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NCN: 2010 I quarter and 3 months consolidated interim report (unaudited)

Spekuliantai.lt | 2010-05-13 | NASDAQ OMX biržų naujienos | perskaitė: 1423
Raktiniai žodžiai: Nordecon International AS, NCN
NCN: 2010 I quarter and 3 months consolidated interim report (unaudited)

Nordecon International Quarterly report 13.05.2010

2010 I quarter and 3 months consolidated interim report (unaudited)

Directors' report

Changes in the Group's operations in the first quarter of 2010

Changes in the Group's Estonian operations
There have not been any significant changes in the Group's Estonian operations
compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. By the end of 2009 all major
restructuring activities had been completed and from 2010 the Group conducts its
core business in Estonia through two subgroups - Nordecon Ehitus and Nordecon
Infra that specialise in buildings and infrastructure construction respectively.
The parent of the Group acts as a holding company, providing strategic
management and Group-wide support services.

Changes in the Group's foreign operations
Latvia
The Group entered the Latvian market at the beginning of 2007 when the
acquisition of OÜ Kaurits provided the Group with a significant interest in a
Latvian company - SIA Abagars (later Nordecon Infra SIA). In order to avoid
subsequent conflicts of interest, the Group acquired the majority shareholding
in the Latvian entity in May 2008. The core business of the Latvian company was
construction of water and wastewater networks. Business volumes in Latvia grew
rapidly and the company won and performed numerous large public procurement
projects. However, rapid business growth was accompanied by growth in
operational risks which, in combination with drastic deterioration in the
economic environment, caused difficulties in collecting payments from customers
including parties related to state and local governments.

As a result, in February 2010 the board of Nordecon International AS resolved to
divest the Group's 56% interest in Nordecon Infra SIA since it was evident that
in the foreseeable future the entity would be operating with a loss. The stake
was sold to an individual (a non-controlling shareholder). After the
transaction, the Group does not have any ownership interests in companies
domiciled in Latvia. The financial aspects of the transaction are described in
greater detail in note 4 to the interim consolidated financial statements.
In the next few years, the Group will continue project-based business in Latvia
through its Estonian subsidiaries, involving partners where necessary. However,
the continuation of project-based operations assumes the availability of
profitable projects.

Belarus
The Group has signed a contract with a Finnish food industry company under which
it is going to build a factory in Belarus. The project will be performed through
the Group's wholly-held Belarusian subsidiary Eurocon Stroi IOOO whose
establishment was completed in January 2010. At the moment, this is the Group's
only project in Belarus. The Group used a similar strategy, i.e. contracts
tendered by well-known Nordic or Baltic companies, for penetrating the Ukrainian
market more than ten years ago. The Group is not holding any negotiations
regarding other projects and according to the corporate development strategy
penetration of the Belarusian market in 2010 is not a priority. The year 2010
and the above project will serve as a basis for getting to know the market and
conducting subsequent analyses.

Ukraine
There have been no significant changes in the Group's Ukrainian operations
compared with the fourth quarter of 2009.


Major changes in the Group's structure in the first quarter of 2010

Nordecon International AS
In January, the establishment proceedings of Eurocon Stroi IOOO, a company
founded by Nordecon International AS and Nordecon Ehitus AS, were completed. The
shareholders' interests are 70% and 30% respectively. The company was
established for performing project-based construction work. Since Belarus is one
of the Group's target markets, then in line with the corporate strategy the
majority shareholding in the entity belongs to the Group's parent company.

In February, Nordecon International AS sold its 56% stake in the Latvian
subsidiary Nordecon Infra SIA along with interests in its subsidiaries. The
subsidiary was sold to an external party (a non-controlling shareholder). After
the transaction, the Group has no ownership interests in companies registered in
Latvia.

AS Eston Ehitus
In March, AS Eston Ehitus established a subsidiary OÜ Kaasa Vara. The share
capital of the subsidiary is 40 thousand kroons (3 thousand euros). At the
moment, the company does not conduct active business operations. The company was
established for performing the corporate rehabilitation plans of major debtors
of AS Eston Ehitus.

Eurocon Ukraine TOV
In March, Eurocon Ukraine TOV sold its 99% stake in the subsidiary Bukovina
Development TOV. The entity did not conduct any active business operations.
After the transaction, the Group has no ownership interest in Bukovina
Development TOV.

Significant structural changes after the reporting date
Nordecon International AS
In April, Nordecon International AS sold 100% of its shares in the Finnish
subsidiary Estcon OY to Group company Nordecon Betoon OÜ that is going to use
the subsidiary for performing concrete works in Finland. Finland is not one of
the Group's target markets. Therefore, transfer of the investment is not in
contradiction with the Group's general investment holding strategy.


Financial review

Margins
Nordecon International Group ended the first quarter of 2010 with a gross loss
of 23.7 million kroons (1.5 million euros). The comparative period (first
quarter of 2009) ended with a gross profit of 36.9 million kroons (2.4 million
euros). The loss is mainly attributable to the seasonal nature of the
construction business, unfavourable weather conditions and stiff competition.
The seasonal nature of gross profit development is presented in the following
table:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Percentage of annual | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Total |
| gross profit | | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2006 | 10% | 20% | 33% | 37% | 100% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2007 | 13% | 30% | 26% | 31% | 100% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2008 | 28% | 38% | 20% | 13% | 100% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 2009 | 27% | 35% | 59% | -21% | 100% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The past winter was considerably harsher for construction companies than the
previous ones. Abundance of snow and temperature fluctuations did not allow
continuing work on the majority of active projects or making preparations for
new ones. On the other hand, regardless of the number of projects in progress
and suspension of construction activity, companies were incurring their fixed
operating costs. Moreover, the long and snowy winter had a strong impact on road
care and maintenance activities that are performed mostly in that period.
Performance of fixed-price maintenance contracts in the first quarter of 2010
proved highly unprofitable because snow clearing and de-icing operations were
much more time and labour consuming than usual.

Notwithstanding the seasonal impacts, we regret to report that the decline in
gross profit, which started in 2008 owing to a significant deterioration in the
operating environment, has continued. In all of the Group's markets profit
margins have dropped year-over-year primarily on account of a steep decline in
demand. The main sector-specific trend has been the increasing excess of
construction capacities over the number of projects on offer. Demand that is
insufficient for meeting the needs of all market players has heightened pressure
for lowering the prices. In the light of the new trends emerging in the
construction market, the Group intends to continue streamlining its internal
processes (improving the efficiency of purchase of services, cost cutting, etc)
so as to maintain its gross margin at a level that would ensure that the year
will end in an operating profit.

Due to the incurrence of a gross loss, the Group was unable to cover its
administrative expenses that totalled 18.3 million kroons (1.2 million euros).
Compared with the first quarter of 2009, the Group has cut its administrative
expenses by 51%. Owing to a larger than expected decrease in revenue, which may
be attributed to seasonal factors, the ratio of administrative expenses to
revenue rose to 10.4% (Q1 2009: 5.3%). However, management believes that the
implementation of additional cost-cutting measures should reduce the Group's
annual administrative expenses by around a third compared with 2009. This should
ensure that the annual ratio of administrative expenses to revenue will be at
the 5% level targeted by management.

Because of the above circumstances, the Group ended the first quarter of 2010
with an operating loss of 45.6 million kroons (2.9 million euros) (Q1 2009:
operating loss of 3.5 million kroons/0.2 million euros).
The Group's net loss for the period amounted to 25.1 million kroons (1.6 million
euros). Consolidated operating loss was reduced by non-recurring finance income
from the sale of the loss-generating Latvian operations (for further
information, see note 4 to the consolidated interim financial statements). The
loss attributable to owners of the parent Nordecon International AS amounted to
20.6 million kroons (1.3 million euros).

Cash flows
The Group's operating activities for the first quarter of 2010 resulted in a net
cash inflow of 36.9 million kroons (2.4 million euros), a significant
improvement the net outflow of 79.6 million kroons (5.9 million euros) posted
for the first quarter of 2009. The positive operating cash flow results from
effective collection of receivables for work delivered in prior periods, a
decrease in employee bonuses (the gross loss did not allow making bonus
payments) and the deferral of some settlement terms of projects started in 2009
to 2010 (e.g. those of institutions funded from the state budget). Despite the
above, customers' contractual settlement terms have become longer (particularly
in the case of public sector entities) and owing to the ongoing economic
downturn there occur significant settlement delays that give rise to overdue
accounts. The Group's ability to maintain a positive net operating cash flow
depends on how well it can adapt to the new economic environment (e.g. by
extending settlement terms with subcontractors) and the extent to which
operating costs can be cut.

The Group's investing activities generated a net outflow of 7.4 million kroons
(0.5 million euros) compared with a net outflow of 75.2 million kroons (4.8
million euros) for the first quarter of 2009. A significant proportion of cash
outflows from investing activities (9.9 million kroons/0.6 million euros) are
attributable to outflows related to the disposal of the subsidiary Nordecon
Infra SIA and the discontinuance of its consolidation.

Financing activities for the first quarter of 2010 resulted in a net cash
outflow of 61.2 million kroons (3.9 million euros) while in the first quarter of
2009 financing activities generated a net cash inflow of 38.2 million kroons
(2.4 million euros). The structure of financing cash flows has changed because
the Group has reduced borrowing and is settling its existing loan liabilities.

Key financial figures and ratios
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Figure / ratio | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 | 2009 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Weighted average number | 30,756,72 | 30,756,728 | 30,756,728 | 30,756,728 |
| of shares (1) | 8 | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Earnings per share (in | -0.67 | 0.23 | 1.50 | -1.49 |
| kroons) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Earnings per share (in | -0.04 | 0.01 | 0.10 | -0.09 |
| euros) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Revenue growth | -70.2% | -23.6% | 38.2% | -37.5% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Average number of | 745 | 1,223 | 1,102 | 1,128 |
| employees | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Revenue per employee (in | 236 | 483 | 702 | 2,144 |
| thousands of kroons) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Revenue per employee (in | 15 | 31 | 45 | 137 |
| thousands of euros) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Personnel expenses to | 29.6% | 16.7% | 13.6% | 15.0% |
| revenue | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Administrative expenses | 10.4% | 6.3% | 5.6% | 5.2% |
| to revenue | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| EBITDA (in thousands of |-30,791(2) | 14,813 | 77,166 | 4,308 (2) |
| kroons) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| EBITDA (in thousands of | -1,968 | 947 | 4,932 | 275 |
| euros) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| EBITDA margin | -17.5% | 2.5% | 10.0% | 0.2% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Gross margin | -13.5% | 6.2% | 13.1% | 5.6% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Operating margin | -25.9% | -0.6% | 7.9% | -5.2% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Operating margin | -25.9% | -0.7% | 7.6% | -5.4% |
| excluding gains on asset | | | | |
| sales | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Net margin | -14.3% | -0.1% | 5.8% | -3.7% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Return on invested | -1.7% | 0.5% | 3.9% | -4.1% |
| capital | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Return on assets | -2.6% | -0.2% | 2.8% | -6.0% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Return on equity | -3.6% | -0.1% | 5.4% | -11.4% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Equity ratio | 44.0% | 37.5% | 38.0% | 37.1% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Gearing | 22.8% | 31.8% | 18.9% | 26.4% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Current ratio | 1.74 | 1.28 | 1.65 | 1.47 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | 31 March | 31 March | 31 March | 31 Dec |
| | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2009 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Order book (in thousands | 1,386,332 | 1,714,175 | 3,368,680 | 1,530,661 |
| of kroons) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Order book (in thousands | 88,603 | 109,556 | 215,298 | 97,827 |
| of euros) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) For comparability, the weighted average number of shares is the number of
shares after the bonus issues.
(2) On calculating EBITDA, non-cash expenses included depreciation and
amortisation as well as impairment losses on goodwill.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Earnings per share (EPS) = net | Operating margin excluding gains on |
| profit attributable to equity | asset sales = (operating profit - |
| holders of the parent / weighted | gains on sale of property, plant and |
| average number of shares outstanding | equipment - gains on sale of real |
| Revenue per employee = revenue / | estate) / revenue |
| average number of employees | Net margin = net profit for the |
| Personnel expenses to revenue = | period / revenue |
| personnel expenses / revenue | Return on invested capital = (profit |
| Administrative expenses to revenue = | before tax + interest expense) / the |
| administrative expenses / revenue | period's average (interest-bearing |
| EBITDA = earnings before interest, | liabilities + equity) |
| taxes, depreciation and | Return on assets = operating profit / |
| amortisation | the period's average total assets |
| EBITDA margin = EBITDA / revenue | Return on equity = net profit for the |
| Gross margin = gross profit / | period /the period's average total |
| revenue | equity |
| Operating margin = operating profit | Equity ratio = total equity / total |
| / revenue | equity and liabilities |
| | Gearing = (interest-bearing |
| | liabilities - cash and cash |
| | equivalents) / (interest bearing |
| | liabilities + equity) |
| | Current ratio = total current assets |
| | / total current liabilities |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Performance by geographical market
In the first quarter of 2010, revenue earned outside Estonia accounted for
around 4% of the Group's total revenue. A year ago, the contribution of foreign
markets was around 17%. The decrease results from the Group's decision to sell
its Latvian operations in 2010 (see also the chapter Major changes in the
Group's structure in the first quarter of 2010). In addition, in contrast to the
first quarter of 2009, the Group did not earn any revenue from Lithuania. The
Group's Ukrainian revenues have remained stable compared with the first quarter
of 2009. Further information on the Group's vision of its further operations in
Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine can be found in the chapter Outlooks of the
Group's geographical markets.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 | 2009 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Estonia | 96% | 83% | 82% | 86% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Ukraine | 4% | 3% | 16% | 3% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Lithuania | 0% | 2% | 2% | 0% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Latvia | 0% | 12% | 0% | 11% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue distribution between different geographical segments is a consciously
deployed strategy by which the Group avoids excessive reliance on a single
market. Although in the long-term perspective the Group's strategy foresees
increasing foreign operations, in the short-term perspective the Group will
focus on its home market and seizing opportunities in an environment that it
knows best and where the risks are smaller.

Performance by business line
The core business of Nordecon International Group is general contracting and
project management in buildings and infrastructure construction. The Group is
involved, among other things, in the construction of commercial and industrial
buildings and facilities, road construction and maintenance, environmental
engineering, concrete works and real estate development.

Consolidated revenue for the first quarter of 2010 amounted to 176.0 million
kroons (11.2 million euros), a 70% decrease from the 590.7 million kroons (37.8
million euros) generated in the first quarter of 2009. Above all, the downturn
is attributable to a significant decline in the demand for construction services
in all of the Group's markets and exceptionally snowy and cold winter that had
the strongest impact on the Infrastructure segment where most operations are
performed outdoors. In addition, the absolute revenue figure has been impacted
by stiff competition that has lowered the construction prices.

The Group aims to maintain the revenues generated by its business segments
(Buildings and Infrastructure) in balance as this helps disperse risks and
provides a more solid foundation under stressed circumstances when one segment
experiences shrinkage. In view of estimated demand for apartments, in subsequent
years the proportion of housing construction revenue will remain within the
strategically set 20% limit.

Segment revenue
In the first quarter of 2010, the revenue generated by the Buildings segment
clearly exceeded that of the Infrastructure segment. The situation is somewhat
paradoxical because for some time most of the construction market tenders have
been for the Infrastructure segment (projects financed by the state and with the
support of the EU structural funds). This is also reflected in the Group's order
book where 77% of active construction contracts are related to the
Infrastructure segment. The Group's management believes that the situation that
emerged in the first quarter is temporary and in subsequent quarters the
contribution of the Infrastructure segment will increase. The larger revenue of
the Buildings segment can be explained by tough weather conditions, which
prevailed during the period and had the strongest adverse impact on the
Infrastructure segment. If in buildings construction some work can also be done
indoors, then during an exceptionally cold and snowy winter proper construction
of roads, complex structures and outdoor networks is practically impossible.
In the first three months of 2010, the Buildings and Infrastructure segments
generated revenue of 126.0 million kroons (8.1 million euros) and 48.5 million
kroons (3.1 million euros) respectively. The corresponding figures for the first
quarter of 2009 were 339.5 million kroons (21.7 million euros) and 246.5 million
kroons (15.8 million euros) respectively.

Revenue distribution between segments*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Business segments | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 | 2009 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Buildings | 72% | 58% | 80% | 45% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Infrastructure | 28% | 42% | 20% | 55% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* In connection with the entry into force of IFRS 8 Operating Segments, the
Group has changed segment reporting in its financial statements. In Directors'
report the Ukrainian and EU Buildings segments which are disclosed separately in
the financial statements are presented as a single segment. In addition, the
segment information presented in Directors' report does not include the
disclosures on “other segments” that are presented in the financial statements.

Revenue distribution within segments
Distribution of projects within the Buildings segment has changed significantly
compared with a year ago as well as historical annual averages. There are two
main reasons for this. The scarcity of projects forces companies to compete in
all market segments and the number of contracts awarded is small compared with
bids made. Such a situation does not allow concentrating on a specific business
area. Another important factor is the overall economic environment. During the
past year, private companies' investments in commercial and industrial buildings
and facilities have been almost nonexistent while mainly local governments'
investments in schools, nurseries and public buildings have increased, partly
thanks to the support received from the EU structural funds. The proportion of
industrial buildings in the Group's portfolio is large mainly because of the
ongoing construction of the Ahtme peak load boiler plant. The Group builds
apartment buildings for external customers as a general contractor, not a
developer. Revenue distribution within the segment should remain similar
throughout the rest of the year.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Revenue distribution in the | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 | 2009 |
| Buildings segment | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Commercial buildings | 22% | 75% | 63% | 66% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Industrial and warehouse | 28% | 8% | 14% | 10% |
| facilities | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Public buildings | 34% | 12% | 15% | 18% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Apartment buildings | 16% | 4% | 8% | 6% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the Infrastructure segment, a major revenue source is road maintenance, which
in the first quarter contributed around 66% of the revenue generated by the road
construction and maintenance sub-segment. In the second quarter, road
construction will begin which will contribute a major proportion of revenue also
in 2010. The annual proportion of hydraulic engineering that contributed a
minimal percentage of revenue in the first quarter depends on the ports'
investment policy, which in the current economic climate is very conservative.
The construction of other engineering facilities (water and wastewater networks)
is an area where the Group has won many tenders. Therefore, the contribution of
other engineering projects will remain relatively large throughout the year. The
contribution of environmental engineering is expected to increase compared with
2009.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Revenue distribution in the | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 | 2009 |
| Infrastructure segment | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Road construction and | 52% | 20% | 41% | 49% |
| maintenance | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Civil engineering (including | 3% | 22% | 11% | 12% |
| hydraulic engineering) | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Other engineering | 30% | 17% | 5% | 31% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Environmental engineering | 15% | 41% | 43% | 8% |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Order book
At 31 March 2010, the Group's order book stood at 1,386 million kroons (88.6
million euros), approximately 19% down from the 1,714 million kroons (109.6
million euros) posted a year ago. Over the past quarters, the decline in the
Group's order book has decelerated and levelled off at around 1,350 to 1,500
million kroons (86 to 95 million euros). In a situation where in many segments
of the construction market the decrease in input prices has ceased or been
replaced by a rise, the Group's management will focus, above all, on improving
the profitability of the contract portfolio, not its size or growth rate.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 | 2009 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Order book, in thousands of | 1,386,33 | 1,714,175 | 3,368,680 | 1,530,661 |
| kroons | 2 | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Order book, in thousands of | 88,603 | 109,556 | 215,298 | 97,827 |
| euros | | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The order book of the Infrastructure segment has grown year-over-year. At 31
March 2010 it accounted for 77% of the Group's total order book (31 March 2009:
65%). On the other hand, the total value of the portfolio has decreased due to
the downturn in the construction market. In absolute terms, the order book
figures have also been influenced by a major fall in construction prices
compared with previous periods. This trend is going to change.
Between the reporting date (31 March 2010) and the date of release of this

report, Group companies have been awarded additional construction contracts of
approximately 205 million kroons (13 million euros).


People and personnel expenses
In the first quarter of 2010, the Group (including the parent and the
subsidiaries) employed, on average, 745 people including around 350 engineers
and technical personnel (ETP). The significant decrease in the number of staff
is attributable to the continuing enforcement of the Group's cost-cutting policy
as well as the divestment of the Latvian subsidiary Nordecon Infra SIA in the
first quarter of 2010. At the end of 2009, the Nordecon Infra subgroup employed
over 160 people. In addition to disposals of companies, the number of staff has
decreased on account of downsizing (lay-offs and termination of contracts). In a
market situation where construction volumes may shrink even further, the number
of staff may decrease also during the year. However, due to the seasonal nature
of the business, in the second and third quarters the number of staff should
increase because additional staff will be hired for the performance of specific
projects under fixed term contracts.

Average number of the Group's employees (including the parent and its
subsidiaries):
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q12008 | 2009 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| ETP | 354 | 499 | 456 | 467 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Workers | 391 | 624 | 646 | 661 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total average | 745 | 1,223 | 1,102 | 1,128 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Group's personnel expenses for the first quarter of 2010 including all
associated taxes totalled 52.1 million kroons (3.3 million euros), a 47%
decrease compared with the 98.5 million kroons (6.3 million euros) incurred in
the first quarter of 2009.

Personnel expenses have declined on account of downsizing and the cutting of
basic salaries. In 2009, employee salaries were lowered at all Group entities;
the average pay-cut for engineers and technical personnel was 15%. The
performance pay of project staff that is linked to the projects' profit margins
has also dropped.

In the first quarter of 2010, the remuneration of the members of the council of
Nordecon International AS including social security charges amounted to 392
thousand kroons (25 thousand euros). The corresponding figure for the first
quarter of 2009 was also 392 thousand kroons (25 thousand euros). The
remuneration and benefits of the members of the board of Nordecon International
AS including social security charges totalled 567 thousand kroons (36 thousand
euros) compared with 886 thousand kroons (57 thousand euros) for the first
quarter of 2009. The remuneration of the board has decreased because in the
comparative period the board had three members whereas currently the number is
two.


Share and shareholders

ISIN code EE3100039496
Short name of the security NCN1T
Nominal value 10.00 kroons / 0.64 euros
Total number of securities issued 30,756,728
Number of listed securities 30,756,728
Listing date 18 May 2006

The share capital of Nordecon International AS consists of 30,756,728 ordinary
shares with a par value of 10 Estonian kroons each. Owners of ordinary shares
are entitled to dividends as distributed from time to time. Each share carries
one vote at the general meetings of Nordecon International AS.

Summarised trading results
Share trading history (EEK)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Price | Q1 2010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Open | 25.35 | 16.43 | 76.51 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| High | 40.68 | 20.34 | 76.51 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Low | 25.03 | 8.61 | 58.05 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Last closing price | 30.04 | 9.54 | 62.59 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Traded volume | 2,014,452 | 881,595 | 758,958 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Turnover, millions | 66.15 | 10.55 | 49.70 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Listed volume (31 March), | 30,757 | 30,757 | 30,757 |
| thousands | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Market capitalisation (31 | 923.94 | 293.42 | 1,925.08 |
| March), millions | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Share trading history (EUR)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Price | Q12010 | Q1 2009 | Q1 2008 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Open | 1.62 | 1.05 | 4.89 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| High | 2.60 | 1.30 | 4.89 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Low | 1.60 | 0.55 | 3.71 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Last closing price | 1.92 | 0.61 | 4.00 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Traded volume | 2,014,452 | 881,595 | 758,958 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Turnover, millions | 4.23 | 0.67 | 3.18 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Listed volume (31 March), | 30,757 | 30,757 | 30,757 |
| thousands | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Market capitalisation (31 | 59.05 | 18.75 | 123.04 |
| March), millions | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholder structure
The largest shareholders of Nordecon International AS at 31 March 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Shareholder | Number of | Ownership |
| | shares | interest |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| AS Nordic Contractors | 16,507,464 | 53.67 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken Ab Clients | 2,702,282 | 8.79 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| State Street Bank and Trust Omnibus | 1,147,911 | 3.73 |
| Account A Fund | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| ING Luxembourg S.A. | 1,111,853 | 3.61 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Ain Tromp | 678,960 | 2.21 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| ASM Investments OÜ | 519,600 | 1.69 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| SEB Pank AS | 427,033 | 1.39 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Aivo Kont | 339,480 | 1.10 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shareholder structure of Nordecon International AS at 31 March 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| | Number of | Ownership |
| | shareholders | interest |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Shareholders with interest | 2 | 62.46 |
| exceeding 5% | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Shareholders with interest between | 6 | 13.74 |
| 1% and 5% | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Shareholders with interest below 1% | 2,031 | 23.80 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Total | 2,039 | 100.00 |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shares controlled by members of the council of Nordecon International AS at 31
March 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Council |   | Number of | Ownership |
| | | shares | interest |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Toomas Luman (AS | Chairman of the | 16,559,144 | 53.84 |
| Nordic Contractors, OÜ | Council | | |
| Luman ja Pojad)(1) | | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Ain Tromp | Member of the | 678,960 | 2.21 |
| | Council | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Alar Kroodo (ASM | Member of the | 519,600 | 1.69 |
| Investments OÜ) (1) | Council | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Andri Hõbemägi | Member of the | 40,000 | 0.13 |
| | Council | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Tiina Mõis | Member of the | 0 | 0.00 |
| | Council | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Meelis Milder | Member of the | 0 | 0.00 |
| | Council | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Companies controlled by the individual

Shares controlled by members of the board of Nordecon International AS at 31
March 2010
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Board |   | Number of | Ownership |
| | | shares | interest |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Jaano Vink | Chairman of | 34,000 | 0.11% |
| | the Board | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Priit Tiru | Member of the | 0 | 0.00% |
| | Board | | |
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Members of the board and council of Nordecon International AS and companies
controlled by them have not been granted any share options under which they
could acquire shares in Nordecon International AS in subsequent periods.


Outlooks of the Group's geographical markets

Estonia
According to assessment of the Group's management, in 2010 the Estonian
construction market will be characterised by the following features:
- Total demand in the construction market will remain heavily dependent on
public procurement tenders and projects performed with the support of the
European Union funds. Project initiation success depends on the administrative
capabilities of the central and local government which have improved compared
with previous periods. However, the demand resulting from public sector
projects will not be able to compensate for the steep contraction of the
buildings construction market that remains abandoned by most private companies
and individuals. Accordingly, the Group's management forecasts that by the end
of 2010 the total volume of the construction market will have decreased by over
50% compared with 2008.

- The number of residential and general buildings construction companies is
decreasing. Companies engaged in the sector are seeking opportunities for
penetrating also other market segments such as infrastructure. This has
heightened competition which, in turn, has increased the number of companies
going bankrupt or needing corporate rehabilitation. The trend will continue in
2010. The Group does not forecast a significant number of mergers or takeovers
because in the current market situation this would not have sufficient business
rationale.

- In 2010 the decrease in construction prices is expected to cease after which
the prices are expected to start rising compared with 2008-2009. In such a
situation, performance of construction contracts concluded at unreasonably low
margins or below cost may have extremely adverse consequences and may cause
serious financial difficulties for companies that have not noticed the trend or
have been forced to ignore it due to cash flow problems.

- Banks have divided companies operating in the construction market into
different risk categories. Banks' risk exposures still include the real estate
and investment loans granted to companies that were engaged in real estate
development. In 2010, the survival of a number of companies will depend on the
banks' risk management principles. On the other hand, the banks have announced
that they are again ready to start financing the construction sector although
to a limited extent.

- In 2009 building materials manufacturers that had significantly increased
their output during the growth phase of the market experienced continuing
shrinkage in demand and, consequently, greater strain in meeting the
obligations taken for increasing their capacities. To date, the decline in
building materials prices
has halted and in 2010 prices are expected to start rising. Because of the
increasing importance of infrastructure projects, the key competitive
advantages will include industry-specific (engineering and technical)
expertise, experience and references as well as the availability of relevant
resources.

- Shrinkage in construction volumes has caused continuously rising unemployment
among construction workers. The ensuing growth in the supply of labour will help
construction companies control their personnel expenses.
Construction projects' financing principles have changed. There are now
additional requirements to the funding to be provided by the builder during the
construction period. Moreover, contractual settlement terms have lengthened and
there are settlement defaults. All this will increase the companies' liquidity
risks.

Nordecon International Group operates in accordance with its long-term
objectives that are adjusted for changes in the external environment.
The Group has prepared for changes in the economic environment by:
- Sustaining focus on cost-cutting and seeking effective technical solutions
that should halt year-over-year decrease in profit margins in 2010 and
ultimately ensure profitability
- Upholding the practice of conducting thorough preliminary analyses of the
customers' solvency and creditworthiness and dealing resolutely with the
collection of overdue receivables
- Mitigating risks through a more conservative portfolio design that takes into
account the fact that input prices have turned (or are turning) to a rise
- Focusing primarily on the home market

Latvia and Lithuania
In February 2010, the Group sold its loss-generating Latvian subsidiary Nordecon
Infra SIA whose core business was construction of water and wastewater networks.
According to the Group's assessment, the Latvian construction market will be
undergoing extensive adjustment to the recessionary environment through
2010-2011. Therefore, in the next few years the Group will continue operating in
Latvia on a project basis, through its Estonian subsidiaries, involving partners
where necessary. Continuation of project-based business assumes that the
projects can be performed profitably. The decision does not change the Group's
strategic objectives in the Latvian market, i.e. the objective of operating in
Latvia in the future through local subsidiaries engaged in buildings and
infrastructure construction (see the chapter The Group's structure by 2013).

Recent economic developments in Lithuania have been similar to the ones in the
other Baltic countries. Slowdown in investment, both in the public and private
sectors, and similar factors have had a direct impact on the construction
market. The commercial and residential construction markets (the Group as a
general contractor not a developer) have contracted visibly and the launch of
any new private sector projects in the near future is unlikely.

In response to this, the operations of the Group's Lithuanian subsidiary
Nordecon Statyba UAB (formerly UAB Eurocon LT) have been essentially suspended
and the Group is monitoring the market situation. The temporary suspension of
operations does not cause any major costs for the Group. The Group's management
does not exclude the possibility that the Lithuanian operations will remain
suspended also after 2010. The decision does not change the Group's strategic
objectives in the Lithuanian construction market (see the chapter The Group's
structure by 2013) and does not imply the sale or liquidation of the company.

Ukraine
In Ukraine, the Group will continue mainly as a general contractor and project
manager in the construction of commercial buildings and production facilities.
In 2009, the number of projects started in the buildings construction market
decreased substantially. The situation in the sector is not expected to improve
until after the first half of 2010. This implies, above all, the need for tight
cost control.

Activities on development projects that require major investment have been
suspended to minimise the risks until the situation in the Ukrainian and global
financial markets eases up (the Group has currently an interest in two
development projects that have been conserved).

The main risks in the Ukrainian market are connected with the low administrative
efficiency of the central and local governments and the judicial system,
inflation, and the availability of quality construction inputs. Demand is mainly
undermined by the customers' lack of financing. To date, the weakening of the
local currency that began in 2008 has stopped and the Group's exposure to
market-based currency risk has decreased considerably. It is also clear that the
political climate has stabilised after the presidential elections, which may
pave the way for an improvement in the general economic climate. This, in turn,
would revive investment by local and foreign companies who account for a
significant proportion of the Group's customers in the Ukrainian market.

Notwithstanding the above, the Group believes that the construction market of a
country with a population of 46 million will offer excellent business
opportunities also in the future. The Group's key success factor is relatively
little competition among project management companies (the Group offers flexible
construction management in combination with European practices and competencies)
compared with the real needs of a normally functioning construction market. The
Group's management is confident that the current crisis in the Ukrainian
construction market and economy as a whole will transform the local
understanding and expectations of general contracting and project management in
the construction business, which will improve the Group's position in the
long-term perspective significantly.

Description of the main risks

Business risks
To mitigate the risks arising from the seasonal nature of the construction
business (primarily the weather conditions during the winter months), the Group
has acquired road maintenance contracts that generate year-round business. In
addition, Group companies are constantly seeking new technical solutions that
would allow working more efficiently under changeable weather conditions.
To manage their daily construction risks, Group companies purchase Contractors'
All Risks insurance. Depending on the nature of the project, both general frame
agreements and specially tailored project-specific contracts are used. In
addition, as a rule, subcontractors are required to secure the performance of
their obligations with a bank guarantee issued for the benefit of a Group
company. To remedy builder-caused deficiencies which may be detected during the
warranty period, all Group companies create warranties provisions. At 31
December 2010, the provisions (including current and non-current ones) totalled
14.3 million kroons (0.9 million euros). The corre

Taip pat skaitykite

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