Vaisala Corporation Interim Report January-March 2018

Vaisala Corporation         Interim Report                  April 25, 2018 at 2.20 p.m. (EEST)

Vaisala Corporation Interim Report January-March 2018

Good start for 2018: orders received and net sales increased and operating result improved

First quarter 2018 highlights

• Orders received EUR 87.1 (81.5) million, increase 7%
• Order book at the end of the period EUR 133.4 (130.3) million, increase 2%
• Net sales EUR 76.4 (68.4) million, increase 12%
• Gross margin 51.3% (51.4%)
• Operating result (EBIT) EUR 5.7 (2.6) million, 7.5% (3.7%) 0f net sales
• Earnings per share EUR 0.19 (0.09)
• Cash flow from operating activities EUR -5.4 (2.9) million
• Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period EUR 83.5 (72.9) million, increase 15%

Business outlook for 2018 unchanged

Vaisala continues to estimate its full-year 2018 net sales to be in the range of EUR 330-350 million and its operating result (EBIT) to be in the range of EUR 35-45 million.

Vaisala's President and CEO Kjell Forsén comments on the first quarter 2018

"Vaisala had a good start for the year 2018. First quarter order intake increased by 7% from previous year and almost twice as much with comparable exchange rates. APAC was the strongest geographical area, its orders received increased as a result of several large orders from meteorology and transportation customer segments and strong demand from industrial customers. Orders included a country-wide lightning detection network order, and the third and the last phase of the Vietnamese infrastructure contract amounting to EUR 9.3 million. Digital solutions, power transmission and continuous monitoring systems did not achieve expected level during the quarter.

Net sales grew by 12% year-on-year and growth came from all geographical areas. In Weather and Environment Business Area, net sales increased by 20% following good project business performance and partly due to change in revenue recognition. With comparable exchange rates, Industrial Measurements Business Area's net sales would have increased by 9%, but due to USD depreciation, net sales were flat compared to previous year. Instrument deliveries to industrial customers grew in APAC and EMEA and net sales in China were all-time high, whereas net sales in Americas declined due to flat volume development.  

Following good net sales growth in Weather and Environment Business, which was partly due to change in revenue recognition, Vaisala's first quarter operating result improved from previous year reaching 7.5% of net sales. In Industrial Measurements Business Area, operating result was strong 21.1% of net sales.

Despite good start for the year, we see uncertainty increasing somewhat for weather observation solutions market. Demand for digital solutions is expected to improve moderately. Demand for power transmission products is expected to develop positively and continuous monitoring systems to gain speed from the release of next generation system. Despite expected negative exchange rate impact, we estimate our full-year 2018 net sales to be in the range of EUR 330-350 million and operating result (EBIT) in the range of EUR 35-45 million."

First quarter 2018

Orders received

In the first quarter 2018, Vaisala's orders received increased by 7% compared to previous year and were EUR 87.1 (81.5) million. Orders increased in APAC, as a result of several large weather observation solution orders and strong demand for industrial instruments. EUR 9.3 million, the third phase, of the Vietnamese EUR 20.1 million contract announced in February 2016 was booked in the first quarter. At comparable exchange rates, orders received would have increased by 13% compared to previous year. The negative exchange rate effect was mainly caused by USD exchange rate depreciation against EUR.

In the first quarter 2018, Weather and Environment Business Area's orders received increased by 8% compared to previous year and were EUR 56.2 (52.0) million. Orders increased due to several large orders from meteorology and transportation customer segments mainly in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region. EUR 9.3 million, the third phase, of the Vietnamese EUR 20.1 million contract announced in February 2016 was booked in the first quarter. At comparable exchange rates, orders received would have increased by 12% compared to previous year. The negative exchange rate effect was mainly caused by USD exchange rate depreciation against EUR.

In the first quarter 2018, Industrial Measurements Business Area's orders received increased by 5% compared to previous year and were EUR 30.9 (29.5) million. Increase came mainly from instrument orders in APAC. At comparable exchange rates, orders received would have increased by 14% compared to previous year. The negative exchange rate effect was mainly caused by USD exchange rate depreciation against EUR.

Order book

At the end of March 2018, Vaisala's order book was EUR 133.4 (130.3) million and increased by 2% compared to previous year. Order book increased in APAC. EUR 97.1 (89.3) million of the order book is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.

At the end of March 2018, Weather and Environment Business Area's order book was EUR 120.0 (120.4) million and was flat compared to previous year. Order book increased in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. EUR 85.1 (80.6) million of the order book is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.

At the end of March 2018, Industrial Measurements Business Area's order book was EUR 13.4 (10.0) million and increased by 35% compared to previous year due to strong order flow towards the end of the quarter. The increase came from all regions and was strongest in Americas and APAC. EUR 12.0 (8.6) million of the order book is scheduled to be delivered in 2018.

Net sales by business area

In the first quarter 2018, Vaisala's net sales increased by 12% compared to previous year and totaled EUR 76.4 (68.4) million. Operations outside Finland accounted for 98% (98%) of net sales. Net sales increased in all geographical areas as well as in Weather and Environment Business Areas whereas Industrial Measurement Business Area's net sales were flat compared to previous year. The increase came from Weather and Environment Business Area's project business. At comparable exchange rates, net sales would have increased by 19% compared to previous year. The negative exchange rate effect was mainly caused by USD exchange rate depreciation against EUR. If the current revenue recognition standard had been used in previous year, the first quarter 2017 net sales would have been EUR 4.9 million higher than reported. Hence, Vaisala's first quarter 2018 net sales would have increased by 4% compared to previous year.

Net sales in EMEA were EUR 22.3 (18.1) million and increased by 23%. Increase was good in Industrial Measurements Business Area and excellent in Weather and Environment Business Area. In the Americas, net sales were EUR 29.5 (28.7) million and increased by 3%. Modest increase in net sales was a result of excellent quarter in Latin America in Weather and Environment Business Area's project business but Industrial Measurements Business Area's net sales declined due to flat volume development. In APAC, net sales increased by 14% and totaled EUR 24.6 (21.6) million. Increase was a result of excellent quarter in Weather and Environment Business Area's project business and strong industrial instrument deliveries.

In the first quarter 2018, Weather and Environment Business Area's net sales increased by 20% compared to previous year and were EUR 48.1 (40.3) million. The increase in net sales came from project business. Strong order book at the beginning of the year supported the growth in net sales. At comparable exchange rates, the net sales would have increased by 26% compared to previous year. The negative exchange rate effect was mainly caused by USD depreciation against EUR. If the current revenue recognition standard had been used in previous year, the first quarter 2017 net sales would have been EUR 4.9 million higher than reported. Hence, first quarter 2018 net sales would have increased by 7% compared to previous year.

In the first quarter 2018, Industrial Measurements Business Area's net sales were flat compared to previous year and totaled EUR 28.2 (28.1) million. The increase in net sales came from instrument deliveries in APAC and EMEA whereas net sales in Americas declined due to flat volume development. At comparable exchange rates, the net sales would have increased by EUR 2.5 million or 9 % compared to previous year. The negative exchange rate effect was mainly caused by USD depreciation against EUR.

Gross margin and operating result

In the first quarter 2018, Vaisala's operating result increased and was EUR 5.7 (2.6) million, 7.5% (3.7%) of net sales. Improvement in operating result came from increased operating result in Weather and Environment Business Area following growth in net sales. Gross margin was at comparison period's level 51.3% (51.4%). Operating expenses increased by 2% compared to previous year and totaled EUR 33.5 (32.8) million.

In the first quarter 2018, Weather and Environment Business Area's operating result increased due to growth in net sales and was EUR 0.0 (-4.0) million, 0.0% (-10.0%) of net sales. Gross margin increased and was 45.3% (43.8%). Increase was mainly a result of improved gross margin in project business. Operating expenses were on the previous year's level and totaled EUR 21.8 (21.7) million.

In the first quarter 2018, Industrial Measurements Business Area's operating result decreased and was EUR 5.9 (6.4) million, 21.1% (22.7%) of net sales. Gross margin was 61.8% (62.6%) and decreased mainly as a result of appreciated EUR. Operating expenses increased by 2% compared to previous year and totaled EUR 11.5 (11.2) million. The increase came mainly from R&D expenses according to plan.

In the first quarter 2018, financial income and expenses were EUR -1.2 (-0.5) million. This was mainly a result of valuation of USD denominated receivables.

In the first quarter 2018, result before taxes was EUR 4.5 (2.0) million. Income taxes were EUR -1.0 (-0.4) million. Result for the period was EUR 3.5 (1.6) million and earnings per share EUR 0.19 (0.09).

Statement of financial position and cash flow

Vaisala's financial position remained strong at the end of March 2018. Cash and cash equivalents increased to EUR 83.5 (72.9) million. Vaisala did not have any material interest bearing liabilities.

Statement of financial position total increased to EUR 268.1 (253.0) million. Improved profitability increased equity and strong cash flow during the last 12 months raised cash balance. Working capital increased following growth of receivables as a result of net sales development as well as decrease of payables. Dividend liability was included in the first quarter 2017 payables. Inventory decreased compared to previous year.

In January-March 2018, Vaisala's cash flow from operating activities decreased to EUR -5.4 (2.9) million because of working capital development.

Capital expenditure

In January-March 2018, capital expenditure totaled EUR 2.2 (1.8) million. Capital expenditure was mainly related to investments in machinery and equipment to develop and maintain Vaisala's production and service operations. Depreciation, amortization and write-downs were EUR 2.2 (2.9) million.

Research and development

R&D by business area

Industrial Measurements Business Area's R&D activity continued increasing according to plan.

R&D expenditure % of net sales

Increased net sales in Weather and Environment Business Area decreased share of R&D expenditure of net sales.

Personnel

The average number of personnel employed in Vaisala during January-March 2018 was 1,617 (1,562). At the end of March, the number of employees was 1,621 (1,558). 70% (69%) of employees were located in EMEA, 22% (22%) in the Americas and 9% (9%) in APAC. 63% (62%) of employees were based in Finland.

Decisions by Vaisala Corporation's Annual General Meeting

Vaisala Corporation's Annual General Meeting was held on April 10, 2018. The meeting approved the financial statements and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the President and CEO from liability for the financial period January 1-December 31, 2017.

Dividend
The Annual General Meeting decided a dividend of EUR 1.10 per share. The record date for the dividend payment was April 12, 2018 and the payment date was April 19, 2018.

The Annual General Meeting decided an additional dividend of EUR 1.00 per share. The record date for the additional dividend payment was April 12, 2018 and the payment date was April 19, 2018.

Board of Directors
The Annual General Meeting confirmed that the number of Board members is eight. Petri Castrén, Petra Lundström, Yrjö Neuvo, Mikko Niinivaara, Kaarina Ståhlberg, Pertti Torstila, Raimo Voipio and Ville Voipio will continue as members of the Board of Directors.

The Annual General Meeting confirmed that that the annual remuneration payable to the Chairman of the Board of Directors is EUR 45,000 and each Board member EUR 35,000 per year. Approximately 40% of the annual remuneration will be paid in Vaisala Corporation's series A shares acquired from the market and the rest in cash. In addition, the Annual General Meeting confirmed that the meeting fee for the Chairman of the Audit Committee will be EUR 1,500 per attended meeting and EUR 1,000 for each member of the Audit Committee and Chairman and each member of the Remuneration and HR Committee and any other committee established by the Board of Directors for a term until the close of the Annual General Meeting in 2019. The meeting fees are paid in cash.

Auditor
The Annual General Meeting re-elected Deloitte Oy as the auditor of the company and APA Merja Itäniemi will act as the auditor with the principal responsibility. The Auditors are reimbursed according to invoice presented to the company.

Share issue without payment (share split) and amendment of Articles of Association
The Annual General Meeting resolved to issue new shares to the shareholders without payment in proportion to their holdings so that one (1) new share was issued for each share (split). The record date for share split was April 12, 2018. The new shares generated shareholder rights as of April 12, 2018. The new shares did not entitle their holders to the dividend payments as defined above.

The Annual General Meeting resolved to amend the § 3 of Articles of Association so that stipulations on minimum and maximum share capital were deleted.

Authorization for the directed repurchase of own A shares
The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to resolve on the directed repurchase of a maximum of 400,000 of the company's own series A shares in one or more instalments by using company's unrestricted equity. This authorization is valid until the closing of the next Annual General Meeting, however, no longer than October 10, 2019, and it replaced the previous authorization for directed repurchase of own series A shares.

Authorization on the issuance of the company's own A shares
The Annual General Meeting authorized the Board of Directors to resolve on the issuance of a maximum of 1,046,636 company's own series A shares. The issuance of own shares may be carried out in deviation from the shareholders' pre-emptive rights (directed issue). The subscription price of the shares can instead of cash also be paid in full or in part as contribution in kind. This authorization is valid until April 10, 2023, and it replaced the previous authorization for issuance of own series A shares.

The organizing meeting of the Board of Directors

At its organizing meeting held after the Annual General Meeting the Board elected Raimo Voipio to continue as the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Yrjö Neuvo to continue as the Vice Chairman.

The composition of the Board committees was decided to be as follows:
Kaarina Ståhlberg was elected as the Chairman and Petri Castrén and Mikko Niinivaara as members of the Audit Committee. The Chairman and all members of the Audit Committee are independent both of the company and of significant shareholders.

Raimo Voipio was elected as the Chairman and Petri Castrén and Mikko Niinivaara as members of the Remuneration and HR Committee. The Chairman and all members of the Remuneration and HR Committee are independent both of the company and of significant shareholders.

Vaisala's shares and shareholders

Share capital and shares
Vaisala's share capital totaled EUR 7,660,808 on March 31, 2018. Vaisala had 18,218,364 shares, of which 3,389,331 were series K shares and 14,829,033 were series A shares. The series K shares and series A shares are differentiated by the fact that each series K share entitles its owner to 20 votes at a General Meeting of Shareholders while each series A share entitles its owner to 1 vote. The series A shares represented 81.4% of the total number of shares and 17.9% of the total votes. The series K shares represented 18.6% of the total number of shares and 82.1% of the total votes.

Trading and share price development
In January-March 2018, a total of 525,735 (498,573) series A shares with a value totaling EUR 22.9 (16.9) million were traded on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. The closing price of the series A share on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange was EUR 43.40 (35.02). Shares registered a high of EUR 46.90 (36.40) and a low of EUR 40.00 (31.88). Volume-weighted average share price was EUR 43.53 (33.98).

The market value of series A shares on March 31, 2018 was EUR 629.5 (506.4) million, excluding company's treasury shares. Valuing the series K shares - which are not traded on the stock market - at the rate of the series A share's closing price on the last trading day of March, the total market value of all the series A and series K shares together was EUR 776.6 (625.1) million, excluding company's treasury shares.

Treasury shares and their authorizations
The Annual General Meeting held on March 28, 2017, authorized the Board of Directors to decide on the issuance of a maximum of 568,344 company's own series A shares. This authorization was valid until the closing of the Annual General Meeting held on April 10, 2018.

In February 2018, the Board of Directors decided to transfer shares under this authorization. In March, a total of 49,046 company's series A shares were transferred to the 28 key employees participating on the Share-based incentive plan 2015 and Restricted share-based incentive plan 2016 under the terms and conditions of the plans.

At the end of March 2018, Vaisala held a total of 323,318 (367,544) company's series A shares, which represented 2.2% (2.5%) of all series A shares and 1.8% (2.0 %) of all shares.

Shareholders
At the end of March 2018, Vaisala Corporation had 8,174 (7,794) registered shareholders. Ownership outside of Finland and nominee registrations represented 16.4% (15.6%) of the company's shares. Households owned 40.3% (40.7%), private companies 13.9% (14.3%), financial and insurance institutions 13.6% (12.8%), non-profit organizations 11.1% (11.3%) and public sector organizations owned 4.7% (5.3%).

More information about Vaisala's shares and shareholders are presented on the company's website at www.vaisala.com/investors.

Near-term risks and uncertainties

Uncertainties in political situation and governmental customers' budgetary constraints or changes in their sourcing criteria may reduce or delay demand for Vaisala's products and services.

Delay in developing applications for digital solutions as well as acquiring and in building related competences for sales and business operations may slow down growth in Weather and Environment Business Area. Closing of infrastructure contracts in Weather and Environment Business Area may be postponed by budgetary constraints, complex customer decision making processes, changes in scope, and financing. Disturbance in project delivery performance may reduce or prolong associated profit. Thus, Vaisala's financial performance may vary significantly over time.

Prolonged new product ramp-ups, market acceptances and regulatory certifications of new offering, such as power transformer monitoring products, supplementary air quality sensors and networks, digital solutions and continuous monitoring systems, may postpone realization of Vaisala's growth plans.

Long interruption in production or test equipment or disruption in suppliers' and subcontractors' delivery capability or product quality may impact significantly Vaisala's net sales and profitability. Cyber risk and downtime of IT systems may impact operations, and delivery of digital solutions.

Vaisala's capability to successfully complete investments, acquisitions, divestments and restructurings on a timely basis and to achieve related financial and operational targets includes uncertainties and risks, which may negatively impact net sales and profitability.

Further information about risk management and risks are available on the company website at www.vaisala.com/investors.

Events after the reporting period

The 2018 Annual General meeting resolved to issue new shares to the shareholders without payment in proportion to their holding so that one (1) new share was issued for each share (split). The record date for the share split was April 12, 2018 and the share spilt was registered into the trade register on April 12, 2018. New shares were issued on April 13, 2018. Following this share split, Vaisala has 36,436,728 shares, of which 6,778,662 are series K shares and 29,658,066 series A shares. Vaisala holds a total of 646,636 company's series A shares, which represent 2.2% of all series A shares and 1.8% of all shares.

In April, Vaisala announced plans to invest in an office building close to 3,000 m² in Louisville, Colorado US during the next two years. This new building will be located next to company's existing office building, which will be refurbished in connection with the building project to meet current needs of modern office facilities. Following this project, Vaisala will exit the leased office building in the area. The new building will follow Vaisala's sustainability targets with low energy consumption. This building and refurbishing project is estimated to cost around EUR 12 million, which will materialize during the next two years.

Market outlook 2018

Market for traditional weather observation solutions is expected to be flat. Market growth is expected to originate from digital solutions as well as air quality measurement, however, starting from a low level. Demand for weather observation solutions is expected to improve in Americas. In Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa as well as China regions demand is expected to be stable whereas in Europe demand is expected to decline compared to strong 2017 as customers' decision-making may take time. Demand for digital solutions is expected to improve moderately.

Market for industrial measurement solutions is expected to be healthy. Underlying demand is expected to grow in all regions. Demand for power transmission products is expected to develop positively and continuous monitoring systems to gain speed from the release of next generation system.

Foreign exchange rates are expected to have a negative impact on reported net sales, assuming they remain at the end of March level.

Business outlook for 2018

Vaisala continues to estimate its full-year 2018 net sales to be in the range of EUR 330-350 million and its operating result (EBIT) to be in the range of EUR 35-45 million.

Financial calendar 2018

Half Year Financial Report 2018, July 20, 2018
Interim Report January-September 2018, October 23, 2018

Vantaa, April 25, 2018

Vaisala Corporation
Board of Directors

The forward-looking statements in this release are based on the current expectations, known factors, decisions and plans of Vaisala's management. Although the management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is no assurance that these expectations would prove to be correct. Therefore, the results could differ materially from those implied in the forward-looking statements, due to for example changes in the economic, market and competitive environments, regulatory or other government-related changes, or shifts in exchange rates.

Financial information and changes in accounting policies

This interim report has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting, following the same accounting policies and principles as in the annual financial statements for 2017. All figures in the interim report are Group figures. All presented figures have been rounded and consequently the sum of individual figures may deviate from the sum presented.

The preparation of the financial statements in accordance with IFRS requires Vaisala's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the valuation of the reported assets and liabilities and the recognition of income and expenses in the statement of income. Although the estimates are based on the management's best knowledge at the date of the interim report, actual results may differ from the estimates. This interim financial report is unaudited.

New and amended IFRS standards
As of January 1, 2018 Vaisala has adopted following new standards and interpretations issued by IASB.

Amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payments
Amendments to IFRS 2 Share-based Payment Transactions include the following changes:

1. In estimating the fair value of a cash-settled share-based payment, the accounting for the effects of vesting and non-vesting conditions should follow the same approach as for equity-settled share-based payments.
    
2. Where tax law or regulation requires an entity to withhold a specified number of equity instruments equal to the monetary value of the employee's tax obligation to meet the employee's tax liability which is then remitted to the tax authority, i.e. the share-based payment arrangement has a 'net settlement feature', such an arrangement should be classified as equity-settled in its entirety, provided that the share-based payment would have been classified as equity-settled had it not included the net settlement feature.
    
3. A modification of a share-based payment that changes the transaction from cash-settled to equity-settled should be accounted for as follows:
   1. the original liability is derecognized;
   2. the equity-settled share-based payment is recognized at the modification date fair value of the equity instrument granted to the extent that services have been rendered up to the modification date; and
   3. any difference between the carrying amount of the liability at the modification date and the amount recognized in equity should be recognized in profit or loss immediately.

Following this change, Vaisala has adjusted other reserves in equity by EUR 3.9 million and trade and other payables EUR -3.9 million. Vaisala has specified IFRS 2 opening balance sheet adjustments in this Interim Report. Figures in the comparison period have not been restated retrospectively.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 9 Financial Instruments introduced new requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets. In summary, it includes a revised guidance on the classification and measurement of financial assets, new general hedge accounting requirements and a new expected credit loss model for calculating impairment on financial assets. Furthermore, IFRS 9 requires disclosures.

Vaisala does not have significant amounts of financial instruments except customer receivables and foreign currency forwards. Vaisala does not apply hedge accounting as defined by IFRS.

Vaisala applies the simplified approach to recognize lifetime expected credit losses for its trade receivables and amounts due from customers under long-term projects as required or permitted by IFRS 9. In general, the application of the expected credit loss model of IFRS 9 results in earlier recognition of credit losses for the respective items and will increase the amount of loss allowance recognized for these items. Following this, Vaisala has made an adjustment of EUR -0.2 million in retained earnings and trade and other receivables as at January 1, 2018. IFRS 9 transition did not affect income taxes materially. Figures in the comparison periods have not been restated retrospectively.

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. IFRS 15 superseded IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction Contracts and the related interpretations. The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers with an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Under IFRS 15, an entity recognizes revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied, i.e. when control of the good or service underlying the particular performance obligation is transferred to the customer. These principles are applied using the following five steps:

1.            Identify the contract(s) with a customer
2.            Identify the performance obligations in the contract
3.            Determine the transaction price
4.            Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract
5.            Recognize revenue

Furthermore, IFRS 15 requires extensive disclosures.

Vaisala has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers as at January 1, 2018. IFRS 15 affected mainly Weather and Environment Business Area's project business, while effects on product and services businesses in Weather and Environment as well as Industrial Measurements Business Areas are limited.

Project business
Net sales of Weather and Environment Business Area's project business totaled EUR 76 million during financial year 2017 and EUR 65 million during financial year 2016. The major changes in project revenue recognition takes place in the above mentioned steps two, four and five, whereas changes are limited in step one and step three.

Vaisala's delivery projects are typically integrated projects. In integrated projects, Vaisala delivers observation solutions consisting of products, services and software to a customer. These solutions are integrated/connected to customer systems according to customer specifications. Therefore, one delivery project is typically one performance obligation under IFRS 15. In the financial year 2018, Vaisala recognizes revenue for integrated projects using percentage of completion method. Vaisala's projects typically meet the over-time revenue recognition criteria, either by creating an asset without an alternative use and Vaisala having an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date and/or by creating an asset under customer control. 

Revenue of projects, which do not meet the over-time revenue recognition criteria, is recognized at a point in time when control has been transferred to a customer. These projects are typically standard shipments or collections of several individual deliveries, which Vaisala manages as projects because of their size. 

Prior to 2018, Vaisala has rarely used percentage of completion method, and only in projects with very long delivery times. Generally, Vaisala has recognized project revenue separately for hardware and field service in accordance with their pro rata selling prices. Hence, adoption of over-time revenue recognition will have an impact on timing of revenue recognition in Vaisala's project business since control over assets transfers to customers over time. Consequently, recognition of project revenue and profit will be advanced.

Product and service businesses
As in 2017, Vaisala recognizes revenue of product deliveries based on delivery terms, and revenue of services when benefits are rendered to customers in the financial year 2018 and onwards. Vaisala continues to recognize revenue of such fixed-time service contracts, which are negotiated in connection with delivery projects and commence after completion of the delivery projects, as separate performance obligations with over time revenue recognition method.

Vaisala financial reporting and transition
Under IFRS 15, January-December 2017 net sales would have been EUR 4 million lower and order book would have cumulatively been EUR 1 million lower compared to accounting principles applied in financial year 2017. This was due to earlier timing of revenue recognition.  Revenue recognition method in financial year 2017 also resulted in seasonality where revenue in third and especially in fourth quarter of a year were typically high. Adopting IFRS 15 results flatter revenue between quarters as the concrete project completion takes place more evenly throughout a year.

Vaisala applies cumulative method in transition, which means that open contracts are recognized according to IFRS 15 as at January 1, 2018, but revenue or profit of completed projects were not adjusted retrospectively. Following this, Vaisala has made an adjustment of EUR 0.3 million in retained earnings as at January 1, 2018. In addition, in the statement of financial position trade and other receivables EUR 2.8 million, inventories EUR -2.6 million, trade and other payables EUR -0.2 million and income tax liabilities EUR 0.1 million were adjusted following the IFRS 15 adoption. Figures in the comparison periods have not been restated retrospectively.

Further information
Kaarina Muurinen, CFO
Tel. +358 40 577 5066
Vaisala Corporation

Briefing and Telephone Conference
Vaisala Corporation will publish its Interim Report January-March 2018 on Wednesday, April 25, 2018 at about 2:00 p.m. (Finnish time). The report will be available at www.vaisala.com/investors. The President and CEO's presentation will be published by 4:00 p.m. on the same day at www.vaisala.com/investors.

Telephone Conference
Briefing for analysts, investors and media, combined with an English-language conference call will be arranged in Hotel Kämp, Paavo Nurmi meeting room, Pohjoisesplanadi 29, Helsinki, starting at 4:00 p.m. (Finnish time).

Numbers for conference call, during which questions may be presented, are:

Finland: +358 9 8171 0495
UK: +44 20 3194 0552
Sweden: +46 8 5664 2702
US: +1 85 5716 1597

Audiocast
The presentation by Kjell Forsén, President and CEO, can also be followed through a live audiocast at www.vaisala.com/investors starting at 4:00 p.m. A recording will be published at the same address by 6:00 p.m.

Distribution
Nasdaq Helsinki
Key media
www.vaisala.com

Vaisala is a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement. Building on over 80 years of experience, Vaisala provides observations for a better world. We are a reliable partner for customers around the world, offering a comprehensive range of innovative observation and measurement products and services. Headquartered in Finland, Vaisala employs approximately 1,600 professionals worldwide and is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.  www.vaisala.com  www.twitter.com/VaisalaGroup