Kesko's interim report for the period 1 January to 30 September 2015: comparable net sales at the previous year's level, profit and financial position strengthened

KESKO CORPORATION INTERIM REPORT 22.10.2015 AT 09.00 1(30)

Kesko's interim report for the period 1 January to 30 September 2015: comparable net sales at the previous year's level, profit and financial position strengthened

Financial performance in brief:
* The Group's net sales for January-September were €6,513 million. Net sales in local
  currencies excluding Anttila remained at the previous year's level.
* Operating profit excluding non-recurring items increased to €185.3 million (€170.8 million).
* Earnings per share excluding non-recurring items were €1.24 (€1.23).
* Equity ratio 54.2% (54.2%).
* Kesko Group's net sales for the next 12 months are expected to be lower than the level of the preceding 12 months. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for the next 12-month period is expected to equal the operating profit level of the preceding 12 months.

Key performance indicators

  1-9/2015 1-9/2014 7-9/2015 7-9/2014
Net sales, € million 6,513 6,804 2,203 2,304
Operating profit excl. non-recurring items, € million 185.3 170.8 82.5 84.0
Operating profit, € million 155.3 119.7 83.1 63.4
Profit before tax, € million 147.3 118.7 78.8 61.7
Capital expenditure, € million 151.6 150.8 41.5 51.7
Earnings per share, €, diluted 0.81 0.80 0.43 0.41
Earnings per share
excl. non-recurring items, €, basic
1.24 1.23 0.53 0.59
         
  30.9.2015 30.9.2014    
Equity ratio, % 54.2 54.2    
Equity per share, € 21.41 22.25    

President and CEO Mikko Helander:
"Kesko's third quarter performance in a challenging operating environment was good. Profitability in the grocery trade was still at a good level and renewals of K-food stores continued. The positive trend of the home improvement and speciality goods trade continued in the third quarter, profitability improved and the market share is estimated to have strengthened in the key market areas. In the car trade, profitability remained at a good level.

Kesko's financial position remained strong in the third quarter. At the end of the reporting period, liquid assets were approximately €860 million and the equity ratio was 54.2%. The return on capital employed rose to 11.3%.

Strategy implementation is progressing systematically in all of our focus areas in the grocery trade, the building and home improvement trade and the car trade. The first K-rauta Express was opened in Helsinki in August and the first Starbucks coffee shop was opened at a K-citymarket. In K-food stores, the strategically very important development of services specifically tailored for individual stores is progressing. As part of strategy implementation, new digital services are made available to customers: the App Store version of the K-ruoka mobile app was launched in early October. In accordance with our strategy, we aim at high customer satisfaction based on quality, and the best digital services in the trading sector. "For shopping to be fun"."

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

Net sales and profit for January-September 2015
The Group's net sales for January-September 2015 were €6,513 million, which is 4.3% down on the corresponding period of the previous year (€6,804 million). Anttila was included in the Group figures until 16 March 2015. Anttila excluded, net sales performance was -0.1% in local currencies. The decline in consumers' purchasing power weakened consumer demand in the reporting period in Finland and Russia.

In the grocery trade, the -2.0% net sales performance was partly attributable to a drop in prices. In the home improvement and speciality goods trade, net sales decreased by 8.0%, but Anttila excluded, they increased by 2.1% in local currencies. In the car trade, net sales were down by 3.6%. The Group's net sales in Finland decreased by 4.6% and in the other countries by 2.8%. In local currencies, net sales outside Finland increased by 8.2%. The weakening of the Russian rouble impacted net sales performance in euros especially in the home improvement and speciality goods trade. International operations accounted for 19.1% (18.8%) of net sales.

1-9/2015 Net sales, € million Change, % Operating profit
excl. non- recurring
items, € million
Change,
€ million
Grocery trade 3,424 -2.0 123.0 -38.0
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 2,514 -8.0 56.1 +59.4
Car trade 571 -3.6 22.3 -1.4
Common operations and eliminations 5 (..) -16.0 -5.4
Total 6,513 -4.3 185.3 +14.6

(..) Change over 100%

The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for January-September was €185.3 million (€170.8 million). In the grocery trade, profitability was still at a good level, although the operating profit excluding non-recurring items decreased from the previous year due to price competition. In the building and home improvement trade, profitability strengthened especially in Finland and the other Nordic countries. In the car trade, profitability remained steady. The operating profit for the first months of the year includes a €12.7 million operating loss from Anttila, divested in March; the operating loss for the previous year was €57.0 million.

Operating profit was €155.3 million (€119.7 million). The operating profit includes €-30.0 million (€-51.1 million) of non-recurring items. The most significant non-recurring items are the €75.5 million capital gain recorded on a real estate transaction completed in the second quarter of the year and the €130 million loss on the divestment of Anttila. In addition, the non-recurring items include other gains on the sale of properties in the amount of €25.4 million. The non-recurring items of the comparative period included a provision for the restructuring of Anttila, and an impairment charge on fixed assets related to the integration of K-citymarket non-food and Anttila, a total of €43.4 million.

The Group's profit before tax for January-September was €147.3 million (€118.7 million). The Group's earnings per share were €0.81 (€0.80). The Group's equity per share was €21.41 (€22.25).

In January-September, the K-Group's (i.e. Kesko's and the chain stores') retail and B2B sales excluding Anttila (VAT 0%) were €8,040 million, down 2.7% compared to the previous year. The K-Plussa customer loyalty programme gained 46,415 new households in January-September 2015. At the end of September, there were 2.3 million K-Plussa households and 3.6 million K-Plussa cardholders.

Net sales and profit for July-September 2015
The Group's net sales for July-September 2015 were €2,203 million, which is 4.4% down on the corresponding period of the previous year (€2,304 million). Anttila excluded, net sales increased by 1.2% in local currencies. The operating environment of the trading sector remained challenging and purchasing power declined in Finland and especially in Russia.

In the grocery trade, net sales decreased by 1.6%, which was especially attributable to a drop in prices. In the home improvement and speciality goods trade, net sales decreased by 8.9%, but Anttila excluded, they increased in local currencies by 4.5%. In the car trade, net sales were down by 2.6%. The Group's net sales in Finland decreased by 5.1% and Anttila excluded, by 1.6%. In the other countries, net sales were down by 1.7%, but in local currencies, they were up by 12.0%. International operations accounted for 20.9% (20.4%) of net sales.

7-9/2015 Net sales, € million Change, % Operating profit
excl. non- recurring
items, € million
Change,
€ million
Grocery trade 1,171 -1.6 44.8 -15.5
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 857 -8.9 35.8 +15.1
Car trade 170 -2.6 6.0 -0.3
Common operations and eliminations 4 (..) -4.1 -0.9
Total 2,203 -4.4 82.5 -1.6

(..) Change over 100%

The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for July-September was €82.5 million (€84.0 million). The operating profit excluding non-recurring items decreased in the grocery trade, most significantly due to intensified price competition. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the home improvement and speciality goods trade increased by €15.1 million. The figures of the home improvement and speciality goods trade for the comparative period included a €14.3 million operating loss from Anttila. In the car trade, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items was at the previous year's level. The effect of the real estate arrangement completed in June on the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the third quarter was €-4.2 million.

Operating profit was €83.1 million (€63.4 million). The operating profit includes €0.7 million (€-20.7 million) of non-recurring items. The item includes gains on the sale of properties in the amount of €1.2 million. The non-recurring items of the comparative period included an impairment charge on fixed assets related to the integration of K-citymarket non-food and Anttila.

The Group's profit before tax for July-September was €78.8 million (€61.7 million). The Group's earnings per share were €0.43 (€0.41).

In July-September, the K-Group's (i.e. Kesko's and the chain stores') retail and B2B sales (VAT 0%) were €2,758 million, and Anttila excluded, they were down by 3.6% compared to the previous year.

Finance
In January-September, the cash flow from operating activities was €153.1 million (€167.4 million). The cash flow from investing activities was €288.0 million (€-143.6 million) and it included proceeds from the sale of fixed assets in the amount of €438.9 million (€7.9 million), of which the cash inflow from the real estate arrangement completed in June was €403.0 million.

The Group's liquidity remained at an excellent level in January-September. At the end of the period, liquid assets totalled €858 million (€503 million). Interest-bearing liabilities were €464 million (€500 million) and interest-bearing net liabilities were €-394 million (€-3 million) at the end of September. The equity ratio was 54.2 % (54.2%) at the end of the period.

In January-September, the Group's net finance costs were €8.0 million (€1.1 million). The finance income for the previous year included interest income on cooperative capital from Suomen Luotto-osuuskunta in the amount of €4.9 million.

In July-September, the cash flow from operating activities was €85.6 million (€133.5 million). The cash flow from investing activities was €-46.2 million (€-51.2 million).

The Group's net finance costs were €3.5 million (€1.8 million) in July-September.

Taxes
In January-September, the Group's taxes were €56.7 million (€31.2 million). The effective tax rate was 38.5% (26.3%) resulting from non-deductible items related to the loss on the divestment of Anttila.

In July-September, the Group's taxes were €30.4 million (€16.2 million).

Capital expenditure
In January-September, the Group's capital expenditure totalled €151.6 million (€150.8 million), or 2.3% (2.2%) of net sales. Capital expenditure in store sites was €111.9 million (€113.5 million), in IT €12.7 million (€24.2 million) and other capital expenditure was €26.9 million (€13.1 million). Capital expenditure in foreign operations represented 38.7% (42.3%) of total capital expenditure.

In July-September, the Group's capital expenditure totalled €41.5 million (€51.7 million), or 1.9% (2.2%) of net sales. Capital expenditure in store sites was €33.5 million (€39.1 million), in IT €4.1 million (€8.6 million) and other capital expenditure was €3.9 million (€4.0 million). Capital expenditure in foreign operations represented 26.0% (41.8%) of total capital expenditure.

Personnel
In January-September, the average number of personnel in Kesko Group was 19,074 (20,024) converted into full-time employees. In Finland, the average decrease was 1,262 people, while outside Finland, there was an increase of 313 people.

At the end of September 2015, the number of personnel was 21,812 (23,459), of whom 9,849 (11,726) worked in Finland and 11,963 (11,733) outside Finland. Compared to the end of September 2014, there was a decrease of 1,877 people in Finland and an increase of 230 people outside Finland.

In January-September, the Group's employee benefit expenses were €407.2 million, down 10.0% compared to the previous year. In July-September, employee benefit expenses decreased by 9.3% compared to the previous year and were €125.3 million. The movement is attributable to the divestment of Anttila on 16 March 2015.

SEGMENTS

New segment structure
The composition of Kesko's divisional structure and segment reporting were changed as of 1 July 2015 to correspond to the new strategy. An agricultural and machinery trade unit was established as part of the home improvement and speciality goods trade division. As of 1 July 2015, Kesko Group's reportable segments are the grocery trade, the home improvement and speciality goods trade and the car trade.

Seasonal nature of operations
The Group's operating activities are affected by seasonal fluctuations. The net sales and operating profits of the reportable segments are not earned evenly throughout the year. Instead, they vary by quarter depending on the characteristics of each segment.

Grocery trade

  1-9/2015 1-9/2014 7-9/2015 7-9/2014
Net sales, € million 3,424 3,494 1,171 1,190
Operating profit excl. non- recurring items, € million 123.0 161.0 44.8 60.3
Operating margin excl. non-recurring items, % 3.6 4.6 3.8 5.1
Capital expenditure,
€ million
99.0 77.0  

28.2
 

26.6
         
Net sales, € million 1-9/2015 Change, % 7-9/2015 Change, %
Sales to K-food stores 2,335 -2.4 792 -1.7
K-citymarket, non-food 405 -1.3 139 -3.2
Kespro 588 -0.2 207 -1.0
K-ruoka, Russia 75 -2.4 25 -2.5
Others 21 -21.4 8 +38.9
Total 3,424 -2.0 1,171 -1.6

January-September 2015
The net sales of the grocery trade for January-September were €3,424 million (€3,494 million), representing a change of -2.0%. In January-September, the grocery sales of K-food stores in Finland decreased by 1.4% (VAT 0%). In the grocery market in Finland, retail prices are estimated to have changed by approximately -1.0% compared to the previous year (VAT 0%; Kesko's own estimate based on the Consumer Price Index of Statistics Finland) and the total market (VAT 0%) is estimated to have decreased by approximately 1% in January-September (Kesko's own estimate). The decline in the value of the rouble reduced the sales of the food stores in Russia in euros. In the local currency, sales increased by 34.5%.

In January-September, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the grocery trade was €123.0 million (€161.0 million). The measures taken to strengthen the competitiveness of the grocery trade have progressed as planned and the division's profitability remained at a good level. Kespro's market share increased and profitability remained at a good level. Operating profit was €195.9 million (€157.1 million). Non-recurring items, in the amount of €72.9 million (€-3.9 million), include €71.9 million in gains on the sales of properties as the most significant items.

The capital expenditure of the grocery trade in January-September was €99.0 million (€77.0 million), of which €90.3 million (€67.7 million) was in store sites.

July-September 2015
The net sales of the grocery trade for July-September were €1,171 million (€1,190 million), representing a change of -1.6%. In the grocery market in Finland, retail prices are estimated to have changed by approximately -1.0% compared to the previous year. The net sales of the food stores in Russia decreased by 2.5% in euros, but increased by 42.4% in the local currency.

In July-September, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the grocery trade was €44.8 million (€60.3 million). The measures taken to strengthen the competitiveness of the grocery trade have progressed as planned and the division's profitability remained at a good level. The effect of the real estate arrangement completed in June on the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the third quarter was €-3.3 million. Kespro's market share increased and profitability remained at a good level. Operating profit was €45.0 million (€58.3 million). Non-recurring items were €0.2 million (€-1.9 million).

The capital expenditure of the grocery trade in July-September was €28.2 million (€26.6 million), of which €26.0 million (€23.2 million) was in store sites.

In July-September 2015, one K-supermarket was opened in Savonlinna. Renewals and space modifications were made in a total of 14 stores.

The most significant store sites being built are the K-citymarket shopping centre in Itäkeskus, Helsinki and new K-supermarkets in Oulu, Tampere, in Niipperi and Niittykumpu, Espoo, in Lappeenranta and in Lauttasaari, Töölö and Kalasatama, Helsinki. In addition, K-supermarket Lieto is being extended. Two new food stores are being built in Russia.

Numbers of stores as at 30 Sep. 2015 2014
K-citymarket 81 80
K-supermarket 220 220
K-market (incl. service station stores) 459 442
K-ruoka, Russia 8 5
Others* 136 166

* Including online stores
In addition, several K-food stores offer e-commerce services to their customers.

Home improvement and speciality goods trade

  1-9/2015 1-9/2014 7-9/2015 7-9/2014  
Net sales, € million 2,514 2,731 857 942  
Operating profit excl. non-recurring items, € million 56.1 -3.3 35.8 20.6  
Operating margin excl. non-recurring items, % 2.2 -0.1 4.2 2.2  
Capital expenditure,
€ million
26.5 51.6  

 

8.0
 

 

19.9
 
           
Net sales, € million 1-9/2015 Change, % 7-9/2015 Change, %
Building and home improvement, Finland 624 -1.1 205 +2.5
K-rauta, Sweden 161 +6.2 58 +11.0
Byggmakker, Norway 326 -3.7 110 -6.8
K-rauta, Estonia 66 +11.6 25 +8.9
K-rauta, Latvia 40 -0.1 14 -6.6
Senukai, Lithuania 236 +4.4 92 +3.7
K-rauta, Russia 146 -23.2 53 -27.6
OMA, Belarus 87 -10.6 33 -16.7
Intersport, Finland 128 +2.3 46 -4.5
Intersport, Russia 9 -18.4 3 -9.7
Indoor 133 +2.1 46 +3.0
Agricultural and machinery trade  

482
 

-1.8
 

164
 

+6.0
Others 83 -66.6 11 -
Total 2,514 -8.0 857 -8.9
                   

January-September 2015
The net sales of the home improvement and speciality goods trade for January-September were €2,514 million (€2,731 million), down 8.0%. Net sales excluding Anttila increased by 2.1% in local currencies.

The net sales of the home improvement and speciality goods trade for January-September in Finland were €1,343 million (€1,527 million), a decrease of 12.1%. Anttila excluded, net sales decreased in Finland by 1.9%. In January-September, the net sales from the foreign operations of the home improvement and speciality goods trade were €1,171 million (€1,204 million), a decrease of 2.8%. In local currencies, the net sales from foreign operations increased by 6.5%. Foreign operations contributed 46.6% (44.1%) to the net sales of the home improvement and speciality goods trade.

In January-September, the net sales of the building and home improvement trade were €1,820 million, a decrease of 2.8%. In local currencies, net sales were up 2.8%. In respective local currencies, net sales in Sweden grew by 10.1%, in Norway by 2.5% and in Russia by 5.9%. The market position is estimated to have strengthened in the building and home improvement trade in Finland, Norway, the Baltic countries and Russia.

The net sales of the agricultural and machinery trade for January-September were €482 million (€491 million), down 1.8% compared to the previous year. Net sales in Finland were €387 million, a decrease of 5.4%. The net sales from foreign operations were €95 million, an increase of 15.8%. The net sales of the leisure trade were €154 million, an increase of 2.5% in local currencies.

The K-Group's sales of building and home improvement products in Finland decreased by a total of 2.0% and the total market (VAT 0%) is estimated to have fallen by approximately 3.7% (Kesko's own estimate). The retail sales of the K-maatalous chain were €325 million, down 8.5%.

In January-September, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the home improvement and speciality goods trade was €56.1 million (€-3.3 million), up €59.4 million compared to the previous year. The €12.7 million (€57.0 million) operating loss of Anttila, divested in March, is included in the profit of the home improvement and speciality goods trade. The operating profit of the home improvement and speciality goods trade, excluding non-recurring items and Anttila, was €68.7 million, up €15.1 million on the previous year. The clearly improved profitability is attributable to a sales increase in foreign currency terms, coupled with implemented cost savings. Profit improved especially in the building and home improvement trade in Finland and the other Nordic countries.

The operating profit of the home improvement and speciality goods trade was €-46.4 (€-50.5 million). Non-recurring items include a €130 million loss on the divestment of Anttila and €28 million in gains recorded on the sales of properties.

In January-September, the capital expenditure of the home improvement and speciality goods trade totalled €26.5 million (€51.6 million), of which 27.6% (63.0%) was abroad. Capital expenditure in store sites represented 62.8% of total capital expenditure.

July-September 2015
The net sales of the home improvement and speciality goods trade for July-September were €857 million (€942 million), down 8.9%. Net sales excluding Anttila increased by 4.5% in local currencies.

The net sales of the home improvement and speciality goods trade for July-September in Finland were €421 million (€498 million), a decrease of 15.4%. Anttila excluded, net sales decreased in Finland by 1.5%. In July-September, the net sales from the foreign operations of the home improvement and speciality goods trade were €436 million (€444 million), a decrease of 1.7%. In local currencies, the net sales from foreign operations increased by 10.2%. Foreign operations contributed 50.9% (47.1%) to the net sales of the home improvement and speciality goods trade.

In July-September, the net sales of the building and home improvement trade were €636 million, a decrease of 3.3%. In local currencies, net sales were up 4.3%. In respective local currencies, net sales in Sweden grew by 13.6%, in Norway by 2.8% and in Russia by 5.1%. The market position is estimated to have strengthened in the building and home improvement trade in Finland, Norway, the Baltic countries and Russia.

The net sales of the agricultural and machinery trade for July-September were €164 million (€155 million), up 6.0% compared to the previous year. Net sales in Finland were €117 million, a decrease of 7.5%. The net sales from foreign operations were €47 million, an increase of 65.4%.

The K-Group's sales of building and home improvement products in Finland decreased by a total of 0.7% and the total market (VAT 0%) is estimated to have fallen by approximately 2.4% (Kesko's own estimate). The retail sales of the K-maatalous chain were down by 15.3%.

In July-September, the operating profit excluding non-recurring items of the home improvement and speciality goods trade was €35.8 million (€20.6 million), up €15.1 million compared to the previous year. The comparative period includes Anttila's €14.3 million operating loss. Profit improved especially in the building and home improvement trade in Finland and the other Nordic countries and in the agricultural and machinery trade.

The operating profit of the home improvement and speciality goods trade was €36.8 (€1.9 million). Non-recurring items include €1.0 million in gains recorded on the sales of properties. In the comparative period, non-recurring expenses related to Anttila were €13.4 million.

In July-September, the capital expenditure of the home improvement and speciality goods trade totalled €8.0 million (€19.9 million), of which 24.8% (52.7%) was abroad. Capital expenditure in store sites represented 63.6% of total capital expenditure.

In July-September, a K-rauta Express was opened in Helsinki, an OMA store in Belarus and an Intersport Run&Fit store in St. Petersburg.

The most significant store sites being built are the K-rauta stores in Kokkola, Lahti and Imatra and a Senukai store in Vilnius.

Numbers of stores as at 30 Sep. 2015 2014
K-rauta 44 42
Rautia* 93 97
K-maatalous* 80 81
K-rauta, Sweden 20 20
Byggmakker, Norway 83 86
K-rauta, Estonia 8 8
K-rauta, Latvia 8 8
Senukai, Lithuania 19 19
K-rauta, Russia 13 13
OMA, Belarus 12 11
Intersport, Finland** 61 62
Budget Sport** 11 11
Asko and Sotka** 88 87
Musta Pörssi** 1 1
Kookenkä** 38 44
Intersport, Russia 17 19
Asko and Sotka, the Baltics** 10 10
Konekesko 1 1
       

* In 2015, 45 (46) Rautia stores also operated as K-maatalous stores
** Including online stores
In addition, the building and home improvement stores offer e-commerce services to their customers.

Car trade

  1-9/2015 1-9/2014 7-9/2015 7-9/2014
Net sales, € million 571 592 170 175
Operating profit excl. non-recurring items, € million 22.3 23.8 6.0 6.3
Operating margin excl. non-recurring items, % 3.9 4.0 3.5 3.6
Capital expenditure, € million 11.3 10.7 4.7 1.9
         
Net sales, € million 1-9/2015 Change, % 7-9/2015 Change, %
VV-Auto 571 -3.6 170 -2.6

January-September 2015
The net sales of the car trade for January-September were €571 million (€592 million), down 3.6%.

In January-September, the combined market performance of first time registered passenger cars and vans was at the previous year's level.

In January-September, the combined market share of passenger cars and vans imported by VV-Auto was 19.4% (20.7%). Volkswagen was the market leader in passenger cars and vans.

The profitability of the car trade remained at a good level. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for January-September was €22.3 million (€23.8 million).

The operating profit for January-September was €22.3 million (€23.8 million).

The capital expenditure of the car trade in January-September was €11.3 million (€10.7 million).

July-September 2015
The net sales of the car trade for July-September were €170 million (€175 million), down 2.6%.

In July-September, the combined market share of passenger cars and vans imported by VV-Auto was 18.0% (19.9%).

The profitability of the car trade remained at a good level. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for July-September was €6.0 million (€6.3 million).

The operating profit for July-September was €6.0 million (€6.3 million).

The capital expenditure of the car trade in July-September was €4.7 million (€1.9 million).

Number of stores as at 30 Sep. 2015 2014
VV-Auto, retail trade 9 10

Changes in the Group composition
During the reporting period, Kesko Corporation sold its subsidiary Anttila Oy. (Stock exchange release on 16 March 2015). As part of the real estate arrangement completed in June, 11 real estate companies were sold.

Shares, securities market and Board authorisations
At the end of September 2015, the total number of Kesko Corporation shares was 100,019,752, of which 31,737,007, or 31.7%, were A shares and 68,282,745, or 68.3%, were B shares. At 30 September 2015, Kesko Corporation held 876,455 own B shares as treasury shares. These treasury shares accounted for 1.28% of the number of B shares, 0.88% of the total number of shares, and 0.23% of votes attached to all shares of the company. The total number of votes attached to all shares was 385,652,815. Each A share carries ten (10) votes and each B share one (1) vote. The company cannot vote with own shares held by it as treasury shares and no dividend is paid on them. At the end of September 2015, Kesko Corporation's share capital was €197,282,584.

The price of a Kesko A share quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki was €28.56 at the end of 2014, and €28.99 at the end of September 2015, representing an increase of 1.5%. Correspondingly, the price of a B share was €30.18 at the end of 2014, and €31.66 at the end of September 2015, representing an increase of 4.9%. In January-September, the highest A share price was €38.13 and the lowest was €28.21. The highest B share price was €41.04 and the lowest was €29.95. In January-September, the Nasdaq Helsinki All-Share index (OMX Helsinki) was down by 1.0% and the weighted OMX Helsinki Cap index by 0.7%. The Retail Sector Index was up by 4.2%.

At the end of September 2015, the market capitalisation of A shares was €920 million, while that of B shares was €2,134 million, excluding the shares held by the parent company. The combined market capitalisation of A and B shares was €3,054 million, an increase of €117 million from the end of 2014. In January-September 2015, a total of 1.8 million (1.5 million) A shares were traded on Nasdaq Helsinki, an increase of 19.9%. The exchange value of A shares was €59 million. The number of B shares traded was 43.7 million (34.5 million), an increase of 26.4%. The exchange value of B shares was €1,507 million. Nasdaq Helsinki accounted for 62% of Kesko A and B share trading in January-September 2015. Kesko shares were also traded on multilateral trading facilities, the most significant of which were BATS Chi-X with 32% and Turquoise with 5% of the trading (source: Fidessa).

The Board had the authority, granted by the Annual General Meeting of 16 April 2012, to issue a total maximum of 20,000,000 new B shares, which was intended to expire on 30 June 2015. The shares could be issued against payment for subscription by shareholders in a directed issue in proportion to their existing holdings of the company shares regardless of whether they consisted of A or B shares, or, deviating from the shareholder's pre-emptive right, in a directed issue, if there had been a weighty financial reason for the company, such as using the shares to develop the company's capital structure and financing possible acquisitions, capital expenditure or other arrangements within the scope of the company's business operations. The amount paid for the shares would have been recognised in the reserve of invested non-restricted equity. The authorisation also included the Board's authority to decide on the share subscription price, the right to issue shares against non-cash consideration and the right to make decisions on other matters concerning share issues.

On 13 April 2015, the Annual General Meeting approved a share issue authorisation which cancels the above authority granted by the General Meeting of 16 April 2012. In consequence, the Board has the authority, granted by the Annual General Meeting of 13 April 2015 and valid until 30 June 2018, to issue a total maximum of 20,000,000 new B shares. The shares can be issued against payment to be subscribed by shareholders in a directed issue in proportion to their existing holdings of the company shares regardless of whether they hold A or B shares, or, deviating from the shareholder's pre-emptive right, in a directed issue, if there is a weighty financial reason for the company, such as using the shares to develop the company's capital structure and financing possible acquisitions, capital expenditure or other arrangements within the scope of the company's business operations. The amount paid for the shares is recognised in the reserve of invested non-restricted equity. The authorisation also includes the Board's authority to decide on the share subscription price, the right to issue shares for non-cash consideration and the right to make decisions on other matters concerning share issues.

In addition, the Board has the authority, valid until 30 June 2017, to decide on the transfer of a maximum of 1,000,000 own B shares held by the company as treasury shares. On 9 February 2015, the Board decided to grant own B shares held by the company as treasury shares to persons included in the target group of the 2014 vesting period, based on the valid authority to issue treasury shares granted by the Annual General Meeting held on 8 April 2013 and the fulfilment of the vesting criteria of the 2014 vesting period of Kesko's three-year share-based compensation plan. This transfer of a total of 120,022 own B shares was announced in a stock exchange release on 1 April 2015 and 7 April 2015. Based on the 2014-2016 share-based compensation plan decided by the Board, a total maximum of 600,000 own B shares held by the company as treasury shares can be granted within a period of three years based on the fulfilment of the vesting criteria. The Board will separately decide on the vesting criteria and target group for each vesting period. The share-based compensation plan was announced in a stock exchange release on 4 February 2014.

In January-September, a total of 1,162 shares granted based on the 2011-2013 and the 2014-2016 share-based compensation plans was returned to the company in accordance with the terms and conditions of the share-based compensation plans. The returns during the reporting period were notified in a stock exchange notification on 23 March 2015 and 4 September 2015.

At the end of September 2015, the number of shareholders was 38,853, which is 1,016 less than at the end of 2014. At the end of September, foreign ownership of all shares was 28%. At the end of September, foreign ownership of B shares was 41%.

Flagging notifications
Kesko Corporation did not receive flagging notifications during the reporting period.

Key events during the reporting period
Kesko published comparatives for the period 1 January 2014 to 30 June 2015 according to the new segment structure. As of 1 July 2015, Kesko Group's reportable segments are the grocery trade, the home improvement and speciality goods trade and the car trade. (Stock exchange release on 31 August 2015)

Kesko announced its plan to merge Kesko Food Ltd and Rautakesko Ltd with the Group's parent company as part of the Group structure simplification. Merging the two largest division parent companies in terms of net sales with the Group's parent company is a step forward in implementing the strategy for a more unified Kesko. (Stock exchange release on 22 July 2015)

Kesko's Board of Directors decided on the new strategy which is aimed at achieving profitable growth in three strategic areas: the grocery trade, the building and home improvement trade and the car trade. At the same time, financial targets in accordance with Kesko's new strategy were announced.  The composition of Kesko's divisional structure and segment reporting has been changed as of 1 July 2015. An agricultural and machinery trade unit has been established as part of the home improvement and speciality goods trade division. (Stock exchange release on 27 May 2015)

Kesko Corporation, the Swedish life insurance company AMF Pensionsförsäkring AB and Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Company set up a joint venture named Ankkurikadun Kiinteistöt Oy. The joint venture owns, manages and develops store sites acquired for it, primarily in use by Kesko Group. (Stock exchange release on 8 May 2015 and 11 June 2015)

On 20 March 2015, at http://kesko2014.kesko.fi/en, Kesko published its first annual report that makes use of the <IR> integrated reporting framework. The annual report includes a business review, GRI indicators, the financial statements for 2014, the Corporate Governance Statement and the Remuneration Statement.

Kesko sold the department store chain Anttila Oy to the German investment fund 4K INVEST for €1 million. The transaction includes all assets and liabilities in Anttila Oy. Anttila Oy's approximately 1,500 employees continue in the employment of the company. The date of the transaction was 16 March 2015. (Stock exchange release on 16 March 2015)

M.Sc. (Econ.) Anni Ronkainen, 48, was appointed Kesko's Chief Digital Officer responsible for business development, digital business environment and marketing, and a member of the Group Management Board. (Stock exchange release on 26 January 2015)

Resolutions of the 2015 Annual General Meeting and decisions of the Board's organisational meeting
Kesko Corporation's Annual General Meeting, held on 13 April 2015, adopted the financial statements and the consolidated financial statements for 2014 and discharged the Board members and the Managing Director from liability. The General Meeting also resolved to distribute a dividend of €1.50 per share as proposed by the Board, or a total amount of €148,715,547.00. The dividend pay date was 22 April 2015. The General Meeting resolved to leave the number of Board members unchanged at seven. The General Meeting resolved to elect retailer, Business College Graduate Esa Kiiskinen, Master of Science in Economics, retailer Tomi Korpisaari, retailer, Secondary School Graduate Toni Pokela, eMBA Mikael Aro (new member), Master of Science in Economics Matti Kyytsönen (new member), Master of Science in Economics Anu Nissinen (new member) and Master of Laws Kaarina Ståhlberg (new member) as Board members for a three-year term expiring at the close of the 2018 Annual General Meeting in accordance with the Articles of Association. In addition, the General Meeting resolved to leave the Board members' fees and the basis for reimbursement of expenses unchanged.

The General Meeting elected the firm of auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy, Authorised Public Accountants, as the company's auditor, with APA Mikko Nieminen as the auditor with principal responsibility. The General Meeting also approved the Board's proposals for the Board's authorisation to issue of a total maximum of 20,000,000 new B shares until 30 June 2018, and its authorisation to decide on donations in a total maximum of €300,000 for charitable or corresponding purposes until the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2016.

After the Annual General Meeting, Kesko Corporation's Board of Directors held an organisational meeting in which it elected retailer, Business College Graduate Esa Kiiskinen as its Chair and eMBA Mikael Aro as its Deputy Chair. Master of Laws Kaarina Ståhlberg (Ch.), eMBA Mikael Aro (Dep. Ch.) and Master of Science in Economics Matti Kyytsönen were elected to the Board's Audit Committee. Esa Kiiskinen (Ch.), Mikael Aro (Dep. Ch.) and Master of Science in Economics Anu Nissinen were elected to the Board's Remuneration Committee.

The resolutions of Annual General Meeting and the decisions of the Board's organisational meeting were announced in more detail in stock exchange releases on 13 April 2015.

Responsibility
The Veturi shopping centre in Kouvola is the first property in Finland to achieve an Excellent rating in the Building Management part of the BREEAM environmental assessment.

In September, Kesko was again included in the STOXX Global ESG Leaders index family.

In September, Kesko gave its Society's Commitment to Sustainable Development and published two operational commitments - one on reducing food wastage, the other on education and employment.

In September, Kesko's grocery trade, Gasum, Myllyn Paras and Wursti entered into cooperation where biogas produced from biowaste collected from retail stores is utilised as energy in the manufacture of new Pirkka products.

A campaign titled "Thank the Producer" was launched on social media channels in September highlighting Finnish food production and food entrepreneurship.

Risk management
Kesko Group has an established and comprehensive risk management process. Risks and their management responses are regularly assessed within the Group and reported to the Group management. Kesko's risk management and risks associated with business operations are described in more detail on Kesko's website in the Corporate Governance section.

The most significant near-future risks in Kesko's business operations are associated with the general development of the economic situation and consumer confidence especially in Finland and Russia, as well as their impact on Kesko's sales and profit. No material change is estimated to have taken place in 2015 in the risks described in the Report by the Board of Directors and the financial statements for 2014 and the risks described on Kesko's website. The risks and uncertainties related to economic development are described in the section future outlook of this release.

Future outlook
Estimates of the future outlook for Kesko Group's net sales and operating profit excluding non-recurring items are given for the 12 months following the reporting period (10/2015-9/2016) in comparison with the 12 months preceding the reporting period (10/2014-9/2015).

The general economic situation and the expected trend in consumer demand vary in Kesko's different operating countries. In Finland, owing to the decline of consumers' purchasing power, the trading sector's performance is expected to remain weak in all product lines, which may be complicated further by actions taken to balance the public finances. In the Finnish grocery trade, the tough competitive situation is expected to continue. The market performance of the Finnish building and home improvement trade is expected to remain weak. The outlook for the car trade is also uncertain. With respect to foreign countries, the economic situation and consumers' purchasing power, as well as the outlook in Russia have weakened further. Instead, in Sweden and Norway and the Baltic countries, the market is expected to grow.

Kesko Group's net sales for the next 12 months are expected to be lower than the level of the preceding 12 months. The operating profit excluding non-recurring items for the next 12-month period is expected to equal the operating profit level of the preceding 12 months.

Helsinki, 21 October 2015
Kesko Corporation
Board of Directors


The information in the interim report is unaudited.

Further information is available from Jukka Erlund, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, telephone +358 105 322 113, and Eva Kaukinen, Vice President, Group Controller, telephone +358 105 322 338. A Finnish-language webcast of the media and analyst briefing on the interim report can be accessed at www.kesko.fi, at 11.00. An English-language audio conference on the interim report will be held today at 14.30 (Finnish time). The audio conference login is available on Kesko's website at www.kesko.fi.

Kesko Corporation's financial statements for 2015 will be published on 3 February 2016. In addition, Kesko Group's sales figures are published each month. News releases and other company information are available on Kesko's website at www.kesko.fi.

KESKO CORPORATION

Merja Haverinen
Vice President, Group Communications

ATTACHMENTS: TABLES SECTION
Accounting policies
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of financial position
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Group's performance indicators
Net sales by segment
Operating profit by segment
Operating profit excl. non-recurring items by segment
Operating margin excl. non-recurring items by segment
Capital employed by segment
Return on capital employed excl. non-recurring items by segment
Capital expenditure by segment
Segment information by quarter
Change in tangible and intangible assets
Related party transactions
Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities
Personnel average and at the end of the reporting period
Group's commitments
Calculation of performance indicators
K-Group's retail and B2B sales

DISTRIBUTION
NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd
Main news media
www.kesko.fi

TABLES SECTION

Accounting policies

This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the IAS 34 standard. The interim report has been prepared in accordance with the same principles as the annual financial statements for 2014.

Consolidated income statement (€ million), condensed              
  1-9/
2015
1-9/
2014
Change, % 7-9/
2015
7-9/
2014
Change,
%
1-12/
2014
Net sales 6,513 6,804 -4.3 2,203 2,304 -4.4 9,071
Cost of
goods sold
-5,665 -5,884 -3.7 -1,917 -1,989 -3.6 -7,832
Gross profit 847 919 -7.8 285 315 -9.5 1,238
Other operating income 622 531 17.3 174 180 -3.3 729
Employee benefit expense -407 -453 -10.0 -125 -138 -9.3 -614
Depreciation and impairment charges -97 -133 -27.4 -29 -56 -47.8 -195
Other operating expenses -811 -745 8.9 -221 -237 -6.6 -1,007
Operating profit 155 120 29.8 83 63 31.2 151
Interest income and other finance income 7 11 -36.9 3 2 17.0 14
Interest expense and other finance costs -12 -12 -0.5 -5 -4 17.7 -16
Exchange differences -3 -1 (..) -2 0 (..) -4
Share of
results of equity accounted investments
0 0 (..) -1 0 (..) 0
Profit before tax 147 119 24.1 79 62 27.8 145
Income tax -57 -31 81.7 -30 -16 87.9 -37
Net profit for the period 91 87 3.6 48 46 6.4 108
               
Attributable to              
  Owners of the parent 80 79 0.7 43 40 6.0 96
  Non-controlling 
  interests
11 8 31.4 6 5 9.3 12
               
Earnings per share (€)
for profit attributable to
equity holders of the parent
             
               
Basic 0.81 0.80 0.7 0.43 0.41 6.0 0.97
Diluted 0.81 0.80 0.9 0.43 0.41 6.2 0.97
               
Consolidated statement
of comprehensive income (€ million)
             
  1-9/
2015
1-9/
2014
Change,% 7-9/ 2015 7-9/ 2014 Change, % 1-12/
2014
Net profit for the period 91 87 3.6 48 46 6.4 108
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss              
Actuarial gains/losses 1 -2 (..) -13 0 (..) -20
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss              
Exchange differences on translating foreign operations -13 -8 (..) -16 -2 (..) -28
Adjustment for hyperinflation - 4 - - 1 - 4
Cash flow hedge revaluation -1 1 (..) -1 1 (..) 1
Revaluation of available-for-sale financial assets 1 -3 (..) 0 0 (..) -3
Other items 0 0 33.3 - - - 0
Total other comprehensive income for the period,
net of tax
-12 -8 57.2 -29 0 (..) -45
Total comprehensive income for the period 79 80 -1.5 19 46 -58.2 63
               
Attributable to              
  Owners of the parent 78 69 12.8 19 39 -50.7 49
  Non-controlling
  interests
0 11 -95.6 0 7  

(..)
14

(..) Change over 100%

Consolidated statement of financial position (€ million), condensed        
  30.9.2015 30.9.2014 Change, % 31.12.2014
ASSETS        
Non-current assets        
Tangible assets 1,257 1,666 -24.5 1,624
Intangible assets 174 180 -3.7 178
Equity accounted investments and other financial assets 114 106 8.2 105
Loans and receivables 72 13 (..) 11
Pension assets 149 170 -12.5 147
Total 1,766 2,135 -17.3 2,066
         
Current assets        
Inventories 709 803 -11.7 776
Trade receivables 620 655 -5.4 584
Other receivables 133 149 -11.0 173
Financial assets at fair value
through profit or loss
421 203 (..) 219
Available-for-sale financial assets 351 225 56.5 272
Cash and cash equivalents 86 75 14.2 107
Total 2,319 2,110 9.9 2,131
Non-current assets held for sale 0 1 -16.7 1
         
Total assets 4,086 4,246 -3.8 4,198

  30.9.2015 30.9.2014 Change, % 31.12.2014
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES        
Equity 2,122 2,203 -3.7 2,184
Non-controlling interests 76 79 -3.2 82
Total equity 2,199 2,282 -3.7 2,265
         
Non-current liabilities        
Interest-bearing liabilities 263 345 -23.6 319
Non-interest-bearing liabilities 36 6 (..) 11
Deferred tax liabilities 62 67 -7.1 67
Pension obligations 1 2 -29.2 2
Provisions 16 27 -40.3 27
Total 378 447 -15.3 426
         
Current liabilities        
Interest-bearing liabilities 201 155 29.6 180
Trade payables 842 891 -5.4 795
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities 433 423 2.2 490
Provisions 33 48 -31.3 42
Total 1,509 1,517 -0.5 1,506
         
Total equity and liabilities 4,086 4,246 -3.8 4,198
(..) Change over 100%        

Consolidated statement of changes in equity (€ million)

  Share
capi-
tal
Res-erves Cur-
rency
trans-lation differ-ences
Re-
valu-
ation
reser-ve
Trea-sury
sha-res

Re-
tained
earn-
ings

Non-
cont-
rolling
inte-rests
Total


 
Balance at
1.1.2014
197 461 -13 1 -18 1,651 73 2,352  
Shares
subscribed
with options
  2           2  
Treasury shares         -16     -16  
Share-based payments         2     2  
Dividends           -138 -5 -143  
Other changes   0 0     5 0 5  
Net profit for the period           79 8 87  
Other comprehen-
sive income
                 
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss                  
Actuarial gains/losses           -3   -3  
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss                  
Exchange
differences
on translating
foreign operations
  0 -7     0 -1 -8  
Adjustment for hyperinflation           0 4 4  
Cash flow
hedge
revaluation
      2       2  
Revaluation of available-for-sale financial
assets
      -3       -3  
Others           0   0  
Tax related to comprehensive income       -1   1   0  
Total other comprehensive income   0 -7 -2   -2 2 -8  
Balance at
30.9.2014
197 463 -20 0 -32 1,595 79 2,282  
                   
Balance at
1.1.2015
197 463 -38 -1 -31 1,594 82 2,265  
Shares
subscribed
with options
                 
Treasury shares                  
Share-based payments         4   0 4  
Dividends           -149 -6 -155  
Other changes   0 0     5 0 5  
Net profit for the period           80 11 91  
Other comprehen-
sive income
                 
Items that will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss                  
Actuarial gains/losses           2   2  
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss                  
Exchange
differences
on translating
foreign operations
  0 -3     0 -10 -13  
Cash flow
hedge
revaluation
      -1       -1  
Revaluation of available-for-sale financial
assets
      1       1  
Others           0   0  
Tax related to comprehensive income       0   0   0  
Total other comprehensive income   0 -3 0   1 -10 -12  
Balance at
30.9.2015
197 463 -41 -1 -28 1,531 76 2,199  
                   

Consolidated statement of cash flows (€ million), condensed

  1-9/
2015
1-9/
2014
Change,% 7-9/ 2015 7-9/ 2014 Change, % 1-12/
2014
Cash flows from operating activities              
Profit before tax 147 119 24.1 79 62 27.8 145
Planned depreciation  97 113 -14.1 29 37 -19.6 151
Finance income and costs 8 1 (..) 4 2 (..) 6
Other adjustments 22 34 -36.5 -1 16 (..) 63
               
Change in working capital              
Current non-interest-bearing
operating receivables,
increase (-)/decrease (+)
-49 -44 9.8 70 94 -25.6 32
Inventories,
increase (-)/decrease (+)
-13 -12 11.1 18 23 -20.6 -7
Current non-interest-bearing
liabilities, increase (+)/
decrease(-)
-24 6 (..) -93 -78 19.0 -21
               
Financial items and tax -35 -50 -29.4 -20 -21 -3.8 -65
Net cash from operating activities 153 167 -8.5 86 134 -35.9 304
               
Cash flows from investing activities              
Investing activities -150 -151 -0.6 -41 -53 -22.4 -194
Sales of fixed assets 439 8 (..) -5 2 (..) 11
Increase in non-current receivables -1 -1 31.7 0 0 -17.1 0
Net cash used in investing activities 288 -144 (..) -46 -51 -9.6 -182
               
Cash flows from financing activities              
Interest-bearing liabilities, increase (+)/decrease (-) -36 -50 -27.1 -18 -37 -51.1 -46
Current interest-bearing
receivables, increase (-)/
decrease (+)
-1 -1 -27.0 0 1 -69.9 -1
Dividends paid -155 -142 8.7 -6 -4 56.9 -143
Equity increase - 2 - - - - 2
Acquisition of own shares - -16 - - - - -16
Short-term money market investments, increase (-)/ decrease (+) -321 -36 (..) -26 -49 -47.8 -57
Other items 14 6 (..) 5 1 (..) 7
Net cash used in financing activities -498 -236 (..) -45 -89 -49.6 -254
               
Change in cash and cash equivalents -57 -213 -73.1 -5 -6 -14.6 -131
               
Cash and cash
equivalents and current
portion of available-for-sale financial assets at 1 Jan.
313 453 -30.8 262 246 6.8 453
Currency translation difference adjustment and revaluation -2 -1 49.7 -3 0 (..) -8
Cash and cash
equivalents and current
portion of available-for-sale financial assets at 30 Sep.
254 239 6.3 254 239 6.3 313

(..) Change over 100%

  Group's performance indicators        
    1-9/2015 1-9/2014 Change, pp 1-12/2014
  Return on capital employed, % 9.7 6.7 3.0 6.4
  Return on capital employed, %,
rolling 12 mo
8.6 7.9 0.6 6.4
  Return on capital employed excl. non-recurring items, % 11.6 9.6 2.0 9.9
  Return on capital employed excl. non-recurring items, %, rolling 12 mo 11.3 10.0 1.3 9.9
  Return on equity, % 5.4 5.0 0.4 4.7
  Return on equity, %, rolling 12 mo 5.0 6.6 -1.6 4.7
  Return on equity excl. non-recurring items, % 8.0 7.5 0.5 7.6
  Return on equity excl. non-recurring items, %, rolling 12 mo 8.0 8.4 -0.4 7.6
  Equity ratio, % 54.2 54.2 0.0 54.5
  Gearing, % -17.9 -0.1 -17.8 -4.4
        Change, %  
  Capital expenditure, € million 151.6 150.8 0.6 194.0
  Capital expenditure, % of net sales 2.3 2.2 5.0 2.1
  Earnings per share, basic, € 0.81 0.80 0.7 0.97
  Earnings per share, diluted, € 0.81 0.80 0.9 0.97
  Earnings per share excl. non-recurring items, basic, € 1.24 1.23 0.8 1.65
  Cash flows from operating activities,
€ million
153 167 -8.5 304
  Cash flows from investing activities,
€ million
288 -144 (..) -182
  Equity per share, € 21.41 22.25 -3.8 22.05
  Interest-bearing net liabilities, € million -394 -3 (..) -99
  Diluted number of shares, average for the reporting period, 1,000 pcs 99,104 99,264 -0.2 99,161
  Personnel, average 19,074 20,024 -950 19,976
  (..) Change over 100%

 
       
           
Group's performance indicators by quarter 1-3/
2014
4-6/
2014
7-9/
2014
10-12/
2014
1-3/
2015
4-6/ 2015 7-9/
2015
 
Net sales, € million 2,129 2,371 2,304 2,267 2,082 2,227 2,203  
Change in net sales, % -1.4 -2.1 -2.9 -4.0 -2.2 -6.0 -4.4  
Operating profit, € million -13.0 69.4 63.4 31.7 -103.6 175.8 83.1  
Operating margin, % -0.6 2.9 2.7 1.4 -5.0 7.9 3.8  
Operating profit excl. non- recurring items, € million 19.1 67.6 84.0 61.9 26.5 76.4 82.5  
Operating margin
excl. non-recurring items, %
0.9 2.9 3.6 2.7 1.3 3.4 3.7  
Finance income/costs,
€ million
-1.6 2.2 -1.8 -5.0 -0.3 -4.2 -3.5  
Profit before tax, € million -14.4 71.4 61.7 26.4 -103.7 172.1 78.8  
Profit before tax, % -0.7 3.0 2.7 1.2 -5.0 7.7 3.6  
Return on capital employed, % -2.2 11.5 10.9 5.5 -18.1 31.9 17.6  
Return on capital employed, excl. non-recurring items, % 3.2 11.2 14.4 10.7 4.6 13.9 17.5  
Return on equity, % -2.0 9.4 8.1 3.7 -19.9 28.0 8.9  
Return on equity, excl.
non-recurring items, %
2.3 9.1 11.3 8.0 3.1 10.6 10.6  
Equity ratio, % 53.2 52.3 54.2 54.5 51.5 52.2 54.2  
Capital expenditure,
€ million
43.4 55.7 51.7 43.2 51.5 58.6 41.5  
Earnings per share, diluted, € -0.11 0.51 0.41 0.17 -1.11 1.48 0.43  
Equity per share, € 22.83 21.86 22.25 22.05 21.30 21.21 21.41  
                           

Segmental information

Net sales by segment
(€ million)
1-9/
2015
1-9/
2014
Change,% 7-9/ 2015 7-9/ 2014 Change, % 1-12/
2014
               
Grocery trade, Finland 3,349 3,417 -2.0 1,146 1,164 -1.6 4,650
Grocery trade,
other countries*
75 77 -2.4 25 26 -2.5 103
Grocery trade, total 3,424 3,494 -2.0 1,171 1,190 -1.6 4,754
- of which intersegment trade 13 25 -50.2 3 7 -56.7 34
               
Home improvement and speciality goods trade, Finland 1,343 1,527 -12.1 421 498 -15.4 2,002
Home improvement and speciality goods trade, other countries* 1,171 1,204 -2.8 436 444 -1.7 1,566
Home improvement and speciality goods trade total 2,514 2,731 -8.0 857 942 -8.9 3,568
- of which intersegment trade 1 -1 (..) 0 0 (..) 0
               
Car trade, Finland 571 592 -3.6 170 175 -2.6 766
Car trade total 571 592 -3.6 170 175 -2.6 766
- of which intersegment trade 0 0 -13.9 0 0 (..) 0
               
Common operations and
eliminations
5 -13 (..) 4 -2 (..) -18
Finland total 5,267 5,523 -4.6 1,742 1,835 -5.1 7,401
Other countries total* 1,246 1,281 -2.8 461 469 -1.7 1,669
Group total 6,513 6,804 -4.3 2,203 2,304 -4.4 9,071
(..) Change over 100%              

* Net sales in countries other than Finland

Operating profit by segment
(€ million)
1-9/
2015
1-9/
2014
 

Change
7-9/ 2015 7-9/ 2014  

Change
1-12/
2014
Grocery trade 195.9 157.1 38.8 45.0 58.3 -13.4 216.2
Home improvement and speciality goods trade -46.4 -50.5 4.1 36.8 1.9 34.9 -52.0
Car trade 22.3 23.8 -1.4 6.0 6.3 -0.3 28.9
Common operations and eliminations -16.6 -10.7 -5.9 -4.6 -3.2 -1.5 -41.7
Group total 155.3 119.7 35.6 83.1 63.4 19.8 151.4
 

 
             
Operating profit excl. non-recurring items by segment
(€ million)
 

1-9/
2015
 

1-9/
2014
 

 

Change
 

7-9/ 2015
 

7-9/ 2014
 

 

Change
 

1-12/
2014
Grocery trade 123.0 161.0 -38.0 44.8 60.3 -15.5 223.2
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 56.1 -3.3 59.4 35.8 20.6 15.1 0.4
Car trade 22.3 23.8 -1.4 6.0 6.3 -0.3 28.9
Common operations and eliminations -16.0 -10.7 -5.4 -4.1 -3.2 -0.9 -20.0
Group total 185.3 170.8 14.6 82.5 84.0 -1.6 232.6
               

                     

Operating margin
excl. non-recurring items by segment, %
1-9/
2015
1-9/
2014
Change, pp 7-9/
2015
7-9/
2014
Change, pp 1-12/
2014
Rolling 12 mo
9/2015
Grocery trade 3.6 4.6 -1.0 3.8 5.1 -1.2 4.7 4.0
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 2.2 -0.1 2.4 4.2 2.2 2.0 0.0 1.8
Car trade 3.9 4.0 -0.1 3.5 3.6 -0.1 3.8 3.7
Group total 2.8 2.5 0.3 3.7 3.6 0.1 2.6 2.8
                 
Capital employed by segment, cumulative
average
(€ million)
 

 

 

1-9/
2015
 

 

 

1-9/
2014
 

 

 

 

Change
 

 

 

7-9/
2015
 

 

 

7-9/
2014
 

 

 

 

Change
 

 

 

1-12/
2014
 

 

Rolling 12 mo
9/2015
Grocery trade 913 1,015 -102 739 1,005 -266 1,007 931
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 843 941 -99 747 935 -188 941 869
Car trade 97 96 1 98 89 9 96 95
Common operations and eliminations 281 313 -31 305 304 1 310 290
Group
total
2,135 2,366 -231 1,889 2,332 -444 2,354 2,185

Return on capital employed excl. non-recurring items
by segment, %
 

1-9/
2015
 

1-9/
2014
 

Change pp
 

7-9/ 2015
 

7-9/ 2014
 

Changepp
 

1-12/
2014
Rolling 12 mo 9/2015  
Grocery trade 18.0 21.1 -3.2 24.2 24.0 0.3 22.2 19.9  
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 8.9 -0.5 9.3 19.1 8.8 10.3 0.0 6.9  
Car trade 30.6 32.9 -2.3 24.7 28.5 -3.8 30.1 29.0  
Group total 11.6 9.6 1.9 17.5 14.4 3.1 9.9 11.3  
                 

Capital expenditure
by segment (€ million)
1-9/
2015
1-9/
2014
 

Change
7-9/ 2015 7-9/ 2014  

Change
1-12/
2014
Grocery trade 99 77 22 28 27 2 98
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 26 52 -25 8 20 -12 72
Car trade 11 11 1 5 2 3 13
Common operations and eliminations 15 11 3 0 3 -3 11
Group total 152 151 1 42 52 -10 194

Segmental information by quarter 

Net sales by segment
(€ million)
1-3/
2014
4-6/
2014
7-9/
2014
10-12/
2014
1-3/
2015
4-6/ 2015 7-9/
2015
 
Grocery trade 1,102 1,202 1,190 1,260 1,103 1,149 1,171  
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 815 974 942 837 773 883 857  
Car trade 218 199 175 175 210 190 170  
Common operations and eliminations -6 -5 -2 -5 -3 4 4  
Group total 2,129 2,371 2,304 2,267 2,082 2,227 2,203  
                 
 

 

Operating profit by segment
(€ million)
1-3/
2014
4-6/
2014
7-9/
2014
10-12/
2014
1-3/
2015
4-6/ 2015 7-9/
2015
Grocery trade 44.3 54.4 58.3 59.1 35.2 115.8 45.0
Home improvement and speciality goods trade -64.3 11.9 1.9 -1.5 -144.7 61.5 36.8
Car trade 10.1 7.4 6.3 5.2 9.8 6.5 6.0
Common operations and eliminations -3.1 -4.4 -3.2 -31.1 -3.9 -8.0 -4.6
Group total -13.0 69.4 63.4 31.7 -103.6 175.8 83.1
               
                             

Operating profit excl.
non-recurring items
by segment (€ million)
1-3/
2014
4-6/
2014
7-9/
2014
10-12/
2014
1-3/
2015
4-6/ 2015 7-9/
2015
Grocery trade 45.4 55.3 60.3 62.2 34.9 43.3 44.8
Home improvement and speciality goods trade -33.2 9.3 20.6 3.7 -14.2 34.5 35.8
Car trade 10.1 7.4 6.3 5.2 9.8 6.5 6.0
Common operations and eliminations -3.1 -4.4 -3.2 -9.3 -3.9 -8.0 -4.1
Group total 19.1 67.6 84.0 61.9 26.5 76.4 82.5

Operating margin excl.
non-recurring items
by segment, %
1-3/
2014
4-6/
2014
7-9/
2014
10-12/
2014
1-3/
2015
4-6/ 2015 7-9/
2015
Grocery trade 4.1 4.6 5.1 4.9 3.2 3.8 3.8
Home improvement and speciality goods trade -4.1 1.0 2.2 0.4 -1.8 3.9 4.2
Car trade 4.6 3.7 3.6 3.0 4.7 3.4 3.5
Group total 0.9 2.9 3.6 2.7 1.3 3.4 3.7

Change in tangible and intangible assets (€ million)

  30.9.2015 30.9.2014
Opening net carrying amount 1,802 1,840
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment -97 -133
Investments in tangible and intangible assets 141 160
Disposals -405 -14
Currency translation differences -10 -6
Closing net carrying amount 1,431 1,847

Related party transactions (€ million)

The Group's related parties include its key management (the Board of Directors, the Managing Director and the Group Management Board) and companies controlled by them, the Group's subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures as well as Kesko Pension Fund.

The following transactions were carried out with related parties:

  1-9/2015 1-9/2014
Sales of goods and services 53 59
Purchases of goods and services 11 17
Other operating income 9 9
Other operating expenses 34 23
Finance costs 2 0
     
  30.9.2015 30.9.2014
Receivables 67 10
Liabilities 26 20

Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities (€ million)

  Level   1 Level 2 Level 3 30.9.2015
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 214.5 206.8   421.3
Derivative financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss        
Derivative financial assets   11.0   11.0
Derivative financial liabilities   10.2   10.2
Available-for-sale financial assets 183.0 168.3 15.5 366.9

Fair value hierarchy of financial assets and liabilities (€ million)

  Level  1 Level 2 Level 3 30.9.2014
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 14.4 188.8   203.2
Derivative financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss        
Derivative financial assets   6.9   6.9
Derivative financial liabilities   10.9   10.9
Available-for-sale financial assets 60.6 164.0 13.1 237.7

Level 1 instruments are traded in active markets and their fair values are directly based on quoted market prices. The fair values of level 2 instruments are derived from market data. The fair values of level 3 instruments are not based on observable market data.

Personnel, average and as at 30.9.

Personnel average by
segment
 

1-9/2015
 

1-9/2014
 

Change
Grocery trade 6,458 6,192 265
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 11,339 12,561 -1,222
Car trade 785 833 -48
Common operations 492 438 55
Group total 19,074 20,024 -950
     
Personnel as at 30.9.*
by segment
 

2015
 

2014
 

Change
Grocery trade 8,090 7,455 635
Home improvement and speciality goods trade 12,407 14,702 -2,295
Car trade 784 830 -46
Common operations 531 472 59
Group total 21,812 23,459 -1,647

* Total number including part-time employees

Group's commitments (€ million)      
  30.9.2015 30.9.2014 Change, %
Own commitments 164 203 -19.6
For associates and joint ventures - 65 -100.0
For others 12 12 4.4
Lease liabilities for machinery and equipment 26 25 4.6
Lease liabilities for real estate 2,623 2,214 18.5
 

 
     
 

Liabilities arising from derivative instruments
     
(€ million)      
      Fair value
Values of underlying instruments at 30.9. 30.9.2015 30.9.2014 30.9.2015
Interest rate derivatives      
  Interest rate swaps 101 101 0.31
Currency derivatives      
  Forward and future contracts 290 375 4.35
  Currency swaps 50 50 3.35
  Option agreements - 9 -
Commodity derivatives       
  Electricity derivatives 12 26 -7.21

Calculation of performance indicators

Return on capital employed*, %
Operating profit x 100 / (Non-current assets + Inventories + Receivables + Other current assets - Non-interest-bearing liabilities) on average for the reporting period
Return on capital employed, %, rolling 12 months

Operating profit for prior 12 months x 100 / (Non-current assets + Inventories + Receivables + Other current assets - Non-interest-bearing liabilities) on average for 12 months
Return on capital employed excl. non- recurring items*, %

Operating profit excl. non-recurring items x 100 / (Non-current assets + Inventories + Receivables + Other current assets - Non-interest-bearing liabilities) on average for the reporting period
Return on capital employed excl. non- recurring items, %, rolling 12 months

Operating profit excl. non-recurring items for prior 12 months x 100 / (Non-current assets + Inventories + Receivables + Other current assets - Non-interest-bearing liabilities) on average for 12 months
Return on equity*, %

(Profit/loss before tax - Income tax) x 100 / Shareholders' equity

Return on equity, %, rolling 12 months

(Profit/loss for prior 12 months before tax - Income tax for prior 12 months) x 100 / Shareholders' equity
Return on equity excl. non-recurring items*, %

(Profit/loss adjusted for non-recurring items before tax - Income tax adjusted for the tax effect of non-recurring items) x 100 / Shareholders' equity
Return on equity excl. non-recurring items, %, rolling 12 months

(Profit/loss for prior 12 months adjusted for non-recurring items before tax - Income tax for prior 12 months adjusted for the tax effect of non-recurring items) x 100 / Shareholders' equity

Equity ratio, %
Shareholders' equity x 100 /
(Total assets - Prepayments received)

Earnings/share, diluted
(Profit/loss - Non-controlling interests) /
Average diluted number of shares

Earnings/share, basic
(Profit/loss - Non-controlling interests) /
Average number of shares

Earnings/share excl.
non-recurring items,
basic
(Profit/loss adjusted for non-recurring items - Non-controlling interests) / Average number of shares

Equity/share
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent /
Basic number of shares at the balance sheet date

Gearing, %
Interest-bearing net liabilities x 100 /
Shareholders' equity

Interest-bearing net debt

Interest-bearing liabilities - Money market investments - Cash and cash equivalents

* Indicators for return on capital have been annualised

K-Group's retail and B2B sales*, VAT 0% (preliminary data):

  1.1.-30.9.2015 1.7.-30.9.2015
K-Group's retail and

B2B sales
€ million Change, % € million Change, %
         
K-Group's grocery trade        
K-food stores, Finland 3,361 -1.7 1,143 -1.8
K-citymarket, non-food 397 -1.1 136 -3.4
Kespro 583 -0.2 205 -1.1
K-ruoka, Russia 75 -2.4 25 -2.6
Grocery trade, total 4,416 -1.5 1,508 -1.9
         
K-Group's home improvement and speciality goods trade        
K-rauta and Rautia 767 -2.4 293 -1.1
Rautakesko B2B Service 142 0.5 51 2.1
K-maatalous 325 -8.5 99 -15.3
Machinery trade, Finland 125 2.5 35 -3.5
Speciality goods trade, Finland 366 -2.7 118 -5.0
Finland, total 1,725 -3.1 597 -4.5
Home improvement and speciality goods trade, other Nordic countries 651 -2.4 236 -3.3
Home improvement and speciality goods trade, the Baltics 418 -0.7 153 -4.6
Home improvement and speciality goods trade, other countries 242 -18.9 89 -23.3
Home improvement and speciality goods trade, total 3,037 -4.1 1,075 -6.1
         
K-Group's car trade        
VV-Autotalot 281 -4.6 87 -8.5
VV-Auto, import 305 -2.6 88 4.6
Car trade, total 587 -3.6 175 -2.3
         
Finland total 6,654 -2.1 2,255 -2.7
Other countries, total 1,387 -5.3 503 -7.9
Retail and B2B sales,
total
8,040 -2.7 2,758 -3.6
* Excluding Anttila        

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