Quarterly Report • Jun 6, 2023
Quarterly Report
Open in ViewerOpens in native device viewer


06.06.2023

LETTER FROM THE CEO
GROUP FINANCIAL SUMMARY
REVIEW OF STRATEGIC ALTERNATIVES AND NEW FINANCING FACILITY
INTERIM UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nordic Unmanned is a leading company in the drone industry, providing advanced drone products, data capture solutions, and flight services. AirRobot and DroneMatrix, are responsible for the design and manufacturing of our drones and sensors used in various applications, including civil uses and security purposes. Our Flight Operations division is highly experienced in operating both rotary and fixed-wing drone systems, offering services such as pollution monitoring, fishery control, surveillance, and logistics support. We serve clients such as coast guards, intelligence services, and government agencies.
One of the things that sets Nordic Unmanned apart from competition is our extensive permit to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). This is made possible through our EASA-approved Light UAS operator Certificate (LUC). Additionally, our operations, maintenance, and sale of unmanned systems and sensor technology are certified to meet ISO 9001-2015, ISO 14001, and AS9100 standards.
Founded in Norway in 2014, Nordic Unmanned has established a global presence with offices in Sandnes, Molde, Odense, Cranfield, Hasselt, Arnsberg, and Baltimore. We also have local representation in Canada, Japan, and the Caribbean region.


Nordic Unmanned, like other players in the UAV industry, has been significantly impacted by several macro factors that have emerged in the recent business landscape. The uncertainties in financial markets, reduced access to capital and increased cost of capital, and general geopolitical uncertainty, have all influenced the overall dynamics of our industry, and thus impacted Nordic Unmanned's operations and the strategic direction we must take. Since my appointment as CEO in March, these factors have directly influenced my focus and priorities.
As announced on March 27, Nordic Unmanned secured a financing package of up to EUR 16 million from Sparebank 1 SR-Bank, supported by the Export Finance Norway. Additionally, we announced a review of strategic alternatives aimed at evaluating certain options, including partnerships, in order to improve our balance sheet and creating a stronger foundation for the future. The strategic review is ongoing and further comments will not be made until the company determines that disclosure is required or appropriate.
We have shifted our operational focus from top-line growth towards streamlining operations, simplifying processes, cash preservation and delivering on existing backlog. Cost reductions have been made in both group overhead and operational cost, and will continue with full force in the coming quarters. Part of our cost reduction program involves simplification and a greater emphasis on our core operating business units. Going forward, we will primarily report on three key operational units: Nordic Unmanned Flight Services (previously reported as Nordun, NUGlobal and NUMar), AirRobot, and DroneMatrix.
Q1-2023 financials are as expected influenced by the seasonality in our flight operations, where Q1-2023 and Q4 typically have low flight activity. In the quarter, we have incurred cost for operational planning and training for the upcoming season. As a result, we successfully started flight service under the EMSA (European Maritime and Surveillance Agency) OP46 contracts in Estonia, Latvia, Finland and Denmark. We are also preparing to initiate operations in Spain, which will result in three concurrent operations under the EMSA OP46 contract. Furthermore, we have prepared for the EMSA OP5 contract, set to start flight operations in 2024. Our light UAV operations, flying from vessels, under the EMSA OP1 contract, has continued through the period. Our joint venture with Omni Helicopters in Brazil is progressing, and we hope to commence operations later this year.
Significant historical fleet investments, and a relatively aggressive growth strategy, continues to strain the company's liquidity. Entering the summer season, we are increasing fleet utilization and we also look forward to start OEM product deliveries to the German Army and Lockheed Martin. The board of directors and the management are committed to monitor, manage, and address the situation. In the annual report the board of directors and the auditor noted that there were material uncertainties related to going concern, and therefore the announced strategic review is actively ongoing.

While geopolitical influences have slowed down some of the contract awards, we also see a positive impact on market dynamics, and a notable increase in demand for smaller unmanned systems. Our subsidiary, AirRobot, is well-positioned and we are about to deliver the first batch of AR-100H systems for the Mikado II contract to the German Army. Additionally, AirRobot is preparing to supply Heimdal sensors to Lockheed Martin UK as part of the TIQUILA Indago 4 UAS delivery program for the UK Ministry of Defence (UK MOD).
Our subsidiary, DroneMatrix, has made considerable progress, delivering six drone-in-a-box systems to the Port of Antwerp. We have also initiated production for systems to be delivered to Infrabel, the Belgian railroad provider.
Furthermore, Nordic Unmanned has been awarded a consultancy agreement for a major European aviation project, involving operational planning for large systems in unsegregated airspace. This opportunity may open doors for future opportunities in heavy logistics over longer distances.
At Nordic Unmanned, we remain dedicated to fulfilling our commitments, improving efficiency, and striving for operational excellence, leveraging our strong market position, while identifying the right strategic solutions for the future. I extend my gratitude to our employees, shareholders, suppliers, and customers for their invaluable support. I look forward to updating you on our future achievements.
Yours sincerely,
Arne Roland, CEO



Consolidated Group Revenue was EUR 2.2m in Q1-2023, compared to EUR 2.5m in Q1-2022.
Flight Services reports revenues in Q1- 2023 of EUR 1.0 million (including resale of OEM products). Q1 is usually a low season, with only limited lightweight drone deployments and some site preparation activities. Throughout Q2, the Flight Services business is ramping up towards three simultaneous fixed-wing deployments.
AirRobot reports revenue in Q1-2023 of EUR 1.0 million. The organization is fully focused on the production and testing of products for the German Army (Mikado II) and Heimdal (EO/IR) sensors for Lockheed Martin Indago 4 UAS (for UK MOD). DroneMatrix reports revenue in Q1 2023 of EUR 0.2 million.
Q1-2023 EBITDA for the Consolidated Group was negative EUR 3.6 million, compared to negative EUR 1.9 million for the same period last year. This is related to a lower activity level and higher recognized personnel costs compared to last year.

Personnel and other operating expenses

In Q1-2023, Group personnel and other operating expenses were EUR 4.9 million, compared to EUR 3.6 million in Q1-2022. The increase is partly due to an increase of international activities (AirRobot, DroneMatrix, UK and US) of EUR 0.7 million.

As of the end of Q1-2023, the total number of full-time employees (FTEs) was 143, compared to 140 FTEs in Q1-2022 and 161 at year end 2022. Restructuring and rightsizing of the organization is still in progress.

Nordic Unmanned has engaged Pareto Securities AS to advise on and evaluate certain strategic options, including partnerships, in order to support the next growth phase of the Company and unlock shareholder value.
Nordic Unmanned flight services, as well as its technology businesses, AirRobot GmbH (military-grade lightweight drone systems) and DroneMatrix NV (drone-ina-box solutions for a wide range of civil and security applications), are currently European leaders in their categories and set to experience significant growth in the years ahead.
No further public comments regarding the review will be made until it has been completed, or the Company determines that disclosure is required or appropriate. There is no certainty whether (or when) any transaction, initiative or event will materialize.
The Company signed 27 March 2023 a financing package from SpareBank 1 SR-Bank ASA ("SR-Bank") of up to EUR 16 million (the "New Financing").
The new financing facility includes:
a EUR 12.4 million term loan facility for the refinancing of the existing EUR 9.6 million term loan facility of the Company, to inter alia, finance new equipment to be used in multi-site campaigns for EMSA under the OP/46 and OP/5 contracts, and for general corporate purposes,
a renewal of the existing EUR 3 million working capital facility, and
a EUR 0.6 million facility covering the Company's need for contractual performance guarantees related to its operations. The new financing facility is partially guaranteed by Export Finance Norway (Eksfin). The initial drawdown on the new financing facility is expected within Q1 2023 and remains subject to precedent documentation and customary conditions. The new financing facility is provided under the condition that the Company will raise EUR 13 million through disposal of assets and/or equity issue by year end 2023.
Extract from stock exchange notice published 27 March 2023



| Amounts in EUR | 01 2023 | 01 2022 | FY 2072 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating revenue | 2 167 342 | 2 519 308 | 16 986 215 |
| Cost of goods sold | 806 505 | 840 398 | 2 942 532 |
| Personnel expenses | 3 165 143 | 2 196 046 | 12 795 030 |
| Depreciation and amortisation expenses | 1 497 175 | 1 012 477 | 5 519 030 |
| Impairments | 2 417 950 | ||
| Other operating expenses | 1 773 933 | 1 370 907 | 10 229 747 |
| Total operating expenses | 7 242 756 | 5 419 823 | 33 904 289 |
| Operating profit (loss) | -5 075 413 | -2 900 520 | -16 918 074 |
| Net financial income / (expense) | -603 052 | -259 777 | -1 070733 |
| Profit (loss) before tax | -5 679 365 | -3 160 297 | -17 988 812 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) | -1 068 761 | -634 584 | 1 913 589 |
| Profit (loss) for the period | -4 610 604 | -25-25743 | -19 902 401 |
| Allocation of profit or loss: | |||
| Profit/loss attributable to non-controlling | -50 627 | -54 149 | -325 210 |
| Profit/loss attributable to the parent | -4 559 978 | -2 471 564 | -19 577 191 |

| Amounts in EUR | 31 Mar 2023 | 31 Mar 2022 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Goodwill | 3 278 523 | 1 805 251 | 3 307 553 |
| Other intangible assets | 11 695 209 | 12 549 434 | 12 507 085 |
| Deferred tax assets | 0 | 3 554 638 | 0 |
| Total intangible assets | 14 973 732 | 17 909 323 | 15 814 638 |
| Aircraft and spare parts | 18 801 564 | 20 120 930 | 19 115 274 |
| Assets under construction | 452 902 | O | 452 902 |
| Fixtures and fittings | 1 615 264 | 1 940 300 | 1 730 228 |
| Right-of-use assets | 965 414 | 1 188 488 | 985 414 |
| Total tangible assets | 21 835 144 | 23 249 719 | 22 283 818 |
| Investment in associated companies | 0 | 3 303 | 0 |
| Total financial non-current assets | 0 | 3 003 | 0 |
| Other non-current assets | 168 719 | O | 169 719 |
| Total non-current assets | 36 977 595 | 41 162 045 | 38 267 174 |
| Current assets | |||
| Inventory | 1 908 677 | 1 757 165 | 1 818 525 |
| Trade receivables | 1 097 056 | 2 241 513 | 908 787 |
| Other short-term receivables | 3 537 877 | 3 085 562 | 4 131 412 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 529 848 | 610 161 | 811 852 |
| Total current assets | 7 073 459 | 7 694 401 | 7 670 576 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 44 051 054 | 48 856 447 | 45 937 750 |

| Amounts in EUR | 31 Mar 2023 | 31 Mar 2022 | 31 Dec 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Equity | |||
| Equity attributable to equity holders of the | 18 378 003 | 24 813 880 | 22 923 422 |
| Non-controlling interests | 581 453 | 903 342 | 632 080 |
| Total equity | 18 959 456 | 25 717 222 | 23 555 501 |
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Interest bearing loans and borrowings | 13 804 462 | 8 584 337 | 10 334 323 |
| Non-current lease liabilities | 715 229 | 877 271 | 715 229 |
| Other non-current liabilities | 2 034 902 | 34 864 | 2 079 864 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | 0 | 764 978 | 0 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 16 554 593 | 10 261 450 | 9 033 747 |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Trade payables | 756 016 | 914 926 | 2 384 500 |
| Interest bearing loans and borrowings | 3 508 321 | 6 654 869 | 2 673 760 |
| Current lease liabilities | 349 242 | 369 242 | 369 242 |
| Public duties payable | 557 970 | 831 859 | 1 015 045 |
| Other current liabilities | 3 365 457 | 4 106 879 | 2 810 286 |
| Total current liabilities | 8 537 005 | 12 877 775 | 9 252 832 |
| Total liabilities | 25 091 597 | 23 139 225 | 22 382 248 |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 44 051 054 | 48 856 446 | 45 937 750 |

| Amounts in EUR | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flows from operating activities | 01 2023 | Q1 2022 | 20772 |
| Profit or loss before tax | -5 679 366 | -3 160 297 | -17 988 812 |
| Adjustments to reconcile profit before tax to net cash flows: | |||
| Net financial income/expense | 114 226 | 134 987 | 892 381 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 1 433 955 | 945 397 | 7 572 363 |
| Amortisation and impairment of Right-of-use assets | 63 220 | 67 080 | 270 154 |
| Share-based payment expense | 102 161 | 132 564 | 309 190 |
| Working capital adjustments: | |||
| Change in inventory | 156 608 | 265 148 | 987 387 |
| Changes in trade receivables | -193 444 | -1 807 799 | -581 474 |
| Changes in trade payables | -1 583 613 | -251 073 | 994 250 |
| Changes in other operating assets and liabilities | 827 571 | 703 291 | -1 466 330 |
| Net cash flows from operating activities | -4 758 682 | -2 970 703 | -9 010 891 |
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||
| Purchase of property, plant, and equipment | -270 156 | -5 841 601 | -8 155 007 |
| Purchase of capitalised intangible assets | -116 210 | -1 319 127 | -3 290 400 |
| Consideration paid in DroneMatrix transaction (net of cash acquired) | O | 1 062 | -1 563 |
| Net cash flow from investing activities | -386 365 | -7 159 666 | -13 008 723 |
| Cash flow from financing activities | |||
| Proceeds from issuance of equity | 898 031 | 79 127 | 16 260 597 |
| Transaction costs on issue of shares | -58 104 | -3 302 | -899 949 |
| Net disbursements overdraft facility | 1 443 140 | 3 388 835 | 6 191 191 |
| Proceeds from new debt (short / long term) | 2 723 000 | 2 515 897 | -3 274 171 |
| Repayment of debt (short / long term) | -29 295 | -645 715 | -273 089 |
| Payments of lease liability | -75 355 | -81 426 | -53 377 |
| Interest paid | -36 363 | -120 733 | -703 185 |
| Net cash flows from financing activities | 4 865 054 | 5 132 683 | 17 248 018 |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | -279 993 | -4 997 685 | -4 771 596 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period | 811 852 | 5 594 033 | 5 594 033 |
| Net foreign exchange difference | -2 011 | 13 813 | -10 585 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 529 848 | 610 161 | 811 852 |

Building tools?
Free accounts include 100 API calls/year for testing.
Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.