HONKARAKENNE OYJ’S INTERIM REPORT, 1 JANUARY – 31 MARCH 2015


HONKARAKENNE OYJ        INTERIM REPORT    7 May 2015 at 9:30 a.m.

HONKARAKENNE OYJ’S INTERIM REPORT, 1 JANUARY – 31 MARCH 2015

SUMMARY

In the first quarter net sales saw a year-on-year decline of 35%. The operating result without non-recurring items improved by MEUR 0.1 to MEUR -1.2 (MEUR -1.3). Accounting for non-recurring items, the operating result weakened by MEUR 0.3 to MEUR -1.6 (MEUR -1.3).

January - March 2015

  • Honkarakenne Group's net sales for the first quarter of the year amounted to MEUR 5.8 (MEUR 8.9 in 2014), representing a decrease over the same period the previous year of 35%
  • The operating result was MEUR -1.6 (MEUR -1.3) which includes MEUR 0.5 non-recurring management reorganization costs. Operating result without non-recurring items improved to MEUR -1.2 (MEUR -1.3)
  • The loss before taxes was MEUR -2.0 (MEUR -1.3).
  • Earnings per share amounted to EUR -0.33 (EUR -0.21).

According the Honkarakenne’s view net sales may decline in 2015 from previous year due to the situation in Russia. The result before non-recurring items and taxes is estimated to improve due to the development programme initiated by the Group.

At the end of March, the Group's order book stood at MEUR 16.6, down 11% on the corresponding period of the previous year, when it amounted to MEUR 18.7. The order book refers to orders whose delivery date falls within the next 24 months. Some orders may include terms and conditions relating to financing or building permits.

KEY INDICATORS 1-3/
2015
1-3/
2014
1-12/
2014
 
         
Net sales, MEUR 5.8 8.9 45.5  
Operating profit/loss, MEUR -1.6 -1.3 -2.2  
Operating profit before non-recurring items, MEUR -1.2 -1.3 -2.0  
Profit/loss before taxes, MEUR -2.0 -1.3 -2.5  
Average number of personnel 145 173 161  
Personnel in person-years, average 93 160 146  
Earnings/share (EPS), EUR -0.33 -0.21 -0.40  
Equity ratio, % 32 37 37  
Return on equity, % -20 -10 -20  
Shareholders' equity/share, EUR 1.51 2.00 1.80  
Gearing, % 117 88 92  

 

Mikko Jaskari, acting President and CEO of Honkarakenne Oyj, in connection with the interim report:

"The weak market situation in Finland and uncertainty in Russian market is reflected in the development of net sales. The trend in consolidated net sales fell significantly short of the previous year. This was largely due to Honkarakenne's weak order book at the turn of the year. Compared to the turn of the year, our order book has developed more favourably and is now only 11% behind the previous year. 

Honkarakenne has made substantial investments in the development of detached house sales, which are increasing as planned. On the design front, a Honkarakenne model was voted as Finland's best detached house on the rakentaja.fi website for the second year running. This year, the winner was Honka's Myrskytuuli model. In addition to good model designs, Honkarakenne's products are an excellent fit for the growing demand for healthy living.

In Russia & CIS, the markets are characterised by uncertainty about the general economic situation, which has slowed down customers' decision-making. The trend in the exchange rate of the rouble became more favourable for Honkarakenne towards the end of the quarter, which will alleviate the situation.

Sales in Global Markets focused on finalising larger project sales.

Honkarakenne's President and CEO Mikko Kilpeläinen was relieved of his duties at the end of the quarter. A new President and CEO is being sought."

NET SALES

The Group’s first-quarter net sales in 2015 decreased by 35 per cent to MEUR 5.8 (MEUR 8.9).

Geographical distribution of net sales:

DEVELOPMENT OF SALES       
 
Distribution of
net sales, %
1-3/2015 1-3/2014  
Finland & Baltics 40 % 49 %  
Russia & CIS 32 % 27 %  
Global Markets 28 % 24 %  
Total 100 % 100 %  
       
Net sales, MEUR 1-3/2015 1-3/2014 change % 1-12/2014
Finland & Baltics 2.3 4.4 -48 % 22.0
Russia & CIS 1.9 2.4 -21 % 14.3
Global Markets 1.6 2.1 -23 % 9.3
Total 5.8 8.9 -35 % 45.5

Finland & Baltics includes the following countries: Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It includes also Process waste sales for recycling.

Russia & CIS includes the following countries: Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and other CIS countries.

Global Markets includes other countries than above-mentioned.

The Group’s order book stood at MEUR 16.6 at the end of March. In the previous year at the same time period it was MEUR 18.7. 

TRENDS IN PROFIT AND PROFITABILITY

The operating result without non-recurring items for the January–March period was MEUR -1.2 (MEUR -1.3) and the result before taxes was MEUR -2.0 (MEUR -1.3).

Although net sales were lower than last year, the operating result without non-recurring items improved on the previous year. The major factor behind this is the Group's ongoing development programme, which seeks to achieve annual cost-savings of MEUR 3.

FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS

The financial position of the Group was satisfactory at the end of the report period. The equity ratio stood at 32% (37%) and net financial liabilities at MEUR 8.8 (MEUR 8.7). MEUR 2.6 (MEUR 3.1) of the financial liabilities carries a 30% equity ratio covenant term. Group liquid assets totalled MEUR 1.2 (MEUR 1.4). The Group also has a MEUR 7.8 (MEUR 8.0) bank overdraft facility, MEUR 4.8 of which had been drawn on at the end of the report period (MEUR 4.6). Gearing stood at 117% (88%).

The Group’s capital expenditure on fixed assets totalled MEUR 0.0 (MEUR 0.2).

MARKET DEVELOPMENT

According to a report commissioned by RTS Oy, Finnish log house production is expected to decline by 12% in 2015. This figure includes both production for the Finnish market and exports.

PRODUCTS AND MARKETING

In Finland & Baltics, detached house sales developed as planned. In previous years, Honkarakenne made substantial investments in healthy detached houses, which are now clearly starting to yield fruit. A Honkarakenne model was voted as Finland's best detached house on the rakentaja.fi website for the second year running. This year, the winner was Honka's Myrskytuuli model, while last year's top house was the Lounatuuli model.

In Russia & CIS, the markets are characterised by uncertainty about the general economic situation, which has slowed down customers' decision-making. The trend in the exchange rate of the rouble became more favourable for Honkarakenne towards the end of the quarter.

In Global Markets, sales focused on finalising larger project sales.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Thanks to R&D efforts, the construction of Honkarakenne's first zero-corner house, which is particularly well-suited to urban architecture, was started in the first quarter of the year. Development work focusing on the special features of the Chinese market continued.

In the January–March period, the Group's R&D expenditure totalled MEUR 0.1 (MEUR 0.1), representing 1.5% of net sales (1.1%). The Group did not capitalise any development expenditure during the report period.

STAFF

During the first quarter, the Group employed a total of 93 (160) people on average in terms of person-years. The Group had an average of 145 (173) employees during the first quarter, representing a year-on-year decrease of 28.

On the basis of the negotiations under the act on co-operation within undertakings that were concluded in December 2014, the company is authorised to temporarily lay off clerical and managerial employees for a maximum of 90 days until the end of December 2015. On the basis of the negotiations concluded in February 2015, the company can temporarily lay off workers for 90 days until the end of September 2015.

CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT

President and CEO Mikko Kilpeläinen was relieved of his duties at the end of March. The company's CFO Mikko Jaskari is the acting President and CEO. A new President and CEO is being sought.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

In the second quarter of 2013, the Board of Directors decided on a long-term share-based incentive plan for members of the Executive Group. The performance period of the new plan began on 1 January 2013 and will end on 31 December 2016. The potential reward for the performance period is based on the cumulative earnings per share (EPS) for 2013 - 2016 and on the average return on capital employed (ROCE) for 2013 - 2016. Any rewards for the performance period 2013 - 2016 will be paid partly as B shares and partly in cash in 2017. The rewards to be paid on the basis of the performance period will correspond to a total maximum of about 340,000 B shares, including the amount to be paid in cash.

During report period the amount of allocated shares decreased by 8,058 (+5,315) shares. These allocated shares are recognized as follows: -19 (16) thousand euros employee benefit expenses, -1 (2) thousand euros in taxes and in deferred tax assets and -13 (8) thousand euros directly in retained earnings.

HONKARAKENNE OYJ’S 2015 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND AUDITORS

The Annual General Meeting of Honkarakenne Oyj was held at the company’s headquarters in Tuusula on 17 April 2015. The AGM approved the parent company's and the consolidated Financial Statements, and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability for 2014. The AGM decided not to pay a dividend for the 2014 financial year.

Hannu Krook, Anita Saarelainen, Mauri Saarelainen and Arto Tiitinen were re-elected to the company's Board of Directors. Kati Rauhaniemi and Jukka Saarelainen were elected as new members. At the Board's constituent meeting, Arto Tiitinen was elected Chairman of the Board and Mauri Saarelainen was elected as Deputy Chairman. At the same meeting, the Board decided to establish a Remuneration and Nomination Committee. The following directors were elected as members of the committee: Arto Tiitinen (as Chairman of the Committee), Anita Saarelainen and Mauri Saarelainen.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy, member of the Finnish Institute of Authorised Public Accountants, was re-appointed as auditor of the company, with Maria Grönroos, APA, as chief auditor.

OWN SHARES AND AUTHORISATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Honkarakenne has not acquired its own shares during the report period. At the end of the report period, the Group held 364,385 of its Honkarakenne B shares with a total purchase price of EUR 1,381,750.23. These shares represent 6.99 % of the company's all shares and 3.34 % of all votes. The purchase cost has been deducted from shareholders' equity in the consolidated financial statements.

On 17 April 2015, the AGM decided that the Board of Directors will be authorised to acquire a maximum of 400,000 of the company’s own B shares with assets included in the company’s unrestricted equity. In addition, the AGM authorised the Board to decide on a rights issue or bonus issue and on granting special rights to shares referred to in Section 1 of Chapter 10 of the Limited Liability Companies Act in one or more instalments. By virtue of the authorisation, the Board may issue a maximum total of 1,500,000 new shares and/or relinquish old B shares held by the company, including those shares that can be issued by virtue of special rights. Both authorisations will remain in force until the next Annual General Meeting, however expiring at the latest on June 30, 2016.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Honkarakenne Oyj follows the Limited Liability Companies Act and the Finnish Corporate Governance Code, 1 October 2010, for listed companies issued by the Finnish Securities Market Association. The company's website, www.honka.com, provides more information on the corporate governance systems.

FORTHCOMING RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Russia is one of Honkarakenne's major business territories. The Ukrainian crisis, the trend in the price of oil and strong exchange rate fluctuations currently cause instability in the Russian market. This might have major impacts on Honkarakenne's operations.

The assessment of amounts in the balance sheet is based on current assessment by the management. If these assessments are changed, this may result in changes to the Group's result.

It is currently more difficult to acquire funding from the financial markets.

REPORTING

This report contains statements that relate to the future, and these statements are based on hypotheses that the company's management hold currently as well as on the decisions and plans that are currently in place. Although the management believes that the hypotheses relating to the future are well-founded, there is no guarantee that the said hypotheses will prove to be correct.

This interim report release has been drafted in line with IFRS recognition and valuation principles. However, not all of the requirements of IAS 34 have been complied with in its drafting. The interim report should be read together with the 2014 financial statements. The figures have not been examined by the auditor.

THE OUTLOOK FOR 2015

According the Honkarakenne’s view net sales may decline in 2015 from previous year due to the situation in Russia. The result before non-recurring items and taxes is estimated to improve due to the development programme initiated by the Group.

HONKARAKENNE OYJ

Board of Directors

 

Further information:

Mikko Jaskari, acting President and CEO, tel. +358 400 535 337, mikko.jaskari@honka.com

 

This and previous releases are available for viewing on the company’s website at www.honka.com. Next Interim Reports for 2015 will be published on 6 August 2015 and 29 October 2015.

 

 

DISTRIBUTION
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
Key media
Financial Supervisory Authority
www.honka.com

 

 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
     
unaudited 1-3
/2015
1-3
/2014
1-12 /2014
MEUR      
       
Net sales 5.8 8.9 45.5
Other operating income 0.1 0.1 0.5
Change in inventories 0.6 -0.6 -2.1
Materials and services -4.2 -5.4 -29.2
Employee benefit expenses -2.2 -2.0 -8.3
Depreciations and amortisation -0.5 -0.5 -2.2
Impairment -0.0 -0.0 -0.0
Other operating expenses -1.2 -1.6 -6.4
Operating profit/loss -1.6 -1.3 -2.2
Financial income 0.1 0.0 0.1
Financial expenses -0.5 -0.1 -0.5
Share of associated companies' result 0.0 0.0 -0.0
Profit/loss before taxes -2.0 -1.3 -2.5
Taxes 0.4 0.3 0.6
Profit/loss for the period -1.6 -1.0 -1.9
       
Other comprehensive income      
Translation differences 0.2 0.0 -0.0
Total comprehensive
income for the period               
-1.4 -1.0 -2.0
       
Result for the period attributable to      
  Equity holders of the parent -1.6 -1.0 -1.9
  Non-controlling interest 0.0 -0.0 -0.0
  -1.6 -1.0 -1.9
Comprehensive income attributable to      
  Equity holders of the parent -1.4 -1.0 -2.0
  Non-controlling interest 0.0 -0.0 -0.0
  -1.4 -1.0 -2.0
       
Calculated from the result for the period attributable to equity holders of parent
 
Earnings/share (EPS), EUR
     
Basic -0.33 -0.21 -0.40
Diluted -0.33 -0.21 -0.40

Honkarakenne Oyj has two series of shares: A shares and B shares, which have different right to dividend. Profit distribution of 0.20 EUR per share will be paid first for B shares, then 0.20 EUR per share for A shares, followed by equal distribution of remaining profit distribution between all shares.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
 
Unaudited
  31.3.2015 31.3.2014 31.12.2014
MEUR      
       
Assets      
Non-current assets      
Property, plant and equipment 14.0 15.6 14.5
Goodwill 0.1 0.1 0.1
Other intangible assets 0.3 0.5 0.3
Investments in associated companies 0.3 0.3 0.3
Receivables 0.2 0.2 0.2
Deferred tax assets 2.5 1.8 2.1
  17.4 18.5 17.5
Current assets      
Inventories 5.6 6.4 4.9
Trade and other receivables 3.7 5.7 4.5
Cash and bank receivables 1.2 1.4 1.0
  10.5 13.6 10.4
Total assets 27.9 32.1 27.9
       
Shareholders' equity and liabilities 31.3.2015 31.3.2014 31.12.2014
       
Equity attributable to equity holders
of the parent company
     
Share capital 9.9 9.9 9.9
Share premium account 0.5 0.5 0.5
Fund for invested unrestricted equity 6.5 6.5 6.5
Own shares -1.4 -1.4 -1.4
Translation differences 0.0 -0.2 -0.2
Retained earnings -8.3 -5.7 -6.6
  7.3 9.7 8.7
Non-controlling interests 0.2 0.2 0.2
Total equity 7.5 9.9 8.9
       
Non-current liabilities      
Deferred tax liabilities 0.0 0.0 0.0
Provisions 0.3 0.5 0.3
Financial liabilities 9.0 8.5 7.4
  9.3 9.0 7.7
Current liabilities      
Trade and other payables 9.0 10.9 8.8
Current tax liabilities 0.1 0.1 0.0
Provisions 1.0 0.5 0.6
Current financial liabilities 1.0 1.6 1.8
  11.1 13.1 11.3
Total liabilities 20.4 22.1 19.0
Total equity and liabilities 27.9 32.1 27.9

  

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
abridged
 
Unaudited
 
EUR thousand Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent  
  a) b) c) d) e) f) Total g) Total equity
Total equity 1.1.2014 9898 520 6444 -197 -1382 -4710 10573 211 10784
Profit/loss for the period           -1011 -1011 0 -1011
Translation difference       15     15   15
Directed share issue     90       90   90
Management incentive plan           8 8   8
Total equity 31.3.2014 9898 520 6534 -182 -1382 -5715 9674 211 9886
 
 
1000 eur
Equity attributable to equity holders of
the parent
  a) b) c) d) e) f) Total g) Total equity
Total equity 1.1.2015 9898 520 6534 -215 -1382 -6638 8716 204 8920
Profit/loss for the period           -1610 -1610 0 -1610
Translation difference       215     215   215
Management incentive plan           -13 -13   -13
Total equity 31.3.2015 9898 520 6534 0 -1382 -8260 7308 205 7513
                         

a) Share capital

b) Share premium account

c) Fund for invested unrestricted equity

d) Translation difference

e) Own shares

f) Retained earnings

g) Non-controlling interests

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
abridged
 
unaudited
1.1.-
31.3.2015
1.1.-
31.3.2014
1.1.-
31.12.2014
MEUR      
Cash flow from operating activities -0.6 -1.8 -0.8
Cash flow from investing activities, net -0.0 -0.8 -1.3
Total cash flows from financing activities 0.8 0.8 -0.2
   Share issue 0.0 0.1 0.1
   Proceeds from borrowings 0.8 3.0 3.0
   Repayment of borrowings 0.0 -2.2 -3.1
   Other financial items -0.0 -0.1 -0.1
Change in cash and cash equivalents 0.3 -1.8 -2.3
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 1.0 3.2 3.2
Cash and cash equivalents at the close of period 1.2 1.4 1.0

 

NOTES TO THE REPORT

Accounting policies

This interim report release has been drafted in line with IFRS recognition and valuation principles. However, not all of the requirements of IAS 34 have been complied with in its drafting. The interim report should be read together with the 2014 financial statements. The new revised standards or interpretations effective as of 1 January 2015 have no bearing on the figures presented for the report period. The figures have not been examined by the auditor.

Honka Management Oy, which is owned by the senior management of Honkarakenne Oyj and was established in 2010, is included in the consolidated financial statements due to the terms and conditions of the shareholder agreement concluded between it and Honkarakenne Oyj.

Honkarakenne has three geographical operating segments that have been combined into one segment for reporting purposes. Geographically, sales are divided as follows: Finland & Baltics, Russia & CIS and Global Markets. The internal reporting of the management is in line with IFRS reporting. For this reason, separate reconciliations are not presented.

 

Property, plant and equipment  
Unaudited Property, plant and equipment
MEUR  
   
Cost 1.1.2015 65.9
Translation differences (+/-) 0.0
Increase 0.0
Disposals -0.0
Cost 31.3.2015 65.9
   
Accumulated depreciation 1.1.2015 -51.4
Translation differences (+/-) -0.0
Accumulated depreciation of disposals and reclassifications 0.0
Depreciation for the period -0.5
Accumulated depreciation 31.3.2015 -51.9
   
Carrying amount 1.1.2015 14.5
Carrying amount 31.3.2015 14.0

 

Own shares

Honkarakenne has not acquired its own shares during the report period. At the end of the report period, the Group held 364,385 of its Honkarakenne B shares with a total purchase price of EUR 1,381,750.23. These shares represent 6.99 % of the company's all shares and 3.34 % of all votes. The purchase cost has been deducted from shareholders' equity in the consolidated financial statements.

 

  Contingent liabilities    
     
Unaudited 31.3.2015 31.3.2014
MEUR    
 
For own loans
   
- Mortgages 25.7 25.7
- Other quarantees 2.6 2.5
 
Rental liabilities
0.4 0.6
Leasing liabilities 0.3 0.2
     
Nominal values of forward exchange contracts 1.5 1.3
Derivative contracts 0.3 0.4

 

Events with related parties

The Group’s related parties consist of subsidiaries and associated companies; the company's management and any companies in which they exert influence; and those involved in the Saarelainen shareholder agreement and any companies controlled by them. The management personnel considered to be related parties comprise the Board of Directors, President & CEO, and the company's Executive Group. The pricing of goods and services in transactions with related parties conforms to market-based pricing.

During the report period, ordinary business transactions with related parties were made as follows: sales of goods and services to related parties amounted to EUR 111 thousand and purchases from related parties amounted to EUR 153 thousand. In 2010 and 2011, Honkarakenne Oyj granted long-term loans totalling MEUR 0.9 to Honka Management Oy, which is owned by the company’s senior management. An impairment amounting EUR 364 thousand was recognised in 2014 for this loan in the parent company.

 

KEY INDICATORS        
    1-3 1-3 1-12
Unaudited   2015 2014 2014
         
Earnings/share (EPS) euro -0.33 -0.21 -0.40
         
Return on equity % -20 -10 -20
         
Equity ratio % 32 37 37
         
Shareholders equity/share euro 1.51 2.00 1.80
         
Net financial liabilities MEUR 8.8 8.7 8.2
         
Gearing % 117 88 92
         
Gross investments MEUR 0.0 0.2 0.9
  % of net sales 0 3 2
         
Order book MEUR 16.6 18.7 12.5
         
Personnel in person-years, average Clerical 77 101 90
  Workers 68 73 71
  Total 145 173 161
         
Personnel in person-years, average Clerial 57 88 81
  Workers 34 73 66
  Total 93 160 146
         
Adjusted number of shares (’000) At period-end 4847 4847 4847
  Average during period 4847 4819 4840

 

                 

 

Calculation of key indicators
 
 
     
  Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of parent  
Earnings/share (EPS: ------------------------------------------------  
  Average number of outstanding shares  
     
  Result before taxes – taxes  
Return on equity %: ------------------------------------------------ x 100
  Total equity, average  
     
  Total equity  
Equity ratio, %: ------------------------------------------------ x 100
  Balance sheet total - advances received  
     
Net financial liabilities: Financial liabilities – cash and cash equivalents  
     
  Financial liabilities – cash and cash equivalents  
Gearing, % ------------------------------------------------ x 100
  Total equity  
     
  Shareholders’ equity  
Shareholders equity/share: ------------------------------------------------  
  Number of outstanding shares at the close of period