Nokian Tyres plc Interim Report 31 October 2008 at 8:00 a.m.
INTERIM REPORT FOR NOKIAN TYRES PLC JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2008
Sales were up and operating profit improved.
Nokian Tyres' net sales were up 21.6% to EUR 813.2 million (EUR 668.6 million
1-9/2007). Operating profit amounted to EUR 200.5 million (EUR 140.8 million),
and EPS rose to EUR 1.22 (EUR 0.88). In 2008, the company is positioned to
achieve growth in sales and to outperform the previous year's results.
Key figures, EUR million:
7-9/08 7-9/07 1-9/08 1-9/07 2007
Net sales 282.8 236.0 813.2 668.6 1,025.0
Operating profit 71.9 51.6 200.5 140.8 234.0
Profit before tax 67.5 46.4 185.9 128.8 213.8
Net profit 52.4 37.4 151.5 107.5 168.9
Earnings per share, EUR 0.42 0.30 1.22 0.88 1.37
Equity ratio, % 51.6 53.1 61.8
Cash flow from operations,
(Cash Flow II) -141.8 -89.6 -288.7 -213.8 105.6
RONA, % (rolling 12 months) 26.0 22.9 24.2
Gearing, % 63.6 60.9 14.3
Kim Gran, President and CEO:
“The sales of Nokian Tyres continued to grow steeply, and operating profit
improved also in the third quarter. Most of the growth came from winter tyre
deliveries to Russia and Ukraine. Winter pre-sales were higher than expected in
the Nordic countries and North America. The average tyre prices were higher than
the year before as a result of price increases and a good sales mix. Production
capacity was at full use in all operations. Russian manufacture increased in
line with targets, and the advantages thereof improved profitability. The steep
economic slowdown decreased clearly the demand for forestry tyres and truck
tyres. The outlook for the rest of the year has weakened due to the financial
crisis. In Russia slower sales of new cars will have a negative impact on winter
tyre sales. Conditions for better sales in Ukraine, Scandinavia and North
America as well as a strong demand for pre-season summer tyre sales in Russia
and Ukraine will help to offset the loss in the car dealer business.
The changing market in Russia and CIS is an opportunity and in 2008-2010 Nokian
Tyres will continue to improve its market leader position. The share of lower
cost production in Russia will be increased and we will continue to build our
distribution network.”
Market situation
Growth continued in the replacement market for passenger car tyres in Russia and
the other CIS countries, but the market shrank in Western Europe. In North
America, the winter tyre market grew as a result of the new winter tyre
legislation that took effect in Quebec. The Nordic tyre markets grew slightly.
The strongest growing product segments were winter tyres, SUV tyres and
high-speed summer tyres. The slowdown in the global economy reduced the
manufacture of industrial machinery and equipment. The demand for forestry tyres
decreased clearly. Several tyre manufacturers raised their prices in response to
the higher raw material prices.
The slowing global economy, drop in oil prices and the financial crisis in
Russia had only a minor impact on demand in Russia and the other CIS countries.
Growth was boosted by the strong performance of car trade in early 2008. It
slowed toward the end of the review period, but continued stronger than in the
previous year also in the third quarter.
The risks in Russia and CIS have increased and growth has slowed down. The 7%
growth of Russia's GDP in 2008 is expected to drop to 4-5% in 2009. The impact
of the financial crisis on car and tyre demand for 2009 is not yet fully
visible. The decline in car sales of 5-10% is currently forecasted with recovery
starting in 2010. Consumer demand remains very strong in the replacement market,
but lack of financing will restrict growth for some time before picking up
again.
Nokian Tyres Group
July-September 2008
In the third quarter, the Nokian Tyres Group recorded net sales of EUR 282.8
million (EUR 236.0 million), representing a year-over-year increase of 19.8%.
Sales in the Nordic countries increased by 4.2%, in Russia and the other CIS
countries by 54.9%, in Eastern Europe by 1.6% and in the USA by 15.4%.
Raw material purchase prices in manufacturing (EUR/kg) increased by
approximately 10% in the third quarter compared to the corresponding period a
year earlier. Fixed costs amounted to EUR 73.0 million (EUR 63.4 million) and
their share of net sales decreased to 25.8% (26.8%).
The operating profit of Nokian Tyres improved, amounting to EUR 71.9 million
(EUR 51.6 million). Net financial expenses were EUR 4.4 million (EUR 5.2
million).
Profit before tax was EUR 67.5 million (EUR 46.4 million). Net profit amounted
to EUR 52.4 million (EUR 37.4 million), while earnings per share increased to
EUR 0.42 (EUR 0.30).
Income financing after the change in working capital, investments and the
disposal of fixed assets (cash flow II) was EUR -141.8 million (EUR -89.6
million).
January-September 2008
Nokian Tyres Group's net sales in January-September 2008 were EUR 813.2 million
(EUR 668.6 million), representing a year-over-year growth rate of 21.6%. The
Group's invoicing to the Nordic countries grew by 6.9%, to Russia and the other
CIS countries by 54.1% and to the USA by 28.9%. Invoicing to Eastern Europe was
down 0.5% from the previous year.
Raw material purchase prices in manufacturing (EUR/kg) increased by 8% in
January-September compared to the corresponding period a year earlier. Fixed
costs amounted to EUR 221.3 million (EUR 192.9 million) and accounted for 27.2%
(28.9%) of net sales.
Nokian Tyres Group's operating profit rose to EUR 200.5 million (EUR 140.8
million). The figure includes a fee of EUR 2.7 million for technical and
management support given to the joint venture in Kazakhstan, as well as credit
loss reserves to a total of EUR 5.4 million (EUR 6.6 million). In compliance
with IFRS 2, an option scheme write-off of EUR 13.5 million (EUR 9.0 million)
was recognised in profit and loss.
Net financial expenses were EUR 14.6 million (EUR 12.0 million). Financial
expenses include EUR 5.4 million (EUR 1.8 million) in non-cash expenses related
to convertible bonds. Net financial expenses include EUR 0.1 million (EUR -0.5
million) of exchange rate differences.
Profit before tax was EUR 185.9 million (EUR 128.8 million). The Group's tax
rate was 18.5% (16.6%). Net profit amounted to EUR 151.5 million (EUR 107.5
million), and EPS was EUR 1.22 (EUR 0.88).
Return on net assets (RONA, rolling 12 months) was 26.0% (22.9%). Income
financing after the change in working capital, investments and the disposal of
fixed assets (cash flow II) was EUR -288.7 million (EUR -213.8 million). The
equity ratio was 51.6% (53.1%).
The Group employed an average of 3,766 (3,414) people, and 3,877 (3,646) at the
end of the period. The Vianor tyre chain had 1,506 (1,395) employees at the end
of the period. The number of employees in Russia was 671 (474).
Tax rate
The company's tax rate has decreased as a consequence of the tax relief in
Russia. The tax relief is valid for as long as the company accrues tax on yields
corresponding to the amount of the Russian investment, and for two years
thereafter.
Since the tax relief from Russia has been realised according to the agreements,
and the uncertainty related to the relief has reduced considerably, the company
has revised its estimate of the recognition of tax assets in the balance sheet.
From now on, tax assets related to the tax relief will be recognised at their
probable realisation value. Owing to this change in estimate, the first half of
2008 includes EUR 6.5 million of non-recurring tax relief from the latter half
of 2007.
Due to the amendments of subvention laws that were enforced in the second
half-year of 2008, these tax subventions became subject to corporate tax. The
changes were also applied to all tax subventions not yet cashed; thus the tax
subventions are now reported net of tax.
PASSENGER CAR TYRES
EUR million Q3/08 Q3/07 Change 1-9/08 1-9/07 Change 2007
% %
Net sales 212.1 169.7 25.0 597.8 457.7 30.6 691.2
Operating profit 72.9 54.2 34.4 201.7(* 137.8 46.4 212.0
Operating profit,% 34.4 32.0 33.7(* 30.1 30.7
RONA, % 34.9 29.5 31.2
(rolling 12 months)
The net sales of Nokian passenger car tyres in January-September were EUR 597.8
million (EUR 457.7 million), representing an increase of 30.6% (33.0%) over the
previous year. Operating profit rose to EUR 201.7 million (EUR 137.8 million),
and the operating profit percentage was 33.7% (30.1%).
(x The figure includes a fee of EUR 2.7 million for technical and management
support given to the joint venture in Kazakhstan.
Both summer and winter tyre sales were up from the previous year, with sales
focusing on pre-sales of winter tyres. Growth was strongest in Russia, the other
CIS countries and North America. Sales increased also in the Nordic countries.
The best-selling winter tyres were the studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5, as well
as the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R - the friction tyre that was launched to
consumers for the first time this season. Both tyres have scored several top
rankings in trade magazines' tyre tests in the Nordic countries and Russia. The
sales of SUV tyres also grew strongly in Russia and the other CIS countries.
The average tyre price rose as a result of improved sales mix, new products and
successfully implemented price increases. The price increases by approximately.
3% planned for the latter part of the year were implemented and took effect on 1
October 2008.
The production volume rose following the planned capacity increase at the
Russian plant. Increased capacity was not, however, sufficient to meet the
demand for tyres, and sales in Central European countries had to be restricted.
HEAVY TYRES
EUR million Q3/08 Q3/07 Change 1-9/08 1-9/07 Change 2007
% %
Net sales 24.4 23.1 5.7 77.8 73.6 5.7 100.8
Operating profit 4.1 5.0 -18.9 15.5 16.9 -8.6 22.3
Operating profit,% 16.7 21.8 19.9 23.0 22.1
RONA, % 32.0 38.8 39.0
(rolling 12 months)
The net sales of Nokian Heavy Tyres in January-September were EUR 77.8 million
(EUR 73.6 million), up 5.7% from the corresponding period the previous year. The
operating profit of Heavy Tyres was EUR 15.5 million (EUR 16.9 million), and the
operating profit percentage was 19.9% (23.0%).
The slowdown in the global economy and the resulting uncertainty, as well as the
decline in the manufacture of forestry machinery, reduced clearly the demand for
forestry tyres in the third quarter.
As a result, the focus of manufacture in Nokian Heavy Tyres was turned from
forestry tyres to products with strong demand, i.e. to harbour, mining,
agricultural and industrial machinery tyres. These products sold well, but their
margins are lower compared to forestry tyres. The production capacity was in
full use in the review period.
The price increases planned for the latter part of the year were implemented and
took effect on 1 October 2008.
VIANOR
EUR million Q3/08 Q3/07 Change 1-9/08 1-9/07 Change 2007
% %
Net sales 64.5 56.2 14.7 191.8 170.4 12.6 278.5
Operating profit -2.2 -1.4 -55.8 -6.7 -3.4 -94.3 8.4
Operating profit, % -3.4 -2.5 -3.5 -2.0 3.0
RONA, % 3.4 3.6 6.0
(rolling 12 months)
Vianor's net sales in January-September were EUR 191.8 million (EUR 170.4
million), representing a year-over-year increase of 12.6%. The growth in net
sales was impacted by acquisitions in the USA. Operating profit was EUR -6.7
million (EUR -3.4 million), and the operating profit percentage was -3.5%
(-2.0%).
The expenses related to the opening and takeover of new Vianor outlets as well
as the low demand for truck tyres weakened profitability in the period under
review.
The car summer tyre season sales were good in the Nordic countries and Russia.
Winter tyre wholesales increased and service sales accounted for a bigger share
than in the previous year. The uncertainty of the general economic outlook
reduced demand for new truck tyres in the Nordic countries.
At the end of the review period, the Vianor network comprised a total of 469
outlets in the Nordic countries, Russia, Ukraine, Switzerland, the Baltic
countries, the USA and Eastern Europe. Of these, 289 were partner and
franchising outlets. In the third quarter, a total of 42 new Vianor outlets were
opened.
OTHER OPERATIONS
The net sales of Nokian truck tyres in January-September were EUR 24.4 million
(EUR 21.3 million), up 14.6% on the previous year. Sales grew especially in
Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The unit's product range mainly consists of
winter products, which sell best during the second half of the year.
RUSSIA AND THE CIS COUNTRIES
Sales in Russia and the CIS countries increased by 54.1% year-over-year during
the period under review, and market shares improved. The distribution network
was extended by signing distribution agreements and by expanding the Vianor tyre
chain.
The number of production lines at the Russian plant increased in the second
quarter. The plant now has six lines, which run constantly in three shifts. The
plant's production volume and quality were in line with targets. Production
capacity has increased on schedule, and the new lines were launched into a
full-scale operation at the beginning of the third quarter. Production capacity
will be increased in the last quarter with one additional production line.
The roofing ceremonies of the mixing department and the expanded warehouse were
celebrated at the end of the review period. The installation of mixing equipment
will start in November 2008, as scheduled. Part of the warehouse expansion will
be taken into use in late 2008. The Hakkapeliitta Village, a housing area for
the personnel, is also under construction.
KAZAKHSTAN
On 19 October 2007, Nokian Tyres announced it had signed an agreement with the
Kazakhstanian conglomerate Ordabasy Corporation JSC to build a greenfield
passenger car tyre factory in Kazakhstan. Nokian Tyres has a 10% stake in the
joint venture, with the option to increase its ownership to a minimum of 50%.
The total investment will be approximately EUR 160 million, financed through
equity of approximately EUR 40 million and external loans. Nokian Tyres has
signed a long-term technical support and management aid agreement with Ordabasy
Corporation. The agreement is valued at EUR 12 million. According to the
agreement the sum sum will be entered as income over the next three years.
The project is on hold until further notice, due to tighter financing
conditions. The income recognition of technical support has been halted.
INVESTMENTS
Investments in the third quarter amounted to EUR 33.9 million (EUR 25.3 million)
and EUR 114.2 million (EUR 83.1 million) for the entire review period. The
company's total investments in 2008 will be approximately EUR 162 million (EUR
117 million). Around EUR 110 million (EUR 92 million) will be spent on the
Russian plant's operations and extension. The remainder comprises production
investments in the Nokia plant, moulds for new products and the Vianor expansion
projects.
OTHER MATTERS
1. Stock options on the Main List of the Helsinki Stock Exchange
The Board of Directors of Nokian Tyres plc has decided to apply for the listing
of stock options 2004C on the Helsinki Stock Exchange effective as of 1 March
2008.
There are a total of 245,000 2004C stock options. Each of them entitles the
holder to subscribe for ten Nokian Tyres plc shares. The subscription period for
options 2004C commenced on 1 March 2008 and expires on 31 March 2010. The total
number of shares available for subscription with options 2004C is 2,450,000. The
current subscription price with stock options 2004C is EUR 11.78/share. The
annually paid dividends shall be deducted from the share subscription price.
2. Shares subscribed for with stock options
After the increase in share capital registered on 20 December 2007, a total of
898,690 shares were subscribed for with the 2004A stock options attached to the
Nokian Tyres' Option Scheme of 2004, and 35,730 shares with the 2004B options.
The increase in share capital resulting from the subscription, EUR 186,884, was
entered in the Trade Register on 26 February 2008. Trading of the shares, along
with the old shares, began on 27 February 2008. Following the increase, the
number of Nokian Tyres shares is 124,630,700 and the share capital is EUR
24,926,140.
After the increase in share capital, registered on 26 February 2008, a total of
192,150 shares were subscribed for with the 2004A stock options attached to the
Nokian Tyres' Option Scheme of 2004, 3,130 shares with the 2004B options and
1,560 shares with the 2004C options. As a result of the subscriptions, an
increase in share capital totalling EUR 39,368 was entered in the Trade Register
on 20 May 2008. Trading of the shares, along with the old shares, began on 21
May 2008. Following the increase, Nokian Tyres has a total of 124,827,540 shares
and a share capital of EUR 24,965,508.
After the increase in share capital, registered on 20 May 2008, a total of 2,550
shares were subscribed for with the 2,004B stock options attached to the Nokian
Tyres' Option Scheme of 2004 and 1,100 shares with the 2004C stock options. The
increase in share capital resulting from the subscription, EUR 730, was entered
in the Trade Register on 20 August 2008. Trading of the shares, along with the
old shares, began on 21 August 2008. Following the increase, the number of
Nokian Tyres shares is 124,831,190 and the share capital is EUR 24,966,238.
3. Share price development
Nokian Tyres' share price was EUR 16.80 at the end of the review period (EUR
27.46). The average share price during the period was EUR 26.62 (EUR 21.97), the
highest EUR 33.73 (EUR 27.79) and the lowest EUR 16.28 (EUR 13.99). A total of
208,230,495 shares were traded during the review period (189,751,084),
representing 167% (154%) of the company's overall share capital. The company's
market value at the end of the period was EUR 2.097 billion (EUR 3.386 billion).
Finnish nationals accounted for 28.0% (30.7%) and foreign nationals registered
in the nominee register for 72.0% (69.3%) of the company's shareholders. The
latter figure includes Bridgestone's ownership of approximately 16%.
4. Decisions made at the Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Nokian Tyres, held on 3 April 2008, approved the
financial statements for 2007 and discharged the Board of Directors and the
President from liability. The final dividend was set at EUR 0.50 per share. The
record date was 8 April 2008 and the payment date 15 April 2008.
4.1 Board of Directors and auditor
The number of Board members was set at seven. Kim Gran, Hille Korhonen, Hannu
Penttilä, Koki Takahashi, Aleksey Vlasov and Petteri Walldén will continue as
Board members. Kai Öistämö was elected as a new member of the Board. At its
meeting held after the Annual General Meeting, the Board elected Petteri Walldén
as Chairman of the Board.
Authorised public accountants KPMG Oy Ab continue as auditors.
4.2 Remuneration of the Board members
The monthly fee paid to the Chairman of the Board was set at EUR 5,833, or EUR
70,000 per year, while that paid to Board members was set at EUR 2,917, or EUR
35,000 per year. The Annual General Meeting also decided that each member of the
Committee will receive a meeting fee of EUR 500 for each Committee meeting
attended.
A decision was made to follow existing practices and pay 60% of the annual fee
in cash and 40% in company shares, so that in the period from 4 April to 30
April 2008, EUR 28,000 of Nokian Tyres plc shares will be purchased at the stock
exchange on behalf of the Chairman of the Board and EUR 14,000 of shares on
behalf of each Board member. This decision means that the final remuneration
paid to Board members is tied to the company's share performance. No separate
compensation will be paid to the President and CEO for Board work.
4.3 Amendments to the Articles of Association
The Annual General Meeting decided to make the following amendments to the
Articles of Association:
- Sections 3 and 4 of the present Articles of Association will be removed, and
the numbering will be revised correspondingly.
- Section 5 of the Articles of Association will be changed to the following:
“The company's shares belong to the book-entry securities system.”
- Section 8 of the Articles of Association will be changed to the following:
“Both the Managing Director and the Chairman of the Board may represent the
company alone, and of the Members of the Board, two together.”
- Section 10 of the Articles of Association will be changed to the following:
“The company will have one auditor who must be approved by the Central Chamber
of Commerce. The term of office of the auditor ends with the election of the
following auditor at the Annual General Meeting.”
- Section 11 of the Articles of Association will be changed to the following:
“The invitation to the Annual General Meeting must be published no earlier than
three months and no later than one week before the date referred to in Chapter
4, section 2, subsection 2 of the Limited Liabilities Companies Act, in
accordance with the Board decision, on the company's website and in one national
and in one Tampere regional daily newspaper.”
- Section 12 of the Articles of Association will be changed to the following:
“In order to participate in the Annual General Meeting, shareholders must inform
the company no later than the day stated in the meeting invitation, which may be
no earlier than ten days before the meeting. The method of voting is determined
by the chairman of the Annual General Meeting.”
- Section 13 of the Articles of Association will be changed to the following:
“The Annual General Meeting must be held annually on a date specified by the
Board of Directors before the end of May. The Annual General Meeting is held in
accordance with the decision by the Board, either at the registered office of
the company or in Tampere or in Helsinki.
The Annual General Meeting must present
1. the annual accounts, including the profit and loss account, balance sheet and
annual report,
2. the auditor's report;
must decide on
3. the confirmation of the company's annual accounts,
4. the use of profit based on the balance sheet,
5. the discharge from liability of the Board members and the Managing Director,
6. the remuneration for the Board members and auditor,
7. the number of Board members
must elect
8. the Board members,
9. the auditor.
- Section 14 of the Articles of Association will be changed to the following:
”The annual accounts, the Board's annual report and other documents relating to
company operations must be submitted to the auditor by the end of March, and the
auditor must submit his/her report to the Board before the 15th of April.”
CHANGES IN SHARE OWNERSHIP
On 5 May 2008, Nokian Tyres received a notification from Grantham, Mayo, Van
Otterloo & CO LLC, according to which Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co LLC's
holding in Nokian Tyres had dropped under the limit of 5% as a consequence of
the share transaction on 30 April 2008. Grantham, Mayo, Van Otterloo & Co LLC
now holds a total of 6,220,002 Nokian Tyres' shares, which represents 4.99% of
the company's 124,630,700 shares and voting rights.
RISKS, UNCERTAINTY FACTORS AND DISPUTES IN THE NEAR FUTURE
Roughly 35% of the Group's net sales are generated from euro-denominated sales.
The most important sales currencies in addition to the euro are the Russian
rouble, the US dollar and the Swedish and Norwegian krona. A change of one per
cent in the EUR/RUB exchange rate would cause a change of approximately EUR 4.0
million in the company's net sales. A corresponding change in the EUR/USD
exchange rate would cause a change of approximately EUR 0.5 million in the
company's net sales. A change of one per cent in the EUR/SEK and EUR/NOK
exchange rates would cause a change of roughly EUR 1 million in the company's
net sales.
Nokian Tyres' future risks and uncertainty factors are based on the development
of the growing markets in Russia and CIS, the success of winter tyre sales in
the key markets, the repatriation of receivables and the development of the
financial markets and raw material prices. The share of Russian receivables is a
half of Nokian Tyres' total receivables. The continued uncertainty in the
financial sector may postpone part of the cash flow towards the end of the last
quarter. The Russian plant capacity increase has been implemented as planned,
but future success depends on the availability of skilled personnel.
Nokian Tyres has certain pending legal proceedings and litigations in some
countries. At the moment, the company does not expect these proceedings to have
any material impact on the performance or future outlook.
MATTERS AFTER THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW
Changes in share ownership
On 16 October 2008, Nokian Tyres was notified of the ownership of Varma Mutual
Pension Insurance Company (business ID 0533297-9) exceeding the 5% limit
following share transactions carried out on 16 October 2008. Varma Mutual
Pension Insurance Company announced its ownership of 6,870,657 Nokian Tyres
shares, which represents 5.50% of the company's 124,831,190 shares and voting
rights.
OUTLOOK FOR 2008
In Russia and the CIS countries, the economy and new car sales growth have
slowed down considerably. In the Nordic countries, demand is expected to remain
at last year's level. The winter tyre stocks of Central European tyre
distributors are exceptionally high, and manufacture in the automobile and tyre
industry has been restricted from the summer onwards. The manufacture of
industrial machinery and equipment is expected to continue to decrease.
The peak in raw material prices has been reached, and the prices for early 2009
are declining. The average price of raw materials in 2008 is expected to be some
10% higher than in 2007.
Nokian Tyres will execute its growth projects in 2008 as planned. The schedule
of any significant additional investment decisions will depend on the general
development of the economy. In the event of a recession, Nokian Tyres will carry
out investments that can be funded with income financing.
The demand for winter tyres, UHP summer tyres and SUV tyres is still good in
Russia, the CIS countries and Eastern Europe. The outlook has improved in the
North American winter tyre market, as a result of the new winter tyre
legislation in Quebec. Nokian Heavy Tyres will target its sales at the
replacement market, the goal being to boost sales and increase market shares in
harbour and mining tyres, as well as in other special products. In these product
groups, the delivery capacity of Nokian Heavy Tyres has improved from the
previous year.
Tyres manufactured in Russia represent an increasingly large portion of the
Group's sales, which contributes to sustaining a good profit margin. The share
of lower cost production in Russia will be increased and capacities in Finland
will be adjusted to reflect the market demand. Nokian Tyres' will increase
prices by approximately 3% October 1, 2008 and cut costs in all operations.
The last six months of the year, and especially the fourth quarter, have
traditionally had the biggest impact on the sales and performance of Nokian
Tyres, owing to the seasonal nature of operations and the high share of winter
tyres. Growth in Russia and the higher share of pre-sales of tyres have balanced
clearly the seasonality, which shows in sales and profits being distributed more
evenly over the year.
In 2008, the company is positioned to achieve growth in sales and to outperform
the previous year's results in terms of operating profit and EPS. Q4/2008
results will be below Q4/2007. The outlook for the rest of the year has weakened
due to the financial crisis. In Russia slower sales of new cars will have a
negative impact on winter tyre sales. Conditions for better sales in Ukraine,
Scandinavia and North America as well as a strong demand for pre-season summer
tyre sales in Russia and Ukraine will help to offset the loss in the car dealer
business. The changing market in Russia and CIS is an opportunity and in
2008-2010 Nokian Tyres will continue to improve its market leader position. The
company maintains its target net sales of EUR 1,150-1,200 billion, which
corresponds to a growth of approximately 15%. Achieving the target requires a
successful winter tyre season in core markets.
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IFRS compliant
recognition and measurement principles and the same accounting policies as in
the most recent annual financial statements, but it has not been prepared in
compliance with all requirements set out in IAS 34 'Interim Financial
Reporting'.
The interim report figures are unaudited.
NOKIAN TYRES
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Million euros
7-9/08 7-9/07 1-9/08 1-9/07 Last 12 1-12/07 Change
months %
Net sales 282.8 236.0 813.2 668.6 1,169.6 1,025.0 21.6
Cost of
sales -150.9 -133.1 -435.9 -372.5 -632.5 -569.1 17.0
Gross profit 131.9 103.0 377.3 296.1 537.1 455.8 27.4
Other operating
income 0.4 0.5 1.0 1.4 1.9 2.4 -31.5
Selling and
marketing
expenses -47.0 -40.5 -143.3 -124.4 -198.3 -179.4 15.2
Administration
expenses -6.5 -5.1 -17.9 -16.0 -25.4 -23.5 11.6
Other operating
expenses -6.9 -6.3 -16.6 -16.3 -21.6 -21.3 1.8
Operating
Profit 71.9 51.6 200.5 140.8 293.7 234.0 42.4
Financial
Income 5.3 7.3 27.2 20.9 69.4 63.1 30.2
Financial
expenses -9.8 -12.5 -41.8 -32.9 -92.2 -83.3 27.0
Profit before
tax 67.5 46.4 185.9 128.8 270.9 213.8 44.4
Tax expense (1 -15.1 -8.9 -34.5 -21.3 -58.0 -44.9 61.7
Profit for the
period 52.4 37.4 151.5 107.5 212.9 168.9 40.9
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
52.4 37.4 151.5 107.5 212.9 168.9
Minority interest
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Earnings per share from the profit
attributable to equity holders of
the parent
basic, euros
0.42 0.30 1.22 0.88 1.73 1.37 39.0
diluted, euros 0.43 0.29 1.17 0.84 1.68 1.31 40.0
KEY RATIOS
30.9.08 30.9.07 31.12.07 Change %
Equity ratio, % 51.6 53.1 61.8
Gearing, % 63.6 60.9 14.3
Equity per share, euro 6.57 5.27 5.76 24.8
Interest-bearing net debt,
mill. euros 521.6 395.5 102.0
Capital expenditure,
mill. euros 114.2 83.1 117.1
Depreciation and amortisations
mill. euros 40.8 34.7 47.1
Personnel, average 3,766 3,414 3,462
Number of shares (million units)
at the end of period 124.83 123.31 123.70
in average 124.54 122.81 122.95
in average, diluted 132.40 128.15 129.09
1) Tax expense in the consolidated income statement is
based on the taxable profit for the period.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
30.9.08 30.9.07 31.12.07
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 493.3 399.3 419.9
Goodwill 54.9 52.8 52.8
Other intangible assets 13.8 7.6 7.5
Investments in associates 0.1 0.1 0.1
Available-for-sale
financial assets 0.3 0.2 0.2
Other receivables 14.0 8.6 12.8
Deferred tax assets 27.8 25.7 17.7
Total non-current assets 604.2 494.3 511.0
Current assets
Inventories 275.0 225.3 193.2
Trade receivables 598.1 434.7 225.3
Other receivables 101.2 61.4 67.7
Cash and cash equivalents 13.8 10.3 158.1
Total current assets 988.0 731.6 644.3
Equity
Share capital 25.0 24.7 24.7
Share premium 155.0 146.6 149.0
Translation reserve -14.7 -7.8 -12.8
Fair value and hedging reserves 0.1 0.0 0.0
Retained earnings 655.2 486.1 551.9
Minority interest 0.0 0.0 0.0
Total equity 820.6 649.6 712.8
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities 28.0 28.6 30.1
Interest-bearing liabilities 295.6 298.5 248.7
Other liabilities 2.2 1.8 2.4
Total non-current liabilities 325.8 328.8 281.1
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 204.9 139.2 148.9
Provisions 1.1 1.0 1.1
Interest-bearing liabilities 239.8 107.3 11.4
Total current liabilities 445.8 247.5 161.4
Total assets 1,592.2 1,225.9 1,155.4
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
1-9/08 1-9/07 1-12/07
Million euros
Cash flows from operating activities:
Cash generated from
operations -158.8 -126.7 206.2
Financial items and taxes -78.0 -34.7 -36.3
Net cash from operating
activities -236.8 -161.4 169.9
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net cash used in investing
activities -126.2 -83.3 -117.7
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issue of share
capital 6.3 4.1 6.5
Change in current financial
receivables and debt 228.6 53.0 -44.4
Change in non-current financial
receivables and debt 45.9 196.1 143.9
Dividends paid -62.3 -38.0 -38.0
Net cash from financing
activities 218.5 215.2 68.0
Net change in cash and cash
equivalents -144.5 -29.5 120.3
Cash and cash equivalents at
the beginning of the period 158.1 39.0 39.0
Effect of exchange rate changes -0.2 -0.7 1.2
Cash and cash equivalents at
the end of the period 13.8 10.3 158.1
-144.5 -29.5 120.3
The effect of exchange rate changes -0.2 million euros
are included in the net cash from operating activities.
Year 2007 that effect was -0.7 million euros.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Million euros
Fair
value Mino-
Trans- and rity
Share Share lation hedging Retained inte-
capital premium reserve reserves earnings rest Total
Equity,
1 Jan 2007 24.5 142.7 -2.2 -0.1 391.6 0.0 556.6
Interest rate
swaps, net of
tax 0.2 0.2
Translation
differences -6.6 -6.6
Gains/losses
from hedge of
net investments
in foreign
operations,
net of tax 0.9 0.9
Profit for
the period 107.5 107.5
Total recogni-
sed income and
expenses for
the period 0.0 0.0 -5.7 0.2 107.5 0.0 102.0
Dividends paid -38.0 -38.0
Exercised
warrants 0.2 3.9 4.0
Share-based
payments 9.0 9.0
Equity component
of the
convertible bond 16.0 16.0
Other changes 0.0
Change in
minority interest 0.0
Equity,
30 Sep 2007 24.7 146.6 -7.8 0.0 486.2 0.0 649.6
Equity,
1 Jan 2008 24.7 149.0 -12.8 0.0 551.9 0.0 712.8
Interest rate
swaps, net of
tax 0.1 0.1
Translation
differences -2.7 -2.7
Gains/losses
from hedge of
net investments
in foreign
operations,
net of tax 0.9 0.9
Profit for
the period 151.5 151.5
Total recogni-
sed income and
expenses for
the period 0.0 0.0 -1.8 0.1 151.5 0.0 149.8
Dividends paid -62.3 -62.3
Exercised
warrants 0.2 6.1 6.3
Share-based
payments 13.5 13.5
Equity component
of the
convertible bond 0.0
Other changes 0.4 0.4
Change in
minority interest 0.0
Equity,
30 Sep 2008 25.0 155.0 -14.7 0.1 655.2 0.0 820.6
SEGMENT INFORMATION 7-9/08 7-9/07 1-9/08 1-9/07 1-12/07 Change
Million euros %
Net sales
Passenger car tyres 212.1 169.7 597.8 457.7 691.2 30.6
Heavy tyres 24.4 23.1 77.8 73.6 100.8 5.7
Vianor 64.5 56.2 191.8 170.4 278.5 12.6
Others and
eliminations -18.2 -13.0 -54.2 -33.2 -45.6 -63.2
Total 282.8 236.0 813.2 668.6 1,025.0 21.6
Operating result
Passenger car tyres 72.9 54.2 201.7 137.8 212.0 46.4
Heavy tyres 4.1 5.0 15.5 16.9 22.3 -8.6
Vianor -2.2 -1.4 -6.7 -3.4 8.4 -94.3
Others and
eliminations -2.8 -6.3 -10.0 -10.5 -8.7 5.1
Total 71.9 51.6 200.5 140.8 234.0 42.4
Operating result,
% of net sales
Passenger car tyres 34.4 32.0 33.7 30.1 30.7
Heavy tyres 16.7 21.8 19.9 23.0 22.1
Vianor -3.4 -2.5 -3.5 -2.0 3.0
Total 25.4 21.9 24.7 21.1 22.8
Cash Flow II
Passenger car tyres -142.6 -77.1 -244.1 -186.1 102.3 -31.2
Heavy tyres -4.0 2.5 -7.9 5.2 21.0 -252.3
Vianor -13.1 -8.5 -30.3 -19.2 -5.6 -58.0
Total -141.8 -89.6 -288.7 -213.8 105.6 -35.1
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES 30.9.08 30.9.07 31.12.07
Million euros
FOR OWN DEBT
Mortgages 1.0 1.0 1.0
Pledged assets 42.4 0.0 0.0
OTHER OWN COMMITMENTS
Guarantees 1.9 1.0 1.0
Leasing and rent commitments 103.2 82.1 89.9
Purchase commitments of
property, plant and equipment 2.4 26.4 28.2
INTEREST RATE DERIVATIVES
Interest rate swaps
Notional amount 14.6 15.1 15.0
Fair value 0.1 0.0 0.1
FOREIGN CURRENCY DERIVATIVES
Currency forwards
Notional amount 651.3 396.4 312.1
Fair value -0.1 1.2 2.6
Currency options, purchased
Notional amount 40.8 83.2 4.8
Fair value 1.4 1.0 0.1
Currency options, written
Notional amount 74.2 63.3 4.8
Fair value -1.2 -0.6 0.0
The fair value of interest rate derivatives is defined by cash flows
due to contracts. Interest rate swaps are wholly designated as cash
flow hedges and their changes in fair value relating to the effective
portion of the hedge are recognised in equity and the potential
ineffective portion is recognised in the income statement.
The fair value of forward exchange contracts is calculated at the
forward rates on the balance sheet closing date on the basis of cash
flows arising from contracts. The fair value of currency options is
calculated by using the Garman-Kohlhagen option valuation model.
Foreign currency derivatives are only used to hedge the Group's net
exposure. The changes in fair value of foreign currency derivatives
are reported in the income statement excluding the foreign currency
derivatives that are hedging the foreign currency denominated net
investment in a foreign subsidiary. Hedge accounting is applied for
those hedges and for hedges meeting the hedge accounting criteria the
changes in the fair value are wholly deferred in equity except for
the potential ineffective portion and the time value of currency
options, which are recognised in the income statement.
The notional amount of foreign currency derivatives is the euro
equivalent of the contracts' currency denominated amount on the
balance sheet closing date.
Nokian Tyres plc
Raila Hietala-Hellman
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Further information: Kim Gran, President and CEO,
tel. +358 10 401 7336.
Distribution: NASDAQ OMX and the key media
***
Nokian Tyres will publish the January-September 2008 Interim Report on Friday 31
October 2008 at 8:00 am.
The results will be presented in English at an event for analysts and the press
on the same day at 10:00 am at Hotel Kämp in Helsinki.
The event can be followed live on the Internet on Friday 31 October 2008, 10:00
am, at:
http://www.nokiantyres.com/resultinfo2008q3
A telephone conference in English will be arranged in conjunction with the
event. To participate in the conference, dial the following number 5 to 10
minutes before the event: +44 (0)20 7162 0025. The password is "Nokian Tyres".
The stock exchange release and presentation material will be available for
download before the beginning of the event at:
http://www.nokiantyres.com/ir-calendar
A recording of the telephone conference will be available from the same page
after the event.
Nokian Tyres 2008 result will be published on February, 2009. Releases and
company information will be found from Internet www.nokiantyres.com