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SUOMINEN CORPORATION: INTERIM REPORT 1 JANUARY - 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

A GLOBAL NONWOVEN COMPANY IN SIGHT

Tampere, Finland, 2011-10-25 10:30 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SUOMINEN CORPORATION      INTERIM REPORT 25 OCTOBER 2011 AT 11:30 A.M.

INTERIM REPORT 1 JANUARY–30 SEPTEMBER 2011

A GLOBAL NONWOVEN COMPANY IN SIGHT
 

KEY FIGURES	7-9/2011	7-9/2010	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Net sales, EUR million	43.1	43.4	130.8	128.1	173.4
Operating profit, EUR million	-1.9	-1.8	-2.5	-2.2	-10.8
Profit/loss for the period, EUR million	-2.8	-2.1	-5.7	-4.0	-14.4
Earnings/share, EUR	-0.06	-0.05	-0.12	-0.10	-0.34
Cash flow from operations/share, EUR	0.02	0.09	0.04	0.00	-0.06

Suominen’s net sales for the first nine months of the year grew compared with the corresponding period in 2010. The operating profit for the third quarter was negative, as it was for the entire reporting period. Sales margins improved during the third quarter, but production volumes were lower than average. The ongoing cost-saving measures had a positive impact on the Group’s result. On 4 August 2011, Suominen concluded an agreement on the acquisition of Ahlstrom’s Home and Personal business area and in October, organised a EUR 87 million share issue to finance part of the acquisition. The transaction will be finalised on 31 October 2011.

Outlook: The net sales of the acquired business will be included in Suominen’s 2011 sales figures covering a period of two months, and as a result, Suominen’s net sales are expected to improve from the previous year. The acquired business is estimated to have a negative impact on Suominen’s result after taxes when considering also the non-recurring costs related to the business transaction. It is estimated that the result after taxes for the whole year 2011 will improve over 2010, but will be negative.

GROUP FINANCIAL RESULTS

Suominen generated net sales of EUR 43.1 million (43.4) in the third quarter. Operating loss was EUR 1.9 million (1.8), profit before taxes EUR -3.2 million (-2.9) and profit after taxes EUR ‑2.8 million (-2.1).

Net sales for the nine-month period totalled EUR 130.8 million (128.1). Operating loss was EUR 2.5 million (2.2), profit before taxes EUR -6.7 million (-5.3) and profit after taxes EUR -5.7 million (-4.0). Net sales increased by 2 per cent compared to the first nine months of the previous year. Average sales prices and margins improved, as sales prices rose and raw material price clauses included in sales contracts began to have an effect.

The rise in raw material prices halted compared to the first six months of the year. Shorter review periods for some raw material clauses included in sales contracts were implemented. Production volumes were lower than average due to the summer season, which led to a negative result. Operating costs were down from the corresponding period in 2010. The result included EUR 1.0 million in nonrecurring costs. 

Tight capital control and use of cash was continued. Investments were kept at a low level, and the amount of working capital decreased, despite higher raw material prices. Cash flow from operations was positive.

Acquisition of Home and Personal business
On 4 August 2011, Suominen concluded an agreement with Ahlstrom Corporation on the acquisition of the company’s Home and Personal nonwovens business. The value of the transaction is EUR 170 million. The transaction will be completed by the end of October 2011. The Home and Personal business area’s net sales in January–September 2011 were EUR 250.5 million and the operating profit was EUR 2.3 million according to carve-out combined income statement. Figures are based on the information, which is received from Ahlstrom (see the attachment). The operating profit for the third quarter was weaker than earlier expected. Approximately 480 employees will transfer to Suominen as part of the agreement. EUR 0.4 million in non-recurring costs related to the business transaction were included in Suominen’s result for the reporting period.

To finance the acquisition, Suominen organised a share issue from 5–11 October 2011, which raised EUR 87.2 million in new capital. Suominen has agreed on a syndicated credit facility of EUR 150 million to finance the remainder of the transaction amount and to refinance the company’s previous syndicated facility of EUR 44 million.

Suominen has received approval from the competition authorities in Spain, Germany and the United States on the business transaction. Authority approval of the transaction in Brazil is estimated to take place during the first
quarter of 2012.

Along with the transaction, Suominen will become a global market leader as a manufacturer of nonwoven materials for baby, personal care, household and industrial wipes. By expanding operations geographically and with a strong market position, Suominen will be well positioned to respond to customer needs by offering comprehensive sales and product development resources, as well as a more extensive product range worldwide. Financial figures of the acquired business for the first nine months of 2011 are presented in the attachment to this release.

Cost-saving and operational enhancement programme
The most significant savings in Suominen’s Stairs to the Top efficiency programme were generated by the closure of the Nastola flexible packaging plant and the rationalisation measures decided on for Codi Wipes in late 2010. The Nastola plant’s production was transferred to other regions, and savings have started to show in Flexibles’ expenses. The other efficiency measures were related to improving production yield and efficiency in the units. The positive impact of the savings and efficiency programmes on the result for the first nine months amounted to some EUR 4.5 million.

Financing
The Group’s interest-bearing net liabilities totalled EUR 59.7 million (54.5), including capital loans of EUR 4.0 million (6.0). Repayments of non-current loans amounted to EUR 0.7 million. Net financial expenses were EUR 4.3 million (3.2), or 3.3 per cent (2.5) of net sales. The increased cost of financing was due to the higher average interest rate on the loans. A total of EUR 2.3 million was released in working capital (EUR 2.2 million tied up). Trade receivables amounting to EUR 12.8 million (11.5) were sold to the bank. The equity ratio was 22.9 per cent (34.0). When capital loans are included in shareholders’ equity, the equity ratio was 26.5 per cent (38.8) and the net gearing 187.9 per cent (99.7). Cash flow from operations was EUR 1.8 million (-0.1) and EUR 0.04 per share (0.00).

Investments
The company’s gross investments in production totalled EUR 3.1 million (4.6). Planned depreciation amounted to EUR 6.0 million (7.1). Codi Wipes accounted for EUR 0.2 million (0.4), Nonwovens for EUR 0.9 million (1.5) and Flexibles for EUR 1.8 million (2.6) of total investments. The Group’s investments were in efficiency enhancement and maintenance.

SEGMENT RESULTS

The Wiping business area generated net sales of EUR 81.7 million (79.1) in the first nine months, a 3 per cent increase over the corresponding period in 2010. The business area’s operating loss was EUR 1.9 million
(2.1).

Net sales of Codi Wipes, at EUR 42.5 million (42.9), declined by one per cent on the previous year. Sales of personal care wipes increased, while baby wipe and moist toilet wipe sales were down. Average sales prices remained at the same level as in the corresponding period in 2010. The unit’s operating expenses decreased as planned, primarily as a result of the rationalisation measures and personnel reductions early in the year.
 
Net sales of Nonwovens increased by 5 per cent to EUR 43.0 million (40.9). The growth was due to the rise in sales prices; delivery volumes, on the other hand, fell slightly from the previous year. Sales during the third quarter were lower than they were in the first two quarters of the year, largely due to the summer season. The unit’s most significant product area, nonwovens used in wiping products, experienced sales growth, and the trend was the same for nonwovens used in health care products. Sales of nonwovens for hygiene products were on a par with the previous year. The unit’s sales growth focused on Europe, and sales in North America were at the level of the previous year. Raw material prices levelled off during the summer, which improved sales margins. Production volumes were low due to the summer holiday season, which translated into an increase in manufacturing costs per unit compared to the previous quarters.

Net sales of Flexibles during the first nine of the year totalled EUR 49.8 million (49.6) and operating profit was EUR 0.2 million (0.0). In terms of volumes, sales decreased from the previous year. Hygiene packaging sales increased, while sales of carrier bags and security and system packaging remained on the same level as in the previous year. Food packaging sales decreased on the previous year. Sales prices were raised on the basis of raw material clauses included in sales contracts and through general price increases. An active pricing policy, however, led to some losses of clients as the tight price competition in the industry continued. Rising prices of plastic-based raw materials levelled out during the summer. Operating expenses decreased from last year as a result of the rationalisation measures carried out. The machinery transfers from Nastola to the Polish and Tampere plants were completed, and production at the Nastola plant came to an end. The operations of the Swedish sales office were discontinued and local warehousing services were outsourced. At the end of the period, possible personnel reductions were announced at the Polish unit, affecting more than ten employees, because sales volumes had not developed as expected. Non-recurring costs amounting to EUR 0.6 million were incurred during the period.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING AND SHARE ISSUE AUTHORISATION

An Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders was held on 12 September 2011. The General Meeting authorised the Board of Directors to decide on the issue of a maximum of 280,000,000 new shares in one or more share issues against payment. The Board of Directors utilised, on 3 October 2011, the authorisation for the purposes of a share issue required by the transaction between the company and Ahlstrom Corporation, published on 4 August 2011.

The General Meeting resolved to amend section 11 of the Articles of Association of the company concerning notice of the General Meeting of Shareholders, to delete the second paragraph of section 12 with regard to voting restrictions, and to delete section 14 regarding the redemption obligations. The amendments of the Articles of Association were conditional and came into effect on 21 October 2011.

The General Meeting resolved that the number of members of the Board of Directors shall be five (5), and elected Mr. Risto Anttonen, Mr. Jorma Eloranta, Mr. Mikko Maijala, Mr. Heikki Mairinoja and Ms. Suvi Hintsanen as the members of the Board of Directors. The resolutions of the Extraordinary General Meeting regarding the number of members of the Board of Directors and the election of members were conditional and only came into effect on 21 October 2011 upon completion of the transaction between the company and Ahlstrom Corporation.

The General Meeting resolved to establish a Nomination Committee comprising shareholders or representatives of shareholders to prepare proposals for the following Annual General Meeting concerning the election and remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors. The three largest shareholders or representatives of such shareholders are elected to the Nomination Committee, which, in addition, shall comprise the Chairman of the Board of Directors as an expert member. The resolution of the Extraordinary General Meeting regarding the establishment of the Nomination Committee was conditional and only came into effect on 21 October 2011 upon the completion of the transaction between the company and Ahlstrom Corporation.

SHARE CAPITAL AND SHARES

Share capital
The registered number of Suominen’s issued shares totals 47,395,014 shares. There were no changes in share capital during the period under review.

Share trading and price
The number of Suominen Corporation shares traded on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki from 1 January to 30 September 2011 was 3,270,235 shares, equivalent to 6.9 per cent of shares included in the company’s share capital. The trading price varied between EUR 0.36 and EUR 0.64. The final trading price was EUR 0.45, giving the company a market capitalisation of EUR 21.3 million on 30 September 2011.

Own shares
On 1 January 2011, the company held 168,805 of its own shares, accounting for 0.36 per cent of the share capital and votes.

The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held in 2010 authorised the Board of Directors to decide on the acquisition of a maximum of 200,000 of the company’s own shares and on the conveyance of a maximum of 200,682 of the company’s own shares. The authorisations were valid for 18 months after the end of the General Meeting, which was until 23 September 2011. The acquisition authorisation was exercised during 2010 to acquire 123,595 shares, which means that on 1 January 2011 the remaining authorisation was for 76,405 shares. Within the authorisation granted to the Board of Directors, 108,507 of the company’s own shares were conveyed as emoluments to the members of Suominen Corporation’s Board of Directors.

On 30 September 2011, Suominen Corporation held a total of 60,298 of its own shares, accounting for 0.13 per cent of the share capital and votes.

Other authorisations granted to the Board of Directors
After the period under review, on 3 October 2011, the Board of Directors decided on a share issue and a capital loan conversion share issue, in which 198,539,108 new shares were issued. Thereafter, the Board of Directors has authorisation to issue a further 81,460,892 new shares. There are no other authorisations relating to rights entitling to shares in effect.

BUSINESS RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Suominen’s customer base is concentrated, which adds to the customer-specific risk. Long-term contracts are preferred in the case of the largest customers. Suominen has aimed at making general and customer-specific price increases on its products, which in principle involves a risk of losing orders in the future.

The units of Suominen buy a considerable amount of oil- and pulp-based raw materials. Rapid changes in the global market prices of raw materials affect Suominen’s profitability.

Suominen has no competitors with a completely similar product offering. However, the company has numerous regional, national or international competitors in its different product groups. There is production overcapacity in most product groups, and thus if Suominen Corporation is not able to compete with an attractive product offering, it may lose some of its market share. The competition may lead to increased pricing pressure on the company’s products.

Suominen’s efficiency programmes include measures to improve production efficiency, for example through better yields, higher machine speeds and shorter set-up times. The full impact of the efficiency measures will be seen as soon as production volumes grow. Postponed or failed measures will have a negative impact on the company’s profit.

Suominen’s credit arrangements include covenants that the company must meet. On 30 September 2011, the company’s equity ratio was 27 per cent, which was at the required minimum covenant level according to the current financial agreements. The financial covenants included in the credit agreement to finance the Home and Personal transaction are the net-debt-to-EBITDA ratio and debt/equity ratio. Should Suominen default on its obligations, the banks have the right to declare the loans due and payable and to renegotiate the terms.

On 21 September 2011, a fire broke out at the Home and Personal business area’s Mozzate plant in Italy, causing damage to one of the production lines. The seller has valid damage and business interruption insurance, on the basis of which it is expected that the damage will be compensated and the financial losses caused by the interruption of business will be covered. As a consequence of the damage, the Home and Personal business will not necessarily have the expected impact on Suominen’s net sales and financial performance.

The business transaction with Ahlstrom requires that the Brazilian authorities approve the transfer of the part of the Home and Personal business located in Brazil to the company to be founded under the transaction. In order to gain the desired synergy benefits from the Home and Personal transaction, the integration process of the business operations of the companies involved in the transaction should be managed according to plan. Integration of the businesses requires a considerable amount of resources, which may impede management’s possibilities to participate in the development of the business or may negatively affect Suominen’s development.

The sensitivity of Suominen Corporation’s goodwill to changes in business conditions is described in the notes to the financial statements 2010. The business risks are described more extensively in Suominen’s share issue prospectus dated 3 October 2011.

OUTLOOK

The demand for Suominen’s products is evaluated mainly on the basis of customer contracts and use forecasts provided by customers. It is estimated that the demand for Suominen’s products will remain stable.

Prices for Suominen’s products are expected to increase due to the price increases implemented and the raw material clauses included in sales contracts. Measures to reduce operational costs are continuing.

The net sales of the acquired business will be included in Suominen’s 2011 sales figures covering a period of two months, and as a result, Suominen’s net sales are expected to improve from the previous year. The acquired business is estimated to have a negative impact on Suominen’s result after taxes when considering also the non-recurring costs related to the business transaction. It is estimated that the result after taxes for the whole year 2011 will improve over 2010, but will be negative.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

The Board of Directors of Suominen Corporation decided, on 3 October 2011, to execute a share issue to the public and on a conversion share issue to the holders of Suominen’s capital loan of 2008, in order to finance the acquisition of the Home and Personal business area from Ahlstrom Corporation. A minimum of 188,888,889 and a maximum of 266,666,667 new shares were offered at the subscription price of EUR 0.45 per share, and a maximum of 8,888,889 new shares in the conversion share issue at the subscription price of EUR 0.45 per share. The subscription period for the share issue and the conversion share issue ended on 11 October 2011.
 
The Board of Directors approved the subscriptions of 193,739,111 new shares, which correspond to a total of EUR 87.2 million, and the subscriptions of 4,799,997 new shares in the conversion share issue. The total principal of the capital loan 2008 converted in the conversion share issue was EUR 2.2 million. After the payment of the subscriptions, the remaining amount of the Company’s capital loan 2008 is EUR 1.8 million.

The shares subscribed in the share issue and in the conversion share issue correspond together to 418.9 per cent of all the Company’s existing shares and voting rights related thereto prior to the share issues and 80.7 per cent of all the existing shares, issued shares and new shares and voting rights related to them following the share issue and the conversion share issue.

The shares subscribed in the share issue and the conversion share issue were entered into the Trade Register 21 October 2011. Trading in the new shares commenced on 24 October 2011. As a result of the share issues, the number of Suominen’s shares will increase by 198,539,108 shares to 245,934,122 shares. The total subscriptions of the share issue and the conversion share issue are EUR 89.3 million, and the increase in shareholders’ equity was around EUR 87 million after the expenses.

On 20 October 2011, Suominen agreed upon a syndicated credit facility of EUR 150 million to finance the Home and Personal business transaction. An agreement on the finalisation of the acquisition was reached on 20 October 2011, according to which the right of ownership to the business and the agreements will be transferred to Suominen on 31 October 2011. The final value of the transaction will be specified according to the assets to be transferred in the transaction. The Brazilian company’s part of the transaction price has been deposited in a blocked account, and will be released once the conditions of the transaction have been fulfilled.

The Board of Directors that was elected at Suominen’s Extraordinary General Meeting began its work and convened on 20 October 2011 and elected Jorma Eloranta as Chairman of the Board and Mikko Maijala as Deputy Chairman from amongst its members.


SUOMINEN CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED 1 JANUARY – 30 SEPTEMBER 2011

This interim report has been prepared in compliance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. The principles for preparing the interim report are the same as those used for preparing the financial statements for 2010, and this interim report should be read parallel to the financial statements for 2010. Changes to published accounting standards and interpretations, together with the new accounting standards that came into force on 1 January 2011, are presented in the financial statements for 2010.

All calculations in this interim report have been prepared in compliance with the revised IAS 1 standard, ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’. This standard is aimed at improving users’ ability to analyse and compare the information given in financial statements by separating changes in equity of an entity arising from transactions with owners from other changes in equity. Non-owner changes in equity will be presented in the statement of comprehensive income.

The figures in this interim report have not been audited.

 BALANCE SHEET
 

EUR 1 000	9/2011	9/2010	12/2010
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill	18 498	23 404	18 498
Intangible assets	784	735	776
Tangible non-current assets	48 635	54 707	53 873
Available-for-sale financial assets	242	212	212
Held-to-maturity investments	421	354	354
Deferred tax assets	1 713	54	1 339
Non-current assets, total	70 293	79 466	75 052
Current assets
Inventories	22 219	26 203	24 373
Trade receivables	14 893	12 791	10 817
Other current receivables	2 785	2 397	5 666
Income tax receivables	1 424	1 081	200
Cash at bank and in hand	1 644	3 481	3 253
Current assets, total	42 965	45 953	44 309
Assets, total	113 258	125 419	119 361
Shareholders' equity and liabilities
Equity attributable to owners of the parent company
Share capital	11 860	11 860	11 860
Share premium account	24 681	24 681	24 681
Invested non-restricted equity fund	9 708	9 649	9 708
Fair value and other reserves	-121	-195	665
Translation differences	-666	437	515
Other shareholders' equity	-19 909	-3 808	-14 143
Shareholders’ equity, total	25 553	42 624	33 286
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities	2 279	2 110	2 930
Provisions	280	280	280
Capital loans	2 000	4 000	4 000
Interest-bearing liabilities	35 022	39 015	35 823
Non-current liabilities, total	39 581	45 405	43 033
Current liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities	22 334	12 958	19 459
Capital loans	2 000	2 000	2 000
Income tax liabilities	572	69
Trade payables and other current liabilities	23 218	22 363	21 583
Current liabilities, total	48 124	37 390	43 042
Liabilities, total	87 705	82 795	86 075
Shareholders' equity and liabilities, total	113 258	125 419	119 361

STATEMENT OF INCOME
  

EUR 1 000	7-9/2011	7-9/2010	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Net sales	43 112	43 359	130 801	128 123	173 438
Cost of goods sold	-42 139	-42 462	-124 639	-121 878	-165 277
Gross profit	972	897	6 161	6 245	8 161
Other operating income	113	248	488	712	859
Sales and marketing expenses	-871	-993	-2 648	-2 807	-3 927
Research and development	-365	-413	-1 289	-1 384	-1 951
Administration expenses	-1 778	-1 484	-5 057	-4 612	-6 333
Other operating expenses	31	-79	-125	-320	-2 564
Operating profit before impairment losses	-1 898	-1 824	-2 470	-2 166	-5 755
Impairment losses					-5 069
Operating profit	-1 898	-1 824	-2 470	-2 166	-10 824
Financial income and expenses	-1 255	-1 028	-4 259	-3 154	-4 840
Profit before income taxes	-3 153	-2 852	-6 729	-5 320	-15 664
Income taxes	316	707	1 029	1 294	1 302
Profit/loss for the period	-2 837	-2 145	-5 700	-4 026	-14 362
Earnings/share, EUR	-0.06	-0.05	-0.12	-0.10	-0.34

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  

EUR 1 000	7-9/2011	7-9/2010	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Profit/loss for the period	-2 837	-2 145	-5 700	-4 026	-14 362
Other comprehensive income
Total exchange differences on foreign operations	-1 650	407	-1 596	499	854
Fair value changes of cash flow hedges	-261	417	-1 223	749	1 661
Other reclassifications	-6	5	-18	3	-2
Income tax on other comprehensive income	497	-214	733	-324	-654
Other comprehensive income, total	-1 420	615	-2 104	927	1 859
Total comprehensive income for the period	-4 257	-1 530	-7 804	-3 099	-12 503

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  

EUR 1 000	Share capital	Share premium account	Invested non-restricted equity fund	Own shares	Translation differences	Fair value reserves	Retained earnings	Total
Total equity at 1 Jan. 2011	11 860	24 681	9 708	-163	515	828	-14 143	33 286
Profit/loss for the period							-5 700	-5 700
Other comprehensive income					-1 181	-905	-18	-2 104
Share-based payments							20	20
Share issue
Dividend
Repurchase of own shares
Conveyance of own shares				120			-69	51
Total equity at 30 Sept. 2011	11 860	24 681	9 708	-43	-666	-77	-19 910	25 553

 

EUR 1 000	Share capital	Share premium account	Invested non-restricted equity fund	Own shares	Translation differences	Fair value reserves	Retained earnings	Total
Total equity at 1 Jan. 2010	11 860	24 681	0	-1	-117	-401	667	36 689
Profit/loss for the period							-4 026	-4 026
Other comprehensive income					554	370	3	927
Share-based payments							22	22
Share issue			9 649					9 649
Dividend							-474	-474
Repurchase of own shares				-213				-213
Conveyance of own shares				51			-1	50
Total equity at 30 Sept. 2010	11 860	24 681	9 649	-163	437	-31	-3 809	42 624

 

EUR 1 000	Share capital	Share premium account	Invested non-restricted equity fund	Own shares	Translation differences	Fair value reserves	Retained earnings	Total
Total equity at 1 Jan. 2010	11 860	24 681		-1	-117	-401	667	36 689
Profit/loss for the period							-14 362	-14 362
Other comprehensive income					632	1 229	-2	1 859
Share-based payments							29	29
Share issue			9 708					9 708
Dividend							-474	-474
Repurchase of own shares				-213				-213
Conveyance of own shares				51			-1	50
Total equity at 31 Dec. 2010	11 860	24 681	9 708	-163	515	828	-14 143	33 286

 CASH FLOW STATEMENT
 

EUR 1 000	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Operations
Operating profit	-2 470	-2 166	-10 824
Total adjustments	5 824	6 783	14 076
Cash flow before change in working capital	3 354	4 617	3 252
Change in working capital	2 339	-2 224	-1 054
Financial items	-3 961	-2 394	-4 626
Taxes paid	35	-57	-31
Cash flow from operations	1 767	-58	-2 459
Investment payments
Investments in tangible and intangible assets	-3 344	-4 720	-5 966
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets and other proceeds	97	687	751
Cash flow from investing activities	-3 247	-4 033	-5 215
Financing
Non-current loans drawn	3 186	2 000	8 000
Repayments of non-current loans	-1 112	-5 032	-23 731
Change in commercial papers		1 986	988
Repayments of capital loans	-2 000	-2 000	-2 000
Current loans drawn			17 000
Dividends paid		-474	-474
Repurchase and conveyance of own shares	51	-163	-163
Share issue		9 649	9 708
Cash flow from financing	125	5 966	9 328
Change in cash and cash equivalents	-1 355	1 875	1 654

 

KEY FIGURES	7-9/2011	7-9/2010	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Net sales, change, % *	-0.6	-1.8	2.1	-4.7	-3.3
Gross profit, % **	2.3	2.1	4.7	4.9	4.7
Operating profit, % **	-4.4	-4.2	-1.9	-1.7	-6.2
Financial income and expenses, % **	-2.9	-2.4	-3.3	-2.5	-2.8
Profit before income taxes, % **	-7.3	-6.6	-5.1	-4.2	-9.0
Profit for the period, % **	-6.6	-4.9	-4.4	-3.1	-8.3
Earnings/share, EUR	-0.06	-0.05	-0.12	-0.10	-0.34
Equity/share, EUR ***			0.54	0.90	0.70
Cash flow from operations/share, EUR			0.04	0.00	-0.06
Return on equity (ROE), %			-25.4	-13.5	-37.3
Return on invested capital (ROI), %			-3.7	-2.8	-10.6
Equity ratio, %			22.9	34.0	27.9
Gearing, %			233.0	127.8	174.0
Gross investments, EUR 1 000			3 076	4 605	6 190
Depreciation, EUR 1 000			5 989	7 134	9 322
Impairment losses, EUR 1 000					5 069

*     Compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.
**   As of net sales.
***  Reference data has been corrected.


SEGMENT REPORTING

Wiping
  

EUR 1 000	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	Change %	1-12/2010
Net sales
- Codi Wipes	42 507	42 938	-1.0	56 371
- Nonwovens	43 048	40 925	5.2	59 084
- eliminations	-3 820	-4 733	-19.3	-7 296
Total	81 735	79 130	3.3	108 159
Operating profit before impairment losses	-1 912	-2 066		-3 699
% of net sales	-2.3	-2.6		-3.4
Impairment losses				-4 906
Operating profit	-1 912			-8 605
Assets	68 266	76 793		67 650
Liabilities	12 935	13 445		11 620
Net assets	55 331	63 349		56 030
Investments	1 097	1 943		2 278
Depreciation	3 643	4 748		6 117
Impairment losses				4 906
Average personnel	344	375		369

Flexibles
  

EUR 1 000	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	Change %	1-12/2010
Net sales	49 789	49 627	0.3	66 140
Operating profit	167	18		-1 941
% of net sales	0.3	0.0		-2.9
Assets	46 235	47 453		45 950
Liabilities	11 077	11 188		10 048
Net assets	35 159	36 265		35 902
Investments	1 795	2 620		3 788
Depreciation	2 314	2 368		3 181
Impairment losses				163
Average personnel	488	527		521

Non-allocated items
  

EUR 1 000	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Net sales	-723	-634	-861
Operating profit	-725	-118	-115
Assets	-1 243	1 173	5 760
Liabilities	63 694	58 162	64 406
Investments	184	42	124
Depreciation	32	18	24
Average personnel	11	11	11

NET SALES BY MARKET AREA
 

EUR 1 000	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Finland	20 802	20 094	27 053
Scandinavia	12 436	11 266	14 821
The Netherlands	2 432	6 380	9 915
Europe, other	84 882	81 502	104 651
Other countries	10 249	8 881	16 998
Net sales, total	130 801	128 123	173 438

QUARTERLY FIGURES

EUR 1 000	IV/2010	I/2011	II/2011	III/2011	IV/2010-III/2011
Net sales
Wiping
- Codi Wipes	13 433	13 985	13 586	14 936	55 940
- Nonwovens	18 159	15 091	14 985	12 971	61 207
- eliminations	-2 562	-1 131	-1 911	-778	-6 382
Total	29 029	27 946	26 660	27 129	110 764
Flexibles	16 513	16 561	17 019	16 210	66 302
Non-allocated items	-227	-203	-294	-227	-950
Net sales, total	45 315	44 303	43 386	43 112	176 116
Operating profit
Wiping	-623	-298	60	-1 674	-2 535
% of net sales	-2.1	-1.1	0.2	-6.2	-2.3
Flexibles	-1 017	-62	512	340	-227
% of net sales	-6.2	-0.4	3.0	2.1	-0.3
Non-allocated items	3	-57	-230	-72	-357
Operating profit before non-recurring costs	-1 637	-417	342	-1 406	-3 118
% of net sales	-3.6	-0.9	0.8	-3.3	-1.8
Non-recurring costs	-7 021	-195	-302	-492	-8 010
Operating profit, total	-8 658	-612	40	-1 899	-11 128
% of net sales	-19.1	-1.4	0.1	-4.4	-6.3
Net financial expenses	-1 686	-1 547	-1 457	-1 255	-5 945
Profit before income taxes	-10 344	-2 159	-1 417	-3 153	-17 073

TAXES FOR THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW

Income tax expense is recognised based on the estimated average income tax rate for the full financial year.

INFORMATION ON RELATED PARTIES

Suominen has related party relationships with the members of the Board of Directors, and the members of the Corporate Executive Team. The company has no investments in associated companies. Salaries paid to the related parties amounted to EUR 708 thousand, share-based payments EUR 13 thousand, unsecured loans EUR 440 thousand, and interest payments EUR 76 thousand.


MOVEMENTS IN BORROWINGS

EUR 1 000	1-9/2011	1-9/2010
Total borrowings on 1 January	61 282	60 861
Current loans from financial institutions on 1 January	17 000
Change in current loans from financial institutions	4 345
Current loans from financial institutions on 30 September	21 345
Commercial papers on 1 January	988
Change in commercial papers		1 986
Commercial papers on 30 September	988	1 986
Non-current loans on 1 January	37 294	52 861
Change in non-current loans	-2 272	-2 874
Non-current loans on 30 September	35 022	49 987
Capital loans on 1 January	6 000	8 000
Change in capital loans	-2 000	-2 000
Capital loans on 30 September	4 000	6 000
Total borrowings on 30 September	61 356	57 973

CHANGES IN FIXED ASSETS
 

	1-9/2011		1-9/2010		1-12/2010
EUR 1 000	Tangible	Intangible	Tangible	Intangible	Tangible	Intangible
Book value at the beginning of the period	53 873	776	57 044	795	57 044	795
Investments	2 808	171	4 389	87	5 884	177
Decreases	-864		-302	-2	-466	-1
Depreciation	-5 826	-163	-6 988	-146	-9 127	-195
Translation differences and other changes	-572	-1	564		538
Book value at the end of the period	49 419	784	54 707	734	53 873	776

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
 

EUR 1 000	9/2011	9/2010	12/2010
For own debt
Real estate mortgages	26 045	24 045	24 045
Floating charges	50 000	50 000	60 069
Pledged subsidiary shares	82 982		82 982
Other own commitments
Operating leases, real estates	11 906	15 251	13 403
Operating leases, machinery and equipment	4 862	2 764	2 685
Guarantee commitments	1 277	1 825	1 995

NOMINAL AND FAIR VALUES OF DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
  

EUR 1 000	9/2011	9/2010	12/2010
Currency derivatives
Nominal value	5 237	5 568	5 172
Fair value	69	-176	-138
Interest rate derivatives
Nominal value	9 333	14 500	13 833
Fair value	-81	-223	-143
Electricity derivatives
Nominal value	3 435	2 962	2 638
Fair value	-132	158	1 249

Helsinki, 25 October 2011

SUOMINEN CORPORATION

Board of Directors

For additional information, please contact:
Mr. Petri Rolig, President and CEO, tel. +358 (0)10 214 300
Mr. Arto Kiiskinen, Vice President and CFO, tel. +358 (0)10 214 300


Attachment:
Special purpose combined income statement of the carve-out figures of the Home and Personal business area


Suominen produces high-quality flexible packaging, wet wipes and nonwovens for industry and the retail sector. The Group is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers in all its business areas, with operations in Finland, Poland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Russia. The Group had net sales of EUR 173 million in 2010 and it employs around 900 people. Suominen is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.suominen.fi


 

ATTACHMENT TO THE INTERIM REPORT
 

SPECIAL PURPOSE COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT OF THE CARVE-OUT FIGURES OF THE HOME AND PERSONAL BUSINESS AREA

Special purpose combined income statement (unaudited)

 

EUR 1 000	7-9/2011	7-9/2010	1-9/2011	1-9/2010	1-12/2010
Net sales	87 041	78 687	250 492	217 855	294 164
Cost of goods sold	-80 594	-70 781	-228 167	-196 654	-266 046
Gross profit	6 447	7 906	22 325	21 201	28 118
Sales and marketing expenses	-1 998	-1 208	-5 287	-3 888	-4 929
Research and development	-1 313	-1 365	-3 946	-4 002	-5 256
Administration expenses	-3 787	-3 003	-11 524	-9 399	-12 771
Other operating income	303	34	1 132	297	299
Other operating expenses	-256	-200	-434	-79	-63
Operating profit/loss before impairment losses	-604	2 163	2 266	4 130	5 399
Impairment losses					-46
Operating profit/loss	-604	2 163	2 266	4 130	5 353

The information given above is based on Ahlstrom Corporation’s unaudited special purpose combined financial information. The financial information complies with the same accounting principles as those used in the combined financial statements presented in the listing prospectus of the share issue published on 3 October 2011 concerning the Home and Personal business area. The figures of the Brazilian unit are included in the financial information. The Brazilian part of the business transaction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2012, and the unit’s figures will be included in Suominen’s figures after the transaction has been completed.

The Home and Personal business at the centre of the business transaction does not completely correspond to the Home and Personal segment reported by Ahlstrom Corporation, because the business transaction includes profit units that are not part of Ahlstrom Corporation’s Home and Personal segment.

The Home and Personal business and its production plants, the Trading units and profit units have not previously constituted an independent legal subgroup within Ahlstrom Corporation. The unaudited special purpose financial information has thus been compiled as a combination of these. Certain production plants of Ahlstrom Corporation’s subsidiaries have included Home and Personal business operations, in the profit units of production plants and in Trading units.

The following subsidiaries (“Group companies”) of Ahlstrom Corporation have involved Home and Personal business operations and they have been combined with the Home and Personal business in both Ahlstrom Corporation’s segment reporting and in this unaudited special purpose combined financial information, as follows:

 

• Ahlstrom Nonwovens LLC (USA), of which the Bethune and Greenbay production facilities, as well as two of the Windsor Locks production lines, have been combined with the Home and Personal business area;
• Ahlstrom Turin S.p.a (Italy), of which the Milan production plants have been combined with the Home and Personal business;
• Ahlstrom Brasil Indústra e Comércio de Papís Especiais Ltda (Brazil), of which the Paulinia production plant has been combined as part of the Home and Personal business;
• Ahlstrom Alicante Nonwovens S.A.U (Spain), which has been fully combined as part of the Home and Personal business;
• Ahlstrom Ställdalen AB, Ahlstrom Chirnside Ltd, Ahlstrom Specialities SAS, Ahlstrom Brignoud SAS, and Ahlstrom Tampere Oy, of which the Trading units that were part of the Home and Personal business have been combined as part of the Home and Personal business.
   

Of the Ahlstrom Group’s other segments, eight profit units have been combined for the unaudited special purpose combined financial information for the Home and Personal business. These profit units are part of the operations of the above-mentioned Home and Personal production plants.

 

 

 

interim-2011-10-25E.pdf