Right to attend
Shareholders who wish to attend the EGM shall both be registered in the shareholder registry maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB by Wednesday, 5 September 2018, and notify attendance to the company latest Wednesday, 5 September 2018 via e-mail to anmalan@impactcoatings.se or post to Impact Coatings AB (publ), Westmansgatan 29G, 582 16 Linköping.
Notification of attendance shall include name, person- or organization number, shareholdings, address, telephone number, and information in the case of representatives. If participation is by proxy, relevant credentials must be submitted before the EGM. Credentials may not be more than one year old, unless a longer period of validity (maximum five years) is stated in the credentials documentation. If the shareholder represented by proxy is a legal entity, the representative must present proof of registration or other documentation that confirms the signatory’s authority. A proxy form will be available from the company’s web page www.impactcoatings.com latest from three weeks before the EGM until the day of the EGM and will be sent to those shareholders who request it and provide a postal address.
Shareholders that have chosen to register shares with a custodian must, in order to participate in the EGM, temporarily re-register their shares under their own name with Euroclear Sweden AB sufficiently in advance so that the re-registration is completed latest Wednesday, 5 September 2018. In order for this to occur, a request for such re-registration must reach the custodian well in advance of the date above.
Proposed agenda
Proposal for resolution
Item 7 – Election of new auditor
The board of directors proposes that the EGM resolve in accordance with the board’s proposal to choose Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB (”PwC”) org.nr 556029-6740, with by PwC suggested lead auditor Johan Palmgren, as the new auditing company for the company from the date of the EGM, see Appendix 1.
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Linköping, August 2018Impact Coatings AB (publ)The board of directors
For more information contact: Mark H. Shay, CFAChairmanPhone: +46 765 96 62 38, or e-mail: mark@accendofund.com
This information was submitted under responsibility of the contact person named above, for publication 17 August 2018 at 08:15 a.m.
About Impact Coatings
Impact Coatings develops and delivers world-leading technology for industrial PVD-coatings with a focus on fuel cell, decorative, metallization, and reflector applications. PVD is a method of, under vacuum, producing thin layers of metals and ceramics – surface coatings that maximize performance and durability. Impact Coatings markets coating equipment under the trade name INLINECOATER™ and coatings under MAXPHASE™.
The company’s shares trade on the Nasdaq First North exchange (Nasdaq OMX Nordic). The company’s Certified Adviser is Redeye AB.
Appendix 1
The board of directors proposes that the EGM resolve in accordance with the board’s proposal to choose Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB (”PwC”) org.nr 556029-6740, with lead auditor Johan Palmgren, as the new auditor for the company from the date of the EGM.
A press release from Impact Coatings on 24 July 2018 states:
“An independent accounting investigation of the period January 2016-June 2018, conducted by PWC at the request of the Impact Coatings board of directors, has reached the preliminary conclusion that a substantial portion of travel-related and out-of-pocket expense reimbursement claims by former CEO Henrik Ljungcrantz are not business-related and/or lack required supporting documentation.
An analysis by a separate and independent firm has found similar improper handling of expenses during 2012-2015. Periods prior to 2012 have not been considered. Henrik Ljungcrantz was CEO of Impact Coatings during the period 2002-2014, and again during the period May 2017-May 2018.
Pending further investigation and based on preliminary data, it is reasonable to expect approximately SEK 1-3 million in improper expense reimbursements to be confirmed for the period 2012-2018, plus approximately SEK 1 million in costs for the investigation itself, all of which the company will seek to recover.
The board of directors has, after meeting with Henrik Ljungcrantz today, resolved to terminate his employment with immediate effect. He will after today not receive further severance payments described in the company’s 27 May 2018 announcement.
The board of directors will submit the final investigation report with supporting documentation to the Swedish Economic Crime Authority.”
Based on the number of incorrect transactions, the amounts in question, and the period during which the errors have occurred, it is the judgment of the board of directors that election of a new auditor is warranted.
The departing auditor Ernst & Young AB (“EY”) with lead auditor Magnus Eriksson, has on 15 August 2018 informed the board of directors and the Swedish Companies Registration Office that they choose to resign as auditor of Impact Coatings effective 11 September 2018.
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· Net sales amounted to SEK 2 648 thousand (2 783) · Operating profit amounted to SEK -13 528 thousand (-13 998) · Net income after financial items amounted to SEK -13 527 thousand (-14 403) · Cash flow amounted to SEK -11 698 thousand (3 937) · Equity-to-assets ratio amounted to 77.9% (77.6%)
FINANCIAL RESULTS FIRST HALF 2018
· Net sales amounted to SEK 9 788 thousand (21 234) · Operating profit amounted to SEK -19 628 thousand (-14 402) · Net income after financial items amounted to SEK -19 647 thousand (-14 408) · Cash flow amounted to SEK -15 464 thousand (-8 222) · Equity-to-assets ratio amounted to 77.9% (77.6%)
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS SECOND QUARTER 2018
· New board members elected at the AGM · New interim CEO, Torbjörn Sandberg · Delivery of coating machine to Xin Point (China)
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER PERIOD-END
· Machine order from Varioplast (Germany) · Orders from China Hydrogen Energy and Huaqing Power Technology treated as no longer valid following thorough review · Former CEO terminated after preliminary findings of independent investigation
CEO’s COMMENTARY
I started as interim CEO of Impact Coatings at the end of May. During the more than two months that have passed, my conviction has grown stronger that the company has very good potential to establish itself as a leading supplier of coatings for fuel cells, reflectors and exclusive consumer products. I am very impressed by the competence, energy, and ambition of the Impact Coatings team.
Our customers are clearly satisfied with our offering and with us as a company. The German company Varioplast has after the period end ordered an additional coating machine from us, and at the end of the quarter we delivered a coating machine to Xin Point in southern China – in both cases the result of several years’ evaluation of our production solution for metallization on plastic.
At the same time one can see that better commercial processes and a more efficient organization will be required to increase value creation over time. To this end, a review of the company’s customers, partners and suppliers is being carried out.
In connection with my starting, an objective review of the company was carried out to identify both strengths and areas needing development. Given that there were two major orders from China that had been delayed on several occasions, it was necessary to initiate a dedicated investigation concerning their status. The conclusion was that they can no longer be considered valid, since the customers could not demonstrate when payment could take place. In one case, a deposit had been paid, which will not be refunded. The situation with the two orders is highly regrettable, and is a clear signal to the company about the importance of risk assessment and commercial discipline that we will carry forward into future negotiations.
We see great interest in our offering for Decorative, Metallization and Reflective coatings. We estimate that the potential in the short and medium term is high in this segment, and that it offers the fastest path to profitability. We will therefore add additional resources in this area to be able to capitalize on the opportunities.
We will continue to work strategically with fuel cells, focusing on the industry-leading companies in the fuel cell industry, car manufacturers, and those suppliers on which car manufacturers have chosen to focus. We will not, however, work with companies that lack long-term financing, have an appreciably high commercial risk profile, or otherwise cannot be considered a strategic future customer or business partner.
A renewed contact at management level has been initiated with Optorun (Japan), with which we have distribution and supply agreements, to evaluate the future business potential. Previously communicated sales estimates connected to these agreements are being reviewed.
Impact Coatings is a company with great potential, and we will work hard over the long term, in a structured and goal-oriented manner, to grow and become profitable. To succeed, we will do all we can to recruit employees who have the same capacity and professionalism as our staff today.
Torbjörn Sandberg
FINANCIAL RESULTS
Second quarter 2018
Revenue for the second quarter amounted to SEK 2,648 thousand (2,783) and operating profit was SEK -13,258 thousand (-13,998). Profit before depreciation and other operating expenses was SEK -12,717 thousand (-13,493). Profit before tax amounted to SEK -13,527 thousand (-14,403). Cash flow amounted to SEK -11 698 thousand (3 937).
Cash flow from operating activities during the period amounted to SEK -11 698 thousand (3 937).
Cash flow from investing activities amounted to SEK 0 thousand (-1 340).
Cash flow from financing activities amounted to SEK 0 (0). Total cash flow for the period was SEK -11,698 thousand (-3,937).
During the period, a machine under production and part of the inventory of raw materials and consumables have been revalued. The net effect of the revaluation has been a reduction in operating profit for the period by SEK -2,780 thousand.
Provisions for deferred tax assets have, as in previous years’ accounts, not been made.
First half 2018
Revenue for the period January-June amounted to SEK 9 788 thousand (21 234). Gross profit amounted to SEK 4,097 thousand, 41.9% of sales (3,352, 15.8%). Operating expenses amounted to SEK -29,416 thousand (-35 636). Earnings before depreciation and other operating expenses amounted to SEK -18,004 thousand (-13,498). Profit before tax amounted to SEK -19,647 thousand (-14,408). Cash flow amounted to SEK -15,446 thousand (-8,222).
Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK -15,394 thousand during the period (-6,882).
Cash flow from financing activities amounted to SEK -70 thousand (0). Total cash flow for the period amounted to SEK -15,464 thousand (-8,222).
Financial position and liquidity
Liquid assets at period end amounted to SEK 49 922 thousand (13 925).
Equity-to-assets ratio amounted to 77.9% (77.6%).
EVENTS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER
The AGM was held in Linköping on May 17. At the AGM three new members were elected to the board of directors, Mark H. Shay (Chairman), Tanja Vainio and Lars-Gunnar Skötte, and two members were re-elected, Jan-Eric Sundgren and Christian Sahlén.
With the goal of helping the company become financially self-sufficient, the board of directors on May 27 replaced the company CEO and co-founder Henrik Ljungcrantz. Torbjörn Sandberg was appointed interim CEO, with qualifications as CEO of both publicly listed and privately-owned technology companies. The process to recruit a permanent CEO has started, with the goal of filling the role by year-end.
During June, an INLINECOATER™M was delivered according to plan to the Chinese producer of automotive components Xin Point. The coating machine, which was ordered in October 2017, will be used for decorative plastic components. The customer paid upon delivery in accordance with the sale agreement. Final acceptance and final payment will occur after completed installation.
EVENTS AFTER PERIOD END
After the period end, Varioplast GmbH (Germany) ordered an INLINECOATER™M coating machine. Varioplast has since 2013 been using coating equipment from Impact Coatings for metallization of plastic components for the automotive industry, which is the intended purpose of the new machine as well.
Under Impact Coatings’ new leadership, the previously communicated orders from China Hydrogen Energy and Huaqing Power Technology were subject to review. The review concluded that the likelihood of the customers fulfilling their obligations in the agreements is sufficiently low that the orders should be considered no longer valid. The was communicated in a press release on July 12.
On July 24 the company communicated that former CEO Henrik Ljungcrantz was terminated with immediate effect and without further severance payments. The reason was an ongoing investigation by PWC, at the request of the board of directors, which indicates that Henrik Ljungcrantz violated rules concerning reimbursement of expenses during several years. The board will hand over the final investigation report, expected during September 2018, to the Swedish Economic Crime Authority and will call shareholders to an extraordinary general meeting whose purpose will be the replacement of the company auditor.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The Impact Coatings board of directors has together with the executive management following the AGM in May updated the company’s strategy. The new direction can be summarized in three main points:
1) Impact Coatings will build a profitable and long-term sustainable business around Decorative, Metallization, and Reflective coatings (D/M/R), where the company has a clear offering and competitive advantages. The company has satisfied customers, of which several are repeat-customers, and a good balance of price vs. costs, which means the board and management see the potential to realize margins that can help the company become financially self-sufficient.
2) The Fuel Cell (FC) segment has significant growth potential, which we will exploit leveraging the unique qualities of Impact Coatings’ technology. The company will focus its sales activities on a prioritized group of fuel cell industry leaders.
3) Production capacity, final assembly, and test will be developed internally to build knowledge and retain margins.
The updated strategy will be presented in further detail via a webcast during September. A separate invitation will be published in the coming weeks.
The internal coating business is increasing in importance, both with respect to coating services and customer samples. Order flow and inquiries about coating of fuel cell plates are increasing. To meet demand, one of the INLINECOATER FC machines that was initially built for delivery to China has been moved to the internal coating operation.
The coating machine developed under the EuroStar Pro-FC program continues to be optimized at Impact Coatings’ premises and will be relocated to Borit NV (Belgium) at a time still to be determined.
AUDIT AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
With the transition to serial production, revenue and profit from machine sales will be recognized upon delivery to the customer.
This interim report has not been subject to auditor review.
UPCOMING FINANCIAL EVENTS
Strategy webcast: September 2018 (date TBD)Interim report for the third quarter 2018: 26 October 2018Year-end report for 2018: 15 February 2019
For more information contact:
Torbjörn Sandberg, CEO Tel: +46 768 43 43 76, E-mail: torbjorn.sandberg@impactcoatings.se
Anders Nilsson, CFO Tel: +46 702 59 28 76, E-mail: anders.nilsson@impactcoatings.se
Impact Coatings AB (publ) is required to disclose this information in accordance with EU market abuse regulations. The information was delivered, via the contact persons named above, for publication on 17 August 2018, 8:00 a.m. CET.
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An independent accounting investigation of the period January 2016-June 2018, conducted by PWC at the request of the Impact Coatings board of directors, has reached the preliminary conclusion that a substantial portion of travel-related and out-of-pocket expense reimbursement claims by former CEO Henrik Ljungcrantz are not business-related and/or lack required supporting documentation.
The board of directors will submit the final investigation report with supporting documentation to the Swedish Economic Crime Authority.
The board of directors will during the coming weeks call shareholders to an extraordinary general meeting whose purpose will be the replacement of the company auditor.
The company will file corrective documentation with the Swedish Tax Agency to adjust value added tax (VAT) amounts and corporate expenses for the relevant time periods. Relevant income statement and balance sheet adjustments will be communicated in conjunction with Q3 2018 financial reporting or as soon as is practical.
“Impact Coatings employees and company leadership must adhere to the highest ethical standards and abide by company expense reporting and reimbursement policies, as well as applicable law. The board of directors is following the ongoing investigation closely and will do its utmost to recover on behalf of shareholders any capital that has been improperly paid out, as well as the costs associated with the investigation and necessary corrective actions. The board and management are now fully focused on continuing Impact Coatings’ journey toward industrialization and sustainable commercial success,” said Mark Shay, Chairman.
For more information, contact:Mark H. Shay, CFAChairman of the BoardTel: +46 765 96 62 38 or e-mail: mark@accendofund.com
Impact Coatings AB (publ) is required to disclose this information in accordance with EU market abuse regulations. The information was delivered, via the contact person named above, for publication on 24 July 2018, 12:20 pm.
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The ordered coating machine will be integrated into a fully automatic production cell for injection molding and metallization of plastic components. The companies have an existing development cooperation. A production cell at Varioplast, with a coating machine from Impact Coatings, produces components for Volkswagen since 2014.
“It is very encouraging that Varioplast has chosen to order an additional coating machine from us,” said Petter Carlfjord, Sales Director at Impact Coatings. “It shows both that the customer is satisfied with us as a supplier and that our integrated production concept for injection molding and metallization of plastic components is successful.”
Delivery of the coating machine is planned for the beginning of 2019.
For more information contact:Peter Högfeldt, VP Marketing+46 708 87 44 34peter.hogfeldt@impactcoatings.se
Impact Coatings AB (publ) is required to disclose this information in accordance with EU market abuse regulations. The information was delivered, via the contact person named above, for publication on July 13, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. CET.
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China Hydrogen Energy
In October 2016, CHE entered into a commercial agreement with Impact Coatings for the purchase of 10 INLINECOATER™FC machines. CHE paid a deposit of EUR 240 000 in November 2016.
As reported in a press release dated September 25, 2017, CHE had communicated a delay to the order, due to a delay in the construction of its first production facility. Impact Coatings, as described in the Q1 report and in the materials presented at the 2018 Annual General Meeting, assessed the CHE order as still viable based on periodic discussions with the customer. The primary reason given to Impact Coatings for the delay was the ongoing discussions between CHE and a possible acquirer of a majority stake in CHE.
Impact Coatings conducted an on-location management review in China during July to assess the situation and to determine the viability of the agreement.
The conclusion of the review is that the most prudent and realistic approach is to treat the order as no longer valid.
Huaqing Power Technology
In October 2017, Impact Coatings received an order from Huaqing for six INLINECOATER™FC machines to be delivered during 2018 and 2019, in pairs over the course of three deliveries.
Huaqing communicated a delay to Impact Coatings, which was described in a press release dated January 31, 2018. In good faith, Impact Coatings attempted to support Huaqing in moving forward with its overall fuel cell program development, with the intention of securing the conditions for order fulfillment, even if delayed.
The Impact Coatings on-location evaluation described above also verified the historical development of the Huaqing relationship and assessed the likelihood of order completion based on current facts.
The conclusion of the analysis is that the most prudent and realistic approach is to treat the order as no longer valid.
Financial statement effects
Two machines have been produced in connection with the above orders and carried at cost as accrued revenue, with a combined value of SEK 15 158 000. One unit will be used in Coating Services production for fuel cell customers. The other unit will be booked at cost to finished goods inventory and will be available for sale.
The Coating Services machine will be reclassified as a production asset with a value of SEK 7 579 000. Future revenues and profit generated using the production machine, as well as its carrying value, will be recognized per customary accounting rules.
The second machine allocated for future sale in the fuel cell production industry will be reclassified as finished goods inventory with a value of SEK 7 579 000. If the machine is sold for more than this value, revenue and profit will be recognized. If the machine is sold for less than this value, or if the company determines that an impairment is justified in the future, a loss will be recognized.
During 2016 and 2017, SEK 15 158 000 has been recognized as revenue for the two machines combined, reflecting cost to Impact Coatings and no profit. Because the bookings are equivalent to operating income (revenue) from capitalized production for own account, there will be no restatement of recognized revenue for these periods.
Since both machines have been booked at cost with no profit recognition, and as they are both deemed current with respect to market activity and commercial demands, no write-down or other value impairment is currently planned.
The described reclassifications have no effect on cash flow.
The financial effects described above have been reviewed by the company’s auditor and will be included in the Q3 2018 financial report and September 30, 2018 balance sheet.
Impact Coatings remains committed to advancing the fuel cell industry in China and globally.
For more information, contact:Torbjörn Sandberg, CEOTel: +46 768 43 43 76 or e-mail: torbjorn.sandberg@impactcoatings.se
Impact Coatings AB (publ) is required to disclose this information in accordance with EU market abuse regulations. The information was delivered, via the contact person named above, for publication on July 12, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. CET.
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Impact Coatings has entered into an agreement with Redeye AB regarding the role of Certified Adviser. Redeye AB will be Certified Adviser from 1 July 2018. Until then, Remium will continue as Certified Adviser to the company.
For more information contact:Anders Nilsson, CFO+46 702 59 28 76anders.nilsson@impactcoatings.se
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In accordance with previous communications, Impact Coatings has delivered an INLINECOATER™M coating machine to the Chinese company Xin Point. Delivery was via air freight and the machine has been handed over to the customer in the Guangdong province in southern China. The coating machine, previously called InlineCoater™ 500, was ordered by Xin Point in October 2017 and will be used to produce decorative plastic components for the automotive industry. The customer has issued payment at delivery in accordance with the contract. Final acceptance and final payment will take place after installation of the equipment.
For more information, contact:Peter Högfeldt, VP MarketingTel: +46-13-35 95 01 or e-mail: peter.hogfeldt@impactcoatings.se
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Torbjörn Sandberg who starts 28 May 2018 has been CEO for, among others, Sensys Gatso Group AB (publ), Birdstep Technology ASA (publ), Netadmin Systems, and ServiceFactory.
“Tobjörn Sandberg has achieved significant results in companies through both growth and restructuring. Torbjörn Sandberg has expertise in organizational development, business processes, sales strategy and capital markets. We welcome Torbjörn Sandberg and his leadership, which will secure the next phase in Impact Coatings’ development,” said Mark Shay, Chairman of the Board.
The target is to recruit a permanent CEO during this calendar year.
“I am pleased to join Impact Coatings during this important phase in the company’s journey from technology innovator to industrial supplier of world-class coating solutions for fuel cells, reflectors, radar emblems, and consumer products,” said Torbjörn Sandberg, continuing:
“The company has a strong team in Linköping, Japan and China. We can quickly establish sales and customer service continuity, as well as tune the organization to achieve the company’s significant potential.”
Impact Coatings founder and CEO Henrik Ljungcrantz is leaving the company on 27 May 2018 in accordance with his employment agreement. The agreed notice period and severance pay duration amount to 12 months.
“Dr. Ljungcrantz has pioneered PVD coating technology whose process and end-products contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. For example, Ceramic MAXPHASE coating for metal bipolar plates in fuel cells has the potential to be a must-have component for industrial-scale fuel cell stack production. The board therefore wishes to thank Dr. Ljungcrantz for his unique and lasting contributions to Impact Coatings,” said Mark Shay.
“Our coating solutions are highly regarded across multiple industry segments. They are under evaluation or already in production at some of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, auto OEM’s, and consumer products companies,” said Mark Shay.
For more information, contact:
Mark H. Shay, CFAChairman of the BoardTel: +46 765 96 62 38 or e-mail: mark@accendofund.com
Impact Coatings AB (publ) is required to disclose this information in accordance with EU market abuse regulations. The information was delivered, via the contact person named above, for publication on 27 May 2018, 9:00 p.m. CET.
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The AGM decided, among other items:
To approve the 2017 income statement and balance sheet as proposed by the board of directors.
To allocate the annual result according to the board of directors’ proposal, meaning that unrestricted shareholders’ equity of SEK 80 152 310.18 is carried forward.
Release from liability the board of directors and CEO.
A board of directors was elected comprising Mark Shay (Chairman), Jan-Eric Sundgren, Chrisian Sahlén, Lars-Gunnar Skötte and Tanja Vainio.
The nominating committee’s proposal of a new procedure for constituting the next nominating committee was approved.
Decision on new phrasing in the articles of incorporation § 8 where time of day regarding registration date is removed.
Decision on new phrasing in the articles of incorporation § 9, Annual general meeting as well as other shareholder meetings can in addition to Linköping be held in Stockholm.
Grant the board of directors authority to decide on the repurchase and transfer of company shares.
Grant the board of directors authority to decide on issuance of equity and/or options and/or convertible instruments.
Grant the board of directors authority to make minor adjustments regarding decisions of the AGM in conjunction with registration at the Swedish corporate registry (Bolagsverket) and Euroclear Sweden AB.
For more information, please contact:Henrik Ljungcrantz, CEOTel. +46-706-63 55 80, or e-mail henrik.ljungcrantz@impactcoatings.se.
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· Coating production to Michelin’s fuel cell manufacturing · Delayed delivery to Huaqing Power Technology (China)
FINANCIAL RESULTS FIRST QUARTER 2018
· Net sales amounted to SEK 7 141 thousand (18 451) · Operating profit amounted to SEK -6 102 thousand (-404) · Net income after financial items amounted to SEK -6 121 thousand (-406) · Cash flow amounted to SEK -3 766 thousand (-12 159) · Equity-to-assets ratio amounted to 88,9% (69,3)
CEO’S COMMENTARY
During the period, we have continued working on our intensified efforts primarily in the Chinese fuel cells market, but also in greater Asia, Europe and North America.
We see a continued strong interest in our offering and we receive increasing evidence that we have the best fuel cell coating on the market. This is based on verifications we receive from auto manufacturers that test our coatings.
Important European order Interest is greatest in the Chinese market and it is there things are moving quickest. We see, however, an increased interest even in the European market, highlighted by the order from Michelin regarding production of Ceramic MAXPHASE™-coatings on fuel cell plates for their fuel cell manufacturing. The Michelin order is small but important, giving us tailwinds in discussions with other players in Europe as well as Asia.
We also see a high interest from the European auto industry for our coating systems for vehicle reflectors.
Long lead times It takes time, however, for discussions and verifications to become concrete business deals. International auto manufacturers have lead times of five to seven years from the start of a new model development program to the start of production. In the Chinese market the time is shorter, but it involves in any case a couple of years.
The market suffers at times from long lead times to produce newly constructed metal plates for fuel cells, i.e., the plates that we coat. It can take four to twelve months from drawing board to delivery. Several producers of metal plates are addressing this problem and are working to reduce the lead times.
With respect to China, it has been relatively calm during the beginning of the year. It is normally difficult to close deals in China during the start of the year. The Chinese New Year falls in the middle of our first quarter, and causes a calm period both before and after.
Due to the above factors, we have not been able to report any larger order during the quarter. As we reported in January, we have even received certain delays to the delivery of coating systems to the Chinese fuel cell manufacturer Huaqing Power Technology.
Clearer business approach During the start of the year, we have worked on creating a clearer business approach with respect to our customers, to avoid negative surprises in new markets.
The approach entails that orders are not considered valid until pre-payment has been made, a Letter of Credit is issued, or the payment in some other way has been secured. Orders shall include only those coating systems meant for delivery near-term and for which customers have verified payment through pre-payment or where the payment is otherwise secured.
Demo center and sales initiatives During the period, we have begun our initiatives on marketing and sales, including development of a demo center.
The planned work toward creating a representative demo center in Linköping has begun. We are building two machines, one to demonstrate coating of fuel cell plates and one for vehicle reflectors. The machines can also be delivered to customers in the event a fast turnaround is needed.
We have during the period strengthened the marketability of our offering and begun recruiting personnel to strengthen our sales capability. We have even streamlined our branding strategy and henceforth will market all of our coating machines under the product family name INLINECOATER™ and our coating processes under the product family name MAXPHASE™.
Our partner and distributor Optorun is intensifying its work to achieve the goals of our agreement. The Japanese company has during the quarter initiated a recruiting process to further strengthen the sales team and thereby increase sales of our coating systems.
With these actions and activities in place, we see a bright future ahead.
Linköping 2018-04-20Henrik Ljungcrantz, CEO Impact Coatings
Net sales during the period amounted to SEK 7 141 thousand (18 451). Operating expenses amounted to SEK -13 243 thousand (18 855). Operating profit before depreciation and other operating expenses amounted to SEK -6 102 thousand (-404). Operating profit before tax amounted to SEK -6 121 thousand (-406). Cash flow amounted to SEK -3 766 thousand (-12 159).
As in previous years’ reporting, no provision for deferred tax assets has been made.
Financial position and liquidityLiquid assets amounted to SEK 61 620 thousand (9 988) at the end of the period. Work in progress not yet invoiced (accrued revenue) amounted to SEK 12 983 thousand (10 280) at the end of the period. Corresponding invoiced, not completed revenue (deferred revenue) amounted to SEK 9 778 thousand (1 842).
Equity-to-assets ratio amounted to 88,9% (69,3).
Cash flow from operations during the period amounted to SEK -3 696 thousand (-12 159).
Cash flow from financing amounted to SEK -70 thousand (0). Total cash flow for the period was SEK -3 766 thousand (-12 159).
SALES AND MARKET
In conjunction with the fuel cell conference FC Expo held in Tokyo in February, we launched INLINECOATER™FC for the Asian market. The coating system is significantly improved in terms of productivity and is optimized for coating fuel cell plates in volume production. The launch will continue during the Hannover Messe to be held 23-27 April 2018.
The cooperation with Optorun continues with work ongoing for existing as well as new potential customers. With support from Impact Coatings in Sweden, customer offerings are being shaped that meet market demands of advanced coating systems.
During the recent quarter, Optorun has started the recruiting process to further strengthen the sales team in order to intensify sales of Impact Coatings coating systems, and achieve the agreed goals in the cooperation agreement. Optorun has recently completed a successful IPO and is now listed on the Japanese stock exchange.
Below we describe the status in the market segments where Impact Coatings is primarily focusing: Fuel Cells and Reflectors. The company also is working actively in Metallization/Decorative coatings and Electrical contacts.
As a step toward focusing the marketing of coating systems and coatings, partly new product names were launched during the quarter. All of the company’s coating systems now fall under the product family name INLINECOATER™.
Fuel cellsHuaqing Power Technology has had to delay their start of production. As announced earlier via press release, this implies the delivery of the agreed coating system is pushed forward.
China Hydrogen Energy, to which our deliveries have been delayed, is in negotiations with a larger player that is planning to take a majority ownership stake in the company. These negotiations are ongoing, and when they are complete a new timeplan for production and delivery of Impact Coatings coating systems will be agreed.
Telos Auto, with which Impact Coatings has a cooperation agreement, is planning to migrate to metal fuel cell plates. Impact Coatings is now coating plates from Telos Auto on a testing basis for verification of Ceramic MAXPHASE™ in their fuel cell system.
Impact Coatings has delivered coated plates in accordance with a disclosed order to a leading East Asian auto manufacturer. The time plan is aggressive and all parties involved are working together to evaluate the coating as quickly as possible.
Fuel cell production for Michelin has started at Impact Coatings’ facility in Linköping. The work comprises the starting phase of a process through which Michelin will be able to deliver its first fuel cell system to customers. Volumes are expected to increase over time.
Symbio FCell has also received coatings from Impact Coatings during the period.
The number of potential customers has increased following the FC Expo in Tokyo, which is the world’s largest fuel cell conference. At the moment, we are following up contacts with prospective customers through their visiting Impact Coatings in Linköping, and production for evaluation of coatings is starting. Several of these potential customers need scalable production lines for coatings within the near future.
Reflectors Impact Coatings sees a continued increasing interest from the automotive industry in our coating system for reflectors. Above all, the possibility of integrating Impact Coatings’ system in the production flow is generating interest. The company is negotiating with several reflector producers, which in turn deliver to auto manufacturers.
Impact Coatings has during the period developed a new application regarding coating of radar emblems. Radar emblems are a fundamental component in an application that is integrated in cars to increase safety through avoidance of pedestrians, obstacles, or other vehicles. The radar is placed behind the emblem in the car’s grill and the emblem therefore needs to have a special transparent coating. Impact Coatings has a competitive technology to coat radar emblems, and the market and customers are principally the same as for reflectors.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Impact Coatings’ strategy is to be the leading player in its chosen segments. R&D is therefore a priority.
We continue therefore our work with improving the efficiency of the coatings required for delivering world-leading niche products. Additional projects have therefore commenced to develop the next generation of coatings and coating systems.
Impact Coatings’ development work is also focusing on supporting the manufacturing and ”productification” of the coating machines. There is also an emphasis on supporting the sales organization through focused development and testing within the prioritized market segments, Reflectors and Fuel Cells.
PRODUCTION
The coating operations that take place in Impact Coatings’ facilities in Linköping have an increased responsibility now to support sales of coating systems. It is a clear advantage to be able to deliver customer samples quickly and with high quality, support the customer’s development and deliver pre-production smaller series, not least within the Fuel Cells market segment.
The company also continues to develop pure subcontracting services in the different market segments. Coating of fuel cell plates is now the largest application and is expected to increase during 2018 and 2019. Among others, production of coatings of fuel cell plates for Michelin has started during the quarter.
The coating machine being produced for Borit NV and developed under the EuroStar project Pro-FC will be ready for testing during April. The machine will first run at Impact Coatings’ facilities to tune the coating processes. Afterwards, we expect the machine to be moved to Borit’s own production environment during the third quarter this year.
Production of the coating machine for Xin Point is proceeding according to plan and will in June be shipped from Sweden to Xin Point in China.
Production of two demonstration machines has begun.
Linköping 2018-04-20 Henrik LjungcrantzCEO
AUDITOR’S REVIEW AND ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
Annual general meeting: 17 May 2018
Interim report for the second quarter 2018: 17 August 2018
Interim report for the third quarter 2018: 26 October 2018
Year-end report for 2018: 15 February 2019
For more information contact: Henrik Ljungcrantz, CEO Tel: +46 70-663 55 80
Impact Coatings AB (publ) is required to disclose this information in accordance with EU market abuse regulations. The information was delivered, via the contact person named above, for publication on 20 April 2018, 08:00 CET.
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