Iisalmi, 2012-10-26 07:59 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OLVI PLC              INTERIM REPORT 26 OCT 2012 at 9:00 am

OLVI GROUP’S INTERIM REPORT, 1 JANUARY TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2012 (9 MONTHS)

Olvi Group’s sales volume, net sales and operating profit developed favourably from January to September. It was particularly pleasing to see substantial operating profit improvements in Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus.   

January-September in brief:

- Olvi Group’s sales volume increased by 2.4 percent to 411.2 (401.5) million litres
- The Group’s net sales increased by 7.7 percent to 241.6 (224.3) million euro
- The Group’s operating profit increased by 2.8 percent to 25.9 (25.2) million euro
- Earnings per share improved by 69.4 percent to 1.05 euro per share
- Equity per share improved by 22.2 percent to 6.88 euro per share

KEY RATIOS

Lasse Aho, Managing Director of Olvi plc, said the following in connection with the disclosure of the accounts:

“Olvi Group’s performance in January-September was slightly better than in the previous year. Our balance sheet and earnings per share improved clearly on the previous year.  Net sales grew faster than the sales volume, and operating profit improved on the previous year. Performance in Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus improved substantially. Performance in Estonia fell slightly short of the previous year due to the general decline of the beverages market. Operating profit in Finland declined on the previous year. The parent company’s performance was affected by a general market decline, cool summer weather, as well as detorioration of profitability due to increased costs and the product mix. However, we were able to strengthen our overall market position.”

OLVI GROUP’S SALES VOLUME, NET SALES AND EARNINGS IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2012

Olvi Group’s sales from January to September 2012 amounted to 411.2 (401.5) million litres. This represents an increase of 9.7 million litres or 2.4 percent. Sales volumes increased or remained unchanged in all other operating areas but Latvia, where a slight decline was seen in sales.

In January-September, sales in Finland increased by 1.6 million litres, sales in the Baltic states by 2.9 million and sales in Belarus by as much as 10.3 million litres. 

Intra-Group sales increased by 5.1 million litres or 16.9 percent.

The Group’s net sales from January to September amounted to 241.6 (224.3) million euro. This represents an increase of 17.4 million euro or 7.7 percent. Net sales growth outperformed sales volume growth in all of the Group’s operating areas.

Domestic net sales amounted to 92.1 (90.7) million euro. The Baltic subsidiaries generated net sales of 119.7 (111.1) million euro, while net sales in Belarus amounted to 45.4 (34.9) million euro. Net sales in Finland increased by 1.5 million euro or 1.6 percent, in the Baltic states by 8.5 million euro or 7.7 percent, and in Belarus by 10.5 million euro or 29.9 percent.

The Group’s operating profit for January-September stood at 25.9 (25.2) million euro, or 10.7 (11.2) percent of net sales. The operating profit improved by 0.7 million euro or 2.8 percent on the previous year.

Earnings per share calculated from the profit belonging to parent company shareholders stood at 1.05 (0.62) euro per share, an increase of 0.43 euro per share or 69.4 percent on the previous year.

Operating profit in Finland amounted to 7.2 (11.7) million euro. The previous year’s operating profit in Finland includes 1.5 million euro of sales gains from the sales of decommissioned production machinery. Commensurate operating profit fell 3.0 million euro or 29.5 percent short of the previous year.

Aggregated operating profit in the Baltic states improved by 1.8 million euro to 14.3 (12.5) million euro. Operating profit in Belarus amounted to 4.6 (2.6) million euro, representing an increase of 1.9 million euro or 74.1 percent on the previous year.

The Group’s profit after taxes in the period under review was 22.3 (12.6) million euro.

OLVI GROUP’S SALES VOLUME, NET SALES AND EARNINGS IN JULY-SEPTEMBER 2012

Olvi Group’s sales in the third quarter amounted to a total of 149.9 (147.5) million litres. Sales increased by 2.4 million litres or 1.6 percent. Sales in Finland were on a par with the previous year at 40.2 (40.1) million litres, sales in the Baltic states increased by 0.6 million litres to 78.5 (77.9) million litres, and sales in Belarus increased by 2.0 million litres to 42.8 (40.8) million litres.

The Group’s net sales from July to September amounted to 88.2 (82.6) million euro.  Net sales improved by 5.6 million euro or 6.8 percent. Net sales in Finland amounted to 32.2 (32.3) million euro, net sales in the Baltic states to 43.1 (40.4) million euro, and net sales in Belarus to 18.0 (15.0) million euro.

The Group’s operating profit for the third quarter stood at 11.2 (11.4) million euro, or 12.7 (13.8) percent of net sales. The operating profit declined by 0.2 million euro or 1.6 percent compared to the previous year. Operating profit in Finland declined by 2.5 million euro to 2.1 (4.6) million euro. Operating profit in the Baltic states improved by 0.6 million euro to 6.3 (5.7) million euro, and operating profit in Belarus improved by 1.6 million euro to 2.8 (1.1) million euro.

SALES VOLUME, NET SALES AND EARNINGS BY GEOGRAPHICAL SEGMENT IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER AND JULY-SEPTEMBER 2012

Seasonal nature of the operations

The Group’s business operations are characterised by seasonal variation. The net sales and operating profit from the reported geographical segments do not accumulate evenly but vary according to the time of the year and the characteristics of each season.

PARENT COMPANY OLVI PLC (Olvi)

January to September 2012

According to statistics, the Finnish beverage market declined by 39.4 million litres or 6.3 percent in January-September compared to the previous year (Finnish Federation of the Brewing and Soft Drinks Industry, September 2012). Sales declined in all product groups: the sales of beers declined by 6.6 percent, ciders 8.4, long drinks 7.1, mineral waters by 7.9 percent and soft drinks by 4.8 percent.

Olvi’s domestic sales in January-September declined by 2.1 million litres or 2.0 percent, which was a clearly smaller decline than that of the industry in general.

In alcoholic beverages, the only growth was seen in Olvi’s ciders, with a sales increase of 7.8 percent. The sales of beers declined by 9.7 percent and the sales of long drinks by 6.2 percent. In non-alcoholic beverages, sales increased in all other product groups but energy drinks. The sales of soft drinks increased by 72.0 percent on the previous year, thanks to the Angry Birds and private label products. The sales of juices increased by 76.9 percent. The sales of mineral waters also increased by 10.7 percent thanks to private label products.

Olvi’s domestic market share in mild alcoholic beverages in the reporting period remained on a par with the previous year at 24 percent. The market share of non-alcoholic products increased from seven to nine percent.

Olvi’s exports and tax-free sales increased by 35.4 percent on the previous year, making up 4.3 (3.2) percent of total sales.

Olvi’s total sales volume from January to September amounted to 114.0 (112.4) million litres, representing an increase of 1.6 million litres or 1.4 percent.

The parent company’s net sales from January to September amounted to 92.2 (90.7) million euro, representing an increase of 1.5 million euro or 1.6 percent.

Operating profit stood at 7.2 (11.7) million euro, which was 7.8 (12.9) percent of net sales. The previous year’s operating profit includes 1.5 million euro of sales gains from the sales of decommissioned production machinery. Compared to the previous year’s commensurate operating profit, the operating profit for January-September declined by 3.0 million euro or 29.5 percent.

Factors contributing to the operating profit decline included increased depreciation due to substantial investments, as well as cost increases that could not be fully covered due to the downtrend of the beverage industry.

July to September 2012

The parent company’s sales volume in the third quarter was on a par with the previous year at 40.2 (40.1) million litres. Net sales also remained on the previous year’s level at 32.2 (32.3) million euro.  

Operating profit in July-September declined clearly on the previous year. Operating profit stood at 2.1 (4.6) million euro, which was 6.7 (14.3) percent of net sales. The operating profit declined by 2.5 million euro in the third quarter. The decline in operating profit was affected by a clear increase in costs in the third quarter, attributable to challenges with production planning as the overall consumption diminished.

AS A. LE COQ (A. Le Coq)

January to September 2012

The Estonian beverage market declined in January-September with the exception of ciders and long drinks. The sales of ciders in Estonia increased by 12.4 percent, and long drinks by 1.9 percent. The sales of beers declined by 3.5 percent, mineral waters 2.9 percent, soft drinks 5.5 percent and juices 10.4 percent (Nielsen, June-July 2012).

The Estonian subsidiary A. Le Coq retained its strong market position in January-September. The company’s sales were on a par with the previous year at 105.5 (105.4) million litres.

The sales of the company’s mineral waters increased by 8.3 percent during the period under review. However, the sales of beers, ciders and juices remained on the previous year’s level. The sales of long drinks declined by 4.3 percent and the sales of soft drinks by 8.2 percent.

In the Estonian beverage market, the company is superior in long drinks and juices, and a strong market leader also in beers. In the cider market as well as the soft drink market, A. Le Coq is the clear number two player. FIZZ is Estonia’s largest cider brand.

The company had a market share of 41 (40) percent in beers, 35 (38) in ciders and 55 (52) in long drinks. The market share in juices (tetrapacks) was 33 (29) percent, in soft drinks 29 (32) and in mineral waters 17 (16) percent (Nielsen, June-July 2012).

The company’s exports and tax-free sales declined on the previous year. Exports and tax-free sales represented 3.6 (4.3) percent of total sales.

A. Le Coq’s net sales from January to September amounted to 63.1 (59.9) million euro, representing an increase of 3.2 million euro or 5.3 percent. 

Operating profit in January-September declined by 0.4 million euro or 3.3 percent to 10.7 million euro. The operating profit represented 16.9 (18.4) percent of net sales.

July to September 2012

A. Le Coq’s sales in July-September amounted to 36.8 (36.5) million litres, an increase of 0.3 million litres or 0.9 percent on the previous year.

The company’s net sales increased by 0.9 million euro or 4.1 percent compared to the previous year. Net sales from July to September amounted to 22.2 (21.3) million euro.

The company’s third-quarter operating profit stood at 4.4 (4.5) million euro, or 19.8 (21.3) percent of net sales. The operating profit declined by 0.1 million euro or 3.3 percent.

A/S CESU ALUS (Cesu Alus)

January to September 2012

In the Latvian beverage market, the sales of beers and ciders declined in January-September, while the long drink market was on a strong growth track. The beer market declined by 0.8 percent and the cider market by 3.7 percent. Sales of long drinks in Latvia increased by 16.1 percent (Nielsen, June-July 2012 and July 2012).

Cesu Alus operating in Latvia strengthened its market position in January-September in spite of a decline in the company’s total sales. The company’s sales from January to September amounted to 58.5 (59.6) million litres, representing a decline of 1.1 million litres or 1.8 percent.

The sales of Cesu Alus’s long drinks increased by 21.9 percent while the sales of ciders declined by 21.8 percent. There was a 6.7 percent decline in the sales of beers.

The sales of the company’s energy drinks increased by more than 42 percent but the sales of other soft drinks remained on a par with the previous year.

Cesu Alus had a market share of 31 (27) percent of the Latvian beer market (Nielsen, July 2011), 55 (52) percent in ciders and 57 (53) percent in long drinks (Nielsen, June-July 2012). The company is the clear market leader in ciders and long drinks and equally strong as its largest competitor in beers.

The company’s net sales from January to September amounted to 29.5 (28.1) million euro, representing an increase of 1.4 million euro or 4.7 percent.

Operating profit in January-September stood at 1.8 (0.9) million euro, which was 6.1 (3.1) percent of net sales. The operating profit improved substantially by 0.9 million euro or 106.6 percent. The performance improvement was made possible by increased sales prices and strict control of costs.

July to September 2012

Cesu Alus’s sales in the third quarter declined by 0.7 million litres or 3.4 percent to 20.7 (21.4) million litres. Net sales amounted to 10.5 (10.4) million euro. Net sales increased by 0.1 million euro or 0.7 percent compared to the previous year.

The company’s operating profit in July-September improved clearly by 0.3 million euro or 66.2 percent on the previous year. Operating profit stood at 0.8 (0.5) million euro, which was 7.9 (4.8) percent of net sales.

AB VOLFAS ENGELMAN (Volfas Engelman)

January to September 2012

The Lithuanian beer market declined in January-September by 4.9 percent while the long drink market grew strongly by almost 35 percent. The sales of ciders also increased by 8.8 percent. The kvass market declined by almost 14 percent (Nielsen June-July 2012).

Volfas Engelman operating in Lithuania retained its good market position in January-September. The company’s sales increased by 3.9 million litres or 7.2 percent to 57.2 (53.3) million litres. The sales of the company’s beers increased by 11.7 percent, and long drinks by as much as 28.9 percent. The sales of ciders declined by 9.0 percent. The sales of soft drinks (including kvass) declined by 14.3 percent.

Volfas Engelman is the number three player in the largest product group, beers, with a market share of 13 (10) percent. In long drinks, the company’s market share is 24 (30) percent, making it the market leader. In ciders, Volfas Engelman is equally strong as its largest competitor with a market share of 32 (38) percent.   The company is the clear market leader in the kvass market with a market share of 29 (29) percent (Nielsen, June-July 2012).

The company’s exports increased substantially in the review period, by 97.9 percent. Exports accounted for 2.4 (1.3) percent of total volume.

The company’s net sales from January to September amounted to 27.1 (23.0) million euro, representing an increase of 4.1 million euro or 17.5 percent. The net sales increase clearly outperformed the increase in sales volume.

The company’s operating profit improved clearly in January-September. Operating profit stood at 1.7 (0.5) million euro, which was 6.5 (2.3) percent of net sales. The operating profit improved by 1.2 million euro. The improvement in operating profit was made possible by a clear increase in the average price of net sales and strict control of costs.

July to September 2012

Volfas Engelman’s sales from July to September amounted to 21.0 (20.0) million litres, representing an increase of 1.0 million litres or 5.0 percent.

Third-quarter net sales stood at 10.5 (8.7) million euro, representing an increase of as much as 1.8 million euro or 20.5 percent.

Operating profit in July-September amounted to 1.1 (0.7) million euro. The operating profit improved substantially by 0.4 million euro or 58.2 percent.

OAO LIDSKOE PIVO (Lidskoe Pivo)

January to September 2012

After the devaluation in October 2011, the exchange rate of the Belarusian rouble has now stabilised, and inflation is still decelerating. However, the country’s situation is still unstable, and consumer purchasing power has weakened. Lidskoe Pivo’s financial reporting is still subject to the IAS 29 standard “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies”. Application of the standard has an effect particularly when comparing the change in net sales with the previous year.

During the first half of the year, the country’s beverage markets declined in all main product groups except kvass. The sales of beers declined by 16.6 percent and ciders by 3.0 percent. The soft drinks market declined by 3.4 percent, mineral waters 12.9 and juices by 17.6 percent. The sales of kvass increased by 19.1 percent.

The day-to-day operations of Lidskoe Pivo in Belarus have continued to develop well in spite of the economic situation prevailing in the country. The company’s sales from January to September amounted to 111.3 (101.0) million litres, representing an increase of 10.3 million litres or 10.2 percent.

The sales of the company’s beers increased by one percent but the sales of ciders declined by 5.8 percent. The sales of soft drinks and kvass increased by 19.9 percent and the sales of mineral waters by 33.3 percent. There was a 15.4 percent decline in the sales of juices.  

The company’s market position has become stronger. Lidskoe Pivo is a clear market leader in ciders, kvass and juices. Its market share in ciders is 62 (73), in kvass 60 (50) and in juices 45 (31) percent. The market share in beers is 12 (10) percent. In soft drinks and mineral waters, the company’s market share is slightly over two percent (Nielsen June-July 2012). 

The company’s exports in January-September increased by 66.7 percent on the previous year. Exports made 10.3 (6.8) percent of the company’s total sales. The main destinations for exports were Russia and Lithuania. 

Lidskoe Pivo’s net sales for the reporting period amounted to 45.4 (34.9) million euro, representing an increase of 10.5 million euro or 29.9 percent. Factors contributing to net sales growth included favourable development of sales volumes and a sustained good average price of net sales.

The operating profit for the period improved substantially and amounted to 4.6 (2.6) million euro, which was 10.1 (7.5) percent of net sales. The operating profit increased by 2.0 million euro or 74.1 percent compared to the previous year. The operating profit increase was attributable to improved efficiency made possible by the commissioning of substantial investments, improved profitability in all product groups, as well as successful new product launches.   

July to September 2012

The company’s sales in the third quarter amounted to 42.8 (40.8) million litres, representing an increase of 2.0 million litres or 4.9 percent.

The company’s net sales increased by 3.0 million euro or 20.0 percent to 18.0 (15.0) million euro.

Lidskoe Pivo’s operating profit in the third quarter amounted to 2.8 (1.1) million euro. The operating profit improved substantially by 1.6 million euro or 145.0 percent.

FINANCING AND INVESTMENTS

Olvi Group’s balance sheet total at the end of September 2012 was 270.4 (237.0) million euro. Equity per share in January-September stood at 6.88 (5.63) euro, an increase of +1.25 euro per share or 22.2 percent on the previous year. The equity ratio of 53.4 (49.7) percent improved by 3.7 percentage points on the previous year.

The amount of interest-bearing liabilities was 63.5 (62.5) million euro, including current liabilities of 19.5 (28.7) million euro.

During the period under review, the Group’s gross capital expenditure amounted to 22.8 (31.5) million euro. The parent company Olvi accounted for 10.7 million euro and the subsidiaries in the Baltic states for 3.5 million euro of the total. Lidskoe Pivo’s gross capital expenditure in January-September was 8.6 million euro.

The largest investments in Finland in 2012 included the commissioning of a new can filling line, the completion of a tank cellar extension, as well as modernisation of beer filtering.

In the Baltic states, A. Le Coq’s largest investments comprised extensions to storage facilities and the pressure tank cellar, as well as a labelling machine for glass bottles. Cesu Alus’s major investments were associated with conveyors for the glass bottle line, as well as other production machinery and equipment. Volfas Engelman’s investments consisted of a general renovation of the brewery, a glass bottle reform, wine and kvass mixing equipment and other smaller purchases of machinery and equipment.

The first stage of Lidskoe Pivo’s extensive investment programme is mainly completed. It included, among other things, storage, filling department and tank cellar buildings, filling line machinery and equipment, an extension to the kvass cellar, a new beer filter and air compressor.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research and development includes projects to design and develop new products, packages, processes and production methods, as well as further development of existing products and packages. The R&D costs have been recognised as expenses. The main objective of Olvi Group’s product development is to create new products for profitable and growing beverage segments.

NEW PRODUCTS

Finland

Olvi’s new products for the autumn season were described in the previous interim report.

Subsidiaries

The success story of Angry Birds soft drinks has continued in the autumn in the Baltic subsidiaries. In the beginning of October, Cesu Alus in Latvia launched Angry Birds Paradise, and Lidskoe Pivo in Belarus launched Angry Birds Tropic Cola soft drinks. The licensing co-operation also continued through another well-known brand with the launch of Hello Kitty strawberry-raspberry flavoured soft drink across all of the subsidiaries. In Belarus, Hello Kitty soft drink is also available with cola-caramel flavour.

Other new products included A. Le Coq’s September launches of the 6.5-percent A. Le Coq Strong beer and Dynami:t Green energy drink, which contains natural caffeine. Cesu Alus launched the 6-percent Cēsu Porter beer, and Volfas Engelman launched the Fortas Pils and 1410 beers.

PERSONNEL

Olvi Group’s average number of personnel in January-September was 2,000 (2,069). The Group’s average number of personnel decreased by 69 people or 3.3 percent. Personnel decreases were seen in Belarus, while in the other operating areas, the number was either unchanged or increased slightly. At the end of September, Olvi Group employed a total of 1,928 (2,029) people.

Olvi Group’s average number of personnel by country:

                    1-9/2012   1-9/2011

Finland                             411        (389)

Estonia               317        (316)

Latvia                                221        (222)

Lithuania                           211        (206)

Belarus                            840        (936)

Total                2000       (2069)

GROUP STRUCTURE

During the reporting period in January-September, Olvi plc acquired a total of 407 shares in Cesu Alus, corresponding to 0.14 percent of the company’s share capital. At the end of September 2012, Olvi’s holding in Cesu Alus was 99.67 percent, in A. Le Coq 100.0 percent, in Volfas Engelman 99.57 percent and in Lidskoe Pivo 91.58 percent.

SHARES AND SHARE MARKET

The total number of Olvi plc shares at the end of September 2012 was 20,758,808, of these 17,026,552 or 82.0 percent being publicly traded Series A shares and 3,732,256 or 18.0 percent Series K shares. Each Series A share carries one (1) vote and each Series K share carries twenty (20) votes. Olvi held 1,124 of its own Series A shares on 30 September 2012 as treasury shares. Treasury shares held by the company itself are ineligible for voting. Olvi’s share capital at the end of September 2012 stood at 20,758,808 euro.

The Olvi A share was quoted on Nasdaq OMX Helsinki (Helsinki Stock Exchange) at 18.15 (15.22) euro at the end of September 2012. In January-September, the highest quote for the Series A share was 19.94 (19.86) euro and the lowest quote was 14.75 (13.49) euro.

At the end of September 2012, the market capitalisation of the entire stock was 376.8 (315.9) million euro and the market capitalisation of Series A shares was 309.0 (259.1) million euro. In January-September, a total of 1,160,708 (2,296,430) Series A shares were traded, representing 6.8 (13.5) percent of the total number of Series A shares. The value of trading was 20.5 (48.5) million euro.

The number of shareholders at the end of the review period was 9,052 (9,006). Foreign holdings plus foreign and Finnish nominee-registered holdings represented 17.7 (18.4) percent of the total number of book entries and 6.1 (6.3) percent of total votes. Foreign and nominee-registered holdings are reported in Table 5, Section 8 of the tables attached to this interim report, and the largest shareholders are reported in Table 5, Section 9.

The company did not receive any flagging notices during the reporting period.

BUSINESS RISKS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

Risk management is a part of Olvi Group’s everyday management and operations. It increases corporate security and contributes to the achievement of operational targets. The objective of risk management is to operate proactively and create operating conditions in which business risks are managed comprehensively and systematically in all of the Group companies and all levels of the organisation. In addition to the company itself, risk management benefits its personnel, customers, shareholders and other related groups.

The objective of risk management is to ensure the realisation of the company’s strategy and secure the continuity of business. Olvi Group identifies, assesses, manages and monitors its crucial risks regularly. With regard to identified risks, the effects, scope and probability of realisation are assessed together with the means of eliminating or reducing the risk. Furthermore, risk management aims to identify and utilise any business opportunities that may arise.

Olvi Group’s strategic risks refer to risks related to the characteristics of the company’s business and strategic choices. The Group’s operations are located in several countries that differ substantially in terms of their social and economic situations and the phases and directions of development. For example, strategic risks relate to changes in tax legislation and other regulations, the environment and foreign exchange markets. If realised, strategic risks can substantially hamper the company’s operational preconditions. The Group’s most substantial identified strategic risks are associated with Belarus.

The Group’s most substantial identified operational risks relate to the procurement and quality of raw materials, the production process, markets and customers, personnel, information security and systems, as well as changes in foreign exchange rates.

Procurement of raw materials

General economic development and annual fluctuations in crop yield affect the prices and availability of major raw materials used within Olvi Group. Disruptions in raw material deliveries may hamper customer relations and business operations. Purchases of major raw materials are made under procurement contracts standardised at the Group level.  The predictability of purchase prices for the most critical raw materials is improved through long-term procurement agreements and potentially derivatives. All units emphasise the significance of the quality of raw materials and other production factors in the overall production chain.

Production process

The aim is to minimise production risks through clear documentation of processes, increasing the degree of automation, compliance with quality management system and the pursuit of clear operating methods in relation to decision-making and supervision. The efficiency and applicability of processes and methods are monitored using internal indicators. The monitoring and development of production efficiency includes, among other things, the reliability and utilisation rate of production machinery, development of the working environment and factors related to people’s work. The Group has a property and loss-of-profits insurance programme covering all of the operating areas, and its coverage is reviewed annually.

Markets and customers

The Group’s business operations are characterised by substantial seasonal variation. The net sales and operating profit from the reported geographical segments do not accumulate evenly but vary substantially according to the time of the year and the characteristics of each season.

Negative changes in the economy may impact consumers’ purchasing behaviour. All Group companies employ efficient credit controls as a major method for minimising credit losses.

Legislative changes and other changes in the operations of authorities may affect the demand for products and their relative competitive position.   

Personnel

Risks related to personnel include, among others, risks in obtaining labour, employment relationship risks, key person risks, competence risks and risks arising from insufficient well-being and accidents at work.

Crucial focal points in HR management include maintaining and developing a good employer image, as well as ensuring the availability and commitment of personnel. Other focal points include maintaining and developing well-being and safety at work, management, training and incentive schemes, as well as the construction and maintenance of backup personnel systems.

Information security and IT

Olvi Group employs an information security policy pertaining to all of the companies. It defines the principles for implementing information security and provides guidelines for its development.

Risks related to information technology and systems are manifested as operational disruptions and deficiencies, for example. The availability and correctness of data is ensured through the choice of operating methods and various technical solutions. The Group’s operations in Finland and the Baltic states utilise a common enterprise resource planning system, which will be introduced in Belarus during the current accounting period. A risk analysis pertaining to information security and the operation of information systems is carried out annually. 

Financing risks

The Group operates in an international market and is therefore exposed to foreign exchange risk due to changes in exchange rates. Foreign exchange risk consists of sales, purchases and balance sheet items in foreign currency (transaction risk), as well as investments and loans in foreign subsidiaries (valuation risk). Foreign exchange risk is reduced by the fact that most of the Group’s product sales and purchases of raw materials are denominated in euro.

The objective of financing risks management is to protect the Group against unfavourable changes in the financial markets and to secure the Group’s earnings development, liquidity and equity. The parent company’s financial management bears central responsibility for the Group’s financing and the management of financing risks in accordance with principles confirmed by the Group’s Board of Directors. The objectives of centralisation include optimisation of cash flows, cost savings and efficient risk management. Financing risks are described in more detail in the Investors section of the corporate Web site.   

BUSINESS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES IN THE NEAR TERM

The economic situation and future development in Europe is still characterised by uncertainty. However, the outlook for the daily consumer goods market can be considered stable in comparison to many other industries. The economic situation in Estonia is stable, and the economies of Latvia and Lithuania are showing signs of resurrection. However, uncertainty and weakened consumer purchasing power are impacting the volumes and price levels of grocery trade, which will have an effect also on the beverage market trends. 

The most substantial factor hampering the predictability of Olvi Group’s business relates to Belarus and its outlook for the next few years. The IAS 29 standard “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” will probably be applied at least until 2014.

NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK

The full-year sales volumes and net sales level are expected to develop favourably in 2012. The full-year operating profit is estimated to equal or slightly exceed the previous year’s result.

OLVI PLC

Board of Directors

Further information:
Lasse Aho, Managing Director
Phone +358 290 00 1050 or +358 400 203 600

TABLES:

- Statement of comprehensive income, Table 1
- Balance sheet, Table 2
- Changes in shareholders’ equity, Table 3
- Cash flow statement, Table 4
- Notes to the interim report, Table 5

DISTRIBUTION

NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd
Key media
www.olvi.fi

OLVI GROUP                                                        TABLE 5

NOTES TO THE INTERIM REPORT

The accounting policies used for this interim report are the same as those used for the annual financial statements 2011. The accounting policies are presented in the Annual Report 2011 which was published on 19 March 2012. The information disclosed in the interim report is unaudited.

The interim report information is presented in thousands of euros (EUR 1,000). For the sake of presentation, individual figures and totals have been rounded to full thousands, which causes rounding differences in additions.

The Group has adopted the following new or revised standards in 2012:

-  IFRS 7 (Amendment), Financial Instruments: Disclosures – Derecognition

-  IAS 12 (Amendment), Income taxes – Deferred tax   

The registered share capital on 30 September 2012 totalled 20,759 thousand euro.

Olvi plc’s Series A and Series K shares received a dividend of 0.50 euro per share for 2011 (0.50 euro per share for 2010), totalling 10.4 (10.4) million euro. The dividends were paid on 23 April 2012. The Series K and Series A shares entitle to equal dividend.

The Articles of Association include a redemption clause concerning Series K shares.

Olvi plc held a total of 1,124 of its own Series A shares on 1 January 2012.

Olvi plc has not acquired more treasury shares or transferred them to others in January-September 2012, which means that the number of Series A shares held by the company was unchanged on 30 September 2012. The purchase price of the Series A shares held as treasury shares totalled 8.5 thousand euro.

Series A shares held by Olvi plc as treasury shares represented 0.005 percent of the share capital and 0.001 percent of the aggregate number of votes.  The treasury shares represented 0.007 percent of all Series A shares and associated votes.

On 11 April 2012, the General Meeting of Shareholders of Olvi plc decided to revoke any unused authorisations to acquire treasury shares and authorise the Board of Directors of Olvi plc to decide on the acquisition of the company’s own shares using distributable funds. The authorisation is valid for one year starting from the General Meeting and covers a maximum of 500,000 Series A shares.

The Annual General Meeting also decided to revoke all existing unused authorisations for the transfer of own shares and authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the issue of a maximum of 1,000,000 new Series A shares and the transfer of a maximum of 500,000 Series A shares held as treasury shares.

In January-September 2012, the Board of Directors of Olvi plc has not exercised the authorisations granted by the General Meeting.

12. CALCULATION OF FINANCIAL RATIOS

Equity to total assets, % = 100 * (Shareholders’ equity belonging to parent company shareholders + non-controlling interests + voluntary provisions and depreciation difference deducted by deferred tax liability)/(Balance sheet total – advances received)

Earnings per share (EPS) = (Profit before taxes – taxes +/- non-controlling interests)/ Average number of shares during the year, adjusted for share issues

Equity per share = (Shareholders’ equity + voluntary provisions and depreciation difference deducted by deferred tax liability and non-controlling interests) / Number of shares at end of period, adjusted for share issues

Gearing, % = 100 * (Interest-bearing liabilities + advances received – cash and other liquid assets) /(Shareholders’ equity + voluntary provisions and depreciation difference deducted by deferred tax liability)