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Interim Results

20/05/2003 8:01am

UK Regulatory


RNS Number:2981L
Intec Telecom Systems PLC
20 May 2003


            Intec Telecom Systems PLC - Interim Results for the 
                      six months ended 31 March 2003

       EBITDA up 155% to #1.9 million; #2.6 million operating cash inflow

Intec Telecom Systems PLC ("Intec" or "the Company"), a leading provider of
telecoms Operations Support Systems ("OSS"), is pleased to announce its
unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2003. Despite very
competitive market conditions turnover at #22.3 million is in line with the
Directors' expectations. As a result of an ongoing focus on productivity and
cost management, Intec has recorded a substantial increase in EBITDA to #1.9
million compared with  #755,000 for the six months ended 31 March 2002 
("HY 2002").  Trading in the first few weeks of the third quarter is
encouraging, and the Directors believe that current visibility of full year
results gives confidence in achieving expectations for the full year.


HIGHLIGHTS
__________


  * Half year revenue of #22.3 million (HY 2002: - #23.2 million) - an
    excellent result in competitive trading conditions.
  * Recurring revenue, up 24% compared to the same period in 2002, now
    represents over 50% of turnover.
  * 155% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and
    amortisation ("EBITDA") to #1,928,000 (HY 2002: - #755,000).
  * Positive operating cash inflow of #2.6 million (HY 2002: outflow of #0.7
    million) - and a fifth consecutive cash flow positive quarter.
  * Loss before tax was #2.3 million (HY 2002: loss of #3.0 million), after
    amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets of #3.5 million (HY 2002:
    #2.9 million) and depreciation of #0.9 million (HY 2002: #0.8 million).
  * Adjusted earnings per share of  0.5 pence (HY2002: adjusted loss per share
    of 0.13 pence)
  * 58 new name customers, including 31 from the acquisition of the Settler
    business from Ericsson.
  * Customer installations reach 465 with important wins in China, Colombia,
    the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, South Africa, Venezuela, the UK
    and the US.
  * Intec remains fully-funded with cash and cash equivalent investments
    increased to #12.3 million after payment for Settler business.
  * Intec wins "Overall Best Contribution to Billing" at May's World Billing
    Awards 2003.

"Intec continues to improve its operating performance with a substantial
increase in EBITDA and operating cash inflow against a background of difficult
and competitive market conditions, together with a number of negative
geo-political events", says Intec's Executive Chairman, Mike Frayne. "Our
efforts to maximise productivity while sustaining important investment areas
such as product development and customer support are helping Intec to build
market share in both interconnect billing and mediation and to position us for
future growth."

"New licences remain the most challenging aspect of the marketplace for all
software vendors. Intec has won important deals for both its major product
families, and there is clear customer interest in both interconnect and
mediation solutions that can deliver improved operating performance", adds Chief
Executive Kevin Adams. "Although competition remains high we believe that
customers are increasingly looking to financially stable vendors with clear
product roadmaps for their next OSS projects."



For further information:

Kevin Adams, CEO
Intec Telecom Systems PLC
+44 (0) 1483 745800
kevin.adams@intec-telecom-systems.com
_____________________________________


Andrew Rodaway
Intec Telecom Systems PLC
+44 (0) 7768 808082
andrew.rodaway@intec-telecom-systems.com
________________________________________


Cubitt Consulting
Fergus Wylie/Sarah Brydon
+44 (0) 20 7367 5100
fergus.wylie@cubitt.com
_______________________



                        Chairman's and CEO's Statement


Overview

In the first half of its 2003 financial year Intec Telecom Systems has
reinforced its position as a market-leading vendor of Operations Support Systems
in two key areas, mediation and interconnect billing, as well as launching
several new products which address next generation requirements. Sound cost
management and a strong focus on both new business and recurring revenues has
also allowed Intec to deliver another set of solid financial results, with
increased EBITDA margin and positive operating cash inflows.

A total of 27 new customer contracts have been signed against a backdrop of
difficult and competitive market conditions in a period which also included a
number of negative geo-political events.  These wins, together with recurring
revenues now representing 52% of our total turnover of #22.3 million, and a
positive EBITDA of #1.9 million in the middle of our financial year, demonstrate
the health and increasing stability of Intec's business. Operating cash inflow
was #2.6 million, the fifth successive quarter with positive inflow, as a result
of prudent cost management and continued improvements in credit control.

The telecommunications market remains cautious in its spending patterns.
Extended sales cycles and pricing pressure define the business environment.
Intec's response is to work closely with customer and business partners to
demonstrate the strong return on investment that can be achieved with our
technology. We also market our financial stability and sustained investment in
new product development, two critical areas for customers concerned about long
term vendor relationships. Intec's annual customer churn rate among licenced
customers remains under 1% annually - an outstanding figure in the present
industry.

Intec has recently launched an important new product, Inter-contenT, which
addresses the requirement for settlement for advanced, next generation services
such as multimedia content. Demonstrated at recent trade shows, the response
from potential customers to this very capable, end-to-end solution has been very
encouraging. We have also announced new solutions in other areas, including
Wireless LAN (WLAN or Wi-Fi) and Automated Reconciliation.  We are also pleased
to report the first live installation of Inter-activatE, a flow-through service
activation solution.

Strategic cost management initiatives taken over the past few quarters,
including a substantial review of our development projects and our distribution
channels, have directly contributed to improving margins.  EBITDA has increased
155% over the equivalent period in 2002. Our policy is to continue investing in
development, marketing, sales and customer support, to enable us to sustain
business growth, but with a clear focus on eliminating unnecessary or
unproductive expenditure.

During the period we concluded the acquisition of the 'Settler' business of
Ericsson, our major competitor in the interconnect billing market. With this
acquisition Intec has expanded its base of supported customers by 31 carriers,
and acquired a new business partner in Ericsson. Technology acquired from
Ericsson has also been used to launch new products and strengthen our roadmap in
other areas.


Operational Review

Building profitable market share amongst quality customers remains Intec's
number one operational priority. All vendors in Intec's market compete
aggressively for new licence customers. It is therefore rewarding to see the
progress we have made in securing important wins despite tough competition.
During the period under review Intec increased its customer base by 58
companies, including 31 through the Settler business acquisition.  New customers
were signed in China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica,
South Africa, Venezuela, the UK and the US. Notable wins included Chinasat, our
first new customer in mainland China; Eircom, the main fixed line provider in
Ireland; mobile operator Eurotel in the Czech Republic; and APBW in Taiwan, a
new 3G provider.

Our acquisition of the 'Settler' business from Ericsson, now rebranded as
InterconnecT Settler, brought Intec new customers in 22 countries, 9 of which
are new to the Intec Group.  Customers include major carriers in Scandinavia,
South America, and across Europe. We have conducted our first User Conference
for InterconnecT Settler customers with very positive feedback.

Other important product developments have included the launch of Inter-contenT,
our end-to-end settlement solution for next-generation content mobile services;
and the Intec WLAN Solution which allows companies operating WLAN or Wi-Fi '
hotspots' to generate revenue from their networks.

Our core products InterconnecT and Inter-mediatE continue to generate the bulk
of current sales, with both lines performing well in current difficult market
conditions with Inter-mediatE ahead of InterconnecT for this half year.  Both
mediation and interconnect billing are critical business processes for any
telecoms operator today, and we have seen sustained interest from new carriers
and existing operators in these world-leading products. The InterconnecT family
is the clear market leader worldwide, particularly after the Settler
acquisition, with over 270 installations. Inter-mediatE has also, we believe,
moved into a position of market leadership by a number of measures, such as new
licence contracts won or total traffic handled.

Strong investment in successful products, both current and next generation, is
an important objective at Intec. We believe that by continually expanding
capabilities and improving quality and performance we will achieve increasing
dominance for our products, as well as enjoying strong customer relations. We
strive to keep customers closely informed about new developments and future
product roadmaps and our very low level of licenced customer turnover, less than
1% annually, reflects the high levels of satisfaction we achieve.

In the CABS (Carrier Access Billing Systems) area, we recently announced the
signing of a multi-million dollar service contract with a major US
communications provider. In response to this and other new business we have
expanded the CABS service bureau in Dallas, Texas, to accommodate customer
growth of almost 350 percent and bill processing volume growth of nearly 500
percent. Intec's Dallas office serves as the centre for its CABS services and
InterconnecT CABS CG (Carrier Grade) product development.

Acquisition update

Intec continues a long term policy of business expansion through both organic
development and carefully evaluated and managed acquisitions. Since becoming a
public company in June 2000, Intec has made a number of acquisitions in the OSS
sector aimed at either consolidating competitive businesses to generate greater
market share, or acquiring and integrating companies with complementary
technology.

In December 2002, Intec acquired Ericsson's 'Settler' business unit, its major
competitor in the interconnect billing market. The agreement included the
transfer of the highly experienced Settler development team in Sweden and
exclusive worldwide rights to develop and market the Settler product range. The
agreement includes further cooperation between the two companies where Ericsson
will continue to offer solutions based on InterconnecT Settler as well as
Intec's own InterconnecT product suite.

The total consideration, now fully paid, amounted to US$5.1 million (#3.1
million including acquisition costs). The acquisition is expected to be revenue
and earnings enhancing, generating new licence revenues, related services work
and recurring revenues for support & maintenance. A key benefit of the agreement
is the synergy that will be achieved. Ericsson has a direct presence in some
countries where Intec has few resources, enabling a greater reach. In other
areas, where the two companies have previously competed fiercely, efforts can be
re-directed to other joint productive opportunities. The agreement enables
Ericsson as well as other successful Settler partners to be able to offer their
telecom customers Intec billing technology from either the InterconnecT or the
Settler range. With the recent move of our acquired staff to new premises in
Sweden, the integration is progressing smoothly.

Corporate Developments

Intec reviews its operating requirements on a continual basis. Cost management
has been a major focus in the past few quarters, particularly as pricing
pressure has been a strong feature of our market. Our approach has been to look
for cost savings primarily in non-core activities and in expenditure that we do
not believe is strongly productive in the current climate. Although staff
numbers appear relatively static, we have rebalanced skills to address current
and future market needs through redeployment, selective redundancies and new
hires.

On a like for like basis, Intec staff numbers at 31 March 2003 were 498 compared
to 500 at 30 September 2002.  Including 30 new staff from the Settler
acquisition, total staff numbers at 31 March 2003 were 528.

Financial Review

As previously stated Intec experiences a degree of unevenness in quarterly
revenues, primarily due to long sales cycles and uncertainty in the closure
dates of new contracts. Total reported revenues, amounting to #22.3 million, are
#0.9 million or 4% lower than HY 2002.  We believe that this is an excellent
result given the challenges in today's market.

Whilst licence sales of #4.3 million (19% of turnover) are significantly lower
than the #8.1 million reported in HY 2002, the results for our second quarter of
2003 show a welcome improvement with licence sales of #2.9 million compared to
#1.4 million in the first quarter.

Recurring revenues, which consist of support and maintenance, volume upgrades,
bureau and support business, continue to be a growing contributor to our
business model, at #11.7 million (52%) of turnover, up 24% from #9.4 million
(41%) for HY 2002. This includes a contribution of #0.4 million from the Settler
business acquisition.

Professional services income, including contracted implementation and
consultancy services, has also increased to #6.4 million (29%) from #5.7 million
(25%) in HY 2002.

All regions made stable and satisfactory contributions in the period, with EMEA
contributing 42% of turnover, North America 42%, CALA 8%, and Asia-Pacific 8%.

Gross margin increased to 69% (HY 2002: 67%), largely reflecting more efficient
use of internal and external resources for implementations. The decrease in
distribution costs from #5.3 million to #4.5 million reflects, in the main,
reduced partner fee and commission payments due to reduced licence sales.

As stated earlier Intec continues to invest in its product portfolio to help us
take advantage of next-generation technologies and the growing requirements of
our major carrier customers.  This cost item includes the Settler development
team (#0.4 million expenditure in the period), investment in new products,
ongoing enhancements to existing lines, and the strengthening of product
management. However, to mitigate product cost growth, we continue to rationalise
development, particularly in the settlement area. This has minimised development
expenditure growth to #4.4 million (HY2002: #4.1 million).

Administrative costs decreased by 12% at #5.4 million (HY 2002: #6.1 million) as
a result of continuing attention to cost control across the business and the
reassignment of senior executives to product management.  In addition, as
mentioned in our 2002 annual report, items of non-recurring expenditure such as
legal costs for the BT litigation increased our costs throughout 2002.

Goodwill amortisation charges have increased from #2.9 million in HY 2002 to
#3.5 million in the current period, reflecting additional goodwill amortisation
from the current year Settler acquisition (amortised over four years) and the
former ICL Sims/Prospero business acquired in the second quarter of 2002.  No
provision for goodwill impairment has been considered necessary.

Operating loss of #2.5 million is a significant improvement over the #3.0
million operating loss reported in the prior period especially after the
relatively higher charges for both goodwill amortisation of #3.5 million
(HY2002: #2.9 million) and depreciation of #0.9 million (HY2002: #0.8 million.)

We are pleased to report that cash and cash investments at 31 March 2003 are
#12.3 million, after payment of #3.1 million (including acquisition costs) for
the Ericsson Settler business.  Positive operating cash inflows of #2.6 million
reflect ongoing improvement in cash collections and the subsequent effect of
cost control measures taken throughout the group.

Intec's annualised debtor days are 96 days compared to 105 days as at 30
September 2002 and 127 days reported at 31 March 2002.  Successful cash
collections have continued during the third quarter with over #4.0 million
collected in April 2003.

Outlook

In the six months to 31 March 2003, while markets are still very competitive and
sales cycles remain extended, there are signs of some improvement from both
customers and vendors in the telecoms sector. This has to be contrasted with
ongoing pricing pressure, which continues to impact both margins and revenue
growth potential.

During the period Intec has won important new business and increased its market
share. New business remains hard to win, but Intec is strongly positioned within
core markets and has promising new technologies to offer, particularly in the
next generation space.

Looking forward, although we are sure the market will remain challenging, we see
many opportunities in both existing customers and markets, as well as in new
regions and with new carriers. Intec has a solid pipeline of new business, a
strong customer base, more than sufficient financial resources for its planned
operations, and visibility in excess of 82% of full-year revenues. The Board
therefore remains cautiously optimistic about Intec's full year performance
against current expectations.

Mike Frayne, Executive Chairman
Kevin Adams, Chief Executive Officer


19 May 2003




FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
6 months ended 31 March 2003

                                                              Unaudited            Unaudited              Audited
                                                         6 months ended       6 months ended           Year ended
                                                               31 March             31 March         30 September
                                                 Note              2003                 2002                 2002
                                                                   #000                 #000                 #000

TURNOVER                                                         22,347               23,248               47,474
                                                              _________            _________            _________

EBITDA before exceptional items                  (i)              1,928                  755                3,739
                                                              _________            _________            _________

Operating loss                                                  (2,478)              (2,962)             (13,325)
                                                              _________            _________            _________

Basic loss per share                                            (1.32)p              (1.71)p              (7.94)p
                                                              _________            _________            _________

Adjusted (loss)/earnings per share               (ii)             0.50p              (0.13)p                0.46p
                                                              _________            _________            _________


Notes to the financial highlights                                  #000                 #000                 #000

(i)   Operating loss                                            (2,478)              (2,962)             (13,325)
      Depreciation                                                  943                  813                1,745
      Amortisation of goodwill and other                          3,463                2,904                7,079
      intangible assets
      Impairment of goodwill                                          -                    -                7,464
      Exceptional item (Poland debtor                                 -                    -                  776
      provision)
                                                              _________            _________            _________

      EBITDA before exceptional items                             1,928                  755                3,739
                                                              _________            _________            _________

(ii)  Adjusted (loss)/earnings per share based
      on following adjusted loss after tax
      Loss after tax                                            (2,502)              (3,140)             (14,782)
      Amortisation of goodwill and other                          3,463                2,904                7,079
      intangibles
      Impairment of goodwill                                          -                    -                7,464
      Amounts written off investments                                 -                    -                  321
      Exceptional Poland debtor provision                             -                    -                  776
                                                              _________            _________            _________

      Adjusted (loss)/earnings after tax                            961                (236)                  858
                                                              _________            _________            _________


KEY CUSTOMER DATA
                                                                31 March        30 September              31 March
                                                                    2003                2002                  2002
                                                                  Number              Number                Number
Cumulative:
Contracted customer base                                             299                 272                   252
Contracted customers acquired                                         31                   -                     -
                                                               _________            _________            _________

Total contracted customer base                                       330                 272                   252
                                                               _________            _________            _________

Contracted installations                                             416                 383                   340
Contracted installations acquired                                     49                   -                     -
                                                               _________            _________            _________

Total contracted installations                                       465                 383                   340
                                                               _________            _________            _________


CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
6 months ended 31 March 2003


                                                               Unaudited           Unaudited               Audited
                                                          6 months ended      6 months ended            Year ended
                                                                31 March            31 March          30 September
                                                 Note               2003                2002                  2002
                                                                    #000                #000                  #000
TURNOVER
Continuing operations                                             21,911              23,248                47,474
Acquisitions                                      5                  436                   -                     -
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Total turnover                                    2               22,347              23,248                47,474

Cost of sales                                                    (7,005)             (7,686)              (15,430)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
GROSS PROFIT                                                      15,342              15,562                32,044

Distribution costs                                               (4,531)             (5,302)               (9,945)
Administrative expenses:
  Development expenditure                                        (4,408)             (4,074)               (8,026)
  Amortisation of goodwill and other intangible                  (3,463)             (2,904)               (7,079)
  assets
  Impairment of goodwill                                               -                   -               (7,464)
  Exceptional item                                                     -                   -                 (776)
  Other administrative expenses                                  (5,418)             (6,140)              (12,079)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Total administrative expenses                                   (13,289)            (13,118)              (35,424)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
OPERATING LOSS
Continuing operations                                            (2,266)             (2,858)              (13,325)
Acquisitions                                                       (212)                   -                     -
                                                               _________            _________            _________
GROUP OPERATING LOSS                                             (2,478)             (2,858)              (13,325)
Share of operating loss in associate                                   -               (104)                     -

Total operating loss                                             (2,478)             (2,962)              (13,325)

Amounts written off investments                                        -                   -                 (321)
Interest receivable and similar income                               227                 277                   494
Interest payable and similar charges                                 (1)               (317)                 (331)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION                      (2,252)             (3,002)              (13,483)
                                                                 
Tax charge on loss on ordinary activities         3                (250)               (138)               (1,299)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER TAXATION
RETAINED FOR THE FINANCIAL PERIOD                                (2,502)             (3,140)              (14,782)
                                                               _________            _________            _________      
Loss per share - basic                            4              (1.32)p             (1.71)p               (7.94)p
                                                               _________            _________            _________



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF TOTAL RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES
6 months ended 31 March 2003
                                                              Unaudited            Unaudited              Audited
                                                         6 months ended       6 months ended           Year ended
                                                               31 March             31 March         30 September
                                                                   2003                 2002                 2002
                                                                   #000                 #000                 #000

Loss for the financial period                                   (2,502)              (3,140)             (14,782)
Exchange translation differences arising on
foreign currency net investments                                    141                (110)                (557)
                                                              _________            _________            _________
Total recognised gains and losses in the period                 (2,361)              (3,250)             (15,339)
                                                              _________            _________            _________


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
31 March 2003


                                                                  Unaudited        Unaudited             Audited
                                                                   31 March         31 March        30 September
                                                       Note            2003             2002                2002
                                                                       #000             #000                #000

FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets                                                    63,250           74,454              63,422
Tangible assets                                                       3,034            2,962               2,910
Investments                                                             101              364                 101
                                                                  _________        _________           _________
                                                                     66,385           77,780              66,433
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks                                                                   47               28                  64
Debtors                                                  6           18,037           23,003              17,965
Investments                                                           5,699              267               5,151
Cash at bank and in hand                                              6,605           10,701               8,156
                                                                  _________        _________           _________
                                                                     30,388           33,999              31,336

CREDITORS: falling due within one year                   7          (6,818)          (7,307)             (5,796)
                                                                  _________        _________           _________
NET CURRENT ASSETS                                                   23,570           26,692              25,540
                                                                  _________        _________           _________

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES                                89,955          104,472              91,973

CREDITORS: falling due after more than one year          7            (136)                -                   -

Deferred income                                                     (5,919)          (6,692)             (5,766)

                                                                  _________        _________           _________
TOTAL NET ASSETS                                                     83,900           97,780              86,207
                                                                  _________        _________           _________

CAPITAL AND RESERVES
Called up share capital                                  8            1,906            1,881               1,903
Share premium account                                    8          238,703          238,058             238,652
Other reserve                                            8                -              100                   -
Merger reserve                                           8              249              249                 249
Foreign exchange reserve                                 8            (567)            (261)               (708)
Profit and loss account                                  8        (156,391)        (142,247)           (153,889)
                                                                  _________        _________           _________
EQUITY SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS                                           83,900           97,780              86,207
                                                                  _________        _________           _________


RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN CONSOLIDATED SHAREHOLDERS' FUNDS
6 months ended 31 March 2003
                                                                 Unaudited        Unaudited             Audited
                                                                  31 March         31 March        30 September
                                                                      2003             2002                2002
                                                                      #000             #000                #000

Loss for the financial period                                      (2,502)          (3,140)            (14,782)
Other recognised gains and losses relating to the                      141            (110)               (557)
period
Issue of share capital net of associated expenses                       54            2,737               3,353
Movement on contingent consideration on                                  -          (2,397)             (2,497)
acquisitions
                                                                 _________        _________           _________
(Decrease)/increase in shareholders' funds                         (2,307)          (2,910)              14,483
Opening shareholders' funds                                         86,207          100,690             100,690
                                                                 _________        _________           _________
Closing shareholders' funds                                         83,900           97,780              86,207
                                                                 _________        _________           _________


CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
6 months ended 31 March 2003

                                                               Unaudited            Unaudited              Audited
                                                          6 months ended       6 months ended           Year ended
                                                                31 March             31 March         30 September
                                                 Note               2003                 2002                 2002
                                                                    #000                 #000                 #000

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating         (i)               2,588                (698)                2,770
activities

Returns on investments and servicing of
finance
Interest received                                                    225                  277                  494
Interest element of finance lease rental                               -                  (3)                  (4)
payments
Interest paid and similar items                                      (1)                (314)                (327)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
                                                                     224                 (40)                  163
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Taxation
Overseas taxation paid                                              (41)                 (28)                (378)
UK corporation taxation received/(paid)                                -                    5                 (10)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
                                                                    (41)                 (23)                (388)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Capital investment
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets                          (859)                (702)              (1,651)
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets                                   2                   43                   59
                                                               _________            _________            _________
                                                                   (857)                (659)              (1,592)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Acquisitions
Investment in subsidiaries (see note 5)                          (3,400)              (5,283)              (5,222)
Net cash acquired with subsidiaries                                    -                    -                    6
                                                               _________            _________            _________
                                                                 (3,400)              (5,283)              (5,216)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Cash outflow before management of liquid
resources and financing                                          (1,486)              (6,703)              (4,263)

Use of liquid resources
Decrease/(increase) in cash investments/term                       (479)                2,628              (2,252)
deposits
Payments received from escrow                                          -                   54                   52

Financing
Issue of ordinary share capital                                       54                    -                    -
New bank loan                                                        221                    -                    -
Repayment of bank loan                                              (12)                    -                    -
Capital element of finance lease rental                                -                (125)                (188)
payments
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Decrease in cash in the period                  (ii),(iii)       (1,702)              (4,146)              (6,651)
                                                               _________            _________            _________      
                                         

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
6 months ended 31 March 2003

                                                               Unaudited            Unaudited              Audited
                                                          6 months ended       6 months ended           Year ended
                                                                31 March             31 March         30 September
                                                                    2003                 2002                 2002
                                                                    #000                 #000                 #000
(i) Reconciliation of operating loss to net
cash inflow/(outflow) from operating
activities

Operating loss                                                   (2,478)              (2,858)             (13,325)
Depreciation                                                         943                  813                1,745
Amortisation of goodwill and other intangible                      3,463                2,904                7,079
assets
Impairment of goodwill                                                 -                    -                7,464
Loss/(profit) on disposal of fixed assets                             28                 (22)                 (25)
Decrease/(increase) in stocks                                         16                    2                 (39)
Increase in debtors                                                (100)              (3,642)                (172)
Decrease in creditors                                                716                2,105                   43
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating                           2,588                (698)                2,770
activities                                                     _________            _________            _________

(ii) Reconciliation of net cash flow to
movement in net funds

Decrease in cash in the period                                   (1,702)              (4,146)              (6,651)
Net cash (inflow)/outflow from (increase)/
decrease in in debt and lease financing                            (209)                  125                  188
Net cash (inflow)/outflow from (decrease)/
increase in liquid resources                                         479              (2,682)                2,200
                                                               _________            _________            _________      
Change in net funds resulting from cash flows                    (1,432)              (6,703)              (4,263)
Translation differences                                              219                (157)                (195)
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Movement in net funds in the period                              (1,213)              (6,860)              (4,458)
Net funds at 1 October                                            13,307               17,765               17,765
                                                               _________            _________            _________
Net funds at 31 March / 30 September                              12,094               10,905               13,307
                                                               _________            _________            _________


(iii) Analysis of movement in net funds
                                            Audited                                                      Unaudited
                                          1 October                                 Exchange              31 March
                                               2002          Cash flow              movement                  2003
                                               #000               #000                  #000                  #000

Cash in hand and at bank                      8,156            (1,702)                   151                 6,605
Cash investments and term deposits            5,151                479                    69                 5,699
                                                             _________
                                                               (1,223)
                                                             _________
Debt due within one year                          -               (73)                   (1)                  (74)
Debt due after one year                           -              (136)                     -                 (136)
                                                             _________
                                                                 (209)
                                                             _________
                                          _________          _________             _________             _________
                                             13,307            (1,432)                   219                12,094
                                          _________          _________             _________             _________



NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION
6 months ended 31 March 2003

1.        BASIS OF PREPARATION

The interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with
accounting policies set out in, and is consistent with, the Group's 2002
financial statements except for the taxation charge for the period which is
based on the estimated charge for the year ending 30 September 2003.

The interim financial information is neither reviewed nor audited and does not
comprise statutory accounts for the purposes of Section 240 of the Companies Act
1985.

The abridged information for the year ended 30 September 2002 has been extracted
from the Group's statutory accounts for that period, which have been filed with
the Registrar of Companies following the 2002 Annual General Meeting.  The
auditors' report on the statutory accounts of the Group for that period was
unqualified and did not contain a Statement under either Section 237(2) or
Section 237(3) of the Companies Act 1985.

The interim financial information was approved by the Board of Directors on 19
May 2003.

2.        TURNOVER AND SEGMENTAL REPORTING


Turnover by origin                                      Unaudited                                    Unaudited
                                     6 months ended 31 March 2003                 6 months ended 31 March 2002
                                             Inter-                                       Inter-
                                 Total      segment      External             Total      segment      External
                              turnover     turnover      turnover          turnover     turnover      turnover
                                  #000         #000          #000              #000         #000          #000

United Kingdom                  11,494        (131)        11,363             9,552        (912)         8,640
Continental Europe                  17            -            17               141            -           141
Asia-Pacific                       205            -           205             1,161            -         1,161
North America & Canada          11,039        (603)        10,436            12,809        (180)        12,629
South America                      326            -           326               677            -           677
                             _____________________________________         ____________________________________
                                23,081        (734)        22,347            24,340      (1,092)        23,248
                             _____________________________________         ____________________________________

                                                                         Audited Year ended 30 September 2002
                                                                                          Inter-
                                                                              Total      segment     External
                                                                           turnover     turnover     turnover
                                                                               #000         #000         #000

United Kingdom                                                               21,148      (1,509)       19,639
Continental Europe                                                              166            -          166
Asia-Pacific                                                                  1,758            -        1,758
North America & Canada                                                       25,566        (600)       24,966
South America                                                                   945            -          945
                                                                           ____________________________________
                                                                             49,583      (2,109)       47,474
                                                                           ____________________________________



Turnover by destination                                       Unaudited            Unaudited              Audited
                                                         6 months ended       6 months ended           Year ended
                                                               31 March             31 March         30 September
                                                                   2003                 2002                 2002
                                                                   #000                 #000                 #000

United Kingdom                                                    2,097                1,467                3,519
Continental Europe                                                5,029                5,350                9,753
Eastern Europe                                                    1,452                  219                1,235
Middle East                                                         353                   63                  728
Africa                                                              441                  754                1,687
Asia-Pacific                                                      1,676                2,451                5,521
North America & Canada                                            9,436               10,523               21,058
South America                                                     1,863                2,421                3,973
                                                              _________            _________            _________
                                                                 22,347               23,248               47,474
                                                              _________            _________            _________

Turnover by activity                                          Unaudited            Unaudited              Audited
                                                         6 months ended       6 months ended           Year ended
                                                               31 March             31 March         30 September
                                                                   2003                 2002                 2002
                                                                   #000                 #000                 #000

Licence sales                                                     4,264                8,107               15,481

Professional services income:
   Implementation, migrations, consulting and training            5,254                4,096                8,730
   Hardware                                                          56                  100                  576
   Non-telecom custom network solutions                           1,118                1,513                2,957
                                                              _________            _________            _________
                                                                  6,428                5,709               12,263

Recurring Income:
   ASP Service                                                    1,560                1,286                2,761
   Volume upgrade licences                                        1,105                  971                1,928
   Support and maintenance fees                                   8,990                7,175               15,041
                                                              _________            _________            _________
                                                                 11,655                9,432               19,730
                                                              _________            _________            _________
                                                                 22,347               23,248               47,474
                                                              _________            _________            _________


Loss before taxation                                                   Unaudited 6 months ended 31 March 2003
                                                                       Before                           After
                                                              amortisation of                 amortisation of
                                                                     goodwill Amortisation of        goodwill
                                                                                     goodwill
                                                                         #000            #000            #000

United Kingdom                                                          1,053         (1,198)           (145)
Continental Europe                                                        124               -             124
Asia-Pacific                                                               74               -              74
North America & Canada                                                   (98)         (2,265)         (2,363)
South America                                                              58               -              58
                                                                    __________________________________________
                                                                        1,211         (3,463)         (2,252)
                                                                    __________________________________________

The segmental analysis of loss before taxation for the six months ended 31 March
2003 includes intercompany interest charged from the UK to North America &
Canada of #1,890,000 (31 March 2002 - #2,104,000).

                                                                        Unaudited 6 months ended 31 March 2002
                                                                      Before                             After
                                                             amortisation of
                                                                    goodwill  Amortisation of  amortisation of
                                                                                     goodwill         goodwill
                                                                        #000             #000             #000

United Kingdom                                                          (99)            (568)            (667)
Continental Europe                                                       104              (5)               99
Asia-Pacific                                                              31            (222)            (191)
North America & Canada                                                 (230)          (2,109)          (2,339)
South America                                                             96                -               96
                                                                    ___________________________________________
                                                                        (98)          (2,904)          (3,002)
                                                                    ___________________________________________

                                                                        Audited Year ended 30 September 2002
                                    Before                                                             After
                           amortisation of                                                   amortisation of
                                 goodwill,                                                         goodwill,
                            impairment and                                                    impairment and
                               exceptional  Amortisation of        Goodwill     Exceptional      exceptional
                                     items         goodwill      impairment           items            items
                                      #000             #000            #000            #000             #000

United Kingdom                         677          (2,200)         (1,684)         (1,097)          (4,304)
Continental Europe                     185             (74)               -               -              111
Asia-Pacific                           187            (420)         (5,780)               -          (6,013)
North America & Canada                 948          (4,385)               -               -          (3,437)
South America                          160                -               -               -              160
                                   __________________________________________________________________________
                                     2,157          (7,079)         (7,464)         (1,097)         (13,483)
                                   __________________________________________________________________________

Exceptional items in the year ended 30 September 2002 comprise amounts written
off investments of #321,000 and a #776,000 provision against the debtor balance
due from the  associate company in Poland.

Net assets/
(liabilities) by origin
                               Unaudited       Unaudited        Unaudited         Unaudited              Audited
                                31 March        31 March         31 March          31 March         30 September
                                    2003            2003             2003              2002                 2002
                               Excluding                        Including         Including            Including
                             unamortised     Unamortised      Unamortised       Unamortised          Unamortised
                                goodwill        goodwill         goodwill          goodwill             goodwill
                                    #000            #000             #000              #000                 #000

United Kingdom                    13,745           4,508           18,253            22,441               17,125
Continental Europe                 (138)               -            (138)                34                 (58)
Africa                             (296)               -            (296)                 -                (464)
Asia-Pacific                        (80)               -             (80)             7,262                  494
North America & Canada             8,721          57,363           66,084            67,702               68,902
South America                         77               -               77               341                  208
                                 _________________________________________          _______             ________
                                  22,029          61,871           83,900            97,780               86,207
                                 _________________________________________          _______             ________


3.        TAX CHARGE ON LOSS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
                                                                  Unaudited       Unaudited              Audited
                                                                   31 March        31 March         30 September
                                                                       2003            2002                 2002
                                                                       #000            #000                 #000
Current taxation:
UK corporation tax at 30% (2002: 30%)                                     -               -                    -
Overseas taxation                                                       244             304                1,098
Prior year                                                                6           (166)                  273

Total current tax                                                       250             138                1,371
Deferred taxation:
Origination and reversal of timing differences                            -               -                 (72)
                                                                      ___________________________________________
Tax on loss on ordinary activities                                      250             138                1,299
                                                                      ___________________________________________

i)    The major trading companies in the UK and the US have not
      incurred corporate tax liabilities. However, we have suffered corporate 
      taxation in a number of our overseas trading subsidiaries and branches 
      amounting to #0.15 million.  The remainder of the tax charge is in respect
      of withholding tax, which is deducted at source in certain jurisdictions 
      and which we do not expect to recover, amounting to #0.1 million.

ii)   The US operations have substantial ongoing tax benefits
      arising from goodwill allowances which will continue to ameliorate tax 
      charges against profits in future periods.  In addition, there are 
      significant losses brought forward in the US.

4. (LOSS)/EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE

                                                               Unaudited           Unaudited             Audited
                                                          6 months ended      6 months ended          Year ended
                                                                31 March            31 March        30 September
                                                                    2003                2002                2002
                                                                    #000                #000                #000

Basic loss                                                       (2,502)             (3,140)            (14,782)
Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets                     3,463               2,904               7,079
Impairment of goodwill                                                 -                   -               7,464
Amounts written off investments                                        -                   -                 321
Exceptional Poland debtor provision                                    -                   -                 776
                                                             ___________         ___________         ___________
Adjusted (loss)/earnings                                             961               (236)                 858
                                                             ___________         ___________         ___________

                                                                  Number              Number              Number
Weighted average number of shares                            190,204,413         183,936,583         186,219,551
                                                             ___________         ___________         ___________

                                                                   Pence               Pence               Pence
Basic loss per ordinary share                                     (1.32)              (1.71)              (7.94)
Amortisation of goodwill and other intangible assets                1.82                1.58                3.80
Impairment of goodwill                                                 -                   -                4.01
Amounts written off investments                                        -                   -                0.17
Exceptional Poland debtor provision                                    -                   -                0.42
                                                             ___________         ___________         ___________
Adjusted (loss)/earnings per ordinary share                         0.50              (0.13)                0.46
                                                             ___________         ___________         ___________


Diluted (loss)/earnings per share is not presented in respect of outstanding
share options since none of the options are dilutive.

5. ACQUISITIONS

a)   Current period acquisitions

On 18 December 2002, the group acquired Ericsson AB's 'Settler' interconnect
billing product unit, including the Settler development team and worldwide
rights to develop and market the Settler product range.  The total
consideration, settled in cash, amounted to US$5.1 million (#3.0 million plus
acquisition costs of #0.1 million) as disclosed below.

Goodwill arising on acquisition has been capitalised and is being amortised over
four years from the date of acquisition. Goodwill charged in the period amounts
to #234,000.  Turnover from acquisitions of #436,000 is for the period from 18
December to 31 March 2003.

                                                                     Provisional
Net liabilities at date of acquisition and provisional                fair value
fair value                                                                 #'000

Creditors                                                                  (176)
Goodwill arising on acquisition                                            3,299
                                                                         _______
                                                                           3,123
                                                                         _______
Consideration paid in cash                                                 2,990
Acquisition costs                                                            133
                                                                         _______
                                                                           3,123
                                                                         _______

In addition to the above, a share option was granted to the advisers to the
acquisition.  This option vested on successful closure of the acquisition and
was exercisable immediately.  293,121 ordinary shares were issued at 20.2 pence
per share.

b)   Prior year acquisitions

Deferred consideration of #277,000 was paid in respect of the operational
support systems business acquired from ICL, a Fujitsu company.

c)   Reconciliation to cash flow statement
                                                                            #000
                                                           
Consideration for Settler business                                         2,990
Acquisition costs                                                            133
Deferred consideration payments on prior year acquisition                    277
                                                                         _______                                        
                                                                           3,400
                                                                         _______


6. DEBTORS

                                                           Unaudited             Unaudited               Audited
                                                            31 March              31 March          30 September
                                                                2003                  2002                  2002
                                                                #000                  #000                  #000

Trade debtors                                                 12,853                16,303                13,676
Corporation tax recoverable                                      196                   196                   196
Deferred tax                                                      94                     -                    72
Withholding tax recoverable                                        -                    87                     -
Other debtors                                                     66                 1,858                   301
Accrued income                                                 3,792                 3,070                 2,571
Prepayments
    Due within one year                                        1,036                 1,394                 1,149
    Due after more than one year                                   -                    95                     -
                                                            ________              ________              ________
                                                              18,037                23,003                17,965
                                                            ________              ________              ________


7. CREDITORS
                                                                 Unaudited         Unaudited         Audited
                                                                  31 March          31 March    30 September
                                                                      2003              2002            2002
                                                                      #000              #000            #000
Falling due within one year:
Bank loan                                                               74                 -               -
Obligations under finance leases                                         -                63               -
Trade creditors                                                      1,569             2,446           1,767
Corporation tax                                                        454               454             454
Overseas tax                                                           738               317             516
Other creditors including taxation and social security                 857               866             686
Accruals                                                             2,700             2,565           1,670
Deferred/contingent consideration                                      426               596             703
                                                                  ________          ________        ________
                                                                     6,818             7,307           5,796
                                                                  ________          ________        ________


Falling due after more than one year:
Bank loan                                                              136                 -               -
                                                                  ________          ________        ________


8. STATEMENT OF MOVEMENTS ON SHARE CAPITAL AND RESERVES

                            Called        Share                                   Foreign      Profit
                          up share      premium      Other       Merger          exchange    and loss                   
                           capital      account    reserve      reserve           reserve     account             Total 
                              #000         #000       #000         #000              #000        #000              #000

At 1 October 2002            1,903      238,652          -          249             (708)   (153,889)            86,207
Issue of ordinary shares
net of expenses                  3           51          -            -                 -           -                54
Loss for the period              -            -          -            -                 -     (2,502)           (2,502)
Foreign exchange                 -            -          -            -               141           -               141
translation
                           _______      _______     ______       ______           _______   _________           _______
At 31 March 2003             1,906      238,703          -          249             (567)   (156,391)            83,900
                           _______      _______     ______       ______           _______   _________           _______

END

                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

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