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Solteq

Nordic IT service provider and software house

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Overview

Solteq is a Nordic software and IT-services provider specializing in digital business solutions. Solteq’s strength has been in commerce related solutions with a focus on selected sectors, namely the retail and wholesale, industry, energy, and services sectors.
Solteq's investment case revolves around the success of executing its strategy of shifting from its IT-services oriented past towards increasingly becoming a software house. Implied margin upside potential is considerable, with segment targets putting margins clearly in the double digits. Growth will increasingly need to be sought from abroad, as domestic growth potential is somewhat restricted within core competencies.

Financial overview

Equity research

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Solteq logo
Solteq - Profit turnaround holds in tough market

Solteq‘s profitability continued to improve y/y,  while comparable revenue declined.  The actions to improve profitability are bearing fruit, while market conditions are further delaying growth

Company update |
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Solteq - Profitability improvement, weaker sales

Solteq had lowered its guidance ahead of the earnings report and the net sales decline of 6.5% y/y in Q3, mainly attributable to a slow recovery in customer demand, came as no surprise, albeit the magnitude was somewhat of a disappointment compared with H1 figures. Comparable EBIT improved to EUR 0.6m (Q3’23: EUR -0.8m) as cost savings measures started to take effect.

Earnings Flash |
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Solteq - Continuing profitability turnaround

Solteq reports Q3’24 results on Thursday, October 24th. We expect comparable sales to show slight y/y growth, alongside profitability improvements in both segments.

Preview |
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Solteq - Toughest corrective actions now behind

Solteq is set to start showing clearly improved profitability figures, with the toughest actions now behind. Actions to secure near-term financing are also set to be achieved.

Company report |
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Solteq - Focus on financing

Solteq had released preliminary Q2 figures ahead of the earnings report and the comparable net sales of EUR 13.6m (-1.5% y/y) and EBIT of EUR 0.0m came as no surprise. 

Earnings Flash |
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Solteq - Important profitability improvements

Solteq published preliminary Q2 figures, showing better profitability than we had estimated, while the sales continued to decline slightly, overall more on the positive side due to the current importance of profitability improvements in financing negotiations. 

Company update |
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Solteq - Potential overshadowed by uncertainty
Solteq’s Q1 was weaker than expected and further cost savings are sought. The near-term uncertainties continue to mount and for now overshadow the turnaround potential.
Company update |
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Solteq - Softer start to the year
Solteq’s Q1 results were slightly weaker than expected and revenue declined slightly y/y in comparable terms. Revenue was at EUR 13.6m (Evli EUR 14.2m) and adj. EBIT at EUR -0.2m (Evli EUR 0.2m). Solteq announced the initiation of a cost savings program concerning parts of the Retail & Commerce segment.
Earnings Flash |
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Solteq - Leaving behind a year to forget
Solteq’s Q4 was as expected weak, earnings improvement in Utilities a positive. We expect improvement across the board in 2024 driven by cost savings measures taken in Utilities.
Company update |
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Solteq - Slight comparable EBIT improvement
Solteq’s Q4 results were as expected weak and slightly below our estimates. Revenue was at EUR 14.2m (Evli EUR 14.6m) and adj. EBIT at EUR -1.0m (Evli EUR -0.8m). Solteq expects the comparable revenue in 2024 to grow compared with 2023 and the operating profit to be positive.
Earnings Flash |

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Stock Exchange Bulletin
Interim Report
October 24, 2024, at 5:15 p.m. EET

Solteq Plc corrects its Consolidated Cash Flow Statement concerning the cash flow from operating activities and the cash flow from financing activities published in the Interim Report Jan 1-Sep 30, 2024. Hence, the net cash flow from operating activities is EUR 1,230 thousand and the net cash used in financing activities is EUR -1,914 thousand for the review period 1-9, 2024. The corrections have no impact on other calculations.
The corrected Consolidated Cash Flow Statement is below, and the corrected Interim Report for January 1 - September 30, 2024, is attached.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

TEUR 1-9/2024 1-9/2023 1-12/2023

Cash flow from operating
activities
Result for the financial -1,802 2,902 -5,380
period
Adjustments for operating 3,552 -1,438 6,139
result
Changes in working capital -199 -5,469 -3,471
Interests paid -327 -454 -2,154
Interests received 18 17 81
Taxes paid -13 -832 -518
Net cash flow from 1,230 -5,274 -5,302
operating activities

Cash flow from investing
activities
Business acquisitions -20 -20
Divested businesses 11,990 14,137
Investments in tangible -83 -2,167 -2,351
and intangible assets
Net cash used in investing -83 9,803 11,766
activities

Cash flow from financing
activities
Long-term loans, decrease -548
Short-term loans, increase 1,486 4,371 4,371
Short-term loans, decrease -2,090 -6,860 -8,601
Payment of finance lease -1,310 -1,403 -1,891
liabilities
Net cash used in financing -1,914 -3,892 -6,668
activities

Changes in cash and cash -767 637 -204
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents 1,853 2,057 2,057
at the beginning of period
Cash and cash equivalents 1,086 2,693 1,853
at the end of period

Attachments

Solteq Plc's Interim Report January 1 - September 30, 2024 (Corrected)

Further Information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com
CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50 567 3421
E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs over 400 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin 
Interim Report
October 24, 2024, at 8.00 am
Twofold third quarter: Profitability improved significantly, revenue fell below comparison period
July-September

  • Comparable revenue totaled EUR 11.4 million (12.2) and decreased by 6.5 percent. Revenue totaled EUR 11.4 million (12.2) and decreased by 6.5 percent
  • Comparable EBITDA was EUR 1.2 million (-0.1) and EBITDA EUR 0.9 million (0.5). Comparable EBITDA percent was 10.3 (-1.1)
  • Comparable operating result was EUR 0.6 million (-0.8) and operating result EUR 0.3 million
(-0.7). Comparable operating result percent was 5.4 (-6.7)
  • Earnings per share was EUR -0.03 (-0.05)
January-September
  • Comparable revenue totaled EUR 38.4 million (39.9) and decreased by 3.9 percent. Revenue totaled EUR 38.4 million (43.4) and decreased by 11.5 percent
  • Comparable EBITDA was 2.1 EUR million (-1.3) and EBITDA EUR 1.9 million (9.5). Comparable EBITDA percent was 5.6 (-3.2)
  • Comparable operating result was EUR 0.4 million (-3.5) and operating result EUR 0.1 million
(5.5). Comparable operating result percent was 1.0 (-8.9)
  • Earnings per share was EUR -0.09 (0.15)
  • Solteq Group's equity ratio was 28.9 percent (36.8)
  • Net cash flow from operating activities was EUR 0.8 million (-5.3)
  • The company expects the comparable revenue to diminish relative to the comparison period and operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023
Key figures

7-9/2024 7-9/202 Change 1-9/202 1-9/202 Change 1-12/20 Rolling
3 % 4 3 % 23 12mos

Revenue, 11,424 12,217 -6.5 38,394 43,390 -11.5 57,655 52,659
TEUR
Comparable 11,424 12,217 -6.5 38,394 39,938 -3.9 54,183 52,639
revenue,
TEUR
EBITDA, 886 538 64.6 1,860 9,517 -80.5 8,695 1,039
TEUR
Comparable 1,175 -135 968.8 2,149 -1,284 267.4 -1,662 1,771
EBITDA,
TEUR
Operating 295 -697 142.3 51 5,549 -99.1 -3,541 -9,040
result,
TEUR
Comparable 614 -821 174.8 370 -3,549 110.4 -4,575 -656
operating
result,
TEUR
Result for -591 -975 39.4 -1,802 2,902 -162.1 -5,380 -10,083
the
financial
period,
TEUR
Earnings -0.03 -0.05 39.4 -0.09 0.15 -162.1 -0.28 -0.52
per share,
EUR
Operating 2.6 -5.7 0.1 12.8 -6.1 -17.2
result, %
Comparable 5.4 -6.7 1.0 -8.9 -8.4 -1.2
operating
result, %
Equity 28.9 36.8 30.1 33.3
ratio, %

CEO Aarne Aktan: Twofold third quarter: Profitability improved significantly, revenue fell below comparison period

The company's third quarter brought in, as expected, strong improvement in profitability but the revenue development was weaker than expected. The efficiency measures in the previous quarters yielded a comparable operating result of EUR 0.6 million, which was EUR 1.4 million better than in the comparison period. However, the comparable revenue in the review period, EUR 11.4 million, decreased by 6.5 percent relative to the comparison period. A slow recovery in customer demand caused a weaker revenue development than expected.

The Retail & Commerce segment improved its profitability well, but the revenue development was declining. This was driven by postponed decision-making in several key customer acquisition opportunities, resulting in a shortfall in anticipated revenue. During the review period, comparable revenue was EUR 8.5 million, down by 7.5 percent relative to the comparison period. The comparable operating result was EUR 0.7 million, up by 177 percent relative to the comparison period. The improvement was EUR 0.5 million.

The Utilities segment performed as expected and is on the verge of achieving profitable growth. The turnaround in profitability progressed well: the segment's comparable operating profit was EUR -0.1 million, improving by EUR 1.0 million relative to the comparison period. The enhanced profitability results from the improved quality of products and efficiency of operations. 

The company's financing was agreed during the review period for the next 24 months. The maturity date of the EUR 23 million notes was extended until 1.10.2026, and the coupon rate was increased from 6.0 percent to 10.0 percent.

The revenue downturn is caused by subdued customer demand, particularly in Retail & Commerce, leading to a more cautious outlook for the remainder of the financial year. The long-term market outlook for the Retail & Commerce segment is expected to remain moderate, and demand to recover as the markets stabilize. The long-term market outlook for the Utilities segment is expected to remain good and provide opportunities for profitable growth.

Profit Guidance 2024

The company expects the comparable revenue to diminish relative to the comparison period and operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023.
Financial reporting

The Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and valuation principles of IFRS standards and using IAS 34 and the same accounting policies as the Financial Statements 2023. The new IFRS standards, taken into use on January 1, 2024, do not have a significant impact on the Group's Interim Report. The information presented in the Interim Report has not been audited.
Attachments

Solteq Plc's Interim Report January 1 - September 30, 2024
Further Information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50 567 3421
E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com
Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com
Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs over 400 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin
Inside information
October 23, 2024, at 08:00 a.m. EET

Solteq Plc's expectations for the ongoing financial year's revenue have changed. The company lowers its guidance on comparable revenue in 2024 and expects it to fall below the comparison period. The guidance on operating profit remains the same.

The new profit guidance for 2024 is: The company expects comparable revenue to diminish relative to the comparison period and operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023.

The previous profit guidance for 2024 was: The company expects the comparable revenue to grow and the operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023.

During the current financial year, revenue development has been affected by subdued customer demand and delays in several key customer acquisition opportunities.
Solteq Plc's Interim Report January 1-September 30, 2024, will be published on October 24, 2024.
Solteq Plc
Board of Directors
Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

Further information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50 567 3421
E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company operates with over 400 professionals in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock exchange bulletin

Other information disclosed according to the Rules of the Exchange

13 September 2024 at 3.10 p.m. EEST

Solteq Plc ("Solteq" or the "Company") has successfully completed its consent solicitation by way of a written procedure (the "Written Procedure") in order to amend the terms and conditions (the "Terms and Conditions") of its EUR 23 million senior unsecured fixed rate notes (ISIN: FI4000442264) (the "Notes") so as to:
  • extend the Final Maturity Date under the Terms and Conditions by 24 months, with the new Final Maturity Date being 1 October 2026;
  • increase the coupon rate on the Notes from 6.0 percent to 10.0 percent;
  • amend the redemption price applicable to Voluntary Total Redemptions under the Terms and Conditions by gradually increasing the redemption price of the Notes from 100.0 percent to 104.0 percent during the extended maturity period of the Notes; and
  • decrease the permitted size of the Working Capital Facility included in the Terms and Conditions of the Notes to either EUR 7 million or 90 percent of EBITDA, whichever is greater.

In accordance with the request (the "Request") dated 21 August 2024 and addressed to the Noteholders, Solteq sought for the approval of the Noteholders in a Written Procedure to execute the changes to the Terms and Conditions. The Written Procedure commenced on 21 August 2024 and expired on 13 September 2024 at 3:00 p.m. (Finnish time). Pursuant to the Terms and Conditions, quorum in respect of a Written Procedure in relation to the Request existed if Noteholders representing at least 50 per cent of the Adjusted Nominal Amount reply to the Request in the Written Procedure. The approval of the Request was further subject to that at least two thirds (2/3) of the votes cast in the Written Procedure consent to the Request. Quorum in respect of a Written Procedure in relation to the Request existed and the Request was approved by required majority of the Noteholders participating in the Written Procedure. Thus, the requested amendments to the Terms and Conditions will become effective as of 13 September 2024. The amendments to the Terms and Conditions as approved in the Written Procedure are attached to this stock exchange release.

The Company will pay to those Noteholders who have voted in favour of the Request a fee of 1.75 per cent (the "Fee") for the Nominal Amount of the Notes held by each Noteholder for which such Noteholder has voted in favour of the Request. The Fee will be paid to those Noteholders from whom a valid Voting Form in favour of the Request was received by Nordic Trustee Oy before the Final Response Time, and who remain to be Noteholders on 17 September 2024. The Fee will be paid no later than 1 October 2024 to the Noteholders eligible to receive it, as described in more detail in the Request.

Further information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen

Tel: +358 50 567 3421

E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Attachment:

The amendments to the Terms and Conditions as approved in the Written Procedure

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

About Solteq

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs over 400 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin,
Other information disclosed according to the rules of the Exchange
September 6, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.

The Shareholders' Nomination Committee of Solteq Plc consists of representatives of the four largest shareholders, registered on August 30, 2024. 
The following representatives have been nominated to the Shareholders' Nomination Committee of Solteq Plc:

  •    Markku Pietilä, Chairman of the Board, nominated by Profiz Business Solution Oy 
(11.32% shares and votes) 
  •    Jukka Vähäpesola, Head of Equities, nominated by Keskinäinen Työeläkevakuutusyhtiö Elo 
(10.31% shares and votes)
  •    Karoliina Lindroos, Head of Responsible Investment and Sustainability, nominated by Keskinäinen Eläkevakuutusyhtiö Ilmarinen 
(8.51% shares and votes)
  •    Hanna Kaskela, Senior Vice President of Sustainability & Communications, nominated by Keskinäinen työeläkevakuutusyhtiö Varma 
(7.97% shares and votes)
 
The Nomination Committee prepares proposals regarding the election and remuneration of the members of the Board of Directors to the Annual General Meeting. The newly appointed Shareholders' Nomination Committee submits its proposals to the Board of Directors no later than January 31, 2025.

Further information

CEO Aarne Aktan

Tel: +358 40 342 4440

E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki

Key media

www.solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs over 400 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin
Half-Year Report
August 22, 2024, at 8.00 am

 

Significant Turnaround in Profitability - Comparable Operating Result improved by EUR 2.1 million

April-June
  • Comparable revenue totaled EUR 13.4 million (13.6) and decreased by 1.5 percent. Revenue totaled EUR 13.4 million (14.3) and decreased by 6.1 percent
  • Comparable EBITDA was EUR 0.6 million (-1.3) and EBITDA EUR 0.6 million (7.7). Comparable EBITDA percent was 4.6 (-9.3)
  • Comparable operating result was EUR 0.0 million (-2.1) and operating result EUR 0.0 million
(6.3). Comparable operating result percent was 0.0 (-15.3)
  • Earnings per share was EUR -0.03 (0.19)
January-June
  • Comparable revenue totaled EUR 27.0 million (27.7) and decreased by 2.7 percent. Revenue totaled EUR 27.0 million (31.2) and decreased by 13.5 percent
  • Comparable EBITDA was 1.0 EUR million (-1.1) and EBITDA EUR 1.0 million (9.0). Comparable EBITDA percent was 3.6 (-4.1)
  • Comparable operating result was EUR -0.2 million (-2.7) and operating result EUR -0.2 million
(6.2). Comparable operating result percent was -0.9 (-9.8)
  • Earnings per share was EUR -0.06 (0.20)
  • Solteq Group's equity ratio was 29.0 percent (38.4)
  • Net cash flow from operating activities was EUR 1.2 million (-1.8)
  • The company expects the comparable revenue to grow and the operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023

Key figures

4-6/202 4-6/202 Change 1-6/202 1-6/202 Change 1-12/20 Rolling
% 4 3 % 23 12mos
4 3

Revenue, 13,398 14,273 -6.1 26,970 31,173 -13.5 57,655 53,452
TEUR
Comparable 13,398 13,609 -1.5 26,970 27,721 -2.7 54,183 53,431
revenue,
TEUR
EBITDA, 617 7,698 -92.0 974 8,979 -89.1 8,695 691
TEUR
Comparable 617 -1,269 148.6 974 -1,149 184.8 -1,662 461
EBITDA,
TEUR
Operating 3 6,337 -99.9 -244 6,246 -103.9 -3,541 -10,031
result,
TEUR
Comparable 3 -2,076 100.2 -244 -2,727 91.1 -4,575 -2,092
operating
result,
TEUR
Result for -506 3,672 -113.8 -1,211 3,877 -131.2 -5,380 -10,468
the
financial
period,
TEUR
Earnings -0.03 0.19 -113.8 -0.06 0.20 -131.2 -0.28 -0.54
per
share, EUR
Operating 0.0 44.4 -0.9 20.0 -6.1 -18.8
result,
%
Comparable 0.0 -15.3 -0.9 -9.8 -8.4* -3.9
operating
result,
%
Equity 29.0 38.4 30.1 34.2
ratio, %

 *Solteq announced new comparable figures on April 24, 2024. In the Interim report January 1st - March 31st, 2024, the percentage in question had remained incorrect.

CEO Aarne Aktan: Significant Turnaround in Profitability - Comparable Operating Result improved by EUR 2.1 million

The company's second quarter brought about a very significant turnaround in results: the comparable operating result improved by EUR 2.1 million relative to the comparison period. The Group's comparable EBITDA was EUR 0.6 million, and the comparable operating result was slightly positive for the first time in two years. This complete turnaround in profitability results from systematic and long-term efforts focused on renewing the business strategy, improving the quality of Utilities software products, and group-wide efficiency and cost-saving initiatives.

The revenue development for the review period lagged slightly behind the comparison period due to subdued customer demand. The Group's comparable revenue was EUR 13.4 million during the review period, which decreased by 1.5 percent relative to the comparison period.

The Retail & Commerce segment performed well in the subdued market and improved its performance significantly from the comparison period. The comparable operating result improved by EUR 0.8 million from the comparison period and was EUR 0.4 million positive. However, comparable revenue decreased slightly from the comparison period (-1.2 percent). During the review period, an efficiency and cost-savings program within the Commerce & Data business unit of the Retail & Commerce segment and the Group administration was implemented to improve the profitability. The company estimates achieving annual savings of approximately EUR 3.4 million through group-wide savings and reduction measures. Approximately a third of the annual cost savings is expected to be realized on the second half of 2024.

Systematic measures to improve the quality of Utilities software products and develop the operations are reflected as a significant improvement in the profitability of the Utilities segment from the comparison period. The comparable operating result improved by EUR 1.3 million and was EUR -0.4 million. The comparable operating result improved by more than 78 percent. As a result of the measures taken, the Utilities segment will return to profitable growth.

The long-term market outlook for the Retail & Commerce segment is expected to remain moderate, and demand to recover as the markets stabilize. The long-term market outlook for the Utilities segment is expected to remain good and provide opportunities for profitable growth. 

On August 21, 2024, the company commenced a written procedure to amend the terms and conditions of its EUR 23 million notes maturing on October 1, 2024.  In the written procedure, the noteholders' consent is being sought to postpone the final maturity date of the notes by 24 months, which would extend the maturity to October 1, 2026.

Profit Guidance 2024

The company expects the comparable revenue to grow and the operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023

Going concern principle

In assessing the going concern principle, the management of the company has considered the risks related to the refinancing of the company. The key elements of Solteq Group's debt financing are a fixed-rate bond, as well as standby and bank account credit limits. 

Solteq issued a fixed-rate unsecured senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million on October 1, 2020. Of the EUR 23.0 million bond outstanding at the time of the Half-Year Report, EUR 0.6 million was held by the company. The bond matures on October 1, 2024. The standby and bank account credit limits total EUR 7.0 million. The related financial covenants are linked to the terms of the bond.

The terms of the bond include financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond (Incurrence Covenant). The covenants require that the equity ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1, and that the Group's net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the reporting period. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the above-mentioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond. The prerequisite for the company's going concern is the restructuring of the financing.

On August 21, 2024, the company commenced a written procedure to amend the terms of the bond so that the bond maturity would be postponed by 24 months, which would extend the maturity to October 1, 2026. In addition, as part of the amendment process, the company has proposed, among other things, changing the coupon rate from 6 percent to 10 percent, and changes to the redemption price of the bond. 

In assessing the going concern, the management of the company has considered the effects of the measures taken during the financial year 2024, the financial performance during the review period 1-6/2024, financial forecasts, and risks related to the availability of financing and to financial negotiations. 

The company believes that the planned financing arrangements will lead to a favorable outcome. However, there are still no binding commitments on the restructuring of the financing and the outcome of the ongoing amendment procedure involves uncertainty. If the company failed to restructure the financing by the bond maturity date, the company would not be able to meet its obligations and the conditions for the company's going concern would become jeopardized.

Considering the above measures and risks, the management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small. Therefore, the management of the company has deemed it justified to prepare the Half-Year Report under the going concern principle.

Financial reporting

The Half-Year Report has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and valuation principles of IFRS standards and using IAS 34 and the same accounting policies as the Financial Statements 2023. The new IFRS standards, taken into use on January 1, 2024, do not have a significant impact on the Group's Interim Report. The information presented in the Half-Year Report has not been audited.

Attachments

Solteq Plc's Half-Year Report January 1 - June 30, 2024

Further Information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50567 3421
E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs over 400 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin

Other information disclosed according to the rules of the Exchange

August 21, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. 

Solteq Plc (the "Company") has decided to commence a written procedure in accordance with the terms and conditions (the "Terms and Conditions") of its EUR 23 million senior unsecured fixed rate notes (ISIN: FI4000442264) (the "Notes") to amend the Terms and Conditions of the Notes (the "Written Procedure"). The Company announced on 2 August 2024 that it was considering commencing the Written Procedure to ensure the sufficiency of its funding and the continuity of its operations.

The Written Procedure will be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions described in the notice to the noteholders (the "Noteholders") dated 21 August 2024 (the "Request"). The capitalised English terms used in this release shall have the same meaning as in the Request.

In accordance with the Request, the Company seeks for the consent of the Noteholders in the Written Procedure to implement the amendments to the Terms and Conditions. The Company expects that the amendments to the Terms and Conditions, together with published and ongoing measures to achieve cost savings and improve its profitability, will provide it with a good opportunity to refinance the Notes.

The consent is sought for the following amendments to the Terms and Conditions:
  • Extension of the Final Maturity Date under the Terms and Conditions by 24 months, with a Final Maturity Date of 1 October 2026
  • Increase of the coupon rate on the Notes from 6.0 percent to 10.0 percent
  • Amending the redemption price applicable to Voluntary Total Redemptions under the Terms and Conditions by gradually increasing the redemption price of the Notes from 100.0 percent to 104.0 percent during the extended maturity period of the Notes
  • Decrease of the permitted size of the Working Capital Facility included in the Terms and Conditions of the Notes to either EUR 7 million or 90 percent of EBITDA, whichever is greater.

As compensation for the Noteholders voting to approve the Request, the Company will offer the Noteholders a Consent Fee of 1.75 per cent (the "Consent Fee") for the Nominal Amount of the Notes held by each Noteholder for which such Noteholder votes in favour of the Request. The Consent Fee will be paid to those Noteholders from whom Nordic Trustee Oy (the "Noteholders' Representative") has received a valid Voting Form in favor of the Request by the Final Response Time. The payment of the Consent Fee is subject to the Request being approved by a requisite majority of the Noteholders participating in the Written Procedure. The payment date of the Consent Fee will be announced upon publication of the result of the Written Procedure. Noteholders who (i) do not vote; (ii) vote in favor of the Request but after the Final Response Time; or (iii) vote against the Request, will not be eligible to receive the Consent Fee.

Pursuant to the Terms and Conditions of the Notes, a quorum in respect of the Written Procedure only exists if Noteholders participating in the Written Procedure in respect of the Request hold at least 50 percent of the Adjusted Nominal Amount of the Notes. The Request will be approved if at least two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast in the Written Procedure vote in favor of the Request.

The right to participate in the Written Procedure is open to persons who are Noteholders on 20 August 2024 (the "Record Date"). Voting forms must be sent to the Noteholders' Representative by e-mail, post or courier to the address below so that the voting form is received no later than 13 September 2024 at 3.00 p.m. Finnish time (the "Final Response Time").

The Noteholders are advised to read the Request carefully for further details and information about the Request and the procedures for participating in the Written Procedure. The terms and conditions of the Written Procedure are fully described in the Request, which will be delivered to the Noteholders by the Noteholders' Representative. The Request for voting in the Written Procedure is also attached to this release.

If the Request is not accepted in the Written Procedure, the Terms and Conditions of the Notes will remain unchanged. The Notes have been listed on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd since 5 October 2020 under the trading code "STQJ600024".

Further information

CEO Aarne Aktan

Tel: +358 40 342 4440

E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen

Tel: +358 50 567 3421

E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Appendix:

Request for Written Procedure

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki

Key media

www.solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs over 400 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Disclaimer

This announcement is for information purposes only and neither this announcement nor the Request constitutes an invitation to participate in the Written Procedure in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such invitation or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution or publication of this announcement or of the Request in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this announcement or the Request come are required by the Company to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.

If any Noteholder is in any doubt as to the contents of this announcement, the Request or the action it should take, such Noteholder should seek its own financial and legal advice, including in respect of any tax consequences, immediately from its stockbroker, bank manager, legal counsel, accountant or other appropriately authorised independent financial adviser.

The Written Procedure is only being made outside the United States. Neither this announcement nor the Request is an offer of securities for sale in the United States or any other jurisdiction. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. The Notes have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, unless an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act is available.

Stock Exchange Bulletin

Inside Information

August 2, 2024, at 10:45 a.m.

Solteq provides preliminary information about its financial development to support financing negotiations. The figures are preliminary and have not been audited.

"We have achieved a significant turnaround in earnings. In the second quarter, comparable EBITDA improved by EUR 1.9 million and the comparable operating result by EUR 2.1 million. This led to an improvement in profitability of over 15 percent and a slightly positive operating result in the second quarter.

The turnaround in profitability has taken us two years, during which we have renewed our business strategy, enhanced our operations, and carried out group-wide cost savings programs. Our personnel has been the actual driving force behind this turnaround, and I am very grateful to them for that.

Due to these actions, the net cash flow improved by EUR 3.0 million in the first half of the year relative to the comparison period. I am very pleased with our financial development," the CEO of the Company, Aarne Aktan, sums up.

Preliminary Key Figures:

April - June 2024
  • Comparable revenue totaled EUR 13.4 million (13.6) and decreased by 1.5 percent.
  • Comparable EBITDA was EUR 0.6 million (-1.3) and improved by EUR 1.9 million. Comparable EBITDA percent was 4.6 (-9.3).
  • Comparable operating result was EUR 0.0 million (-2.1) and improved by EUR 2.1 million. Comparable operating result percent was 0.0 (-15.3).
  • Earnings per share was EUR -0.03 (0.19).
January - June 2024
  • Comparable revenue totaled EUR 27.0 million (27.7) and decreased by 2.7 percent.
  • Comparable EBITDA was EUR 1.0 million (-1.1). Comparable EBITDA percent was 3.6 (-4.1).
  • Comparable operating result was EUR -0.2 million (-2.7). Comparable operating result percent was -0.9 (-9.8).
  • Earnings per share was EUR -0.06 (0.20).
  • Solteq Group's equity ratio was 29.0 percent (38.4).
  • Net cash flow from operating activities was EUR 1.2 million (-1.8).

Solteq will publish its Half-Year Report on August 22 at 8.00 a.m., according to the previously published schedule.

Solteq considers commencing a written procedure to amend the terms and conditions of its notes

Solteq (the "Company") considers commencing a written procedure to amend the terms and conditions of its EUR 23 million senior unsecured fixed-rate notes (the "Notes") due October 1, 2024. The objective of the amendment to the terms and conditions of the Notes would be to ensure the sufficiency of funding and the continuity of operations.

If the written procedure is commenced, the Company considers proposing to amend the terms and conditions of its Notes, among other things, for the following matters:
  • extending the Final Maturity Date of the Notes for a maximum of 24 months so that the new Final Maturity Date would be October 1, 2026, at the latest;
  • increasing the coupon rate of the Notes from the current rate of 6.0 percent;
  • amending the redemption procedure by increasing the redemption price of the Notes from 100.0 percent during the extended maturity period; and
  • decreasing the permitted size of the Working Capital Facility included in the terms and conditions of the Notes to either EUR 7 million or 90 percent of EBITDA, whichever is greater.

The Company evaluates the possibility of commencing a written procedure in the near future. If a written procedure is commenced, the Company will publish a release on the matter and draft a request to the Noteholders for the written procedure and the proposed changes to the terms and conditions of the Notes. Approving the proposed changes would require that at least 20 percent of the Adjusted Nominal Amount and at least two-thirds (2/3) of the votes cast would consent to the request.

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki

Key media

www.solteq.com

Further information

CEO Aarne Aktan

Tel: +358 40 342 4440

E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen

Tel: +358 50 567 3421

E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company operates with over 400 professionals in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin
Other information disclosed according to the rules of the Exchange
June 24, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.

Solteq's efficiency and cost-savings program, targeted at the Retail & Commerce segment's Commerce & Data business unit and the Group administration, has been completed. The company will execute cost-savings and reduction measures in Finland and other group companies, and it estimates achieving annual savings of approximately EUR 3.4 million. Approximately a third of the annual cost savings is expected to be realized in 2024. 

As part of the efficiency and cost-savings program, the change negotiations initiated in Finland on May 6, 2024, have been concluded, and the company has decided on the actions on June 24, 2024. Based on the resignations and layoffs, the company's workforce will be reduced by 24 employees in Finland. The negotiations concerned the personnel of the Commerce & Data unit and the Group administration. 

With a more agile organization and a leaner cost structure, the company aims to create conditions for improving profitability. For the Retail & Commerce segment, the long-term target for annual growth is to achieve a minimum of 8 percent for revenue and 8 percent for operating result margin. 

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com 

Further Information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
Email: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50 567 3421
Email: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company operates with nearly 500 professionals in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin
Inside Information
April 30, 2024, at 08:02 a.m. 
Solteq Group initiates an efficiency and cost-savings program to achieve approximately EUR 3.5 million in annual cost savings. The efficiency and cost-savings program concerns the Retail & Commerce segment's Commerce & Data business unit and Group Administration. The goal is to improve profitability by reorganizing and enhancing the efficiency of operations.
"The volatile global economy continues to affect customer demand, especially in the offering of the Commerce & Data business unit. Customer organizations are cautious regarding investments, which has led to more delays in decision-making and scale-downs of scopes in project deliveries than expected. In the current market situation, we need to adjust the cost structure of both this unit and Group administration to improve Solteq's profitability," says CEO Aarne Aktan.  
In Finland, Solteq initiates change negotiations under Chapter 3, Section 16 of the Co-operation Act on production and economic grounds. The change negotiations concern the employees working in the Commerce & Data unit and Group Administration. Change negotiations may lead to the termination of employment of up to 35 people. In addition, the planned measures may result in job reorganization, as well as changes to job descriptions and terms and conditions of employment, and organizational structures for all employees involved in the negotiations. The change negotiations will begin on May 6, 2024, and are expected to be completed by June 17, 2024. 

Solteq Plc 
Board of Directors

Further Information
CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
Email: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50 567 3421
Email: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com
Distribution
Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com 
Solteq in brief
Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company operates with nearly 500 professionals in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.
 

Stock Exchange Bulletin
Changes Board/Management/Auditors
April 30, 2024, at 08:01 a.m.
Solteq Plc's CEO, Aarne Aktan (b. 1973), takes on the leadership responsibilities of the Utilities segment's business in addition to his current duties. On April 3, 2024, the company announced the resignation of Jaakko Hirvensalo, who has served as the EVP of Utilities.

Aarne Aktan has comprehensive experience in the development and commercialization of software products. In addition, he has long-standing expertise in the leadership of software businesses.

As of May 1, 2024, the composition and responsibilities of Solteq Plc's Executive Team are: 

Aarne Aktan, CEO, EVP of Utilities;
Jesper Boye, EVP of Retail & Commerce; 
Mikko Sairanen, CFO, General Counsel;
Oona Silén, VP of People and Culture;
Christa Tavan, Director of Marketing and Communications.

Vantaa, April 30, 2024

Solteq Plc
Board of Directors

Further information:

Markku Pietilä
Chairman of the Board
Tel: +358 50 045 5156  
Email: markku.pietila@solteq.com

Distribution:

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

Solteq in brief:

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company operates with nearly 500 professionals in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.
 

Stock Exchange Bulletin 
Interim Report
April 30, 2024, at 8.00 am
A Positive Turnaround in Profitability
January-March

Comparable revenue totaled EUR 13.6 million (14.1) and decreased by 3.8 percent. Revenue totaled EUR 13.6 million (16.9) and decreased by 19.7 percent
Comparable EBITDA was EUR 0.4 million (0.1) and EBITDA EUR 0.4 million (1.3). Comparable EBITDA percent was 2.6 (0.9)
Comparable operating result was EUR -0.2 million (-0.7) and operating result EUR -0.2 million
(-0.1). Comparable operating result percent was -1.8 (-4.6)
Earnings per share was EUR -0.04 (0.01)
Solteq Group's equity ratio was 29.3 percent (30.5)
Net cash flow from operating activities was EUR 1.0 million (0.5)
The company expects the comparable revenue to grow and the operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023

Key figures
 

1-3/2024 1-3/2023 Change % 1-12/2023 Rolling 12mos

Revenue, TEUR 13,571 16,899 -19.7 57,655 54,327
Comparable 13,571 14,113 -3.8 54,183 53,641
revenue, TEUR
EBITDA, TEUR 358 1,281 -72.1 8,695 7,772
Comparable EBITDA, 358 121 196.7 -1,662 -1,425
TEUR
Operating result, -247 -91 -170.8 -3,541 -3,697
TEUR
Comparable -247 -652 62.1 -4,575 -4,171
operating result,
TEUR
Result for the -705 204 -445.4 -5,380 -6,289
financial period,
TEUR
Earnings per -0.04 0.01 -445.4 -0.28 -0.32
share, EUR
Operating result, -1.8 -0.5 -6.1 -6.8
%
Comparable -1.8 -4.6 -7.2 -7.8
operating result,
%
Equity ratio, % 29.3 30.5 30.1 30.0

CEO Aarne Aktan: A Positive Turnaround in Profitability
Solteq Plc's first quarter brought a positive turnaround in profitability development. However, revenue development lagged and fell short of the company's expectations due to decreased customer demand and weaker-than-expected sales performance. The Group's comparable revenue was EUR 13.6 million in the review period. The comparable revenue decreased by 2.6 percent in the Retail & Commerce segment and 7.5 percent in the Utilities segment. 
The company's profitability improved during the review period. The comparable EBITDA was EUR 0.4 million, and the comparable operating result was EUR -0.2 million. The comparable EBITDA improved by EUR 0.2 million, and the comparable operating result by EUR 0.4 million relative to the comparison period. Utilities drove the turnaround in profitability. The segment's efficiency improvement program in 2023 and the persistent work with product quality assurance started materializing. In Retail & Commerce, however, profitability weakened due to a disproportionate cost structure relative to diminishing revenue.
The long-term market outlook for the Retail & Commerce segment is expected to remain moderate and demand to recover as the markets stabilize. Retail & Commerce will renew its sales strategy and account management processes during the current quarter to improve sales performance. The long-term market outlook for the Utilities segment is expected to remain good and provide opportunities for profitable growth.

Profit Guidance 2024
The company expects the comparable revenue to grow and the operating result to be positive. The comparable revenue was EUR 54,183 thousand for the financial year 2023

Going concern principle
In assessing the going concern principle, the management of the company has considered the risks related to the refinancing of the company. The key elements of Solteq Group's debt financing are a fixed-rate bond, as well as standby and bank account credit limits.  
Solteq issued a fixed-rate unsecured senior bond with a nominal value of EUR 23.0 million on October 1, 2020. Of the EUR 23.0 million bond outstanding at the time of the Interim Report, EUR 0.6 million was held by the company. The bond matures on October 1, 2024. The standby and bank account credit limits total EUR 7.0 million. The related financial covenants are linked to the terms of the bond. 
The terms of the bond include financial covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond (Incurrence Covenant). The covenants require that the equity ratio exceeds 27.5 percent, the interest coverage ratio (EBITDA/net interest cost) exceeds 3.00:1, and that the Group's net interest-bearing debt to EBITDA ratio does not exceed 4:1. The covenants concerning the distribution of funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond are not fulfilled based on the reporting period. The fulfillment of the covenants is always reviewed based on the last reported 12-month period. Violations of the above-mentioned financial covenants of the bond do not, as such, lead to the right to demand immediate repayment of the bond, but they limit the distribution of the company's funds and incurring financial indebtedness other than permitted under the terms of the bond.
The prerequisite for the company's going concern is the restructuring of the financing. The company has initiated measures to arrange refinancing of the company. 
In assessing the going concern, the management of the company has considered the effects of the measures taken during the financial year 2023, the financial performance during the review period 1-3/2024, financial forecasts, and risks related to the availability of financing and to financial negotiations.  
The company believes that the planned financing arrangements will lead to a favorable outcome. However, there are still no binding decisions on the restructuring of the financing and if the company failed to restructure the financing by the bond maturity date, the company would not be able to meet its obligations and the conditions for the company's going concern would become jeopardized.
Considering the above measures and risks, the management estimates that operations will continue and that the risk of insufficient funding is small. Therefore, the management of the company has deemed it justified to prepare the Interim Report under the going concern principle.
Financial reporting
The Interim Report has been prepared in accordance with the recognition and valuation principles of IFRS standards and using IAS 34 and the same accounting policies as the Financial Statements 2023. The new IFRS standards, taken into use on January 1, 2024, do not have a significant impact on the Group's Interim Report. The information presented in the Interim Report has not been audited. 

Attachments
Solteq Plc's Interim Report January 1 - March 31, 2024

Further Information
CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50 567 3421
E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com

Distribution
Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com 

Solteq in brief
Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs nearly 500 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock exchange bulletin
Other information published under the rules of the exchange
April 24, 2024, at 1:30 p.m.

Solteq Plc publishes new comparable data for the financial year 2023. The company has changed the definition of comparable EBITDA and comparable operating result and added significant changes from product development activations and related depreciation to items affecting comparability. The definition of comparable revenue remains unchanged.

In December 2023, the company changed its operating logic of dealing with product development activities. The development of own software products is part of continuous services and standard operations, and the related product development costs no longer meet the requirements for activation. The development costs of these existing software products are thus treated as cost items in the income statement as part of normal business operations, and product development cost activations ceased in the last quarter of the financial year 2023. In addition, the company assesses the product development investments activated in the balance sheet and their expected return. As a result of the assessment, the company made write-downs totaling EUR 7.5 million. The change in operating mode affected Solteq Group's fourth quarter 2023 comprehensive income statement and consolidated balance sheet. The change did not affect the Group's comprehensive income statements or consolidated balance sheets reported for the first, second and third quarters of 2023.

In the new comparable EBITDA and comparable operating result figures for 2023, quarterly product development activations of existing software products have been adjusted as expenses and related depreciation of previous product development activations has been reversed through profit or loss as if the change described above had been made at the beginning of 2023. The new comparable figures are unaudited.

The new comparable data include quarterly reported EBITDA and operating result. The new comparable data does not affect the reported revenue. Comparable key figures are presented based on the company's segment structure. In addition, product development activations and related depreciation adjusted from comparable EBITDA are presented below by segment.
 

Comparable 1-3/2023 4-6/2023 7-9/2023 10-12/2023 1-12/2023
EBITDA, TEUR
Retail & 1,326 149 684 156 2,315
Commerce
Utilities -1,205 -1,418 -819 -534 -3,976
Total 121 -1,269 -135 -378 -1,662

Comparable 1-3/2023 4-6/2023 7-9/2023 10-12/2023 1-12/2023
EBITDA, %
Retail & 12.5 1.5 7.4 1.5 5.7
Commerce
Utilities -34.8 -41.2 -27.4 -14.0 -29.0
Total 0.9 -9.3 -1.1 -2.7 -3.1

Comparable 1-3/2023 4-6/2023 7-9/2023 10-12/2023 1-12/2023
operating
result, TEUR
Retail & 815 -386 261 -241 449
Commerce
Utilities -1,467 -1,689 -1,082 -785 -5,024
Total -652 -2,076 -821 -1,026 -4,575

Comparable 1-3/2023 4-6/2023 7-9/2023 10-12/2023 1-12/2023
operating
result, %
Retail & 7.7 -3.8 2.8 -2.3 1.1
Commerce
Utilities -42.4 -49.1 -36.2 -20.6 -36.7
Total -4.6 -15.3 -6.7 -7.2 -8.4

Adjusted product development activations and related depreciation:
 

Product 1-3/2023 4-6/2023 7-9/2023 10-12/2023 1-12/2023
development
activations
Retail & -290 -300 -363 -96 -1,048
Commerce
Utilities -537 -434 -337 0 -1,308
Total -826 -734 -700 -96 -2,356

Depreciation 1-3/2023 4-6/2023 7-9/2023 10-12/2023 1-12/2023
Retail & 249 251 260 72 831
Commerce
Utilities 257 276 289 10 831
Total 506 527 549 81 1,663

The items affecting comparability under the new definition are:
  • Significant restructuring arrangements and related financial items
  • Impairments
  • Items related to the sale or discontinuation of significant business operations
  • Costs incurred by the re-organization of operations
  • Costs incurred by the integration of acquired business operations
  • Severance packages for those permanently excluded from the cost structure
  • Non cash flow based fees and commissions
  • Costs incurred by changes in legislation
  • Fines and similar indemnities, damages, and legal costs
  • Significant changes in activations of development costs of own software products and related depreciation

The comparable key figures of Solteq's first interim report of 2024 will be prepared in line with the new comparability definition.

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

Additional information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com
CFO, General Counsel Mikko Sairanen
Tel: +358 50 567 3421
E-mail: mikko.sairanen@solteq.com
Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs nearly 500 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin
Changes board/management/auditors
April 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Solteq Plc's EVP of Utilities and member of the Executive Team, Jaakko Hirvensalo, has announced his resignation. Hirvensalo will continue in his current position and as a member of the Executive Team until the end of April 2024.

Jaakko Hirvensalo has been employed by the company since 2021, joining the company after the business transfer agreement between Partiture Oy and Solteq. Hirvensalo has served in his current role as the EVP of the Utilities segment and a member of Solteq Group's Executive Team since January 1, 2023.
"We have made a tremendous journey in the Utilities segment, moving from a difficult situation towards a phase of exciting prospects. The foundation for success has been laid, and the time is right for me to continue my journey. I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the shared journey with the entire Utilities team, customers, and the Group Executive Team," summarizes Jaakko Hirvensalo.

The company will start the process of finding a new EVP for Utilities at once. 

"I want to thank Jaakko for contributing to revitalizing the Utilities business. Jaakko's work has been crucial for the future of the company and the Utilities segment. I wish Jaakko all the best in the future," comments Aarne Aktan, CEO of Solteq Plc.

Solteq Plc' Executive Team consists of the following members as of May 1, 2024: 
Aarne Aktan, CEO;
Jesper Boye, EVP of Retail & Commerce; 
Mikko Sairanen, CFO, General Counsel;
Oona Silén, VP of People and Culture;
Christa Tavan, Director of Marketing and Communications.
Vantaa, April 3, 2024
Solteq Plc
Further Information

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

Distribution

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company operates with nearly 500 professionals in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Stock Exchange Bulletin
Decisions of the general meeting
March 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

The Annual General Meeting of Solteq Plc was held today, 27 March 2024 without a meeting venue via real-time remote access. The Annual General Meeting supported all proposals made by the Board of Directors and Shareholders' Nomination Committee to the Annual General Meeting and adopted the following resolutions:

Financial statements, discharge of liability, and dividend distribution

The Annual General Meeting adopted the financial statements for the financial year 1 January-31 December 2023 and discharged the CEO and members of the Board of Directors who were active during the financial year from liability.

In accordance with the proposal of the Board of Directors, it was resolved that no dividend is distributed for the financial year that ended on 31 December 2023.

Electing a Board of Directors and their remuneration

The Annual General Meeting resolved that 7 members were elected to the Board of Directors. The Annual General Meeting resolved to elect the following members of the Board of Directors according to proposal of the Shareholders' Nomination Committee of Solteq Plc: Markku Pietilä, Katarina Cantell, Panu Porkka, Anni Sarvaranta, Mika Sutinen, Esko Mertsalmi and Lotta Airas. 

It was resolved that a monthly remuneration of EUR 5,000 will be paid to the Chairman of the Board and EUR 2,500 to the other Board members. In addition, the Chairman and other members will be paid a meeting fee of EUR 500 for each meeting of the Board and Board committee. In addition, Board members will be reimbursed for ordinary and reasonable expenses resulting from Board work against an invoice.

Auditor

The Annual General Meeting elected audit firm PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy as the auditor of the company, and it will also carry out the assurance of the Company's sustainability reporting for the financial year 2024. PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy has informed that Tiina Puukkoniemi, Authorised Public Accountant (KHT), Authorised Sustainability Auditor (KRT), is the auditor with principal responsibility, and she would also act as the responsible sustainability reporting assurance provider.

The auditor is remunerated according to a reasonable invoice approved by the company.

Remuneration report and remuneration policy for governing bodies

The Annual General Meeting adopted the remuneration report of the company's governing bodies for year 2023 and approved the amended remuneration policy for governing bodies.

Amendment of the Articles of Association

The Annual General Meeting approved the proposal of the Board of Directors to amend Articles 1 and 11 of the Articles of Association so that the domicile of the company is Espoo and that a general meeting of shareholders can be held in addition to the domicile of the company in Helsinki or Vantaa.

Authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on the issuance of shares, option rights, and other special rights entitling to shares

The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to decide on a share issue carried out with or without payment and on issuing share options and other special rights referred to in Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Finnish Limited Liability Companies Act as follows:

The maximum total number of shares or other rights issued under the authorization is 2,000,000. The authorization includes the right to issue new shares and special rights or convey treasury shares. The new shares and rights can be issued and treasury shares conveyed in a directed share issue deviating from the shareholders' pre-emptive right of subscription if there is a weighty financial reason for the company, e.g., to improve the capital structure, to execute business acquisitions, and other business improvement arrangements. The authorization cannot be used to implement the company's incentive schemes. The authorization includes the right for the Board of Directors to decide on all other terms concerning the share issue and granting special rights, including the subscription price and payment of the subscription price in cash or in whole or in part by other means (subscription in kind) or by using the subscriber's receivable to offset the subscription price and record it in the company's balance sheet.

The authorization is effective until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than 30 April 2025. This authorization cancels the corresponding decision made by the Annual General Meeting 2023.

Authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on repurchasing the company's own shares

The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to decide on repurchasing the company's own shares as follows: The number of own shares to be repurchased based on the authorization cannot exceed 500,000. Shares may be repurchased in one or more lots. The Company may use only unrestricted equity to repurchase its own shares.

Own shares may be repurchased otherwise than in proportion to the share ownership of the shareholders (directed repurchase). The purchase price shall be at least the lowest price paid for the company's shares in regulated trading at the time of purchase and at most the highest price paid for Company shares in regulated trading at the time of purchase.

Own shares can be purchased to be used to improve the capital structure of the company, to execute business acquisitions and other business development arrangements, or as a part of the implementation of the company's incentive schemes.

The authorization is effective until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than 30 April 2025. This authorization cancels the corresponding decision made by the Annual General Meeting 2023.

Authorizing the Board of Directors to decide on accepting the company's own shares as pledge

The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to decide on accepting the company's own shares as pledge as follows: The Board of Directors is authorized to decide on accepting the company's own shares as pledge (directed) in connection with business acquisitions or when executing other business arrangements. The pledge may occur in one or several transactions. The number of own shares accepted as pledge cannot exceed 2,000,000. The Board of Directors decides on other terms concerning the pledge.

The authorization is effective until the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than 30 April 2025. This authorization cancels the corresponding decision made by the Annual General Meeting 2023.

Minutes

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting will be available by 10 April 2024 at the latest at www.solteq.com/generalmeeting.

Decisions of the Board of Directors' organizing meeting

In its organizing meeting after the Annual General Meeting, the Board of Directors elected Markku Pietilä as its chairman.

Mika Sutinen and Katarina Cantell ja Markku Pietilä were elected as members of the Audit Committee. Mika Sutinen acts as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

SOLTEQ PLC

Distribution:

Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.solteq.com

Further information: 

CEO Aarne Aktan
Tel: +358 40 342 4440
E-mail: aarne.aktan@solteq.com

Solteq in brief

Solteq is a Nordic software solution and expert service provider specializing in retail and energy sectors and needs related to e-commerce. The company employs nearly 500 professionals and has offices in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, and the UK.

Shareholders Date % of Shares % of Votes
Profiz Business Solution Oyj 31.08.2024 11.3% 11.3%
Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company 31.08.2024 10.3% 10.3%
Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company 31.08.2024 8.5% 8.5%
Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company 31.08.2024 8% 8%
Aktia Capital Mutual Fund 31.08.2024 4% 4%
Aalto Seppo Tapio 31.08.2024 3.2% 3.2%
Saadetdin Ali Urhan 31.08.2024 3.1% 3.1%
Säästöpankki Small Cap Mutual Fund 31.08.2024 2.6% 2.6%
Incedo 31.08.2024 1.6% 1.6%
Mandatum Life Insurance Company Ltd. 31.08.2024 1.5% 1.5%

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Company Facts

CEO Aarne Aktan
CFO Mikko Sairanen
Market cap (EURm) 11
Industry IT Services
Ticker SOLTEQ

Guidance

2024: Solteq expects its comparable revenue to decline compared with 2023 and the operating result to be positive.

Financial targets

Long-term goals for the business segments: Retail & Commerce min. 8% average annual growth and min. 8% EBIT-%, Utilities min. 15% average annual growth and min 18% EBIT-%

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