Revenues down by 19% in Akva group

Operating revenues in 4Q were 191.8MNOK (236.6) and the EBITDA was MNOK -9.7 (27.9). Operating revenues YTD were 866.5 MNOK (932.0) and the EBITDA was MNOK 52.7 (90.7), reports the company.

The 4Q operational result is affected by a loss related to a project of 4.3 MNOK, restructuring costs related to downscaling of the organisation of 3.2 MNOK and write-downs of inventory and receivables of 2.9 MNOK. Further, the comparable figures for 4Q 2007 included a 10 MNOK gain related to changes in the company's pension scheme.

For 4Q depreciation and amortisation amounted to 9.3 MNOK (7.0). EBIT in the period was -19.0 MNOK (20.9). Net interest expense was -2.4 MNOK (0.0). Other financial income was -1.2 MNOK (0.5). Profit before tax for the fourth quarter was -22.7 MNOK (21.4). Net profit after allowing for taxes of -4,7 MNOK (-0.5) was -17.9 MNOK (21.8).

The depreciation and amortisation YTD amounted to 29.4 MNOK (24.2). EBIT in the period was 23.3 MNOK (66.4). Net interest expense year to date was -9.1 MNOK (-1.7). Other financial expenses were -3.4 MNOK (0.9). Profit before tax YTD was 10.8 MNOK (65.6). Net profit after allowing for taxes of 5.2 MNOK (12.0) was 5.5 MNOK (53.6). The tax expenses were affected by tax loss carry forwards in certain countries with losses not being recorded as deferred tax asset in the balance sheet.

A cost reduction program has been implemented in OPTECH and INTECH. The combined effect of these measures are estimated to 26 MNOK on an annual basis compared to 2008 cost structure.

Operations Technology (OPTECH) The operating revenues for OPTECH in 4Q were 96.8 MNOK (101.2). The EBITDA for 4Q was -5.7 MNOK (10.3).The revenues YTD were 399.2 MNOK (414.5) and the EBITDA was 25.1 MNOK (39.5).

Operationally OPTECH continue to focus on customer service, product enhancement, organisational integration and general operational\ improvements. Due to the general market situation OPTECH has a strong and continuous focus on cost reduction within all regions. Infrastructure Technology (INTECH) The operating revenues in 4Q were 95.0 MNOK (135.3). The EBITDA in the period was -4.0 MNOK (17.6). The revenues YTD were 467.4 MNOK (517.5) and the EBITDA was 27.6 MNOK (51.2).

Due to the current challenging situation in Chile the company has decided to further downscale the operations at the cage manufacturing factory in Chile. This will be done through a reduction of staff to adapt to a lower customer demand going forward.

The Norwegian operations in INTECH continue to focus on achieving economies of scale benefits in the main production facility.

Operations and profit (legal accounts) Operating revenues in 4Q were 191.8 MNOK (236.9). The EBITDA in 4Q was -9.7 MNOK (27.9). Operating revenues YTD were 866.5 MNOK (860.8) and the EBITDA was MNOK 52.7 (86.8).

Depreciation and amortisation in 4Q amounted to 9.3 MNOK (6.7). EBIT in the period was -19.0 MNOK (21.2). Net interest expense for the fourth quarter was -2.4 MNOK (-1.4). Other financial expenses were -1.2 MNOK (1.9). Profit before tax for 4Q was -22.7 MNOK (21.7). Net profit after allowing for taxes of -4.7 MNOK (-0.5) was -17.9 MNOK (22.2).

Depreciation and amortisation YTD 2008 amounted to 29.4 MNOK (21.6). EBIT in the period was 23.3 MNOK (65.2). Net interest expense was -9.1 MNOK (-3.0). Other financial expenses were -3.4 MNOK (1.0). Profit before tax YTD was 10.8 MNOK (63.1). Net profit after allowing for taxes of 5.2 MNOK (11.1) was 5.5 MNOK (52.0).

Balance sheet and cash flow Working capital in the group balance sheet, defined as non-interest bearing current assets less non-interest bearing current liabilities was 171.7 MNOK down from 199.3 MNOK at the end of 3Q. The working capital decrease is explained by lower activity and reduction of receivables outstanding and inventory. Measures have been implemented to further reduce the working capital level. Net interest bearing debt amounted to 149.6 MNOK at end of 4Q vs. 145.7 MNOK in 3Q. Cash and unused credit facilities amounted to 62.4 MNOK. Total assets and total equity amounted to 675.3 MNOK and 308.7 MNOK, respectively, resulting in an equity ratio of 45.7% at the end of 4Q 2008.

In addition to the net profit the equity is affected by a revaluation of goodwill related to the investment in Maritech ehf (Iceland) due to the depreciation of the Icelandic Kroner. The effect of this revaluation amounts to about 17 MNOK. Net investments (excl. effects of acquisitions) YTD 2008 amounted to 27.7 MNOK whereof 11.9 MNOK is capitalized R&D expenses in accordance with IFRS.

Shareholder issues Earnings per share for 4Q 2008 were NOK -1.04 (1.27) and year to date in 2008 NOK 0.32 (3.11), the calculation is based on 17.222.869 shares average. Based on the current financial and market uncertainties the Board of Directors proposes not to pay dividend for 2008.

Market and future outlook The current general economic outlook together with the challenging fish health situation in Chile increases the uncertainty about the market development for the remainder of 2009.

The continued challenging fish health situation in the Chilean market has created severe problems for the Chilean salmon industry. We do not expect to see a material improvement in the traditional business in this market for the next 2-4 years. Based on this development substantial cost reduction measures are being implemented in Chile. In November the Chilean authorities launched, together with the industry, a plan to counter the challenging sanitary situation. This plan involves significant business opportunities for AKVA group in recirculation technology.

The company will continue to meet the challenging situation by an uninterrupted cost reduction focus, protection of margins and reduced capital binding.

The general underlying investment demand from the salmon farming industry in Norway and the UK remains strong, however due to the global financial turmoil there are continuous delays in decision making, thus the market expectancy from these markets is reduced. The market outlook for recirculation smolt production facilities has improved and is expected to lead to important deliveries going forward.

The business volume towards other species than salmon is showing good development and continues to expand according to strategic objectives. In February a strategic important contract to the Malaysian authorities was signed. Further inroads to such markets are expected during 2009.

The order backlog was 263 MNOK (383) at the end of 4Q 2008, which is a weakening of 120 MNOK compared to the same time last year. The decline is mainly related to lower order inflow from the Norwegian and Chilean market. The total prospects mass is at a higher level than the same time last year. However, at present the global financial turmoil is causing many market players to hold back ontheir investment plans.

Statement from the Board and Chief Executive Officer We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge, the condensed set of financial statements for 2008, which have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Statements gives a true and fair view of the Company's consolidated assets, liabilities, financial position and results of operations, and that the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required under the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-6 fourth paragraph.