Industria
ROBIT PLC INTERIM REPORT 1 JANUARY–30 SEPTEMBER 2023: PROFITABILITY IMPROVED FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR
ROBIT PLC STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE 23 OCTOBER 2023 AT 11.00 EEST
ROBIT PLC INTERIM REPORT 1 JANUARY–30 SEPTEMBER 2023: PROFITABILITY IMPROVED FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR
In the text, 'review period' or 'third quarter of the year' refers to 1 July–30 September 2023 (Q3), and 'January–September' refers to 1 January–30 September 2023. Figures from the corresponding time period in 2022 are given in parentheses. All the figures presented are in euros. Percentages are calculated from thousands of euros.
1 July–30 September 2023 in brief
1 January–30 September 2023 in brief
MARKET OUTLOOK
Robit expects the global mining industry demand to remain at the current level. Demand in the construction industry has weakened during 2023, especially in Europe and Asia, and the company does not see a significant change in the short term.
GUIDANCE FOR 2023
Robit Plc expects its net sales for 2023 to be EUR 90–100 million and its comparable EBITDA profitability in euros to be EUR 3–6 million.
CEO ARTO HALONEN:
Market demand remained at the level of the second quarter, but lower than in the comparison period. The weakening of market demand particularly affected the construction industry in Europe and Asia. Demand in the mining industry remained at a good level. Orders received totalled EUR 24.9 million, down by 9.7 per cent from the comparison period. Orders received were at a higher level compared to the first two quarters of the year.
Robit net sales for the third quarter were EUR 23.7 million (28.4), down 16.6 per cent on the very strong comparison period. In constant currencies, there was a decrease of 11.6 per cent. The company's net sales grew in the Australasia and EMEA regions. In Australasia, growth came mainly from the Top Hammer business. In EMEA, it came from both the Top Hammer and Down the Hole businesses.
Net sales in the Asia region fell by 21.5 per cent due to low demand in the construction industry. Net sales in the Americas region also decreased as a result of lower deliveries to certain customers. The effect of ceasing sales to Russia on the review period was EUR 2.4 million compared to the comparison period. During the quarter, the company's order backlog increased, especially in the mining segment.
Net sales in the Top Hammer business decreased by 16.2 per cent in the third quarter compared to the comparison period. Top Hammer sales increased in Australasia and EMEA, driven by new customer accounts and high customer testing activity. The decline in sales in the East region was mainly attributable to Top Hammer and was the main reason for the decline in sales. Net sales in the Down the Hole business decreased by 9.4 per cent The decline came particularly from the Americas region. In the Geotechnical business, sales in the Americas increased, but sales in Europe, Geotechnical's other main market, declined due to weaker demand in the construction industry.
Comparable EBITDA for the third quarter was EUR 1.5 million (3.5), clearly below the strong comparison period. However, thanks to the savings measures already implemented, the company's profitability continued to improve compared to the first two quarters of the year. The company shut down production at its Australian plant at the end of the quarter. This will strengthen the company's competitiveness in the Down the Hole business. The Australian unit will focus on sales, maintenance and distribution in the local market. The Geotechnical business' profitability was burdened by the increased price competition for fewer construction projects.
The company's measures are now focusing in particular on clarifying operations, improving profitability and competitiveness. The closure of manufacturing in Australia is part of this restructuring. In addition, the company will in future sell products only under Robit brand. Previously, the company has been active in the Down the Hole business under both the Robit and Halco brands. This brand change makes it possible to clarify both the organization, the company structure and the product offering.
The implementation of the Fit for Service programme, which focuses on developing working capital management, progressed in the third quarter. As a result of the measures taken, the company's inventories decreased by EUR 2.4 million during the quarter. The decline in inventory levels is expected to continue in the last quarter of the year.
NET SALES
Net sales by product area
In 2023, the company is reporting its net sales in three business units: Top Hammer, Down the Hole and Geotechnical. Previously, the company reported the Geotechnical unit as part of the Down the Hole unit. For more information on the change, see the principles in the Notes.
The Group's net sales in the third quarter of the year period totalled EUR 23.7 million (28.4). Down 16.6 per cent from the comparison period. In constant currencies, net sales decreased by 11.6 per cent.
The Group's net sales in January–September totalled EUR 70.0 million (85.8). Down 18.4 per cent from the comparison period. In constant currencies, net sales decreased by 15.0 per cent.
Top Hammer business net sales decreased by 16.2 per cent, net sales for the review period being EUR 13.8 million (16.5). The decrease in net sales was particularly affected by the discontinuation of sales to Russia and weaker demand in the Asia region. The Australasia and EMEA regions showed a positive development in net sales.
Down the Hole business net sales decreased by 9.4 per cent, net sales for the review period being EUR 5.6 million (6.2). Net sales decreased particularly in the Americas region due to reduced delivery volumes to certain distributors.
Geotechnical business net sales decreased by 25.7 per cent, net sales for the review period being EUR 4.2 million (5.7). The decline in net sales was mainly due to weaker demand in the construction industry in Europe but, in the Americas, the other main market, net sales increased.
Net sales by market area
PROFITABILITY
Key figures
Comparable EBITDA for the third quarter was EUR 1.5 million (3.5) Comparable EBITDA's share of net sales was 6.4 per cent (12.3). The company's EBIT was EUR 0.3 million (2.0). The EBIT was 1.1 per cent (7.0) of the review period net sales.
In January–September, comparable EBITDA was EUR 3.0 million (8.5). Comparable EBITDA's share of net sales was 4.3 per cent (9.9). The company's EBIT was EUR -1.1 million (4.1). EBIT was -1.5 per cent (4.8) of the review period's net sales.
The decline in profitability was mainly due to lower sales during the review period. In addition, the company was not able to transfer the increased costs in full to the sales prices. The company continues to invest in sales development and is accelerating its cost-savings programme to support the strengthening of profitability.
Financial income and expenses in the third quarter of the year totalled EUR -0.6 million (-0.2), of which EUR -0.6 million (-0.3) was interest expenses and EUR 0.1 million (0.1) exchange rate changes. Net income for the quarter was EUR -0.3 million (1.7).
In January–September, financial income and expenses totalled EUR -1.8 million (-1.2), of which EUR -1.6 million (-0.9) was interest expenses and EUR 0.0 million (-0.1) exchange rate changes. Review period net income was EUR -2.7 million (3.1).
CASH FLOW AND INVESTMENTS
Consolidated cash flow statement
The Group's cash flow before changes in working capital during the third quarter was EUR 1.2 million (3.3). Net cash flow for operating activities was EUR -0.7 million (2.9). The changes in working capital had an impact of EUR -1.7 million (-0.1). The change in working capital was affected by the EUR 3.9 million decrease in accounts payable due to lower purchases as part of the company's goal to reduce inventories. The growth in sales and other receivables had a negative impact of EUR 0.4 million on cash flow, and the decline of inventories a positive impact of EUR 2.6 million.
The net cash flow from investing activities for the third quarter was EUR -0.0 million (-0.2). Gross investments in production during the review period totalled EUR 0.0million (0.2). The share of investments in net sales was 0.2 per cent (0.8).
The net cash flow from financing activities for the third quarter was EUR -0.6 million (-2.7). Net changes in loans totalled EUR -0.0 million (0.1). The change in bank overdrafts was EUR 0.1 million (-2.4). Returns on equity were EUR -0.4 million. The repayment of lease liabilities reported in net cash flow from financing activities under IFRS 16 totalled EUR 0.3 million (0.4).
Depreciation, amortization, and write-downs totalled EUR 1.1 million (1.5).
FINANCIAL POSITION
The Group had interest-bearing debt amounting to EUR 34.9 million (36.4), of which EUR 5.9 million (7.3) was interest-bearing debt under IFRS 16. The company had liquid assets of EUR 7.4 million (7.0) and an undrawn credit facility of EUR 3.9 million (5.8). Interest-bearing net liabilities were EUR 27.5 million (29.4), and interest-bearing net bank debt without IFRS 16 debt impact was EUR 21.7 million (22.1).
The Group's equity at the end of the review period was EUR 46.7 million (53.6). The Group's equity ratio was 46.3 per cent (48.2). Gearing was 58.9 per cent (54.6).
PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT
The number of employees decreased by 28 persons compared to the end of the comparison period and stood at 238 (266) at the end of the period, mainly due to the closure of the Australian factory and other organisational changes. At the end of the review period, 69.1 per cent of the company's personnel were located outside Finland.
In addition to CEO Arto Halonen, the company's Management Team at the end of the reporting period included Perttu Aho (VP Down the Hole), Ville Iljanko (VP Distributor Sales), Jorge Leal (VP Top Hammer), Ville Peltonen (CFO), Ville Pohja (VP Geotechnical) and Jaana Rinne (HR Director).
FINANCIAL TARGETS
Robit's long-term target is to achieve organic net sales growth of 15 per cent annually and comparable EBITDA profitability of 13 per cent.
RESOLUTIONS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023
The Annual General Meeting of Robit Plc was held in Tampere on 15 March 2023. The decisions and other materials related to the meeting are available on the company's website at https://www.robitgroup.com/investor/corporate-governance/general-meeting/ .
SHARES AND SHARE TURNOVER
On 30 September 2023, the company had 21,179,900 shares and 5,601 shareholders. Trading volume in January–September was 7,001,449 shares (4,254,349).
On 30 September 2023, the company held 24,273 treasury shares (0.11 per cent of total shares). On 30 September 2023, the market value of the company's shares was EUR 31.8 million. The closing price of the share was EUR 1.50. The highest price in January–September was EUR 3.48 and the lowest price EUR 1.31.
RISKS AND BUSINESS UNCERTAINTIES
The covenant of the Robit parent company's financing agreement, net interest-bearing debt/EBITDA, did not meet the terms of the financing agreement on 30 September 2023. The company obtained the consent of its main financier to the breach of the covenant on 26 September 2023. This led to a higher financial cost and risk for the company. The company has hedged against interest rate risk with an EUR 10 million interest rate swap agreement, which entered into force on 30 June 2023 and expires on 30 June 2026.
The geopolitical situation, which is growing tenser, poses a risk to the company's business. The war in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on Russia affect the development of net sales and profitability especially in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, which accounted for approximately 8 per cent of the company's sales in the 2022 financial year. The company has no business operations in Russia in 2023.
Other uncertainty factors include the exchange rate development, functioning of information systems, risks related to the security of supply and logistics as well as IPR risks. Fully transferring the increase in raw material costs to customer prices may pose a financial risk. Changes in export countries' tax and customs legislation may adversely impact the company's export trade or its profitability. Risks related to information security and cyber threats may also have a detrimental effect on Robit's business. Potential changes in the business environment may adversely impact the payment behaviour of the Group's customers and increase the risk of litigation, legal claims and disputes related to Robit's products and other operations.
CHANGES IN GROUP STRUCTURE
There were no changes in the Group structure during the review period.
OTHER EVENTS IN JULY–SEPTEMBER 2023
Half-year Report
On 1 August 2023, Robit Plc published its financial reporting for 1 January–30 June 2023.
Shareholders' Nomination Committee
On 4 September 2023, the four largest shareholders of the company elected their representatives to the Shareholders' Nomination Committee on the basis of the list of shareholders dated 1 September 2023:
The Nomination Committee will submit its proposal regarding the members of the Board of Directors and the remuneration to the Board of Directors by 31 January 2024.
Acquisition of treasury shares
Based on the authorisation given to the Board of Directors by the Annual General Meeting on 15 March 2023, Robit Plc decided on 18 September 2023 to repurchase a maximum of 100 000 shares, corresponding to approximately 0.5 per cent of the company's share capital. The acquisition of shares was announced to start on 20 September 2023 at the earliest and to end on 30 November 2023 at the latest.
Change in number of treasury shares
Robit Plc announced on 29 September 2023 that on 27 September 2023 a total of 2,500 of its treasury shares were returned to the company free of charge in accordance with the terms of the share-based compensation plan 2020 due to the termination of the employment of a key employee. After this transaction, the company held 24,273 treasury shares.
EVENTS AFTER THE REVIEW PERIOD
No events after the review period.
Lempäälä, 23 October 2023
ROBIT PLC
Board of Directors
For more information, contact:
Arto Halonen, CEO
+358 40 028 0717
arto.halonen@robitgroup.com
Ville Peltonen, CFO
+358 40 759 9142
ville.peltonen@robitgroup.com
Distribution:
Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd
Key media
www.robitgroup.com
Robit is a strongly international growth company servicing global customers and selling drilling consumables for applications in mining, construction, geotechnical engineering and well drilling. The company's offering is divided into three product and service ranges: Top Hammer, Down the Hole and Geotechnical. Robit has sales and service points in seven countries as well as an active sales network in more than 100 countries. Robit's manufacturing units are located in Finland, South Korea and the UK. Robit's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. Further information is available at www.robitgroup.com .
The information presented above includes statements about future prospects. These relate to events or the company's economic development in the future. In some cases, such statements can be recognised by their use of conditional words (such as “may”, “expected”, “estimated”, “believed”, “predicted” and so on) or other similar expressions. Statements such as these are based on assumptions and factors that Robit's management have at their disposal and on current decisions and plans. There is always risk and uncertainty attached to any statements regarding future events because they pertain to events and depend on factors that are not possible to predict with certainty. For this reason, future results may differ – even significantly – from the figures expressed or assumed in statements about future prospects.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
*In the condensed income statement, changes in inventories are presented in Materials and services, and manufacture for own use in Other operating expenses.
**Founded in 2015 by Robit SA, Black Employees Empowerment Trust owns 26% of the shares of Robit SA.
*** The Group has internal loans that are treated as net investments in foreign entities in accordance with IAS 21 The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates.
* Founded in 2015 by Robit SA, Black Employees Empowerment Trust owns 26% of the shares of Robit SA.
NOTES
Contents
1. SCOPE AND PRINCIPLES OF THE INTERIM REPORT
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the IAS 34 standard for interim financial reporting and using the same principles as for the annual financial statements. The interim report has not been audited.
Robit is reporting 2023 net sales for three business units: Top Hammer, Down the Hole and Geotechnical. Previously, the company reported the Geotechnical unit as part of the Down the Hole unit. The Geotechnical unit focuses on drill piling, which is a support method used in different kinds of construction projects. Down the Hole focuses on DTH drilling equipment used in mines, quarries and well drilling. Top Hammer focuses on top hammer drilling equipment used in mines, quarries, construction projects and tunnelling.
All figures in the summarised financial statement have been rounded to the nearest figure and, therefore, the sum of the reported figures may not exactly match those presented.
2.1 KEY FIGURES
2.2 CONSOLIDATING ALTERNATIVE KEY FIGURES
Robit presents alternative key figures to supplement the key figures given in the Group's income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements that have been drawn up according to IFRS standards. Robit considers that the alternative figures give significant extra insight into the result of Robit's operations, its financial position and cash flows. These figures are often used by analysts, investors and other parties.
Alternative key figures should not be studied apart from the key figures according to IFRS or instead of them. Not all companies calculate their alternative key figures in the same way and, therefore, Robit's alternative figures may not be directly comparable to those presented by other companies, even if they carry the same headings.
2.3 CALCULATION OF KEY FIGURES
3. BREAKDOWN OF NET SALES
Entries are recorded according to IFRS 15 in the same way for each business unit and market area.
4. FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
The company's cash and cash equivalents were EUR 7.4 million on 30 September 2023. The company has sufficient liquidity to take care of its debt management and liquidity.
The parent company's covenants are based on the company's net debt/EBITDA ratio and the company's equity ratio. The covenants are tested on a quarterly basis. The ratio of net debt to EBITDA on 30 September 2023 was 8.8.
The covenant of Robit Plc's financing agreement, net interest-bearing debt/EBITDA, did not meet the terms of the financing agreement on 30 June 2023. The company obtained the consent of its main financier to the breach of the covenant on 26 September 2023.
7. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
There were no changes in the Group structure during the review period.
8. GOODWILL IMPAIRMENT TESTING
The amount of goodwill is reviewed at least annually in accordance with the IFRS provisions. The values of the goodwill testing variables are also revised if there have been material changes in business, competition, the market or other assumptions of goodwill testing. The company has three cash flow-generating units (Top Hammer, Down the Hole and Geotechnical). The company weakened its guidance on 27 June 2023, as a result of which the company has performed goodwill testing in the 31 August situation. Based on the impairment testing, there is no need for write-downs, but the sensitivity for impairment is highest in the Geotechnical business unit. The factors affecting goodwill items will be reviewed during the fourth quarter.
9. DERIVATIVES
The company hedges the most significant net currency positions that can be predicted in time and volume and interest rate risk.
There were no open currency derivatives at the end of the review period.
On 8 June 2021, the company concluded a financing agreement of EUR 30 million and, in connection with this, an interest rate swap of EUR 10 million with an interest rate cap in order to hedge part of its exposure to fluctuating interest rates. The interest rate swap took effect on 30 June 2023 and it will end on 30 June 2026. The company applies hedge accounting in accordance with IFRS 9. This effectively leads to the recording of interest expenses on a hedged floating rate loan at a fixed rate.
The company's main interest rate risk arises from long-term loans with floating interest rates that expose the Group's cash flow to interest rate risk. The Group's policy is to use, if necessary, a floating to fixed interest rate swap.
Attachment
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