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PIC Powershares Dynamic Insurance Portfolio

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Interim Results

12/01/2004 7:00am

UK Regulatory


RNS Number:0831U
Pace Micro Technology PLC
12 January 2004


                           Pace Micro Technology plc

                              Interim Report 2004

                                12 January 2004



                         Pace Micro Technology plc

                    for the 26 weeks ended 29 November 2003



SALIENT POINTS

*        Turnover increased 32% to #110.4m (2002: #83.4m);

*        Profit before tax and amortisation of goodwill #1.1m (2002: loss
         #15.9m);

*        Adjusted diluted earnings per share before amortisation of goodwill
         0.7p (2002: loss per share 7.3p);

*        Overheads for half year reduced to #20.1m, with annual run rate down to
         #40m p.a. (year ended 31 May 2003: #52.3m);

*        Net cash position #13.8m (31 May 2003: #13.1m);

*        Modest improvement in business performance expected.



Pace Micro Technology's Chairman Sir Michael Bett commented:



"I am pleased to announce that Pace has returned to profit following a difficult
couple of years. We see opportunities for development in both continental Europe
and Asia, which should result in a modest improvement in the performance of the
business."








Chairman's Statement



Pace's results for the six months ending 29 November 2003 continued the
improvement that started in the first half of calendar 2003 and the Board is
pleased to report that the Group has made a welcome return to profit.



Results

Turnover on Pace's digital set-top box sales and additional services rose 32% to
#110m (2002: #83m).  Profit before tax and amortisation of goodwill was #1.1m
(2002: loss #15.9m).  Earnings per share were 0.7p (2002: loss 7.3p).



Trading and financial review

During the period under review Pace shipments rose 51% to 985,000 units and
approximately 50% of these units were for the UK market.  In the UK revenues
remained fairly stable; a decline in average selling prices was offset by an
increase in unit shipments through BSkyB's continued acquisition of subscribers
and a marked increase in Sky+ demand towards the end of the period.  However as
expected, our cable customers took very little product.



Asia Pacific and continental Europe generated the majority of Pace's growth in
this period, accounting for 45% of shipments by volume.  These markets are now
showing more activity than they have for several years and Pace shipped boxes to
over 20 different countries, with Sky Italia becoming one of our largest
customers.  We made our first shipments to Viasat in Scandinavia and the first
boxes were shipped to Foxtel in Australia to enable them to commence their
trials.  In Germany, our box is in final testing at Premiere and we have
recently signed a contract with Kabel Deutschland.  We envisage that these
markets will be important sources of demand over the next year.



Within the US market, demand remains slow and Pace shipped 45,000 boxes, albeit
at better margins than previously achieved.  The low level of shipments, high
level of engineering and customer support have resulted in continuing losses in
our US operations.  However consumer demand for high-definition (HD) content,
set top boxes, televisions and displays is accelerating.  Cable operators are
beginning to focus their attention on digital video recorders (DVRs), during the
period Pace commenced its DVR development programme for this market.



The global set-top box market remains highly competitive, reflected in the gross
margin of 19.1% (2002: 12.7%).  The 2002 margin was lower than normal due to
one-off losses incurred on the initial Sky+ shipments, removing this impact
gives a like-for-like margin comparison of 19.1%.



As a result of the business restructuring effected in the last financial year,
overheads for the half year were reduced to #20.1m, with the annual cost run
rate reducing to #40m from #52.3m in the year ended 31 May 2003.



Net assets were unchanged at around #45m.  Within net current assets, debtors
decreased to #56.2m (31 May 2003: #57.2m), creditors decreased to #34.1m (31 May
2003: #38.6m), stocks decreased to #14.3m (31 May 2003: #16.0m) and net cash
increased a little to #13.8m (31 May 2003: #13.1m).



Our world class engineering expertise is being enhanced, which includes
development of some software in India. We are also improving competitiveness
through new product innovation, cost-effective designs and quality improvements.


Dividend

The Board has decided not to declare an interim dividend (as last year).  The
position for the full year will be reviewed in the light of the results for the
second half of the year.



Outlook

The dynamics of the global digital TV markets means that the outlook varies from
region to region.



In the UK, more than half of homes have digital TV and the increase in
penetration is likely to continue. However, due to the decline in average
selling prices, we expect to see a reduction in our UK revenues over current
levels.



Continental Europe and Asia represent opportunity for future growth, which will
be stimulated by lower set-top box prices and DVR deployments, enabling
broadcasters and operators to roll out their digital services in a profitable
way.



In the US our goal is to grow our relatively small market share through our
engagements with Comcast and Time Warner, together accounting for over 50% of
the US cable market.



Since the close of the first half the US dollar has declined, which in principle
should benefit margins, as lower product costs will offset the decline in
average selling prices. However, it is not possible to predict the impact of
future exchange rate developments.



Overall we expect our business performance to continue to improve.  This will
depend on our ability to win the available business and our customers'
willingness and financial ability to develop their services and utilise Pace
set-top box technology in volume.



Sir Michael Bett

Chairman

12 January 2004



CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT

FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED 29 NOVEMBER 2003


                                                          Note   26 weeks ended   26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
                                                                    29 Nov 2003      30 Nov 2002    31 May 2003
                                                                    (unaudited)       (unaudited)      (audited)
                                                                           #000             #000           #000


Turnover                                                 2           110,412           83,408          166,597

Cost of sales:
Recurring                                                            (89,314)         (72,777)        (131,794)
Exceptional                                              3                  -                -          (2,542)
                                                                _____________    _____________    _____________
Gross profit                                                          21,098           10,631           32,261

Other operating income and charges:
Recurring                                                            (20,433)         (26,832)         (52,257)
Exceptional                                              3                  -                -         (29,981)
                                                                _____________    _____________    _____________
Operating profit/(loss)                                                  665          (16,201)         (49,977)

Net interest receivable/(payable)                                        109             (218)            (100)
                                                                _____________    _____________    _____________
Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation                     774          (16,419)         (50,077)

Tax on profit/(loss) on ordinary activities              4               486            2,289            2,046
                                                                _____________    _____________    _____________
Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation                    1,260          (14,130)         (48,031)

Dividends payable                                        6                  -                -                -
                                                                _____________    _____________    _____________
Retained profit/(loss) for the financial period                        1,260          (14,130)         (48,031)
                                                                _____________    _____________    _____________

Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share                 5               0.6p           (7.5)p          (22.0)p

Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share               5               0.6p           (7.5)p          (22.0)p

Dividend per ordinary share                              6                Nil              Nil              Nil



The results from the current period derive from continuing operations.




                        RESULTS BEFORE AMORTISATION OF GOODWILL AND EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

                                                                           #000          #000            #000

Operating profit/(loss)                                                     947       (15,666)       (16,053)

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before taxation                      1,056       (15,884)       (16,153)

Adjusted basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share                          0.7p         (7.3)p         (6.8)p

Adjusted diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share                        0.7p         (7.3)p         (6.8)p




CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AT 29 NOVEMBER 2003


                                                         29 Nov 2003          30 Nov 2002          31 May 2003
                                             Note         (unaudited)         (unaudited)            (audited)
                                                                #000                 #000                 #000
Fixed assets
Intangible                                                    9,661               30,648               10,000
Tangible                                                      8,747               13,445               10,269
Investments                                     7             2,515                4,015                2,515
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
                                                             20,923               48,108               22,784
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Current assets
Stocks                                                       14,325               25,146               15,967
Debtors                                         8            56,153               52,752               57,201
- due within one year                                        50,997               44,506                49,317
- due after more than one year                                5,156                8,246                 7,884
Cash at bank and in hand                                     14,154               15,677               13,410
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
                                                             84,632               93,575               86,578

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year              (34,109)             (32,286)             (38,638)
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Net current assets                                           50,523                61,289              47,940
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Total assets less current liabilities                        71,446              109,397               70,724

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one             (257)                (288)                (288)
year

Provisions for liabilities and charges          9           (26,029)             (26,370)             (26,331)
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Net assets                                                   45,160               82,739               44,105
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________

Capital and reserves
Called up equity share capital                               11,316               11,312               11,312
Share premium account                                        35,434               35,426               35,427
Shares to be issued                                                -               5,360                     -
Merger reserve                                                     -              17,209                     -
Profit and loss account                                      (1,590)              13,432               (2,634)
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Total shareholders' funds                                    45,160               82,739               44,105
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________



CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED 29 NOVEMBER 2003
                                                      26 weeks ended       26 weeks ended       52 weeks ended
                                                         29 Nov 2003          30 Nov 2002          31 May 2003
                                                         (unaudited)          (unaudited)            (audited)
                                            Note               #000                 #000                 #000

Net cash inflow from operating activities    10               6,470               28,858               32,093
                                             
Returns on investments and servicing of finance                 101                 (617)                (496)
Taxation                                                        758                9,074                9,082
Capital expenditure and financial                            (1,477)              (1,374)              (2,001)
investment
Acquisitions and disposals                                   (5,093)                    -              (5,000)
Equity dividends paid                                              -              (1,523)              (1,528)
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Cash inflow before financing                                    759               34,418               32,150
Financing                                                       (15)                 (49)                 (48)
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Increase in cash in the period                                  744               34,369               32,102
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________


Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds/(debt)
Increase in cash in the period                                  744               34,369               32,102
Cash flow from decrease in debt                                  26                   49                   49
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Movement in net funds in the period                             770               34,418               32,151
Net funds/(debt) at start of period                          13,077              (19,074)             (19,074)
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________
Net funds at end of period                                   13,847               15,344               13,077
                                                        ____________         ____________         ____________



ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

                                                         At 31 May 2003           Cashflow     At 29 Nov 2003
                                                                   #000               #000               #000

Cash at bank and in hand                                        13,410                744             14,154
Debt due within one year                                           (45)                (5)               (50)
Debt due after one year                                           (288)                31               (257)
                                                           ____________       ____________       ____________
                                                                13,077                770             13,847
                                                           ____________       ____________       ____________



NOTES


   1     Basis of preparation


         The interim financial information for the 26-week period ended 29 November 2003 has not been audited,
         nor has the interim financial information for the 26-week period ended 30 November 2002. They comply
         with relevant accounting standards and have been prepared on a consistent basis using the accounting
         policies set out in the 2003 Annual Report and Accounts. The figures for the 52-week period ended 31
         May 2003 do not constitute the Group's statutory accounts for that period but have been extracted
         from the statutory accounts, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors have
         reported on those accounts and that report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under
         Section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The accounts for the full year will be for the
         52-week period ending 29 May 2004.



         Uncertainty arising from market conditions



         There is some evidence of improved outlook over the last six months in the global technology market,
         but risks remain in the digital broadcasting industry. Lower selling prices are a feature of current
         and anticipated market conditions.



         The Group has remained cash positive since July 2002, whilst maintaining bank facilities in an amount
         of #20m.  These facilities are due to expire in July 2004 but may be further renewed.



         The Board has considered these factors in reviewing its working capital forecasts. Based on this, the
         Board has concluded that, whilst recognising there is some uncertainty, the Group has appropriate
         existing banking arrangements and that, in the event it should need to, it will be able to maintain
         such facilities.



         The Board has therefore concluded it is appropriate to confirm the going concern basis of preparation
         for the financial statements.




    2     Turnover
                                                             26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended
                                                                29 Nov 2003        30 Nov 2002        31 May 2003
                                                                (unaudited)        (unaudited)          (audited)
                                                                       #000               #000               #000
          The geographical analysis of turnover by
          destination is as follows:
          United Kingdom                                             58,191             64,999            137,494
          Europe                                                     41,915              4,542              9,806
          Far East (including Australasia)                            1,241              5,593              9,060
          North America                                               6,925              7,287              9,911
          Rest of the World                                           2,140                987                326
                                                               ____________       ____________       ____________
                                                                    110,412             83,408            166,597
                                                               ____________       ____________       ____________


    3     Exceptional items
                                                             26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended     52 weeks ended
                                                                29 Nov 2003        30 Nov 2002        31 May 2003
                                                                (unaudited)        (unaudited)          (audited)
                                                                       #000               #000               #000
          Restructuring costs                                             -                  -              5,900
          Onerous contracts                                               -                  -              3,671
          Impairment of own shares held in ESOP and QUEST                 -                  -              1,500
          Impairment of Xcom Multimedia goodwill                          -                  -             21,452
                                                               ____________       ____________       ____________
                                                                          -                  -             32,523
                                                               ____________       ____________       ____________








    4     Tax on profit/loss on ordinary activities


                                                             26 weeks ended     26 weeks ended       52 weeks ended
                                                                29 Nov 2003        30 Nov 2002          31 May 2003
                                                                (unaudited)        (unaudited)            (audited)
                                                                      #000               #000                 #000
          The tax charge/(credit) is based on the
          estimated effective rate of taxation for the
          period and represents:

          United Kingdom corporation tax at 30%                       (909)               129                   -
          Overseas tax                                                  39                290                300
          Deferred tax (see note 8)                                    384             (2,708)            (2,346)
                                                               ____________       ____________       ____________
                                                                      (486)            (2,289)            (2,046)
                                                               ____________       ____________       ____________



   5     Earnings per ordinary share

         Basic earnings/(loss) per ordinary share have been calculated by reference to the profit/(loss) before
         and after the amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items, and after taxation, and the average
         number of qualifying ordinary shares of 5p in issue of 218,251,847 (2002: 218,180,942).



         Diluted earnings/(loss) per ordinary share vary from basic earnings per ordinary share due to the
         effect of the notional exercise of outstanding share options. The diluted earnings/(loss) are the same
         as basic earnings/(loss). The diluted number of qualifying ordinary shares was 223,912,904 (2002:
         218,638,976).


   6     Dividends payable

         The directors have not declared an interim dividend (2002: Nil).


   7     Investments



         An amount of #2,515,000 (2002: #4,015,000) is held by the Pace Micro Technology Employee Benefits
         Trust and the QUEST in respect of own shares purchased to satisfy options granted to employees.

         Debtors

   8

         Debtors include a deferred tax asset of #7,500,000 (2002: #8,246,000), of which #5,156,000 (2002:
         #8,246,000) is due after more than one year.





    9     Provisions for liabilities and charges





                                        Royalties      Onerous      Warranties                            Total
                                            under    contracts            #000                             #000
                                      negotiation         #000                    Corporation
                                      (see below)                                         tax
                                             #000                                        #000

          At 31 May 2003                  10,491        3,671           2,082          10,087           26,331
          Net charge for the                 830             -          2,047               -            2,877
          period
          Utilised                          (504)      (1,315)         (1,360)              -           (3,179)
                                     ____________ ____________    ____________   ____________      ____________
          At 29 November 2003             10,817        2,356           2,769          10,087           26,029
                                     ____________ ____________    ____________   ____________      ____________





The owners of patents covering technology allegedly used by the Group have
indicated claims for royalties relating to the Group's use (including past
usage) of that technology.  Whilst negotiations over these liabilities continue,
they are not concluded.  The directors have made provision for the potential
royalties payable based on the latest information available.  Having taken legal
advice, the Board considers that there are defences available that should
mitigate the amounts being sought.  The Group will vigorously negotiate or
defend all claims but, in the absence of agreement, the amounts provided may
prove to be different from the amounts at which the potential liabilities are
finally settled.



The directors consider that to disclose the amounts unused following the
negotiation of royalty claims during the period would be seriously prejudicial
to other royalty claims under negotiation, in litigation or dispute.
Accordingly the directors have aggregated amounts released unused with
additional provisions made in order to arrive at the net charge for the period.


   10     Net cash inflow from operating activities

   
                                                           26 weeks ended    26 weeks ended    52 weeks ended
                                                              29 Nov 2003       30 Nov 2002       31 May 2003
                                                              (unaudited)       (unaudited)         (audited)
                                                                     #000              #000              #000

          Operating profit/(loss)                                    665           (16,201)          (49,977)
          Exceptional items                                             -                 -           32,523
                                                               __________        __________          ________
          Operating profit/(loss) before exceptional                 665           (16,201)          (17,454)
          items
          Goodwill amortisation                                      282               535             1,401
          Depreciation                                             2,681             3,293             6,303
          Loss/(profit) on sale of tangible fixed assets             178               (29)              595
          Decrease in stocks                                       1,642            21,398            30,752
          Decrease in debtors                                        796            30,577            25,759
          Increase/(decrease) in creditors                           528           (18,792)          (15,714)
          (Decrease)/increase in provisions for
          liabilities and charges
                                                                    (302)            8,077               451
                                                             ____________      ____________      ____________
          Net cash inflow from operating activities                6,470            28,858            32,093
                                                             ____________      ____________      ____________


   11     Contingent Liability

          The Company is currently involved in a dispute relating to events two years ago with a maximum
          liability of #1.5 million.  On the basis of advice received, the Company is contesting both the 
          basis and quantum and the matter is likely to be resolved within the next twelve months.  In the 
          opinion of the directors the outcome is uncertain as to basis and quantum and therefore the 
          Company has not made a provision in these results.







Copies of this Interim Report will be sent shortly to shareholders and are
available on application to the Registered Office: Pace Micro Technology plc,
Victoria Road, Saltaire, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 3LF.



There will be an analysts' presentation at 9.00am at Citigate Dewe Rogerson's
office at 26 Finsbury Square, London, EC2.


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

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