Updated 2017 outlook for nkt cables and delivery taken of cable-laying vessel

The acquired ABB HV Cables activities will be financially consolidated into NKT Cables as of 1 March 2017. Based on this, NKT Cables expects revenue (std. metal prices) in 2017 of approx. EUR 1.1bn, corresponding to approx. EUR 1.4bn in market prices depending on the development of metal prices during the remaining part of 2017. The previously underlying assumption of an organic growth of 0-5% in the existing business remains unchanged. 

Operational EBITDA for 2017 is expected to be approx. EUR 140m against previous outlook of an operational EBITDA margin of approx. 9.5%, equivalent to approx. EUR 70m. The composition of the new consolidated project portfolio and the timing of closing of the acquisition results in earnings expected to be significantly lower in Q1 2017 compared with the remaining three quarters.

The previously expected and communicated annual synergies of approx. EUR 30m from the acquisition by end-2018 are confirmed. Realised synergies in 2017 are, however, expected to be limited due to high focus on timely execution of the existing order backlog. Total integration costs of ABB HV Cables are still expected to amount to approx. EUR 35-40m by end-2018. The majority is expected to be expensed in 2017 and early 2018. In line with previous communication, costs related to closing of the transaction are expected to be approx. EUR 7m to be expensed in Q1 2017. Integration costs and costs related to the transaction will be treated as one-off items and will not impact operational EBITDA.  

Further information and details regarding the acquisition of ABB HV Cables will be included in the Q1 2017 Interim Report expected to be released on 17 May 2017.

The delivery of the cable-laying vessel, which was part of the acquisition of ABB HV Cables, cf. Company Announcement No. 45 of 21 September 2016, has taken place on 10 April 2017.

The vessel is among the world’s most advanced and provides improved cable-laying precision based on e.g. DP3 (Direct Positioning) capability and a remotely operated vehicle using cameras and sonar, eliminating the need for divers. The vessel was built at Kleven shipyard in Norway.

With this vessel, NKT Cables will strengthen its leading position in the high-voltage offshore industry offering its customers complete turn-key solutions; including design and production of the AC/DC offshore cable as well as full installation and related cable-laying services.

"This cutting-edge cable-laying vessel will complete our project execution set-up and cements our position as a global, leading cable solutions provider. Now, we can offer our customers turn-key solutions which provides them with increased project flexibility and lower execution risk."

The cable-laying vessel will be at the NKT Cables plant in Karlskrona, Sweden, for a naming ceremony, including a customer seminar, on 4 May 2017. Hereafter, it will head out for its first cable-laying project. More information about the vessel is available at www.nktcables.com

Statements made about the future in this announcement reflect the Group Management’s current expectations with regard to future events and financial results based on certain assumptions. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and that can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “intends”, “estimate”, “will”, “may”, “continue”, “should”, and similar expressions. Statements about the future are by their nature subject to uncertainties, significant known and unknown risks, contingencies and other important factors which are difficult or impossible to predict and that are beyond NKT's control, and the results achieved may therefore differ from the expectations, among other things due to economic and financial market developments, legislative and regulatory changes in the markets where NKT companies operate, development in product demand, competitive conditions, and energy and raw material prices. See also latest Annual Report for a more detailed description of risk factors. NKT disclaims any liability to update or adjust statements about the future or the possible reasons for differences between actual and anticipated results except where required by legislation or other regulations.

The information, opinions and forward-looking statements contained in this announcement speak only as at its date, and are subject to change without notice.

This announcement has been prepared in both Danish and English. In case of any inconsistencies, the English version shall prevail.