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NRC Group Interim / Quarterly Report 2010

Oct 28, 2010

3693_rns_2010-10-28_f819a1c9-3afe-4189-a69e-6c42e51e2336.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

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BLOM

IMAGING THE WORLD

Report for 3rd quarter 2010


Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Yet another challenging quarter

The company posted revenues of NOK 165 million in the 3rd quarter, compared with NOK 203 million for the same quarter in 2009. EBITDA for the quarter was NOK 33 million, compared with NOK 26 million for the corresponding quarter in 2009. This corresponds to an EBITDA margin of 20 per cent, compared with 13 per cent in the 3rd quarter of 2009. The operating profit for the quarter was NOK 10 million, compared with NOK 4 million for the same period in 2009.

The operating revenues for the respective segments totalled NOK 110 million for Geo Engineering and NOK 55 million for Information Services in the 3rd quarter. The comparative figures for the 3rd quarter of 2009 were NOK 169 million for Geo Engineering and NOK 34 million for Information Services.

The demand for the company's contractual services, for which the public sector is the largest customer group, has been marked so far in 2010 by a continuing weak economy in a number of countries in which we have a significant portion of our operations. This has resulted in temporary pressure on the prices in parts of our operations and delayed call-off orders under framework agreements. Revenues in Geo Engineering are expected to be lower in 2010 than in 2009.

The backlog of orders that are to be filled next year is greater than at the same time last year. The company has chosen to focus on services for which satisfactory margins can be achieved, which is expected to improve our profitability when the orders are filled in 2011. In addition, due to the weak macroeconomic conditions, the company has reduced its workforce and implemented other cost savings, which are expected to give annualised savings of around NOK 50 million. The company is expected accordingly to generate stronger margins in 2011 than in the current year.

In the Information Services area the company has reorganised and accelerated the build-up of its own sales force during the quarter. In combination with the implementation of a more sales-oriented partnership, over time these measures are expected to improve the company's ability to sell the same data to multiple customers through different distribution channels.

Results

| IFRS
(Amounts in NOK 1000) | 3rd quarter | | As at 30/9 | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 |
| Operating revenues | 164 721 | 202 793 | 470 630 | 577 419 |
| EBITDA | 33 146 | 25 795 | 40 723 | 69 404 |
| EBIT | 10 284 | 3 566 | -24 819 | 4 989 |
| EBT | 3 079 | -4 346 | -65 070 | -19 492 |


Report for 3rd quarter 2010

This report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 on interim accounts. The interim accounts do not contain all the information that is required in complete annual accounts, and they should be read in conjunction with the consolidated accounts for 2009. The interim accounts have been prepared in accordance with the same principles that are used in the annual accounts for 2009. The report has not been audited.

Operations

Information Services achieved revenues of NOK 55 million this quarter, compared with NOK 34 million in the 3rd quarter of 2009. The company has continued to reorganise and build up its own sales force in this segment, and the company's sales territory has been strengthened qualitatively and quantitatively as a result of this. In combination with the implementation of more sales-oriented partnerships, over time these measures are expected to improve the company's ability to sell the same data to multiple customers through different distribution channels.

The company has also strengthened the strategic cooperation between Blom and NDrive, which will make Blom's technology stronger in the market for navigation solutions, a market that is estimated to grow an average of 33 per cent annually according to Berg Insight.

Geo Engineering Services achieved revenues of NOK 110 million this quarter, compared with NOK 169 million in the 3rd quarter of 2009. As a result of the challenging weather conditions early in the quarter and relatively little data acquisition, as well as weaker macroeconomics in a number of countries in which the company operates, revenues in the segment were lower than the corresponding quarter in 2009.

The following agreements have been entered into in the 3rd quarter:

Blom signed an agreement to sell technology rights

In August Blom entered into an agreement with NDrive, a Portuguese supplier of navigation systems and mobile solutions. The agreement encompasses the sale of certain technology rights for navigation on mobile units from Blom to NDrive. This will generate estimated revenues of around NOK 25 million for Blom in 2010. This transaction strengthens the strategic cooperation between Blom and NDrive, and it will strengthen NDrive's position in the market for navigation solutions.

Blom awarded contract for aerial triangulation and mapping services in Belgium

In July Blom entered into a contract with the Belgian authorities for aerial triangulation and mapping services for a number of the municipalities in Belgium. This project will be completed in the 3rd quarter of 2011.

Pictometry

After the end of the quarter Pictometry International Corp. has advised Blom ASA that the company finds that Blom has breached the licence agreement that was entered into in January 2009 and terminated the agreement with immediate effect. Blom is of the clear opinion that Blom has not acted in breach of the agreement and that the termination is thus invalid. Blom has in the short run taken steps necessary to safeguard the company's


Report for 3rd quarter 2010

interests through its legal advisors. Over some time Blom expects to find solutions that ensure our customers, partners and the shareholders interests the best way possible.

Accounts and finance

The company had a positive cash flow from operational activities of NOK 24 million in the 3rd quarter. Receivables from customers declined from the 2nd quarter to NOK 125 million, while work in progress was NOK 277 million, compared with NOK 281 million for the previous quarter.

In the third quarter the company made operational investments of NOK 13 million in databases and advanced technology. The equity ratio was 49.5 per cent, up 0.2 per cent from the start of the year. Cash and cash equivalents were reduced by NOK 35 million to NOK 89 million during the period, primarily as the result of investments in BlomURBEX, paying off factoring and leasing debts, as well as interest and renegotiation costs related to Blom’s bond loan.

As at 30 September 2010 the company satisfies the covenant requirements for the company’s bond loan (ISIN NO 001053847.3).

Organisation and personnel

During this period the company has also adjusted its workforce, based on the demand for the company’s products in the market. Due to the continued restructuring of the group, combined with improved coordination and utilisation of the company’s resources, as well as the introduction of new technology, a decision has been made to implement additional workforce reductions in the 4th quarter of 2010.

The company has a staff of employees with a high level of competence. This represents the foundation for the company’s future growth. As at 30 September 2010 there was a total of 543 employees in the operative companies, while there was a total of 600 employees at the production facilities in Indonesia and Eastern Europe. The group has a total of 1,143 employees.

Shareholder matters

The total number of shareholders as at 30 September 2010 was 2,697, and foreign shareholders accounted for 41.5 per cent of the share capital. Blom owns a total of 1,100,000 of the company’s own shares, which represents 2.64 per cent of the total number of outstanding shares.

Future outlook


Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Due to the fact that the continuing weak economy in a number of countries has temporarily increased the pressure on prices in parts of our operations and delayed call-off orders under framework agreements, the company has decided to focus on services where satisfactory margins can be achieved. This strategy is expected to result in negative growth in the company's revenues for 2010. The company has significantly reduced its cost base this year and have a satisfactory backlog of orders, which will provide a good foundation for greater profitability in 2011.

Oslo, 27 October 2010

Gunnar Hirsti
Board Chairman

Per Kyllingstad
Board Member

Bente Loe
Board Member

Brita Eilertsen
Board Member

Dirk Blaauw
Managing Director and Board Member


Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Consolidated Comprehensive Profit and Loss Account – Blom Group

(Amounts in NOK 1000)

3rd quarter 30/09/10 30/09/09 31/12/09
2010 2009
164 721 202 793 Operating revenues 470 630 577 419 736 901
45 816 86 872 Cost of materials 160 418 215 305 242 461
64 472 70 047 Salaries and personnel costs 202 810 226 237 297 554
22 862 22 229 Depreciation and write-downs 65 542 64 415 146 138
21 287 20 079 Other operating and administrative costs 66 679 66 473 104 580
154 437 199 227 Operating expenses 495 449 572 430 790 733
10 284 3 566 Operating profit/loss -24 819 4 989 -53 832
930 74 Profit attributable to associates 1 744 -638 -565
-8 136 -7 986 Net financial items -41 996 -23 843 -39 562
3 079 -4 346 Pre-tax profit/loss -65 070 -19 492 -93 960
-618 1 210 Taxes 18 037 5 503 10 949
2 461 -3 136 Net profit/loss after tax -47 033 -13 989 -83 012
Profit/loss attributable to:
2 461 -3 146 Shareholders -47 065 -13 688 -82 505
0 10 Minority interests 32 -301 -506
2 461 -3 136 Net profit/loss after tax -47 033 -13 989 -83 012
Comprehensive profit/loss:
-2 644 -32 672 Currency translation differences -19 522 -68 369 -74 757
-183 -35 808 Comprehensive profit/loss -66 555 -82 358 -157 769
Comprehensive profit/loss attributable to:
-183 -35 739 Shareholders -65 143 -81 690 -156 688
0 -69 Minority interests -1 413 -668 -1 081
-183 -35 808 Comprehensive profit/loss -66 555 -82 358 -157 769
Earnings and diluted earnings per share -1.16 -0.34 -2.04

Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Balance Sheet – Blom Group

ASSETS
(Amounts in NOK 1000)
30/09/2010 30/09/2009 31/12/2009
Patents, licences and similar rights 34 367 40 485 36 700
Deferred tax assets 69 218 43 820 50 428
Goodwill 263 142 319 133 270 579
Total intangible fixed assets 366 726 403 438 357 707
Tangible fixed assets 287 473 301 787 295 797
Long-term receivables 8 226 10 552 10 253
Investments in associated companies 63 671 45 173 45 246
Total fixed asset investments 71 897 55 725 55 498
Total fixed assets 726 097 760 950 709 003
Inventories 2 846 3 222 2 826
Work in progress 277 016 371 752 261 237
Total inventories 279 863 374 974 264 062
Receivables from customers 124 748 216 441 240 252
Other current receivables 53 517 30 031 35 404
Total receivables 178 265 246 472 275 656
Cash and cash equivalents 89 407 136 910 164 873
Total current assets 547 535 758 356 704 592
TOTAL ASSETS 1 273 631 1 519 306 1 413 595

Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Balance Sheet – Blom Group

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES
(Amounts in NOK 1000)
30/09/2010 30/09/2009 31/12/2009
Called-up and fully paid share capital:
Share capital 4 170 4 170 4 170
Treasury shares -110 -110 -110
Share premium account 129 581 129 581 129 581
Other reserves:
Currency translation differences -37 946 -13 675 -18 424
Retained earnings 535 303 650 532 580 924
630 998 770 498 696 141
Minority interests -24 1 802 1 389
Total equity 630 974 772 300 697 529
Pension obligations 20 368 19 294 20 625
Long-term liabilities 365 301 380 792 368 717
Total long-term liabilities 385 669 400 086 389 342
Overdraft facilities 41 603 86 178 89 824
Other interest-bearing short-term liabilities 35 640 34 198 31 031
Total interest bearing short-term liabilities 77 243 120 376 120 855
Payables to suppliers 91 330 94 944 104 798
Unpaid government taxes 21 590 18 474 35 289
Other current liabilities 66 825 113 126 65 780
Total other current liabilities 179 745 226 544 205 868
Total current liabilities 256 989 346 920 326 723
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 1 273 631 1 519 306 1 413 595
Change in equity from 1 January to 30 September 2010 2009
Equity as at 31 December 697 529 855 296
Profit/loss for the period -47 033 -13 989
Foreign exchange losses/gains from translation of foreign subsidiaries -19 522 -69 006
Equity 630 974 772 300

Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Cash Flow Statement – Blom Group

Indirect model (Amounts in whole NOK 1000)

3rd quarter As at 30/09
2010 2009 2010 2009
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES
3 079 -4 346 Pre-tax profit/loss -65 070 -19 492
22 861 22 230 + Depreciation and amortisation of operating assets 65 542 64 416
24 170 1 583 +/- Change in receivables from customers 90 574 136 578
3 652 -53 112 +/- Change in inventories and work in progress -15 800 -135 917
-35 638 3 848 +/- Change in supplier debt -13 468 14 365
6 012 -10 513 +/- Change in other accruals and unrealised foreign exchange -10 072 -45 113
24 137 -40 310 A = Net cash flow from operational activities 51 705 14 836
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
-13 067 -15 759 - Payments for purchase of operating assets -41 675 -51 563
-13 067 -15 759 B = Net cash flow from investment activities -41 675 -51 563
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
-22 251 120 525 - Payments on long-term debt and loans -40 275 86 077
-24 282 80 +/- Net change in overdraft facilities -45 220 11 077
-46 533 120 605 C = Net cash flow from financing activities -85 496 97 154
-35 463 64 535 A+B+C Net change in cash and cash equivalents -75 467 60 428
124 870 72 375 + Cash and cash equivalents 164 873 76 482
89 407 136 910 = Cash and cash equivalents 89 407 136 910

Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Segments – Blom Group

(Amounts in NOK 1000)

3rd qtr. 2010 3rd qtr. 2009 30/09/2010 30/09/2009
Operating revenues:
Information Services 54 755 34 079 98 355 82 635
Geo Engineering Services 109 966 168 714 372 275 494 784
Total operating revenues 164 721 202 793 470 630 577 419
EBITDA:
Information Services 38 448 15 148 49 352 22 780
Geo Engineering Services 2 428 17 884 18 386 71 607
Others -7 731 -7 237 -27 015 -24 982
EBITDA 33 146 25 795 40 723 69 404
EBIT:
Information Services 26 268 6 311 14 425 -1 867
Geo Engineering Services -8 194 4 509 -12 088 31 933
Others -7 790 -7 254 -27 156 -25 078
EBIT 10 284 3 566 -24 819 4 989
Profit attributable to associates:
Information Services 930 74 1 744 -638
Profit attributable to associates: 930 74 1 744 -638
Earnings before interest and tax:
Information Services 27 198 6 385 16 169 -2 504
Geo Engineering Services -8 194 4 509 -12 088 31 933
Others -7 790 -7 254 -27 156 -25 078
Earnings before interest and tax 11 214 3 640 -23 075 4 351

Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Segments – Blom Group

(Amounts in NOK 1000)

3rd qtr. 2010 3rd qtr. 2009 30/09/2010 30/09/2009
Assets:
Information Services 0 0 516 129 532 232
Geo Engineering Services 0 0 537 135 783 160
Others/Unallocated 0 0 220 368 203 914
Total assets 1) 0 0 1 273 631 1 519 306
Operational investments:
Information Services 10 772 10 016 36 349 34 546
Geo Engineering Services 10 011 9 237 24 050 26 517
Others/Unallocated 0 0 340 0
Total assets 20 783 19 253 60 739 61 063

1) Allocated assets include receivables from customers, work in progress, inventories, fixed assets and intangible assets with the exception of deferred tax assets.


Report for 3rd quarter 2010

Blom ASA
P.O. Box 34 Skøyen
N-0212 Oslo
Norway
Tel.: +47 22 13 19 20
Fax: +47 22 13 19 21
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom Sistemas Geoespaciales S.L.
C/ Zurbano 46
28010 Madrid, Spain
Tel.: +34 914 150 350
Fax: +34 9 310 49 14
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom CGR S.p.A.
Via Cremonese 35/A
43126 Parma
Italy
Tel.: +39 0521 994948
Fax: +39 0521 992803
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom Kartta OY
Plasilanraitio 5
FI-00240 Helsinki
Finland
Tel.: +358 9 229 3060
Fax: +358 9 148 1711
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom Geomatics AS
P.O. Box 34 Skøyen
N-0202 Oslo
Norway
Tel.: +47 23 25 45 00
Fax: +47 23 25 45 01
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom Aerofilms Ltd.
Cheddar Business Park
Wedmore Road, BS27 3EB
UK
Tel.: +44 1934 311000
Fax: +44 1334 745825
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom Deutschland GmbH
Oskar-Frech-Strasse 15
73614 Schorndorf, Germany
Tel.: +49 7181 98021 0
Fax: +49 7181 98021 29
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom Romania S.R.L.
Ion Heliade Radulescu Street, no 3-5
130010 Tagoviste
Romania
Tel.: +40(0)245 606 150
Fax: +40(0)245 210 852
E-mail: [email protected]

Blom Sweden AB
Klippan 1J
SE-414 51 Gothenburg
Sweden
Tel.: +46 317 045670
Fax: +46 317 049980
E-mail: [email protected]

BlomInfo AS
Masnedøgade 20
DK-2100 Copenhagen
Denmark
Tel.: +45 70 200 226
Fax: +45 70 200 227
E-mail: [email protected]