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Kesko's interim report for the period 1 Jan. to 30 Jun. 2014
KESKO CORPORATION INTERIM REPORT 22.07.2014 AT 09.00 1( 32)
Kesko's interim report for the period 1 Jan. to 30 Jun. 201 4
Financial performance in brief:
*The Group's net sales for January-June EUR4,499 million, change -1.8%.
*Operating profit excluding non-recurring items EUR86.7 million (EUR88.4 million).
*Earnings per share excluding non-recurring items EUR0.64 (EUR0.56).
*Equity ratio 52.3% (50.5%).
* Kesko Group's net sales and operating profit excluding non-recurring items for the next 12 months are expected to remain at the level of the preceding 12 months, unless the overall consumer demand weakens significantly.
Key performance indicators
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Net sales and profit for January-June 2014
The Group's net sales for January-June 2014 were EUR4,499 million, which is 1.8% down on the corresponding period of the previous year (EUR4,580 million). The weakening of the general economic situation and consumer demand in Finland and exchange rate changes contributed to the performance. In terms of local currencies, net sales were at the previous year's level. Net sales increased in the building and home improvement trade and in the car trade and declined in the food trade and in the home and speciality goods trade. In Finland, net sales decreased by 2.8% and in the other countries, net sales increased by 3.4%. In the other countries, net sales performance in euros was impacted by the weakening of the exchange rates of the Russian rouble, the Norwegian krone and the Swedish krona. Foreign currency net sales increased in foreign operations by 12.4%. International operations accounted for 18.0% (17.1%) of net sales.
The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for January-June was EUR86.7 million (EUR88.4 million). Profitability was weakened by the decreased sales of the home and speciality goods trade and especially by Anttila's loss-making operations. Profit performance was positively impacted by the increase of sales in the building and home improvement trade and the enhancement measures implemented in all operations. Operating expenses excluding non-recurring items decreased by 1.1% despite the expansion of the store site network and cost inflation.
Operating profit was EUR56.3 million (EUR96.3 million). The operating profit includes EUR-30.4 million (EUR7.9 million) of non-recurring items. The non-recurring items include a restructuring provision of EUR30.0 million for measures taken to improve Anttila's profitability.
The Group's profit before tax for January-June was EUR57.0 million (EUR93.0 million).
The Group's earnings per share were EUR0.39 (EUR0.62). The Group's equity per share was EUR21.86 (EUR21.79).
In January-June, the K-Group's (i.e. Kesko's and the chain stores') retail and B2B sales (VAT 0%) were EUR5,539 million, down 1.4% compared to the previous year. The K-Plussa customer loyalty programme gained 28,419 new households in January-June. At the end of June, there was 2,260,655 K-Plussa households and 3.6 million K-Plussa cardholders.
Net sales and profit for April-June 2014
The Group's net sales for April-June 2014 were EUR2,371 million, which is 2.1% down on the corresponding period of the previous year (EUR2,420 million). The decrease in net sales is mainly attributable to the decline in the sales of the home and speciality goods trade and the machinery trade. In Finland, net sales were down 2.4% and 0.7% in the other countries. The net sales performance of the building and home improvement trade in euros (-0.6%) was impacted by the weakening of the exchange rates of the Russian rouble, the Norwegian krone and the Swedish krona. In terms of local currencies, the net sales of the building and home improvement trade increased by 3.7%. International operations accounted for 19.6% (19.3%) of the Group's net sales.
The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for April-June was EUR67.6 million (EUR69.8 million), representing 2.9% (2.9%) of net sales. Profitability was weakened by the decreased sales of the home and speciality goods trade and especially by Anttila's loss-making operations. Due to enhancement measures, operating expenses excluding non-recurring items decreased by 1.0%
Operating profit was EUR69.4 million (EUR77.0 million). The operating profit includes EUR1.8 million (EUR7.3 million) of non-recurring items. The Group's profit before tax for April-June was EUR71.4 million (EUR77.2 million).
The Group's earnings per share were EUR0.51 (EUR0.50).
In April-June, the K-Group's (i.e. Kesko's and the chain stores') retail and B2B sales (VAT 0%) were EUR2,984 million, down 2.0% compared to the previous year.
Finance
In January-June, the cash flow from operating activities was EUR33.9 million (EUR185.7 million). The cash flow from investing activities was EUR-92.5 million (EUR-80.0 million) including a EUR6.3 million (EUR14.0 million) amount of proceeds from the sale of fixed assets.
The Group's liquidity remained at an excellent level in January-June. At the end of the period, liquid assets totalled EUR461 million (EUR474 million). Interest-bearing liabilities were EUR539 million (EUR587 million) and interest-bearing net debt EUR78 million (EUR113 million) at the end of June. Equity ratio was 52.3% (50.5%) at the end of the period.
In January-June, the Group's net finance income was EUR0.6 million (net finance costs EUR2.9 million).
In April-June, the cash flow from operating activities was EUR128.7 million (EUR244.3 million). The cash flow from investing activities was EUR-48.8 million (EUR-38.1 million) including a EUR4.4 million (EUR11.5 million) amount of proceeds from the sale of fixed assets.
In April-June, the Group's net finance income was EUR2.2 million (EUR0.4 million). It includes a EUR4.9 million (EUR4.0 million) amount of interest on cooperative capital from Suomen Luotto-osuuskunta.
Taxes
In January-June, the Group's taxes were EUR15.1 million (EUR28.4 million). The effective tax rate was 26.4% (30.5%), impacted by loss-making foreign operations.
In April-June, the Group's taxes were EUR17.6 million (EUR23.6 million). The effective tax rate was 24.6% (30.5%).
Capital expenditure
In January-June, the Group's capital expenditure totalled EUR99.1 million (EUR89.5 million), or 2.2% (2.0%) of net sales. Capital expenditure in store sites was EUR74.4 million (EUR66.8 million), in IT EUR15.6 million (EUR12.1 million) and other capital expenditure was EUR9.1 million (EUR10.6 million). Capital expenditure in foreign operations represented 42.6% (42.2%) of total capital expenditure.
In April-June, the Group's capital expenditure totalled EUR55.7 million (EUR48.1 million), or 2.3% (2.0%) of net sales. Capital expenditure in store sites was EUR46.6 million (EUR35.2 million), in IT EUR4.8 million (EUR6.5 million) and other capital expenditure was EUR4.3 million (EUR6.4 million). Capital expenditure in foreign operations represented 46.8% (47.0%) of total capital expenditure.
Kesko's strategic focus areas
The key focus areas in Kesko's business operations are to strengthen sales growth and the return on capital in all divisions, to exploit business opportunities in e-commerce and in Russia, and to maintain good solvency and dividend payment capacity.
Profitability programme
Because of the further weakened economic situation and consumer demand, Kesko continues to implement the profitability programme with the key objective of improving the Group's cost-effectiveness. Cost savings will be implemented in all divisions and across all types of expense. The most significant measures will be targeted at operations with low profitability.
Improving Anttila's profitability
In order to improve Anttila's profitability, a decision was made during the reporting period to close eight Anttila department stores operating in leased premises. During the reporting period, it was also decided to close four Kodin1 department stores and to implement enhancement measures in the central units of Anttila Oy and K-citymarket Oy.
The personnel reductions at the Kodin1 department stores to be closed, the other Kodin1 department stores, the central unit and logistics operations total approximately 200 full-time equivalents. The co-operation negotiations conducted for improving profitability concerned a total of approximately 1,350 people and at the beginning of the negotiations, the need for reduction was estimated at no more than 220 full-time equivalents. In addition to the profitability driven renewal of Anttila's operations, the option of selling Anttila Oy is also being investigated.
Personnel reductions at the Anttila department stores, the Kodin1 department stores, the central unit and logistics operations will total approximately 400 full-time equivalents.
Net sales targets in Russia
In consequence of the weakening of the Russian business environment and the rouble, coupled with the availability of Russian store sites suitable for Kesko's operations, the growth targets for Russian operations have been updated. The total net sales from the Russian operations are expected to exceed EUR1 billion in 2017 and the operating profit is expected to be positive. The capital expenditure in Russia is anticipated at approximately EUR100-150 million annually. The net sales target of the building and home improvement trade for 2017 is set at EUR500 million (previously EUR800 million). The objectives set for the food trade have not been changed; for 2017, the net sales target is EUR500 million and a positive business result.
Kesko looks into setting up a real estate fund
Kesko is looking into selling some of its store sites to a fund to be set up with Kesko as one of its major investors. Kesko Group would continue its operations in the store sites under long-term leases signed in connection with their sales to the fund.
Kesko's objective is to set up a fund of mainly Kesko-owned store sites and shopping centres in Finland, Sweden and Russia with a maximum fair value of approximately EUR750 - 950 million.
Launching the real estate investment fund depends, in addition to investor interest, on whether it is possible for Kesko to achieve such terms and conditions in the arrangement that are commercially viable for it, taking the Group's strong financial position into account. Moreover, starting a real estate investment fund is subject to the authorisation of the Financial Supervisory Authority.
The possible fund is expected to be launched in the course of 2014.
Personnel
In January-June, the average number of employees in Kesko Group was 19,935 (19,373) converted into full-time employees. In Finland, the average decrease was 186 people, while outside Finland, there was an increase of 748 people.
At the end of June 2014, the number of employees was 24,493 (24,026), of whom 12,889 (13,252) worked in Finland and 11,604 (10,774) outside Finland. Compared to the end of June 2013, there was a decrease of 363 people in Finland and an increase of 830 people outside Finland.
In January-June, the Group's staff cost was EUR314 million, showing a 1.3% increase compared to the previous year. In April-June, staff cost increased by 0.9% compared to the previous year and was EUR158 million.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Seasonal nature of operations
The Group's operating activities are affected by seasonal fluctuations. The net sales and operating profits of the reportable segments are not earned evenly throughout the year. Instead, they vary by quarter depending on the characteristics of each segment.
Food trade
(..) Change over 100%
January-June 2014
In the food trade, the net sales for January-June were EUR2,112 million (EUR2,144 million), down 1.5%. During the same period, the grocery sales of K-food stores in Finland decreased by 2.3% (VAT 0%). In the grocery market, retail prices are estimated to have changed by some +1% compared to the previous year (VAT 0%, Kesko's own estimate based on the Consumer Price Index of Statistics Finland), and the total market (VAT 0%) is estimated to have grown in January-June by some 0-1% compared to the previous year. (Kesko's own estimate). The rise of consumer prices in the grocery trade has slowed towards the end of the reporting period. The sales and profitability of the food stores in Russia were realised better than expected for the reporting period despite the weakening of the Russian rouble.
In January-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the food trade was EUR99.4 million (EUR99.0 million), or EUR0.4 million up on the previous year. Profitability was improved by savings achieved from enhanced operations. Operating profit was EUR97.4 million (EUR103.3 million). Non-recurring expenses were EUR2.0 million (non-recurring income EUR4.3 million).
The capital expenditure of the food trade in January-June was EUR46.8 million (EUR43.9 million), of which EUR43.8 million (EUR38.9 million) in stores sites.
April-June 2014
In the food trade, the net sales for April-June were EUR1,106 million (EUR1,099 million), up 0.6%.
In April-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the food trade was EUR52.9 million (EUR50.8 million), or EUR2.2 million up on the previous year. The result from the fair value measurement of derivatives used for hedging electricity purchases was EUR-0.2 million (EUR-2.0 million). Operating profit was EUR52.0 million (EUR55.1 million). Non-recurring expenses were EUR0.9 million (non-recurring income EUR4.3 million).
The capital expenditure of the food trade in April-June was EUR28.7 million (EUR27.4 million).
In April-June, one new K-supermarket and one new K-market were opened. Renewals and space modifications were made in a total of 14 stores.
The most significant store sites being built are a K-citymarket in the Puuvilla shopping centre in Pori and K-supermarkets in Jakomäki and Lauttasaari, Helsinki, and in Hanko, Hollola and Lappeenranta. K-market Kreivintori in Raahe is being expanded into a K-supermarket. The objective of Kesko Food is to open three new food stores in the St Petersburg area in 2014.
*incl. online food store
Home and speciality goods trade
January-June 2014
In the home and speciality goods trade, the net sales for January-June were EUR600 million (EUR667 million), down 10.0%. Consumer demand in the home and speciality goods trade has continued to weaken, and the change in customer behaviour has strengthened during the reporting period. Sales declined especially in the Anttila and Kodin1 department stores. Net sales performance was also impacted by the network changes in Musta Pörssi and Intersport Russia. The sales of online stores were up from the previous year.
In January-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the home and speciality goods trade was EUR-41.0 million (EUR-27.8 million), down EUR13.2 million compared to the previous year. The performance was especially impacted by the loss increased by the decline in Anttila's sales. The profit of Intersport Finland remained at a good level despite sales decline. Operating profit was EUR-72.0 million (EUR-23.3 million). The most significant non-recurring item was the restructuring provision of EUR30.0 million for measures to be taken to improve the profitability of Anttila.
The capital expenditure of the home and speciality goods trade in January-June was EUR7.4 million (EUR13.8 million).
April-June 2014
In the home and speciality goods trade, the net sales for April-June were EUR288 million (EUR322 million), down 10.5%. Sales declined especially in the Anttila and Kodin1 department stores. The net sales performances of Musta Pörssi and Intersport Russia were impacted by network changes. The sales of online stores increased.
In April-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the home and speciality goods trade was EUR-18.3 million (EUR-10.0 million), down EUR8.2 million compared to the previous year. The performance was especially impacted by the loss increased by the decline in Anttila's sales. Operating profit was EUR-17.6 million (EUR-5.6 million).
The capital expenditure of the home and speciality goods trade was EUR3.7 million (EUR5.8 million).
In April-June, a new Asko store, replacing the one closed at the same time, was opened in Tampere. In addition, the Anttila Koti store in Hämeenlinna and two Intersport stores in Russia were closed.
*incl. online stores
Building and home improvement trade
January-June 2014
In the building and home improvement trade, the net sales for January-June were EUR1,317 million (EUR1,302 million), up 1.2%. In terms of local currencies, the net sales growth in the building and home improvement trade was 5.8%. Net sales increased in all operating countries in terms of local currencies.
In Finland, the net sales for January-June were EUR625 million (EUR615 million), an increase of 1.6%. The building and home improvement products contributed EUR427 million to the net sales in Finland, an increase of 2.5%. The agricultural supplies trade contributed EUR198 million to the net sales, down 0.4%.
The retail sales of the K-rauta and Rautia chains in Finland grew by 1.7% to EUR489 million (VAT 0%). The sales of Rautakesko B2B Service increased by 3.1%. The K-Group's sales of building and home improvement products in Finland increased by a total of 1.9% and the total market (VAT 0%) is estimated to have fallen by 1-2% (Kesko's own estimate). The retail sales of the K-maatalous chain were EUR238 million (VAT 0%), up 0.6%.
In January-June, the net sales from foreign operations of the building and home improvement trade were EUR692 million (EUR686 million), an increase of 0.8%. In terms of local currencies, the net sales from foreign operations increased by 9.5%. In Sweden, net sales in kronas were up by 1.8% and in Norway net sales in krones were up by 1.8%. In Russia, net sales in roubles increased by 8.2%. Foreign operations contributed 52.5% (52.7%) to the net sales of the building and home improvement trade.
In January-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the building and home improvement trade was EUR16.2 million (EUR2.9 million), up EUR13.3 million compared to the previous year. Due to sales increase and enhancement measures, profit performance was clearly positive. The financial performance improved especially in foreign operations. Operating profit was EUR18.8 million (EUR2.0 million).
In January-June, the capital expenditure of the building and home improvement trade totalled EUR27.3 million (EUR21.6 million), of which 80.0% (47.3%) abroad. Capital expenditure in store sites represented 82.6% of total capital expenditure.
April-June 2014
In the building and home improvement trade, the net sales for April-June were EUR736 million (EUR740 million), down 0.6%. In terms of local currencies, the net sales growth in the building and home improvement trade was 3.7%.
In Finland, net sales were EUR336 million (EUR334 million), an increase of 0.5%. The building and home improvement products contributed EUR230 million to the net sales in Finland, an increase of 1.5%. The agricultural supplies trade contributed EUR106 million to the net sales, down 1.6%. In April-June, the retail sales of the K-rauta and Rautia chains in Finland were down by 0.2% to EUR310 million (VAT 0%). The sales of Rautakesko B2B Service remained at the previous year's level. The retail sales of the K-maatalous chain were EUR146 million (VAT 0%), up 1.9%.
The net sales from foreign operations of the building and home improvement trade were EUR400 million (EUR406 million), a decrease of 1.5%. In terms of local currencies, the net sales from foreign operations increased by 6.2%. In Sweden, net sales in kronas remained at the previous year's level. In Norway, net sales in krones were down by 4.7%. In Russia, net sales in roubles increased by 3.8%. Foreign operations contributed 54.3% (54.8%) to the net sales of the building and home improvement trade.
In April-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the building and home improvement trade was EUR26.6 million (EUR19.5 million), up EUR7.1 million compared to the previous year due to sales increase and enhancement measures. Operating profit was EUR28.6 million (EUR18.0 million).
The capital expenditure of the building and home improvement trade was EUR15.3 million (EUR9.1 million), of which 82.9% (44.7%) abroad.
In April, Lithuania's 19th building and home improvement store was opened in Siauliai.
*in 2014, 46 Rautia stores also operated as K-maatalous stores
in 2013, 1 K-rauta store and 47 Rautia stores also operated as K-maatalous stores
Car and machinery trade
January-June 2014
In January-June, the net sales of the car and machinery trade were EUR556 million (EUR551 million), up 0.9%.
VV-Auto's net sales for January-June were EUR410 million (EUR397 million), an increase of 3.4%. In January-June, the combined market performance of first time registered passenger cars and vans was +4.6%.
In January-June, the combined market share of passenger cars and vans imported by VV-Auto was 21.0% (21.1%). Volkswagen was the market leader in passenger cars and vans.
Konekesko's net sales for January-June were EUR146 million (EUR154 million), down 5.7% compared to the previous year. Net sales in Finland were EUR92 million, down 3.6%. The net sales from Konekesko's foreign operations were EUR54 million, down 8.8%. The net sales decline was especially impacted by the weak market performance of the agricultural machinery trade in Finland and the Baltic countries.
In January-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the car and machinery trade was EUR19.1 million (EUR20.8 million), down EUR1.7 million compared to the previous year. Profitability in the car trade remained at a good level despite the weakened market situation.
The operating profit for January-June was EUR19.1 million (EUR20.8 million).
The capital expenditure of the car and machinery trade in January-June was EUR9.4 million (EUR8.7 million).
April-June 2014
In April-June, the net sales of the car and machinery trade were EUR283 million (EUR301 million), down 6.0%.
VV-Auto's net sales for April-June were EUR196 million (EUR204 million), a decrease of 4.0%. In April-June, the combined market share of passenger cars and vans imported by VV-Auto was 21.2% (22.1%).
Konekesko's net sales for April-June were EUR87 million (EUR97 million), down 10.3% compared to the previous year.
In April-June, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the car and machinery trade was EUR10.9 million (EUR13.0 million), down EUR2.1 million compared to the previous year. Profitability was negatively impacted by the decrease in sales. The operating profit for April-June was EUR10.9 million (EUR13.0 million).
The capital expenditure of the car and machinery trade in April-June was EUR6.5 million (EUR4.8 million).
Changes in the Group composition
No significant changes took place in the Group composition during the reporting period.
Shares, securities market and Board authorisations
At the end of June 2014, the total number of Kesko Corporation shares was 100,019,752, of which 31,737,007, or 31.7%, were A shares and 68,282,745, or 68.3%, were B shares. At 30 June 2014, Kesko Corporation held 1,002,735 own B shares as treasury shares. These treasury shares accounted for 1.47% of the number of B shares and 1.00% of the total number of shares, and 0.26% of votes carried by all shares of the company. The total number of votes carried by all shares was 385,652,815. Each A share carries ten (10) votes and each B share one (1) vote. The company cannot vote with own shares held as treasury shares and no dividend is paid on them. At the end of June 2014, Kesko Corporation's share capital was EUR197,282,584. During the reporting period, the number of B shares was increased three times to account for the shares subscribed for with the options based on the 2007 option scheme. The increases were made on 10 February 2014 (85,067 B shares), 30 April 2014 (62,778 B shares) and 4 June 2014 (39,214 B shares) and announced in stock exchange notification on the same days. The shares subscribed for were listed for public trading on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki (Helsinki Stock Exchange) with the old B shares on 11 February 2014, 2 May 2014 and 5 June 2014. The subscription price of EUR2,148,641.76 received by the company was recorded in the company's reserve of invested non-restricted equity.
The price of a Kesko A share quoted on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki was EUR26.80 at the end of 2013, and EUR27.73 at the end of June 2014, representing an increase of 3.5%. Correspondingly, the price of a B share was EUR26.80 at the end of 2013, and EUR28.87 at the end of June 2014, representing an increase of 7.7%. In January-June, the highest A share price was EUR32.31 and the lowest was EUR26.39. For B share, they were EUR33.33 and EUR26.15 respectively. In January-June, the Helsinki stock exchange (OMX Helsinki) All-Share index was up 3.3% and the weighted OMX Helsinki CAP index 3.8%. Correspondingly, the Retail Index was up 4.9%.
At the end of June 2014, the market capitalisation of A shares was EUR880 million, while that of B shares was EUR1,942 million, excluding the shares held by the parent company. The combined market capitalisation of A and B shares was EUR2,822 million, an increase of EUR162 million from the end of 2013. In January-June 2014, a total of 1.0 (0.5) million A shares were traded on the Helsinki stock exchange, up 94.8%. The exchange value of A shares was EUR32 million. The total number of B shares traded was 25.3 (22.2) million, up 14.3%. The exchange value of B shares was EUR770 million. In terms of volumes, the Helsinki stock exchange accounted for 66% of Kesko A and B share trading in January-June 2014. Kesko shares were also traded on multilateral trading facilities, the most significant of which were BATS Chi-X with 26% and Turquoise with 8% of the trades (source: Fidessa).
The company operated the 2007 option scheme for management and other key personnel, under which the share subscription period of 2007C share options ran from 1 April 2012 to 30 April 2014 (subscription period has expired). The share options were included on the official list of the Helsinki stock exchange from the beginning of the share subscription periods. A total of 94,859 2007C share options were traded during the reporting period at a total value of EUR1,688,524. The option scheme has expired and the share subscription periods of the 2007A, 2007B and 2007C share options under the option scheme and their trading on the official list have ended.
The Board has the authority, granted by the Annual General Meeting of 16 April 2012 and valid until 30 June 2015, to issue a total maximum of 20,000,000 new B shares. The shares can be issued against payment for subscription by shareholders in a directed issue in proportion to their existing shareholdings regardless of whether they consist of A or B shares, or, deviating from the shareholder's pre-emptive right, in a directed issue, if there is a weighty financial reason for the company, such as using the shares to develop the company's capital structure, and financing possible acquisitions, investments or other arrangements within the scope of the company's business operations. The amount paid for the shares is recognised in the reserve of invested non-restricted equity. The authorisation also includes the Board's authority to decide on the share subscription price, the right to issue shares against non-cash consideration and the right to make decisions on other matters concerning share issuances.
In addition, the Board had the authority, granted by the Annual General Meeting of 8 April 2013 and valid until 30 September 2014, to decide on the acquisition of a maximum of 500,000 own B shares. Kesko's Board of Directors made the decision in February 2014 to start acquiring own B shares. The decision to start acquisition was announced in a stock exchange release on 4 February 2014 and acquisition was started on 18 February 2014. The maximum amount of own B shares the Board was authorised to acquire, 500,000, was purchased by 31 March 2014, and the authorisation is thus fully used. Each purchase of own shares was announced in a stock exchange release at the end of the day on which the purchase was made. At 30 June 2014, Kesko Corporation held 1,002,735 own B shares as treasury shares. In addition, the Board has the authority, valid until 30 June 2017, to decide on the issuance of the maximum of 1,000,000 own B shares held as treasury shares by the company.
On 4 February 2014, the Board decided to grant own B shares held by the company as treasury shares to persons included in the target group of the 2013 vesting period, based on the authority to issue own shares granted by the Annual General Meeting held on 8 April 2013, and the fulfilment of the vesting criteria of the 2013 vesting period of Kesko's three-year share-based compensation plan. The issuance of a total of 50,520 own B shares, referred to above, was announced in a stock exchange release on 24 March 2014 and on 25 March 2014. In January-June, a total of 4,271 shares granted based on the fulfilment of the vesting criteria of the 2011-2013 vesting periods were returned to the company in accordance with the terms and conditions of the share-based compensation plan. The shares returned during the reporting period were announced in a stock exchange notification on 7 February 2014 and 23 May 2014. Further information on the Board's authorisations is available at www.kesko.fi.
Based on the share-based compensation plan 2014-2016 decided by the Board, a total of 600,000 own B shares held by the company as treasury shares can be granted within a period of 3 years based on the fulfilment of the vesting criteria. The Board will separately decide on the vesting criteria and target group for each vesting period. The share-based compensation plan was announced in a stock exchange release on 4 February 2014.
At the end of June 2014, the number of shareholders was 40,402, which is 2,407 less than at the end of 2013. At the end of June, foreign ownership of all shares was 29%. At the end of June, foreign ownership of B shares was 42%.
Flagging notifications
Kesko Corporation did not receive flagging notifications during the reporting period.
Key events during the reporting period
Kesko Corporation's Board of Directors has appointed Mikko Helander, Master of Science (Technology), as Kesko Corporation's Managing Director and Kesko Group's President and Chief Executive Officer as from 1 January 2015. Mikko Helander (b. 1960) will join Kesko as Kesko Corporation's Deputy Managing Director and Member of the Group Management Board on 1 December 2014 at the latest and as Kesko Group's President and CEO starting from 1 January 2015. Starting from 1 January 2015, President and CEO Matti Halmesmäki will continue as a special advisor and in special assignments to be agreed with Kesko's Board of Directors until 31 May 2015 when he will retire. (Stock exchange release on 28 May 2014)
As a result of the employee cooperation negotiations to improve Anttila's profitability, the decision was made to close eight Anttila department stores operating in leased premises. The department stores to be closed have a total of some 210 employees. In addition, 25 full-time equivalents will be reduced in other Anttila department stores. Employee co-operation negotiations were also started in the Kodin1 chain and after their completion, the decision was made to close four Kodin1 department stores in the Kodin1 department store chain. Employee cooperation negotiations were also started in the central units of Anttila Oy and K-citymarket Oy. (Stock exchange release on 31 March 2014)
Kestra Kiinteistöpalvelut Oy, a subsidiary of Kesko Corporation, announced that it would not participate in further financing of Fennovoima Ltd's Hanhikivi 1 nuclear power project due to the related financial, contractual and schedule uncertainties. (Stock exchange release on 27 March 2014)
Resolutions of the 2014 Annual General Meeting and decisions of the Board's organisational meeting
Kesko Corporation's Annual General Meeting, held on 7 April 2014, adopted the financial statements for 2013 and discharged the Board members and the Managing Director from liability. The General Meeting also resolved, as proposed by the Board, to distribute EUR1.40 per share as dividends, or a total of EUR138,484,759.00. The dividend pay date was 17 April 2014. The General Meeting resolved that the number of Board members be unchanged at seven . In addition, the General Meeting resolved to leave the Board members' fees and the basis for reimbursement of expenses unchanged. The term of office of each of the seven (7) Board members elected by the Annual General Meeting on 16 April 2012, namely Esa Kiiskinen (Ch.), Seppo Paatelainen (Deputy Ch.), Ilpo Kokkila, Tomi Korpisaari, Maarit Näkyvä, Toni Pokela and Virpi Tuunainen, will expire at the close of the 2015 Annual General Meeting in accordance with Kesko's Articles of Association.
The General Meeting elected PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy as the company's auditor, with APA Johan Kronberg as the auditor with principal responsibility. The General Meeting also approved the Board's proposal that it be authorised to decide on donations in a total maximum of EUR300,000 for charitable or corresponding purposes until the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2015.
The organisational meeting of the company's Board of Directors, held after the Annual General Meeting, decided to keep the compositions of the Audit Committee and the Remuneration Committee unchanged.
The resolutions of the Annual General Meeting and the decisions of the Board's organisational meeting were announced in more detail in stock exchange releases on 7 April 2014.
Responsibility
Kesko's revised, electronic Corporate Responsibility Report for 2013 was published at the end of April at yhteiskuntavastuu2013.kesko.fi and in English at corporateresponsibility2013.kesko.fi.
Kesko gave out more than 16,000 Pirkka Fairtrade roses to mothers at the Mother's Day celebration in Helsinki and in maternity wards across Finland.
K-food stores and K-citymarkets will join the Red Nose Day campaign in 2014. During the autumn to come, the chains' stores across Finland will sell Red Nose Day products that support the fundraising.
For the 27th time, Kesko's Board awarded scholarships to talented young athletes and art students. The total amount of the scholarships awarded in May was 42,000 euros.
Kesko granted Fair Play scholarships to 3,000 young people ending their primary education as rewards for exemplary promotion of peace and tolerance at school .
Risk management
Kesko Group has an established and comprehensive risk management process. Risks and their management responses are regularly assessed within the Group and reported to the Group management. Kesko's risk management and risks associated with business operations are described in more detail on Kesko's website in the Corporate Governance section.
The most significant near-future risks in Kesko's business operations are associated with the general development of the economic situation and consumer confidence, as well as their impact on Kesko's sales and profit. Because of the continuing crisis in Ukraine, the country risks of Russia remain at a higher level than before. In other respects, no material change is estimated to have taken place in 2014 in the risks described in the report by the Board of Directors and financial statements for 2013 and the risks described on Kesko's website.
The risks and uncertainties related to economic development are described in the section future outlook of this release.
Future outlook
Estimates of the future outlook for Kesko Group's net sales and operating profit excluding non-recurring items are given for the 12 months following the reporting period (7/2014-6/2015) in comparison with the 12 months preceding the reporting period (7/2013-6/2014).
Future prospects for the general economic situation and consumer demand continue to be characterised by significant uncertainty in Kesko's operating area. Due to the weakened economic situation and the decline in consumers' purchasing power, demand in the trading sector is expected to remain weak.
Kesko Group's net sales and operating profit excluding non-recurring items for the next 12 months are expected to remain at the level of the preceding 12 months, unless the overall consumer demand weakens significantly.
Helsinki, 21 July 2014
Kesko Corporation
Board of Directors
The information in the interim report release is unaudited.
Further information is available from Jukka Erlund, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, telephone +358 105 322 113 and Eva Kaukinen, Vice President, Group Controller, telephone +358 105 322 338. A Finnish-language webcast from the media and analyst briefing on the interim report can be accessed at www.kesko.fi at 10:00. An English-language web conference on the interim report will be held today at 14:30 (Finnish time). The web conference login is available at www.kesko.fi.
Kesko Corporation's interim report for January-September will be released on 22 October 2014. In addition, Kesko Group's sales figures are published each month. News releases and other company information are available on Kesko's website at www.kesko.fi.
KESKO CORPORATION
Merja Haverinen
Vice President, Group Communications
ATTACHMENTS: TABLES SECTION
Accounting policies
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of financial position
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Group's performance indicators
Net sales by segment
Operating profit by segment
Operating profit excl. non-recurring items by segment
Operating margin excl. non-recurring items by segment
Capital employed by segment
Return on capital employed excl. non-recurring items by segment
Capital expenditure by segment
Segment information by quarter
Change in tangible and intangible assets
Related party transactions
Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities
Personnel average and at the end of the reporting period
Group's commitments
Calculation of performance indicators
K-Group's retail and B2B sales
DISTRIBUTION
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
Main news media
www.kesko.fi
TABLES SECTION :
Accounting policies
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the IAS 34 standard. The interim report has been prepared in accordance with the same accounting principles as the annual financial statements for 2013, with the exception of the following changes due to the adoption of new and revised IFRS standards and IFRIC interpretations:
-IFRS 10 Consolidated financial statements
-IFRS 11 Joint arrangements
-IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests in other entities
The above amendments to standards and interpretations do not have a material impact on the reported income statement and statement of financial position. The amendment will have an impact on the notes to the financial statements.
(..) Change over 100%
Consolidated statement of changes in equity (EUR million)
Consolidated statement of cash flows (EUR million), condensed
(..) Change over 100%
Segment information
* Net sales in countries other than Finland
(..) Change over 100%
Segment information by quarter
Change in tangible and intangible assets (EUR million)
Related party transactions (EUR million)
The Group's related parties include its key management (the Board of Directors, the Managing Director and the Group Management Board) and companies controlled by them, the Group's subsidiaries, associates as well as Kesko Pension Fund.
The following transactions were carried out with related parties:
Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities (EUR million)
Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities (EUR million)
Level 1 instruments are traded in active markets and their fair values are directly based on quoted market prices. The fair values of level 2 instruments are derived from market data. The fair values of level 3 instruments are not based on observable market data.
Personnel, average and as at 30 June
*total number incl. part-time employees
Calculation of performance indicators
* Indicators for return on capital have been annualised.
K-Group's retail and B2B sales, VAT 0% (preliminary data):
(..) Change over 100%
Copyright GlobeNewswire
Attachment(s)
http://hugin.info/3055/R/1833032/636401.pdf
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