Teleste 1-12/2021: Net sales for the financial year on par with the comparison period, full-year adjusted operating result improved, order backlog continued to grow. Component shortages hampered the development of net sales and profit.

TELESTE CORPORATION         FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  BULLETIN 10 FEBRUARY 2022 AT 8:30 EET


TELESTE CORPORATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BULLETIN 1 JANUARY TO 31 DECEMBER 2021


NET SALES FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ON PAR WITH THE COMPARISON PERIOD, FULL-YEAR ADJUSTED OPERATING RESULT IMPROVED, ORDER BACKLOG CONTINUED TO GROW. COMPONENT SHORTAGES HAMPERED THE DEVELOPMENT OF NET SALES AND PROFIT.

January-December 2021

– Net sales amounted to EUR 144.0 (145.0) million, a decrease of 0.7%
– Adjusted operating result was EUR 5.5 (5.1) million, an increase of 8.8%
– Operating result amounted to EUR 8.7 (4.5) million, an increase of 93.0%
– Earnings per share were EUR 0.39 (0.16) per share, an increase of 137.4%
– Earnings per share, including discontinued operations, amounted to EUR 0.39 (-0.43)
– Cash flow from operations, including discontinued operations, was EUR 13.5 (13.1) million, an increase of 3.3%
– Orders received totalled EUR 175.5 (148.8) million, an increase of 17.9%

The Board of Directors proposes a dividend of EUR 0.14 (0.12) per outstanding share.

Fourth quarter of 2021

– Net sales amounted to EUR 38.9 (39.2) million, a decrease of 0.9%
– Adjusted operating result stood at EUR 0.6 (1.3) million, a decrease of 52.7%
– Operating result amounted to EUR 0.6 (1.3) million, a decrease of 52.7%
– Earnings per share were EUR 0.03 (0.05), a decrease of 34.2%
– Earnings per share, including discontinued operations, amounted to EUR 0.03 (0.14), a decrease of 74.5%
– Cash flow from operations, including discontinued operations, was EUR -1.8 (4.6) million, a decrease of 138.1%
– Orders received totalled EUR 51.5 (43.2) million, an increase of 19.2%
– Order backlog at period-end totalled EUR 108.6 (77.1) million, an increase of 40.9%

The income statement figures presented in this financial statement release only include continuing operations, except where otherwise noted. The figures in the balance sheet and the cash flow statement include both continuing and discontinued operations.

Outlook for 2022

Teleste estimates that net sales in 2022 will exceed the net sales of 2021 and that the adjusted operating result in 2022 will exceed the adjusted operating result of 2021. Net sales in 2021 were EUR 144.0 million, and the adjusted operating result was EUR 5.5 million.

Component shortage and increases in component prices will cause increasing uncertainty in the financial year 2022 affecting the production, net sales and adjusted operating result especially in the first quarter.

Comments by CEO Esa Harju:

“2021 was the second consecutive year of exceptional circumstances. The direct and indirect challenges caused by the pandemic continued, with problems associated with the availability of components and materials particularly characterising the past year. We also had to work under exceptional conditions for much of the year, as in-person meetings with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders were difficult and, at times, impossible.

Net sales in the fourth quarter were on par with the comparison period, but the adjusted operating result declined year-on-year. Orders received increased from both the previous quarter and the comparison period, and the order backlog reached a new all-time high at the end of the year.

Full-year net sales for 2021 were on par with the previous year and the adjusted operating result exceeded the previous year’s level.

Broadband network operators continued to invest in access networks, and the share of orders and net sales represented by next-generation products is growing. We have been able to systematically increase our activities with operators in North America regarding the development and validation of distributed access infrastructure products as well as DOCSIS 4.0 products, and these activities will be further expanded in 2022. We see Teleste as a pioneer in the development of DOCSIS 4.0-compliant amplifiers.

Customer investments also continued in video security and public transport information systems, and the strengthened order backlog reached a new all-time high in the latter part of the year. The number of product development projects for customers was high. Combined with the exceptional circumstances, this also led to higher-than-expected resource allocation needs and additional project expenses. The production facility expansion project in Littoinen progressed according to plan, and we expect the expansion to be completed in late 2022.

Component availability problems and price increases also affected much of our business in the final quarter, and we do not expect these challenges to ease in the short term. It is very likely that 2022 as a whole will be a very challenging period in this respect, as delivery capacity and the development of component prices are difficult to predict.

Jukka Rinnevaara’s term as Teleste’s CEO came to an end on 31 December 2021. I want to extend my warmest thanks to Jukka for his contribution to the company. I am honoured to have the opportunity to continue to develop our strategy, driven by the needs of our customers, from this point on.”

Group Operations, October-December 2021

Key figures 10-12/2021 10-12/2020 Change
Net sales, EUR million 38.9 39.2 -0.9%
Adjusted EBIT, EUR million 1) 0.6 1.3 -52.7%
Adjusted EBIT, % 1) 1.6% 3.3%  
EBIT, EUR million 0.6 1.3 -52.7%
EBIT, % 1.6% 3.3%  
Result for the period 0.6 0.9 -34.4%
Result for the period, EUR million 2) 0.6 2.4 -75.7%
Earnings per share, EUR 0.03 0.05 -34.2%
Earnings per share, EUR 2) 0.03 0.14 -74.5%
Cash flow from operations, EUR million 2) -1.8 4.6 -138.1%
Orders received, EUR million 51.5 43.2 +19.2%

1) An alternative performance measure defined in the tables section of the report.
2) Including discontinued operations

Orders received in the fourth quarter totalled EUR 51.5 (43.2) million, representing a year-on-year increase of 19.2%. Orders increased in access network products as well as public transport information solutions and video security solutions. Net sales reached the level of the comparison period and amounted to EUR 38.9 (39.2) million. Net sales increased in access network products but declined in public transport information solutions and video security solutions.

Expenses for material and production services decreased by 4.9% to EUR 18.9 (19.9) million. Personnel expenses increased by 0.7% to EUR 12.1 (12.0) million. Other operating expenses increased by 16.2% to EUR 5.5 (4.7) million. Depreciation and amortisation increased by 8.3% to EUR 2.1 (2.0) million. The adjusted operating result decreased by 52.7% to EUR 0.6 (1.3) million, representing 1.6% (3.3%) of net sales. No adjustments to the operating result were allocated to the reporting period and the comparison period. The adjusted operating result was reduced by higher other operating expenses, depreciation and amortisation, and personnel expenses. Net financial items came to EUR 0.1 (-0.4) million. Taxes were EUR 0.2 (0.0) million. Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.03 (0.05), a decrease of 34.2%, while earnings per share including discontinued operations amounted to EUR 0.03 (0.14), representing a decrease of 74.5%. Cash flow from operations, including discontinued operations, was EUR -1.8 (4.6) million, a decrease of 138.1%. This was due to an increase in net working capital, which was caused by higher trade receivables and inventories.

R&D expenses amounted to EUR 2.8 (2.3) million, representing 7.3% (5.7%) of consolidated net sales. Capitalised R&D expenses amounted to EUR 1.8 (0.9) million. Depreciation on capitalised R&D expenses was EUR 1.1 (1.1) million. Product development projects focused on distributed access architecture and next-generation amplifiers, including solutions designed for the US market, situational awareness and video security solutions, passenger information systems and customer-specific projects.

Group Operations, January-December 2021

Key figures 1-12/2021 1-12/2020 Change
Net sales, EUR million 144.0 145.0 -0.7%
Adjusted EBIT, EUR million 1) 5.5 5.1 +8.8%
Adjusted EBIT, % 1) 3.8% 3.5%  
EBIT, EUR million 8.7 4.5 +93.0%
EBIT, % 6.1% 3.1%  
Result for the period, EUR million 6.9 2.8 +149.6%
Result for the period, EUR million 2) 6.9 -8.0  
Earnings per share, EUR 0.39 0.16 +137.4%
Earnings per share, EUR 2) 0.39 -0.43  
Cash flow from operations, EUR million 2) 13.5 13.1 +3.3%
Net gearing, % 2) 20.2% 17.0%  
Equity ratio, % 2) 53.3% 48.8%  
Orders received, EUR million 175.5 148.8 +17.9%
Order backlog, EUR million 108.6 77.1 +40.9%
Personnel at period-end 847 858 -1.3%

1) An alternative performance measure defined in the tables section of the report.
2) Including discontinued operations

Orders received by the Group grew by 17.9% and amounted to EUR 175.5 (148.8) million. Orders increased in access network products as well as public transport information solutions and video security solutions. The order backlog increased by 40.9% compared to the end of the reference period and totalled EUR 108.6 (77.1) million at the end of the financial period. Net sales reached the level of the comparison period and amounted to EUR 144.0 (145.0) million.

Expenses for material and production services decreased by 6.1% to EUR 67.7 (72.0) million. Personnel expenses increased by 3.7% to EUR 46.8 (45.2) million. Depreciation and amortisation increased by 4.5% to EUR 7.6 (7.2) million. Other operating expenses increased by 3.3% to EUR 18.4 (17.8) million. The adjusted operating result increased by 8.8% to EUR 5.5 (5.1) million, representing 3.8% (3.5%) of net sales. The operating result totalled EUR 8.7 (4.5) million, an increase of 93.0%. The operating result includes non-recurring insurance compensation in the amount of EUR 3.2 million, which is reported as an adjustment item.

Net financial items came to EUR 0.3 (-0.8) million. Financial items were improved by the positive development of the value of currency hedges. The Group’s income taxes stood at EUR 2.1 (0.9) million, and the effective tax rate was 23.3% (24.6%). Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.39 (0.16), representing an increase of 137.4%, while earnings per share including discontinued operations amounted to EUR 0.39 (-0.43). Cash flow from operations, including discontinued operations, was EUR 13.5 (13.1) million, an increase of 3.3%. The increase in cash flow from operations was mainly attributable to the higher operating result for the financial period.

R&D expenses amounted to EUR 11.3 (10.8) million, representing 7.9% (7.4%) of consolidated net sales. Capitalised R&D expenses amounted to EUR 5.7 (3.9) million. Depreciation on capitalised R&D expenses was EUR 4.1 (3.4) million.


Personnel and organisation January-December 2021

The Group’s continuing operations employed 863 (856) people on average during the period under review. At the end of the review period, the Group employed 847 (858) people, of whom 45% (47%) worked abroad. Approximately 3% (3%) of the Group’s employees were working outside Europe.

Personnel expenses amounted to EUR 46.8 (45.2) million, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.7%. The increase in personnel expenses was attributable to the higher average number of personnel, wage increases and the temporary layoffs implemented in the comparison period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, short-term performance-based bonuses increased year-on-year.

Investments and product development in January-December 2021, including discontinued operations

Investments by the Group totalled EUR 11.1 (6.6) million, representing 7.7% (4.5%) of net sales. Of the investments, EUR 5.7 (3.9) million was related to product development. Leases capitalised in accordance with IFRS 16 amounted to EUR 3.5 (1.4) million, while other investments in tangible and intangible assets came to EUR 1.8 (1.3) million. Investments allocated to discontinued operations totalled EUR 0.8 million in the financial year 2020.

Product development projects focused on distributed access architecture and next-generation amplifiers, including solutions designed for the US market, situational awareness and video security solutions, passenger information systems and customer-specific projects.

Financing and capital structure January-December 2021, including discontinued operations

Cash flow from operations was EUR 13.5 (13.1) million. The increase in cash flow from operations was mainly attributable to the higher operating result for the financial period.

On 31 December 2021, the Group’s interest-bearing debt stood at EUR 28.0 (31.0) million, with short-term loans from banks representing EUR 19.5 million of that amount. The Group’s cash and cash equivalents were EUR 14.1 (20.2) million. The Group’s equity ratio was 53.3% (48.8%) and net gearing ratio 20.2% (17.0%).

Teleste Corporation has credit and loan facilities with a combined total value of EUR 46.0 million. The five-year loan facility of EUR 30.0 million will mature in August 2022. The loan has been repaid in annual instalments of EUR 3.0 million, with the final instalment of EUR 18.0 million scheduled for August 2022. The EUR 10.0 million credit facility will run until the end of August 2022. The company did not use the credit facility during the financial period. The loan of EUR 6.0 million has a maturity of 4 years, and it will be repaid in fixed instalments in six-month intervals by August 2024. At the end of the period under review, the amount of unused binding credit facilities was EUR 10.0 (21.5) million. The company has prepared a process by which the EUR 18.0 million loan maturing in August 2022 will be refinanced during the second quarter of 2022. All of the current financing providers have expressed their preliminary interest in participating in the refinancing.


Discontinued operations

The services business of the Germany-based Cableway companies was classified as an asset held for sale pursuant to IFRS 5 (“Non-current assets held for sale and discontinued operations”), and, in accordance with the standard, Teleste reported the business of the Cableway companies as a discontinued operation in the financial period 2020. The divestment was completed on 2 November 2020 and the final transaction price was the price reported in the financial statements of 31 December 2020. The divested services business did not have an impact on the income statement for the financial period 2021. The income statement comparison figures for 2020 presented in the interim reports and financial statement release for 2021 only include continuing operations, except where otherwise noted. The comparison figures in the balance sheet and the cash flow statement include both continuing and discontinued operations.


Key business risks

Europe is Teleste’s main market and business area, and the company aims to expand its business in North America. Teleste’s customers include data communications operators, public transport operators, train manufacturers as well as certain public sector organisations and authorities.

Teleste’s strategy involves risks and uncertainties, for example that new business opportunities may fail to be identified or successfully used. The company must strive to anticipate changes in the market and react to them. Periods of technological transformation, such as data communications operators migrating to next-generation distributed access architecture in access networks, may significantly change the competitive positions of the current suppliers and attract new competitors to the market. Increasing competition may also lead to intensifying price competition, which may affect the profitability of the business. Correct technology choices, product development investments and their timing are vital to success. Product development involves calculated risks and should they materialise, the value of the product development investments can decrease. Expanding business operations to new markets is demanding. The Group’s investments in growth in the North American market will not necessarily lead to the desired results.

In the technology and product business, client-specific and integrated deliveries of solutions create favourable conditions for growth, even if the involved resource allocation and technical implementation pose a challenge and therefore also involve risks. Data communications operators’ network investments vary according to the development of technology, customers’ need to upgrade networks and their capacity to invest. Increased competition created by new service providers may reduce operators’ ability to invest. The demand for video security and information solutions fluctuates in response to market cycles and the main clients’ ability to invest. End-to-end deliveries of systems and projects may be large in size and take place over several years, setting high demands for the project quotation calculation and management and, consequently, involve risks. Various technologies are used in Teleste’s products and solutions, and the intellectual property rights associated with the application of these technologies can be interpreted in different ways by different parties. Such difficulties of interpretation may lead to costly investigations or court proceedings. Customers have very demanding requirements for the performance of products, their durability in challenging conditions and their compatibility with other components of integrated systems. Regardless of careful planning and quality assurance, complex products and solutions may fail in the customer’s operational environment and lead to expensive repair obligations. Teleste is also committed to its customers’ high requirements for quality and delivery reliability in the services business, which requires a highly effective service process management system and continuous process development to ensure the quality and cost-efficiency of services. This, in turn, requires continuous development of the skills and knowledge of our personnel and subcontractors. In addition, the sufficiency and usage rates of our personnel and subcontractor network influence the delivery capacity and profitability of services. Subcontractors’ costs may increase faster than it is possible for Teleste to increase the prices of its services to its own customers.

Several information systems are critical to the development, manufacture and supply of products to customers. The maintenance of information systems and deployment of new systems involve risks that may affect the ability to deliver products and services. Information systems may also be exposed to external cyber security threats, and we strive to protect ourselves from these threats through technical solutions and by increasing the security competence of our personnel. Teleste Group may also be targeted by illegal activities and fraud attempts that could have a significant effect on the financial result. The Group strives to minimise these risks by continuing to develop good governance practices and increasing the security competence of its personnel. The development of personnel competence, employee engagement and recruitment involves risks that influence how competitiveness is maintained and developed.

Natural phenomena, accidents (such as a fire or a flood) and other global disruptions, such as pandemics, may reduce the availability of various materials or components in the industry’s order-delivery chain or suspend our own manufacturing operations. Fluctuations in demand in the global economy may lead to sudden price increases for raw materials, components and freight, whose negative impact on the gross margin Teleste cannot eliminate by increasing the prices of its products or project deliveries. The challenges related to the availability of raw materials and components that began in 2020 have continued and further expanded. According to the company’s assessment, risks and problems associated with component availability may continue to present significant delays in deliveries and business profitability challenges. Geopolitical changes, such as customs levies imposed by different countries and changes or restrictions on exports or imports, may have a negative effect on component supply chains and the profitability of products. Many competitors in the provision of access network technologies come from the United States, which is why the exchange rate of the euro against the US dollar has an effect on competitiveness. In particular, the development of the exchange rates of the US dollar and the Chinese renminbi against the euro influences product costs and result. The company hedges against short-term currency exposure by means of forward exchange contracts and stock options.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present risks to Teleste’s supply chain, the company’s own operating capacity, the operating capacity of customers and the demand for Teleste’s products and services. Thus far, in response to the restrictive measures imposed by the authorities in various countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic, operators have reduced or suspended their broadband network construction, while certain customers in public transport information solutions have been forced to close down their factories and delay projects. Our personnel and our in-house production activities have mainly remained operational. Although the direct impact of the pandemic on Teleste’s operations has so far been limited, disruptions in the supply chain of electronic components and many other materials have affected and may continue to affect Teleste’s delivery capacity.

The Board of Directors annually reviews essential business risks and their management. Risk management constitutes an integral part of the strategic and operational activities of the business areas. Risks are reported to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

In the period under review, no legal proceedings or judicial procedures were pending that would have had any essential significance for the Group’s operations.


Group structure

The parent company has a branch office in the Netherlands and subsidiaries in 13 countries including Finland. During the financial year, the company simplified the group structure by merging its subsidiaries in Belgium and by dissolving the sub-group structure in England and starting the process of liquidating two English subsidiaries.


Shares and changes in share capital

Pursuant to the authorisation issued by the Annual General Meeting, Teleste Corporation’s Board of Directors decided, on 10 March 2021, on a directed share issue without consideration, relating to the reward payment for the performance period 2018-2020 of Teleste Group’s share-based incentive plan 2018. In the share issue, 8,225 Teleste Corporation shares held by the company were conveyed without consideration to the key employees participating in the share-based incentive plan in accordance with the terms and conditions of the plan on 19 March 2021.

On 31 December 2021, Tianta Oy was the largest single shareholder with a holding of 25.0% (24.1%).

In the period under review, the lowest price of the company’s share was EUR 4.47 (3.51) and the highest price was EUR 6.66 (5.78). The closing price on 31 December 2021 stood at EUR 5.24 (4.49). According to Euroclear Finland Ltd, the number of shareholders at the end of the period under review was 5,481 (5,863). Foreign and nominee-registered holdings accounted for 3.0% (2.9%) of the holdings. The value of Teleste’s shares traded on Nasdaq Helsinki from 1 January to 31 December 2021 was EUR 13.8 (13.8) million. In the period under review, 2.5 (3.1) million Teleste shares were traded on the stock exchange. Teleste’s share is quoted in the technology section of Nasdaq Helsinki.

On 31 December 2021, the Group held 768,194 (776,419) of its own shares, all held by the parent company Teleste Corporation. At the end of the review period, the Group’s holding of the total number of shares amounted to 4.0% (4.1%).

On 31 December 2021, the company’s registered share capital stood at EUR 6,966,932.80, divided into 18,985,588 shares.

Valid authorisations at the end of the review period:
– The Board of Directors may acquire 1,200,000 own shares of the company otherwise than in proportion to the holdings of the shareholders with unrestricted equity through trading on the regulated market organised by Nasdaq Helsinki at the market price of the time of the purchase.
– The Board of Directors may decide on issuing new shares and/or transferring the company’s own shares held by the company, so that the maximum total number of shares issued and/or transferred is 2,000,000.
– The total number of new shares to be subscribed for under the special rights granted by the company and own shares held by the company to be transferred may not exceed 1,000,000 shares, which number is included in the above maximum number concerning new shares and the Group’s own shares held by the company.
– These authorisations are valid until 6 October 2022.


Decisions by the Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Teleste Corporation held on 7 April 2021 adopted the financial statements and consolidated financial statements for 2020 and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability for the financial period 2020. In accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors, the AGM resolved that, based on the adopted balance sheet, a dividend of EUR 0.12 per share be paid for the financial period that ended on December 31, 2020 for shares other than those held by the Company. The dividend record date was 9 April 2021 and the dividend was paid out on 16 April 2021.

The AGM decided that the Board of Directors shall consist of six members. Jussi Himanen, Vesa Korpimies, Mirel Leino-Haltia, Timo Luukkainen, Heikki Mäkijärvi and Kai Telanne were elected as members of Teleste Corporation’s Board of Directors. In its organisational meeting held after the AGM on 7 April 2021, the Board of Directors elected Timo Luukkainen as its Chairman. Mirel Leino-Haltia was elected Chair of the Audit Committee, with Jussi Himanen and Vesa Korpimies as members.

It was decided that the annual remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors will remain unchanged: EUR 66,000 per year for the chairman and EUR 33,000 per year for each member. The annual remuneration of the Board member who acts as the Chairman of the Audit Committee is to be EUR 49,000 per year. Of the annual remuneration to be paid to the Board members, 40% of the total gross remuneration amount will be used to purchase Teleste Corporation’s shares for the Board members through trading on a regulated market organised by Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd and the rest will be paid in cash. However, a separate meeting fee shall not be paid to the members of the Board of Directors nor the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The members of the Board’s Audit Committee are paid a meeting fee of EUR 400 for the meetings of the Audit Committee they attend.

The AGM decided to choose one auditor for Teleste Corporation. The audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy was chosen as the company’s auditor. The audit firm appointed Markku Launis, APA, as the auditor in charge. It was decided that the auditor’s fees will be paid according to the invoice approved by the Company.

The AGM approved the company’s Remuneration Report for 2020.

The AGM decided to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on the purchase of the company’s own shares in accordance with the proposal of the Board. According to the authorisation, the Board of Directors may acquire 1,200,000 own shares of the company otherwise than in proportion to the holdings of the shareholders with unrestricted equity through trading on the regulated market organised by Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd at the market price of the time of the purchase.

The AGM decided to authorise the Board of Directors to decide on issuing new shares and/or transferring the company’s own shares held by the company and/or granting special rights referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Limited Liability Companies Act, in accordance with the Board’s proposal.

The new shares may be issued and the company’s own shares held by the company may be conveyed either against payment or for free. New shares may be issued and the company’s own shares held by the company may be conveyed to the company’s shareholders in proportion to their current shareholdings in the company, or by waiving the shareholder’s pre-emption right, through a directed share issue if the company has a weighty financial reason to do so. The new shares may also be issued in a free share issue to the company itself.

Under the authorisation, the Board of Directors has the right to decide on issuances of new shares and/or transferring the company’s own shares held by the company, so that the maximum total number of shares issued and/or transferred is 2,000,000.

The total number of new shares to be subscribed for under the special rights granted by the company and own shares held by the company to be transferred may not exceed 1,000,000 shares, which number is included in the above maximum number concerning new shares and the Group’s own shares held by the company.

The authorisations decided on by the AGM are valid for eighteen (18) months from the resolution of the AGM. The authorisations override any previous authorisations to decide on issuances of new shares and on granting stock option rights or other special rights entitling to shares.


Events after the end of the review period

Esa Harju took up the post of CEO on 1 January 2022. The company announced the CEO appointment made by the Board of Directors in a stock exchange release on 3 November 2021.

Alstom has selected Teleste to deliver onboard systems for a significant train project in Europe. Teleste announced the agreement in a stock exchange release on 5 January 2022. The expected total value of the agreement is approximately EUR 16-20 million. Work on the project began in January. The serial system deliveries are expected to begin in 2023 and continue for several years.


Operating environment in 2022

The demand for broadband services by broadband network operators continues to grow. Broadband traffic has increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the growth of teleworking and online education and the higher consumption of streaming services. It is presumable that part of the growth created by the pandemic will remain a permanent phenomenon, which would maintain network investments when the restrictions imposed due to the pandemic are lifted. European cable operators have been able to competitively respond to the increasing demand by investing in DOCSIS 3.1 standard-compliant 1.2 GHz frequency range network upgrades during the past few years. Investments in traditional HFC network infrastructure continue, but with a lower volume than in the past few years.

We expect next-generation access network upgrades to expand in Europe in 2022. DOCSIS 3.1-compliant distributed architecture product ranges and the integration and testing activities by the most advanced operators have progressed to a point where network upgrades can increasingly be implemented using these solutions.

The cable network industry has also created a vision and roadmap pertaining to the next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 standard. This next generation of technology will enable households to access broadband connections with speeds up to 10 gigabytes using existing coaxial cabling. DOCSIS 4.0 enables the competitiveness of the cable network infrastructure compared to optical fibre for years to come. We presume that North American operators, in particular, will invest heavily when DOCSIS 4.0 products enter the market, while European operators will partially switch to fibre investments to maintain their lead over other fixed network competitors.

Product development projects for Teleste’s 1.8 GHz DOCSIS 4.0-compliant network products are under way. The deployment of passive products can begin in 2022, with the readiness to start amplifier upgrades to follow thereafter in 2023.

We estimate that the net sales of the access network products and services in 2022 will reach or exceed the level of net sales in the comparison year. However, this estimate involves uncertainty related to the availability of components and materials, the pandemic and level of investment among customers. Component availability issues and price increases will again require special attention in 2022.

Growing urban environments and their safety, the increase of public transport services and the increasing popularity of smart digital systems for a smoother life provide a foundation for growing business in video security and public transport information systems in the coming years.

Public transport operators and other authorities must ensure smooth operation of services and infrastructure as well as the safety of people. Public transport information systems are continuously developing to be increasingly smart and real-time. The intelligence of video security solutions is increasing and demand has emerged in the market for comprehensive situational awareness systems that include management of other sensor-level data flows in addition to video image and automate operating processes in exceptional situations.

The development of the market for public transport information systems was adversely affected in 2021 by not only the pandemic but also the global problems associated with the availability of components and materials. However, the market is expected to return to growth in 2022, provided that the availability of components and materials improves. Ensuring competitiveness requires Teleste to continuously make R&D investments in new intelligent solutions, and the share of software systems in these solutions will continue to grow. Improvements in project management and operational efficiency in business are essential, and we aim to improve profitability in this area.

We estimate that the net sales of video security and public transport information systems in 2022 will reach or exceed the level of net sales in the comparison year. However, this estimate involves uncertainty related to the availability of components and materials, the pandemic and the timing of projects.


Outlook for 2022

Teleste estimates that net sales in 2022 will exceed the net sales of 2021 and that the adjusted operating result in 2022 will exceed the adjusted operating result of 2021. Net sales in 2021 were EUR 144.0 million, and the adjusted operating result was EUR 5.5 million.

Component shortage and increases in component prices will cause increasing uncertainty in the financial year 2022 affecting the production, net sales and adjusted operating result especially in the first quarter.

9 February 2022

Teleste Corporation               Esa Harju
Board of Directors                 President and CEO

Teleste’s Annual Report for 2021, which includes the audited financial statements, will be published no later than week 11 2022. The Company will issue a statement of its corporate governance as a separate report, which will be published together with the Annual Report, and will be simultaneously available on the Company’s web site.

This interim report has been compiled in compliance with IAS 34, as it is accepted within EU, using the recognition and valuation principles with those used in the Annual Report. The data stated in this report is audited.

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, 1000 euros
       
Continuing operations  10-12/2021  10-12/2020 Change %
       
Net sales 38,858 39,200 -0.9 %
       
Other operating income 390 673 -42.0 %
Raw material and consumables used -18,885 -19,850 -4.9 %
Employee benefits expense -12,130 -12,046 0.7 %
Depreciations -2,130 -1,967 8.3 %
Other operating expenses -5,500 -4,734 16.2 %
Operating profit 603 1,274 -52.7 %
       
Financial income 266 168 58.6 %
Financial expenses -118 -518 -77.1 %
Profit before taxes 751 924 -18.8 %
       
Taxes -166 -34 392.3 %
       
Net profit of continuing operations 584 890 -34.4 %
       
Discontinued operations      
       
Net profit of discontinued operations 0 1,512 -100.0 %
       
Net Profit 584 2,402 -75.7 %
       
Profit attributable to:      
Owners of the parent company 630 2,469 -74.5 %
Non-controlling interests -46 -67 -31.8 %
  584 2,402 -75.7 %
       
Earnings per share for profit of the year attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Basic (expressed in euro per share) 0.03 0.14 -74.5 %
Diluted (expressed in euro per share) 0.03 0.14 -74.5 %
       
Earnings per share for profit of the year from continued operations,
attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Basic (expressed in euro per share) 0.03 0.05 -34.2 %
Diluted (expressed in euro per share) 0.03 0.05 -34.2 %
       
Earnings per share for profit of the year from discontinued operations,
attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Basic (expressed in euro per share) 0.00 0.08 -100.0 %
Diluted (expressed in euro per share) 0.00 0.08 -100.0 %
       
Total comprehensive income for the period, 1000 euros
Net profit 584 2,402 -75.7 %
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss
Translation differences 516 548 -5.9 %
Fair value reserve 1 15 -91.4 %
Total comprehensive income for the period 1,101 2,965 -62.9 %
       
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the parent company 1,143 3,043 -62.5 %
Non-controlling interests -42 -78 0.0 %
  1,101 2,965 -62.9 %
       
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, 1000 euros  1-12/2021  1-12/2020 Change %
       
Continuing operations      
Net sales 143,966 144,983 -0.7 %
       
Other operating income 5,209 1,783 192.1 %
Raw material and consumables used -67,672 -72,039 -6.1 %
Employee benefits expense -46,825 -45,156 3.7 %
Depreciation -7,566 -7,241 4.5 %
Other operating expenses -18,399 -17,814 3.3 %
Operating profit 8,714 4,516 93.0 %
       
Financial income 1,091 836 30.5 %
Financial expenses -767 -1,670 -54.1 %
Profit before taxes 9,037 3,681 145.5 %
       
Taxes -2,107 -905 132.9 %
       
Net profit of continuing operations 6,930 2,777 149.6 %
       
Discontinued operations      
       
Net profit of discontinued operations 0 -10,812  
       
Net Profit 6,930 -8,035  
       
Profit attributable to:      
Owners of the parent company 7,089 -7,827  
Non-controlling interests -159 -209  
  6,930 -8,035  
       
Earnings per share for profit of the year attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Basic (expressed in euro per share) 0.39 -0.43  
Diluted (expressed in euro per share) 0.39 -0.43  
       
Earnings per share for profit of the year from continued operations,
attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Basic (expressed in euro per share) 0.39 0.16 137.3 %
Diluted (expressed in euro per share) 0.39 0.16 137.4 %
       
Earnings per share for profit of the year from discontinued operations,
attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Basic (expressed in euro per share) 0.00 -0.59  
Diluted (expressed in euro per share) 0.00 -0.59  
       
Total comprehensive income for the period (tEUR)
Net profit 6,930 -8,035  
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:
Translation differences 620 -606  
Fair value reserve 1 62 -97.9 %
Total comprehensive income for the period 7,552 -8,579  
       
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the parent company 7,691 -8,344  
Non-controlling interests -140 -235  
  7,552 -8,579  
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION, 1000 euros
       
Assets 1000 euros      
   31.12.2021  31.12.2020 Change %
Non-current assets      
Property, plant and equipment 14,047 12,816 9.6 %
Goodwill 30,707 30,502 0.7 %
Other intangible assets 11,284 9,052 24.7 %
Other non-current financial assets 458 698 -34.4 %
Deferred tax assets 1,700 2,203 -22.8 %
Total 58,195 55,270 5.3 %
       
Current assets      
Inventories 29,177 28,225 3.4 %
Trade and other receivables 33,493 28,867 16.0 %
Income tax receivables 259 428 -39.6 %
Cash 14,100 20,224 -30.3 %
Total 77,029 77,745 -0.9 %
       
Assets reported in discontinued operations 0 0 n/a
       
Total assets 135,224 133,015 1.7 %
       
Equity and liabilities      
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent      
Share capital 6,967 6,967 0 %
Share premium 1,504 1,504 0 %
Translation differences -1,392 -1,557 -11 %
Invested non restricted equity 3,140 3,140 0 %
Other reserves 2 0 n/a
Retained profits 58,588 52,716 11 %
Non-controlling interests 180 320 -44 %
Total 68,990 63,090 9 %
       
Non-current liabilities      
Interest-bearing liabilities 6,856 24,716 -72.3 %
Other liabilities 737 832 -11.4 %
Deferred tax liabilities 1,988 1,518 31.0 %
Provisions 370 119 211.8 %
Total 9,951 27,184 -63.4 %
       
Current liabilities      
Trade and other liabilities 33,260 33,893 -1.9 %
Current tax payable 868 880 -1.4 %
Provisions 962 1,711 -43.8 %
Interest-bearing liabilities 21,193 6,256 238.7 %
Total 56,283 42,741 31.7 %
       
Liabilities reported in discontinued operations 0 0  
       
Total liabilities 66,234 69,925 -5.3 %
Equity and liabilities total 135,224 133,015 1.7 %
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT, 1000 euros      
  1.1.-31.12. 1.1.-31.12. Change %
  2021 2020  
Cash flows from operating activities      
Profit for the period 6,930 -8,035 -186.2 %
Adjustments for cash flow from operating activities 7,567 23,322 -67.6 %
Other finance items 164 0 n/a
Paid interests and other financial expenses -300 -993 -69.8 %
Received interests and dividends 76 33 130.8 %
Paid taxes -935 -1,255 -25.6 %
       
Cash flow from operating activities 13,502 13,071 3.3 %
       
Cash flow from investing activities      
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (PPE) -1,299 -1,214 7.0 %
Proceeds from sales of PPE 85 171 -50.5 %
Purchases of intangible assets -5,689 -3,916 45.3 %
Purchase of investments -142 -77 84.7 %
Disposal of discontinued operation, net of cash disposed of -3,749 6,276 -159.7 %
       
Net cash used in investing activities -10,795 1,239 -970.9 %
       
Cash flow from financing activities      
Proceeds from borrowings 0 6,466 -100.0 %
Payments of borrowings -4,500 -3,569 26.1 %
Payment of finance lease liabilities -2,120 -3,794 -44.1 %
Dividends paid -2,321 -1,685 37.8 %
Capital investment by non-controlling interests 0 349 -100.0 %
Net cash used in financing activities -8,942 -2,232 300.6 %
       
Change in cash      
Cash and cash equivalents 1.1. 20,224 8,249 145.2 %
Effect of currency changes 109 -103 -205.9 %
Cash and cash equivalents 31.12. 14,100 20,224 -30.3 %
Consolidated statement of changes in equity,1000 euros
Attributable to equity holders of the parent (tEUR)
A Share capital
B Share premium
C Translation differences
D Retained earnings
E Invested free capital
F Other funds
G Total
H Share of non-controlling interest
I Total equity
  A B C D E F G H I
Equity 1.1.2021 6,967 1,504 -1,558 52,716 3,140 0 62,771 319 63,090
Net Profit       -7,089     7,089 -159 6,930
Other items in comprehensive income for the period     165 436   1 602 19 622
Dividends       -2,186     -2,186   -2,186
Equity-settled share-based payments       534     534   534
Capital investment by non-controlling interests       0     0   0
Equity 31.12.2021 6,967 1,504 -1,393 58,590 3,140 2 68,810 180 68,990
                     
  A B C D E F G H I
Equity 1.1.2020 6,967 1,504 -1,595 62,618 3,140 -62 72,574 206 72,779
Net Profit       -7,827     -7,827 -209 8,035
Other items in comprehensive income for the period     37 -624   62 -525 -27 -553
Dividends       -1,821     -1,821   -1,821
Equity-settled share-based payments       370     370   370
Capital investment by non-controlling interests       0       349 349
Equity 31.12.2020 6,967 1,504 -1,558 52,716 3,140 0 62,771 319 63,090
Geographical segments 2021, 1000 euros Finland Nordic countries Other Europe Others Discontinued Total
Sales by origin 14,312 17,426 101,631 10,597 0 143,966
Assets 53,041 102 3,225 127 0 56,495
Capital expenditure for the period 9,133 148 1,766 8 0 11,056
             
Geographical segments 2020, 1000 euros Finland Nordic countries Other Europe Others Discontinued Total
Sales by origin 14,430 12,939 106,430 11,183 56,291 201,273
Assets 48,381 648 3,587 451 0 53,067
Capital expenditure for the period 3,175 103 2,354 150 807 6,588
Information per quarter, 1000 euro  10-12/21  7-9/21  4-6/21  1-3/21  10-12/20  1-12/21  1-12/20
               
Order intake 51,480 44,137 43,861 36,042 43,186 175,519 148,845
Net sales 38,858 32,316 35,782 37,010 39,200 143,966 144,983
EBIT 603 2,280 1,135 4,695 1,274 8,714 4,516
EBIT % 1.6 % 7.1 % 3.2 % 12.7 % 3.3 % 6.1 % 3.1 %
               
Net sales by category, 1000 euro  10-12/21 7-9/21  4-6/21  1-3/21  10-12/20  1-12/21  1-12/20
Goods 32,651 26,829 29,740 31,000 33,429 120,220 118,525
Service 6,207 5,487 6,042 6,010 5,771 23,746 26,458
Total 38,858 32,316 35,782 37,010 39,200 143,966 144,983
Order backlog          
           
Thousand euro 12/21 9/21 6/21 3/21 12/20
Order backlog end of period 108,639 96,017 84,196 76,142 77,086
Commitments and contingencies, 1000 euros 2021 2020 Change %
Lease liabilities 951 921 3.3 %
Value of underlying forward contracts 18,128 18,515 -2.1 %
Market value of forward contracts 360 -473 -176.2 %
Interest rate swap 0 0 n/a
Market value of interest swap 0 0 n/a
Guarantees 5,450 11,055 -50.7 %
       
The number of employees broken down by following categories 31.12. 2021 2020 Change %
Research and development 197 191 3.5 %
Production and material management 450 461 -2.4 %
Sales and marketing 105 112 -6.5 %
Administration 95 94 1.0 %
Total 847 858 -1.3 %
  IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS IFRS
Key figures 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Profit and loss account, balance sheet          
Net sales, Meur 144.0 145.0 235.5 250.3 234.6
Change % -0.7 % -38.4 % -5.9 % 6.7 % -9.6 %
Sales outside Finland, % 90.1 % 92.8 % 93.3 % 93.9 % 94.3 %
Operating profit, Meur 8.7 4.5 0.8 9.7 -7.5
% of net sales 6.1 % 3.1 % 0.3 % 3.9 % -3.2 %
Profit after financial items, Meur 9.0 3.7 0.4 9.1 -8.5
% of net sales 6.3 % 2.5 % 0.2 % 3.6 % -3.6 %
Profit before taxes, Meur 9.0 3.7 0.4 9.1 -8.5
% of net sales 6.3 % 2.5 % 0.2 % 3.6 % -3.6 %
Profit for the financial period, Meur 6.9 -8.0 -1.7 6.8 -9.1
 % of net sales 4.8 % -5.5 % -0.7 % 2.7 % -3.9 %
R&D expenditure, Meur 11.3 10.8 13.5 12.5 12.1
% of net sales 7.9 % 7.4 % 5.7 % 5.0 % 5.1 %
Gross investments, Meur 11.1 6.6 13.0 7.0 7.5
% of net sales 7.7 % 4.5 % 5.5 % 2.8 % 3.2 %
Interest bearing liabilities, Meur 28.0 31.0 33.0 26.8 33.2
Shareholder’s equity, Meur 69.0 63.1 72.8 77.2 71.4
Total assets, Meur 135.2 133.0 149.6 159.0 153.5
Personnel and orders          
Average personnel 863 856 1,363 1,393 1,492
Order backlog at year end, Meur 108.6 77.1 73.2 71.0 57.4
Orders received, Meur 175.5 148.8 237.6 264.0 262.9
Key metrics          
Return on equity, % 10.5 % -11.8 % -2.2 % 9.2 % -11.7 %
Return on capital employed, % 10.2 % -4.5 % 1.6 % 9.3 % -6.6 %
Equity ratio, % 53.3 % 48.8 % 49.5 % 51.7 % 48.3 %
Net gearing, % 20.2 % 17.0 % 34.1 % 5.9 % 16.8 %
Earnings per share, euro 0.39 -0.43 -0.07 0.38 -0.50
Earnings per share fully diluted, euro 0.39 -0.43 -0.07 0.38 -0.50
Shareholders equity per share, euro 3.79 3.46 4.00 4.25 3.94
           
ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES          
Adjusted operating profit 5,514 5,066 8,832 9,721 -7,549
Adjusted earnings per share, EUR 0.21 -0.06 0.31 0.38 -0.50
           
BRIDGE OF CALCULATION          
           
Operating profit, continued operations 8,714 4,516 1,890 9,721 -7,549
Cost item caused by a crime 0 0 6,942 0 0
Business reorganization 0 550 0 0 0
Other non-recurring item -3,200 0 0 0 0
Adjusted operating profit, continued operations 5,514 5,066 8,832 9,721 -7,549
           
Net profit/loss to equity holder 7,089 -7,827 -1,327 6,975 -9,106
Outstanding shares during the quarter 18,216 18,204 18,181 18,122 18,202
Earnings per share, basic 0.39 -0.43 -0.07 0.38 -0.50
           
Operating profit 7,089 -7,827 -1,327 6,975 -9,106
Cost item caused by a crime 0 0 6,942 0 0
Business reorganization 0 550 0 0 0
Business disposals 0 6,106 0 0 0
Other non-recurring item -3,200 0 0 0 0
Outstanding shares during the quarter 18,216 18,204 18,181 18,122 18,202
Earnings per share, basic 0.21 -0.06 0.31 0.38 -0.50
Teleste share          
Highest price, euro 6.66 5.78 6.8 7.58 9.62
Lowest price, euro 4.47 3.51 5.04 5.12 6.51
Closing price, euro 5.24 4.49 5.34 5.26 6.68
Average price, euro 5.46 4.40 5.72 6.72 8.19
Price per earnings 13.5 -10.4 -73.2 13.8 -13.3
Market capitalization, Meur 99.5 85.2 101.4 99.9 126.8
Stock turnover, Meur 13.8 13.8 9.2 13.3 16.8
Turnover, number in millions 2.5 3.1 1.6 2.0 2.0
Turnover, % of share capital 13.3 % 16.5 % 8.5 % 10.4 % 10.8 %
Average number of shares 18,985,588 18,985,588 18,985,588 18,985,588 18,985,588
Number of shares at the year-end 18,985,588 18,985,588 18,985,588 18,985,588 18,985,588
Average number of shares, diluted w/o own shares 18,222,877 18,220,370 18,181,177 18,168,088 18,202,396
Number of shares at the year-end, diluted w/o own shares 18,217,394 18,218,503 18,207,708 18,155,300 18,172,350
Paid dividend, Meur 2.6 2.2 1.8 3.6 1.8
Dividend per share, euro 0.14* 0.12 0.10 0.20 0.10
Dividend per net result, % 36.0 % neg. neg. 53.1 % neg.
Effective dividend yield, % 2.7 % 2.7 % 1.9 % 3.8 % 1.5 %
           
* The Board’s proposal to the AGM
Treasury shares Number of % of shares   % of votes
  shares      
Teleste companies own shares 31.12.2021 768,194 4.05 %   4.05 %
Major shareholders 31.12.2021 Number of shares % of share capital
     
Tianta Oy 4,748,298 25.0
Mandatum Life Insurance Company Limited 1,683,900 8.9
Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company 899,475 4.7
Kaleva Mutual Insurance Company 824,641 4.3
Teleste Oyj 768,194 4.0
Wipunen varainhallinta Oy 650,000 3.4
Mariatorp Oy 620,000 3.3
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company 521,150 2.7
The State Pension Fund 500,000 2.6
OP-Finland Small Firms Fund 240,408 1.3
Shareholders by sector 31.12.2021 Number of shareholders % of Owners Number of shares % of shares
         
Households 5,168 94.3 5,005,274 26.4
Public sector institutions 3 0.1 1,920,625 10.1
Financial and insurance institutions 17 0.3 3,444,263 18.1
Corporations 243 4.4 8,324,373 43.8
Non-profit institutions 20 0.4 43,918 0.2
Foreign and nominee registered owners 30 0.5 247,135 1.3
         
Total 5,481 100.0 18,985,588 100.0
Of which nominee registered 9 0.2 575,238 3.0
Number of shares 31.12.2021 Number of shareholders % of shareholders Number of shares % of shares
         
1 – 100 1,631 30 87,693 0.5
101 – 500 2,194 40 583,160 3.1
501 – 1,000 731 13 594,294 3.1
1,001 – 5,000 721 13 1,607,589 8.5
5,001 – 10,000 99 2 690,878 3.6
10,001 – 50,000 77 1 1,608,659 8.5
50,001 – 100,000 7 0 457,152 2.4
100,001 – 500,000 13 0 2,640,505 13.9
500,001 – 8 0 10,715,658 56.4
         
Total 5,481 100.0 18,985,588 100.0
of which nominee registered 9 0.2 575,238 3.0

CALCULATION OF KEY FIGURES            

Return on equity: Profit/loss for the financial period
——————————   * 100
Shareholders’ equity (average)
Return on capital employed: Profit/loss for the period after financial items + financing charges
——————————   * 100
Total assets – non-interest-bearing
liabilities (average)
Equity ratio: Shareholders’ equity
—————————–   * 100
Total assets – advances received
Gearing: Interest bearing liabilities – cash in hand and in bank – interest bearing assets
—————————–   * 100
Shareholders’ equity
Earnings per share: Profit for the period attributable to equity holder of the parent
———————————————-
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period
Earnings per share, diluted: Profit for the period attributable to equity holder of the parent (diluted)
———————————————–
Average number of shares – own shares + number of options at the period-end
Equity per share: Shareholders’ equity
——————————————
Number of shares – number of own shares at year-end
Price per earnings (P/E): Share price at year-end
——————————————
Earnings per share
Efective dividend yield: Dividend per share
—————————————–
Trading price at the end of the period

ALTERNATIVE  PERFORMANCE MEASURES 

Effective from the beginning of 2019, Teleste has started to report non-IFRS alternative performance measures. The calculation of the alternative performance measures does not take into account income or expense items affecting comparability that are non-recurring or infrequently occurring and not part of the ordinary course of business. The purpose of presenting the alternative performance measures is to improve comparability, and they do not replace the performance measures and key figures presented in accordance with IFRS. The alternative performance measures reported by the Group are adjusted operating result and adjusted earnings per share. Adjusted operating result and adjusted earnings per share exclude material items affecting comparability that are not part of the ordinary course of business. The adjusted items are recognised in the income statement within the corresponding income or expense group.  

Adjusted operating profit  Operating profit is adjusted with items which are non-recurring or infrequently.
Adjusted earnings per share:  Adjusted Profit for the period attributable to equity holder of the parent 
———————————————-  
Weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CEO Esa Harju, phone +358 40 844 3367

DISTRIBUTION:
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki
Main Media
www.staging.staging.staging.staging.teleste.com