RUUKKI GROUP PLC'S Q2 INTERIM REPORT FOR 1 APRIL-30 JUNE 2011


07:00 London, 09:00 Helsinki, 18 August 2011 - Ruukki Group Plc (“Ruukki” or “the Company”) (LSE: RKKI, OMX: RUG1V) Interim Report

RUUKKI GROUP PLC’S Q2 INTERIM REPORT FOR 1 APRIL
30 JUNE 2011

HIGHLIGHTS

- Production increased by 115% to 92,849 (Q2/2010: 43,150) tonnes

- Revenue from continuing operations increased 13% to EUR 44.5 (Q2/2010: 39.4) million
- EBITDA from continuing operations was EUR 1.7 (
Q2/2010: 0.6) million and the EBITDA margin was 3.8% (Q2/2010: 1.6%)
- EBIT from continuing operations was EUR -5.4 (
Q2/2010: -5.8) million
- Profit for the period from continuing operations totalled EUR -3.9 (
Q2/2010: -2.6) million
- Ruukki completed its strategic transformation into a pure mining and minerals business with the sale of its pallet and sawmill businesses
- EUR 3.8 million net gains on disposals of wood processing businesses were recognised
- Cash flow from operations was EUR -5.8 (
Q2/2010: 7.9) million and liquid funds at 30 June were EUR 81.8 (30 June 2010: 36.4) (31 March 2011: 89.2) million  

KEY FIGURES              
EUR million Q2/11 Q2/10 Change H1/11 H1/10 Change FY/10
Revenue 44.5 39.4 13.0% 79.3 69.5 14.1% 123.3
               
EBITDA 1.7 0.6 173.1% 5.1 0.1 6,140.0% -8.4
EBITDA margin 3.8% 1.6%   6.5% 0.1%   -6.8%
               
EBIT -5.4 -5.8   -9.0 -12.7   -75.6
EBIT margin -12.1% -14.8%   -11.3% -18.3%   -61.3%
               
Earnings before taxes -5.9 -6.2   -9.8 -12.9   -76.3
Earnings margin -13.2% -15.7%   -12.3% -18.5%   -61.8%
               
Profit for the period,
continuing
operations
-3.9 -2.6   -7.0 -7.8   -65.3
Profit for the period,
discontinued
operations
4.1 2.9 40.8% 47.1 3.8 1,149.3% 14.2
Profit for the period 0.3 0.4 -29.2% 40.1 -4.1   -51.1
Earnings per share, undiluted 0.00 0.00   0.17 -0.02   -0.22
Return on equity,
% p.a.
- -   32.7% -2.9%   -19.6%
Return on capital
employed, % p.a.
- -   23.4% -1.9%   -15.2%
Equity ratio, % - -   51.1% 52.8%   44.3%
Gearing - -   6.2% 23.2%   46.6%
Personnel at the end
of the period
- -   781 689   722

Continuing operations include the Speciality Alloys business segment, the FerroAlloys business segment and other operations that consist of Group headquarters and other Group companies, which do not have significant business operations. Discontinued operations include the house building, pallet and sawmill businesses.

Commenting on the second quarter results, Thomas Hoyer, CEO, said:

“There was deeply regrettable incident at the Stellite mine where Mr Kgantitsoe, an employee of drilling contractor Geoserve, was fatally injured. Our condolences go out to his family. Ruukki strives to achieve “Zero Harm” at all of our operations; a full root cause analysis has been carried out and we are implementing all the lessons learned to prevent re-occurrence of a similar incident. During the first half of the year safety performance at TMS and Mogale has improved and we are introducing standard procedures across the Group.

Market conditions during the second quarter continued to be challenging, exacerbated by adverse currency moves resulting from our exposure to the South African Rand and the Turkish Lira. However I am pleased to report a second consecutive quarter of improved revenue and operating profit compared to 2010, driven by increased production levels and our ongoing focus on cost efficiencies across the Group which has continued to deliver results. The sale of
the pallet and sawmill businesses now completes our transformation into a focused chrome producer.

As we enter the second half of the year our strong balance sheet puts us in a good position to be able to weather the current market uncertainty as we seek to grow our resource base further.”

2011 OUTLOOK


The Board has updated the Company’s outlook regarding the global demand for the ferroalloys products since the first quarter interim results were published on 11 May 2011.

As previously stated and as result of the Company’s decision to focus solely on the mining, smelting and minerals processing business, Ruukki’s financial performance is dependent on the general market conditions of this sector, particularly in the chrome industry.

There have been significant price fluctuations in the ferroalloys market during the first half of 2011. Global financial markets remain turbulent, and economic conditions uncertain. Ruukki is no longer expecting higher prices for its products in the second half of 2011, and believes that prices will continue to be under pressure. However, Ruukki does anticipate its production volumes to be higher for 2011 compared to 2010 and this is expected to result in increased revenue and improved financial performance. Previously in the first quarter interim report on 11 May 2011, Ruukki stated that it expects global demand for the Company’s ferroalloys products to be higher in 2011 compared to that of 2010, which was expected to result in higher prices and improved financial performance.


Fluctuations of exchange rates between the Euro, the South African Rand, the Turkish Lira and the US Dollar can significantly impact the Company’s financial performance.

Investor Conference Call

Management will host an investor conference call in English on 18 August 2011 at 12.00 Finnish time, 10.00 UK time. Please dial-in at least 10 minutes beforehand, quoting the reference: 901488.

Finnish number +358 (0)9 2313 9201

UK number +44 (0)20 7162 0077


RUUKKI GROUP PLC
Thomas Hoyer
CEO



For additional information, please contact:

Ruukki Group Plc
Thomas Hoyer, CEO, +358 (0)45 6700 491, thomas.hoyer@ruukkigroup.fi

Kalle Lehtonen, General Manager: Finance, +358 (0)400 539 968, kalle.lehtonen@ruukkigroup.fi
Markus Kivimäki, General Manager: Corporate Affairs, +358 (0)50 3495 687, markus.kivimaki@ruukkigroup.fi

Investec Bank Plc
Stephen Cooper, +44 (0)20 7597 5104, stephen.cooper@investec.co.uk

RBC Capital Markets
Martin Eales, +44 (0)20 7653 4000, martin.eales@rbccm.com
Peter Barrett-Lennard, +44 (0)20 7653 4000, peter.barrett-lennard@rbccm.com

Financial reports and other investor information are available on the Company’s website.


Ruukki Group is a chrome mining and minerals producer focused on delivering sustainable growth with a speciality alloys business in southern Europe and a ferro alloys business in southern Africa. The Company is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (RUG1V) and the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (RKKI).
www.ruukkigroup.fi

Distribution:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
London Stock Exchange
main media
www.ruukkigroup.fi



RUUKKI GROUP PLC: Q2 INTERIM REPORT, 1 APRIL–30 JUNE 2011

This Interim Report is prepared in accordance with the IAS 34 standard and is unaudited. All the figures in this interim report related to the house building, pallet and sawmill businesses are categorised as discontinued operations. All the corresponding comparable figures of 2010 are presented in brackets, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

RUUKKI GROUP’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

REVENUE AND PROFITABILITY
  

EUR million Q2/11 Q2/10 Change % H1/11 H1/10 Change % FY/10
Revenue 44.5 39.4 13.0% 79.3 69.5 14.1% 123.3
EBITDA 1.7 0.6 173.1% 5.1 0.1 6,140.0% -8.4
EBITDA margin 3.8% 1.6%   6.5% 0.1%   -6.8%
EBIT -5.4 -5.8   -9.0 -12.7   -75.6
EBIT margin -12.1% -14.8%   -11.3% -18.3%   -61.3%
Profit for the period,
discontinued
operations
4.1 2.9 40.8% 47.1 3.8 1,149.3% 14.2
Profit for the period 0.3 0.4 -29.2% 40.1 -4.1   -51.1

Discontinued operations include the house building, pallet and sawmill businesses.

Revenue for the second quarter increased 13% to EUR 44.5 (39.4) million. This rise in revenue was mainly due to the increased production volumes in both the Speciality Alloys and FerroAlloys segments.

EBITDA for the quarter was EUR 1.7 (0.6) million and profit for the period was EUR 0.3 (0.4) million, which includes EUR 3.8 million net gains on disposal of the wood segment businesses.

Earnings per share was EUR 0.00 (0.00).

BALANCE SHEET, CASH FLOW AND FINANCING

The Group’s liquidity, as at 30 June 2011, when taking into account cash and cash equivalents as well as short-term deposits, remained strong at EUR 81.8 (36.4) (31 March 2011: 89.2) million. During the period under review the Company received EUR 12.2 million cash from the remaining disposals of its wood businesses. Operating cash flow was EUR -5.8 (7.9) million. Ruukki’s gearing at the end of the second quarter decreased to 6.2% (23.2%) (31 March 2011: 11.3%). Net interest-bearing debt was EUR 15.9 (65.2) (31 March 2011: 10.2) million.

As at 30 June, the Group had an unused credit facility of USD 55 million in place.
The facility is available to be drawn down until 31 December 2011.

Total assets on 30 June 2011 stood at EUR 499.0 (553.8) (31 March 2011: 556.3) million. Equity ratio was 51.1% (52.8%) (31 March 2011: 48.9%).

INVESTMENTS, ACQUISITIONS AND DIVESTMENTS

Capital expenditure during the second quarter totalled EUR 1.4 (7.3) million. The expenditure related primarily to exploration drilling at Ruukki’s mines and yearly maintenance of its production plants.

On 8 April 2011 Ruukki announced the completion of the sale of its Finnish pallet business, Oplax Oy, to Pallet Invest Oy, a company founded by a group of Finnish and Russian investors. The final purchase consideration of approximately EUR 8.4 million was paid in cash with a vendor note of EUR 1.5 million.

On 24 May 2011 Ruukki signed a definitive agreement to sell its 51 percent holding in its sawmill business Junnikkala Oy to Junnikkala Oy's minority shareholders. The total consideration of EUR 6 million will be paid in cash in two parts: EUR 4.5 million on completion and EUR 1.5 million on 31 August 2011. The letter of intent to sell the Finnish sawmill business was announced on 31 January 2011. On 16 June 2011
Ruukki’s Extraordinary General Meeting approved the sale of Junnikkala Oy and the transaction was completed on 23 June 2011.

PERSONNEL

At the end of the second quarter 2011, Ruukki’s employees in continuing operations increased to 781 (689). The number of employees increased in both the Speciality Alloys and FerroAlloys businesses. The average number of employees during the second quarter of 2011 was 777 (678).

Number of employees by segment:
  

  30.6.2011 30.6.2010 Change % 31.12.2010
Speciality Alloys 418 396 5.6% 396
FerroAlloys 353 277 27.4% 316
Other operations 10 16 -37.5% 10
Continuing
operations total
781 689 13.4% 722


SAFETY, HEALTH AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

There was deeply regrettable incident at the Stellite mine where Mr Kgantitsoe, an employee of drilling contractor Geoserve, was fatally injured. Ruukki strives to achieve “Zero Harm” at all of its operations; a full root cause analysis has been carried out and Ruukki is implementing all the lessons learned to prevent re-occurrence of a similar incident. During the first half of the year safety performance at TMS and Mogale has improved and standard procedures are being introduced across the Group.

Ruukki strives to achieve “Zero Harm” to its employees, contractors, neighbouring communities and the environment. The Group
is working constantly to improve its processes and practices to prevent injuries and accidents. Alongside the appointment of a Chief Operation Officer, Theuns de Bruyn, who will have direct responsibility for the Group’s overall health, safety, environment and sustainability policies and procedures, the Group has also started to formalise a co-ordinated lost time injury metrics system across all of its operations, in accordance with internationally recognised standards.

Ruukki aims to conduct its business in a sustainable way and to preserve the environment by minimising the environmental impact of its operations. Ruukki has a number of programmes in place to monitor and address its impact on the environment. The environmental studies being conducted at its South African processing facilities continue and are expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

SEGMENT PERFORMANCE

SPECIALITY ALLOYS BUSINESS

The Speciality Alloys business consists of TMS, the mining and beneficiation operation in Turkey, and EWW, the chromite concentrate processing plant in Germany. TMS supplies EWW with high quality chromite concentrate which produces speciality products including Specialised Low Carbon and Ultralow Carbon Ferrochrome. Excess chrome ore is exported from TMS mainly to China. As at 30 June 2011, the business had 418 (396) employees.

Production:

Tonnes Q2/11 Q2/10 Change % H1/11 H1/10 Change % FY/10
Mining*  20,631 13,757 50.0% 40,630 20,305 100.1% 54,917
Processing 7,209 6,802 6.0% 14,090 8,744 61.1% 17,994

* Including both chromite concentrate and lumpy ore production

Production totalled 27,840 (20,558) tonnes for the second quarter of 2011. The increase in production was mainly due to the new concentration plant in Turkey which is now operating at full capacity and an increased production of lumpy material.  

EUR million Q2/11 Q2/10 Change % H1/11 H1/10 Change % FY/10
Revenue 21.1 21.9 -4.0% 41.3 34.1 21.1% 69.0
EBITDA 3.5 3.9 -9.6% 8.6 3.7 132.7% 7.8
EBITDA margin 16.8% 17.8%   20.8% 10.8%   11.3%
EBIT -1.0 -0.4   -0.3 -4.8   -10.0
EBIT margin -4.7% -1.7%   -0.8% -14.0%   -14.5%

Revenue for the quarter was EUR 21.1 (21.9) million, representing a decrease of 4%. EBITDA for the quarter was EUR 3.5 (3.9) million. The decrease in both revenue and EBITDA was due to a decrease in the chrome prices compared to the equivalent period in 2010, for example the prices of Low Carbon Ferrochrome were almost 10% less compared to the second quarter 2010 and even the increase in sales volumes was not enough to compensate for this.

FERROALLOYS BUSINESS

The FerroAlloys business consists of the Stellite mine, the alloy processing plant Mogale and the Mecklenburg mine development project in South Africa, as well as the Zimbabwean mine development project Waylox. The business produces Charge Chrome Ferrochrome, Silico Manganese and Stainless Steel Alloy (chromium-iron-nickel alloy). Part of the chrome ore is sold directly to global markets, mainly to China. As at 30 June 2011, the business had 353 (277) employees.

Production:
  

Tonnes Q2/11 Q2/10 Change % H1/11 H1/10 Change % FY/10
Mining*  35,669 N/A   67,657 N/A   N/A
Processing 29,340 22,592 29.9% 58,282 43,761 33.2% 65,040

* Including both chromite concentrate and lumpy ore production

Production increased significantly to 65,009 (22,592) tonnes, mainly due to the acquisition of the Stellite mine in December 2010.  

EUR million Q2/11 Q2/10 Change % H1/11 H1/10 Change % FY/10
Revenue 23.5 17.3 35.5% 38.1 35.2 8.3% 54.0
EBITDA 0.1 3.4 -98.1% 0.1 6.1 -98.2% -1.0
EBITDA margin 0.3% 19.5%   0.3% 17.4%   -1.8%
EBIT -2.5 1.2   -5.0 1.8   -50.2
EBIT margin -10.5% 7.2%   -13.2% 5.2%   -93.0%

Revenue for the quarter improved significantly to EUR 23.5 (17.3) million, representing an increase of 35.5%. EBITDA for the quarter was EUR 0.1 (3.4) million. The increase in revenue was driven by an increase in sales volumes. The decrease in EBITDA was due to a change in the product mix and weaker prices, especially in Silico Manganese, where prices were 20% less than the equivalent period in 2010. The EBITDA also includes EUR 1.8 (0.1) million of costs related to the feasibility studies for the two new DC furnaces and a power plant.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

During the period under review Ruukki completed the divestments of its remaining wood processing businesses. On the Group’s income statement these businesses have been presented as discontinued operations. Profit for the period from discontinued operations was EUR 4.1 (2.9) million
, including a EUR 3.8 million net gain on disposals of the wood processing businesses.

UNALLOCATED ITEMS

For the second quarter of 2011, the EBITDA from unallocated items was EUR -2.1 (-6.7) million including a EUR 0.2 (0.5) million non-cash expense for the share-based payments.

LITIGATION

Rautaruukki Oyj, another listed Finnish company, initiated legal proceedings against Ruukki Group Plc in 2009 concerning claims to the Ruukki name, which Ruukki is vigorously defending. These legal proceedings are still ongoing and hence its outcome or timing is not yet known. Rautaruukki has claimed for: (i) fixed EUR 5.0 million for damages; (ii) EUR 12.1 million for royalties that Rautaruukki has calculated based on Ruukki Group’s 2004 – 2008 actual revenue; and (iii) reasonable legal fees.

One of the aforementioned proceedings related to Ruukki Group’s subsidiary Ruukki Wood Oy. These proceedings were settled in May 2011 when Rautaruukki withdrew their claims. Due to this the Helsinki District Court ordered Rautaruukki to compensate Ruukki Group’s costs and expenses in the amount of EUR 0.1 million.

Ruukki sees this as a significant positive sign also in relation to the other ongoing proceedings with Rautaruukki and remains confident that Ruukki will prevail in these proceedings.

PLEDGES AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, CHANGES DURING THE REVIEW PERIOD

Pledges given by the Group decreased during the period under review mainly due to divestments of the wood processing companies Oplax and Junnikkala. However, Ruukki Group Plc has given guarantees in connection with certain borrowings of Junnikkala shortly after the Group acquired its interest in Junnikkala in 2008. These guarantees will continue to be in force until 30 June 2018. As part of the terms of the disposal it has been agreed that Junnikkala will pay a fee of two per cent per annum to Ruukki Group Plc in consideration for the continuation of these guarantees. At 30 June 2011 the indebtedness subject to these guarantees was EUR 1.6 million in aggregate.

On 30 June 2011, the Group’s subsidiaries had given business mortgages as collateral for loans and other liabilities totalling EUR 0.0 (31 December 2010: 14.0) million. Of the parent company’s EUR 4.2 million business mortgages, EUR 0.0 (1.7) million had been pledged as security with external financial institutions. Equipment and real estate mortgages amounted to EUR 0.3 (21.5) million.

MANAGEMENT CHANGES

On 4 May 2011 the Board of Directors appointed Thomas Hoyer as Chief Executive Officer. The previous Acting Managing Director, Dr Danko Koncar, was appointed Enterprise Director and is responsible for Ruukki’s strategic direction and new business development. Theuns de Bruyn was appointed as Chief Operating Officer, effective from 1 July 2011.

SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETINGS

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING


Ruukki’s Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) was held on 11 May 2011.

The AGM adopted the financial statements, the group financial statements and discharged the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability for the financial period 2010. The AGM resolved that no dividend would be paid for 2010.

The AGM resolved that the Company would make a capital repayment from the paid unrestricted equity reserve to shareholders in such a way that assets to be distributed totalled EUR 0.04 per share. The capital repayment was paid to the shareholders who, on the record date 16 May 2011, were registered in the shareholders' register of the Company held by Euroclear Finland Ltd. The date of payment was 23 May 2011.

As proposed by the Nomination Committee, the AGM resolved that there are eight (8) members on the Board of Directors. Philip Baum, Paul Everard, Markku Kankaala, Danko Koncar, Jelena Manojlovic, Chris Pointon and Barry Rourke were re-elected to the Board.
The Board of Directors appointed Jelena Manojlovic as Chairman and Chris Pointon as Deputy Chairman and elected the chairmen and members of the Audit Committee, Nomination Committee, Remuneration Committee and the Safety, Health and Sustainable Development Committee.

On 4 May 2011 Thomas Hoyer was appointed Chief Executive Officer and joined the Board on 11 May 2011 as an Executive Director.

The AGM approved the Board of Directors and the board committees’ remuneration as proposed by the Nomination Committee. Following the recommendation by the Audit committee the Authorised Public Accountant Firm Ernst & Young Oy was re-elected as the Auditor of the Company.

The AGM resolved that as a part of the Company’s remuneration and incentive scheme, the Company would give a maximum 6,900,000 option rights to the key personnel of the Company and its subsidiaries, including Rekylator Oy, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company.

As proposed by the Nomination Committee the AGM authorised the Board of Directors to decide to issue a maximum of 460,000 new shares or shares from the Company's treasury shares, by a directed free issue to the members of the Board of Directors.

The AGM authorised the Board of Directors to decide on the share issue and on the issuing of stock options and other special rights that entitle to shares. By virtue of the authorisation shares could be issued in one or more tranches in total a maximum of 24,820,700 new shares or shares owned by the Company. The Board of Directors may use the authorisation among other things in financing and enabling corporate and business acquisitions or other arrangements and investments of business activity or in the incentive and commitment programmes of the personnel.

The AGM authorised the Board of Directors to decide upon acquiring a maximum of 15,000,000 of the Company's own shares.


All the AGM resolutions and the organisation of the Board of Directors were published in stock exchange releases on 11 May 2011 and are available on Ruukki’s website, www.ruukkigroup.fi.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING

Ruukki’s Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”) was held on 16 June 2011.

The EGM approved the arrangements as detailed in the circular dated 24 May 2011 between the Group, Junnikkala and the Junnikkala Minority Shareholders relating to the proposed disposal of the Group’s interest in Junnikkala Oy and authorised the Directors of the Company to take all such steps as may be necessary or acceptable in relation thereto and to carry the same into effect.

SHARE CAPITAL

Ruukki Group Plc's shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (RUG1V) and on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (RKKI).

On 30 June 2011, the registered number of Ruukki Group Plc shares was 248,207,000 (247,982,000) and share capital was EUR 23,642,049.60 (23,642,049.60).

On 30 June 2011 the Company had altogether 7,790,895 (8,740,895) own shares, which was equivalent to about 3.14% (3.52%) of all registered shares. The total amount of shares outstanding, excluding the treasury shares held by the Company on 30 June 2011 was 240,416,105 (239,241,105).

Based on the resolution at the AGM on 11 May 2011, the Board has currently been authorised for a buy-back of maximum 15,000,000 own shares. This authorisation is valid until 11 November 2012.

NOTIFICATION OF TRANSACTIONS OF DIRECTORS, PERSONS DISCHARGING MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY OR CONNECTED PERSONS

On 20 May 2011 Ruukki announced that, following a notification received on 19 May 2011, Markku Kankaala, Non-executive Director, has sold 200,000 ordinary shares ("shares") in the Company at an average price of EUR 1.60 per share on 18 May 2011. The trade was made manually on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Exchange.

Accordingly Markku Kankaala now holds voting rights attached to 7,977,533 shares, representing 3.32% of the issued share capital of the Company excluding treasury shares.

SHAREHOLDER NOTIFICATIONS

Ruukki Group Plc has received the following shareholder notification during or after the review period 1 April–30 June 2011. This notification can be found in full on the Company website.

On 1 April 2011 Finaline Business Limited signed a share transfer agreement with Hanwa Co. Ltd concerning a sale and transfer of 27,000,000 shares in Ruukki Group Plc. After the completion, the transaction will result in Finaline Business Limited increasing above 10 per cent and becoming a 10.88 per cent holder of the shares and voting rights in Ruukki. Pursuant to the share transfer agreement, the transaction shall be completed on 28 December 2011 at the latest but all or part of the transaction shares may be transferred prior to that date.

MOST SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES, CHANGES DURING AND AFTER THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW

The changes in the key risks and uncertainties are set out below. Further details of the risks and uncertainties have been published in the Group’s 2010 Annual Report.

Following the Company’s transformation into a focused mining and minerals processing company, the Group has become more exposed to foreign exchange rate risks, commodity price risks and the risks of fluctuating demand in the mining and minerals sector.

The changes in exchange rates, if adverse, could have a substantial negative impact on the Group’s profitability, in particular changes in US Dollar/South African Rand. Changes in the South African Rand exchange rate could also have an effect on the Euro value of the deferred purchase consideration of Mogale Alloys.


Due to the increased volatility in the global financial markets, there is uncertainty as to how commodity prices will respond during the second half of 2011 and this could impact the Company’s revenue and financial performance.

The Group is considering a number of options to grow the Company’s resources, mining and processing operations, including organic growth as well as mergers and acquisitions. These growth options could expose the Group to funding, implementation and integration related risks.

2011 OUTLOOK


The Board has updated the Company’s outlook regarding the global demand for the ferroalloys products since the first quarter interim results were published on 11 May 2011.

As previously stated and as result of the Company’s decision to focus solely on the mining, smelting and minerals processing business, Ruukki’s financial performance is dependent on the general market conditions of this sector, particularly in the chrome industry.

There have been significant price fluctuations in the ferroalloys market during the first half of 2011. Global financial markets remain turbulent, and economic conditions uncertain. Ruukki is no longer expecting higher prices for its products in the second half of 2011, and believes that prices will continue to be under pressure. However, Ruukki does anticipate its production volumes to be higher for 2011 compared to 2010 and this is expected to result in increased revenue and improved financial performance. Previously in the first quarter interim report on 11 May 2011, Ruukki stated that it expects global demand for the Company’s ferroalloys products to be higher in 2011 compared to that of 2010, which was expected to result in higher prices and improved financial performance.


Fluctuations of exchange rates between the Euro, the South African Rand, the Turkish Lira and the US Dollar can significantly impact the Company’s financial performance.

EVENTS AFTER THE REVIEW PERIOD

Ruukki announced on 5 July 2011 that a total of 225,000 ordinary shares of no par value (“Ordinary Shares”) have been subscribed to based on B series stock options under the Option Programme I/2005. According to the terms of the Option Programme, the subscription period ended on 30 June 2011 and the subscription price was EUR 0.38 per share. The subscription price has been entered in whole in the Company's paid-up unrestricted equity reserve.

The Ordinary Shares have been registered on the Trade Register on 12 July 2011 whereafter they have been admitted to public trading on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki and the London Stock Exchange.

After the registration, the Company has in total 248,432,000 shares with voting rights and the share capital is EUR 23,642,049.60.

Helsinki, 17 August 2011

RUUKKI GROUP PLC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS


FINANCIAL REPORTING IN 2011  

  Closed period Reporting date
Q3 Interim Report 2011 11.10.–10.11.2011 10 November 2011



FINANCIAL TABLES

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ASSETS AND LIABILITIES BY SEGMENT  

1.1.– 30.6.2011
6 months
EUR '000
Speciality
Alloys
Ferro
Alloys
Unallocated
items
Eliminations Continuing
operations
total
Revenue 41,250 38,086 348 -348 79,337
EBITDA 8,586 112 -3,778 215 5,136
EBIT -328 -5,038 -3,805 215 -8,956
Segment's assets 199,353 234,038 77,220 -18,865 491,746
Segment's liabilities 76,280 132,875 54,078 -19,351 243,882

  

1.1.– 30.6.2010
6 months
EUR '000
Speciality
Alloys
Ferro
Alloys
Unallocated
items
Eliminations Continuing
operations
total
Revenue 34,066 35,155 402 -103 69,521
EBITDA 3,691 6,102 -9,842 132 82
EBIT -4,780 1,821 -9,876 132 -12,703
Segment's assets 178,447 244,282 15,935 -9,383 429,281
Segment's liabilities 69,999 102,812 44,517 -9,362 207,966

  

1.1.–31.12.2010
12 months
EUR '000
Speciality
Alloys
Ferro
Alloys
Unallocated
items
Eliminations Continuing
operations
total
Revenue 69,017 54,006 967 -643 123,347
EBITDA 7,803 -972 -15,369 99 -8,439
EBIT -10,009 -50,216 -15,433 99 -75,559
Segment's assets 182,347 248,011 15,919 -10,616 435,661
Segment's liabilities 77,265 136,702 51,918 -6,840 259,045


CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT, SUMMARY  

EUR '000 H1/11 H1/10 Q2/11 Q2/10 FY/10
           
Continuing operations          
Revenue 79,337 69,521 44,538 39,424 123,347
           
Other operating income 635 182 295 150 1,248
Operating expenses -75,042 -69,647 -43,140 -38,987 -133,424
Depreciation and amortisation -14,092 -12,785 -7,069 -6,441 -27,023
Impairment 0 0 0 0 -40,097
Items related to associates
(core)
206 27 -15 28 390
           
Operating profit -8,956 -12,703 -5,390 -5,826 -75,559
           
Financial income and expense -1,015 -201 -494 -338 -595
Items related to associates
(non-core)
196 31 0 -11 -99
           
Profit before tax -9,775 -12,873 -5,884 -6,176 -76,253
           
Income tax 2,795 5,040 2,015 3,615 10,942
           
Profit for the period from continuing operations -6,980 -7,834 -3,869 -2,560 -65,311
           
Discontinued operations          
Profit for the period from discontinued operations 47,124 3,772 4,137 2,938 14,186
           
Profit for the period 40,144 -4,062 268 378 -51,125
           
Profit attributable to          
Owners of the parent 39,902 -4,153 170 -694 -52,611
Non-controlling interests 241 91 97 1,072 1,486
Total 40,144 -4,062 268 378 -51,125
           
Earnings per share (counted from profit attributable to owners of the parent):
basic (EUR), group total 0.17 -0.02     -0.22
diluted (EUR), group total 0.15 -0.02     -0.22
basic (EUR), continuing operations -0.03 -0.03     -0.27
diluted (EUR), continuing operations -0.03 -0.03     -0.27


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME   

EUR ‘000 H1/11 H1/10 Q2/11 Q2/10 FY/10
           
Profit for the period 40,144 -4,062 268 378 -51,125
           
Other comprehensive income          
Exchange differences on
translating foreign operations
-10,518 15,176 -1,899 6,708 19,412
Income tax relating to other
comprehensive income
5,436 -6,499 378 -2,951 -9,815
Other comprehensive
income, net of tax
-5,082 8,677 -1,521 3,757 9,597
           
Total comprehensive income
for the period
35,062 4,615 -1,253 4,135 -41,528
           
Total comprehensive income
attributable to:
         
Owners of the parent 36,283 3,245 -1,074 2,507 -44,854
Non-controlling interests -1,221 1,370 -179 1,628 3,327


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION, SUMMARY  

EUR '000 30.6.2011 30.6.2010 31.12.2010
ASSETS      
Non-current assets      
Investments and intangible assets      
Goodwill 122,673 186,456 129,120
Investments in associates 65 537 284
Other intangible assets 77,617 99,527 94,154
Investments and intangible assets total 200,355 286,520 223,559
       
Property, plant and equipment 77,827 86,544 87,468
Other non-current assets 44,991 31,125 44,022
Non-current assets total 323,173 404,189 355,050
       
Current assets      
Inventories 51,406 67,570 45,160
Receivables 35,349 45,275 26,853
Other investments 0 366 0
       
Cash and cash equivalents 21,817 36,407 8,598
Bank deposits 60,000 0 0
Liquid funds total 81,817 36,407 8,598
Current assets total 168,573 149,618 80,611
       
Assets held for sale 7,239 20 110,809
Cash and cash equivalents held for sale 0 0 10,561
Assets held for sale total 7,239 20 121,369
       
Total assets 498,985 553,827 557,030
       
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES      
Equity attributable to owners of the parent      
Share capital 23,642 23,642 23,642
Share premium reserve 25,740 25,740 25,740
Revaluation reserve 0 2,193 2,193
Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve 241,318 250,849 250,849
Translation reserves 10,302 13,563 13,921
Retained earnings -62,197 -53,480 -104,772
Equity attributable to owners of the parent 238,805 262,508 211,574
       
Non-controlling interests 16,298 19,003 24,781
Total equity 255,103 281,511 236,355
       
Liabilities      
       
Non-current liabilities 197,205 188,888 216,556
Current liabilities      
Advances received 0 20,733 0
Other current liabilities 46,677 62,696 42,489
Current liabilities total 46,677 83,428 42,489
       
Liabilities classified as held for sale 0 0 61,630
       
Total liabilities 243,882 272,316 320,675
       
Total equity and liabilities 498,985 553,827 557,030


SUMMARY OF CASH, INTEREST-BEARING RECEIVABLES AND INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES  

EUR '000 30.6.2011 30.6.2010 31.12.2010
       
Liquid funds 81,817 36,407 8,598
       
Interest-bearing receivables      
Current 1,915 1,682 2,200
Non-current 29,138 15,206 28,865
Interest-bearing receivables 31,053 16,888 31,065
       
Interest-bearing liabilities      
Current 2,639 13,911 4,577
Non-current 95,060 87,738 102,244
Interest-bearing liabilities 97,700 101,649 106,821
       
NET TOTAL 15,170 -48,354 -67,157

Excluding interest-bearing assets and liabilities classified as held for sale

SUMMARY OF GROUP’S PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

EUR '000  Property, plant
and equipment
 Intangible
assets
 Acquisition cost 1.1.2011 132,715 354,221
 Additions 2,271 912*
 Disposals  -306 -47
 Transfer to assets held for sale -353 1
 Reclass between items 6,221 -1,111
 Effect of movements in exchange rates -10,628 -20,453
 Acquisition cost 30.6.2011 129,920 333,523
     
 Acquisition cost 1.1.2010 127,541 337,547
 Additions 51,968 8,231*
 Disposals -4,044 0
 Transfer to assets held for sale -49,614 -26,519
 Reclass between items 298 -240
 Effect of movements in exchange rates 6,566 35,201
 Acquisition cost 31.12.2010 132,715 354,221

* Including changes in earn-out liabilities

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS, SUMMARY  

EUR '000 H1/11 H1/10 FY/10
       
Net profit 40,144 -4,062 -51,125
       
Adjustments to net profit -30,794 6,400 57,700
Changes in working capital -13,382 3,985 4,604
Discontinued operations 2,002 6,055 -616
       
Net cash from operating activities -2,030 12,378 10,563
       
Acquisition of subsidiaries and associates,
net of cash acquired
-2,098 -392 -21,855
Acquisition of joint ventures, net of cash
acquired
0 0 -20,372
Payments of earn-out liabilities 0 -63 -65
Disposal of subsidiaries and associates,
net of cash sold
81,776 0 1,640
Capital expenditure and other investing
activities
-1,957 -5,006 -14,229
Proceeds from repayments of loans and
loans given
-2,949 -94 -11,222
Discontinued operations -77 9,330 10,885
       
Net cash used in investing activities 74,695 3,774 -55,218
       
Acquisition of own shares 0 -10 -10
Capital redemption -9,617 -9,570 -9,570
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests -64 -29 -129
Deposits and interest received on investments 0 2,503 2,509
Proceeds from borrowings 12,128 0 23,312
Repayment of borrowings, and other
financing activities
-11,947 -19,639 -2,037
Discontinued operations -339 -9,275 -6,585
       
Net cash used in financing activities -9,840 -36,020 7,491
       
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 62,825 -19,868 -37,165


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY   

A = Share capital
B = Share premium reserve
C = Fair value and revaluation reserves
D = Paid-up unrestricted equity reserve
E = Translation reserve
F = Retained earnings
G = Equity attributable to owners of the parent, total
H = Non-controlling interests
I = Total equity

  

EUR ‘000 A B C D E F G H I
Equity at 31.12.2009 23,642 25,740 2,193 260,357 6,165 -49,953 268,144 17,878 286,022
Dividend distribution             0 -247 -247
Total comprehensive
income 1-6/2010
        7,398 -4,153 3,245 1,370 4,615
Share-based payments           590 590   590
Share subscriptions
based on option rights
      72     72   72
Acquisition of own
shares
      -10     -10   -10
Capital redemption       -9,570     -9,570   -9,570
Acquisitions and
disposals of
subsidiaries
          17 17 1 18
Other changes           20 20    20
Equity at 30.6.2010 23,642 25,740 2,193 250,849 13,563 -53,480 262,508 19,003 281,511
Dividend distribution             0 -110 -110
Total comprehensive
income 7-12/2010
        359 -48,458 -48,099 1,956 -46,143
Share-based payments           1,098 1,098   1,098
Acquisitions and
disposals of
subsidiaries
          -3,932 -3,932 3,931 -1
Equity at 31.12.2010 23,642 25,740 2,193 250,849 13,921 -104,772 211,574 24,781 236,355
Dividend distribution             0 -613 -613
Total comprehensive
income 1-6/2011
        -3,620 39,902 36,283 -1,221 35,062
Share-based payments           479 479   479
Share subscriptions
based on option rights
      86     86   86
Capital redemption       -9,617     -9,617   -9,617
Acquisitions and
disposals of
subsidiaries
    -2,193     2,193 0 -6,649 -6,649
Equity at 30.6.2011 23,642 25,740 0 241,318 10,302 -62,197 238,805 16,298 255,103


RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS DURING THE REVIEW PERIOD

During the first half of 2011 the Group had sold goods and rendered services to related parties and joint ventures worth EUR 3.2 million. The Group had also made raw material purchases from a joint venture amounting to EUR 0.5 million and accrued interest on loans from a related party amounting to EUR 0.3 million. Interest income from a joint venture company totalled EUR 0.2 million during the first half of 2011.

On 30 June the Group had loan and other receivables from joint venture companies totalling EUR 15.1 million and a loan receivable from a related party amounting to EUR 10.1 million. The Group’s loans from a related party amounted to EUR 6 million and the Group’s joint venture’s loans from a related party EUR 10.3 million. The Group also had an acquisition related earn-out liability to a related party amounting to EUR 36 million.

The Group has an unused credit facility from its major shareholder Kermas Ltd amounting to USD 55 million. The facility is available to be drawn down until 31 December 2011.

EXCHANGE RATES

The balance sheet date rate is based on exchange rate published by the European Central Bank for the closing date. The average exchange rate is calculated as an average of daily rates from the European Central Bank during the year.

The key exchange rates applied in the accounts:

Average rates
  

  H1/11 H1/10 FY/10
TRY 2.2081 2.0213 1.9965
USD 1.4032 1.3268 1.3257
ZAR 9.6856 9.9913 9.6984


Balance sheet rates  

  30.6.2011 30.6.2010 31.12.2010
TRY 2.3500 1.9400 2.0694
USD 1.4453 1.2271 1.3362
ZAR 9.8569 9.3808 8.8625


FORMULAS FOR FINANCIAL INDICATORS

Financial ratios and indicators have been calculated with the same principles as applied in the 2010 financial statements. These principles are presented below.

Return on equity, % = Profit for the period / Total equity (average for the period) * 100

Return on capital employed, % = Profit before taxes + financing expenses / (total assets - interest-free liabilities) average * 100

Equity ratio, % = Total equity / total assets - prepayments received * 100

Gearing, % = (Interest-bearing debt - liquid funds) / Total equity * 100


Net interest-bearing debt = Interest-bearing debt - liquid funds

Earnings per share, basic, EUR = Profit attributable to owners of the parent company / Average number of shares during the period

Earnings per share, diluted, EUR = Profit attributable to owners of the parent company / Average number of shares during the period, diluted

Operating profit (EBIT) = Operating profit is the net of revenue plus other operating income, plus gain/loss on finished goods inventory change, minus employee benefits expense, minus depreciation, amortisation and impairment and minus other operating expense. Foreign exchange gains or losses are included in operating profit when generated from ordinary activities. Exchange gains or losses related to financing activities are recognised as financial income or expense.


Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) = Operating profit + depreciation + amortisation + impairment losses

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This Interim Report is prepared in accordance with the IAS 34 standard. Ruukki
Group Plc applies the same accounting and IFRS principles as in the 2010 financial statements with the exception that from the beginning of 2011 the Company has applied a new reporting business segment structure. The new reporting business segments are the FerroAlloys and the Speciality Alloys segments. In 2010 the Company had two reporting segments: Wood Processing Business and Minerals Business. The Company has published the comparative financial information for the new segments on 28 April 2011.

The preparation of the Interim Report in accordance with IFRS requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the valuation of the reported assets and liabilities and other information, such as contingent liabilities and the recognition of income and expenses in the income statement. Although the estimates are based on the management’s best knowledge of current events and actions, actual results may differ from the estimates.

The figures in the tables have been rounded off to one decimal point, which must be considered when calculating totals. Average exchange rates for the period have been used
for income statement conversions, and period-end exchange rates for balance sheet.

The Interim Report data are unaudited.

Share-related key figures
  

    Q2/11 Q2/10 H1/11 H1/10 FY/10
Share price
development in London
Stock Exchange*
           
Average share price** EUR 1.60 N/A 1.76 N/A 1.64
  GBP 1.41 N/A 1.53 N/A 1.39
Lowest share price** EUR 1.52 N/A 1.54 N/A 1.60
  GBP 1.34 N/A 1.34 N/A 1.36
Highest share price** EUR 1.81 N/A 1.84 N/A 2.10
  GBP 1.60 N/A 1.60 N/A 1.78
Share price at the end of
the period***
EUR 1.48 N/A 1.48 N/A 1.68
  GBP 1.34 N/A 1.34 N/A 1.45
Market capitalisation at
the end of the period***
EUR million 368.5 N/A 368.5 N/A 416.7
  GBP million 332.6 N/A 332.6 N/A 358.7
Share trading
development
           
Share turnover thousand
shares
11 N/A 93 N/A 712
Share turnover EUR
thousand
17 N/A 164 N/A 1,168
Share turnover GBP
thousand
15 N/A 142 N/A 990
Share turnover % 0.0% N/A 0.0% N/A 0.3%
             
Share price
development in
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
           
Average share price EUR 1.56 1.47 1.67 1.54 1.59
Lowest share price EUR 1.40 1.00 1.40 1.00 1.00
Highest share price EUR 1.80 2.07 2.03 2.30 2.30
Share price at the end of
the period
EUR 1.62 1.55 1.62 1.55 1.70
Market capitalisation at
the end of the period
EUR million 402.1 384.4 402.1 384.4 422.0
Share trading
development
           
Share turnover thousand
shares
3,623 14,342 5,707 16,430 21,042
Share turnover EUR
thousand
5,639 21,083 9,534 25,359 33,414
Share turnover % 1.5% 5.8% 2.3% 6.6% 8.5%


* Ruukki’s shares have been listed on the London Stock Exchange as of 26 July 2010, therefore share information on the LSE is available only from that day onwards.

** Share prices have been calculated on the average EUR/GBP exchange rate published by Bank of Finland.

*** Share price and market capitalisation at the end of the period have been calculated on the EUR/GBP exchange rate published by Bank of Finland at the end of the period.

Formulas for share-related key indicators

Average share price = Total value of shares traded in currency / Number of shares traded during the period

Market capitalisation, million = Number of shares * Share price at the end of the period


FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve uncertainty because they depend on future circumstances, and relate to events, not all of which are within the Company's control or can be predicted by the Company.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Actual results could differ materially from those set out in the forward-looking statements. Save as required by law (including the Finnish Securities Markets Acts (495/1989), as amended, or by the Listing Rules or the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK Financial Services Authority), the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report that may occur due to any changes in the Directors' expectations or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report.


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