Opus Group AB
Interim Report (Jan – March, 2012)
Opus Prodox AB 24.05.2012 10:05 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gothenburg, Sweden, 2012-05-24 10:05 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Significant acquisition growth andsuccessful integration of ESP * Sales increased to SEK 89.7 million (61.3), a sales growth of 46 percent for the Group * EBITDA of SEK 9.7 million (9.1), 11.0 percent margin (14.8) * Cash flow from operating activities of SEK 5,6 million (4,7) * Net earnings amounted to SEK -1,5 million (0,3) * Earnings per share after dilution amounted to SEK -0,01 kronor (0,00) Focus on integration of ESP and new contracts in North America and slow start to the year in Europe & Asia ESP contributes to a strong acquisition driven revenue growth of 46 percent for the Group in the quarter. The margin of North America at 14 percent is lower than before as a result of the ESP acquisition. The results are also negatively affected because of startup costs for the Wisconsin program, which are mostly charged to the first quarter. The Wisconsin program will start generating revenues from July 1 this year. ESP performs very well during the quarter and the organization in North America has been working to integrate functions between SysTech and ESP in order to exploit the synergies between the companies ahead. SysTech has also invested more resources into a gradual international establishment. In addition, SysTech won another vehicle inspection contract in April that is strategically important as it includes the delivery of an IT-system for more than 6,000 private vehicle inspection stations that perform about 7.7 million inspections per year. Europe & Asia has had a slow start to the year with negative organic growth of approximately 17 percent. Sales loss is primarily related to the product sales, while service operations still is stable and is increasing. In Sweden car sales are down approximately 2.6 percent and the truck sales are down 8.1 percent for the first quarter. When vehicle sales decreases the investment incentives are normally negatively affected by large repair shops. The market in Europe has been even weaker in the first quarter, which is probably related to the general uncertainty and economic crisis in Europe. The acquisition of Bima Consumables from Volvo (VPS) has to some extent offset revenue losses in product sales in Sweden. Deliveries have not started on the new long-term customer contracts that were signed last year, but are expected to begin during the second quarter of 2012. For the company as a whole, we see continued growth in parallel with good profitability during the year, linked to the ESP acquisition and new vehicle inspection contracts in the U.S. that will start generating revenues in the second half of 2012. The net result is still affected by the five year depreciation of Systech's IP. In April 2013, when the assets are fully amortized, we will see a significantly better net income and earnings per share, provided that the business is developing according to plan. Opus Group has continued to evolve and is a profitable, growth-oriented company that continues to grow. In the first quarter, the Board of Directors has adopted new financial targets. The cash flows are strong and are forecasted to remain strong going forward. The Board has therefore decided to propose a dividend of SEK 0.02 per share. The board also decided that Opus Group shall apply for listing the shares on the NASDAQ OMX exchange in Stockholm in 2012. Gothenburg, Sweden, in May, 2012 Magnus Greko President and CEO Notable Events during the period Opus Completes Acquisition of ESP Inc. in the U.S. On January 26, 2012, Opus announced that its subsidiary Opus US, Inc. had completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Environmental Systems Products, Inc. ('ESP') from Envirotest Systems Holdings Corp. which will continue to operate its centralized and Remote Sensing programs under the Envirotest name. The acquisition includes all of ESP's operations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. In 2011, ESP generated approx. USD 27 million in revenues and approx. USD 3 million in EBITDA. At the time of acquisition, the company had approximately 160 employees. Opus intends to apply for listing on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm in 2012 and adopts new financial targets On February 22, 2012, Opus announced that the Board of Directors of Opus Prodox AB (publ) had decided to apply for a listing of its shares on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, the main list, during 2012. In connection with the Year-End Report 2011 and the recent acquisition of ESP, Inc. in the U.S., the Board of Directors have also reviewed and decided on new financial targets, as well as a new dividend policy for the Group. J&B Maskinteknik acquires operations of Alfa Maskinteknik On February 23, 2012, Opus announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, J&B Maskinteknik AB, had signed an agreement to acquire the assets and operations of Alfa Maskinteknik AB. Alfa Maskinteknik's operations include installation, service and accredited calibration of brake testers, with accessories, on the Swedish market. In connection with the acquisition, J&B took over existing service contracts, customer base, inventory and equipment etc. Stig Albertsson, founder and owner of Alfa Maskinteknik, accompanied the business and will continue to work for J&B going forward. Opus restructures the Parent Company's operations to a new subsidiary before listing on the NASDAQ OMX Stockholm during 2012 On March 30, 2012, Opus announced that the Board of Directors of Opus Prodox AB (publ) had decided on a restructuring in which the Parent Company's operations are transferred to a new subsidiary, Opus Equipment AB, before the listing of its shares on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, the main list, during 2012. The restructuring, which is effective as from 1 April 2012, is part of the Company's process to streamline the functions of the Group and free up resources in the Group Management team for control and future growth. After the acquisition of ESP Inc. in January 2012, a majority of the Group's operations are now located in North America and therefore Group Management wants to focus even more on this business area. Notable Events after the end of the period Systech Signs Vehicle Inspection Program Contract with the State of North Carolina On April 18, 2012, Opus announced that Opus' subsidiary, Systech International LLC., had signed a contract with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to develop the Motor Vehicle Inspection and Law Enforcement System (MILES). The contract starts immediately, and includes the design, development, implementation and maintenance of a statewide data management system that will provide a real-time link to over 6,000 private inspection stations conducting 7.7 million inspections per year. When fully implemented, MILES will provide over 300 officers and staff of the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) License & Theft (L&T) Bureau, located in 8 district offices across the State, with new computerized tools to manage and enforce the inspection program, conduct audits, manage evidence and cases, investigate motorist complaints and maintain the highest standards of quality and public service. Financial Information, Group Sales January - March 2012 Net sales for the period amounted to SEK 89.7 million (61.3). The acquisition of ESP has contributed to a sharp increase in sales compared to last year. The turnover has increased by 46 percent for the Group compared to the same period for the previous year. The integration of ESP is on track and is expected to generate synergies with other companies within the Group. The Group had negative organic growth of -14.5 percent (13.7) over the period, mostly driven by the business area Europe and Asia having a negative organic growth of -17.5 percent (23.0). The negative organic growth for the Group and Europe & Asia were mainly attributable to the general downturn in the automotive industry and the general uncertainty in the European economy in the first quarter. Expenses January - March 2012 Expenses for the period amounted to SEK 80.7 million (52.5). The Group's raw materials, supplies and merchandise expenses totalled SEK 31.7 million (26.2) and personnel expenses totalled SEK 33.0 million (17.0). Other expenses totalled SEK 15.9 million (9.4). Result January - March 2012 Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) rose to 9.7 million (9.1), corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 10.7 percent (14.8). Net loss/earnings was SEK -1.5 million (0.3 million). North America's EBITDA margin amounted to 14.0 percent (30.1) during the period. This decrease is due to the ESP acquisition. In connection with the Systech acquisition in April, 2008, the company acquired Intellectual Propety (IP) of USD 12.3 million. This includes patents, software and systems, and is amortized over five (5) years, affecting the Group's net earnings. In addition, the Group amortizes Customer Contracts and Relationships over their estimated useful lives which also affects the Group's net earnings. For this reason, the company uses EBITDA, which excludes inter alia amortization, as a key performance measurement of the Group's profitability. Financial Position and Liquidity Dividend Policy Opus dividend policy is to distribute 10-20% of profit at the EBITDA level, provided the company meets the financial target for net indebtedness. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at end of period amounted to SEK 27.4 million (14.8). The Group's interest bearing liabilities at the end of the period amounted to SEK 107.1 million (50.8). The Group's net debt at the end of the period amounted to SEK 79.7 million (36.0). The Group currently amortizes about USD 1,2 million per quarter. The Group has an overdraft facility for a total of SEK 25 million (18.7), which at the end of the period was utilized with SEK 21 million (9.4). Equity Shareholders' equity at the end of the period amounted to SEK 229.5 million (227.7), equivalent to SEK 1.19 (1.18) per share outstanding at the end of the period. Solvency The equity ratio at the end of the period amounted to 53.9 percent (72.4). Cash Flow Cash flow from operating activities Cash flow from operations for the period January-March amounted to SEK 5.6 million (4.7). Investments Total investments for the period January - March consisting mainly of ongoing development projects amounted to SEK 0.7 million (0.5) and investments in furnishings, machinery and other technical equipment amounted to SEK 1.0 million (0,5). Financing The Group's interest bearing liabilities at the end of the period amounted to SEK 107.1 million (50.8). Cash flows from financing activities during the period amounted to SEK 66.9 million (-3.3). The increase relates to new debt in connection with the ESP Inc acquisition. Financial Targets Opus new financial targets, over a business cycle, are: - Annual growth in revenues of 10% - EBITDA margin of at least 10% - Interest-bearing net debt relative to EBITDA should not exceed 3.0 times Business Areas Opus operations are divided into two business areas, being Europe & Asia and North America. Europe & Asia Sales for the current reporting period amounted to SEK 33.7 million (40.9). Organic growth was negative and amounted to approx. -18 percent (23). EBITDA amounted to SEK 1.8 million (2.9), equivalent to an EBITDA margin of 5.4 percent (7.0).The average number of employees during the current reporting period was 75 (67). North America Sales for the current reporting period amounted to SEK 55.9 million (20.4). Organic growth was approx. -10 percent (-1). EBITDA amounted to SEK 7.9 million (6.1), equivalent to an EBITDA margin of 14.0 percent (30.1).The average number of employees during the current reporting period was 235 (95). Customers Opus customers are primarily government agencies (counties, states etc.), the automotive industry, vehicle garages, and vehicle inspection companies (state and privately owned). Opus has no individual customers which represent more than 10 percent of the Group's turnover. Taxes The tax expense for the period is calculated using the current tax rate for the Parent company and each subsidiary. Temporary differences and existing fiscal loss carry-forwards have been taken into account. Employees The average number of FTEs (full-time equivalents) in the Group was 310 (162) during the current reporting period. Parent Company The Parent company's sales during the current reporting period amounted to SEK 10.9 million (15.8) and profit after financial items to SEK -1.1 million (-0.6). Related Parties No transactions with related parties have taken place during the reporting period. Accounting and Valuation Policies This report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The group accounting has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, IFRS, as approved by EU, and the Swedish Annual Accounts Act. The interim report for the Parent company has been prepared in accordance with the Swedish Annual Accounts Act and recommendation RFR 2. The same accounting and valuation policies were applied as in the 2011 Annual Report. New standards and interpretations effective from January 1, 2012 have not had any significant impact on the Group's financial statements. Accounting Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial reports in accordance with IFRS requires the Board of Directors and Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting principles and the carrying amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Actual outcomes may deviate from these estimates. Translation of Foreign Operations Assets and liabilities in foreign entities, including goodwill and other corporate fair value adjustments, are translated to Swedish kroner at the rate prevailing on the balance sheet date, meanwhile all items in the income statement are translated using an average rate for the period. Essential Risks and Uncertainty Factors Opus Prodox AB (publ) and the Opus Group companies are through their activities at risk of both financial and operational nature, which the companies themselves may affect to a greater or lesser extent. Within the companies, continuous processes are ongoing to identify possible risks and assess how these should be handled. The companies' operations, profitability and financial conditions are directly related to investments within the automotive industry and regulations within environmental and safety testing of vehicles. With the recent dramatic development of the global economic climate, there is a general insecurity, which in the short term results in an increased risk and uncertainty in respect of Opus sales, profitability and financial condition, primarily in the business segment Europe, which is more dependent of the equipment business. In North America, the Group runs vehicle inspection programs through long-term contracts with government agencies. There is a risk of early contract termination which would affect the Group's financial position negatively. Furthermore, the Group has a currency risk through its translation exposure of the operations in the U.S. A detailed description of the Parent company and subsidiaries' risks and risk management are given in Opus Annual Report 2011. Outlook In North America, the company sees opportunities throughout the year when a number of large government contracts in the U.S. vehicle inspection market are scheduled to come out for bidding. In addition, there are several interesting new markets outside the U.S. where the demand for environmental and safety testing of vehicles is increasing. The focus for 2012 will also include making ESP part of our group and utilize synergies between the companies in the Group. In Europe & Asia focus for 2012 is to continue to grow profitably. There are law-driven programs where vehicle inspection equipment has to be updated within the next few years creating nice opportunities. Our organization, with its own products, developed in Europe and the United States, and with production in Europe, U.S. and China, creates a competitive advantage that we shall use internationally. In addition we continue to look for acquisition opportunities that strategically strengthen our group. In 2008, when acquiring Systech, Opus set an aggressive financial target to reach revenue of SEK 500 million in 2012. With the step-up in both revenue and profit from the ESP acquisition, combined with the organic growth from new contracts and increased equipment sales, we are on track to reach a revenue level of SEK 400-450 million in 2012, reaching 80-90% of the original target, despite the recent economic recession. The Board of Directors has now adopted new financial targets for the Group (please see page no 7). This outlook is unchanged in relations to the year-end report for 2011. Opus does not provide financial forecasts. Financial Information *August 23, 2011, Interim Report (January - June, 2012) *November 23, 2011, Interim Report (January - September, 2012) *February 21, 2013, Year-end report 2012 This report has not been subject to auditors' review. Gothenburg, Sweden, May 24, 2012 Magnus Greko President and CEO Contact Information Opus Prodox AB (publ), (org no 556390-6063) Bäckstensgatan 11C SE-431 49 Mölndal, Sweden Phone: +46 31 748 34 00 Fax: +46 31 28 86 55 E-mail: info@opus.se www.opus.se For any questions regarding the interim report, please contact Magnus Greko, President and CEO, +46 31 748 34 91. Opus Certified Adviser Thenberg & Kinde Fondkommission AB Box 2108 SE-403 12 Gothenburg, Sweden Phone: +46 31 745 50 00 Opus Prodox AB (publ) in Brief The Opus Group is in the business of developing, producing and selling products and services within Automotive Test Equipment, Vehicle Inspection Systems and Fleet Management for the global market. The products include emission analyzers, diagnostic equipment, and automatic test lanes. Services include management of mandatory vehicle inspection programs. The Group sells its products and services in more than 50 countries all over the world and currently has around 320 employees. The turnover for 2011 was roughly SEK 232 million. Opus' share is listed on First North Premier (NASDAQ OMX) under the ticker OPUS. News Source: NASDAQ OMX 24.05.2012 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. DGAP's Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Opus Prodox AB Sweden Phone: Fax: E-mail: Internet: ISIN: SE0001696683 WKN: End of Announcement DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
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