2013-04-30 07:00:00 CEST
2013-04-30 07:00:20 CEST
REGULATED INFORMATION
Nokian Renkaat - Interim report (Q1 and Q3)
Nokian Tyres plc Interim Report January-March 2013: Russia going strong – targeting growth in a slower market
Nokia, Finland, 2013-04-30 07:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nokian Tyres plc
Interim Report Release 30 April 2013, 8 a.m.
Nokian Tyres plc Interim Report January-March 2013:
Russia going strong - targeting growth in a slower market
Nokian Tyres Group's net sales decreased by 13.3 % to EUR 333.1 million (EUR
384.3 million in Q1/2012). Operating profit was EUR 76.3 million (EUR 105.0
million). Profit for the period amounted to EUR 63.6 million (87.6). Earnings
per share amounted to EUR 0.48 (EUR 0.67).
Outlook:
The demand for replacement car tyres in 2013 is expected to be on previous
year's level in Nordic countries, but to remain weak in Central Europe. In
Russia demand is estimated to show growth in winter tyres but be flat for
summer tyres. The pricing environment for 2013 is challenging for all tyre
categories. Margins, however, will be supported by easing of raw material costs
(€/kg) by approximately 6% in the full year 2013. Nokian Tyres' sales are
expected to show flat to some growth during 2013. Sales in Russia and North
America are expected to grow whereas sales in Nordic countries and Central
Europe are expected to be flat.
Financial guidance:
In 2013, the company is positioned to show some growth in Net sales and
Operating profit compared to 2012. On the back of Q1 results, Net Sales and
Operating profit in H1 are, however, still going to be weaker than in 2012.
Key figures, EUR million:
Q1/13 Q1/12 Change% Q2/12 Q3/12 Q4/12 2012
Net sales 333.1 384.3 -13.3 413.8 368.0 446.4 1,612.4
Operating profit 76.3 105.0 -27.3 112.7 85.5 111.8 415.0
Profit before tax 72.9 102.2 -28.7 108.0 73.2 104.2 387.7
Profit for the period 63.6 87.6 -27.4 95.4 59.6 88.3 330.9
Earnings per share, EUR 0.48 0.67 -28.5 0.73 0.45 0.67 2.52
Equity ratio, % 71.2 74.3 71.2
Cash flow from operations -95.1 -121.3 21.7 -42.5 -125.9 552.0 262.3
RONA,% (roll. 12 months) 20.8 27.3 23.0
Gearing, % 3.1 10.3 -4.5
Kim Gran, President and CEO:
“Our strong market leader position in the core markets in Russia and Nordic
countries is intact and helped us to book reasonable Q1 results. Headwind was
heavy with the European economy, car sales and replacement tyre market demand
being clearly down. We do not foresee any major improvement in the market for
2013 but target to grow and excel on the back of our renewed winter tyre range,
expanding distribution and our strong industrial structure.
In the first quarter our strongest card was, once again, Russia. A significant
increase in winter tyre sales and market share brought us most of our profits.
We expect the good performance to continue with our new winter tyres
spearheaded by Hakkapeliitta 8 coming on stream from Q2 onwards. The Russian
tyre market is growing modestly in 2013 but offer still further growth
opportunities in replacement winter tyres. The Central European market was as
bad as expected in Q1 with a clear drop in demand. Sales in all Europe
suffered from a prolonged winter, which for both Nokian and Vianor caused most
of the consumer summer tyre sales and profit to shift to Q2.
Our profitability remained on a reasonably good level, price €/kg was flat due
to improved mix and tailwind from raw material cost supported margins, but a
lower utilization rate in production penalized operations.
During the present phase of slower market growth we continue to develop and
improve productivity and our industrial structure. In Q1 we commissioned
another line (line 12) in the Russian factory and will follow up in H2 with
completion of line 13. This is taking the annualized capacity in Russia to more
than 15 million tyres by end of 2013.
We continue to develop our growth engine and expand our distribution network
spearheaded by Vianor. We opened 40 new Vianor stores, now totalling 1,077
stores in 26 countries. In Russia and CIS Nokian Hakka Guarantee dealership
program includes over 2,300 tyre stores and car dealers. A new softer partner
franchise model Nokian Authorized Dealer (NAD) has also been rolled out in Q1
with 175 shops contracted in Italy, Germany and China.
We are looking into the rest of 2013 with confidence and fighting Hakkapeliitta
spirit. After a slow start for the year in Q1 we expect the market to present
us with some growth opportunities. With overwhelming test wins in 2012, the
newly launched next generation of Hakkapeliitta winter tyres and test winner
summer tyres, our product offering will be by far the best ever. Vianor and NAD
are to be expanded again by more than 200 shops and our market geography in
Russia and Northern Europe is looking comparatively healthy offering us a good
base for profitable business.”
Market situation
The global economy continues to be characterized by uncertainty and slow
growth. Big question marks relating to US fiscal cliff, slower growth in China
and continued problems in Europe have reduced confidence and economic activity.
The problems in the economic environment are hardly solved but some positive
and encouraging signs are starting to emerge. The fiscal cliff has turned into
a fiscal drag and the housing sector is improving giving hope for some GDP
growth in US. Estimates for growth in China have improved with GDP expectations
of 8%. Europe seems to be stabilizing although at zero growth in 2013.
Consensus expectation is that global economy will turn for the better late 2013
with further improvement in 2014-2015 with the exception of Europe which
remains weak.
Economies in Nokian Tyres' core markets continue to show slow but comparatively
stable development. GDP growth in the first quarter was approximately 1% in
Russia with full year growth estimated at 2.7%. In Nordic countries the full
year 2013 GDP growth is estimated to be 1%.
The sales of new cars in Q1 in Russia were 616,700 units, which are on the same
level as in Q1/2012. The new car sales in 2013 are estimated to be flat in H1
and turn to growth in H2 with full year sales of 3.1 million, up 2-5% versus
2012. Consumer confidence has stabilized and reached practically pre-crisis
levels. Consumer spending have, however, been held back by increased interest
rates and uncertainty relating to global economic turmoil. In 2013 demand for
tyres is expected to exceed 40 million units and to grow 2-5% with majority of
growth being generated by winter tyre sales. The pricing for tyres in Russia
has remained stable in all tyre categories.
In Europe the weak economy has had a clear negative effect on consumer
confidence and spending. In the first quarter of 2013 the sales of new cars
dropped by 9.8%. Replacement car tyre sales decreased by 13%, with winter tyres
sell-in to distributors tumbling down by 33%. De-stocking by distributors of
winter tyre carry-over inventories, combined with a prolonged winter which
delayed the start of the consumer summer tyre season, have postponed summer
tyre sales to the second quarter of 2013. There is pricing pressure both in
premium and economy tyres in Central Europe and sell-in prices of the tyre
industry have declined due to the challenging market situation.
In the Nordic countries the new car sales decreased in Q1/2013 by 22%
year-over-year. Due to weak car sales and a delayed summer tyre season the
market volume of car tyres showed a decrease of 8%. The sales of new cars and
tyres are estimated to pick up starting in Q2 and the volumes are to reach
previous year's level.
The demand for heavy tyres remains comparatively weak. The demand for forestry
tyres had a downturn in 2012 and is expected to remain relatively soft in 2013.
Demand for mining machinery tyres has been healthy but is predicted to slowly
decrease along with the weakening prices of metals.
At the beginning of 2013 there have been some signs of recovery in truck tyre
demand. In Europe demand for premium truck tyres was down by 1%, in the Nordic
countries down by 17% but in Russia demand increased by 25%. The new truck
winter tyre legislation in Sweden came into effect in the beginning of 2013,
which increased the public awareness throughout Europe on tyres and winter
safety.
Raw materials
Tyre industry raw material prices have continued to decrease in the beginning
of 2013 and the tailwind in raw material prices is expected to continue all
2013. The raw material cost (€/kg) for Nokian Tyres was down 8.2% in Q1/2013
year-over-year and is estimated to decrease 6.8% in H1/2013 versus H1/2012 and
6% full year offering a tailwind of some EUR 30 million in 2013 vs. 2012.
January-March 2013
Nokian Tyres Group recorded net sales of EUR 333.1 million (384.3), showing a
decrease of 13.3% compared with Q1/2012. In the Nordic countries sales
decreased by 12.1% representing 27.4% (27.3%) of the group's total sales. Sales
in Russia increased by 2.8%. Russia and CIS consolidated sales grew by 3.2% and
formed 51.8% (44.0%) of the group's total sales. In Other Europe sales were
down by 44.8% year-over-year representing 13.7% (21.8%) of the group's total
sales. In North America sales decreased by 7.4% and were 6.6% (6.3%) of the
group's total sales.
Sales of passenger car tyres were down by 13.4% representing 78.1% (77.9%) of
the group's total sales. Heavy tyres' sales decreased by 18.1% and were 6.3%
(6.7%) of the group's total sales. Vianor's sales decreased by 12.8% forming
12.5% (12.3%) of the group's total sales. The sales of Other operations were
down by 12.4% representing 3.2% (3.1%) of the group's total sales.
Raw material cost (EUR/kg) in manufacturing decreased by 8.2% year-over-year.
Fixed costs amounted to EUR 100.4 million (92.8), accounting for 30.1% (24.1%)
of net sales. Total salaries and wages were EUR 45.0 million (47.6).
Nokian Tyres Group's Operating profit amounted to EUR 76.3 million (105.0). The
Operating profit was negatively affected by the IFRS 2 -compliant option scheme
write-off of EUR 3.0 million (2.7) and expensed credit losses and provisions of
EUR 0.2 million (3.5).
Net financial expenses were EUR 3.5 million (2.8). Net interest expenses were
EUR 3.9 million (2.7) including EUR 2.3 million (2.2) in non-cash expenses
related to convertible bonds. Net financial expenses include EUR 0.5 million
(-0.1) of exchange rate differences.
Profit before tax was EUR 72.9 million (102.2). Profit for the period amounted
to EUR 63.6 million (87.6), and EPS were EUR 0.48 (EUR 0.67).
Return on net assets (RONA, rolling 12 months) was 20.8% (27.3%). Income
financing after the change in working capital, investments and the disposal of
fixed assets (Cash flow from operations) was EUR -95.1 million (-121.3).
The Group employed an average of 4,030 (3,937) people, and 4,080 (3,972) at the
end of the period. The equity-owned Vianor tyre chain employed 1,408 (1,343)
people and Russian operations 1,269 (1,074) people at the end of the period.
Investments
Investments in the review period amounted to EUR 47.6 million (39.1). This
comprises of production investments in the Russian and Finnish factories,
moulds for new products and the Vianor expansion projects.
Financial position on 31 March 2013
Gearing ratio was 3.1% (10.3%). Interest-bearing net debt amounted to EUR 46.3
million (137.3). Equity ratio was 71.2% (74.3%).
The Group's interest-bearing liabilities totalled EUR 366.4 million (216.9) of
which current interest-bearing liabilities amounted to EUR 41.2 million (6.1).
The average interest rate of interest-bearing liabilities was 4.5% (5.6%). The
average interest rate of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.2% (1.6%) with
calculatory non-cash expenses related to the convertible bond eliminated. Cash
and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 320.1 million (79.7).
At the end of the review period the company had unused credit limits amounting
to EUR 657.0 million (557.0) of which EUR 306.1 million (306.2) were committed.
The current credit limits and the commercial paper program are used to finance
inventories, trade receivables, subsidiaries in distribution chains and thus
control the typical seasonality in the Group's cash flow due to changes in the
working capital.
Tax rate
In the review period the Group's tax rate was 12.7% (14.3%). In 2012 the tax
rate was 14.7%. The tax rate is affected by tax relieves in Russia based on
present investments and further investment-related incentive agreements. A new
agreement has been completed with authorities in Russia concerning additional
investment in the existing factory and building the new factory. The agreement
will prolong the tax benefits and incentives until approximately 2020. The
estimated tax rate going forward for the next 5 years is 17%.
The authorities' final approvals of the new factory building in Russia took
place at the end of 2012 and the new agreed tax benefits and incentives came
into force in the beginning of January 2013.
PASSENGER CAR TYRES
Q1/13 Q1/12 Change% Q2/12 Q3/12 Q4/12 2012
Net sales, m€ 273.7 315.9 -13.4 317.1 282.9 304.2 1,220.1
Operating profit, m€ 92.4 118.7 -22.2 110.0 87.9 94.1 410.8
Operating profit, % 33.8 37.6 34.7 31.1 30.9 33.7
RONA,% (roll.12 m.) 29.6 38.9 32.5
The net sales of Nokian Passenger Car Tyres totalled EUR 273.7 million (315.9),
down by 13.4% from the corresponding period a year earlier. Operating profit
amounted to EUR 92.4 million (118.7). Operating profit percentage was 33.8%
(37.6%).
Nokian car tyres' sales continued to grow and win market share in Russia and
CIS, and the company is the clear market leader in the premium and mid
segments. Total sales in Q1, however, dropped due to weak demand in Central
Europe and the consumer summer tyre season in Nordic countries being delayed by
a prolonged winter. Half of the sales reduction related to Nokian stopping
contract manufacturing of tyres to Bridgestone which in previous years was done
in Q1.
The Average Selling Price (€/kg) improved slightly due to mix and a high share
of winter tyre sales. Winter tyres represented 59% (50%) of sales volume in
Q1/2013. The share of mid segment tyres was high with the launch and deliveries
of the new winter tyre Hakkapeliitta range scheduled mainly to Q2 and Q3.
Raw material costs were down 8% year-over-year which supported margins.
The new summer tyre range with the spearhead products Nokian Hakka Blue, Hakka
Green, Nokian Z G2 and Nokian Line won several car magazines' tests in the core
markets and in Central Europe in 2012 and spring 2013. In October 2012 Nokian
tyres dominated the winter tyre tests with several victories in Nordic and
Russian car magazines. Also the Central European winter tyre test results have
been a success for Nokian Tyres with test wins in key markets. A major
overhaul of key winter product offering, altogether five new product ranges, is
done in H1/2013. The biggest launch ever include the new generation of studded
Hakkapeliitta 8, non-studded Hakkapeliitta R2 and Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV
targeting further growth in core markets. In addition to the Nordic product
range, Nokian Tyres is also introducing two new winter tyres for the Central
European and North American markets: Nokian WR G3 and Nokian WR SUV 3.
Fixed costs increased due to the commissioning of the new factory in Russia
which increased depreciation, and due to increased marketing costs relating to
the launch of new products.
Production output (pcs) was cut in January and February compared to Q1/2012,
due to seasonality, lower demand in Q1 in CE and to control tyre inventories.
Production was ramped up again starting in March with the commissioning of an
additional line in the new plant (line 12) in Russia. Another line (line 13) in
Russia is in installation.
The target for 2013 is to increase sales, to win market share in core markets
with new products, to expand distribution further and to improve productivity
and the utilization of capacities.
HEAVY TYRES
Q1/13 Q1/12 Change% Q2/12 Q3/12 Q4/12 2012
Net sales, m€ 22.1 27.0 -18.1 26.5 25.0 25.9 104.4
Operating profit, m€ 2.2 3.8 -41.3 2.6 3.5 1.4 11.3
Operating profit, % 10.1 14.0 9.6 14.2 5.5 10.8
RONA,% (roll.12 m.) 10.7 18.0 12.5
The net sales of Nokian Heavy Tyres totalled EUR 22.1 million (27.0), down by
18.1% year-over-year. Operating profit was EUR 2.2 million (3.8), and the
Operating profit percentage 10.1% (14.0%).
Nokian Heavy Tyres' sales decreased due to weak demand in forestry tyres and
softer demand and slowing down of machine building in Europe in all heavy end
use product groups. Average Selling Price remained on the same level
year-over-year despite a challenging market situation. Margins were supported
by lower raw material cost.
The production volume in Q1 was cut by reducing working days to match a lower
demand and to control the inventory level. The low utilization rate with fixed
structure penalized the profits.
An investment program is in progress to modernize the factory, to open
bottlenecks in production and to increase radial tyre output. The upgrade of
the factory will be completed in 2013. The structural changes in manufacturing
have already reduced manning and improved product quality, flexibility, and
productivity in Q1/2013.
The outlook in 2013 remains challenging with demand at a comparatively low
level. The focus for 2013 is to maximize sales and to optimize production
output.
VIANOR
Equity-owned operations
Q1/13 Q1/12 Change% Q2/12 Q3/12 Q4/12 2012
Net sales, m€ 43.7 50.1 -12.8 79.4 64.6 121.3 315.3
Operating result, m€ -15.9 -10.4 -53.1 3.2 -4.6 11.8 0.0
Operating result, % -36.4 -20.8 4.0 -7.0 9.7 0.0
RONA,% (roll.12 m.) -3.1 3.0 0.0
At the end of the review period Vianor had 182 (179) equity-owned stores in
Finland, Sweden, Norway, USA, Switzerland and Russia. Vianor's net sales
amounted to EUR 43.7 million (50.1), down by 12.8% compared with Q1/2012.
Operating result was EUR -15.9 million (-10.4) and the Operating result
percentage was -36.4% (-20.8%).
Vianor succeeded in its strategic task of expanding distribution and setting
market prices for Nokian products and was able to win market shares in a
challenging market situation. Sales and Operating result were, however, down
due to strong seasonality; the spring season in the Nordic countries with high
summer tyre consumer sales did not start until in the beginning of Q2, delayed
by a prolonged winter.
The gradual change of operating model from tyre sales to full car service in
the stores continues with investments and local acquisitions of car service
shops. At the end of Q1/2013 a total of 33 car service operations had been
acquired and integrated to existing Vianor stores which caused some
consolidation costs.
In 2013 there are on-going special projects in expanding the network,
developing consumer tyre sales and the car services business, improving the
customer experience further, updating all the processes (Vianor Way) and
renewing the ERP-system.
Franchising and partner operations
Vianor expanded the shop network on Nokian Tyres' key markets by 40 stores
during Q1/2013. At the end of the review period the Vianor network comprised of
totally 1,077 stores of which 895 were partners. Vianor operates in 26
countries; most extensively in the Nordic countries, Russia and Ukraine. Nokian
Tyres' market shares improved as a result of the expansion in each respective
country. Expanding the partner franchise network will continue according to
plans; the target is to have more than 1,150 Vianor stores by the end of 2013.
A new softer partner franchise model Nokian Authorized Dealer (NAD) was rolled
out in Q1/2013 with first 175 shops contracted in Italy, Germany and China.
OTHER OPERATIONS
Truck Tyres
The net sales of Nokian Truck Tyres were EUR 11.0 million (12.6), down by 12.4%
compared to Q1/2012. Operating profit and cash flow improved and were on a
healthy level.
The truck tyre market was challenging in Q1/2013 in the Nordic countries with
overall tyre industry sales down by 17%. However, in the core markets, Nordic
countries and Russia, Nokian Tyres' market share increased due to an improved
product range in both premium and standard tyres.
The distributors' low truck tyre inventories in the Nordic countries and a
growing demand for premium truck tyres in Russia are expected to support sales
in 2013.
In 2013 the focus will be on increasing sales and improving market shares in
the core markets. Expansion to Russia and CIS utilizing the “Vianor Truck”
service concept will continue.
RUSSIA AND THE CIS COUNTRIES
Nokian Tyres' sales in Russia increased year-over-year by 2.8% to EUR 176.3
million (171.5). Sales in CIS countries (excluding Russia) were EUR 10.0
million (9.0). Consolidated sales in Russia and CIS increased by 3.2% to EUR
186.4 million (180.5).
Sales in Russia grew although economic uncertainty has somewhat increased and
the growth of new car sales stagnated in Q1/2013. Nokian winter tyre sales
increased significantly, both in premium and mid-price segments. Summer tyre
sales were slower because a bulk of summer tyres for 2013 was sold already in
Q4/2012. Nokian winter tyre market shares improved clearly and the company
strengthened its market leader position in Russia. Payments of customers' trade
receivables and governmental tax incentives came in as planned.
The distribution network was extended by signing additional distribution
agreements and expanding the Vianor network. There were a total of 556 Vianor
stores in 329 cities in Russia and CIS countries at the end of the review
period. The Hakka Guarantee retail network in Russia, working closely with
Nokian, comprised of 2,119 tyre stores, Vianors and car dealers in 252 cities.
Nokian Tyres' e-commerce development proceeded according to plans.
The second line in the new factory (line 12) became on stream in Q1/2013. In
the beginning of 2013 the annual maximum capacity in the Russian factory was
approximately 14 million tyres. Capacity will increase further as machinery for
line 13 will be installed during 2013. The utilization rate in 2013 will depend
on tyre demand.
The Nokian Tyres plant located in Russia inside the customs borders (duty 20%
for imported tyres) combined with strong brands and an expanding Vianor chain
provides a significant competitive edge on the market. By Russia joining WTO,
the tyre duties will go down gradually; duty of car and van tyres will decrease
from 20% to 18% in 2013 and gradually to 10% in 5 years.
OTHER MATTERS
1. Stock options on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Stock Exchange
The total number of stock options 2010A is 1,320,000. Each stock option 2010A
entitles its holder to subscribe for one Nokian Tyres plc share. The shares can
be subscribed with the stock options 2010A during 1 May 2012 - 31 May 2014. In
the aggregate, the stock options 2010A entitle their holders to subscribe for
1,320,000 shares. The present share subscription price with stock options 2010A
is EUR 14.84/share. The dividends payable annually shall be deducted from the
share subscription price.
2. Shares subscribed with option rights
After 17 December 2012 registered new shares a total of 116,427 Nokian Tyres
plc's shares have been subscribed with the 2007C option rights and 248,376 with
the 2010A option rights. These option rights are attached to the Nokian Tyres
plc's Option Programs of 2007 and 2010.
New shares have been registered into the Trade Register on 19 February 2013, as
of which date the new shares will establish shareholder rights.
The share capital will not increase with subscriptions made by 2007 and 2010
option rights. The entire subscription price of EUR 4,790,013.57 will be
entered in the invested unrestricted equity reserve. As a result of the share
subscriptions, the number of Nokian Tyres plc shares will increase to
132,321,930 shares.
3. Share price development
The Nokian Tyres' share price was EUR 34.70 (EUR 36.54) at the end of the
review period. The volume weighted average share price during the period was
EUR 33.72 (EUR 31.92), the highest EUR 36.63 (EUR 37.77) and the lowest EUR
30.00 (EUR 24.84). A total of 37,976,168 shares were traded during the period
(55,415,625), representing 29% (42%) of the company's overall share capital.
The company's market value at the end of the period amounted EUR 4.592 billion
(EUR 4.768 billion).The company's percentage of Finnish shareholders was 37.4%
(37.7%) and 62.6% (62.3%) were foreign shareholders registered in the nominee
register. This figure includes Bridgestone's ownership of approximately 15.1%.
4. Decisions made at the Annual General Meeting
On 11 April 2013, Nokian Tyres Annual General Meeting accepted the financial
statements for 2012 and discharged the Board of Directors and the President and
CEO from liability.
The meeting decided that a dividend of EUR 1.45 per share shall be paid for the
period ending on 31 December, 2012. The dividend shall be paid to shareholders
included in the shareholder list maintained by Euroclear Finland Ltd on the
record date of 16 April 2013. The dividend payment date was decided to be 26
April 2013.
4.1. Members of the Board of Directors and Auditor
The meeting decided that the Board of Directors has six members. Current
members Kim Gran, Hille Korhonen, Risto Murto, Hannu Penttilä, Aleksey Vlasov
and Petteri Walldén will continue in the Nokian Tyres' Board of Directors.
Authorised public accountants KPMG Oy Ab continue as auditors.
4.2. Remuneration of the Members of the Board of Directors
The meeting decided that the fee paid to the Chairman of the Board is EUR
80,000 per year, while that paid to Board members is set at EUR 40,000 per
year. With the exception of the President and CEO, members of the Board and the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee are also granted an attendance fee of EUR
600 per meeting.
In addition, 50% of the annual fee be paid in cash and 50% in company shares,
such that in the period from 12 April to 30 April 2013, EUR 40,000 worth of
Nokian Tyres plc shares will be purchased at the stock exchange on behalf of
the Chairman of the Board and EUR 20,000 worth of shares on behalf of each
Board member. This means that the final remuneration paid to Board members is
tied to the company's share performance. No separate compensation will be paid
to the President and CEO for Board work.
4.3. Issue of stock options
The Board of Directors decided that stock options will be issued by the General
Meeting of Shareholders to the personnel of the Nokian Tyres Group as well as
to a wholly owned subsidiary of Nokian Tyres plc.
The Company has a weighty financial reason for the issue of stock options,
since the stock options are intended to form part of the incentive and
commitment program for the personnel. The purpose of the stock options is to
encourage the personnel to work on a long-term basis to increase shareholder
value. The purpose of the stock options is also to commit the personnel to the
Company.
The maximum total number of stock options issued will be 3,450,000 and they
will be issued gratuitously. Of the stock options, 1,150,000 are marked with
the symbol 2013A, 1,150,000 are marked with the symbol 2013B and 1,150,000 are
marked with the symbol 2013C. The stock options entitle their owners to
subscribe for a maximum total of 3,450,000 new shares in the Company or
existing shares held by the Company. The stock options now issued can be
exchanged for shares constituting a maximum total of 2.5 percent of all of the
Company's shares and votes of the shares, after the potential share
subscription, if new shares are issued in the share subscription.
The share subscription period for stock options 2013A, will be 1 May 2015 - 31
May 2017, for stock options 2013B, 1 May 2016 - 31 May 2018 and for stock
options 2013C, 1 May 2017 - 31 May 2019.
The share subscription price for stock option 2013A is the trade volume
weighted average quotation of the Company's share on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd.
during 1 January - 30 April 2013, for stock option 2013B, the trade volume
weighted average quotation of the share on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. during 1
January - 30 April 2014, and for stock option 2013C, the trade volume weighted
average quotation of the share on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. during 1 January -
30 April 2015. The share subscription price will be credited to the reserve for
invested unrestricted equity.
The Board of Directors will decide on the distribution of stock options
annually in spring 2013, 2014 and 2015.
A share ownership plan shall be incorporated with the 2013 stock options,
obliging the Group's senior management to acquire the Company's shares with a
proportion of the income gained from the stock options.
Terms and conditions of the Stock options and the Share ownership plan are
presented in the appendix of the press release dated 11 April 2013.
4.4. Authorizing the Board of Directors to resolve to repurchase treasury shares
The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders authorized the Board of Directors to
resolve to repurchase a maximum of 300,000 shares in the Company by using funds
in the unrestricted shareholders' equity. The proposed number of shares
corresponds 0.2 per cent of all shares of the Company.
The price paid for the shares repurchased under the authorization shall be
based on the market price of the Company's share in public trading. The minimum
price to be paid would be the lowest market price of the share quoted in public
trading during the authorization period and the maximum price the highest
market price quoted during the authorization period.
The Board decides how treasury shares will be repurchased. Treasury shares can
be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the shareholdings of the
shareholders (directed repurchase).
The authorization will be used for purposes determined by the Board of
Directors, among other things, for the Company's incentive plans.
The authorization be effective until the next Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders, however, at most until 11 October 2014.
5. Corporate social responsibility
Nokian Tyres plc is qualified to the OMX GES Sustainability Finland index. The
index is designed to provide investors with a liquid, objective and reliable
benchmark for responsible investment. The benchmark index comprises of the 40
leading NASDAQ OMX Helsinki listed companies in terms of sustainability. The
index criteria are based upon international guidelines for environmental,
social and governance (ESG) issues. The index is calculated by NASDAQ OMX in
cooperation with GES Investment Services.
Nokian Tyres will publish its Corporate Responsibility Report by the end of
May, 2013.
RISKS, UNCERTAINTY AND DISPUTES IN THE NEAR FUTURE
The overall global economy is still characterized by uncertainty. China is the
engine by estimated 8% GDP growth for this year. In Europe the GDP is expected
to be near zero for 2013. The development is however very uneven across the
region. On the other hand economies in Nokian Tyres' core markets continue to
show slow but comparatively stable development. GDP growth in the first quarter
was approximately 1% in Russia with full year growth estimated at 2.7%. In
Nordic countries the full year 2013 GDP growth is estimated to be 1%. All in
all the economic uncertainties may weaken future demand for tyres and increase
credit risk.
The company's receivables increased in the review period due to seasonality and
business model. Tyre inventories are on a planned level. The company follows
the development of NWC very closely. At the end of the review period Russian
trade receivables accounted for 48% of the Group's total trade receivables.
Around 32% of the Group's Net sales in 2013 are estimated to be generated from
Euro-denominated sales. The most important sales currencies in addition to the
Euro are the Russian Rouble, the Swedish and Norwegian Krona, the US Dollar and
the Ukrainian Hryvnia.
Nokian Tyres' other risks and uncertainty factors relate to the challenging
pricing environment of tyres. The maintaining of profitability in case of
rising raw material prices depends on the company's ability to raise tyre
prices in line with the increasing raw material cost. An efficient ramp-up of
new production lines in Russia will depend on the success of recruiting and
retaining work force in a tightening labour market.
Nokian Tyres Group has no pending disputes or litigations expected to have
material effect on the performance or future outlook of the Group.
OUTLOOK FOR 2013
Consensus expectation is that global economy will turn for the better late 2013
with further improvement in 2014-2015 with the exception of Europe which
remains weak. Economies in Nokian Tyres' core markets continue to show slow but
comparatively stable development. GDP growth in the first quarter was
approximately 1% in Russia with full year growth estimated at 2.7%. In Nordic
countries the full year 2013 GDP growth is estimated to be 1%.
The demand for replacement car tyres in 2013 is expected to be on previous
year's level in Nordic countries, but to remain weak in Central Europe. In
Russia demand is estimated to show growth in winter tyres but be flat for
summer tyres. The pricing environment for 2013 is challenging for all tyre
categories. Margins, however, will be supported by easing of raw material costs
(€/kg) by approximately 6% in the full year 2013. Nokian Tyres sales are
expected to show flat to some growth during 2013. Sales in Russia and North
America are expected to grow whereas sales in Nordic countries and Central
Europe are expected to be flat.
Nokian Tyres' growing car tyre production capacity in Russia offers growth
potential, productivity gains, and a moderate growth of fixed costs supports
profitability. Production output in Nokia, Finland has been cut to support
growth of production in Russia. The Russian factory has 12 production lines
operational with line 13 to be installed during 2013. The combined annualized
capacity of the Nokia and Vsevolozhsk plants in the beginning of the year was
18 million pcs with present shift patterns. The production utilization rate in
2013 will depend on tyre demand.
The demand for heavy tyres remains comparatively weak. The outlook for Nokian
Heavy Tyres for 2013 remains stable compared to 2012. The focus for 2013 is to
increase sales and to optimize production output.
Vianor is expected to add more than 100 stores to the retail network and to
reach 1,150 stores, increase sales, develop service business further and to
show a positive operating result in Q2 and in full year 2013.
A strong position in the core markets, an expanding distribution channel, an
improved cost structure with majority of production inside duty borders of
Russia and CIS combined with new test winner Hakkapeliitta products give Nokian
Tyres a good chance to strengthen its market leadership in the core markets and
to show growth also in the more challenging market environment.
Financial guidance
In 2013, the company is positioned to show some growth in Net sales and
Operating profit compared to 2012. On the back of Q1 results, Net Sales and
Operating profit in H1 are, however, still going to be weaker than in 2012.
INVESTMENTS IN 2013
Nokian Tyres' budget for total investments in 2013 is EUR 144 million (209.2).
EUR 83 million will be invested in Russia. The balance comprises of investments
in Nokia plant (automation, moulds, ICT, R&D) EUR 44 million, Heavy tyres EUR 6
million and sales companies including Vianor chain with its acquisitions EUR 11
million.
Nokia, 30 April 2013
Nokian Tyres plc
Board of Directors
***
The above-said information contains forward-looking statements relating to
future events or future financial performance of the company. In some cases,
such forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as ”may”,
”will”, ”could”, ”expect”, ”anticipate”, ”believe” ”estimate”, ”predict”, or
other comparable terminology. Such statements are based on the current
expectations, known factors, decisions and plans of the management of Nokian
Tyres. Forward-looking statements involve always risks and uncertainties,
because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not
occur in the future. Future results may thus vary even significantly from the
results expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements.
***
Please load the whole report from http://www.nokiantyres.com
*****
Nokian Tyres Interim Report January-March was published on Tuesday 30 April,
2013 at 8.00 a.m. Finnish time.
The result presentation to analysts and media will be held in Hotel Kämp in
Helsinki at 10.00 a.m. Finnish time. The presentation can be listened through
audiocast via internet at http://www.nokiantyres.com/resultinfoq12013
To be able to ask questions during the event you can participate in the
conference call. Please dial in 5-10 minutes before the beginning of the event
+44 (0)20 7162 0077. Password: 930829.
Stock exchange release and presentation material will be available before the
event from http://www.nokiantyres.com/ir-calendar
After the event the audio recording can be downloaded from the same page.
Nokian Tyres interim report January-June will be published on Friday 9 August,
2013. Releases and company information will be found from
http://www.nokiantyres.com
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