Uponor Financial Statements 1-12/2008
Uponor failed to reach targets as markets contracted
- Full year net sales and operating profit declined as building markets
contracted
- Q4 2008: decline in net sales and operating profit steepened towards year-end
- Net sales* Jan-Dec: EUR 949.2m (2007: 1,047.4m), a change of -9.4%
- Operating profit Jan-Dec: EUR 51.2m (135.7m), down by 62.3%
- The company's earnings per share were at EUR 0.99 (EUR 1.39)
- In 2009, net sales is expected to remain below the 2008 level and profit for
the year 2009 is expected to be positive
- The Board's dividend proposal at EUR 0.85/share
(* Unless otherwise specified, the figures refer to continuing operations.)
President and CEO Jyri Luomakoski comments on the performance:
- Market developments in 2008 will make a permanent mark in history due to the
associated, exceptionally wide and strong decline in demand. Uponor's financial
performance lagged far behind our targets, but thanks to cost savings and their
careful management, we succeeded in preserving a moderate level of
profitability.
- Our operating profit remained at 8% of net sales, if we exclude non-recurring
items, a level which is fairly satisfactory in the current market environment.
- Towards the latter part of the year, we focussed largely on managing our net
working capital, and were successful in keeping the cash flow at a good level.
At the end of the year, our inventories and receivables were at a record low.
- We will continue focussing on strategic growth initiatives much as before. We
made good progress in the high-rise segment, and our new cooling offering has a
fine tail wind. Our customers' interest in these is mounting as various
environmental regulations provide them with competitive support.
Dividend proposal
The Board of Directors of Uponor Corporation propose to the Annual General
Meeting that the company pay a dividend of EUR 0.85 per share, totalling EUR
62.1 million or 85.7 per cent of the earnings in 2008. With the proposed
dividend, it is estimated that the company's gearing in 2009 will remain within
a spread of 30 to 70, as defined in the company's long-term targets. Last year,
Uponor paid out EUR 1.40 as a dividend per share.
Presentation material and the webcast:
Following the release of this report, the presentation material for the results
briefing will be available at www.uponor.com > Investors > IR material.
The webcast of the results briefing will be broadcast in English today at 2:00pm
EET (London 12:00noon, New York 7:00am). The link to the webcast can be found at
www.uponor.com. Questions are invited to ir@uponor.com. A recording of the
webcast will be made available after 18:00pm EET at the latest, at
www.uponor.com.
Performance in Q4 2008
Demand for Uponor's product groups clearly worsened during the last quarter of
2008 compared to the situation in the first half of the year. Although demand
for housing solutions had already weakened in most markets during the preceding
quarters, the decline steepened in the final quarter. This was a result of
increasingly stringent financial markets, the low number of new construction
sites opened, and the closure of many already in progress. The encroaching
economic drought in the markets was especially noticeable in Eastern Europe,
where, after a strong start to the year, business came to a practical halt.
Demand in the public and commercial building segments also softened, and in some
markets growth peaked before turning towards a modest decline. In the Nordic
countries, infrastructure demand also suffered in certain product categories, as
a result of the decline in house building.
Net sales
Uponor's net sales in the final quarter totalled EUR 198.9m (EUR 238.2m), which
is 16.5 per cent less than in 2007. Net sales contracted in all Regions, with
the strongest changes taking place in Europe - WES and in North America.
The reason for this decline was the sharp fall in demand in housing solutions in
all markets. This trend was somewhat offset by the progress made in the
high-rise sector, mounting interest in Uponor's cooling offering as well as
advances achieved by the multilayer composite pipe offering in several markets.
Net sales by Region, October - December:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| EUR million | 10-12/ | 10-12/ | Change |
| | 2008 | 2007 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central -Europe | 70.8 | 75.7 | -6.5% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 71.2 | 88.1 | -19.2% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - WES | 46.3 | 63.9 | -27.6% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 31.2 | 38.7 | -19.5% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| (North America, MUSD | 39.7 | 56.8 | -30.1%) |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | -20.6 | -28.2 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Group | 198.9 | 238.2 | -16.5 % |
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Profits and profitability
Uponor's October -December operating profit came to EUR -19.9m (EUR 25.4m),
which is EUR 45.3m less than in the comparison period. The main reason for this
drop was the strong contraction in net sales. However, the Group's expenses
increased considerably, due to non-recurring items such as the EUR 14.5 million
provision in North America for plumbing replacements, and the global
cost-reduction programme that incurred a cost of EUR 4.1 million in the fourth
quarter.
Operating profit suffered in all Regions, especially in North America and the
Nordic countries.
Operating profit by Region, October - December:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| EUR million | 10-12/ | 10-12/ | Change |
| | 2008 | 2007 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central -Europe | 5.0 | 7.1 | -29.4% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | -4.2 | 7.7 | -154.0% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - WES | -1.6 | 8.8 | -117.8% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | -18.4 | 4.0 | -556.7% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| (North America, MUSD | -27.0 | 5.9 | -560.3%) |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other | -1.1 | -3.5 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | 0.4 | 1.3 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Group | -19.9 | 25.4 | -178.4% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Group's October-December earnings per share, also diluted, were EUR -0.22
(EUR 0.29), while they amounted to EUR -0.22 (EUR 0.27) for continuing
operations. The cash flow generated during the period came to EUR 25.7m (EUR
29.6m).
Review by the Board of Directors
1 January-31 December 2008
Overview
2008 will be remembered both as Uponor's 90th anniversary year and as the year
when the development of the world economy, and in particular the strong long
term growth of the construction market, suddenly collapsed. The problems which
originated in 2007 in the US housing and financial markets gradually started to
spread so that the epidemic had reached all continents by the end of 2008. This
change had a dramatic impact not only on Uponor's main markets, i.e. housing
construction, but it also affected, after a delay, commercial and institutional
construction and the demand for infrastructure solutions. Due to the sharp
decline in demand, Uponor's net sales and operating profit clearly fell from the
historic high levels achieved in 2007.
Despite the clear shift in focus towards savings and cost control, Uponor
continued to implement its internal development programmes mainly according to
plan. The Company's integration programme advanced well and the ERP project
initiated in 2005 was for the most part completed during the report year.
Furthermore, we revised our organisation to enable efficient supply chain
management on a European scale.
In the latter half of 2008, we implemented an extensive adjustment programme
aimed at safeguarding the Company's operational prerequisites in the difficult
market situation. Combined with the strategic development programmes initiated
during the last few years, this has made Uponor an integrated and strong company
which has a good starting point for succeeding in the near future's challenging
market situation and capitalising on the opportunities that exist in the
markets.
Net sales
In 2008, Uponor's net sales from continuing operations came to EUR 949.2m (2007:
EUR 1,047.4m), a fall of 9.4 per cent year on year, and ending up clearly behind
the long-term target of over +6 per cent. Fluctuations in foreign currencies,
mainly the US dollar, the Swedish krona and the UK pound, adversely affected net
sales by approximately EUR 16.7m.
Net sales decreased in all of Uponor's regional organisations, and was felt most
in North America and in Europe - West, East, South, all of these markets
experiencing a drastic fall in demand from the construction sector. In Central
Europe, net sales nearly achieved the previous year's level due to the fact that
demand for commercial and institutional construction remained relatively healthy
throughout the year, both in Uponor's main market, Germany, and its neighbouring
countries. In the Nordic countries, the decline in net sales was mainly
attributable to the weakening of the housing solutions market.
In all regional organisations, the fall in net sales remained smaller than the
decline in the overall market due to the fact that plastic systems and radiant
heating and cooling solutions achieved market shares.
Net sales by region for 1 Jan.-31 Dec. 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| EUR million | 2008/ | 2007/ | Reported |
| | 1-12 | 1-12 | change, % |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central-Europe | 339.4 | 351.3 | -3.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 365.7 | 397.7 | -8.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - WES | 234.3 | 272.9 | -14.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 130.8 | 169.2 | 22.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| (North America, MUSD | 191.5 | 233.1 | 17.8) |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | -121.0 | 143.7 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Group | 949.2 | 1.047.7 | -9.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Uponor's continuing operations' net sales by secondary segment decreased to EUR
751.1m (EUR 839.9m) in housing solutions, representing 79.1 (80.2) per cent of
total sales, with decline at -10.6 (4.4) per cent. The share of the
infrastructure solutions was 20.9 (19.8) percent. Its net sales amounted to EUR
198.1m (EUR 207.5m), a change of -4.6 (+4.1) per cent.
The geographical emphasis of Uponor's businesses changed considerably during
2008. This resulted both from the divestment of the infrastructure business in
the British Isles and the major changes in markets during the year. Germany,
where Uponor managed to increase its sales, became the largest country as
measured in terms of net sales.
The largest geographical markets and their share of consolidated net sales were
as follows: Germany 15.0% (13.4), Finland 11.8% (11.0), USA 11.1% (13.6), Sweden
9.1% (8.8), Spain 8.3% (11.3), Denmark 6.1% (6.5) and Italy 5.5% (5.3).
Results
Uponor's consolidated operating profit from continuing operations came to EUR
51.2m (EUR 135.7m), a fall of -62.3 per cent (+2.1) year on year. Operating
profit was 5.4 (13.0) per cent of net sales.
This major change in operating profit was attributable to the historic and
simultaneous weakening of demand from the construction markets in all the main
markets. A particularly dramatic fall in operating profits was experienced in
North America and Europe - West, East, South, where both operational adjustments
and various growth initiatives were implemented at the same time. The rate of
decline in consolidated operating profit accelerated during the fourth quarter
when the fall in market demand was the steepest.
In August, Uponor announced a Group-wide cost-reduction programme to adjust its
cost structure in line with slackening construction markets. The goal was to
implement structural measures that would reduce costs by approximately EUR 30m
by the end of 2009. Of the programme's estimated total cost of EUR 10m, EUR 3.2m
was recorded in the third quarter and EUR 4.1m in the fourth quarter.
Furthermore, a non-recurring cost provision of EUR 14.5m related to product
replacement costs was recorded in North America in the fourth quarter.
Operating profit by region for 1 Jan.-31 Dec. 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| EUR million | 2008/ | 2007/ | Reported |
| | 1-12 | 1-12 | Change, % |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central -Europe | 38.2 | 41.1 | -7.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 23.6 | 49.7 | -52.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - WES | 15.3 | 42.2 | -63.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | -16.0 | 16.6 | -196.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| (North America, MUSD | -23.4 | 22.9 | -202.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other | -10.2 | -13.2 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | 0.3 | 0.7 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Group | 51.2 | 135.7 | -62.3% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated profit before taxes decreased by -69.2 per cent, to EUR 41.0m (EUR
133.1m). At a tax rate of 26.6 (31.3) per cent, income tax totalled EUR 10.9m
(EUR 41.7m). Consolidated profit for the financial year totalled EUR 72.5m (EUR
101.9m), of which continuing operations represented EUR 30.1m (91.4m).
Consolidated net financial expenses increased to EUR 10.2m (EUR 2.6m), of which
EUR 5.2m resulted from net exchange rate differences.
Return on equity stood at 22.7 (30.1) per cent and return on investment
decreased to 22.2 (39.2) per cent, not meeting the long-term target of at least
30%.
Earnings per share came to EUR 0.99 (1.39), and for continuing operations to EUR
0.41 (1.25). The company's equity per share was EUR 4.18 (4.55). Other
share-specific information is included in the tables section.
As a consequence of the cash flow enhancing measures implemented in the second
half of the year, both cash flow from operations and especially cash flow before
financing improved from the previous year, even when excluding the proceeds from
the disposal of the UK/Irish infrastructure business which amounted to 76.4
million euros. Cash flow from operations was EUR 95.4m (EUR 93.8m) while cash
flow before financing came to EUR 133.6m (EUR 41.1m).
Key figures are reported for five years in the financial accounts.
Investments, research and development, and financing
The investment and development programme planned for 2008 was fundamentally
revised due to the dramatic weakening of the business environment. In
particular, investments in fixed assets were restricted. Most of the investments
realised were targeted at such process development and efficiency improvement
projects with a rapid payback. For example, a new distribution centre was built
in Minnesota, United States, enabling the vacation of facilities elsewhere and
the realisation of efficiency improvements throughout the supply chain.
The 2.5-year implementation stage of Uponor's shared, European-wide enterprise
resource planning (ERP) system was finalised as the system was implemented in
the UK and in the Nordic countries towards the end of the year. The system is
now operative in all of Uponor's major sites for the housing solutions systems
business in Europe. A total of EUR 3.2m (EUR 7.4m) was used in the ERP project
during the year.
Gross investments of continuing operations totalled EUR 39.0m (EUR 52.0m), down
by EUR 13.0m year on year. Net investments totalled EUR 36.4m (EUR 49.8m).
R&D expenditure, allocated in line with the Group strategy, showed a slight
increase, totalling EUR 18.6m (EUR 17.2m), accounting for 1.9 (1.6) per cent of
net sales.
As market uncertainty increased, safeguarding of liquidity was set as the main
goal of our financing activities. Commercial paper markets, which Uponor has
actively utilised before, weakened during autumn, making this an uncertain way
of securing financing. Uponor signed an agreement with Varma Mutual Pension
Insurance Company on borrowing back EUR 80m of its pension contributions for a
term of five years and paid back most of its short term loans in the form of
commercial papers. The company also increased its cash liquidity which stood at
EUR 53.2m (EUR 6.3m) on 31 December 2008. Moreover, a domestic commercial paper
programme worth EUR 150m continues to be available, should the market situation
change.
Consolidated net interest-bearing liabilities decreased to EUR 60.6m (EUR
84.5m). The solvency ratio was 51.4 (50.2) per cent and gearing came to 19.8
(25.4) per cent. The average quarterly gearing was 46.4 (43.9), compared to the
range of 30-70 set in the company's financial targets.
Key events
In 2008, Uponor focused its efforts mainly on increasing its operational
efficiency and adapting its operations to the weakening demand that affected the
housing solutions market in particular.
In January, Uponor opened a training centre in Germany, which is the Group's
largest facility and the first ever offering training for professionals in the
company's new focus area, the high-rise segment.
In June, Uponor finalised a deal to divest its municipal infrastructure business
for gas and water pipe systems in the UK and Ireland. Net sales of this business
for 2007 amounted to EUR 169.1m, with a total of 473 people transferring to
another company. The enterprise value of the deal amounted to GBP 100 m, giving
Uponor a sales gain of EUR 43.5m.
In September, Uponor closed its manufacturing facility in Saint John,
South-eastern Canada, as part of its cost-reduction programme. The purpose of
this was to improve Uponor's overall operational effectiveness.
In November, Uponor announced its decision to concentrate its European metal
fittings manufacturing in Hassfurt, Germany, and to gradually phase out its
production facility in Kungsör, Sweden, by the spring of 2009. Concentrating the
metal fittings manufacture is estimated to bring Uponor savings in production
and logistics while simplifying the total supply process to customers, the
majority of whom are located in Central and Southern Europe.
Uponor launched a number of new or modernised product systems in 2008. In
Europe, the most important of these included new, modular fitting solutions for
large-diameter multi-layer composite pipe manifolds and risers. Moreover, Uponor
introduced composite risers for commercial and institutional construction,
markedly strengthening its offering. In North America, Uponor substantially
expanded its control systems supply, for example, by launching an HVAC control
unit - the first of its kind in the US - by which the home owner or property
maintenance company can regulate all the housing solutions systems within the
apartment over the Internet.
In order to strengthen its market position in Eastern Europe, Uponor opened
several new business sites and sales offices in this area. In 2008, we opened
sites, for example, in the Turkish city of Istanbul, and initiated projects to
open sites in Croatia and Slovakia.
Personnel
The Group had a staff of 3,823 (4,743) at the end of the year. As full-time
equivalents, the number of employees stood at 3,678 (4,581) at year-end, down by
903 from 2007. This decrease includes 491 persons who left the company as a
result of the divestment of Uponor's infrastructure business in the British
Isles. With respect to continuing operations, the decrease of staff was 412
persons, or 10.1 per cent. The annual average number of persons employed
groupwide was 4,211 (4,497).
The major decline in staff numbers was attributable to the programme announced
in August, by which Uponor attempted to adjust its operations to rapidly
contracting markets, in addition to which it implemented numerous other
efficiency-enhancing measures. As part of this cost-reduction programme, the
company closed its production facility in Canada in the autumn and, at the end
of the year, initiated the phase-down of its metal components plant in Sweden
during the winter of 2008-09. These closures left 80 staff redundant in Canada
and 75 in Sweden.
The largest staff cuts in 2008 affected Uponor units in Spain, North America and
the Nordic countries. In terms of personnel groups, the largest reductions were
involved in production and, to some extent, marketing and administration. In
addition to own employees, the number of sales representatives and agency
workers in continuing operations decreased by 84 (as full-time equivalents).
The geographical breakdown of personnel was as follows: Germany 1,182 (32.1%),
Sweden 604 (16.4%), Finland 480 (13.1%), US 399 (10.8%), Spain 239 (6.5%),
Denmark 152 (4.1%), and other countries 622 (17.0%).
A total of EUR 203.3m (EUR 220.2m) was paid in wages and other remunerations
during the financial period.
Uponor's CEO Jan Lång announced his resignation in August and left the company
at the end of October. Jyri Luomakoski, Uponor's CFO and Deputy CEO, was
appointed as his successor on an interim basis on 27 October; the appointment
was made permanent on 16 December 2008. Jan Lång served Uponor for a little over
five years. During his term of office, the company's unification proceeded with
major leaps.
At the end of September, Bernhard Brinkmann, Executive Vice President for Uponor
Central Europe, resigned from the company. Due to organisational changes, no
successor was appointed to replace him.
In October, Uponor implemented a new European organisation which brought about
changes mainly to the housing solutions business. The purpose of this reform was
to accelerate growth and increase synergy effects in Europe. The new structure
involved the separation of housing solutions' sales and marketing, product and
service offering and supply chain into independent organisations. Sales and
marketing were divided into two regions, one of which consists of the Nordic
countries and Southern and Western Europe and the other of Central and Eastern
Europe and international sales. The new supply chain organisation is in charge
of all housing solutions production, warehousing, logistics and sourcing
activities in Europe. The product and service offering organisation is
responsible for the development and integration of supply as well as choices
related to strategic marketing in Europe.
Through its new European structure, Uponor is seeking to unify its operations
beyond national borders while enhancing the customer focus of its businesses,
maximising capitalisation on business opportunities and increasing its
operational efficiency and transparency. As a result of this reform, Uponor's
former three regional organisations in Europe will be merged as one, which
covers both the housing and infrastructure businesses.
Risks associated with business
Uponor's financial results are exposed to a number of strategic, operational,
financial and hazard risks. A detailed analysis of these risks is available in
the Annual Report.
Market risks
Uponor's business is concentrated in Europe and North America, where exposure to
political risks is low. Since Uponor's net sales are divided among a large
number of customers, the majority of which are distributors (wholesalers), the
end market demand for the company's products is distributed across a wide
customer base. The largest single customer generates ca 10 per cent of Uponor's
net sales.
Demand for Uponor's end products depends on business cycles in the construction
sector. Traditionally, Uponor's major end market has been single-family housing.
However, the company's products are increasingly being supplied to the high-rise
segment, representing both residential, commercial and public construction.
Demand fluctuations often differ between these segments. Fluctuations are also
offset to a certain degree by demand for renovation projects, which is not
always as discretionary as new housing projects. Further, one fifth of the
company's net sales goes to the infrastructure market.
Operational risks
The prices of raw materials used in the manufacture of plastic pipe systems are
susceptible to other petrochemical and metal product price fluctuations. In
recent years, Uponor has been capable of passing the effects of such
fluctuations onto its selling prices with a reasonable delay, in such a way that
this has not resulted in any major income losses. Uponor manages the risk of
fluctuations in electricity prices at a Nordic level by using financial
instruments.
Uponor manages its organisational and management risks, such as employee
turnover, distortion of age distribution and needless recruitment, by
continuously analysing its human resources and ensuring that its organisational
structure supports efficient operations. Personnel development programmes focus
in particular on increasing management skills.
We observe an ISO 9000 quality system and an ISO 14000 environmental management
system or comparable systems in our production facilities, which enhance
production safety and productivity.
With respect to component and raw material suppliers, Uponor aims to use
supplies and raw materials available at several suppliers. Any sole supplier
used must have at least two production plants manufacturing goods used by
Uponor. Uponor develops and harmonises its sourcing activities in order to
further improve its productivity and efficiency.
Financial risks
The uncertainty of financial markets has considerably increased risks related to
the availability of financing. Uponor aims at ensuring the availability and
flexibility of financing through sufficient credit limit reserves and a
well-balanced maturity distribution of loans as well as by using several banks
and various forms of financing to arrange its financing.
The Group manages its liquidity through efficient cash management solutions and
by investing solely in low-risk objects that can be liquidated rapidly and at a
clear market price.
Part of Uponor's net sales is created in currencies other than the euro.
Subsequently, expenses allocated to these net sales are also denominated in the
same local currencies. The international nature of operations exposes the Group
to currency risks associated with different currencies. The Group Treasury
function is responsible for hedging Group-level net currency flows in external
currency markets, mainly by using currency forward contracts and currency
options as hedging instruments.
Moreover, Uponor is exposed to currency translation risk, which manifests itself
in translating non-euro area results into the euro. According to the company's
hedging policy, non-euro area balance sheet items are not hedged.
Hazard risks
Uponor runs 11 production plants in 6 countries, and products manufactured in
these plants generate a major proportion of the company's net sales. Uponor
co-ordinates indemnity and business interruption insurance at Group-level on a
centralised basis, in order to achieve extensive insurance coverage neutralising
financial damage caused by any risks associated with machine breakdowns, fire
etc. Another major hazard risk is associated with product liability related to
products manufactured and sold by Uponor. Product liability is also insured at
Group level.
A provision of EUR 14.5m was booked in the fourth quarter of 2008 for covering
the costs of residential plumbing replacements to be carried out in the United
States. These are related to third-party clamps used in pipe joints, previously
sold under a brand which has since been withdrawn. Uponor has initiated actions
to attempt to recover the costs of the replacement programme from the clamp
supplier and the company's then insurance company.
Uponor is involved in various judicial proceedings in several countries. The
year 2008 saw no other materialised risks, pending litigation or other legal
proceedings or measures by the authorities that could have had a material
significance for the Group.
Administration and audit
The 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of 13 March re-elected the following Board
members for a term of one year: Anne-Christine Silfverstolpe Nordin, Jorma
Eloranta, Jari Paasikivi, Aimo Rajahalme and Rainer S. Simon. The former
Chairman of the Board, Pekka Paasikivi, did not stand as candidate for the
Board. Jari Paasikivi was elected as Chairman and Aimo Rajahalme as Deputy
Chairman of the Board. The AGM elected KPMG Oy Ab, Authorised Public
Accountants, as the company's auditor, with Sixten Nyman, Authorised Public
Accountant, acting as the principal auditor.
Share capital and shares
At the beginning of 2008, Uponor Corporation's share capital totalled EUR
146,446,888 and the number of shares stood at 73,206,944. The share capital did
not change during the year.
No notifications on changes in holdings were made during the year. Further
information on shares and shareholdings is reported in the financial statements.
Board authorisations
The AGM authorised the Board to decide on the buyback of the company's own
shares, using unrestricted equity. The number of shares to be bought back will
be no more than 3,500,000 shares, representing approximately 4.8 per cent of the
company's shares. The authorisation is valid for one year from the date of the
AGM. The company may use such shares in consideration of any business
acquisitions and other industrial restructuring, for strengthening its capital
structure or financing investments, or it can dispose of them in some other way
or invalidate them.
Treasury shares
On 6 November, the Board announced that it will initiate a share buyback with
the aim of acquiring a maximum of 200,000 of its own shares, based on the
authorisation given by the AGM. The reason for such buyback was the use of the
shares as consideration in connection with the company's share-based incentive
schemes. Accordingly, the company bought back a total of 160,000 own shares
during the period of 17 November-5 December, with a combined value of ca. EUR
1.2m at the time of purchase. The average price of the shares bought back was
EUR 7.28. Uponor did not hold any treasury shares prior to these buybacks.
Management shareholding
The members of the Board of Directors and the CEO, as well as corporations known
to the company, in which they exercise control, held a total of 620,615
(1,094,182) Uponor shares on 31 December 2008. These shares accounted for 0.8
per cent of all company shares and total votes.
Share-based incentive programme
On 25 September 2007, Uponor Corporation's Board of Directors launched a
long-term incentive scheme for members of the company's Executive Committee
(ExCom). To be eligible to participate in the scheme, an ExCom member must
acquire a specific number of Uponor shares, as defined under the scheme, by the
end of August 2008. In November 2008, the Board targeted a new, three-year
share-based incentive scheme to selected persons holding international manager
positions at Uponor. To be eligible to participate in the scheme, a person must
acquire a specific number of Uponor shares, as defined under the scheme, by the
end of August 2009. Shares based on both schemes will be awarded in the spring
of 2012. Further information on these schemes is available in the Corporate
Governance section of this Annual Report.
Events after the financial year
In January, Uponor announced a provision of EUR 14.5m made in the fourth quarter
of 2008 for covering the costs of residential plumbing replacements in the US.
One of Uponor's discontinued brands delivered residential plumbing systems in
the early 2000s, which were fitted using stainless steel clamps sourced from a
third party. Some installations of these clamps are experiencing failures under
certain circumstances. Uponor plans to carry out a programme to replace the
affected installations in order to avoid further damage. Uponor has initiated
actions to attempt to recover the cost of the replacement programme from the
clamp supplier and its insurance company.
Outlook for 2009
During the last 12 months, market developments have been very negative and
demand is not expected to improve in the near future either. Even at its best,
demand for Uponor's product range is expected to remain at the level of the
latter half of 2008. The difficulties experienced by national economies,
prudence of the financial markets and unwillingness of consumers to commit major
purchases are hindering investments and adversely affecting industrial order
books. Support measures initiated in various countries have a positive yet
quantitatively modest impact on overall demand.
As a whole, European residential and commercial construction markets are
expected to decline this year, leaving the overall market significantly smaller
than in 2008. Although renovations and modernisations are expected to develop
favourably, their importance to Uponor's product range is not as significant as
that of new building. In the United States, the slowdown of the residential
construction market is expected to continue. Demand for commercial and office
construction as well as infrastructure solutions is expected to remain clearly
stronger than that of residential construction, but Uponor does not expect
growth in its main markets.
Sales of Uponor products have not declined at the same pace as the markets. The
main reason for this is that plastic and composite piping systems and radiant
indoor climate systems are gaining market share from other solutions. Increased
energy costs and the willingness of consumers and property owners to choose
pro-environmental solutions whose ecological footprint is in line with current
requirements, particularly in terms of their entire life cycle, have supported
demand for Uponor's indoor climate systems, i.e. heating and cooling solutions.
Uponor is confident that this competitive edge will further sharpen in the years
to come.
In the last few years, Uponor has made major strategic investments in the
so-called high-rise business. The successful timing of this initiative kept
demand for high-rise solutions at a satisfactory level in 2008, which had a
positive impact on Uponor's economic performance. Also in 2009, commercial and
office construction is expected to remain steadier than residential
construction.
During the last few years, Uponor has implemented major structural reforms and
streamlining programmes. One of these is a European enterprise resource planning
(ERP) system which is now operational in all major Uponor sites involved in the
housing solutions business. The ERP system is expected to increase customer
service efficiency and create cost savings. Thanks to the adjustment measures
taken in 2008, Uponor is relatively well equipped to respond to customer needs
while at the same time meeting shareholders' expectations regarding the
company's future. Uponor's ability to meet increasing demand is relatively good,
although such a change is not on the short-term horizon.
As a result of the difficult market situation, Uponor expects its net sales to
remain below the 2008 level, and the profit for the year 2009 is expected to be
positive. The Group's capital expenditure will not exceed depreciation in 2009,
and with tight net working capital management, Uponor expects its cash flow to
remain at a reasonable level.
Uponor Corporation
Board of Directors
For further information, please contact:
Jyri Luomakoski, President and CEO, tel. +358 40 515 4498
Uponor Corporation
Tarmo Anttila
Vice President, Communications
Tel. +358 20 129 2852
DISTRIBUTION:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
Media
www.uponor.com
ENCLOSURE: Table part
The text may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on the present
business scope and the management's present expectations and beliefs about the
future. The actual result may differ materially from such statements.
Information on the financial results bulletin
The figures in brackets in this financial results bulletin are the reference
figures for the equivalent period in 2007. The change percentages reported in
the financial results bulletin have been calculated from exact figures, not from
rounded figures published in the financial results bulletin.
FINANCIAL RESULTS BULLETIN 1-12/2008
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ | 10-12/ | 10-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Continuing operations |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net sales | 949.2 | 1,047.4 | 198.9 | 238.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cost of goods sold | 607.4 | 640.4 | 136.6 | 146.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Gross profit | 341.8 | 407.0 | 62.3 | 92.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other operating income | 1.4 | 5.9 | 0.8 | 0.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Dispatching and | 30.2 | 28.8 | 7.1 | 7.7 |
| warehousing expenses | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Sales and marketing | 175.0 | 178.5 | 44.0 | 41.6 |
| expenses | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Administration expenses | 50.8 | 51.7 | 11.5 | 12.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other operating expenses | 36.0 | 18.2 | 20.4 | 6.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Operating profit | 51.2 | 135.7 | -19.9 | 25.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Financial expenses, net | 10.2 | 2.6 | 5.6 | -1.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit before taxes | 41.0 | 133.1 | -25.5 | 26.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Income taxes | 10.9 | 41.7 | -9.6 | 7.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit for the period | 30.1 | 91.4 | -15.9 | 19.9 |
| from continuing | | | | |
| operations | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Discontinued operations |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit for the period | 42.4 | 10.5 | -0.1 | 1.4 |
| from discontinued | | | | |
| operations | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit for the period | 72.5 | 101.9 | -16.0 | 21.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Earnings per share, EUR | 0.99 | 1.39 | -0.22 | 0.29 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - Continuing operations | 0.41 | 1.25 | -0.22 | 0.27 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - Discontinued operations | 0.58 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.02 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Diluted earning per | 0.99 | 1.39 | -0.22 | 0.29 |
| share, EUR | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - Continuing operations | 0.41 | 1.25 | -0.22 | 0.27 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - Discontinued operations | 0.58 | 0.14 | 0.00 | 0.02 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 31 Dec 2008 | 31 Dec 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Assets |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Non-current assets | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Property, plant and equipment | 184.5 | 218.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Intangible assets | 101.3 | 101.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Securities and long-term investments | 6.3 | 3.6 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Deferred tax assets | 17.0 | 16.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total non-current assets | 309.1 | 340.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Current assets | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Inventories | 104.5 | 150.6 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Accounts receivable | 91.4 | 144.6 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other receivables | 36.7 | 22.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash and cash equivalents | 53.2 | 6.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total current assets | 285.8 | 323.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total assets | 594.9 | 664.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Shareholders' equity and liabilities | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Shareholders' equity | 305.6 | 333.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Non-current liabilities | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 77.0 | 14.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Deferred tax liability | 8.1 | 15.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Provisions | 7.7 | 8.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Employee benefits and other liabilities | 21.3 | 28.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total non-current liabilities | 114.1 | 66.6 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Current liabilities | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Interest-bearing liabilities | 36.8 | 76.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Provisions | 22.3 | 7.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Accounts payable | 50.1 | 75.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other liabilities | 66.0 | 106.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total current liabilities | 175.2 | 264.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total shareholders' equity and liabilities | 594.9 | 664.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net cash from operations | 85.0 | 186.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Change in net working capital | 55.7 | -45.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Income taxes paid | -39.8 | -42.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Interest paid | -6.8 | -7.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Interest received | 1.3 | 2.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from operations | 95.4 | 93.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from investments | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries and | 76.4 | - |
| businesses | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Purchase of fixed assets | -39.0 | -58.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Proceeds from sales of fixed assets | 0.4 | 5.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Received dividend | 0.2 | 0.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Loan repayments | 0.2 | 0.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from investments | 38.2 | -52.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from financing | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Borrowings of debt | 19.1 | 57.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Dividends paid | -102.5 | -102.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Purchase of own shares | -1.2 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Payment of finance lease liabilities | -2.0 | -1.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from financing | -86.6 | -47.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Conversion differences for cash and cash | -0.1 | 0.0 |
| equivalents | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Change in cash and cash equivalents | 46.9 | -6.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January | 6.3 | 12.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 53.2 | 6.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Change according to balance sheet | 46.9 | -6.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | Share | Share | Other | Treasury| Translation| Retained | Total |
| | capital| premium| reserves| shares | reserve | earnings | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Balance| 146.4 | 50.2 | 2.2 | - | -24.1 | 158.3 | 333.0 |
| at | | | | | | | |
| 1 Jan | | | | | | | |
| 2008 | | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Translation differences | 5.2 | | 5.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow hedges |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - recorded in equity, | -1.4 | | | | -1.4 |
| net of taxes | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net profit for the period | 72.5 | 72.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total recognised income | -1.4 | | 5.2 | 72.5 | 76.3 |
| and expense for the | | | | | |
| period | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Purchase of own shares | -1.2 | | | -1,2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Dividend paid (EUR 1.40 per share) | -102.5 | -102.5|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other adjustments | 2.5 | -2.5 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Balance| 146.4 | 50.2 | 0.8 | -1.2 | -16.4 | 125.8 | 305.6 |
| at | | | | | | | |
| 31 Dec | | | | | | | |
| 2008 | | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Balance| 146.4 | 50.2 | 1.5 | -1.6 | -12.7 | 160.6 | 344.4 |
| at | | | | | | | |
| 1 Jan | | | | | | | |
| 2007 | | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Translation differences | -11.4 | | -11.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow hedges |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - recorded in equity, | 0.5 | | | | 0.5 |
| net of taxes | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net profit for the period | 101.9 | 101.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total recognised income | 0.5 | | -11.4 | 101.9 | 91.0 |
| and expense for the | | | | | |
| period | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cancelling of shares | 0.3 | | -0.3 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Dividend paid (EUR 1.40 per share) | -102.5 | -102.5|
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Share based incentive plan | 1.3 | | -1.3 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other adjustments | 0.2 | | | -0.1 | 0.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Balance| 146.4 | 50.2 | 2.2 | - | -24.1 | 158.3 | 333.0 |
| 31 Dec | | | | | | | |
| 2007 | | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL RESULTS BULLETIN
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
The financial results bulletin has been prepared in compliance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by EU and IAS 34
Interim Financial Reporting. In the financial results bulletin Uponor Group
follows the same principles as in the annual financial statements 2008.
Divestments of infrastructure business in the UK, Ireland and Germany have been
classified as discontinued operations.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Gross investment | 39.0 | 58.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - % of net sales | 4.1 | 4.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Depreciation | 31.8 | 37.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Book value of disposed fixed assets | 5.2 | 2.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| PERSONNEL | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Converted to full-time employees | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Average | 4,211 | 4,497 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| End of period | 3,678 | 4,581 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| OWN SHARES | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 31 Dec 2008 | 31 Dec 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Own shares held by the company, pcs | 160,000 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - of share capital, % | 0.2% | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - of voting rights, % | 0.2% | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEGMENT INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Geographical segments |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 1-12/2008 | 1-12/2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | External| Internal| Total | External | Internal | Total |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment revenue, continuing operations |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central | 280.3 | 59.1 | 339.4 | 283.7 | 67.6 | 351.3 |
| Europe | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 305.3 | 60.4 | 365.7 | 325.4 | 72.3 | 397.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - | 232.8 | 1.5 | 234.3 | 271.1 | 1.8 | 272.9 |
| West, East, | | | | | | |
| South | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North | 130.8 | - | 130.8 | 167.2 | 2.0 | 169.2 |
| America | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | - | -121.0 | -121.0 | - | -143.7 | -143.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 949.2 | - | 949.2 | 1,047.4 | - | 1,047.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 10-12/2008 | 10-12/2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | External| Internal| Total | External | Internal | Total |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment revenue, continuing operations |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central | 60.2 | 10.6 | 70.8 | 61.3 | 14.4 | 75.7 |
| Europe | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 61.5 | 9.7 | 71.2 | 74.6 | 13.5 | 88.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - | 46.0 | 0.3 | 46.3 | 63.6 | 0.3 | 63.9 |
| West, East, | | | | | | |
| South | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North | 31.2 | - | 31.2 | 38.7 | - | 38.7 |
| America | | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | - | -20.6 | -20.6 | - | -28.2 | -28.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 198.9 | - | 198.9 | 238.2 | - | 238.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ | 10-12/ | 10-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment result, continuing operations |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 38.2 | 41.1 | 5.0 | 7.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 23.6 | 49.7 | -4.2 | 7.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 15.3 | 42.2 | -1.6 | 8.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | -16.0 | 16.6 | -18.4 | 4.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Others | -10.2 | -13.2 | -1.1 | -3.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | 0.3 | -0.7 | 0.4 | 1.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 51.2 | 135.7 | -19.9 | 25.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment depreciation and impairments, continuing operations |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 8.3 | 7.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 10.1 | 10.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 2.9 | 2.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 5.6 | 5.6 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Others | 4.1 | 3.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | 0.4 | 0.6 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 31.4 | 29.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment investments, continuing operations | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 8.5 | 11.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 11.1 | 15.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 1.1 | 4.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 14.4 | 13.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Others | 3.9 | 8.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 39.0 | 52.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 31 Dec | 31 Dec |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment assets | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 180.9 | 181.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 152.7 | 185.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 144.5 | 240.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 121.8 | 123.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Others | 604.6 | 577.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | -609.6 | -644.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 594.9 | 664.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment liabilities |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 112.4 | 119.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 178.2 | 233.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 47.1 | 101.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 90.3 | 55.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Others | 488.9 | 477.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Eliminations | -627.6 | -655.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 289.3 | 331.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment personnel, average |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 1,240 | 1,261 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 1,352 | 1,380 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 1,021 | 1,224 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 532 | 573 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Others | 66 | 59 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 4,211 | 4,497 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Continuing operations | 4,006 | 4,008 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Discontinued operations | 205 | 489 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Business segments
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 1-12/2008 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment external revenue, | Housing | Infra- | Total |
| continuing operations | solutions | structure | |
| | | solutions | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 280.3 | - | 280.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 119.6 | 185.7 | 305.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 220.4 | 12.4 | 232.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 130.8 | - | 130.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 751.1 | 198.1 | 949.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 1-12/2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Segment external revenue, | Housing | Infra- | Total |
| continuing operations | solutions | structure | |
| | | solutions | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Central Europe | 283.7 | - | 283.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Nordic | 133.8 | 191.6 | 325.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Europe - West, East, South | 255.2 | 15.9 | 271.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| North America | 167.2 | - | 167.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 839.9 | 207.5 | 1,047.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 31 Dec | 31 Dec 2007 |
| | 2008 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Group: | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Mortgages | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - on own behalf | 0.0 | 0.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Guarantees | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - on behalf of others | 7.8 | 11.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Parent company: | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Guarantees | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - on behalf of subsidiaries | 9.0 | 10.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - on behalf of others | 7.0 | 9.3 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS | 31.9 | 24.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | Nominal | Fair | Nominal | Fair |
| | value | value | value | value |
| | 31 Dec | 31 Dec | 31 Dec | 31 Dec |
| | 2008 | 2008 | 2007 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Currency derivatives | 128.9 | 7.7 | 85.9 | 1.7 |
| - Forward agreements | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Commodity derivatives | 7.4 | -1.5 | 3.6 | 0.8 |
| - Forward agreements | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS
In November 2008, the Board of Directors approved a 3-year incentive scheme for
a group of managers with international business responsibility. To be eligible
to participate in the scheme, a manager must acquire a specific number of Uponor
shares, as defined under the scheme, by the end of August 2009. Depending on the
achievement of the company's financial targets during the years 2009-2011, and
the number of shares acquired within the scheme, each manager is eligible to be
awarded Uponor shares in the spring 2012. By the end of January 2009, managers
had not acquired any Uponor shares under this scheme, and therefore not
participated in the programme yet.
The incentive plan did not have any impact on the result during the reporting
period.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Divested infrastructure businesses in the UK, Ireland and Germany have been
classified as discontinued operations according to IFRS 5 -standard. In June
Uponor closed the deal concerning the disposal of infrastructure business in the
UK and Ireland. The deal included the sale of Uponor Ltd. in the UK, its
subsidiary Radius Plastics Ltd. in Northern Ireland and the Uponor Ltd's
business in the Republic of Ireland. In April, Uponor Klärtechnik GmbH in
Germany was sold.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net sales | 8.9 | 171.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Expenses | 10.0 | 156.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit before taxes | -1.1 | 15.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Income taxes | 0.0 | 4.9 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit after taxes | -1.1 | 10.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net profit from divestment of discontinued | 43.5 | - |
| operations | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Income taxes | - | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit from divestment of discontinued operations | 43.5 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Profit for the period from discontinued operations | 42.4 | 10.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from discontinued operations | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from operations | -3.4 | 19.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow from investments | 76.4 | -6.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book value of assets disposed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Property, plant and equipment | 33.7 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Deferred tax asset | 1.9 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Inventories | 17.8 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Accounts receivable and other receivables | 25.1 | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash and cash equivalent | 1.1 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total assets | 79.6 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Deferred tax liability | 3.1 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Employee benefits and other liabilities | 4.3 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Accounts payable and other current liabilities | 33.2 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total liabilities | 40.6 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net assets | 39.0 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash received from sales | 77.5 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash and cash equivalent disposed of | 1.1 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Cash flow effect | 76.4 | - |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition to the cash received from sales, a 5.0 MEUR vendor loan note was
issued at closing of the deal. Total sales price of the transaction was 82.5
MEUR.
RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| MEUR | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Continuing operations | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Purchases from associated companies | 2.0 | 2.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Balances at the end of the period | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Loan receivable from associated companies | - | 1.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Accounts and other receivables | - | 1.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Accounts and other liabilities | 0.0 | 0.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KEY FIGURES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 1-12/ | 1-12/ |
| | 2008 | 2007 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Earnings per share, EUR | 0.99 | 1.39 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - continuing operations | 0.41 | 1.25 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - discontinued operations | 0.58 | 0.14 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Operating profit (continuing operations), % | 5.4 | 13.0 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Return on equity, %, cumulative | 22.7 | 30.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Return on investment, %, cumulative | 22.2 | 39.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Solvency ratio, % | 51.4 | 50.2 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Gearing, % | 19.8 | 25.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net interest-bearing liabilities, MEUR | 60.6 | 84.5 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Equity per share, EUR | 4.18 | 4.55 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - diluted | 4.18 | 4.55 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Dividend per share, EUR | 0.85*) | 1.40 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Dividend per share ratio, % | 85.9 | 100.7 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Effective dividend yield, % | 11.0 | 8.1 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Price-Earnings ratio (P/E) | 7.8 | 12.4 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Market value of shares, MEUR | 563.7 | 1,260.6 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Trading prices of shares | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - low, EUR | 6.10 | 15.31 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - high, EUR | 18.91 | 31.45 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - average, EUR | 12.04 | 23.76 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Shares traded | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - 1,000 pcs | 99,227 | 99,423 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - MEUR | 1,195 | 2,362 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| - of average number of shares, % | 135.6 | 135.8 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*) Proposal of the Board
DEFINITIONS OF KEY RATIOS
Return on equity (ROE), %
Profit before taxes - taxes
= ------------------------------------------- x 100
Shareholders' equity + minority interest, average
Return on investment (ROI), %
Profit before taxes + interest and other financing costs
= ------------------------------------------ x 100
Balance sheet total - non-interest-bearing liabilities, average
Solvency, %
Shareholders' equity + minority interest
= ------------------------------------------- x 100
Balance sheet total - advance payments received
Gearing, %
Net interest-bearing liabilities
= ----------------------------------------- x 100
Shareholders' equity + minority interest
Net interest-bearing liabilities
= Interest-bearing liabilities - cash, bank receivables and financial assets
Earnings per share (EPS)
Profit for the period
= ------------------------------------------
Number of shares adjusted for share issue in financial period excluding
treasury shares
Equity per share ratio
Shareholders' equity
=------------------------------------------
Average number of shares adjusted for share issue at end of year
Dividend per share ratio
Dividend per share
= ---------------------------------------------
Profit per share
Effective dividend yield
Dividend per share
= -------------------------------------------- x 100
Share price at end of financial period
Price-Earnings ratio (P/E)
Share price at end of financial period
= ---------------------------------------------
Earnings per share
Share trading progress
= Number of shares traded during the financial year in relation to average
value
of the said number of shares
Market value of shares
= Number of shares at end of financial period x last trading price
Average share price
Total value of shares traded (EUR)
= ----------------------------------------
Total number of shares traded