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DGAP-Adhoc: Leclanché SA reports 2011 financial results and progress in its growth strategy for energy storage (deutsch)

Veröffentlicht am 20.03.2012, 08:48
Leclanché SA reports 2011 financial results and progress in its growth strategy for energy storage

Leclanché SA / Key word(s): Final Results

20.03.2012 08:48

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR

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Leclanché

Press Release

Leclanché SA reports 2011 financial results and progress in its growth

strategy for energy storage

- Total consolidated revenues of CHF 13.4 million

- Orders in hand increased from CHF 10.5 to CHF 29.8 million

- Energy storage systems launched to address large market opportunities

- Mass production line for lithium-ion cells in installation process

- Publication of Annual Report 2011 and Outlook 2012

Yverdon-les-Bains, March 20, 2011 - Leclanché S.A. (SIX Swiss Exchange:

LECN), a Swiss company specialized in the production of large-format

lithium-ion cells, announced today its financial results for the year 2011

and also reported progress in the implementation of its strategy for

lithium-ion-based storage systems. Total consolidated revenues declined

slightly to CHF 13.4 million compared to CHF 15.1 million in 2010, mainly

due to traditional business, largely distribution and portable batteries.

In contrast, the business of large-format lithium-ion cells and systems

increased by 90% to CHF 1.3 million. Fully in line with its guidance, the

net loss amounted to CHF 11.6 million, compared with CHF 12.6 million in

2010, and is mainly attributable to frontloading into the large-format

lithium-ion technology as well as ramp-up costs to build a large-scale

industrial manufacturing line. As a result of newly signed contracts,

orders in hand increased to CHF 29.8 million at the end of December 2011,

compared to CHF 10.5 million at the end of December 2010.

Ulrich Ehmes, Chief Executive Officer, commented: 'In 2011 Leclanché met

its expected milestones. We are therefore on track to achieve our objective

of becoming a leading provider of electric storage solutions based on

large-format lithium-ion cells. Our progress was on both the technological

and commercial fronts, with the signing of contracts and Memoranda of

Understanding with important clients in Europe and China.'

'For 2012, our focus will be threefold: the installation and ramp-up of the

mass production line for large-format lithium-ion cells by mid-2012;

starting to deliver entire storage systems equipped with cells from our new

production line; and leveraging the growing interest in our lithium-ion

cell technology in Europe and Asia, particularly in China,' Dr. Ehmes

added.

He concluded: 'The current political and environmental trends are in our

favor. After Fukushima, governments in several countries reacted quickly

and set targets to replace nuclear power generation by alternative energy

sources, with a large portion coming from renewable energies. For this

reason, scalable industrial storage systems will play an ever-increasing

role in the efficient use of fluctuating wind and solar energy.'

Key achievements in 2011

- Signed a long-term contract of CHF 12.55 million with a large European

customer to deliver portable battery packs for use in ruggedized

applications. They are expected to be delivered between 2011 and 2015.

- Signed a contract with Schüco, a globally recognized leader in

energy-efficient buildings, to provide home storage systems,

integrating large-format lithium-ion cells as well as the necessary

electronics.

- Entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Talesun Solar, a

leading Chinese manufacturer of high-quality photovoltaic panels to

jointly provide a combined solution for the efficient generation and

storage in large-sized solar farms. A first project has been identified

in southern Europe for 2012 using container-size storage modules.

- Entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Beijing-based Unipower

to strengthen its supply chain in the field of raw material sourcing

for large-format lithium-ion cells production.

- Implemented all the necessary steps in order to increase the production

capacity for large-format lithium-ion cells from 4 to 76 MWh (titanate

anodes) as of mid-2012. This new production unit represents an

investment of approx. CHF 20 million in machinery and will allow

Leclanché to be one of the few European mass producers of large-format

lithium-ion cells.

- Entered into a research project to combine new active materials in

large-format lithium-ion batteries. The project is linked to the

growing demand for high-performance batteries to store renewable

energies. It involves cooperation with large groups such as Siemens and

research institutes like ZSW in Ulm, and is funded by the German

Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs (BMWi).

- Developed the concept for large-scale industrial container storage

units to provide energy storage for wind parks and solar farms as well

as for utilities and other power stations.

- Launched environmentally friendly production of lithium-ion cells based

on a new and innovative manufacturing process that uses water instead

of solvents in the production of electrodes required for lithium-ion

cells. This process represents a significant environmental improvement

as it eliminates organic solvents while also allowing for higher

stability and a longer life span for lithium-ion cells.

Subsequent events in 2012

- Successfully completed a capital increase by raising approximately CHF

28 million in gross proceeds. In total, Leclanché has issued a total of

2,148,238 new registered shares and 2,148,238 warrants.

- Entered the industrial energy storage market with the delivery of a

first storage rack to a leading global electronics and electrical

company. Altogether, six racks with a total storage capacity of 156 kWh

will be delivered. The racks, combining Leclanché's lithium-ion cells

and a battery management system, can be utilized in industrial

containers for various applications such as grid stability management

and also as large-scale energy storage solutions for wind and solar

farms.

Financial highlights

Total consolidated revenues reached CHF 13.4 million in fiscal year 2011, a

decline of 11% compared to CHF 15.1 million in the corresponding period of

2010. Sales of Leclanché's core business, large-format lithium-ion cells,

increased by 90% to CHF 1.3 million in 2011. Despite a significant increase

in headcount, the net loss was reduced from CHF 12.6 million in 2010 to CHF

11.6 million in 2011, reflecting a tight control on costs. Diluted earnings

per share were CHF -3.58 compared with CHF -5.87 in 2010. The number of

employees increased from 87 to 113 persons in 2011. The strongest increase

was in Willstätt, where Leclanché increased the number of machinery

operators, as well as in production engineering and research and

development.

Following the successful capital increase, cash and cash equivalents

amounted to 21.4 million as of February 29, 2012. As a result of newly

signed contracts, orders in hand increased to CHF 29.8 million at the end

of December 2011, compared to CHF 10.5 million at the end of December 2010.

Annual Report 2011

Leclanché published today its Annual Report 2011, which can be downloaded

on the company's web site. The company's Annual Shareholders Meeting will

take place on April 16, 2012 in Lausanne.

Outlook

The energy revolution is in full swing. In this respect, Leclanché believes

that scalable industrial storage systems will play an ever-increasing role

in the efficient use of wind and solar energy as well as in grid load

management. Leclanché intends to fully take advantage of these growing

market opportunities. Leclanché's product benefits include enhanced cell

safety through a patented ceramic separator, a long cycle life of 15,000

full charge and discharge cycles through lithium-titanate as anode

material, as well as a competitive price point through an automated

roll-to-roll production process.

To further penetrate the home energy storage market and seize upcoming

opportunities as well, Leclanché will continue investments to refine its

technological leadership, further develop its product offering and register

additional sales orders. As planned, Leclanché will substantially increase

its production capacity for large-format lithium-ion cells from 4 to 76 MWh

(titanate anodes) by the end of June 2012.

Leclanché expects 2012 to be a 'ramp-up' year, both in terms of production

capacity and sales. In line with increased output from its new production

line, the company expects a substantial increase in sales in the second

half 2012 as well as a further reduction of its net loss, despite

continuing investments.

Analyst and investor meeting

Leclanché S.A. will discuss its full-year 2011 financial results and

achievements during an analyst and investor meeting taking place today,

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at the Steigenberger Bellerive au Lac, Utoquai 47,

8008 Zürich.

In addition, a live audio webcast of the meeting will be accessible on the

Leclanché web site: www.leclanché.com. A replay of this teleconference will

be made available one hour after the conference.

Analysts and media wishing to ask questions during the conference are

invited to call at 14:15 CET (13:15 GMT/ 9:15 EST) using the following

conference-ID: 4523912 and dial-in numbers:

- Europe: +41 (0) 22 592 73 12

- UK: +44-207-153-2027

- USA: +1-480-629-9673

About Leclanché

Leclanché specializes in the production of tailor-made energy storage

solutions. Leclanché's strategy is to expand its position as one of the

leading lithium-ion cell producers and solution providers for renewable

energy storage systems in Europe. Its initial strategic priority is

stationary home electric energy storage applications and expansion into the

stationary industrial and grid electricity storage markets. Through

participation in research consortia focusing on off-road and automotive

applications, Leclanché is positioned to take advantage of new market

opportunities.

Through a licensed ceramic separator technology and focus on

lithium-titanate technology, Leclanché manufactures large-format

lithium-ion cells optimized for safety and cycle-life in a fully automated

production process. Leclanché currently operates a fully automated pilot

production line with an installed annual production capacity of up to 4 MWh

in large-format lithium-ion cells. By the end of the second quarter of

2012, Leclanché expects to commence commercial production at its first mass

production line with an installed annual capacity of up to 76 MWh in

lithium-titanate cells.

Leclanché was founded in 1909 in Yverdon-les-Bains. Through the integration

of a spin-off from the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in 2006, the company evolved

from a traditional battery manufacturer to become a leading developer and

manufacturer of lithium-ion cells in Europe. Leclanché currently employs

120 staff and recorded revenues of CHF 13.4 million in 2011. The company

has its headquarters in Yverdon-les-Bains (Switzerland) and production

facilities in Willstätt (Germany). Leclanché is listed on the SIX Swiss

Exchange (LECN).

Media contact:

Christophe Lamps, Dynamics Group S.A.: Telephone: +41 79 476 26 87,

cla@dynamicsgroup.ch

Contact for German media:

Markus Wieser, CNC AG: Telephone: +49 89 599 458 114,

markus.wieser@cnc-communications.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to

Leclanché's business, which can be identified by terminology such as

'strategic', 'proposes', 'to introduce', 'will', 'planned', 'expected',

'commitment', 'expects', 'set', 'preparing', 'plans', 'estimates', 'aims',

'would', 'potential', 'awaiting', 'estimated', 'proposal', or similar

expressions, or by expressed or implied discussions regarding the ramp up

of Leclanché's production capacity, potential applications for existing

products, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products, or

potential future sales or earnings of Leclanché or any of its business

units. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such

forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Leclanché regarding

future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other

factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any

future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such

statements. There can be no guarantee that Leclanché's products will

achieve any particular revenue levels. Nor can there be any guarantee that

Leclanché, or any of the business units, will achieve any particular

financial results.

Consolidated income statement for the year ended December 31, 2011

^

31.12.2011 31.12.2010

KCHF KCHF

Sales of goods and services 12'183.0 14'520.2

Other income 1'207.7 533.9

Total income 13'390.7 15'054.1

Raw materials and consumables

used -6'198.1 -9'236.7

Personnel costs -9'989.3 -8'701.9

Depreciation and amortization

expense -1'812.5 -1'777.8

Other operating expenses -6'991.0 -7'857.6

Finance costs -18.6 -47.5

Finance income 23.4 26.3

Loss before tax for the year -11'595.4 -12'541.0

Income tax 0.0 -66.5

Loss for the year -11'595.4 -12'607.5

Earnings per share (CHF)

- basic -3.58 -5.87

- diluted -3.58 -5.87



°

Consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2011

^

31.12.2011 31.12.2010

KCHF KCHF

ASSETS

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment 17'537.4 4'965.0

Intangible assets 4'640.8 5'084.7

Other financial assets 250.4 249.6

22'428.6 10'299.3

Current assets

Inventories 4'217.6 3'173.5

Trade and other receivables 4'092.8 3'488.8

Cash and cash equivalents 2'617.2 28'640.8

10'927.6 35'103.1

TOTAL ASSETS 33'156.2 46'102.4

EQUITY AND LIABILITIES

Equity attributable to equity holders of the

parent

Share capital 16'179.2 16'179.2

Share premium 32'165.2 32'123.2

Reserve for share-based payment 556.8 257.8

Other reserves 16'800.6 16'800.6

Translation and Cash Flow hedge reserve -1'970.7 -1'131.3

Actuarial loss on post-employment benefit

obligations -14'127.0 -8'992.3

Accumulated losses -26'752.1 -15'156.7

Total Equity 22'152.0 40'580.5

Non-current liabilities

Provisions 0,0 90.0

Defined benefit pension liability 5'156.9 242.3

5'156.9 332.3

Current liabilities

Provisions 110.0 130.0

Derivative financial instruments 37.0 0.0

Trade and other payables 4'900.3 5'059.6

5'047.3 5'189.6

Total Liabilities 10'704.2 5'521.9

TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 33'156.2 46'102.4



°

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial

statements

Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2011

^

31.12.2011 31.12.2010

KCHF KCHF

Operating activities

Loss before tax -11'595.4 -12'541.0

Non cash adjustments:

Depreciation of property, plant

and equipment 1'157.1 1'269.6

Amortization of intangible assets 655.4 508.2

Non-realized foreign exchange

differences -902.8 50.7

Loss on disposal of fixed assets - 17.1

Recognized expense for stock

option plan 299.0 257.8

Interest expense 17.6 0.3

Interest income -23.4 -10.8

Movement in provisions -18.8 70.0

Employer's contribution to defined

benefit plan -399.6 -408.5

Pension cost 279.8 112.9

Working capital adjustments: -

In/Decrease in trade and other

receivables -603.9 -804.7

In/Decrease in inventories -544.1 -455.5

In/Decrease in trade and other

payables -122.3 2'688.5

Net cash flows used in operating

activities -11'801.4 -9'245.4

Investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and

equipment -13'663.7 -1'100.9

Investment in other financial

assets -0.8 -0.5

Capitalized development expenses -277.4 -

Interest received 23.4 10.8

Net cash used in investing

activities -13'918.5 -1'090.6

Financing activities

Proceeds from share capital

increase - 27'341.8

Additional costs in relation with

capital increase Dec.2010 -258.0 -

Interest paid -17.6 -0.3

Net cash from / (used in)

financing activities -275.6 27'341.5

Increase / Decrease in cash and

cash equivalent -25'995.5 17'005.5

Cash and cash equivalent at 1

January 28'640.8 11'605.4

Cash and cash equivalent at 31

December 2'617.2 28'640.8

Effect of exchange rate changes 28.1 -29.9

Variation -25'995.5 17'005.5



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20.03.2012 News transmitted by EquityStory AG.

The issuer is responsible for the contents of the release.

EquityStory publishes regulatory releases, media releases on the capital

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Language: English

Company: Leclanché SA

Av. des Sports 42

1400 Yverdon-les-Bains

Switzerland

Phone: +41 (24) 424 65-00

Fax: +41 (24) 424 65-20

E-mail: investors@leclanche.com

Internet: www.leclanche.com

ISIN: CH0110303119, CH0016271550

Swiss Security Number: A1CUUB, 812950

Listed: SIX



End of Announcement EquityStory News-Service



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