EXEL OYJ STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 4.11.2003 at 11.00 a.m. 1(6)
EXEL OYJS INTERIM REPORT, JANUARY 1 - SEPTEMBER 30, 2003
Summary:
- Strong growth continued in the third quarter; net sales totaled EUR
14.8 million (12.8), up by 15%, and operating profit totaled EUR 1.9
million (1.3), up by 41% on the corresponding period of 2002.
- During the period January-September 2003 net sales up by 7% and
operating profit by 34%.
- Operating profit improved due to the improved market situation, cost
savings and the increased popularity of Nordic Walking in Central
Europe.
Operating environment
The early signs of market recovery, which began early this summer,
have continued in the autumn in the Industry division. Despite weak
economic growth in our main markets in Central Europe, the demand for
specialty products, especially carbon fiber profiles and products
related to Exels Nordic Fitness SportsTM (NFS) concept has been very
good. We expect the trend to continue.
The raw material markets have been stable despite the occasional price
hikes affecting the oil price. In 2004, there will be pressure to
raise raw material prices, especially in carbon fiber, as aircraft
industry requirements are on the increase, causing growth in demand
for some carbon fiber types.
Industry division
The net sales of the Industry division for the period January-
September 2003 increased by 8.8% and totaled EUR 20.2 million (18.6).
The divisions profitability also remained good, and the operating
profit increased to EUR 2.2 million (1.9). The Industry divisions
product sales continued to increase, despite the fact that its
customers manufacturing activities in basic products remained
cautious. The price competition on the market is tight, which creates
cost pressures.
Despite the caution in the market, the demand for specialty profiles
is high. The profiles product group is carrying out several big R&D
projects mainly focused on the automotive industry, infrastructure
construction and wind energy.
The antenna profiles market took off in the summer, and demand has
continued to increase in the autumn. Demand is expected to remain
strong until next spring. The strong demand anticipates investments in
3G networks.
In the paper industry, machine capacity utilization rates remained
low, which was reflected in the sales volumes of doctor blades. In the
autumn Exel and Metso Corporation have agreed on renewal of their co-
operation and product development agreement.
2 (6)
The lattice mast market picked up significantly in the beginning of
the summer. Demand is expected to increase further as airports prepare
to meet the new regulations set by the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO). The regulations, which come into effect in 2005,
stipulate that the lattice masts used as support structures for
airport lighting systems must break in the case of collision.
Sport division
The net sales of the Sport division during the period totaled EUR 20.5
million (19.4), up by 5.7% on the previous year. Profitability
improved significantly, with the operating profit totaling EUR 1.7
million (0.9). The NFSTM concept is gradually conquering markets and
arousing great interest in the otherwise slow-growing sports goods
market.
The NFSTM and Nordic Walking markets in particular are still growing
strongly in the German speaking countries of Central Europe. Exels
share of the market has remained extremely strong. At the moment,
Nordic Walking is being introduced to new countries such as Australia,
Canada, Japan and Estonia. Exel opened its first Nordic Fitness
SportsTM Park in Saariselkä, Lapland this summer in co-operation with
the International Nordic Walking Association. The park is equipped
with signposts and the walking routes are clearly marked for the
benefit of users. Similar parks have also been opened in Germany and
Austria.
Laminate sales have not reached the set targets as customer production
volumes have been lower than expected. The low product volumes of skis
and snowboards and of specialty products have had the biggest effect.
Exel has reorganized the operations of Exel GmbH Plastics by moving
the printing of snowboard bases to subcontracting during the summer.
In water sports, the demand for windsurfing masts has remained stable.
Customer deliveries for the new collection began in September.
In the main floorball market areas, i.e. Finland, Sweden and
Switzerland, market shares have remained virtually the same. The
International Floorball Federation and companies operating in the
field are working hard to introduce floorball to new countries, e.g.
Germany, Canada and Russia, all prominent ice-hockey countries.
Sales and profits
The Groups net sales grew by 7.2% compared with the previous year.
The distribution of net sales by division was as follows:
Net sales
(EUR million) 1-9/2003 1-9/2002 Change
Industry 20.2 18.6 8.8%
Sport 20.5 19.4 5.7%
3(6)
Total 40.8 38.0 7.2%
Growth in the Sport division was mainly concentrated on Nordic Walking
pole sales in Central Europe, which compensated for the low laminate
sales. In the Industry division, the strongest growth was experienced
in antenna profiles sales and in new carbon fiber applications.
The Groups operating profit was EUR 3.9 million (2.9). The
distribution of operating profit by division and the change compared
with the previous year were as follows:
Operating profit
(EUR million) 1-9/2003 1-9/2002 Change
Industry 2.2 1.9 12.0%
Sport 1.7 0.9 78.3%
Total 3.9 2.9 33.7%
Profitability continued to improve, due to increased sales, the
improved productivity of the Sport divisions production, and the cost
savings conducted mainly in the Groups Finnish units.
Net financial expenses
Net financial expenses totaled EUR 339,000 (474,000). The decrease in
financial expenses was the result of rearrangements made in short-term
loans, and repayment of long-term loans.
Balance sheet, financing and liabilities
The balance sheet totaled EUR 34.4 million (36.0). Interest-bearing
net liabilities decreased by 44.6%, totaling EUR 7.8 million (14.1).
Liabilities remained practically the same.
Capital expenditure
Group capital expenditure totaled EUR 1.4 million (1.5). Investments
have been kept on a low level. New investments were mainly
concentrated on moulds and tools related to product development.
Personnel
On September 30, 2003, Group personnel totaled 342 employees (357).
The decrease was due to the downsizing activities conducted in the
Sport division.
Shares and ownership
Exel Oyjs share capital is EUR 1,854,755 divided into 5,299,300
shares each with a nominal value of EUR 0.35. The members of the Board
of Directors and the President hold 98,100 shares, i.e. 1.9%.
The number of shares traded on the Helsinki Exchanges during the
period under review amounted to 16.6 % of all shares. During the
4 (6)
period the highest share price quoted was EUR 9.00, and the lowest EUR
5.50. The closing price for the review period was EUR 8.55. Market
capitalization was EUR 45.3 million on September 30, 2003.
Prospects for the rest of 2003
The market outlook for the end of 2003 is positive. The popularity of
Nordic Walking in Central Europe is increasing. The demand for antenna
profiles remains good. Significant expenses are booked on new product
developments. Cost pressures are growing due to increasing demand for
certain raw materials. Based on these factors, the company estimates
that its net sales for 2003 will increase and its operating profit
will improve significantly from the previous year.
Mäntyharju, November 4, 2003
Exel Oyj Ari Jokelainen
Board of Directors President & CEO
EXEL GROUP
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
EUR 1,000 1-9/03 1-9/02 change % 1-12/02
NET SALES 40,760 38,016 7 51,203
Increase(+) or decrease (-)
of finished goods and
work in progress 619 716 -14 422
Production for own use 202 174 16 251
Other operating income 323 440 -27 770
Materials and services -15,159 -15,165 0 -20,175
Personnel expenses -10,435 -9,837 6 -13,198
Depreciation -2,421 -2,355 3 -3,318
Other operating expenses -10,039 -9,110 10 -12,153
OPERATING PROFIT 3,850 2,879 34 3,802
Financial income and
expenses (net) -339 -474 -28 -655
PROFIT BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY
ITEMS 3,511 2,405 46 3,147
Extraordinary items
PROFIT BEFORE INCOME
TAXES 3,511 2,405 46 3,147
Income taxes -1,074 -715 50 -921
5 (6)
PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 2,437 1,690 44 2,225
The taxes taken into account are based on the profit for the period.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
EUR 1,000 30.9.03 30.9.02 change % 31.12.2002
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 3,013 3,537 -15 3,521
Consolidation goodwill 348 419 -17 402
Tangible assets 10,205 11,096 -8 10,636
Investment 95 127 -25 127
Current assets
Inventories 8,697 8,883 -2 7,962
Receivables 9,754 11,119 -12 6,635
Marketable securities 344 0
Cash in hand and at bank 1,938 851 128 2,525
Total 34,393 36,032 -5 31,807
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Equity
Share capital 1,855 1,840 1 1,853
Other equity 14,465 12,462 16 13,086
Liabilities
Deferred tax liability 109 171 -36 106
Non-current 4,453 6,600 -33 6,223
Current 13,512 14,959 -10 10,538
Total 34,393 36,032 -5 31,807
FUNDS STATEMENT
EUR 1,000 1-9/03 1-9/02 change % 1-12/02
Cash flow from business
Operations 2,884 -175 1,748 5,348
Invest in tangible and
intangible assets -1,495 -1,593 -6 -1,682
Income from surrender of
tangible and intangible
assets 102 42 143 57
Rights issue 6 43 -86 147
Withdrawal of non-current
loans 54 50 8 71
Repayments of non-current
loans -1 810 -1 808 0 -2 205
Withdrawals of/repayments
6 (6)
of current loans 1,060 4,228 -75 679
Dividend paid -1,060 -1,840 -42 -1,840
Other 16 -30 153
Change in liquid funds -243 -1,083 78 575
30.9.03 30.9.02 change % 31.12.2002
Indicators (EUR 1,000)
Gross investment 1,393 1,545 -10 2,014
% of net sales 3% 4% 4%
R&D expenses 1,248 823 52 1,113
% of net sales 3% 2% 2%
Average personnel 355 378 -6 374
Personnel at end of period 342 357 -4 359
Order book 8,870 8,723 2 7,564
Solvency ratio, % 48% 40% 47%
Return on investment, % 20% 14% 14%
Net gearing, % 48% 99% 55%
Earnings per share, EUR 0.46 0.32 44 0.42
Equity per share, EUR 3.08 2.70 14 2.82
Consolidated contingent liabilities on September 30, 2003
Corporate mortgages 12,500 12,500 12,500
Mortgages on land and
Buildings 2,954 2,954 2,954
Other contingent
liabilities 2,477 3,312 2,694
Columns 1-9/03 and 1-9/02 are unaudited.