AKVA group ASA : 4Q 2012 financial reporting


Challenging low season in Q4 - optimistic outlook

AKVA group achieved revenues of 174.3 MNOK (191.0 MNOK) in the fourth quarter of 2012 with an EBITDA of -4.4 MNOK (3.2 MNOK).

"Q4 has as normal been a low season quarter for AKVA group. The quarter is characterized by low activity on deliveries to cage based aquaculture. However, we have experienced strong order intake for deliveries in 2013 and see positive signals in the market, especially in the Nordic region. With the acquisition of 70 percent of Plastsveis AS the Land Based Technology segment is significantly strengthened and well positioned for future profitable growth" says CEO of AKVA group ASA Trond Williksen.

The Cage Based Technology segment was influenced by slow market conditions during the year and a low order backlog at the beginning of the fourth quarter. Q4 is low season for deliveries of technology and service in the Nordic market which is the largest of our market segments.

During the quarter the activity level in Chile was reduced somewhat compared to last year, explained by slower activity in the market as customers are influenced by low prices on salmon, trout and coho.

In emerging markets (Export outside Scotland and Turkey) there have been limited deliveries in Q4. The interest from new markets is increasing and our efforts to develop emerging markets continue and still pose an exciting potential going forward.

Software continues to deliver stable revenues and solid margins and we continue to invest in new product modules to be launched throughout 2013. It is expected that new product modules will further strengthen the financial performance of the SW segment throughout the year.

The Land Based Technology segment is positioned for future profitable growth and significantly strengthened through acquisition of 70% of Plastsveis AS in Q1 2013. Plastsveis AS is a leading player in installment of land based facilities in Norway. The acquisition is a natural step to strengthen the land based area in the Group and will give AKVA group a strong position in the market place when it comes to delivering a range of solutions for land based facilities to aquaculture. Plastsveis AS is a well-managed company with strong competence and operational capability in its field. The company holds significant synergies with our existing land based activity as well as with our existing activities in Helgeland Plast AS.

There has been strong inflow of new orders in the quarter especially in the Nordic region. Compared to Q4 2011 the activity level in this market segment has increased significantly. Order backlog at the end of the third quarter was 306 MNOK (255 MNOK). The order inflow was 279 MNOK (186 MNOK).

Total assets and total equity amounted to 672.6 MNOK and 325.3 MNOK respectively, resulting in an equity ratio of 48.4% versus 44.9% at the beginning of the year.

Egersund Group AS issued today a stock exchange notice stating that their investment in AKVA group ASA reflects a long term commitment as an industrial majority shareholder in the company. The aim is to participate in the continued development of AKVA group ASA as a leading technology and service partner to the international aquaculture industry, to the benefit of all shareholders. Egersund Group ASA holds no intention of increasing its shareholdings in AKVA group ASA nor to delist the company from Oslo Stock Exchange. Assumed the expected continued development of the values of AKVA group ASA, Egersund Group AS intends, in due time, to float a larger portion of the shares to increase attractiveness for all shareholders."

There is a positive outlook in Nordic market in 2013 due high salmon prices and a optimistic outlook in the medium to long term for the salmon industry. We have experienced high activity level in the market going into the new year. In the longer term the outlook in the Chilean markets remains good and AKVA holds a strong position as a leading technology and service partner in the Chilean industry. AKVA have opened a new office in Tasmania in Q1 2013. This is a careful entry into the Australian and New Zealand market. We expect improvements of activities in emerging export markets. A new contract with Russian Sea-Aquaculture LLC for delivering of a complete AKVA Cage Farm to be installed in the Murmansk region was signed late December 2012.

AKVA continues to build service and after sales and considers this a key business element in the future. This applies in all of our regions as well as technology business segments. Our strong focus on working capital and cash management continues into to the first months of 2013.

About AKVA group

AKVA group is a technology and service partner to the aquaculture industry worldwide. The company has more than 650 employees, offices in 9 countries and a total turnover of 832 MNOK in 2012. We are a public listed company operating in one of the world's fastest growing industries and supply everything from single components to complete installations, both for cage farming and land based aquaculture. AKVA group is recognized as a pioneer and technology leader through more than 30 years. Corporate headquarters are in Bryne Norway.

Dated: 27th February 2013

AKVA group ASA

Web: www.akvagroup.com

CONTACTS:

Trond Williksen Chief Executive Officer
Phone: +47 51 77 85 00
Mobile: +47 91 63 01 73
E-mail: twilliksen@akvagroup.com

 

Eirik Børve Monsen Chief Financial Officer
Phone: +47 51 77 85 00
Mobile: +47 91 63 98 31
E-mail: emonsen@akvagroup.com
 

This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl (Norwegian Securities Trading Act)


Attachments

2012 Q4 AKVA group report 2012 Q4 AKVA group presentation