2014-05-08 08:00:03 CEST

2014-05-08 08:00:08 CEST


REGULATED INFORMATION

English Finnish
Ramirent - Interim report (Q1 and Q3)

RAMIRENT’S INTERIM REPORT JANUARY–MARCH 2014: DEMAND PICTURE REMAINED MIXED IN OUR CORE MARKETS


RAMIRENT PLC                   COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT            8 MAY 2014 at
9:00 

Vantaa, Finland, 2014-05-08 08:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 







Note! Figures in brackets, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the
corresponding period a year earlier. 



JANUARY-MARCH 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

- Ramirent net sales EUR 137.5 (152.8) million, down by 10.0%; adjusted for
transferred or divested operations, net sales was down by 2.0% at comparable
exchange rates 

- EBITA excl. non-recurring items1) and adjusted for transferred or divested
operations EUR 7.1 (11.4) million or 5.2% (7.8%) of net sales 

- Profit for the period EUR 2.6 (11.0) million and EPS EUR 0.02 (0.10)

- Gross capital expenditure EUR 23.4 (32.4) million

- Cash flow after investments EUR −5.1 (19.0) million

- Net debt EUR 212.0 (220.3) million

- Net debt to EBITDA ratio 1.2x (1.0x)



RAMIRENT 2014 OUTLOOK

The economic growth in 2014 is expected to be modest and construction market
demand remains mixed in our core markets. Ramirent will maintain strict cost
control and, for 2014, capital expenditure is expected to be around the same
level as in 2013.  The strong financial position will enable the Group to
continue to address profitable growth opportunities. 



KEY FIGURES

KEY FIGURES (MEUR)                               1-3/14  1-3/13  Change  1-12/13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net sales                                         137.5   152.8  −10.0%    647.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA                                             31.7    48.1  −34.1%    195.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of net sales                                    23.0%   31.5%            30.1%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITA 2)                                            7.1    22.6  −68.5%     92.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of net sales                                     5.2%   14.8%            14.2%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBIT                                                5.4    18.0  −70.1%     82.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of net sales                                     3.9%   11.8%            12.7%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBT                                                 3.2    15.2  −78.8%     63.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
% of net sales                                     2.3%    9.9%             9.9%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit for the period                               2.6    11.0  −76.8%     54,0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share (EPS), (basic and diluted),     0.02    0.10  −76.8%     0.50
 EUR                                                                            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross capital expenditure on non-current assets    23.4    32.4  −27.6%    125.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross capital expenditure,% of net sales          17.0%   21.2%            19.4%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow after investments                        −5.1    19.0     n/a     73.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Invested capital at the end of period             545.1   654.4  −16.7%    579.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on invested capital (ROI),% 3)             13.9%   18.9%            16.5%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on equity (ROE),% 3)                       13.6%   20.7%            14.7%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt                                          212.0   220.3   −3.8%    206.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt to EBITDA ratio                           1.2x    1.0x             1.1x
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gearing,%                                         64.2%   64.5%            55.8%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity ratio,%                                    43.8%   38.2%            48.9%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personnel at end of period 4)                     2,529   2,725   −7.2%    2,561
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) The non-recurring items include a non-taxable capital gain of EUR 10.1
million from the formation of Fortrent in the first quarter 2013. 
2) EBITA is operating profit before amortisation and impairment of intangible
assets. 
3) Rolling 12 months
4) Reporting of number of personnel was changed to FTE (full-time equivalent)
which indicates the number of employees calculated as full time workload for
each person employed and actually present in the company. Comparative
information has been changed accordingly 

MAGNUS ROSÉN, RAMIRENT CEO:"Demand for equipment rental remained mixed in our core markets during the
first quarter of 2014. First-quarter net sales decreased by 2.0% at comparable
exchange rates and adjusted for transferred or divested operations. EBITA
margin excluding non-recurring items and adjusted for transferred or divested
operations was 5.2% (7.8%). The EBITA margin is not at satisfactory level and
we will prioritise measures to strengthen profitability. Efficiency improvement
measures were intensified in the first quarter. 

Markets developed largely in line with our expectations in the first quarter.
In Finland and Norway, slower construction activity impacted negatively on
operations. In Sweden, net sales decreased mainly due to some larger projects
ending in the first quarter. The demand for equipment rental improved in
Denmark, Poland and the Baltic States in the first quarter based on increasing
construction activity and stable demand from industrial sectors. 

We remain focused on improving efficiency and our competitive position.
Implementation of specific actions to reach the targeted Group EBITA margin
level of 17% by the end of 2016 continued in the first quarter. Integrated
solutions provided to all customer sectors and improved operational excellence
through the common Ramirent platform are key measures to reach the goal. We are
improving pricing management, optimising a customer centre network, improving
fleet utilisation rates and the governance of sourcing operations. 

In the first quarter we also announced a renewed brand promise: Ramirent is
More Than Machines(TM). Our new brand promise clarifies our value proposition
of delivering sustainable solutions that offer efficiency improvement
possibilities to our customers through the competence and experience of our
people combined with high quality equipment and the right services. We continue
to work on improving our customer understanding and maintain high focus on
developing our capabilities in the areas of safety and eco-efficiency
solutions. 

In the first quarter we acquired a telehandler business in Finland whereby we
complemented our product range and also extended our service offering by
signing a cooperation agreement to provide telehandler operator services. Based
on our strong balance sheet, we continue pursuing outsourcing opportunities and
selected small− to mid−sized acquisitions as well as evaluating entry to new
customer sectors and geographies in 2014."

MARKET OUTLOOK 2014

According to a forecast published by Confederation of Finnish Construction
Industries (RT) in April 2014, the Finnish construction market is expected to
decrease by 1.0% in 2014. Residential construction is estimated to decline
during this year as new residential start-ups will remain below the long-term
average. Activity in non-residential construction is expected to pick up
slightly supported by some major construction projects. Construction of public
sector buildings and renovation is forecasted to increase moderately in 2014.
Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) expects industrial investments to
increase slightly this year, supported by higher investment activity in the
energy sector. 

According to a forecast published by the Swedish Construction Federation (BI)
in March 2014, the Swedish construction market forecast was raised and the
market is expected to grow by 5.0% in 2014. Residential construction and
infrastructure construction are estimated to be the main growth drivers.
Non-residential construction is expected to remain at the previous year's
level. Due to a continuously expanding and ageing building stock, renovation
will continue to grow also in 2014. Market activity in several industrial
sectors is expected to develop positively. 

According to a forecast published by Prognosesenteret in March 2014, the
Norwegian construction market forecast was lowered and the market is now
expected to grow by 0.2% in 2014. Prognosesenteret expects residential
start−ups to decline clearly in 2014. Market activity in renovation is expected
to remain stable in all construction sectors. The Norwegian government's plan
to improve transport infrastructure will support infrastructure construction.
According to the Norwegian Oil and Gas association, investments in the oil and
gas sector are forecasted to remain close to last year's level during 2014.
Decelerating market activity in the construction sector will impact negatively
on the rental market in the first half of the year. 

According to a forecast published by the Danish Construction Industry (DB) in
February 2014, the Danish construction market is expected to grow by 3.2% in
2014. Volumes in the residential construction are estimated to pick up, however
from low levels. Market activity in non-residential construction is expected to
improve slightly, mainly due to increasing new construction activity in the
public building sector and a gradual upturn in general economic situation.
Renovation is expected to increase supported by demand from the public sector
where repair needs remain high. Infrastructure construction is forecasted to
grow fuelled by several new transport infrastructure projects and energy
investments. 

According to a forecast published by Euroconstruct in December 2013, the
construction market in the Baltic States is expected to be slightly below last
year's level. The construction market is estimated to increase in Lithuania and
to decrease in Latvia and in Estonia. Residential construction is estimated to
grow supported by new building start-ups and improving consumer confidence.
Market activity in non-residential construction is expected to improve slightly
in 2014. The market in infrastructure construction will weaken markedly due to
a transition period in EU funding. Demand for equipment rental in the
construction sector is anticipated to remain at a healthy level. Strong
activity in the energy sector will support the Baltic equipment rental markets
in 2014. 

Significant risks include the expansion of the Ukrainian crisis and severe
economic sanctions implemented by the EU. These measures would have stronger
effects on the near-term economic outlook for Russia and Ukraine. Euroconstruct
forecasts that the Russian construction market will grow by approximately 2% in
2014, with a long-term positive market outlook. Equipment rental is expected to
grow more than construction. The forecasts do not account for the effects of
the Ukrainian crisis. The market situation is likely to remain challenging in
Ukraine. 

Construction activity is expected to pick up in Poland especially within
residential and infrastructure construction. The market situation in renovation
is also expected to improve. The Polish construction market is estimated to
grow by 3.5% according to a forecast published by Euroconstruct in December
2013. New power plant projects in the energy sector will support the demand in
2014. In the Czech Republic, all construction sectors are expected to decline
in 2014. The Slovakian construction market is supported by an improving outlook
for infrastructure construction. 

ANALYST AND PRESS BRIEFING

A briefing for investment analysts and the press will be arranged on Thursday 8
May 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Finnish time at the Event Arena Bank, Wall Street
Cabinet 22, Unioninkatu 22, Helsinki. 

WEBCAST AND CONFERENCE CALL

You can participate in the analyst briefing on Thursday 8 May 2014 at 10:00
a.m. Finnish time (EET) through a live webcast at www.ramirent.com and
conference call. Dial−in numbers are: +358 9 8171 0462 (FI), +46 8 5199 9354
(SE), +44 2 0766 02077 (UK) and +1 855 269 2605 (US). Recording of the webcast
will be available at www.ramirent.com later the same day. 


FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2014

Ramirent observes a silent period during 21 days prior to the publication of
annual and interim 
financial results.

Interim report January-June                  29 July 2014 at 9:00 a.m.

Interim report January-September         6 November 2014 at 9:00 a.m

The financial information in this stock exchange release has not been audited.



Vantaa, 8 May 2014



RAMIRENT PLC
Board of Directors



FURTHER INFORMATION
CEO Magnus Rosén
tel. +358 20750 2845, magnus.rosen@ramirent.com

CFO and EVP, Corporate Functions Jonas Söderkvist
tel. +358 20 750 3248, jonas.soderkvist@ramirent.com

SVP, Marketing, Communications and IR Franciska Janzon
tel. +358 20 750 2859, franciska.janzon@ramirent.com



DISTRIBUTION
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
Main news media
www.ramirent.com



Ramirent is More Than Machines(TM). We are a leading rental equipment group
combining the best equipment, services and know-how into rental solutions that
simplify customer business. We serve a broad range of customers, including
construction and process industries, services, the public sector and
households. In 2013, the Group's net sales totalled EUR 647 million. The Group
has 2,520 employees at 302 customer centres in 10 countries in the Nordic
countries and in Central and Eastern Europe. Ramirent is listed on the NASDAQ
OMX Helsinki Ltd.