Financial statements release 1 January – 31 December 2009

Financial statements release 1 January – 31 December 2009 

 
LASSILA & TIKANOJA PLC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RELEASE
10 FEBRUARY 2010 8.00 AM

Financial statements release 2009

- Net sales for the final quarter EUR 148.0 million (EUR 153.1 million); operating profit EUR 8.5 million (EUR 4.9 million); operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items EUR 8.7 million (EUR 8.6 million); earnings per share EUR 0.14 (EUR 0.04)
- Full-year net sales EUR 582.3 million (EUR 606.0 million); operating profit EUR 50.3 million (EUR 55.5 million); operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items EUR 51.3 million (EUR 45.0 million); earnings per share EUR 0.85 (EUR 1.03)
- Net sales and operating profit excluding non-recurring items in 2010 are expected to remain at the 2009 level.   
- A dividend of EUR 0.55 per share is proposed.

GROUP NET SALES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

October–December
Lassila & Tikanoja’s net sales for the final quarter totalled EUR 148.0 million (EUR 153.1 million), showing a decrease of 3.3% from the previous year. Operating profit was EUR 8.5 million (EUR 4.9 million), representing 5.7% (3.2%) of net sales. Operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 8.7 million (EUR 8.6 million). Earnings per share were EUR 0.14 (EUR 0.04).

Net sales in the fourth quarter fell due to the decrease in waste and secondary raw material volumes.  Profitability remained at the previous year’s level thanks to production efficiency improvement measures. Non-recurring restructuring expenses of EUR 0.2 million were recorded for the fourth quarter (impact of non-recurring items in the comparison period was EUR -3.7 million).

Year 2009
Full-year net sales amounted to EUR 582.3 million (EUR 606.0 million); a decrease of 3.9%. Operating profit was EUR 50.3 million (EUR 55.5 million), representing 8.6% (9.2%) of net sales. Operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 51.3 million (EUR 45.0 million). Earnings per share were EUR 0.85 (EUR 1.03).

The decrease in net sales could be primarily attributed to the weak demand for L&T Biowatti’s wood-based fuels and the lower waste and transport volumes. The prices of secondary raw materials and their demand remained low in the first half, but showed slight improvement towards the year-end. The net sales of Property and Office Support Services and Industrial Services almost reached their previous year’s level even though the sustained economic uncertainty hampered the sales of additional services.

Operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items saw a marked improvement thanks to efficiency enhancement measures. Operating profit was taxed by the non-recurring items totalling EUR 1.0 million. The completion of the joint venture L&T Recoil Oy’s production plant was delayed, which resulted in considerable loss. In 2008, operating profit was boosted by the capital gain from the sale of Ekokem shares, among other things.

Financial summary

 

10-12/
2009

10-12/
2008

Change
%

1-12/
2009

1-12/
2008

Change%

Net sales, EUR million

148.0

153.1

-3.3

582.3

606.0

-3.9

Operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items, EUR million*

8.7

8.6

1.2

51.3

45.0

14.0

Operating profit, EUR million

8.5

4.9

74.2

50.3

55.5

-9.4

Operating margin, %

5.7

3.2

 

8.6

9.2

 

Profit before tax, EUR million

7.4

3.5

 

45.0

50.7

-11.2

Earnings per share, EUR

0.14

0.04

 

0.85

1.03

-17.5

Dividend per share, EUR

 

 

 

0.55**

0.55

 

EVA, EUR million

-0.1

-3.3

97.0

16.5

25.0

-34.0

* Breakdown of operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items is presented below the division reviews.
** Proposal by the Board of Directors

NET SALES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BY DIVISION
Environmental Services

October–December
The net sales of Environmental Services (waste management, recycling services, L&T Biowatti, environmental products) in the final quarter decreased by 3.7% to EUR 71.5 million (EUR 74.2 million). Operating profit was EUR 6.5 million (EUR 6.0 million), and operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 6.5 million (EUR 6.0 million).

The net sales of waste management shrank particularly due to the falling construction waste volumes. However, operating profit remained at the comparison period’s level. In the recycling services business, net sales declined due to shrinking volumes of raw materials but profitability improved thanks to the rising prices of secondary raw materials and a recovery in their demand. Construction of additional capacity at the Kerava recycling plant continued.

L&T Biowatti’s net sales remained at the previous year’s level. Although the cold weather in December boosted the demand for fuels, low operating rates in the industry and the low wholesale price of electricity continued to hold back demand. The inexpensive price level of emission rights and fossil fuels undermined the competitiveness of wood-based fuels. The procurement of wood raw material for future heating seasons was more successful than expected. 

The profitability of the Environmental Services division’s international operations improved despite difficult market conditions.

Year 2009
The full-year net sales of the Environmental Services division shrank by 6.8% to EUR 279.8 million (EUR 300.1 million). Operating profit was EUR 31.7 million (EUR 32.3 million), and operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 32.9 million (EUR 32.3 million).

Net sales from waste management fell somewhat due to the reduction in waste volumes. The slowdown in new construction reduced construction waste volumes as expected, but the increased activity in renovation operations helped offset the decline.

The market prices of secondary raw materials (plastics, fibres, metals) and their demand were low in the first half, but showed slight improvement in the second half. The first stage of the Kerava recycling plant investment programme ended in June and the new recycled timber unit was brought on line. The second stage of the investment was downsized, and it will involve the construction of a combined plant that will be able to handle both construction waste and trade and industrial waste. The investment will be completed in autumn 2010, which will significantly raise the recovery rate of the waste processed at the Kerava plant.

The demand for biofuels supplied by L&T Biowatti decreased sharply as a result of the lower wholesale price of electricity and lower operating rates in the forest industry. The low prices of fossil fuels and emission rights eroded the competitiveness of wood-based fuels against coal, peat and oil. The product line’s profitability weakened significantly and the result was negative.

A forestry service organisation focusing on energy wood procurement launched operations in January and was able to exceed its procurement targets, which resulted in a significant increase in raw material stocks.
 The Luumäki pellet plant was closed in May.

In April, waste management operations in Russia were extended to cover the city of Noginsk. The construction of a recycling plant in Dubna began with completion scheduled for the first half of 2010. In Latvia, the growing uncertainty of the country’s economy posed challenges for business development, but at the same time it has improved the availability of labour and lowered labour costs.

Net sales for environmental products declined but profitability remained healthy.

Property and Office Support Services

October–December
The net sales of Property and Office Support Services (property maintenance, cleaning services) amounted to EUR 61.4 million (EUR 62.9 million) in the final quarter. The operating profit grew to EUR 2.8 million (EUR -1.9 million), and operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 2.9 million (EUR 2.3 million).

Net sales from Finnish operations declined slightly from the previous year. Despite the weaker market conditions, profitability improved as a result of production efficiency boosting measures. Contracts were successfully renewed in both product lines.

Net sales from international operations declined primarily as a result of the weakening of the Swedish krona and the Russian rouble. Although profitability improved, overall result was slightly negative due to the losses from Swedish operations.

Year 2009

The full-year net sales of Property and Office Support Services totalled EUR 243.1 million (EUR 243.2 million). At EUR 17.7 million (EUR 5.9 million), operating profit showed a significant improvement. Operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 18.1 million (EUR 10.1 million).

Net sales remained at the 2008 level and additional services sold well despite the economic uncertainties. A few sizeable damage repair projects were carried out in the first half and workflow remained constant throughout the year. New partnership agreements were signed with insurance companies.

The sector’s profitability showed a considerable improvement as a result of production efficiency boosting measures. Prolonged economic uncertainty resulted in lower employee turnover, particularly in cleaning services, which helped significantly raise production efficiency.

The L&T® EcoMaintenance concept was launched in the property maintenance business to reduce the energy consumption in properties. 

Loss from international operations decreased. The Latvian and Russian operations recorded a positive result even though customers have downsized their services programmes due to the weak economic conditions, particularly in Latvia. In Sweden, the reorganisation programme proceeded as planned but operations continued to show a loss. In March, the Russian cleaning services were awarded a certificate for compliance with the ISO 9001 quality standards.

Industrial Services

October–December
The fourth quarter net sales of Industrial Services (hazardous waste management, industrial solutions, wastewater services, L&T Recoil) were down by 4.6% to EUR 17.2 million (EUR 18.1 million). Operating profit was EUR 0.0 million (EUR 1.5 million), and operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 0.0 million (EUR 1.0 million).

The division’s net sales fell due to the sustained low operating rates in the industry and a decrease in hazardous waste volumes. Profitability of the hazardous waste management and industrial solutions business was boosted by higher recovery rates and material efficiency solutions. Costs arising from the production reorganisation of waste water services eroded the product line’s profitability.

The joint venture L&T Recoil’s re-refinery for used lubricating oil reached a production stage towards the year-end, but by the end of the year production had not yet stabilised. Delays in production start-up taxed the division’s performance considerably.

Year 2009
Full-year net sales for Industrial Services stood at EUR 67.4 million (EUR 69.0 million). Operating profit was EUR 3.4 million (EUR 5.2 million), and operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items was EUR 3.2 million (EUR 4.9 million).

The low operating rates in the industry had the expected impact on Industrial Services throughout the year.  Hazardous waste volumes showed a marked decrease and maintenance service volumes decreased as the economic uncertainty prolonged. Rapid fluctuation in demand posed a challenge to production adjustment measures. The low demand for recovered fuel picked up to some extent towards the year-end.

Profitability in hazardous waste services and industrial solutions improved, thanks to successful production efficiency improvement measures. In addition, large individual projects were carried out in the first half.

The production start-up phase of L&T Recoil’s re-refinery for used lubricating oil was delayed from the planned schedule, and the plant was unable to meet the year’s production targets. The joint venture’s losses had a major negative impact on the entire division’s profitability.

BREAKDOWN OF OPERATING PROFIT EXCLUDING NON-RECURRING AND IMPUTED ITEMS

EUR million

10-12/
2009

10-12/
2008

1-12/
2009

1-12/
2008

Operating profit

8.5

4.9

50.3

55.5

Non-recurring items

 

 

 

 

Impairment loss on goodwill of business in Sweden

 

3.1

 

3.1

Discontinuation of soil washing services

 

2.6

-0.4

2.6

Loss on sale of business in Norway

 

1.1

 

1.1

Gain on sale of the shares of Ekokem

 

 

 

-14.3

Oil derivatives

 

-3.1

 

-3.0

Restructuring expenses

0.2

 

1.6

 

Discontinuation of wood pellet production in Luumäki

 

 

0.3

 

Refund of supplementary insurance fund of former Lassila & Tikanoja

 

 

-0.5

 

Operating profit excluding non-recurring and imputed items

8.7

8.6

51.3

45.0


FINANCING

At the end of the year, interest-bearing liabilities amounted to EUR 3.2 million less than a year earlier. Net interest-bearing liabilities, totalling EUR 116.3 million, decreased by EUR 4.3 million.

The amount of net finance costs in the final quarter was below that of the comparison period by EUR 0.3 million while in January–December the amount exceeded that of the comparison period by EUR 0.4 million. Interest expenses decreased by EUR 0.4 million in the fourth quarter and by EUR 0.2 million in January–December. The decrease resulted from the decline in the interest rate level and the decrease in the interest-bearing liabilities. Net finance costs were 0.9% (0.8%) of net sales and 10.4% (8.7%) of operating profit.


In 2009, a total of EUR -0.3 million (EUR -1.0 million) arising from the changes in the fair values of interest rate swaps to which hedge accounting under IAS 39 is applied was recognised in other comprehensive income, after tax.

In 2009, new long-term loans totalling EUR 24.0 million (EUR 47.0 million) were drawn and a total of EUR 19.0 million of short-term loans were converted into long-term loans. EUR 29.2 million (EUR 15.6 million) were repaid. At 31 December, the weighted average of effective interest rates of long-term loans was 2.93% (4.61%). At the end of the year, the amount of liquid assets was EUR 27.6 million (EUR 26.5 million). A committed limit of EUR 15.0 million was not in use as at the end of the year 2008. EUR 15.5 million of committed limits were in use at the end of the year 2008. 

The equity ratio was 44.1% (43.2%) and the gearing rate 53.5 (58.8). Cash flows from operating activities amounted to EUR 66.2 million (EUR 70.4 million). EUR 12.0 million were tied up in the working capital (EUR 2.2 million were released). The increase in the working capital was mainly attributable to increase in the inventories of L&T Biowatti.

DIVIDEND

The Annual General Meeting held on 24 March 2009 resolved on a dividend of EUR 0.55 per share. The dividend, totalling EUR 21.3 million, was paid to the shareholders on 3 April 2009.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Capital expenditure totalled EUR 44.9 million (EUR 84.2 million). The largest construction projects were L&T Recoil re-refinery and the extension of the Kerava recycling plant.

In the third quarter, the property maintenance services business of Valkeakosken Talohuolto Ky was acquired into Property and Office Support Services. In the fourth quarter, the waste collection operations of Kuljetusliike Veli-Pekka Hiltunen Oy and the business operations of Raahen Kuljetus Maunula Ky were acquired into Environmental Services. The business acquisitions totalled EUR 1.7 million and the combined annual net sales of the acquired businesses totalled EUR 2.1 million.

In the second quarter, the business of Environmental Services’ unit in Virrat was sold.

PERSONNEL

In 2009, the average number of employees converted into full-time equivalents was 8,113 (8,363). At the year end, the total number of full-time and part-time employees was 8,743 (9,490). Of them 6,762 (7,269) people worked in Finland and 1,981 (2,221) people in other countries.

PROPOSAL FOR THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROFIT
According to the financial statements, Lassila & Tikanoja plc’s distributable assets amount to EUR 55,348,207.26, of which EUR 27,939,056.68 constitutes profit for the financial period. There were no substantial changes in the financial standing of the company after the end of the financial period, and the solvency test referred to in Chapter 13, Section 2 of the Companies Act does not affect the amount of distributable assets. The Board of Directors proposes to the General Meeting of Shareholders that distributable assets be used as follows:

A dividend of EUR 0.55 will be paid on each share. On the day when the distribution of profit was proposed, the number of shares conferring entitlement to receive dividend totalled 38,768,874 shares, on which the total dividend payment would be EUR 21,322,880.70. No dividend shall be paid on shares held by the company on the dividend payment record date.


In accordance with the resolution of the Board of Directors, the record date is 7 April 2010. The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting to be held on 31 March 2010 that the dividend be paid on 14 April 2010.

Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.85. The proposed dividend is 64.4% of the earnings per share.

NEW DIVISIONS

As of 1 June 2009, Lassila & Tikanoja’s business operations were regrouped into three divisions: Environmental Services, Property and Office Support Services and Renewable Energy Sources (L&T Biowatti). The Industrial Services division was combined with the Environmental Services division.

By the regrouping L&T aims at a more cost-efficient and customer orientated operating model. The combining of the organisations of Environmental Services and Industrial Services allows more efficient use of resources.

The company’s internal reporting, as well as the segments reported externally, will be changed to reflect the new divisions at the beginning of 2010. In 2009, the financial reporting segments are Environmental Services, Property and Office Support Services and Industrial Services.

SHARE AND SHARE CAPITAL


Traded volume and price
The volume of trading in Lassila & Tikanoja plc shares on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki in 2009 was 10,089,598, which is 25.9% (45.0%) of the average number of outstanding shares. The value of trading was EUR 127.2 million (EUR 287.9 million). The trading price varied between EUR 9.16 and EUR 17.19. The closing price was EUR 15.99. During the review period the company repurchased 30,000 own shares. The market capitalisation was EUR 619.9 million (EUR 426.8 million) at the end of the period.

Share capital and number of shares
The company’s registered share capital amounts to EUR 19,399,437, and the number of outstanding shares to 38,768,874 shares. In January–December, the average number of shares excluding the shares held by the company totalled 38,780,589.

Share option scheme 2005
In 2005, 600,000 share option rights were issued, each entitling its holder to subscribe for one share of Lassila & Tikanoja plc. In the beginning of the exercise period, 32 key persons held 176,000 2005B options. 37 key persons hold 200,000 2005C options. L&T Advance Oy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lassila & Tikanoja plc, holds 24,000 2005B options and 30,000 2005C options and these options will not be exercised.  

The exercise price for the 2005B options is EUR 16.98 and for 2005C options EUR 26.87. The exercise period for 2005B options is 3 November 2008 to 31 May 2010, and for 2005C options 2 November 2009 to 31 May 2011. The exercise period for the 2005A options ended on 29 May 2009.

As a result of the exercise of the outstanding 2005 share options, the number of shares may increase by a maximum of 376,000 new shares, which is 1.0% of the current number of shares. The 2005B options have been listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki since 2 January 2009 and 2005C options since 2 November 2009.

Share option scheme 2008
In 2008, 230,000 share option rights were issued, each entitling its holder to subscribe for one share of Lassila & Tikanoja plc. 37 key persons hold 196,000 options and L&T Advance Oy 34,000 options.


The exercise price for the 2008 options is EUR 16.27. The exercise price of the share options shall, as per the dividend record date, be reduced by the amount of dividend which exceeds 70% of the profit per share for the financial period to which the dividend applies. However, only such dividends whose distribution has been agreed upon after the option pricing period and which have been distributed prior to the share subscription are deducted from the subscription price. The exercise price shall, however, always amount to at least EUR 0.01. The exercise period will be from 1 November 2010 to 31 May 2012.

As a result of the exercise of the outstanding 2008 share options, the number of shares may increase by a maximum of 196,000 new shares, which is 0.5% of the current number of shares.

Share-based incentive programme
Lassila & Tikanoja plc’s Board of Directors decided on 24 March 2009 on a share-based incentive programme. The programme includes three earnings periods one year each, of which the first one began on 1 January 2009 and the last one ends on 31 December 2011. The basis for the determination of the reward is decided annually. Potential rewards to be paid for the year 2009 will be based on the EVA result of Lassila & Tikanoja group. Potential rewards will be paid partly as shares and partly in cash. The proportion paid in cash will cover taxes arising from the reward. In the starting phase the programme covered 28 persons.

A maximum total of 180,000 Lassila & Tikanoja plc shares may be paid out on the basis of the programme. The shares will be obtained in public trading, and therefore the incentive programme will have no diluting effect on the share value.

Shareholders
At the end of the financial period, the company had 7,595 (6,135) shareholders. Nominee-registered holdings accounted for 9.2% (9.9%) of the total number of shares.

Notifications on major holdings
On 30 April 2009, Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company announced that its holding of the shares and votes in Lassila & Tikanoja plc had fallen to 7.6%.

On 12 May 2009, OP-Pohjola Group announced that its holding of the shares and votes in Lassila & Tikanoja plc had risen to 5.2%.

On 7 August 2009, OP-Pohjola Group announced that its holding of the shares and votes in Lassila & Tikanoja plc had fallen to 4.7%.

Authorisation for the Board of Directors
The Annual General Meeting held on 24 March 2009 authorised Lassila & Tikanoja plc’s Board of Directors to make decisions on the repurchase of the company’s own shares using the company’s unrestricted equity and on the issuance of these shares. Shares will be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the existing shareholdings of the company’s shareholders in public trading on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd at the market price quoted at the time of the repurchase.

The Board of Directors is authorised to repurchase and transfer a maximum of 500,000 company shares, which is 1.3% of the total number of shares. The repurchase authorisation will be effective for 18 months and the share issue authorisation for four years.

The Board of Directors is not authorised to launch a convertible bond or share option rights.

Own shares
At the end of the period Lassila & Tikanoja plc held 30,000 of its own shares which represent 0.1% of shares and votes. The shares were repurchased, based on the authorisation given by the Annual General Meeting, on 20-26 May 2009 at a total price of EUR 356 thousand.

RESOLUTIONS BY THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting of Lassila & Tikanoja plc, which was held on 24 March 2009, adopted the financial statements for the financial year 2008 and released the members of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO from liability. The AGM resolved that a dividend of EUR 0.55, a total of EUR 21.3 million, as proposed by the Board of Directors, be paid for the financial year 2008. The dividend payment date was resolved to be 3 April 2009.

The Annual General Meeting confirmed the number of the members of the Board of Directors six. The following Board members were re-elected to the Board until the end of the following AGM: Heikki Bergholm, Eero Hautaniemi, Matti Kavetvuo, Juhani Lassila and Juhani Maijala. Hille Korhonen was elected as a new member for the same term.

PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy, Authorised Public Accountants, were elected auditors with Heikki Lassila, Authorised Public Accountant, acting as Principal Auditor.

The Annual General Meeting approved the Board’s proposals to amend article 11 of the Articles of Association and to authorise the Board of Directors to repurchase the company’s own shares and to issue shares.

The resolutions of the Annual General Meeting were announced in more detail in a stock exchange release on 25 March 2009.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The members of the Board of Directors are Heikki Bergholm, Eero Hautaniemi, Matti Kavetvuo, Hille Korhonen, Juhani Lassila and Juhani Maijala. In its constitutive meeting the Board re-elected Juhani Maijala as Chairman of the Board and Juhani Lassila as Vice Chairman. The Board decided to establish an audit committee. From among its members, the Board elected Juhani Lassila as Chairman and Eero Hautaniemi and Hille Korhonen as members of the audit committee.

SUMMARY OF STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASES PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 7, CHAPTER 2 OF THE SECURITIES MARKETS ACT

In a release published on 15 January 2009, the company announced that it recognises an impairment loss of EUR 2.7 million for the goodwill of business operations in Sweden due to weaker market outlook.

In a release published on 23 February 2009, the company announced that it has concluded the statutory employer-employee negotiations that began in Finland on 29 December 2008. As a result of these negotiations, the reduction notice applies to 160 persons. The reductions form part of the measures currently undertaken in order to adjust the organisation and business activities to changes in the market situation.

In a release published on 25 March 2009, the company announced that Lassila & Tikanoja plc’s Board of Directors decided on a share-based incentive programme. More details of the programme are given above in the chapter Share and share capital.

In a release published on 12 May 2009, the company announced that as of 1 June 2009 its business operations will be regrouped into three divisions:
Environmental Services, Property and Office Support Services and Renewable Energy Sources (L&T Biowatti). The Industrial Services division will be combined to the Environmental Services division. The company’s internal reporting, as well as the segments reported externally, will be changed to reflect the new divisions at the beginning of 2010.

In a release published on 4 September 2009, the company announced that as of that date Director Arto Nivalainen leaves the Group Executive team of Lassila & Tikanoja plc. He will continue in the company until 31 August 2010. Nivalainen is responsible for certain development and investment projects and continues as a member of the Board of Directors of L&T Biowatti Oy. L&T’s Group Executives are: Jorma Mikkonen, Vice President, Environmental Services; Anna-Maija Apajalahti, Vice President, Property and Office Support Services; Laura Aarnio, Accounting Director; Kimmo Huhtimo, Director responsible for product and process development, marketing communications and Contact Centre; Inkeri Puputti, HR Director; Ville Rantala, CFO.

In a release published on 27 October 2009, the company announced that Tomi Salo has been appointed Managing Director of L&T Biowatti Oy and Group Executive of Lassila & Tikanoja plc as of 1 December 2009. Salo is responsible for the Renewable Energy Sources division and he reports to Jari Sarjo, President and CEO.

In a release published on 1 December 2009, the company announced that it will start statutory employer-employee negotiations in order to improve efficiency. On 25 January 2010 the company announced that it had concluded the statutory employer-employee negotiations. As a result of these negotiations, L&T will reduce 110 salaried employee positions in Finland. The reductions will be realised partly through natural attrition. The number of redundancies is expected to be 95 at the maximum, consisting of 80 salaried employees and 15 senior salaried employees.

NEAR-TERM UNCERTAINTIES

Sustained economic uncertainty may reduce transport and recycling volumes and the number of assignments. The market price and demand instability of secondary raw materials could have a negative effect on the profitability of recycling services. Rapid fluctuations in demand for services purchased by the industry and the low operating rates in the industry may hamper the planning and implementation of work.

If the operating rate target set for L&T Recoil’s production is not reached, this will have a negative impact on the Environmental Services division’s performance. Performance will also be adversely affected by the potential fall in the price of crude oil because the price of base oil follows crude oil price developments with a slight delay.

Low prices of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and peat may undermine the competitiveness of L&T Biowatti’s wood-based fuels. Similarly, the low wholesale price of electricity and low price of emission rights will weaken demand.

The intensifying competition environment and changes in legislation in Latvia may prove detrimental to the profitability of the waste management business.

More detailed information on L&T’s risks and risk management is available in the Annual Report in the Board of Directors’ Report and in the consolidated financial statements.

PROSPECTS FOR THE YEAR 2010

In the Environmental Services division, waste material transport and recycling volumes are expected to remain unchanged. The demand and market prices of secondary raw materials are expected to recover slowly. The current operating rates in the industry will result in low hazardous waste volumes and demand for maintenance services. Production at L&T Recoil’s re-refinery continues to be unstable. Its operating rate will have a major impact on the division’s profitability.
 
The market for Property and Office Support Services is expected to remain unchanged or weaken. Customers must follow tight cost control, which is assumed to increase competitive bidding and reduce orders for additional services.

The demand for L&T Biowatti’s wood-based fuels is expected to remain moderate due to low operating rates in the industry and the low wholesale price of electricity. Furthermore, the low price of emission rights will undermine the competitiveness of wood-based fuels.

Net sales and operating profit excluding non-recurring items in 2010 are expected to remain at the 2009 level.   

CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 JANUARY–31 DECEMBER 2009

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT


EUR 1000

10-12/
2009

10-12/
2008

1-12/
2009

1-12/
2008

Net sales

148 041

153 058

582 306

605 996

Cost of sales

-132 487

-136 925

-505 699

-533 681

Gross profit

15 554

16 133

76 607

72 315

Other operating income

429

3 820

2 425

21 708

Selling and marketing costs

-3 842

-4 517

-14 636

-16 228

Administrative expenses

-3 167

-2 873

-11 705

-12 105

Other operating expenses

-470

-4 592

-2 427

-7 102

Goodwill impairment

 

-3 090

 

-3 090

Operating profit

8 504

4 881

50 264

55 498

Finance income

224

742

1 290

1 931

Finance costs

-1 302

-2 112

-6 528

-6 737

Profit before tax

7 426

3 511

45 026

50 692

Income tax expense

-1 917

-1 979

-11 881

-10 724

Profit for the period

5 509

1 532

33 145

39 968

 

 

 

 

 

Attributable to:

 

 

 

 

Equity holders of the company

5 511

1 537

33 140

39 969

Minority interest

-2

-5

5

-1


Earnings per share for profit attributable to the equity holders of the company:

Basic earnings per share, EUR

0.14

0.04

0.85

1.03

Diluted earnings per share, EUR

0.14

0.04

0.85

1.03


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

EUR 1000

10-12/
2009

10-12/
2008

1-12/
2009

1-12/
2008

Profit for the period

5 509

1 532

33 145

39 968

Other comprehensive income, after tax

 

 

 

 

Hedging reserve, change in fair value

98

-926

-343

-972

Current available-for-sale investments

 

 

 

 

Gains in the period

3

24

-21

29

Reclassification adjustments

 

 

 

-14 238

Current available-for-sale investments

3

24

-21

-14 209

Currency translation differences

200

-1 327

324

-1 862

Other comprehensive income, after tax

301

-2 229

-40

-17 043

Total comprehensive income, after tax

5 810

-697

33 105

22 925

Attributable to:

 

 

 

Equity holders of the company

5 721

-670

33 020

22 950

Minority interest

89

-27

85

-25


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION


EUR 1000

12/2009

12/2008

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

Non-current assets

 

 

Intangible assets

 

 

Goodwill

113 771

115 451

Customer contracts arising from acquisitions

6 232

7 346

Agreements on prohibition of competition

11 641

13 270

Other intangible assets arising from business acquisitions

3 194

5 158

Other intangible assets

13 579

11 402

 

148 417

152 627

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

Land

4 015

3 832

Buildings and constructions

72 072

43 958

Machinery and equipment

110 817

113 851

Other

81

78

Prepayments and construction in progress

14 666

35 433

 

201 651

197 152

Other non-current assets

 

 

Available-for-sale investments

525

502

Finance lease receivables

4 425

4 694

Deferred income tax assets

2 147

945

Other receivables

726

689

 

7 823

6 830

Total non-current assets

357 891

356 609

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

Inventories

32 842

18 827

Trade and other receivables

77 702

74 634

Derivative receivables

 

112

Prepayments

370

986

Available-for-sale investments

18 484

20 368

Cash and cash equivalents

9 099

6 149

 

 

 

Total current assets

138 497

121 076

TOTAL ASSETS

496 388

477 685

 




EUR 1000

12/2009

12/2008

 

 

 

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

 

 

Equity

 

 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the company

 

 

Share capital

19 399

19 399

Share premium reserve

50 673

50 673

Other reserves

-3 084

-2 964

Retained earnings

116 874

97 799

Profit for the period

33 140

39 969

 

217 002

204 876

Minority interest

247

162

Total equity

217 249

205 038

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

Non-current liabilities

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities

33 622

32 898

Retirement benefit obligations

671

674

Provisions

2 100

1 741

Borrowings

120 969

102 487

Other liabilities

1 510

1 083

 

158 872

138 883

Current liabilities

 

 

Borrowings

22 890

44 569

Trade and other payables

94 130

88 298

Derivative liabilities

1 073

610

Tax liabilities

2 119

273

Provisions

55

14

 

120 267

133 764

Total liabilities

279 139

272 647

 

 

 

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

496 388

477 685


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

EUR 1000

12/2009

12/2008

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

Profit for the period

33 145

39 968

Adjustments

 

 

Income tax expense

11 881

10 724

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment

40 334

40 985

Finance income and costs

5 238

4 806

Oil derivatives

 

-2 221

Gain on sale of shares

-70

-14 258

Discontinued operations

 

2 616

Other

1 809

444

Net cash generated from operating activities before change in working capital

92 337

83 064

 

 

 

Change in working capital

 

 

Change in trade and other receivables

-4 654

3 502

Change in inventories

-14 022

-4 492

Change in trade and other payables

6 689

3 152

Change in working capital

-11 987

2 162

 

 

 

Interest paid

-7 511

-5 953

Interest received

1 505

1 867

Income tax paid

-8 156

-10 716

Net cash from operating activities

66 188

70 424

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

Acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses, net of cash acquired

-1 747

-4 298

Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries and businesses, net of sold cash

197

23

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

-42 735

-77 542

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

4 328

789

Purchases of available-for-sale investments

-54

-200

Change in other non-current receivables

-13

-11

Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments

7

16 867

Dividends received

1

4

Net cash used in investing activities

-40 016

-64 368

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

Proceeds from shares issued

 

206

Change in short-term borrowings

-12 044

-4 593

Proceeds from long-term borrowings

43 000

47 000

Repayments of long-term borrowings

-34 388

-14 546

Dividends paid

-21 318

-21 315

Repurchase of own shares

-356

 

Net cash generated from financing activities

-25 106

6 752

 

EUR 1000

12/2009

12/2008

Net change in liquid assets

1 066

12 808

Liquid assets at beginning of period

26 517

14 008

Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates

28

-339

Change in fair value of current available-for-sale investments

-28

40

Liquid assets at end of period

27 583

26 517


Liquid assets

EUR 1000

12/2009

12/2008

Cash and cash equivalents

9 099

6 149

Certificates of deposit

18 484

20 368

Total

27 583

26 517


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY   

EUR 1000

Share
capital

Share
premium
reserve

Revalu-ation
and other
reserves

Retained
earnings

Equity attributable
to equity
holders of the company

Minority
interest

Total
equity

Equity at 1.1.2009

19 399

50 673

-2 964

137 768

204 876

162

205 038

Expense recognition of share-based benefits

 

 

 

757

757

 

757

Repurchase of own shares

 

 

 

-356

-356

 

-356

Dividends paid

 

 

 

-21 295

-21 295

 

-21 295

Total comprehensive income

 

 

-120

33 140

33 020

85

33 105

Equity at 31.12.2009

19 399

50 673

-3 084

150 014

217 002

247

217 249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity at 1.1.2008

19 392

50 474

14 055

118 236

202 157

187

202 344

Share subscriptions with 2005 options

7

199

 

 

206

 

206

Expense recognition of share-based benefits

 

 

 

886

886

 

886

Dividends paid

 

 

 

-21 323

-21 323

 

-21 323

Total comprehensive income

 

 

-17 019

39 969

22 950

-25

22 925

Equity at 31.12.2008

19 399

50 673

-2 964

137 768

204 876

162

205 038


KEY FIGURES

 

10-12/
2009

10-12/
2008

1-12/
2009

1-12/
2008

Earnings per share, EUR

0.14

0.04

0.85

1.03

Earnings per share, diluted, EUR

0.14

0.04

0.85

1.03

Cash flows from operating activities per share, EUR

0.53

0.74

1.71

1.82

EVA, EUR million

-0.1

-3.3

16.5

25.0

Capital expenditure, EUR 1000

10 750

32 011

44 882

84 249

Depreciation, amortisation and impairment, EUR 1000

10 418

12 918

40 334

40 985

 

 

 

 

 

Equity per share, EUR

 

 

5.60

5.28

Dividend/share, EUR

 

 

0.55*

0.55

Dividend/earnings, %

 

 

 64.4*

53.4

Dividend yield, %

 

 

 3.4*

5.0

P/E ratio

 

 

18.7

10.7

Return on equity, ROE. %

 

 

15.7

19.6

Return on invested capital, ROI. %

 

 

14.5

17.1

Equity ratio, %

 

 

44.1

43.2

Gearing, %

 

 

53.5

58.8

Net interest-bearing liabilities, EUR 1000

 

 

116 276

120 539

Average number of employees in full-time equivalents

 

 

8 113

8 363

Total number of full-time and part-time employees at end of period

 

 

8 743

9 490

 

 

 

 

 

Number of outstanding shares adjusted for issues, 1000 shares

 

 

 

 

average during the period

 

 

38 781

38 796

at end of period

 

 

38 769

38 799

average during the period, diluted

 

 

38 784

38 817

* Proposal by the Board of Directors

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

This interim financial report is in compliance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting standard. The same accounting policies as in the annual financial statements for the year 2009 have been applied. These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the IFRS standards and interpretations as adopted by the EU.

The following new standards and amendments to standards that have become effective in 2009 have had an impact on the consolidated financial statements for the financial year:

IFRS 8 Operating Segments
The IFRS 8 Operating Segments standard has replaced the Segment Reporting standard (IAS 14). IFRS 8 requires that segment information is prepared under the management approach. Segment information shall be presented on the same basis as that used for internal reporting provided to the management and using the accounting policies applied in that reporting. The adoption of IFRS 8 did not impose any significant changes on L&T’s segment reporting as the previous segment reporting was based on the internal reporting structure, and the internal reporting is consistent with the IFRS-standards. The reportable segments remained unchanged, but a change has been made between Property and Office Support Services and Industrial Services, because damage repair services were transferred to Property and Office Support Services. To the rest of the segment information, to the basis of segment division and to the measurement of profit or loss the same principles have been applied as in the annual financial statements 2008. As previously, operating profit is used as a measure of a segment’s profit or loss. However, unlike in previous financial reports, the segments’ net sales are divided into external net sales and inter-division net sales. The implementation of the standard changed also the notes to the annual financial statements.

IAS 1 (Amendment) Presentation of Financial Statements
The revised standard changed the presentation of the income statement and the statement of changes in equity. According to the revised standard, only owner changes in equity are presented in the statement of changes in equity. Changes in equity during the period resulting from transactions and other events other than those changes resulting from transactions with owners in their capacity as owners, are presented in a statement of comprehensive income. The income statement may be presented in a single statement of comprehensive income or in two statements. L&T adopted two separate statements: a separate income statement displaying components of profit or loss and a second statement beginning with profit or loss and displaying components of other comprehensive income. The title of the cash flow statement changed and is now referred to as ‘statement of cash flows’.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS require the management to make such estimates and assumptions that affect the carrying amounts at the balance sheet date for the assets and liabilities and the amounts of revenues and expenses. Judgements are also made in applying the accounting policies. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions. 

The financial statements release has not been audited.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

As of 2009, damage repair services was transferred from Industrial Services into Property and Office Support Services. Comparative figures have been restated accordingly.

Net sales

 

 


10-12/2009
 

 

10-12/2008

 

EUR 1000

External

Inter-division

Total

External

Inter-division

Total

Total net sales. change %

Environmental Services

70 590

912

71 502

73 628

583

74 211

-3.7

Property and Office Support Services

60 771

670

61 441

62 117

744

62 861

-2.3

Industrial Services

16 680

560

17 240

17 313

749

18 062

-4.6

Eliminations

 

-2 142

-2 142

 

-2 076

-2 076

 

L&T total

148 041

0

148 041

153 058

0

153 058

-3.3

 

 

 


1-12/2009 

 

1-12/2008

 

EUR 1000

External

Inter-division

Total

External

Inter-division

Total

Total net sales. change %

Environmental Services

276 977

2 789

279 766

298 260

1 810

300 070

-6.8

Property and Office Support Services

240 414

2 725

243 139

240 549

2 672

243 221

0.0

Industrial Services

64 915

2 446

67 361

67 187

1 845

69 032

-2.4

Eliminations

 

-7 960

-7 960

 

-6 327

-6 327

 

L&T total

582 306

0

582 306

605 996

0

605 996

-3.9


Operating profit


EUR 1000

10-12/
2009

%

10-12/
2008

%

1-12/
2009

%

1-12/
2008

%

Environmental Services

6 485

9.1

5 957

8.0

31 650

11.3

32 255

10.7

Property and Office
Support Services

2 776

4.5

-1 945

-3.1

17 685

7.3

5 907

2.4

Industrial Services

13

0.1

1 529

8.5

3 390

5.0

5 239

7.6

Group admin. and other

-770

 

-660

 

-2 461

 

12 097

 

L&T total

8 504

5.7

4 881

3.2

50 264

8.6

55 498

9.2

Finance costs, net

-1 078

 

-1 370

 

-5 238

 

-4 806

 

Profit before tax

7 426

 

3 511

 

45 026

 

50 692

 

Other segment information


EUR 1000

 

 

12/2009

12/2008

Assets

 

 

 

 

Environmental Services

 

 

285 823

273 722

Property and Office Support Services

 

 

75 548

75 747

Industrial Services

 

 

102 451

96 722

Group admin. and other

 

 

473

458

Non-allocated assets

 

 

32 093

31 036

L&T total

 

 

496 388

477 685

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

Environmental Services

 

 

40 108

38 207

Property and Office Support Services

 

 

37 312

35 524

Industrial Services

 

 

17 712

15 440

Group admin. and other

 

 

1 951

1 071

Non-allocated liabilities

 

 

182 056

182 405

L&T total

 

 

279 139

272 647

 

 

 

 

 

EUR 1000

10-12/2009

10-12/2008

1-12/2009

1-12/2008

Capital expenditure

 

 

 

 

Environmental Services

5 233

16 506

25 943

41 823

Property and Office Support Services

2 505

3 257

6 227

9 679

Industrial Services

3 013

12 237

12 691

32 657

Group admin. and other

-1

11

21

90

L&T total

10 750

32 011

44 882

84 249

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

 

 

Environmental Services

6 460

6 055

25 166

23 122

Property and Office Support Services

2 109

2 263

8 620

8 982

Industrial Services

1 838

1 510

6 537

5 788

Group admin. and other

11

1

11

3

L&T total

10 418

9 829

40 334

37 895

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment

 

 

 

 

Property and Office Support Services

 


3 090

 

3 090

L&T total

 

3 090

 

3 090


INCOME STATEMENT BY QUARTER


EUR 1000

10-12/
2009

7-9/
2009

4-6/
2009

1-3/
2009

10-12/
2008

7-9/
2008

4-6/
2008

1-3/
2008

Net sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Services

71 502

64 941

71 008

72 315

74 211

73 740

76 639

75 480

Property and Office Support Services

61 441

60 024

60 531

61 143

62 861

60 124

60 983

59 253

Industrial Services

17 240

17 698

17 561

14 862

18 062

19 091

18 183

13 696

Inter-division net sales

-2 142

-1 924

-2 006

-1 888

-2 076

-1 712

-1 441

-1 098

L&T total

148 041

140 739

147 094

146 432

153 058

151 243

154 364

147 331

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Environmental Services

6 485

9 425

8 932

6 808

5 957

9 723

8 151

8 423

Property and Office Support Services

2 776

7 208

4 343

3 358

-1 945

5 048

1 178

1 626

Industrial Services

13

1 367

1 733

277

1 529

3 465

1 140

-895

Group admin. and other

-770