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MDN Medion

14.50
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06:32:02 - Realtime Data
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type
Medion TG:MDN Tradegate Ordinary Share
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 14.50 14.50 14.60 0.00 06:32:02

Interim Results

25/09/2003 8:02am

UK Regulatory


RNS Number:1559Q
Maiden Group PLC
25 September 2003


25 September 2003


                                MAIDEN GROUP PLC

          Interim Results for the half year ended 30 June 2003

Maiden Group plc, the outdoor advertising company announced today its interim
results for the half year ended 30 June 2003

  * Group turnover up over 6% to a record #41.4m (2002: #39.0m) despite
    challenging economic and advertising conditions and ahead of Board's
    expectations
  * Pre-tax profit before goodwill amortisation of #1.2m (2002: #1.4m)
    reflecting continued margin pressure
  * Pre-tax loss of #1.9m (2002: loss of #2.3m)
  * EBITDA was #3.7m (2002: #5.0m)
  * Interim dividend maintained at 2.0p reflecting the Board's confidence in
    Maiden's position in an advertising recovery
  * Capital expenditure of #2.7m, predominantly targeted at the organic
    expansion of the Maiden estate
  * Sales demand strengthening with 100% of last year's revenues already
    booked so far in current year although yields remain under pressure
  * Outdoor advertising continues to outperform display advertising market.
    Maiden well positioned.

Commenting on the results, Maiden's Chief Executive Ron Zeghibe said:

"Despite challenging economic and advertising conditions, revenue growth has
been above our previous expectations. Sales visibility is improving and there
are early signs that demand is strengthening, but margin pressure has continued
and it is still too early to suggest a full recovery.

Although the advertising market will remain challenging during 2003, we remain
confident that Maiden's leading position within the UK outdoor industry will
ensure it benefits from recovery in the UK and worldwide economy."

Enquiries:

Ron Zeghibe, Chief Executive
Maiden Group plc                                      020 7838 4000

Tim Spratt/Michelle Morton
Financial Dynamics                                    020 7831 3113

A copy of the analyst presentation will be available on our website
www.maiden.co.uk from 10.00am on 25 September 2003.

High resolution photographs are available for the media to download at
www.vismedia.co.uk.  Tel: 020 7436 9595


CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

Financial Results

In spite of challenging economic and advertising conditions, Group sales in the
first half of 2003 grew by over 6% to a new record of # 41.4 million (2002:
#39.0million), somewhat above our earlier expectations of 3-5%.

Pressure on margins continued, with pre-tax profits before goodwill amortisation
of #1.2 million (2002: #1.4 million). Loss before tax was #1.9 million (2002:
loss of #2.3 million).

Operating profits before amortisation were #2.2 million (2002: #2.4 million).
Operating loss for the period was #1.0 million (2002: loss of #1.4 million).
EBITDA for the Group was #3.7 million (2002: #5.0 million).

Adjusted earnings per share were 1.9p (2002: 2.2p). Loss per ordinary share was
4.9 p (2002: loss of 6.2 p).

Capital expenditure for the Group was #2.7 million (2002: #3.0 million), the
vast majority of which was targeted at the organic expansion of the Maiden
estate both in the UK and Ireland.

Net interest payable was steady at #1.0 million (2002: #1.0 million).  Net debt
was #39.3 million (2002: #39.6 million) as at 30 June 2003. Net interest was
covered 2.2 times (2002: 2.4 times) by operating profits before the amortisation
of goodwill.

A maintained dividend of 2.0 pence per ordinary share - reflecting the Board's
confidence in Maiden's position in an advertising recovery - will be paid on 28
November 2003 to shareholders on the register as at 31 October 2003.

Estate Development

During the first half of 2003, the Maiden estate remained broadly the same as
last year at 32,186 panels.

In the Roadside sector a new marketing arrangement was entered into with Harlech
Ltd for 254 panels in the South West of England and an existing agreement with
Rochester Posters covering the key South East region was extended. The Group
continued to cull unprofitable sites.  During the first half Maiden also won the
tender for the prestigious contract for the management of the billboard
advertising assets of Manchester City Council. The 10-year contract, which is
scheduled to commence in February, is expected to generate advertising revenues
of #20 million over its lifetime and will have a major impact on the Group's
estate in the North West from 2004. In Ireland a small portfolio of panels was
purchased from National Outdoor Displays in February 2003.

In the Point-of-Sale sector a significant number of quality, top-ranking malls
were signed up as a result of a group contract with Capital Shopping Centres and
the extension of the existing Lendlease agreement to include two new malls in
Glasgow and Solihull.

Since the end of the first half 2003, we have also secured agreement to market
panels at the Bull Ring in Birmingham and further contract wins are in the
pipeline which will secure Maiden's market leadership in this sector and
mitigate the final panel losses as a result of the loss of the Foxmark marketing
arrangement following its sale to Clear Channel in 2002. Today we have a
presence in 49 of the UK's 100 top shopping malls.

In the Transport sector the Group continued the roll-out of the highly
successful Transvision product into Liverpool Street and Charing Cross stations.
A new concession agreement was successfully negotiated and signed with First
Great Western Group, to secure the Maiden presence in this key sector.

Clients

The most significant development in the first half of 2003 was the long-expected
loss of tobacco advertising to the sector effective from February 2003.
However, as a result of the long term efforts by Maiden and the outdoor industry
as a whole to recruit new advertisers and sectors, the market was able to absorb
this loss and still grow at a rate faster than that of its display media rivals.
Categories that showed particular strength were retail and publishing/
broadcasting while financial services continued to underperform as a result of
economic uncertainty and international instability.

Market Conditions

Overall, outdoor advertising has continued to perform well with an estimated
growth of 11% in the first half of 2003.

However, this performance masks an underlying volatility between quarters with
the first quarter up 17% and the second quarter up 6%.  It should also be noted
that there have been some adjustments to the industry figures to eliminate
historic under-reporting of smaller and non-members of the Outdoor Advertising
Association. This will also affect figures for the rest of 2003, to the apparent
detriment of the large established industry players. Figures will show greater
comparability next year.

The improvement in Outdoor compares with a growth in total display media
expenditure estimated at just 0.6% (source: AA) showing again the potential of
the sector to take market share from its rivals. Levels of capital spend are now
lower following high levels of investment in recent years.

Prospects

The future for Outdoor continues to be positive.

Forward visibility in sales has improved at the end of the third quarter. Sales
demand is strengthening and although it is too early to claim anything near a
full recovery, the depth of demand since the beginning of August has been
encouraging. As a consequence, and in spite of a difficult July, we expect third
quarter sales to be in line with the record levels achieved in the corresponding
period in 2002. As at the third week in September the Group has already booked
100% of last year's total revenue. However, as with recent years, the fourth
quarter remains key to the Group's full year performance.

Profit margins for the Group remain under pressure and the final outcome for
2003 is difficult to predict. The renewal dates of a number of significant
landlord rental agreements, coupled with the impact of a long running media
recession, have enabled management to implement a series of cost reduction
initiatives to strengthen future profit margins. The Board expects the full
benefits of the cost reduction exercise to be realised in 2004 with minimal
impact on the Group's revenue.

Maiden's targeted investment programme continues to both enhance the strategic
position of the Group and optimise growth as the advertising recovery
consolidates and begins to build some momentum. Although the advertising market
will remain challenging during 2003, the Board remains confident that Maiden's
leading position within the UK Outdoor industry will ensure it benefits from
recovery in the UK and the world economy.

Group Profit and Loss Account
For the period ended 30 June 2003


                                   Six months ended            Six months ended
                                                                                              Year ended
                                          30 June 2003             30 June 2002         31 December 2002
                                           (unaudited)              (unaudited)

                             Note                 #000                     #000                     #000

Turnover                                         41367                    39048                    82088

Cost of sales                                   -31030                   -27934                   -57178

Gross profit                                     10337                    11114                    24910

Administrative expenses
   - Amortisation                                -3121                    -3751                    -7543
   - Other                                       -8885                    -9165                   -17918
                                                -12006                   -12916                   -25461
Other operating income                             711                      449                     1225

Operating (loss)/profit                           -958                    -1353                      674
                                                  
Net interest payable                              -966                     -982                    -1803

Loss on ordinary activities
before taxation                                  -1924                    -2335                    -1129
                                                 
Tax on profit on ordinary
activities                                        -333                     -438                    -2150

Loss on ordinary
activities after taxation                        -2257                    -2773                    -3279

Dividends                                         -926                     -922                    -2773

Loss for the period
retained for equity
shareholders                                     -3183                    -3695                    -6052

Basic loss per 5p ordinary
share                         2                   -4.9 p                   -6.2 p                   -7.2 p
                              
Diluted loss per 5p
ordinary share                2                   -4.9 p                   -6.2 p                   -7.2 P
                             
Adjusted earnings per 5p
ordinary share                2                    1.9 p                    2.2 p                    9.4 P
                              
Adjusted diluted earnings
per 5p
ordinary share                2                    1.9 p                    2.2 p                    9.3 p
                              



All results relate to the continuing operations of the Group.



Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses
For the period ended 30 June 2003

                                              Six months             Six months
                                                   ended                  ended                Year ended
                                             30 June 2003          30 June 2002          31 December 2002
                                              (unaudited)           (unaudited)
                                                     #000                  #000                      #000

Loss for the period                                 -3183                 -3695                     -6052

Total recognised gains and losses
relating to the period                              -3183                 -3695                     -6052
                                                                                               
Exchange difference
on goodwill                                           400
Total gains and losses recognised
since last annual report                            -2783
                                                    
Group Balance sheet
As at 30 June 2003
                                                          30 June               30 June           31 December
                                                             2003                  2002                  2002
                                                      (unaudited)           (unaudited)
                                       Note                  #000                  #000                  #000
Fixed assets

Intangible assets - goodwill                                19533                 25831                 22349
Tangible assets                                             17101                 13875                 16142
Investments                                                     2                     2                     2
                                                            36636                 39708                 38493
Current assets

Debtors                                                     26238                 25549                 23216
Cash at bank and in hand                                      248                   362                  1623
                                                            26486                 25911                 24839

Creditors: Amounts due within one year 3                   -59939                -30556                -22601

                                       
Net current liabilities                                    -33453                 -4645                  2238

Total assets less current liabilities                        3183                 35063                 40731

                                                             
Creditors: Amounts due after more than
one year                               3                      -23                -27500                -35043
                                       
Provisions for liabilities and charges                       -176                     -                     -

                                                             

Net assets                                                   2984                  7563                  5688

Capital and reserves
Called up share capital                                      2315                  2304                  2314
Share premium account                                       35011                 34958                 34950
Merger reserve                                               8291                  7754                  8291
Shares to be issued                                            17                    57                     -
Profit and loss account                1                   -42650                -37510                -39867
Equity shareholders' funds                                   2984                  7563                  5688



Group Cash Flow Statement
For the period ended 30 June 2003
                                                 Six months          Six months ended
                                                      ended
                                                                                                     Year ended
                                               30 June 2003              30 June 2002          31 December 2002
                                                (unaudited)               (unaudited)
                                                       #000                      #000                      #000

Net cash inflow from operating activities              1678                      3598                     15711

Returns on investments and servicing of
finance                                               -1098                     -1077                     -1834
                                                      
Taxation                                               -946                      -848                     -2029
Capital expenditure and financial
investment                                            -2568                     -2212                     -6590
                                                      
Acquisitions and disposals                                -                      -263                       -51
Equity dividends paid                                 -1852                     -1767                     -2689

Cash outflow before management of liquid
resources and financing                               -4786                     -2569                      2518
                                                      
Financing                                              2023                       699                      1193

Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period             -2763                     -1870                      3711

                                                      

Reconciliation of operating profit/(loss)
to operating cash flows
Operating profit/(loss)                                -958                     -1353                       674
Depreciation charge                                    1494                      2588                      4575
(Profit)/loss on sale of tangible fixed
assets                                                  188                       104                       232
                                                        
Exchange movements                                      -52                       -22                       -33
Amortisation of goodwill                               3121                      3751                      7543
(Increase)/decrease in debtors                        -3134                     -1015                       610
Increase/(decrease) in creditors                       1019                      -337                      2228
Provision utilised                                        -                      -118                      -118

Net cash inflow from operating activities              1678                      3598                     15711

                                                       

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement
in net debt
Increase/(decrease) in cash in the period             -2763                     -1870                      3711
                                                      
Cash (inflow)/outflow due to (increase)/
decrease in debt and lease financing                  -1961                      5956                      5454

Change in net debt resulting from cash
flows                                                 -4724                      4086                      9165
                                                      
Loans and finance leases acquired with
subsidiary and undertaking                                -                         -                         -
                                                         

Movement in net debt in the period                    -4724                      4086                      9165

Net debt at the start of the period                  -34565                    -43730                    -43730



Net debt at the end of the period                    -39289                    -39644                    -34565


Notes

        1 The financial information for the periods ended 30 June 2003 and 30 June 2002 is unaudited and does not
          constitute full accounts within the meaning of Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The interim
          financial information has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the 2002
          statutory accounts.

          The financial information for year ended 31 December 2002 has been extracted from the 2002 statutory
          accounts which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.  The full accounts for that period
          have been given an unqualified audit report, which did not contain a statement under Section 237 (2) or
          (3) of the Companies Act 1985.

        2 The calculation of the basic profit per share for the six months ended 30 June 2003 is based on loss on
          ordinary activities after taxation and minority interests of #2,257,000 (six months ended 30 June 2002:
          loss of #2,773,000) and the weighted average number or ordinary shares in issue during the six months of
          46,288,187 (six months ended 30 June 2002: 44,908,134).  The calculation of the basic earnings per share
          for the year ended 31 December 2002 is based on loss on ordinary activities after taxation and minority
          interests of #3,279,000 and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year of
          45,509,809.  In order to provide a trend measure of underlying performance, group profit on ordinary
          activities after taxation and minority interests has been adjusted to exclude amortisation of goodwill
          and earnings per share recalculated as detailed below:


                                     30 June 2003               30 June 2002      31 December 2002
                                           pence per               pence per             pence per
                                                                                             share
                                  #000         share        #000       share        #000
Basic earnings               (2,257)           (4.9)     (2,773)       (6.2)     (3,279)     (7.2)
Amortisation of
goodwill                         3,121           6.8     3,751           8.4       7,543      16.6
                                 

Adjusted earnings                  864           1.9         978         2.2       4,264       9.4


          The dilutive effect of the weighted average number of potential ordinary shares in respect of options in
          issue during the six months of 40,335 (six months ended 30 June 2002: 293,908) has been calculated in
          accordance with FRS14.


3      The Companies Act and FRS4 require inclusion of the bank loan at 30 June 2003 in creditors due in less than one  
       year due to a breach of the banking agreement. A letter was requested and received from the banking syndicate on 
       29 July 2003 which confirmed that they had waived their technical right to request repayment on demand. Had this 
       waiver been received before 30 June 2003 #32.5 million of the bank facility would have been presented as due in  
       greater than one year leading to net current liabilities of #1.0 million rather than the net current liabilities 
       of #33.5 million shown in the balance sheet.

       Creditors : Amounts falling due within one year


                                                                      30 June 2003   30 June 2002  31 December 2002
                                                                              #000           #000              #000

                    Bank overdraft                                            1970           4901               582
                    Other loans
                    Bank loan                                                37500              -                 -
                    Loan stock                                                   -           7460               505
                    Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase
                    contracts                                                   44            145                58
                    Trade creditors                                           8483           5152              7017
                    Other creditors including taxation and social security
                    Corporation tax
                    Other taxes and social security                            434           1272              1336
                    Other creditors                                           1522           1849              1145
                                                                               575           1064               546
                    Accruals and deferred income                              8485           7791              9561
                    Dividend proposed                                          926            922              1851
                                                                             59939          30556             22601

       Creditors : Amounts falling due after more than one year


                                                                     30 June 2003   30 June 2002  31 December 2002

                                                                             #000           #000              #000

       Other loans

         Bank loan                                                              -          27500             35000
       Obligations under finance leases and hire purchase contracts            23              -                43

                                                                               
                                                                               23          27500             35043


       The other loans are secured by guarantees from the Company and certain of its subsidiaries.

       The bank loan currently bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25%.


       The maturity of other loans is as follows :

                                                                     30 June 2003   30 June 2002  31 December 2002

                                                                             #000           #000              #000



       Within one year                                                      37500              -               505
       Between one and two years                                                -              -              7500
       Between two and five years                                               -          27500             27500
                                                                            37500          27500             35505


       Term loans payable by instalments :


                                                                      30 June 2003  30 June 2002  31 December 2002

                                                                              #000          #000              #000

       Amounts falling due within one year                                   37500             -                 -
       Payable between one and two years                                         -             -              7500
       Payable between two and five years                                        -         27500             27500
                                                                             37500         27500             35000


4      Copies of this interim report will be available at the company's registered office at 128 Buckingham Palace Road,
       London SW1W 9SA.




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

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