CENCORP CORPORATION’S INTERIM REPORT JANUARY – MARCH 2013


Cencorp Corporation     Interim Report  15 May 2013 at 13.45 Finnish time

 

CENCORP CORPORATION’S INTERIM REPORT JANUARY – MARCH 2013

 

The net sales of Cencorp Corporation’s (“Cencorp”) continuing operations for the reporting period January – March 2013 was EUR 2.5 million (EUR 4.4 million in 2012). The operating profit of continuing operations was EUR -0.7 million (0.3), profit for the period EUR -0.7 million (-0.1), earnings per share were EUR -0.002 (-0.0002) and EBITDA was EUR -0.2 million (0.9).

 

GENERAL

 

Cencorp belongs to the Finnish Savcor Corporation (“Savcor”). Savcor Group companies owned approximately 78,9 % of the Cencorp shares on 31 March 2013.
 

More information on principle activities and events during the reporting period can be found in the stock exchange releases published on Cencorp’s website at www.cencorp.com.

 

The Interim Report has been drawn up in compliance with the IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting standard. In the Interim Report Cencorp has applied the same accounting principles as in the annual report 2012. The Interim Report has not been audited.

 

 

FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT
 

14 May 2013 Cencorp announced that the company changes its reporting system to comply with the company’s Cleantech strategy.  As from 1 January 2013 Cencorp reports of three business segments. The segments are Laser and Automation Applications (LAS), Life Cycle Management (LCM) and Clean Energy Solutions (CES). CES also includes the former Special Components segment. The comparison figures for the corresponding period in 2012 are only available of the net sales. Other figures that would be comparable and reliable enough are not available. Cencorp’s new segment information is based on the management’s internal reporting and on the organisation structure of the company.

 

The figures in brackets are comparison figures for the corresponding period in 2012, unless stated otherwise. 29 May 2012 Cencorp announced that it exits from its unprofitable decoration business and closes down its plant in Guangzhou, China, producing components for decorative applications. In consequence of the closing down of the Guangzhou plant and the exit from the decoration business Cencorp reports the financial figures relating to the Guangzhou plant’s decoration business as discontinued operations. In Cencorp’s financial reports the profit of discontinued operations is reported on a separate line, apart from continued operations, thus, the income statement, except the discontinued operations item, concern the company’s continued operations only.

 

January - March 2013 (continued operations)

 

- Cencorp Group’s net sales decreased by 43.2 per cent to EUR 2.5 million (EUR 4.4 million).

- EBITDA was EUR -0.2 million (EUR 0.9 million).
- Operating profit was EUR -0.7 million (EUR 0.3 million).

- The Group’s profit before taxes was EUR -0.7 million (EUR -0.1 million).

- Profit for the period was EUR -0.7 million (EUR -0.1 million).
- Earnings per share were EUR -0.002
(EUR -0.0002) and diluted earnings per share EUR -0.002 (EUR -0.0002).

- Net sales of the Laser and Automation Applications segment (LAS) decreased by 47 per cent to EUR 0.8 million (EUR 1.5 million) and operating profit was EUR -0.6 million. The segment’s EBITDA was EUR -0.4 million.
- Net sales of the Life Cycle Management segment (LCM) decreased by 16.6 per cent to EUR 0.9 million (EUR 1.1 million) and operating profit was EUR 0.1 million. The segment’s EBITDA was EUR 0.1 million.

- Net sales of the new Clean Energy Solutions segment (CES) decreased by 52 per cent to EUR 0.9 million (EUR 1.9 million) and operating profit was EUR -0.2 million. The segment’s EBITDA was EUR 0.1 million.   

 

MANAGING DIRECTOR IIKKA SAVISALO’S REVIEW

 

I found Cencorp Group’s result for the first quarter contradictory. Decline in the comparable net sales and negative EBITDA of ca. EUR -0.188 million (profit in 2012 was ca. EUR 0.935 million) are showing that this year started poorly. Weak order book originating from 2012 caused troubles also at the beginning of 2013 in Cencorp’s traditional automation business. Also the production volumes of the component plant in Beijing was on exceptionally low level in the first quarter of 2013. On the other hand, the company made a major leap, not yet to be seen in the figures, both in its traditional automation related segments (Laser and Automation Solutions, LAS, and Life Cycle Management, LCM) and in its new Clean Energy Solutions segment (CES). More and more quotations for new machine sales were made and the order book started to increase. On 12 February 2013 the company received an EUR 0.6 million order for odd-form automation solutions from an European customer. After the reporting period the demand has continued to be relatively strong. 

 

As the company has previously announced it has started to report of three business segments. The segments are CES (Clean Energy Solutions), LCM (Life Cycle Management) and LAS (Laser and Automation Solutions) which is specializing in new machine sales. At the beginning the Beijing factory’s component deliveries for the electronics industry are included in the CES segment.

 

The decline in the net sales is mainly due to the weak new machine sales as well as to the continuously low level of the electronics component production. The LCM segment’s EBITDA turned to profit during the reporting period, even though the segment’s net sales declined slightly. Notably, the result of the North American operations was reasonable. Deliveries of Clean Energy Solutions were not yet commenced in the first quarter. However, in February 2013 the CES segment booked a grant of EUR 0.6 million from Suur-Savon Energiasäätiö (The Suur-Savo Energy Fund) as one-off income.

 

As announced earlier, Cencorp is going through the biggest transition in the company’s history into a company with main business operations in providing cleantech applications. At the first stage the company will provide its own component family for photovoltaic modules, out of which Conductive Back Sheet (CBS) will be first brought into the market. Additionally, the company is preparing to launch a next generation photovoltaic module family, based on Cencorp’s own CBS technology and a related fully automated production line. The first fully automated production line will be taken into use in Mikkeli, Finland in early 2014. A pilot factory for module production will commence its operation in Mikkeli already in the next few weeks. Cencorp’s own module structures as well as new module production methods will be tested at the pilot factory.

 

OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

 

Cencorp operates in industries applying electronics and Cleantech technology.

 

Cencorp’s operating environment is global. The company’s traditional customers in the electronics industry as well as new CES customers are companies that provide products and services worldwide.  91,6 per cent of Cencorp’s products and services are either exported from Finland or they are manufactured by Cencorp in the US and in China.  

 

Last year Cencorp’s traditional customers in the electronics industry seemed to start changing the strategies they have followed already for some time. In particular, the American and European companies started to establish production lines in new geographical areas instead of China. This kind of development was the most significant in Mexico where e.g. car manufacturers and their suppliers made significant investments. Conventionally Cencorp’s products and services have been most competitive in the North American and European markets. Cencorp is now carefully reviewing the market potential the new production locations may create for Cencorp’s automation business, not forgetting the potential of the still labor intensive markets in Asia.

 

In the cleantech business, particularly in the photovoltaic industry, many big changes took place in 2012. Many of the European and American solar module manufacturers were forced to close down due to the Chinese price competition. Also Chinese manufacturers suffered from the price competition and several Chinese companies were driven into financial troubles. Due to the price competition and dumping allegations the authorities both in the US and in Europe took preventive actions. The US set significant extra tariffs for the specific Chinese PV modules already last year. EU’s exceptionally strong action plan against the PV module dumping leaked out on 8 May 2013 including company specific tariffs of 37 – 68 per cent for the Chinese PV modules. However, the challenging market environment created a unique opportunity for Cencorp to cost-effectively and fast develop and apply its technology and accelerate its investment plan not fully completed, yet.

 

The growing market combined with decreasing production capacity and the actions of the authorities are creating an opportunity for Cencorp, utilizing its Cleantech technologies, to achieve a market position in the global cleantech market. According to external experts' estimations the CBS related market for PV modules may grow up to USD 25 billion by 2020. Cencorp believes it will achieve a position in this market provided its transition into a cleantech company proceeds as planned and it has sufficient capital required for the growth.

 

MARKET OUTLOOK

 

Short-term market outlook in the LAS and LCM segments has improved. There is a positive upswing particularly in the North American market. However, the slow economic development in Europe is clearly reflected in the demand in some countries. Yet, the amount of Cencorp’s quotations is increasing and there are good opportunities to increase the revenues in the near future.

 

The demand for LCM services has also increased recently and the company’s organization and products are ready, to better meet the demand. The LCM operations are expected to continue being mainly profitable also in the future.  

 

In the CES segment the expectations lie in solar modules, module components and in related technology. The share of the electronics component deliveries is expected to decline in this segment. Cencorp has announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on delivering Conductive Back Sheets (CBS) to one of the leading Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturers. In relation to the MOU Cencorp has commenced test production and sample deliveries to finalize product certification. The company has started to deliver samples to several other Chinese manufacturers.

 

For about one year Cencorp has been developing fully automated production technology for CBS modules. The technology has been introduced to almost all of the most significant solar module manufacturers. Cencorp has taken actions to patent the related innovations. There is only a limited amount of competitors in the market and the customer feedback on Cencorp’s production technology has been positive. Cencorp’s production technology has a special niche: production lines have high level of automation, they are easy to use and require only little space. Start-up cost for setting up solar module production from zero amounts to only EUR 10 – 15 million depending on the existing level of existing infrastructure and required capacity. Cencorp is negotiating with several existing module manufacturers as well as with companies planning to establish local module production. Cencorp’s first full-size production plant, based on the company’s own design, planned to operate as the company’s sample factory, is expected to be opened in Mikkeli in early 2014, provided the company has sufficient capital for the project.

 

The third product family in Cencorp’s solar module strategy includes a series of PV modules based on Cencorp’s own CBS technology. The solar module structure that bases on the technology Cencorp acquired from Sunweb Solar at the end of January 2013 and that has been further developed by Cencorp is one of the most efficient according to the international experts Cencorp has quoted. The first ready products are expected to be introduced in the markets during 2013. Cencorp is negotiating with several traditional energy companies and with global companies producing solar energy on providing module installations for their use.

 

In relation to the traditional electronics components production Cencorp continues to provide mainly NFC and RFID antennas.  

 

Cencorp’s Cleantech strategy, if realized, will remarkably change the company’s cost structure and the targets set for the near future. As Cencorp is now in a strong transition phase, following the new strategy, Cencorp cannot assess how the change in company’s business focus will impact to the company and Cencorp has decided not to give any financial guidance for the time being, as stated in the release of 21 August 2012. As the transition phase is still continuing Cencorp does not give any financial guidance either during 2013. 

 

Cencorp’s future outlook will be highly dependent on the company’s ability to reach the targeted market position in the global photovoltaic module market as well as on the company’s long-term and short-term financing. Cencorp’s goal is to reach strong market position as provider of locally produced high-quality photovoltaic modules. Risks are handled in more detail in the item Risk management, risks and uncertainties of this Interim Report.

 

LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES FOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

 

On 21 August 2012 Cencorp’s Board of Directors published its long-term financial and other objectives for Managing Director as follows:

 

 

  • Thorough but fast transition from a company manufacturing only production automation systems and special components into a company that develops and provides Cleantech applications using laser and automation technology, a company with a strong market position as a provider, of locally, produced, high-quality photovoltaic modules and a company operating in various geographical markets.
  • Cencorp’s goal is to increase its shareholder value with growth and profitability. Cencorp aims for growth in Cleantech business where the company has good possibilities to achieve a strong global position and faster growth.
  • Laser and Automation Applications segment has its main focus on the Life Cycle Management of systems and on equipment with growth expectations for service business.
  • In the long run Cencorp is aiming for remarkable growth in its net sales with net sales target of more than EUR 200 million for 2016, with growth coming mainly from Cleantech operations, especially from solar photovoltaic and fuel cell applications, provided the company has sufficient capital.

 

The long-term objectives set for the Managing Director involve also risks and the long-term objectives should not be considered as the company’s financial guidance. Even though the objectives are based on market knowledge and technical surveys, the risks are significant and it is not certain if the Managing Director reaches all or part of the targets set for him.

 

 

FINANCING

 

Cash flow from business operations before investments in January – March was EUR 0.2 million (EUR 1.3 million). Trade receivables at the end of the reporting period were EUR 1.8 million (EUR 4.6 million). Net financial items amounted to EUR -0.01 million (EUR 0.5 million).

 

At the end of March, the equity ratio was 22.9 per cent (55.5 %) and equity per share was EUR 0.01 (EUR 0.05). At the end of the reporting period, the Group’s liquid assets totaled EUR 0.4 million (EUR 0.5 million) unused export credit limits, bank guarantee limits and factoring loans amounted to EUR 1.3 million (EUR 2.2 million). Sharp drop in the equity ratio originates, among other things, from write-off of ca. EUR 5.7 million relating to the closing of the Guangzhou plant.

 

As previously announced, Cencorp’s financing position has been tight and it involves risks. The loan arrangement of about EUR 3 million made with Tekes in December 2012 and the EUR 1.5 million convertible bond subscribed in December 2012 have had positive effects in Cencorp's financing position. However, the Cencorp’s ongoing transition into a company that develops and provides Cleantech applications requires major investments. According to estimates available, the company's financing position continues to be tight until the transition phase and relating financing have been completed successfully.

 

Cencorp has commenced preparations for a share issue. The objective of the share issue is to finance the execution of the company’s photovoltaic module business plan. Cencorp will inform later on the terms and schedule of the share issue. The company is also negotiating various options of financing with other investors in order to be able to exercise its business plans.

 

Cencorp agreed with its financiers on amendment of the financial agreements and announced on 3 December 2012 that:

 

- Sampo Pankki Oyj’s financial facility agreement totaling EUR 4 million was continued until the end of June 2013;

- the maturity date of a convertible bond of some EUR 1.2 million from Savcor Group Oy was extended until the end of June 2013; and

- the maturity date of a loan of EUR one million from Savcor Invest BV (former AC Invest BV), a daughter company of Savcor Group Oy, was extended until the end of June 2013.
 

According to estimates available, the company’s financing position will continue to be tight. According to the opinion of Cencorp management the working capital of the company is not sufficient to complete the ongoing investment plan, based on the company’s strategy, for next twelve (12) months. From the company’s point of view, one of the most important risks is sufficiency of working capital. Cencorp has loans which will be due in following twelve (12) months. Cencorp’s operational conditions will be highly dependent on whether Cencorp manages to rearrange the loans. Therefore the company has, in addition to the above-mentioned measures, started negotiations with its main financiers and owners on measures to strengthen the financing position until the company’s cash flow is expected to return to positive. With these actions Cencorp believes that the company has secured sufficient working capital for the next twelve (12) months and will be able to complete its strategic investments.

 

 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The Group’s research and development costs during the January – March period amounted to EUR 0.5 million (EUR 0.4 million) or 19.1 (8.0) per cent of net sales.

 

 

INVESTMENTS

 

Gross investments during the January – March period amounted to EUR 1.8 million (EUR 0.4 million). The largest investments were EUR 1.3 million in development costs.

 

PERSONNEL

 

At the end of March the Group employed 160 (330) people, out of which 54 persons worked in Finland, 97 persons in China and 9 persons in other countries. During the reporting period, salaries and fees totalled EUR 1.0 million (EUR 1.2 million).

 

 

SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS

 

Cencorp’s share capital amounts to EUR 3 425 059.10. The number of shares is 342 161 270. The company has one series of shares, which confer equal rights in the company. Cencorp did not own any of its own shares at the end of the reporting period.

 

The company had a total of 4721 shareholder at the end of March 2013, and 0.8 per cent of the shares were owned by foreigners. The ten largest shareholders held 89.2 per cent of the company’s shares and voting rights on 31 March 2013.

 

The largest shareholders on 31 March 2013

 

  Shares Votes
1. SAVCOR GROUP LIMITED 133 333 333 39,0
2. SAVCOR GROUP OY 119 235 078 34,8
3. SAVCOR INVEST BV  17 499 999 5,1
4. KESKINÄINEN ELÄKEVAKUUTUSYHTIÖ ETERA  16 394 735 4,8
5. GASELLI CAPITAL OY  11 000 000 3,2
6. GASELLI CAPITAL PARTNERS OY   2 050 000 0,6
7. JOKELA MARKKU   1 804 728 0,5
8. PARPOLA VILLE   1 478 759 0,4
9. OY TROBE   1 268 431 0,4
10. OY ETRA INVEST AB   1 105 262 0,3
OTHERS  36 990 945 10,8
TOTAL 342 161 270 100,0

 

 

 

The members of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO, either directly or through companies under their control, held a total of 270 068 410 shares in the company on 31 March 2013, representing about 78.9 per cent of the company’s shares and voting rights. Iikka Savisalo, Cencorp’s Managing Director, either directly or through companies under his control, held a total of 270 068 410 shares in the company, 8,931,000 options connected to bond I/2010 and 21,428,571 options connected to bond I/2012.

 

The price of Cencorp’s share varied between EUR 0.06 and 0.10 during the January – March period. The average price was EUR 0.08 and the closing price at the end of March EUR 0.07. A total of 8.4 million Cencorp shares were traded at a value of EUR 0.7 million during the January – March period. The company’s market capitalization at the end of March stood at EUR 24.0 million.

 

No share options were granted to the company’s management during the reporting period excluding the below mentioned options connected to bond I/2012 that were subscribed by SCI Invest Oy which is under control of Iikka Savisalo and Tuukka Savisalo, who is responsible for photovoltaic module development at Cencorp. On 31 December 2012, the company had 8,931,000 options connected to bond I/2010 with a subscription period ending on 25 May 2015. Savcor Group Oy holds the options connected to bond I/2010. On 31 December 2012 the company hold 21,428,571 options connected to bond I/2012 with subscription period ending on 7 September 2014. Options connected to bond I/2012 are held by SCI Invest Oy and Savcor Group Oy.
 

 

SHARE ISSUE AUTHORIZATIONS IN FORCE


1,069,000 shares remain under the authorization given by Cencorp’s Annual General Meeting on 28 April 2009 to issue 10,000,000 new shares in Cencorp.
 

Cencorp’s Extraordinary General Meeting held on 30 January 2012 decided to authorize the Board of Directors to issue 100,000,000 new shares. There were no other resolutions made at the Extraordinary General Meeting. 78,571,429 shares remain under the authorization. In the first half of 2013, 4,000,000 shares, under the authorization, will be issued in a directed share issue for Sunweb Solar to pay part of the purchase price of the transaction carried out in January. 

 

DECISIONS BY THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

 

Cencorp Corporation's Annual General Meeting was held on 29 April 2013 in Mikkeli, Finland. The AGM approved the 2012 financial statements and released the members of the Board and the President and the CEOs from liability for the financial year 2012. According to the Board's proposal, it was decided that no dividend for the financial year 2012 will be distributed. It was also decided that the loss for the financial period that ended on 31 December 2012 will be entered in retained earnings.

 

Mrs Marjukka Karttunen (born 1967) was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors of Cencorp Corporation. Karttunen in an entrepreneur operating in the field of public relations and lobbying. Previously she was a Member of Parliament of Finland for eight years in the National Coalition Party's parliamentary group and acted as CEO of the Central Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Finland. Marjukka Karttunen is Chairman of the Board of Port

of Turku and a Board Member of TVT Asunnot Oy. Industrial counsellor Hannu Savisalo and Iikka Savisalo continue as old Board members in the Cencorp Corporation's Board of Directors.

 

At its organizing meeting following the AGM, Cencorp's Board of Directors elected Hannu Savisalo as the Chairman and Marjukka Karttunen as the Vice Chairman of the Board. The Board of Directors decided, due to the scope of the company's business, that it is not necessary to establish any separate Board committees.

 

The AGM decided that an annual remuneration of EUR 40,000 will be paid to the Chairman and to the Vice Chairman of the Board, and EUR 30,000 to the members of the Board of Directors.

 

Ernst & Young Oy, Authorized Public Accounting Firm, continues as the company auditor and Mikko Rytilahti, APA, as the responsible auditor.

 

 

MAIN TERMS OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED WITH SUNWEB SOLAR

 

On 29 January 2013 Cencorp announced that the company and Sunweb Solar  completed a transaction in which Cencorp acquired Sunweb Solar's photovoltaic module business and related pilot production line, the Sunweb trademark as well as the patents and other intellectual property rights relating to the business. The purchase price amounting to ca. one million Euros is paid partly in cash and partly in Cencorp shares. Purchase price paid in Cencorp shares is 4,000,000 registered Cencorp shares, which are, as a part of the transaction, valued at the price of EUR 0.12 per share. The shares, a part of the payment of this transaction, have not been issued, yet, however, a directed share issue will be arranged in the first half of the year. Purchase price paid in cash amounts to EUR 450,000. Sunweb Solar agrees not to sell its Cencorp shares received as purchase price payment before 31 December 2013.

 

 

MAIN TERMS OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED WITH AVERY DENNISON

 

On 21 August Cencorp announced that the company and Avery Dennison Corporation (”Avery Dennison”), a US based company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) according to which Cencorp acquires Avery Dennison’s Conductive Back Sheet (CBS) business and related intellectual property rights. The MOU is non-binding. The purchase price stated in the MOU is USD 500,000 cash and 6,711,409 Cencorp shares. Avery Dennison agrees not to sell its Cencorp shares received as purchase price payment within 12 months from the effective date of the definitive purchase agreement. Cencorp will separately enter into agreements with the key persons that were involved with the business being acquired to join Cencorp team. Negotiations with Avery Dennison are still going on. The risks related to the non-binding MOU signed with Avery Dennison have been handled in more detail in the item “Risk management, risks and uncertainties” of this Interim Report.

 

 

 

MAIN TERMS OF THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED WITH A MAJOR CHINESE SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) MODULE MANUFACTURER ON DELIVERING CONDUCTIVE BACK

SHEETS

 

On 5 November 2012 Cencorp announced that the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on delivering Conductive Back Sheets (CBS) to one of the leading Chinese PV (photovoltaic) module manufacturers. The value of the Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be at its minimum ca. EUR 20 million over the course of next three years. The Memorandum of Understanding is non-binding. As a result of the evaluation process the customer became convinced of Cencorp's technology and production capability and decided to sign with Cencorp a Memorandum of Understanding determining preliminary commercial terms between the companies for the next three years. In the Memorandum of Understanding the companies agreed for example on the following:

 

  - Cencorp prepares to increase its capacity to meet the customer's growing demands.

  - The customer commits itself to purchase the volumes together agreed upon. The customer's current capacity need corresponds to deliveries of ca. EUR 20 million in the course of next three years.

  - The customer commits itself to run required certification for the CBS.

  - Cencorp commits itself to further develop the product and its competitiveness.

  - Besides the cooperation in manufacturing the parties agree to cooperate in product development and marketing as well as in new innovations to enhance the parties' competitiveness in solar modules and related production technologies.

 

According to the customer's latest written estimate received from the customer at the end of January 2013 CBS mass deliveries commences during the first half of 2013.

 

The risks related to the non-binding MOU signed with the Chinese solar photovoltaic module manufacturer have been handled in more detail in the item “Risk management, risks and uncertainties” of this Interim Report.

 

 

 

MAIN TERMS OF THE TEKES LOAN ARRANGEMENT

 

The Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation - Tekes has given Cencorp a loan, of ca. EUR 3 million, to develop a business and production model relating to the design and production of cost effective photovoltaic modules as well as to the development of module components. The loan can amount maximum to 50 per cent of the project's total costs which are estimated to be ca. EUR 6 million. The loan will be withdrawn in the course of the years 2013 and 2014. The loan period is ten years.

 

Among other things, the Tekes funding decision is subject to capital investments, amounting totally to EUR 3 million at the minimum, to be made in Cencorp during the period from 20 September 2012 to 30 June 2013. Half of the required investments was already secured on 3 December 2012 as Savcor Group Oy and SCI Invest Oy, a company under the control of Iikka Savisalo, the CEO of Cencorp, subscribed totally 1.5 million Euros of Cencorp's convertible bond issued as a capital loan.

 

 

RISK MANAGEMENT, RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

 

Cencorp’s Board of Directors is responsible for the control of the company’s accounts and finances. The Board is responsible for internal control, while the President and CEO handles the practical arrangement and monitors the efficiency of internal control. Business management and control are taken care of using a Group-wide reporting and forecasting system.

 

The purpose of risk management is to ensure that any significant business risks are identified and monitored appropriately. The company’s business and financial risks are managed centrally by the Group’s financial department, and reports on risks are presented to the Board of Directors as necessary.

 

Due to the small size of the company and its business operations, Cencorp does not have an internal auditing organization or an audit committee.

 

The sufficiency of the company’s financing and working capital involve risks that are handled in more detail in the item Financing of this Interim Report. According to available estimates, the company's financing position will continue to be tight. According to the opinion of the Cencorp management the working capital of the company is not sufficient for the next twelve (12) months to realize the strategic investment plan going on in the company. From the company’s point of view one of the most significant risks is the sufficiency of working capital. Cencorp has loans which will be due in the following twelve (12) months, and whether the company succeeds or fails to rearrange the loans will have a significant effect in the company’s operations. Therefore the company has, in addition to the above-mentioned measures, started negotiations with its main financiers and owners on measures to strengthen the financing position until the company’s cash flow is expected to return to positive. By these actions Cencorp believes to secure sufficiency of working capital for the next twelve (12) months and to finalize investments according to the company’s strategy.

 

Realization of a share issue, which the company announced on 21 August 2012, involves risks. It is not secured that the company will be able to collect capital to finance the establishing of photovoltaic module business plan. If the share issue doesn’t materialize as planned, there is a risk that the establishment of Cencorp’s Cleantech strategy will be postponed or even fail, partly or totally.

 

As it is difficult to make forecasts in an industry that is dependent on economic cycles, the biggest business risks are related to fluctuations in the demand for products and to the adjustment of operations to meet demand.

 

In terms of profitability, the most essential risks are related to the achievement of a sufficient invoicing volume in all three business segments and the success achieved with the programs underway at Cencorp to improve profitability, such as improvements in productivity and business flexibility through outsourcing production.

 

In terms of operations, the biggest risks are related to outsourcing in-house equipment production to contract manufacturers, in particular to whether the production chain efficiency targets are achieved as planned.
 

Cencorp's transition from a company manufacturing only production automation systems and special components into a company that develops and provides Cleantech applications using laser and automation technology, a company with a strong market position as a provider, of locally, produced, high-quality photovoltaic modules and a company operating in various geographical markets, involves risks. Even though Cencorp's strategy and objectives are based on market knowledge and technical surveys,the risks are significant and it is not certain if the company reaches all or part of the targets set for it. Cencorp's future outlook will be highly dependent on the company's ability to reach the targeted market position in the global photovoltaic module market as well as on the company's long-term financing. Cencorp's goal is to reach strong market position as provider of locally produced high-quality photovoltaic modules.

 

 

The execution of the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding signed with Avery Dennison involves risks. The final terms of the transaction are still under negotiations and realization of the acquisition is not yet certain. Additionally, the transaction is still subject to several issues such as due diligence and especially to Cencorp’s short and long-term financing required to run the business being acquired. Thus, Cencorp is not yet able to estimate possible realization, effective date neither acquisition’s influence in Cencorp nor risks relating to the transaction. Cencorp will announce further information on the matter as soon as the negotiations have been finished.

 

The execution of the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding signed with a major Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturer involves risks. The final terms of an agreement are still under negotiations, thus execution of the agreement is not yet guaranteed. Additionally, the agreement is subject to Cencorp's short-term and long-term financing which is still under negotiation. Thus, Cencorp is not yet able to estimate the agreement's possible execution, effective date neither the agreement's impact in Cencorp nor the final risks relating to it. However, in regard to the Memorandum of Understanding on delivering CBS to the Chinese photovoltaic module manufacturer, the estimated minimum value of EUR 20 million for the next three years will probably stay non-binding even though the actual Memorandum of Understanding turns into a binding supply contract. In this business customers do not give binding order estimations.

 

The long-term objectives set for the Managing Director involves also risks and the long-term objective should not be considered as the company’s financial guidance. Even though the objectives are based on market knowledge and technical surveys, the risks are significant and it is not certain if the Managing Director reaches all or part of the targets set for him.

 

The Tekes loan arrangement involves risks. Among other things, the Tekes funding decision is subject to capital investments, amounting totally to 3 million Euros at the minimum, to be made in Cencorp during the period from 20 September 2012 to 30 June 2013. Half of the required investments was already secured on 3 December 2012 as Savcor Group Oy and SCI Invest Oy, a company under the control of Iikka Savisalo, the CEO of Cencorp, subscribed totally 1.5 million Euros of Cencorp's convertible bond which is a capital loan.

 

Other risks connected to Cencorp have been presented in more detail in the Annual Report for 2012.
 

 

 

In Mikkeli, 15 May 2013

 

Cencorp Corporation

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

 

For more information please contact:

Cencorp: Iikka Savisalo, President and CEO, tel. +358 40 521 6082, iikka.savisalo@savcor.com

 

 

Distribution:

NASDAQ OMX, Helsinki

Main media

www.cencorp.com

 

 

Cencorp Corporation is a leading provider of industrial automation solutions. The equipment included in the product portfolio designed for depaneling, odd-form assembly, testing and laser materials processing substantially improves the efficiency of customers' production. The product range also includes EMI shielding solutions, RFID antennas, other flexible circuits including for example conductive back sheets used in photovoltaic modules and mobile phone antennas. Cencorp's customers are manufacturers of automotive electronics, mobile phone antennas and photovoltaic modules as well as manufacturers operating in telecommunications and in industrial automation. Cencorp's head office is located in Mikkeli, Finland. The company is part  of the Finnish Savcor Group.

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
(unaudited)        
         
         
1 000 EUR   1-3/2013 1-3/2012 1-12/2012
Continuing operations      
Net sales   2 492 4 385 15 441
Cost of sales -2 327 -3 885 -14 731
Gross profit 165 500 710
         
Other operating income 702 1 227 1 791
Product development expenses -475 -353 -1 458
Sales and marketing expenses -414 -412 -2 072
Administrative expenses -540 -594 -2 669
Other operating expenses -121 -19 -235
         
Operating profit -684 350 -3 932
         
Financial income 367 183 380
Financial expenses -354 -636 -1 224
         
Profit before taxes from continuing operations -670 -103 -4 776
         
Income taxes 2 24 26
         
Profit/loss for the period from continuing operations -669 -79 -4 750
         
Discontinued operations      
Profit/loss after tax for the period from discontinued operations -9 -937 -8 606
         
Profit/loss for the period -678 -1 016 -13 356
         
Profit/loss attributable to:      
Shareholders of the parent company -678 -1 016 -13 356
         
Earnings/share (diluted), eur -0,002 -0,003 -0,04
Earnings/share (basic), eur -0,002 -0,003 -0,04
         
Continuing operations:      
Earnings/share (diluted), eur -0,002 0,000 -0,01
Earnings/share (basic), eur -0,002 0,000 -0,01
         
Profit/loss for the period -678 -1 016 -13 356
         
Other comprehensive income      
Translation difference 23 -260 93
Net other comprehensive income to be reclassified to       
profit or loss in subsequent periods 23 -260 93
         
Total comprehensive income for the period -654 -1 276 -13 263
         
Total comprehensive income attributable to:      
Shareholders of the parent company -654 -1 276 -13 263

 

 

Consolidated statement of financial position  
(unaudited)        
         
         
1 000 EUR   31.3.2013 31.3.2012 31.12.2012
         
ASSETS        
         
Non-current assets      
Property, plant and equipment 6 923 7 315 6 688
Consolidated goodwill 2 967 2 967 2 967
Other intangible assets 3 864 2 783 2 979
Available-for-sale investment 10 10 10
Deferred tax assets 9 10 9
Total non-current assets 13 772 13 085 12 652
         
Current assets        
Inventories   2 850 3 140 2 693
Trade and other non-interest-bearing receivables 2 693 3 847 2 695
Cash and cash equivalents 439 537 583
Total current assets 5 981 7 523 5 971
         
Assets classified as held for sale 37 8 812 79
         
Total assets   19 790 29 420 18 702
         
         
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES      
         
Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company    
         
Share capital   3 425 3 425 3 425
Other reserves   43 691 43 344 43 691
Translation difference 701 324 677
Retained earnings   -43 289 -30 751 -43 091
Total equity   4 528 16 342 4 703
         
Non-current liabilities      
Non-current loans   2 554 520 2 095
Deferred tax liabilities 24 26 26
Total non-current liabilities 2 578 546 2 121
         
Current liabilities        
Current interest-bearing liabilities 4 760 4 120 4 731
Trande and other payables 7 679 6 065 6 850
Current provisions   244 255 257
Total current liabilities 12 683 10 440 11 839
         
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale 1 2 093 40
         
Total liabilities   15 262 13 079 14 000
         
Equity and liabilities total 19 790 29 420 18 702
         

 

 

Consolidated statement of cash flows    
(unaudited)        
           
           
1 000 EUR   1-3/2013 1-3/2012 1-12/2012
           
Cash flow from operating activities        
Income statement profit/loss from continuing operations before taxes   -670 -103 -4 776
Income statement profit/loss from discontinued operations before taxes   -9 -937 -8 606
Income statement profit/loss before taxes   -679 -1 041 -13 382
Non-monetary items adjusted on income statement        
  Depreciation and impairment  + 496 936 8 682
  Gains/losses on disposals of non-current assets  +/- -8 -1 143 -655
  Unrealized exchange rate gains (-) and losses (+)  +/- -286 294 108
  Other non-cash transactions  +/- 139 0 -1 181
  Financial income and expense  + 273 231 845
Total cash flow before change in working capital   -65 -723 -5 583
           
Change in working capital        
  Increase (-) / decrease (+) in inventories   -114 252 827
  Increase (-) / decrease (+) in trade and other receivables   231 1 420 4 863
  Increase (+) / decrease (-) in trade and other payables   253 490 -162
Change in working capital   370 2 162 5 529
           
Adjustment of financial items and taxes to cash-based accounting      
  Interest paid  - -91 -92 -257
  Interest received  + 0 1 4
  Other financial items  - -29 -31 -258
  Taxes paid  - 0 16 18
Financial items and taxes   -121 -106 -492
NET CASH FLOW FROM BUSINESS OPERATIONS   185 1 333 -547
           
           
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES        
Investments in tangible and intangible assets  - -776 -469 -1 757
Proceeds on disposal of tangible and intangible assets  + 19 3 605 4 465
Repayment of loan receivables  + 0 0 0
NET CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS   -743 3 136 2 708
           
           
CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES        
Proceeds from  non-current borrowings  + 404 0 1 559
Stock options of the convertible bond  + 0 0 347
Proceeds from current borrowings  + 621 905 5 404
Repayment of current borrowings  - -592 -5 204 -9 174
Dividends paid  - 0 0 0
NET CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES   431 -4 300 -1 865
           
           
INCREASE (+) OR DECREASE (-) IN CASH FLOW   -127 169 296
           

 

 

Consolidated statement of changes in equity    
(unaudited)            
             
             
1 000 EUR Share capital Other reserves Translation difference Distributable non-restricted equity fund Retained earnings Total
31.12.2012 3 425 4 908 677 38 783 -43 091 4 703
Share related payments - - - - 480 480
Translation difference, comprehensive income - - 23 - - 23
Profit/loss for the period - - - - -678 -678
31.3.2013 3 425 4 908 701 38 783 -43 289 4 528
             
             
             
             
             
1 000 EUR Share capital Other reserves Translation difference Distributable non-restricted equity fund Retained earnings Total
31.12.2011 3 425 4 908 584 38 436 -29 735 17 618
Translation difference, comprehensive income - - -260 - - -260
Profit/loss for the period - - - - -1 016 -1 016
31.3.2012 3 425 4 908 324 38 436 -30 751 16 342
             
             

 

Segment information      
(unaudited)        
           
14 May 2013 Cencorp announced that the company changes its reporting system to comply with the company's Cleantech strategy and as from 1 January 2013 Cencorp reports of three business segments. The segments are Laser and Automation Applications, Life Cycle Management and Clean Energy Solutions (including also the former Special Components segment).  The comparison figures for the corresponding period in 2012 concern only the net sales. Other figures that would be compareble and reliable enough are not available. Cencorp's new segment information is based on the management's internal reporting and on the organisation structure.
           
The segment information include only continuing operations. Information regarding discontinued operations is given in attachment "Discontinued operations".
1 000 EUR   1-3/2013 1-3/2012 1-12/2012
Net sales        
  Laser and Automation Applications 779 1 471 5 909
  Life Cycle Management of Laser and Automation Applications 878 1 053 3 708
  Clean Energy Solutions   893 1 861 5 865
  Eliminations   -59 0 -41
  Total   2 492 4 385 15 441
Operating profit        
  Laser and Automation Applications -592 - -
  Life Cycle Management of Laser and Automation Applications 88 - -
  Clean Energy Solutions   -185 - -
  Eliminations   6 - -
  Total   -684 - -
EBITDA        
  Laser and Automation Applications -442 - -
  Life Cycle Management of Laser and Automation Applications 122 - -
  Clean Energy Solutions   126 - -
  Eliminations   6 - -
  Total   -188 - -
Depreciation        
  Laser and Automation Applications 137 - -
  Life Cycle Management of Laser and Automation Applications 35 - -
  Clean Energy Solutions   311 - -
  Total   482 - -
Impairment        
  Laser and Automation Applications 14 - -
  Life Cycle Management of Laser and Automation Applications 0 - -
  Clean Energy Solutions   0 - -
  Total   14 - -
           
           

 

Segment information        
(unaudited)        
           
When the comparison figures that would be comparable and reliable enough are not available for the corresponding period in 2012, Cencorp reports the segment information also according the old reporting system with two segments. The segment information include only continuing operations.
           
The Group had two reporting segments till 31 December 2012: Laser and Automation Applications, and Special Components. The Laser and Automation Applications segment comprised Cencorp’s former business and the Special Components segment the business acquired through the Face transaction in 2010.
1 000 EUR   1-3/2013 1-3/2012 1-12/2012
Net sales        
  Laser and Automation Applications   1 604 2 527 9 624
  Special Components   889 1 861 5 858
  Eliminations   -1 -2 -41
  Total   2 492 4 385 15 441
Operating profit        
  Laser and Automation Applications   -284 -750 -3 221
  Special Components   -425 1 105 -712
  Eliminations   25 -5 1
  Total   -684 350 -3 932
EBITDA        
  Laser and Automation Applications   -93 -571 -2 401
  Special Components   -120 1 511 812
  Eliminations   25 -5 1
  Total   -188 935 -1 588
Profit/loss for the period        
  Laser and Automation Applications   -410 -905 -3 644
  Special Components   -277 852 -1 120
  Eliminations   19 -26 14
  Total   -669 -79 -4 750
Assets        
  Laser and Automation Applications   15 425 30 016 27 995
  Special Components   10 582 12 685 10 964
  Assets classified as held for sale   37 8 812 79
  Eliminations   -6 254 -22 093 -20 336
  Total   19 790 29 420 18 702
Liabilities        
  Laser and Automation Applications   13 625 9 230 11 873
  Special Components   8 360 9 037 8 003
  Liabilities directly associated with assets held for sale 1 2 093 40
  Eliminations   -6 724 -7 281 -5 917
  Total   15 262 13 079 14 000
Gross investments        
  Laser and Automation Applications   1 272 42 849
  Special Components   499 404 989
  Assets classified as held for sale   0 1 4
  Total   1 771 446 1 842
Depreciation        
  Laser and Automation Applications   177 180 675
  Special Components   305 406 1 434
  Total   482 585 2 109
Impairment        
  Laser and Automation Applications   14 0 145
  Special Components   0 0 90
  Total   14 0 235

 

 

Discontinued operations      
(unaudited)      
         
29 May 2012 Cencorp announced that it exits from its unprofitable decoration business and closes down its plant in Guangzhou, China, producing decoration applications. In consequence of the closing down of the Guangzhou plant and the exit from decoration business Cencorp reports the financial figures relating to the Guangzhou plant’s decoration business as discontinued operations from now on.
         
The assets of Savcor Face (Guangzhou) Technologies Co., Ltd, reported as discontinued operation, were written- off at fair value in the second quarter of 2012 and sold in the fourth quarter of 2012. 
         
The results and major classes of assets and liabilities of Savcor Face (Guangzhou) Technolgies Co., are as follows:
         
1 000 EUR 1-3/2013 1-3/2012 1-12/2012
         
Revenue 0 1 273 1 878
Expenses -9 -2 139 -5 620
Other opeating income 0 0 1 031
Loss recognised on the remeasurement to fair value 0 0 -5 833
Operating profit -9 -866 -8 544
Finance costs 0 -72 -62
Profit/loss before tax from discontinued operation -9 -937 -8 606
Income tax 0 0 0
Profit/loss after tax from discontinued operation -9 -937 -8 606
         
Assets      
Property, plant and equipment 0 5 561 0
Other intangible assets 0 551 0
Inventories 0 702 0
Trade and other non-interest-bearing receivables 36 1 996 39
Cash and cash equivalents 0 2 40
Assets classified as held for sale 37 8 812 79
         
Liabilities      
Trande and other payables 1 2 093 40
Provisions 0 0 0
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale 1 2 093 40
Net assets directly associated with disposal group 36 6 720 39
         
         
         
Savcor Face (Guangzhou) Technolgies Co., Ltd:n net cash flow:      
         
1 000 EUR 1-3/2013 1-3/2012 1-12/2012
         
Operating -41 -31 17
Investing 0 -9 -20
Financing 0 0 0
Net cash flow -41 -40 -3
         
Earnings/share (basic), from discontinued operations -0,00003 -0,003 -0,03
Earnings/share (diluted) from discontinued operations -0,00003 -0,003 -0,03

 

 

Key figures      
(unaudited)      
       
       
1 000 EUR 1-3/2013 1-3/2012 1-12/2012
       
Net sales 2 492 4 385 15 441
Operating profit -684 350 -3 932
% of net sales -27,4 8,0 -25,5
EBITDA -188 935 -1 588
% of net sales -7,5 21,3 -10,3
Profit before taxes -670 -103 -4 776
% of net sales -26,9 -2,4 -30,9
       
Balance Sheet value 19 790 29 420 18 702
Equity ratio, %  22,9 55,5 25,2
Net gearing, % 151,8 25,1 132,7
Gross investments 1 771 446 1 842
% of net sales 71,1 10,2 11,9
Research and development costs 475 353 1 458
% of net sales 19,1 8,0 9,4
       
Order book 2 076 4 286 1 438
       
Personnel on average 165 333 241
Personnel at the end of the period 160 330 168
       
Non-interest-bearing liabilities 7 679 6 065 6 850
Interest-bearing liabilities 7 314 4 639 6 825
       
Share key indicators      
Earnings/share (basic) -0,002 -0,003 -0,04
Earnings/share (diluted) -0,002 -0,003 -0,04
Earnings/share (basic), from continuing operations -0,002 -0,0002 -0,01
Earnings/share (diluted) from continuing operations -0,002 -0,0002 -0,01
Equity/share 0,01 0,05 0,01
P/E ratio -35,35 -26,93 -1,54
Highest price 0,10 0,12 0,12
Lowest price 0,06 0,07 0,05
Average price 0,08 0,1 0,08
Closing price 0,07 0,08 0,06
Market capitalisation, at the end of the period, MEUR 24,0 27,4 20,5
       
       
Calculation of Key Figures      
       
       
EBITDA, %: Operating profit + depreciation + impairment
  Net sales    
       
Equity ratio, %: Total equity x 100    
  Total assets - advances received  
       
Net gearing, %: Interest-bearing liabilities - cash and cash equivalents  
  and marketable securities x 100  
  Shareholders' equity + minority interest 
       
Earnings/share (EPS): Profit/loss for the period to the owner of the parent company
  Average number of shares adjusted for share issue 
  at the end of the financial year  
       
Equity/share: Equity attributable to shareholders of the parent company
  Undiluted number of shares on the balance sheet date
       
       
P/E ratio: Price on the balance sheet date  
  Earnings per share  
       

 

 

Fair values    
(unaudited)    
     
  Carrying amount Fair value
1 000 EUR 31.3.2013 31.3.2013
     
Financial assets    
Available-for-sale investments 10 10
Trade and other receivables 2 693 2 693
Cash and cash equivalents 439 439
     
The fair value of trade and other receivables is expected to correspond to the carrying amount due to their short maturity.
     
     
     
Financial liabilities    
R&D loan, non-current 783 783
Other liabilities, non-current 552 552
Loans from financial institutions, current 2 384 2 384
Other liabilities, current 1 146 1 146
Trade payables and other non-interest-bearing liabilities 7 079 7 079
     
The fair value of non-current liabilities is expected to correspond to the carrying amount as the loans were withdrawn in late 2012 and in 2013 and recognized to their fair value when recorded.
     
     
     

 

Change in intangible and tangible assets    
(unaudited)      
       
       
1 000 EUR 31.3.2013 31.3.2012 31.12.2012
       
Includes tangible assets, consolidated goodwill and other intangible assets      
       
Carrying amount, beginning of period 12 634 22 609 22 609
  Depreciation and impairment -482 -585 -2 109
  Additions 1 447 446 1 838
  Disposals -99 -2 422 -2 989
  Discontinued operations 0 -541 -6 654
  Exchange rate difference 254 -328 -61
Carrying amount, end of period 13 754 19 178 12 634
       
       
       

 

Commitments and contingent liabilities    
(unaudited)      
       
       
1 000 EUR 31.3.2013 31.3.2012 31.12.2012
       
Loans from financial institutions 1 241 1 151 1 247
 Promissory notes secured by pledge 12 691 12 691 12 691
 Mortgages on real estate 0 0 0
       
Factoring loan and export credit limit 1 130 532 1 090
 Trade receivables 735 532 695
 Promissory notes secured by pledge 12 691 12 691 12 691
       
Operating leases      
 Payable within one year  24 58 50
 Payable over one year 11 74 38
       
Commitments      
 Payable within one year  1 096 875 922
 Payable over one year 846 948 849
       
Commitments discontinued operations      
 Payable within one year  0 563 0
 Payable over one year 0 3 797 0