Amer Sports Corporation Interim Report January-March 2013

Amer Sports Corporation INTERIM REPORT April 25, 2013 at 1:00 pm JANUARY-MARCH 2013 * Net sales EUR 493.0 million (489.8). In local currencies, net sales increased by 2%. Strong growth in Apparel, Emerging Markets, and Business to Consumer, offset especially by Team Sports decline due to ongoing trade destocking in the US. * Gross margin 44.2% (44.2%). * EBIT EUR 26.4 million (29.6). * Earnings per share EUR 0.13 (0.15)...

Amer Sports Corporation               

INTERIM REPORT

April 25, 2013 at 1:00 pm

 

JANUARY-MARCH 2013

• Net sales EUR 493.0 million (489.8). In local currencies, net sales increased by 2%. Strong growth in Apparel, Emerging Markets, and Business to Consumer, offset especially by Team Sports decline due to ongoing trade destocking in the US.  

• Gross margin 44.2% (44.2%).  

• EBIT EUR 26.4 million (29.6).  

• Earnings per share EUR 0.13 (0.15). 

• Net cash flow after investing activities EUR 67.9 million (97.4). 

• Gearing 56% (December 31, 2012: 59%). 

• Positive outlook for 2013 

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2013

In 2013, Amer Sports' net sales growth in local currencies is expected to meet at minimum the company's long-term annual 5% growth target and EBIT margin excluding non-recurring items is expected to improve from 2012. Amer Sports expects the trading environment to remain challenging in 2013. The company will continue to focus on softgoods growth, consumer-driven product and marketing innovation, commercial expansion and operational excellence.

 

KEY FIGURES

*) Restated in accordance with revised IAS 19 standard (postemployment benefit plans).

**) Non-recurring items are exceptional transactions that are not related to normal business operations. The most common non-recurring items are capital gains, exceptional write-downs, provisions for planned restructuring and penalties. Non-recurring items are normally specified individually if they have a material impact on EBIT.

 

HEIKKI TAKALA, PRESIDENT AND CEO:

"We had a satisfactory start to the year amid very cautious trading conditions in Western Europe, coupled with on-going customer destocking and late spring season start in North America with adverse impact especially on Ball Sports. We continued to make strong positive progress in our strategic growth areas, most notably Apparel, emerging markets expansion (Russia and China) and Business to Consumer. Fitness continued to improve with international sales growing at high double-digit rate. Precor quarterly profitability was down partly due to reporting changes with no full year impact. We continued to pursue scale and synergies in areas such as third party distributor consolidation, with adverse short term topline and profit impact, but with significant future upside potential and a relative quick payout.

 

The first quarter is typically a low quarter for Amer Sports, and we are still seeing a shift from pre-order based sales toward re-orders in several of our categories. Whilst the external conditions remain challenging we remain well in line with our growth and profitability improvement targets with a positive full year outlook. We continue seeing strong ongoing improvement across the company, and we are confident our strategies are working."

 

 

For further information, please contact:

Heikki Takala, President and CEO, tel. +358 9 7257 8210

Jussi Siitonen, CFO, tel. +358 9 7257 8212

Samppa Seppälä, Corporate Communications and IR, tel. +358 9 7257 8233

 

TELEPHONE CONFERENCE

An English-language conference call for investors and analysts will be held today at 3:00 pm Finnish time. To participate in the call, please dial +44 (0)20 7136 2051 (UK/international dial-in number), and the access code 7248597. The conference can also be followed at www.amersports.com. A recorded version and a transcript will be available later at the same web address. The replay number of the call is +44 (0)20 3427 0598, and the access code 7248597#.

 

SECOND QUARTER RESULTS BULLETIN

Amer Sports will publish its Q2/2013 results bulletin on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at approximately 1:00 pm Finnish time.

 

 

 

Interim Report January-March 2013

 

NET SALES AND EBIT

Amer Sports' net sales in January-March 2013 were EUR 493.0 million (January-March 2012: 489.8). Net sales increased by 2% in local currencies. The fastest growth took place in Apparel, up by 25%, in Fitness, up by 6% and in Sports Instruments, up by 4%. Sales in Winter Sports Equipment, Footwear, Cycling and Individual Ball Sports were at last year's level. Team Sports sales declined by 9%.

 

Net sales by business segment

*) Change in local currencies

 

Geographic breakdown of net sales

*) Change in local currencies

 

Gross margin was 44.2% (44.2). Gross margin continued to improve in Apparel and Footwear, and was at same level in the other business areas compared to last year, except in Fitness, where it declined due to adaptation of new timing for vendor rebates recognition and due to a temporarily changed product mix.

 

Group EBIT was EUR 26.4 million (29.6). In local currencies, increased sales volumes contributed approximately EUR 4 million to EBIT. Operating expenses increased by approximately EUR 10 million driven by sales and distribution costs in Apparel and Footwear. Other income and expenses and currencies impacted positively by approximately EUR 3 million on EBIT.

 

EBIT excluding non-recurring items by business segment

*) Headquarters segment consists of Group administration, shared services functions, other non-operational income and expenses and fair valuation of share-based compensations.

 

Net financial expenses were EUR 6.7 million (5.4) including net interest expenses of EUR 5.8 million (4.9). Net foreign exchange losses were EUR 0.4 million (0.5). Earnings before taxes totaled EUR 19.7 million (24.2) and taxes were EUR 4.9 million (5.4). Earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.15).

 

CASH FLOW AND FINANCING

Net cash flow after investing activities (free cash flow) was EUR 67.9 million (97.4) in January-March. Working capital in total decreased by EUR 51.8 million (89.4). Inventories decreased by EUR 6.9 million (12.2), receivables by EUR 93.6 million (129.4). Payables increased by 48.7 million (increase 52.2).

 

At the end of March, the Group's net debt amounted to EUR 398.4 million (December 31, 2012: 434.3).

 

Interest-bearing liabilities amounted to EUR 534.5 million (December 31, 2012: 576.8) consisting of short-term debt of EUR 206.7 million and long-term debt of EUR 327.8 million. The average interest rate on the Group's interest-bearing liabilities was 4.1% (December 31, 2012: 3.6%).

 

Short-term debt consists mainly of repayments of long-term loans of EUR 92.4 million (December 31, 2012: 42.3) and commercial papers of EUR 71.1 (151.6) which Amer Sports had issued in the Finnish market. The total size of the commercial paper program is EUR 500 million.

 

Cash and cash equivalents totaled EUR 136.1 million (December 31, 2012: 142.5).

 

Amer Sports had not used any of its EUR 240 million committed revolving credit facilities at the end of the review period.

 

The equity ratio at the end of the March was 40.5% (December 31, 2012: 39.1%) and gearing was 56% (December 31, 2012: 59%).

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND INVESTMENTS

The Group's capital expenditure totaled EUR 7.2 (10.9) million. Depreciation totaled EUR 11.1 million (9.7). Capital expenditure for the whole year is expected to be approximately EUR 50 million (49.2).

 

BUSINESS SEGMENT REVIEWS

 

WINTER AND OUTDOOR

*) Change in local currencies

 

Winter and Outdoor's net sales in the review period were EUR 266.5 million (256.5), an increase of 5% in local currencies.

 

*) Change in local currencies

 

EBIT was EUR 14.2 million (10.7). Increased sales volumes improved EBIT by approximately EUR 6 million and higher gross margins contributed approximately EUR 4 million. Operating expenses increased by approximately EUR 6 million (all in local currencies).

 

Winter Sports Equipment

Winter Sports Equipment's net sales were EUR 42.8 million (43.7), and were at last year's level in local currencies. Net sales of alpine ski equipment decreased while sales of cross country ski equipment and snowboards increased. Net sales increased in EMEA by 2%, and decreased in the Americas by 2% and Asia Pacific by 4%.

 

Footwear

Footwear's net sales were EUR 102.3 million (104.1), and were at last year's level in local currencies. Sales of trail running and outdoor performance products increased in North America, Russia and Japan, and decreased in Central Europe.

 

Apparel

Apparel's net sales were EUR 63.1 million (51.2), an increase of 25% in local currencies. Growth was generated by both main brands, Salomon and Arc'teryx, and occurred in all geographical regions.

 

Cycling

Cycling's net sales were EUR 36.6 million (36.3), and were at last year's level in local currencies. Sales of cycling helmets and footwear continued to grow.

 

Sports Instruments

Sports Instruments' net sales were EUR 21.7 million (21.2), an increase of 4% in local currencies. The sales increase in outdoor instruments was driven by the Suunto GPS watch and dive instruments range.

 

BALL SPORTS

*) Change in local currencies

 

Ball Sports' net sales in the review period were EUR 164.0 million (173.6), a decrease of 4% in local currencies. The decrease was due to continued industry-wide trade destocking in baseball bats, and late start of the spring season.

 

*) Change in local currencies

 

EBIT was EUR 17.4 million (19.9), impacted by lower sales volumes. Operating expenses remained at last year's level (all in local currencies).

 

Individual Ball Sports

Individual Ball Sports' net sales were EUR 95.5 million (97.6), and were at last year's level in local currencies. Sales of tennis rackets were negatively influenced by a change in cadence of product launches from the first quarter of the year to the fourth quarter to better meet market demands, and late start of the spring season. Golf's sales increased driven by new product launches and expanded distribution.

 

Team Sports

Team Sports' net sales were EUR 68.5 million (76.0), a decrease of 9% in local currencies. As a result of the industry-wide baseball bat destocking, sales of DeMarini baseball bats declined by 33%.

 

FITNESS

*) Change in local currencies

 

Fitness' net sales in the review period were EUR 62.5 million (59.7), an increase of 6% in local currencies. The commercial business (clubs and institutions) sales were up by 5% and consumer business (home use) by 10% in local currencies.

 

*) Change in local currencies

 

EBIT was EUR -0.4 million (3.9) mainly due to lower gross margin which declined due to adaptation of new timing for vendor rebates recognition and more strength equipment based sales mix. Increased sales volumes contributed approximately EUR 1 million to EBIT, offset by higher sales and distribution expenses (all in local currencies).

 

Personnel

At the end of March, the number of Group employees was 7,236 (December 31, 2012: 7,186). The increase came mainly from personnel working in sales and distribution. The increase in Headquarters and shared services was due to establishing a shared financial service center in the EMEA region which will bring scale and synergy benefits.

 

 

 

SHARES AND SHAREHOLDERS

The company's share capital totaled EUR 292,182,204 on March 31, 2013 and the number of shares was 118,517,285. Each share entitles the holder to one vote at the company's general meeting.

 

Authorizations

The Annual General Meeting held on March 8, 2012 authorized the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of a maximum of 10,000,000 of the company's own shares ("Repurchase Authorization"). The company's own shares shall be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the holdings of the shareholders by using the non-restricted equity through public trading on the Nasdaq OMX Helsinki at the market price prevailing at the time of acquisition. The shares shall be repurchased and paid for in accordance with the rules of the Nasdaq OMX Helsinki and Euroclear Finland Ltd. The Repurchase Authorization is valid for 18 months from the decision of the Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors has not utilized the authorization.

 

The Annual General Meeting held on March 7, 2013 authorized the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of a maximum of 10,000,000 of the Company's own shares ("Repurchase Authorization"). The Company's own shares shall be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the holdings of the shareholders by using the non-restricted equity through trading on regulated market organized by NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd at the market price prevailing at the time of acquisition. The shares shall be repurchased and paid for in accordance with the rules of the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd and Euroclear Finland Ltd. The Repurchase Authorization is valid for eighteen months from the decision of the Annual General Meeting.

 

The Annual General Meeting held on March 7, 2013 authorized the Board of Directors to decide on issuing new shares and/or conveying the Company's own shares held by the Company as follows: By virtue of the authorization, the Board of Directors is entitled to decide on issuing new shares and/or on conveying the Company's own shares at the maximum amount of 10,000,000 shares in aggregate. The Board of Directors decides on all the conditions of the share issue. The issuance or conveyance of shares may be carried out in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive rights (directed issue). The authorization includes the option to issue own shares to the Company for free. The authorization is valid until two years from the date of the decision of the Annual General Meeting, but the authorization to issue new shares and/or convey the Company's own shares for purposes other than the Company's bonus schemes is valid until fourteen months from the date of the decision of the Annual General Meeting.

 

Apart from the above, the Board of Directors has no other authorizations to issue shares, convertible bonds or warrant programs.

 

Own shares

At the end of March, Amer Sports held a total of 560,465 shares (732,096) of Amer Sports Corporation. The number of own shares corresponds to 0.47% (0.62) of all Amer Sports shares. A total of 4,834 shares granted as share-based incentives were returned to Amer Sports in accordance with the terms of the incentive plan as the employment ended.

 

Trading in shares

A total of 15.5 million (20.1) Amer Sports shares with a value totaling EUR 189.5 million (202.6) were traded on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd in the review period. Share turnover was 13.1% (17.1%) (expressed as a proportion of the average number of shares, excluding own shares). The average daily volume in January-March 2013 was 249,729 shares (314,083).

 

The closing price of the Amer Sports Corporation share on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd stock exchange on March 31, 2013 was EUR 12.87 (9.80). Shares registered a high of EUR 13.48 (10.70) and a low of EUR 11.08 (9.03) during the review period. The average share price was EUR 12.24 (10.08). On March 31, 2013, the company had a market capitalization of EUR 1,518.1 million (1,154.3), excluding own shares.

 

At the end of March, Amer Sports Corporation had 14,580 registered shareholders (15,988). Ownership outside of Finland and nominee registrations represented 43.7% (46.3) of the company's shares.

 

Notification of change in shareholding under the Finnish Securities Market Act

Amer Sports Corporation received on February 6, 2013 information to the effect that owners of institutional investors and funds, who have given full discretion over their investments to Silchester International Investors LLP, had fallen below 5% on February 1, 2013. Silchester International Investors LLP owned then 5,819,555 shares, which represented 4.91% of Amer Sports Corporation's share capital and voting rights.

 

DECISIONS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

At the Amer Sports Corporation Annual General Meeting held on March 7, 2013, the following resolutions were approved:

 

Adoption of the annual accounts

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) approved Amer Sports' financial statements for 2012.

 

Resolution on use of the profit shown on the balance sheet and the payment of dividend

The AGM resolved to distribute a dividend of EUR 0.35 per share to be paid for the financial year ended December 31, 2012. The dividends were paid to shareholders who were registered on the list of shareholders maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd as of March 12, 2013, which was the record date for the dividend payment. The dividend was paid on April 4, 2013.

 

Resolution on the discharge of the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability

The AGM granted the members of the Board of Directors and Company's President and CEO a discharge from liability for the financial year 2012.

 

Resolution on the remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors

It was agreed that the annual remuneration payable to the members of the Board of Directors to be elected at the Annual General Meeting for the term until the close of the Annual General Meeting in 2014 shall remain unchanged from 2012 and be as follows: Chairman EUR 100,000, Vice Chairman EUR 60,000, and other members EUR 50,000. No extra remuneration is paid for attending meetings of the Board of Directors or meetings of the Committees of the Board of Directors. Of the annual remuneration, 40% is to be paid in the form of the Company's shares and 60% in cash.

 

Resolution on the number of the members of the Board of Directors

The AGM confirmed that the number of the members of the Board of Directors is seven (7).

 

Election of members of the Board of Directors

The AGM elected Ilkka Brotherus, Martin Burkhalter, Christian Fischer, Hannu Ryöppönen, Bruno Sälzer, Anssi Vanjoki and Indra Åsander as members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors' term of service will run until the close of the 2014 Annual General Meeting.

 

Resolution on the remuneration of the auditor

The AGM decided that the auditor's fee will be paid as invoiced.

 

Election of auditor

The AGM elected the Authorized Public Accountants PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy to act as auditor of the Company. PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy has advised that it appoints Jouko Malinen, Authorized Public Accountant, as the principally responsible auditor of the Company.

 

Authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of the Company's own shares

The AGM authorized the Board of Directors to decide on the repurchase of a maximum of 10,000,000 of the Company's own shares ("Repurchase Authorization"). The Company's own shares shall be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the holdings of the shareholders by using the non-restricted equity through trading on the regulated market organized by NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd at the market price prevailing at the time of acquisition. The shares shall be repurchased and paid for in accordance with the rules of the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd and Euroclear Finland Ltd. The Repurchase Authorization is valid for eighteen months from the decision of the Annual General Meeting.

 

Authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on the share issue

The AGM authorized the Board of Directors to decide on issuing new shares and/or conveying the Company's own shares held by the Company as follows: By virtue of the authorization, the Board of Directors is entitled to decide on issuing new shares and/or on conveying the Company's own shares at the maximum amount of 10,000,000 shares in aggregate. The Board of Directors decides on all the conditions of the share issue. The issuance or conveyance of shares may be carried out in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive rights (directed issue). The authorization includes the option to issue own shares to the Company for free.

 

The authorization is valid until two (2) years from the date of the decision of the Annual General Meeting, but the authorization to issue new shares and/or convey the Company's own shares for purposes other than the Company's bonus schemes is valid until fourteen (14) months from the date of the decision of the Annual General Meeting.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS WORKING ARRANGEMENTS

At its organizing meeting immediately following the Annual General Meeting, the Amer Sports Corporation's Board of Directors appointed Anssi Vanjoki as Chairman and Ilkka Brotherus as Vice Chairman. From among its members, the Board appointed the following members to the Board Committees:

• Compensation Committee: Bruno Sälzer, Chairman, Christian Fischer, Anssi Vanjoki and Indra Åsander 

• Nomination Committee: Ilkka Brotherus, Chairman, Martin Burkhalter and Anssi Vanjoki 

• Audit Committee: Hannu Ryöppönen, Chairman, Ilkka Brotherus and Martin Burkhalter 

 

GROUP-WIDE RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM

Amer Sports' restructuring program, started at the beginning of November 2012, is continuing as planned. The program will drive further scale and synergies and cost efficiencies, as well as sustain growth through resource allocation especially into softgoods and expansion markets and channels. The program is estimated to deliver an annual cost saving of EUR 20 million once fully executed by the end of 2014. The program contributes to reaching the Group's long-term profitability target of 10% EBIT. The expected headcount impact of the restructuring program once fully implemented is approximately 250, mainly in Winter and Outdoor.

 

SIGNIFICANT RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Amer Sports' business is balanced by its broad portfolio of sports and brands, the increasing share of softgoods in the company portfolio as well as the company's presence in all major markets. Short-term risks for Amer Sports are particularly associated with general economic conditions, consumer demand development in Europe, North America and Japan, the ability to identify and respond to constantly shifting trends and the ability to leverage advancements in technologies and to develop new and appealing products.

 

Further information on the company's business risks and uncertainty factors is available on the company's web site at www.amersports.com/investors.

 

OUTLOOK FOR 2013

In 2013, Amer Sports' net sales growth in local currencies is expected to meet at minimum the company's long-term annual 5% growth target and EBIT margin excluding non-recurring items is expected to improve from 2012. Amer Sports expects the trading environment to remain challenging in 2013. The company will continue to focus on softgoods growth, consumer-driven product and marketing innovation, commercial expansion and operational excellence.

 

Outlook given in the Financial Statements Bulletin 2012, January 31, 2013

Amer Sports expects the trading environment to remain challenging in 2013. The company will continue to focus on softgoods growth, consumer-driven product and marketing innovation, commercial expansion and operational excellence. In 2013, Amer Sports' net sales in local currencies and EBIT excluding non-recurring items are expected to increase from 2012.

 

 

 

 

TABLES

 

The notes are an integral part of consolidated interim financial information.

 

Unaudited

 

1-3/2012 and full year 2012 figures are restated in accordance with the amendments to IAS19 standard which came effective on Jan 1, 2013.

 

EUR million

 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

*) 12 months' rolling average

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

NET SALES BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

 

GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN OF NET SALES

 

 

EBIT BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

QUARTERLY BREAKDOWN OF NET SALES AND EBIT

 

THE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting' and in compliance with IFRS standards and interpretations in force as at January 1, 2013, as adopted by the EU. The IFRS recognition and measurement principles as described in the annual financial statements for 2012 have also been applied in the preparation of the interim financial information, with the changes mentioned below.

 

Standards, interpretations and amendments adopted from the beginning of 2013:

The following new standards, interpretations and amendments have been adopted when applicable: IAS 19 (amendment), IAS 34 (amendment) in connection with IFRS 7 (amendment) and IFRS 13 (amendment), IAS 1 (amendment), IFRS 12 (amendment), IAS 32 (amendment) and the annual improvements. The impacts of the amendments to IAS 19 and IAS 34 have been described in the notes 8 and 9. The other amendments did not have any material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

The relative proportion of the estimated tax charge for the full financial year has been charged against the result for the period.

 

 2. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Amer Sports has three business segments: Winter and Outdoor, Ball Sports and Fitness.

 

The accounting policies for segment reporting do not differ from the Group's accounting policies. The decisions concerning assessing the performance of segments and allocation of resources to the segments are based on segments' net sales and earnings before interest and taxes. The chief operating decision maker of Amer Sports is the Executive Board.

 

There were no intersegment business operations during the reported periods.

 

*) Earnings before interest and taxes include income and expenses of corporate headquarters.

 

GEOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN OF NET SALES

 

3. HYBRID BOND

On March 12, 2012 Amer Sports redeemed the EUR 60 million hybrid bond issued on March 12, 2009.

 

4. DIVIDENDS

Relating to the year ending on December 31, 2012, the dividends distributed to the shareholders of Amer Sports Corporation were EUR 0.35 per share and amounted in total to EUR 41.3 million (2012: 0.33 per share, in total 38.9 million). The dividends were paid out in April 2013.

 

5. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND SECURED ASSETS

 

There are no guarantees or contingencies given for the management of the company, the shareholders or the associated companies.

 

6. ONGOING LITIGATIONS

The Group has extensive international operations and is involved in a number of legal proceedings, including product liability suits. The Group does not expect the outcome of any legal proceedings currently pending to have materially adverse effect upon its consolidated results or financial position.

 

7. SEASONALITY

Although Amer Sports operates in a number of sporting goods segments during all four seasons, its business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, the third and fourth quarters of a financial year have been the strongest quarters for Amer Sports in terms of both net sales and profitability, mainly because sales of winter sports equipment ahead of the winter season typically take place during the third and fourth quarters. The summer season for ball sports balances seasonality to a certain extent, as the strongest quarters for the Ball Sports segment are the first and second quarters. Usually the net cash flow from operating activities is very strong in the first quarter when the income from winter sports equipment realizes. Especially during the third quarter, the net cash flow from operating activities is tied up in working capital.    

 

8. Derivative financial instruments and available-for-sale financial assets measured at fair value

 

The fair values of financial assets and liabilities whose fair value is recognized through income statement and derivative financial instruments used in hedge accounting are presented in the following table. All derivatives are classified as Level 2 instruments whose fair value is determined by using valuation techniques from observable market data. Available-for-sale financial assets are classified as Level 3 instruments and valued by using valuation techniques without any observable market data.

 

The company's derivative financial instruments may include foreign exchange forward contracts and options, interest rate swaps and interest rate options and cross-currency swaps. Foreign exchange forward contracts and options are used to hedge against changes in the value of receivables, liabilities and future cash flows denominated in a foreign currency and interest rate swaps and interest rate options to hedge against the interest rate risk. Cross-currency swaps are used to hedge against changes in value of foreign currency denominated receivables and liabilities and against the interest rate risk.

 

Derivative financial instruments are initially and subsequently recognized at fair value. Fair values of foreign currency denominated derivatives are measured by recognizing the exchange rate difference by using the closing rates quoted by the European Central Bank on the reporting date. The future cash flows related to forward contract's interest rate differential are discounted with the relevant market interest rate yield curves on the reporting date and compared with initial interest rate differential. The time value of foreign exchange options is measured using commonly known option pricing models. The expected future cash flows of the interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps are discounted with the market interest yield curves of the currencies concerned. Interest rate options are valued by using commonly known option pricing models. The accrued interest of forward contracts, interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps are periodized over the duration of the instruments on a net basis.

 

The counterparty risk of the company hasn't materially changed and hence has no material effect on the valuation of the company's derivative instruments.

 

Available-for-sale financial assets are Level 3 instruments whose exact fair values can't be reliably measured. The fair values of available-for-sale assets are presented at bookkeeping value or a lower value if they are impaired. The fair values do not materially deviate from the bookkeeping value.

 

 

 

 

 

9. AMENDMENTS TO IAS 19 STANDARD

Amer Sports has adopted amendments to IAS 19 standard (Employee Benefits) as of Jan 1, 2013.

 

Key changes in the standard for Amer Sports' defined benefit postemployment plans are as follows:

 

1. Remeasurements

All actuarial gains and losses ("remeasurements") are recognized in full in other comprehensive income. The "corridor" method and the option to recognize immediately in the profit and loss statement is no longer available. This is expected to increase balance sheet volatility.

 

2. New measurement of net interest expense

Net interest expense is determined based on the net defined benefit asset (liability) and the discount rate at the beginning of the year. This is expected to increase overall expense compared to previous accounting which required that the interest expense on obligation and the expected return on plan assets were recognised separately.

 

3. Past service cost

All past service cost are now recognized immediately in the profit and loss statement.

 

4. Reporting in profit and loss statement

Under old IAS 19 all expenses related to defined benefit postemployment plans were reported above EBIT. As of January 1, 2013 they are reported as follows:

- service cost: above EBIT

- net interest expense: in financing expenses

- remeasurement components: under other comprehensive income

 

Adaption of revised IAS 19 standard increased Amer Sports' pension liability by EUR 40.6 million and decreased shareholders' equity by EUR 27.1 million as at Dec 31, 2012.

 

Q1 and full year 2012 restated key financial statements:

 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

*) 12 months' rolling average

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 

Remeasurement of pension liability as at March 31, 2013

Amer Sports remeasures its pension liability on quarterly basis. This is done by utilizing sensitivity analysis provided by actuaries. Each quarter company evaluates market etc. changes of key calculation components such as discount or inflation rate to asses new liability. Material changes in liability are recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

In Q1 2013 there was no material change in liability.

 

All forecasts and estimates presented in this report are based on the management's current judgment of the economic environment. The actual results may differ significantly.

 

AMER SPORTS CORPORATION

Board of Directors

 

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