31 Dec 2019
Equity 686.9 645.6 581.4
Total assets 2 827.9 2 911.1 2 674.3
Equity ratio 24.3% 22.2% 21.7%
Equity excluding IFRS 16 707.0 649.8 597.9
Total assets excluding IFRS 16 1 912.4 1 914.6 1 779.8
Equity ratio excluding IFRS 16 37.0% 33.9% 33.6%

Loan covenants related to equity is calculated excluding IFRS 16.

Effect of IFRS 16 on profit or loss

Amounts in MNOK Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Increase in EBITDA 42.5 39.0 158.5
Increase depreciation (36.9) (33.8) (138.0)
Effect EBIT 5.5 5.3 20.5
Interest expense (9.0) (9.5) (37.1)
Profit before tax (3.5) (4.3) (16.6)

Other operating expenses excluding IFRS 16 margin

Amounts in MNOK (except percentage) Q1 2020 Q1 2019 FY 2019
Other operating expenses 110.0 125.4 482.3
Other operating expenses IFRS 16 effect 42.5 39.0 158.5
Other operating expenses excluding IFRS 16 152.4 164.5 640.8
Net operating revenue 993.6 944.2 3 435.8
Other operating expenses exluding IFRS 16 margin 15.3% 17.4% 18.7%

Multiconsult ASA

Visiting address: Nedre Skøyen vei 2 0276 Oslo

Postal address: P O Box 265 Skøyen NO-0213 Oslo

T: (+47) 21 58 50 00 E: [email protected]

Investor relations: E: [email protected]

www.multiconsult.no

Org no 910 253 158

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