Market announcement

Title

2017 6 months and II quarter consolidated unaudited interim report

Message

Tallinn, Estonia, 2017-08-10 07:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --




COMMENTARY FROM MANAGEMENT

Merko Ehitus grew both its revenue and net profit figures for Q2 and first
half-year compared to last year. Sales revenue in the second quarter was EUR
70.7 million and net profit was EUR 2.2 million; while six-month sales revenue
was EUR 128.8 million and net profit was EUR 3.2 million. 

In the estimation of the group’s management board, sales revenue and profit
showed the expected growth compared to 2016 and it is gratifying to see that
sales revenue increased on all of the group’s home markets. This year, the
group has increased its secured order book, above all in Latvia, where we have
launched construction on several major projects. As a result, the number of the
Latvian company’s employees has grown. Competition between general contractors
continues to be very close in all of the countries in which we operate.
Furthermore, the availability of workforce and stability of suppliers is
becoming increasingly complicated, which in the assessment of the management
puts general contractors under pressure with regard to profit margins and
deadlines and forces a search for solutions. 

In the opinion of the group’s management, apartment sales in Q2 and first
half-year have proceeded according to expectations. Compared to the same period
last year, Merko Ehitus sold 50% more apartments in the first six months of
this year and earned 54% more sales revenue. A contributing factor was the
simultaneous completion and sales of several projects at the same time in the
first half-year. The apartment market in Tallinn and Vilnius continues to be
active, even though it appeared that the price ceiling has been reached, and in
future, somewhat longer sales periods in some development projects can be
expected. The Riga apartment market has not built up the same momentum yet. In
six months, Merko has invested more than EUR 18 million into development
projects launched this year and projects already in progress. 

In the second quarter of 2017, the group’s companies entered into new
construction contracts at a greater volume than in past years, including for
the construction of the multifunctional centre Akropole and Z-Towers complex in
Riga and the addition to the air traffic control centre in Tallinn. Among major
projects in progress in Q2 in Estonia were the construction of T1 shopping
centre, Maakri Kvartal, Öpiku office building B, and the tram line that will
serve the airport. In Latvia, the biggest projects in progress were the
multifunctional centre Akropole in Riga and the Ventspils music school and
concert hall; in Lithuania, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, the Philip Morris
plant and a hotel and residential building complex in the Rinktines Urban
development project. 

Assessing the outlook on the construction market, we expect that demand on the
apartment market in Riga will more rapidly approach the level of the other
Baltic capitals. While the growth in the apartment market in Vilnius and
Tallinn is stabilizing, yet the demand for a good living environment remains
strong. We would like to see more public procurements on the construction
market in Lithuania. In Estonia, on the other hand, we presume that the number
of accruing commercial real estate sites will stabilize and that operating
volumes will grow on the infrastructure side. As a whole, the group is working
to ensure that the growth in business volumes in our home markets in the first
half of the year will continue in the second half. 



OVERVIEW OF THE II QUARTER AND 6 MONTHS RESULTS

PROFITABILITY

Q2 2017 net profit was EUR 2,2 million (Q2 2016: EUR 1.7 million) and net
profit margin 3.1% (Q2 2016: 2.9%). Q2 net profit was influenced by additional
income tax expense on dividends in the amount of EUR 0.9 million (Q2 2016: EUR
0.6 million). Net profit in 6M 2017 was EUR 3,2 million (6M 2016: EUR 1.8
million), having increased by 76.2% compared to the same period last year and
net profit margin increased to 2.5% (6M 2016: 1.7%). Profit before tax in 6M
2017 was EUR 4.4 million (6M 2016: EUR 2.7 million), which is equivalent to a
profit before tax margin of 3.4% (6M 2016: 2.6%). 

REVENUE

Q2 2017 revenue was EUR 70.7 million (Q2 2016: EUR 58.7 million) and 6M 2017
revenue was EUR 128.8 million (6M 2016: EUR 105.6 million), has increased by
22.0% compared to last year. The share of revenue earned outside Estonia in 6M
2017 was 31% (6M 2016: 30%). The number of apartments (239 units) sold in 6
months of 2017 has increased by 50.3% compared to last year and the revenue
from apartment sales (EUR 26.9 million) has increased by 54.5% (6 months of
2016: 159 units, revenues of EUR 17.4 million). 

CASH POSITION

At the end of the reporting period, the group had EUR 25.9 million in cash and
cash equivalents and equity EUR 118.7 million (49.3% of total assets).
Comparable figures as at 30 June 2016 were accordingly EUR 21.7 million and EUR
118.5 million (54.8% of total assets). As at 30 June 2017 the group had net
debt of EUR 19.4 million (30 June 2016: EUR 13.3 million). 

SECURED ORDER BOOK

As at 30 June 2017, the group’s secured order book had grown to EUR 387.5
million (30 June 2016: EUR 279.4 million). In 6M 2017, group companies signed
new contracts in the amount of EUR 216.6 million (6M 2016: EUR 109.0 million).
Q2 2017 new contracts signed in amount of EUR 158 million (Q2 2016: EUR 86.6
million). 



                           6M     6M     Variance  Q2    Q2    Variance  12M    
                           2017   2016             2017  2016             2016  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue            millio  128.8  105.6  +22.0%    70.7  58.7  +20.3%    252.0  
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA             millio  6.0    4.6    +32.4%    4.1   3.4   +22.5%    11.2   
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA margin      %       4.7    4.3              5.9   5.8             4.4    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBIT               millio  4.7    3.1    +53.1%    3.5   2.6   +33.4%    7.7    
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBIT margin        %       3.7    2.9              4.9   4.4             3.1    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit before tax  millio  4.4    2.7    +59.1%    3.3   2.4   +33.8%    7.3    
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBT margin         %       3.4    2.6              4.6   4.1             2.9    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit         millio  3.2    1.8    +76.2%    2.2   1.7   +27.5%    6.1    
 (parent)          n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit margin  %       2.5    1.7              3.1   2.9             2.4    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EPS                EUR     0.18   0.10   +76.2%    0.12  0.09  +27.5%    0.35   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                


                                    30.06.2017  30.06.2016  Variance  31.12.2016
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROE (on yearly basis)  %            6.2         7.7                   5.0       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity ratio           %            49.3        54.8                  51.6      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secured order book     million EUR  387.5       279.4       +38.7%    269.6     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets           million EUR  241.0       216.4       +11.4%    237.8     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of employees    people       803         826         -2.8%     797       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                



OPERATING RESULTS

Revenue and operating profit

Merko Ehitus group generated a total of EUR 128.8 million in revenue in 6
months of 2017 (6 months of 2016: EUR 105.6 million). Compared to 6 months of
2016 the group revenue has increased by 22%, the revenue increased in all group
home markets. 

In 6 months of 2017 the group’s operating profit was EUR 4.7 million (6 months
of 2016: EUR 3.1 million). The 6 months operating profit margin (3.7%) has
increased by 0.8 pp compared to the same period last year (6 months of 2016:
2.9%). Operating profit margin has been positively impacted by the
profitability in the real estate development segment, which depends largely on
the price of the land as part of the total specific project expenses and is
thus different on a project basis. The group’s aim is to improve the
profitability in construction service domain, but the scarcity of projects and
the ever-tightening competition remain a major challenge. The number of
companies participating in tenders and the risk of low pricing bids is high in
all three Baltic states. 

Profit before tax and net profit

In 6 months of 2017, the group’s profit before tax totalled EUR 4.4 million (6
months of 2016: EUR 2.7 million) and net profit attributable to equity holders
of the parent was EUR 3.2 million (6 months of 2016: EUR 1.8 million). Group’s
profit before tax margin was 3.4% (6 months of 2016: 2.6%) and the net profit
margin was 2.5% (6 months of 2016: 1.7%). 

In Q2 of 2017, the group’s pre-tax profit totalled EUR 3.3 million and net
profit was EUR 2.2 million as compared to the pre-tax profit of EUR 2.4 million
and net profit of EUR 1.7 million in Q2 of 2016. 

In the second quarter of 2017, the group paid EUR 7.3 million in dividends,
which incurred additional income tax expense in the amount of EUR 0.9 million.
The situation in the second quarter of 2016 was alike, when the group paid EUR
9.0 million in dividends, with the exception that then the group incurred
additional income tax expense on dividends in the amount of EUR 0.6 million. 


Business activities

The group business reporting is divided into three business segments: Estonian
construction service, other home markets construction service and real estate
development. 

Estonian construction service

The Estonian construction services segment consists of various services in the
field of general construction, civil engineering, electricity, infrastructure
and road construction, as well concrete works and construction services on
project basis in Finland. 

In the 6 months of 2017, the revenue of the Estonian construction service
segment was EUR 60.9 million (6 months of 2016: EUR 53.1 million), having
increase by 14.6% from the same period last year. The 6 months revenue includes
revenue from Finnish projects in the amount of EUR 0.02 million (6 months of
2016: EUR 0.4 million). The increase in revenue in the segment is primarily
influenced by the fact that several large-scale general construction projects
launched in 2016 have continued to progress. The Estonian construction service
segment revenues for 6 months 2017 were 47.2% of the group’s revenue, forming
the largest proportion in the group’s revenue. 

In this segment, the group earned a operating profit of EUR 1.7 million for 6
months (6 months of 2016: EUR 2.0 million). In 6 months of 2017, the operating
profit margin of the Estonian construction service segment was 2.8%, which
decreased by 0.9 pp compared to the 6 months of 2016 (3.7%). The Estonian
construction services market is characterised by stiff competition. The number
of civil engineering projects remains small, with general construction
witnessing ever-increasing competition. The group is continually enhancing the
efficiency of its internal project management processes, having reduced and
relocated group resources in order to maintain an efficient cost base. 

Our major projects in the second quarter in Tallinn included the construction
works of Maakri Kvartal business complex, T1 shopping centre, Öpiku office
building B, Pärnu mnt 22 office building, in Tapa construction works of the
barracks in military campus depot and Viru Infantry Battalion technology park
buildings and facilities, construction of the airport tram line infrastructure
and construction work on the passenger, walkway at Vanasadama Harbour quay No
5. Additionally the construction works of Juuliku road junction and road
section at Tallinn roundabout and the road maintenance works done under the
service agreement with Tallinn county had a significant impact. 

On 13th June 2017, AS Vooremaa Teed, 100% subsidiary of Tallinna Teed AS part
of Merko Ehitus group, and Eesti Keskkonnateenused AS have entered sales and
purchase agreement to dispose AS Vooremaa Teed’s road maintenance field of
activity. The largest contract under disposal of the field of activity was with
Estonian Road Administration signed in 2015. Under the contract AS Vooremaa
Teed performed the road and maintenance works of main roads in Viljandi county
in total annual value approximately 1.8 million euros and with the term till 31
December 2020. The transaction is approved by Estonian Competition Authority on
21th of June 2017 and is planned to be completed during 3rd quarter 2017. 

Other home markets construction service

The other home markets construction service segment consists of general
construction work in Latvia, Lithuania and Norway and provision of civil
engineering and electricity services in Latvia. 

The revenue of the other home markets construction service segment amounted to
EUR 31.3 million in the 6 months of 2017 (6 months of 2016: EUR 23.5 million),
which is 32.8% more than in the 6 months of 2016. If the other home markets
construction service segment revenues of 6 months of 2016 formed 22.3% of the
group’s revenue, then during 6 months of the current year the segments revenues
increased to 24.3%. 

Merko’s position among Latvia general contractors is currently strong and we
see opportunities for growing our business volumes. In Lithuania, we are
continuing our strategic plan to focus on external customers who make up the
predominant part of the group’s Lithuanian secured order book. In Lithuania, we
have also entered more widely the public procurement sphere in the field of
general construction. In Norway, the group is mainly performing smaller-scale
agreements, while actively working on building project management capability
and systems to conclude larger general contracting agreements. The group’s
continued focus is on increasing the revenues outside Estonia. 

The 6 months operating loss of the other home market construction service
segment amounted to EUR 0.7 million (6 months of 2016: operating loss EUR 0.4
million) and the operating profit margin was negative 2.2% (6 months of 2016:
negative 1.7%). The operating result was affected by the realisation of the
risks associated with a particular contract for construction, higher overhead
costs compared to the revenue posted in the first half-year, and the pressure
exerted on input prices. 

In the second quarter of 2017, the main ongoing projects included in the other
home markets construction service segment were in Vilnius the construction
works of Narbuto 5 office building, the construction works of Kauno/Algirdo
residential complex with office premises and the design and construction works
of Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva extension, in Klaipeda the reconstruction and
extension construction works of Philip Morris plant. In Riga the construction
works of Multifunctional Centre Akropole, construction works of C?su 9
apartment building. In Jurmala the construction works of Jasm?nu 10 residential
complex and in Ventspils the construction works of music school and concert
hall and design and in Oslo construction works of an extension of a building at
Blakstad Hospital. 

Real estate development

The real estate development segment includes residential real estate
development and construction of joint venture projects, long-term real estate
investments and commercial real estate projects in Estonia, Latvia and
Lithuania. In the interests of the finest quality and maximum convenience and
assurance for buyers, Merko handles all phases of development: acquisition of
the real estate, planning, design of the development project, construction,
sales and marketing and warranty-period customer service. 

The group sold a total of 239 apartments (incl. 1 apartment in a joint venture)
in 6 months of 2017 at the total value of EUR 26.9 million (excl. VAT),
compared to 159 apartments and EUR 17.4 million in 6 months of 2016. In Q2 of
2017 a total of 98 apartments were sold at the total value of EUR 10.5 million
(excl. VAT), (Q2 2016: 58 apartments and EUR 6.0 million). In 6 months of 2017,
the group didn’t sell immovable properties (6 months of 2016: EUR 8.6 million
and Q2 2016: EUR 1.1 million). The construction service revenue from projects
developed by joint ventures in 6 months of 2017 was EUR 6.2 million (6 months
of 2016: EUR 1.5 million). 

In 6 months of 2017 real estate development segment revenues have increased by
26.8% compared to the same period last year. The growth is primarily influenced
by the increase of amount of sold apartments.In the 6 months of 2017 the share
of revenue from the real estate development segment formed 28.5% of the group’s
total revenue (6 months of 2016: 27.4%). 

The 6 months operating profit of the segment amounted to EUR 4.6 million (6
months of 2016: EUR 2.5 million) and the operating profit margin was 12.6% (6
months of 2016: 8.5%), which increased by 4.1 pp compared to the same period
previous year. 

At the end of the period, group’s inventory comprised 235 apartments where a
preliminary agreement had been signed: 13 completed apartments (10 in Estonia,
1 in Latvia and 2 in Lithuania) and 222 apartments under construction (131 in
Estonia, 40 in Latvia and 51 in Lithuania). The sale of these apartments had
not yet been finalised and delivered to customers, because the development site
is still under construction or the site was completed at the end of the
reporting period and the sales transactions have not all been finalised yet. 

As at 30 June 2017, the group had a total of 444 apartments for active sale (as
at 30 June 2016: 510 apartments), for which there are no pre-sale agreements
and of which 69 have been completed (47 in Estonia, 8 in Latvia and 14 in
Lithuania) and 375 are under construction (164 in Estonia, 142 in Latvia and 69
in Lithuania). 

In 6 months of 2017, the group launched the construction of a total of 385 new
apartments in the Baltic states (6 months of 2016: 284 apartments). In the 6
months of this year, the group has invested a total of EUR 18.4 million (6
months of 2016: EUR 25.1 million) in new development projects launched in 2017
as well as projects already in progress. 

The group will continue to invest in residential real estate projects and in
2017, the group plans to launch the construction of approximately 650-700
(incl. 60-160 apartments in joint ventures) new apartments in the Baltic
states. In 2016, construction was started on 344 apartments. The investment
level in 2017 in both development projects initiated in previously and new
projects to be launched in 2017 is in the range of EUR 45 million (2016: EUR
53.6 million invested). 

One of group’s objectives is to keep a moderate portfolio of land plots to
ensure stable inventory of property development projects considering the market
conditions. At 30 June 2017, the group's inventories included land plots with
the development potential, where the construction works have not started, of
EUR 67.0 million (30.06.2016: EUR 50.3 million). 

In the 6 months of 2017, the group has purchased new land plot, at an
acquisition cost of EUR 4.1 million, for real estate development purposes (6
months of 2016: no new land plot acquisitions). In Q1 of 2017, the group
acquired an approximately 1.5-hectare development area between R?pniec?bas and
P?tersalas streets in the heart of Riga, allowing to build nearly 350
apartments in the upcoming years. 

After the balance sheet date, on 31 July 2017, AS Merko Ehitus purchased
immovable properties located on the Maarjamäe limestone cliff in the Lasnamäe
district of Tallinn to support group’s long-term residential development
strategy in Estonia. Considering the registered immovables in this area that
were already owned by the group, there is now potential to establish a total of
around 1,500 apartments. The development has a long-term perspective and will
take place in multiple phases. 


Secured order book

As at 30 June 2017, the group’s secured order book amounted to EUR 387.5
million as compared to EUR 279.4 million as at 30 June 2016, having increased
by approximately 38,7% in the annual comparison. The secured order book
excludes the group's own residential development projects and construction work
related to developing real estate investments. 

In 6 months of 2017, EUR 216.6 million worth of new contracts were signed
(without own developments) as compared to EUR 109.0 million in same period last
year. The value of new contracts signed (without own developments) in the
second quarter of 2017 amounted to EUR 158.0 million, which included the
multifunctional centre Akropole construction contract in the amount of EUR
100.0 million. 

In the second quarter of 2017, AS Merko Ehitus 100% subsidiary SIA Merks
concluded a 100-million euro contract for construction of the multifunctional
Akropole centre in Riga. The main contractor, SIA Merks, has engaged UAB
Mitnija as a 50:50 partner in the management of the project. The contract is
fully included in the secured order book, as SIA Merks remains directly
responsible to the contracting entity. 

Of the contracts signed in the 6 months of 2017, private sector orders
accounted for the majority proportion, which is also represented in the group’s
secured order book as at the end of the reporting period, where private sector
orders from projects in progress constitute approximately 82% (30.06.2016:
approximately 80%). 

After the balance sheet date, on 10 July 2017, the group concluded one large
construction contract. AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, part of AS Merko Ehitus group,
and Trading House Property OÜ entered into a contract to perform the design and
construction works, which includes the extension and partial rebuilding of the
existing production building of Wendre, located at  Lina 31, Pärnu. The
contract value is approximately EUR 6.0 million. 

Traditionally the share of Estonian construction activity has been the highest
in the group's revenues. Given the growth outlook of the Estonian construction
market, the group's goal is to increase the volume of construction orders from
outside Estonia. Thus, we will continue to identify and strengthen the groups
competitive advantages and are closely monitoring the development and
opportunities both in the Baltic states and Nordic countries. The group will
focus to Norweigan market and continue to take part in various individual
Finnish construction procurements in a selective and project-based manner in
the Nordic countries. 


Cash flows

As at 30 June 2017 the group had cash equivalents in the amount of EUR 25.9
million (30.06.2016: EUR 21.7 million). The group's financial position is
continually strong, the group has not utilised all its credit lines of existing
overdrafts and loan agreements within reporting period. As at end of the
period, the group entities had concluded overdraft contracts with banks in the
total amount of EUR 11.2 million, of which EUR 10.6 was unused (30.06.2016: EUR
26.3 million, unused was EUR 23.1 million). In addition to the overdraft
facility, the company has a current loan facility with the limit of EUR 3.5
million (30.06.2016: EUR 3.5 million) from AS Riverito, which has not been
withdrawn at the end of current and previous financial periods. 

The 6-month cash flow from operating activity was positive at EUR 0.1 million
(6 months of 2016: negative EUR 13.2 million), cash flow from investing
activity was positive at EUR 0.2 million (6 months of 2016: EUR 0.0 million)
and the cash flow from financing activity was negative at EUR 8.0 million (6
months of 2016: negative EUR 4.9 million). 

To support cash flows arising from operating activity, the group has been
cautious in raising additional external capital, including factoring. At the
same time, the debt ratio has remained at a moderate level (18.3% as at
30.06.2017; 16.2% as at 30.06.2016; 19.3% as at 31.12.2016). 

Cash flows from investing activities include negative cash flow from the
acquisition of non-current asset in the amount of EUR 1.0 million (6 months of
2016: EUR 1.7 million) and the positive cash flow from the sale of non-current
assets in the amount of EUR 1.1 million (6 months of 2016: EUR 0.4 million).
The group mainly invested in non-current assets for the purpose of renewing its
fleet of machinery in the road construction. 

The largest single negative item in cash flows from financing was the dividend
payment of EUR 7.3 million (6 months of 2016: EUR 9.0 million). In addition,
bank loans totalling EUR 15.4 million, raised in order to acquire the
registered immovables, had a major influence. At the end of 2016 EUR 12.5
million was engaged as a short-term loan from the parent company AS Riverito to
purchase the Veerenni development area. The loan was refinanced at the
beginning of 2017 with long-term loans from various credit institutions. In Q2
of 2017, a EUR 2.9 million bank loan was raised to finance the development area
located between R?pniec?bas and P?tersalas streets in Riga, Latvia, purchased
in Q1. 

The Q2 2017 cash flow from operating activity was negative at EUR 5.5 million
(Q2 2016: negative EUR 11.6 million), cash flow from investing activity was
positive at EUR 0.3 million (Q2 2016: negative EUR 0.9 million) and the cash
flow from financing activity was negative at EUR 2.8 million (Q2 2016: negative
EUR 0.2 million). 

The quarterly cash flows from operating activities were negative primarily as a
result of the need for working capital for construction projects due to the
start of the construction season and to cover investments in development
projects. Cash flows from operating activities was also negatively impacted by
the corporate income tax paid EUR 1.0 million (Q2 2016: EUR 1.1 million). 


Dividends and dividend policy

The distribution of dividends to the shareholders of the company is recorded as
a liability in the financial statements as of the moment when the payment of
dividends is approved by the company’s shareholders. 

According to the current dividends policy the objective is paying the
shareholders 50-70% of the annual profit. 

The annual general meeting of shareholders of AS Merko Ehitus held at 28 April
2017 approved the Supervisory Board’s proposal to pay the shareholders the
total amount of EUR 7.3 million (EUR 0.41 per share) as dividends from net
profit brought forward, which is equivalent to a 119% dividend rate and a 4.5%
dividend yield for the year 2016 (using the share price as at 31 December
2016). Comparable figures in 2015 were accordingly: EUR 9.0 million (EUR 0.51
per share) as dividends, which is equivalent to a 90% dividend rate and a 6.0%
dividend yield (using the share price as at 31 December 2015). 

According to the Estonian Income Tax Law §50 section 11 AS Merko Ehitus can pay
certain portion of dividends without any additional income tax expense and
liabilities occurring due to previously received and taxed distribution of
profits from subsidiaries. Taking into account the dividends already paid to
the parent company by the subsidiaries during 2017, the group incurred
additional income tax expense in connection with the disbursement of dividends
of EUR 0.9 million (Q2 2016: EUR 0.6 million) in Estonia in the second quarter
of 2017.The dividend payment to the shareholders took a place on 26 May 2017. 


Ratios

(attributable to equity holders of the parent)

                              6M      6M      6M      Q2      Q2      Q2     12M
                            2017    2016    2015    2017    2016    2015    2016
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income statement                                                                
 summary                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue           millio   128.8   105.6   116.2    70.7    58.7    70.6   252.0
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit      millio    10.2     8.5     8.9     6.1     5.4     5.4    19.0
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit         %       7.9     8.0     7.7     8.6     9.3     7.6     7.5
 margin                                                                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit  millio     4.7     3.1     4.0     3.5     2.6     3.0     7.7
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit     %       3.7     2.9     3.4     4.9     4.4     4.2     3.1
 margin                                                                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit before     millio     4.4     2.7     3.6     3.3     2.4     2.7     7.3
 tax               n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PBT margin           %       3.4     2.6     3.1     4.6     4.1     3.9     2.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit        millio     3.2     1.8     2.4     2.2     1.8     1.6     6.0
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
attributable to   millio     3.2     1.8     2.4     2.2     1.7     1.6     6.1
 equity holders    n EUR                                                        
 of the parent                                                                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
attributable to   millio   (0.0)   (0.0)   (0.0)     0.1     0.1     0.0   (0.1)
 non-controlling   n EUR                                                        
 interest                                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit           %       2.5     1.7     2.1     3.1     2.9     2.3     2.4
 margin                                                                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other income                                                                    
 statement                                                                      
 indicators                                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA            millio     6.0     4.6     5.6     4.1     3.4     3.7    11.2
                   n EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA margin        %       4.7     4.3     4.8     5.9     5.8     5.2     4.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General expense      %       5.1     6.2     5.0     4.5     5.7     4.0     5.3
 ratio                                                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labour cost          %      11.7    13.9    12.0    10.4    13.8    10.8    11.7
 ratio                                                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue per       thousa     169     138     154      93      77      93     325
 employee         nd EUR                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Other significant                 30.06.2017  30.06.2016  30.06.2015  31.12.2016
 indicators                                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on equity           %             6.2         7.7         8.4         5.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on assets           %             3.2         4.4         4.3         2.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on invested         %             5.9         7.5         8.0         5.1
 capital                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity ratio               %            49.3        54.8        54.3        51.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt ratio                 %            18.3        16.2        15.6        19.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current ratio            times           2.8         2.8         2.5         2.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quick ratio              times           1.2         1.1         1.0         1.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable       days            39          36          47          37
 turnover                                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts payable          days            37          37          41          38
 turnover                                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average number of       people           764         765         757         776
 employees                                                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Secured order book      million        387.5       279.4       217.2       269.6
                          EUR                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

unaudited
in thousand euros

                                   2017      2016      2017      2016       2016
                               6 months  6 months        II        II  12 months
                                                    quarter   quarter           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenue                         128,807   105,563    70,660    58,743    251,970
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost of goods sold            (118,627)  (97,066)  (64,601)  (53,308)  (232,961)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit                     10,180     8,497     6,059     5,435     19,009
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marketing expenses              (1,638)   (1,669)     (778)     (901)    (3,281)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General and administrative      (4,918)   (4,868)   (2,400)   (2,451)   (10,076)
 expenses                                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other operating income            1,226     1,244       659       596      2,466
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other operating expenses          (133)     (124)      (76)      (82)      (399)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                  4,717     3,080     3,464     2,597      7,719
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finance income/costs              (362)     (341)     (206)     (161)      (440)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
incl. finance income/costs          (2)      (46)      (30)      (29)        163
 from joint ventures                                                            
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
finance income/costs from             -         1         -         1          2
 other long-term investments                                                    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
interest expense                  (347)     (299)     (174)     (143)      (610)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
foreign exchange gain (loss)        (1)       (7)       (3)         1        (6)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
other financial income             (12)        10         1         9         11
 (expenses)                                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit before tax                 4,355     2,739     3,258     2,436      7,279
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corporate income tax expense    (1,113)     (942)     (995)     (668)    (1,275)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net profit for financial          3,242     1,797     2,263     1,768      6,004
 year                                                                           
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
incl. net profit                  3,211     1,823     2,182     1,711      6,122
 attributable to equity                                                         
 holders of the parent                                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
net profit attributable to           31      (26)        81        57      (118)
 non-controlling interest                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income,                                                     
 which can subsequently be                                                      
 classified in the income                                                       
 statement                                                                      
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency translation               (30)         8      (27)        10         19
 differences of foreign                                                         
 entities                                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income for the      3,212     1,805     2,236     1,778      6,023
 period                                                                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
incl. net profit                  3,182     1,830     2,157     1,720      6,140
 attributable to equity                                                         
 holders of the parent                                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
net profit attributable to           30      (25)        79        58      (117)
 non-controlling interest                                                       
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share for             0.18      0.10      0.12      0.09       0.35
 profit attributable to                                                         
 equity holders of the                                                          
 parent (basic and diluted,                                                     
 in EUR)                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

unaudited
in thousand euros

                                              30.06.2017  30.06.2016  31.12.2016
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS                                                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets                                                                  
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents                         25,864      21,702      33,544
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade and other receivables                       63,775      46,025      45,566
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prepaid corporate income tax                         625         356         617
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventories                                      120,256     110,737     123,364
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 210,520     178,820     203,091
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current assets                                                              
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term financial assets                        12,881      17,316      15,805
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred income tax assets                         1,325       1,424       1,325
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment property                                3,979       4,239       4,108
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property, plant and equipment                     11,715      13,609      12,838
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intangible assets                                    571         985         673
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  30,471      37,573      34,749
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                     240,991     216,393     237,840
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES                                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities                                                             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borrowings                                         4,067       5,994      21,485
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payables and prepayments                          66,079      52,295      56,259
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax liability                                 161         343         278
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short-term provisions                              3,885       4,137       5,637
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  74,192      62,769      83,659
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-current liabilities                                                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term borrowings                              41,158      28,970      24,516
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred income tax liability                      1,165       1,025       1,122
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other long-term payables                           2,039       1,434       2,061
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  44,362      31,429      27,699
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES                                118,554      94,198     111,358
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY                                                                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-controlling interests                          3,722       3,715       3,692
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity attributable to equity holders of the                                    
 parent                                                                         
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share capital                                      7,929       7,929       7,929
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Statutory reserve capital                            793         793         793
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Currency translation differences                   (674)       (656)       (645)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings                                110,667     110,414     114,713
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 118,715     118,480     122,790
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL EQUITY                                     122,437     122,195     126,482
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY                     240,991     216,393     237,840
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Interim report and the investor presentation are attached to the announcement
and are also published on NASDAQ Tallinn and Merko’s web page (group.merko.ee). 



Signe Kukin
Group CFO
AS Merko Ehitus
+372 650 1250
[email protected]

AS Merko Ehitus (group.merko.ee) group consists of Estonia’s leading
construction company AS Merko Ehitus Eesti, the Latvian-market-oriented SIA
Merks, UAB Merko Statyba that is operating on the Lithuanian market, Peritus
Entreprenør AS construction company in Norway and the real estate development
business unit along with real estate holding companies. As at the end of 2016,
the group employed 797 people and the company’s 2016 revenue was EUR 252
million.