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Share Name | Share Symbol | Market | Type | Share ISIN | Share Description |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vega Grp. | LSE:VEG | London | Ordinary Share | GB0009291500 | ORD 5P |
Price Change | % Change | Share Price | Bid Price | Offer Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Shares Traded | Last Trade | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.00 | 0.00% | 273.20 | 0.00 | 01:00:00 |
Industry Sector | Turnover | Profit | EPS - Basic | PE Ratio | Market Cap |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 0 | N/A | 0 |
RNS Number:0422N Vega Group PLC 02 July 2003 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2 July 2003 VEGA Group PLC RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2003 VEGA Group PLC ("VEGA") today announces its audited preliminary results for the year ended 30 April 2003. VEGA is a consulting and technology company operating in the space, defence and public sector markets. KEY POINTS - FINANCIAL * Results are in-line with market expectations o pre-tax profit (before goodwill amortisation and exceptionals) up 51% at #1.6m o total turnover unchanged at #35.6m o organic turnover growth 4% after adjusting for disposal and exchange benefit o operating margins (continuing operations) increased to 6.2% (2002: 4.6%) * Forward order book #38.6m (2002: #37.8m from continuing operations) * Strong cashflow reduces net debt to #4.3m (2002: #5.6m) o interest cover* 5.3 times (2002: 2.7 times) * Exceptional restructuring charge of #9.7m including disposal of Dutch subsidiary * before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items KEY POINTS - OPERATIONAL * Key events include: o #2.5m extension to Eurofighter contract o four-fold increase in public sector S-CAT orders o recent launch of Mars Express space mission * Strong public sector market demand plays to VEGA's strengths * Significant growth and good profitability in markets of space, defence and public sector Chairman, Andy Roberts stated : "The year to 30 April 2003 has been a successful one for VEGA. Trading profitability has increased markedly and we have reduced our borrowings. Just as importantly, given market conditions, we have generated organic turnover growth and have increased the order backlog of our continuing businesses. In our core markets of space, public sector and defence we have achieved significant turnover growth and have continued to generate strong profits." VEGA Group PLC : www.vega.co.uk Andy Roberts, Chairman; Phil Cartmell, Chief Executive or Richard Amos, Finance Director on 020-7466 5000 today and on 01707- 391 999 thereafter Buchanan Communications: Tim Anderson/Nicky Cronk/Rebecca Skye www.buchanan.uk.com Dietrich on 020-7466 5000 CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT AND OPERATIONAL REVIEW The year to 30 April 2003 has been a successful one for VEGA. Trading profitability has increased markedly and we have reduced our borrowings. Just as importantly, given market conditions, we have generated organic turnover growth and have increased the order backlog of our continuing businesses. In our core markets of space, public sector and defence we have achieved significant turnover growth and have continued to generate strong profits. Trading conditions in the commercial sector were very challenging and during the year we restructured our business, divesting where prospects were poor to concentrate in areas where we see potential. Strategy The market place for consulting and technology services in the last year has been as difficult as I have experienced in 25 years in the industry. The general economic slowdown has hit the IT sector particularly hard, as some of the traditional big technology spenders, such as telecoms and financial services companies, have been amongst the worst affected by the downturn. The one area of promise, particularly in the UK, has been the public sector. Government drives for efficiency improvements in public spending have led to a number of initiatives that embrace new technologies. This shift in spending is playing to VEGA's core strengths. The heritage of the business is in the publicly funded markets of space and defence. Over the last two years, under the leadership of Phil Cartmell, Chief Executive, we have sought to refocus on those markets. We are actively marketing our offerings to ensure we are recognised by clients for the full range of services that we can offer. We are targeting specific actions in both markets that we believe can deliver profitable top-line growth. In addition, we have successfully expanded into adjacent public sector markets including central government, emergency services and healthcare, providing services and technologies that we have developed in space and defence. We have revised our geographic strategy, consolidating our operational hubs to the UK, Germany and a new subsidiary in France, and from these bases are targeting clients in neighbouring countries where we have the necessary market knowledge. We have focused on a restricted number of clients, recognising that our detailed knowledge of their business often gives us opportunities to support them in a wider range of services than we have previously offered. Thus we are now selling training systems to maritime defence clients that previously knew us as procurement consultants, and IT security advice to space clients to whom we have previously offered operational support. We have done much over the last two years to align our cost base to our business scale. We have reorganised down to two business units, saving management overhead, and have closed two UK facilities and relocated a third to smaller premises. Highlights of Trading Results Against this backdrop, VEGA reported total turnover for the year to 30 April 2003 of #35.6m, unchanged on the previous year. Organic turnover growth from continuing operations was 4%. Profit before taxation, exceptional items and goodwill amortisation was #1.6m (2002: #1.1m). The improvement in profitability comes predominantly from the Government & Defence business where we have made significant progress in restoring performance following the problems experienced in this business two years ago. Before the exceptional loss on disposal of the subsidiary and goodwill amortisation and impairment, adjusted earnings per share were 2.61p, compared to 0.71p last year. Orders received by continuing businesses in the period were #35.2m (2002: #33.3m), slightly ahead of revenue for the year, resulting in a forward order book at the year end of #38.6m (2002: order book of continuing businesses #37.8m). Government & Defence With the exception of the disposed Dutch process automation business which is reported as a discontinued business, results for the previously disclosed Commercial Industries business unit are included within the Government & Defence review as this is where that business is now managed. The year under review has seen an increase in the profile of the defence industry. Following the events of 11 September 2001, UK defence budgets have been increased by #3.5 billion over the next five years, to develop capabilities to target the new threats. Within the defence procurement agencies, key initiatives are increasingly being focused on managing the risks associated with large complex procurements. Much corporate activity has continued in the period amongst the main defence prime contractors, who are revising their strategies in light of overall defence market changes, offering opportunities for niche players such as VEGA. Opportunities have been significant in the UK public sector. The much heralded public spending increases have started to flow down to specific programmes and there are many initiatives underway that require the support of technology providers. Competition amongst the suppliers has increased, as organisations that are being impacted by the decline in the commercial market look to change focus to the public sector. However, a lack of public sector domain knowledge is proving a barrier to many of these potential new entrants. Against this backdrop performance by the Government & Defence business has been very strong during the period, with order intake and profit ahead of last year and turnover maintained despite a reduction in commercial business. Order intake was strong at #19.2m (2002: #18.3m) an increase of 4%. Significant orders taken in the period included: > #5m of orders from existing clients of defence training systems including a #2.5m extension to the Eurofighter contract. > Over #2m of new contract orders in Germany as we seek to expand our European client base. These contracts included a #1m two year contract to provide the Swiss armed forces with a training system for the Cougar transport helicopter. > Over #2m of orders from public sector clients, of which #1.2m was contracted through the Government's S-CAT supplier catalogue reflecting a four-fold increase on the previous year. Overall turnover in the Government & Defence business unit has increased from #18.7m to #18.9m. Within this the core public sector and defence areas generated organic turnover growth of 17% including growth of over 50% in the healthcare sector, whilst turnover to commercial clients fell by 57%. Profitability in Government & Defence improved significantly from #0.5m to #1.6m. Overall operating margins improved from 2.8% to 8.5%. The majority of this increase came in training systems where cost efficiency has improved as a result of managing resources as a single pool and from adopting consistent and improved project management processes. In addition the product mix improved with increased licence sales of previously developed intellectual property. Space The European publicly funded ("institutional") space market, which is VEGA's principal market, has continued to progress and the year has seen the launch of a number of missions where VEGA has had significant involvement. These have included the launch in August 2002 of the first of the new generation geo-stationary weather satellites operated by EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, and the launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Integral scientific satellite in October 2002 which is being used to capture gamma ray radiation as part of a study into the origins of the universe. There was considerable excitement during the year over the build-up towards the June 2003 launch of the Mars Express space probe and although the launch of the Rosetta comet chasing probe was delayed, this is now expected to launch in early 2004. Progress has been made in the period on arranging European government funding for the proposed Galileo European satellite navigation system and agreement to proceed was finally given in May 2003. Against this backdrop VEGA's Space business has maintained its large order book and generated strong growth in turnover, although profitability is down on last year. Order intake of #16.0m is some 8% higher than last year and remains in line with turnover. Significant orders taken in the period included: > A Euro5m contract with ESA to integrate the European ground segment hardware and software components for a Japanese earth observation satellite. This project recognises VEGA as a significant player in the provision of turn-key ground segment solutions for earth observation missions. > Euro3m of contracts with EUMETSAT, to support operations preparation for their proposed constellation of polar-orbiting satellites due for launch in 2005. > #3m of consulting contracts for various parts of ESA to provide support on a range of issues including assistance with the design simulation of the Automated Transport Vehicle that will service the International Space Station. Turnover in the Space business unit has increased by 11% from #14.4m to #16.0m. Adjusting for the impact of improving exchange rates, organic turnover growth was 7%. Profitability over the year has been slightly disappointing, falling from #1.3m last year to #0.9m this year, with operating margins falling from 9.0% to 5.7%. The major cause of this reduction was a #0.3m provision that was taken for future anticipated costs on one fixed price contract. In addition, marketing costs increased in Germany to support the increased business activity levels. Cashflow The Group profit performance was supported by good cash generation resulting in net debt at 30 April 2003 of #4.3m compared to #5.6m twelve months earlier. Strong cash generation has been a feature of VEGA's financial performance over the last two years; indeed since net debt peaked at #9.1m in October 2000, it has fallen by more than half to its current level. Exceptional Items The year just ended has been one of significant change for VEGA and this has resulted in a number of exceptional charges to the profit and loss account. The charges relate to the restructuring of the Commercial Industries business and have resulted in a total exceptional cost of #9.7m. Of this, only #0.3m will result in immediate additional cash cost to the Group. Full details of the exceptional items are set out in the Financial Review below. Dividend Policy The Board is not proposing the payment of a dividend (2002: nil). The directors intend to resume dividend declarations once sufficient progress has been made in restoring profitability and strengthening the balance sheet. Progress towards this has been made this year with the capital restructuring that was approved by shareholders on 14 January 2003 and enables the Group to pay future dividends out of future retained profits. Outlook We believe that the actions we have taken over the last two years will enable us to take the maximum advantage from the opportunities that are available to us in our core markets. We have a strong backlog of orders that gives us good forward revenue visibility. In addition, the work we have been undertaking on building our market position and reputation will help us to compete for new contracts. We believe that these factors will allow us to continue to focus on operating margins and revenue growth which will in turn lead to enhanced returns for our shareholders. Andy Roberts Chairman FINANCIAL REVIEW Profit and Loss Analysis Trading Results Turnover from continuing operations was #34.9m compared to #33.1m in the corresponding period last year. Adjusting for the benefit of changes in exchange rates, mainly the strengthening of the euro compared to sterling, organic turnover growth was 4% with growth reported in each of our core space, defence and public sector markets, offset by reductions in turnover to clients in the commercial sector. Growth in the defence business in Germany and space business in Holland increased the proportion of turnover generated by non-UK operations to 38% in the year from 28% in the prior period. The increased turnover was achieved despite average staff numbers employed by continuing operations decreasing from 481 in 2002 to 463 in the year ended April 2003. Revenue earned per head increased by 6%, due to improved effective day rates. Utilisation rates were unchanged year on year. Additionally, revenue generated from selling licences to use intellectual property previously developed by the Group also increased, rising from #0.5m in the year to April 2002 to #1.1m in the year to April 2003. Including the results of the disposed entity, which we owned for four months in the year under review, total turnover was maintained at #35.6m. Before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation, operating profit from continuing operations increased 43% to #2.2m (2002: #1.5m) with a corresponding improvement in net operating margin from 4.6% to 6.2%. This improvement came partly from a better product mix, with higher licence revenue as detailed above, and partly from the benefits of the cost efficiency programme that was initiated in the previous financial year and continued throughout the year ended April 2003. Including the results of the disposed entity, total operating profit before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation was #2.0m (2002: #1.7m). Exceptional items In addition to the trading results analysed above, the Group has incurred three significant exceptional items during the period under review as we focus the activities of the business on the core space, public sector and defence markets: > On 2 September 2002 we disposed of our non-core Dutch process automation subsidiary ("Industry"). This resulted in a non-cash, book loss on disposal of #4.7m, including #3.9m of reinstated goodwill that was written off to reserves when the business was acquired in 1996. Proceeds for the disposal of #0.4m are due on 2 September 2005 and, due to their long term nature, will be recognised on receipt. > Following the trading issues experienced by the Commercial Industries business over the first half of the year, in October 2002 we conducted a full review of goodwill capitalised on the balance sheet following acquisitions. As a result, we have taken an exceptional goodwill impairment charge of #4.1m in addition to the normal annual goodwill amortisation of #0.7m. The #8.7m goodwill remaining on the balance sheet at 30 April 2003 relates to our Government & Defence consulting business which is performing ahead of expectations. > In April, as part of our cost efficiency programme, we closed two small UK offices and made 25 redundancies. The total cost of this exercise was #0.9m including provisions for the lease costs of vacant office space for the remainder of the relevant leases of #0.4m; write off of fixed assets relating to the vacated offices of #0.2m; and redundancy costs of #0.3m. Of the exceptional items detailed here, only the redundancy costs have an immediate impact on the cash position of the Group. The provided lease costs will be paid quarterly over the remaining lease period. The other items are balance sheet reclassifications which do not impact cash generation. Profit before Taxation, Taxation and Earnings per Share After the exceptional items identified above of #9.7m, interest charges of #0.4m (2002: #0.6m) and normal goodwill amortisation of #0.7m, the loss before taxation was #8.7m (2002: loss before taxation of #0.8m). The loss on disposal of the subsidiary and goodwill amortisation and impairment are tax exempt transactions. A tax charge of #0.2m (2002: tax credit of #0.1m) has been provided on the remaining profit, reflecting an underlying tax rate of 33%. Taking account of this, the retained loss for the year is #9.0m (2002: #0.7m). This represents a loss per share of 48.51p (2002: loss of 3.53p). Adjusted earnings per share before goodwill amortisation and impairment and the loss on disposal of the subsidiary increased to 2.61p from 0.71p in 2002. Cashflow and Hedging Strong cashflow has again been a feature of the Group's results with net debt reducing by #1.3m over the period and interest cover (before goodwill and exceptional items) increasing to 5.3 times, from 2.7 times last year. Proactive working capital management has become a key part of the culture of the Group that is driving the positive cashflow. Overall, working capital as a percentage of sales improved to 15.1% from 16.2% in the comparable period. Capital expenditure, mainly the purchase of computer equipment, was maintained at #0.5m for the third consecutive year and, after this, operating cashflow was #1.8m (2002: #1.1m). As part of the disposal of Industry, the Group provided a Euro0.4m interest-bearing working capital facility to the disposed business. Euro0.25m of this was repaid in February. After the net effect of this and interest and taxation payments of #0.3m, #1.3m of net cashflow was generated over the period, reducing debt to #4.3m (30 April 2002 : #5.6m). The Group hedges its material transaction exposure to foreign currencies (mainly euro:sterling) by the use of forward foreign exchange contracts purchased up to 12 months in advance. Hedged euro:sterling rates for the financial year ended April 2003 were 1.61. For the year ended April 2004, the equivalent hedged rate is 1.52. Translation exposure of profits from overseas subsidiaries is not hedged as this is an accounting not a cashflow risk. Overseas net assets (mainly euro denominated) are hedged by maintaining euro denominated overdrafts. Capital Reorganisation As a result of the exceptional provisions made at 31 October 2002, we reported in the Interim Statement, published in December 2002, that there existed a shortfall in distributable reserves in the parent Company, VEGA Group PLC, which prevented it from paying a dividend. To address this, at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company on 14 January 2003, the Company received approval from shareholders to apply to the High Court to reclassify #9.3m of share premium account to profit and loss reserves. The reclassification was approved by the Court on 19 February 2003 and allows the Company to pay dividends in future financial periods out of future retained profits. CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2003 2002 Before Before goodwill Goodwill goodwill Goodwill amort'n and amort'n Other amort'n and amort'n Other exceptional and exceptional exceptional and exceptional items impairment items Total items impairment items Total #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 Turnover (note 2) Continuing operations 34,934 - - 34,934 33,103 - - 33,103 Discontinued operations 655 - - 655 2,469 - - 2,469 Total turnover 35,589 - - 35,589 35,572 - - 35,572 Operating expenses (note 3) (33,586) (4,808) (676) (39,070) (33,887) (785) (1,050) (35,722) Operating profit/ (loss) Continuing operations 2,174 (4,808) (676) (3,310) 1,517 (785) (1,050) (318) Discontinued operations (171) - - (171) 168 - - 168 Operating profit/ 2,003 (4,808) (676) (3,481) 1,685 (785) (1,050) (150) (loss) Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets - - (224) (224) - - - - Loss on disposal of subsidiary (note 5) - - (4,654) (4,654) - - - - Net interest (380) - - (380) (613) - - (613) Profit / (loss) on ordinary activities before taxation Continuing operations 1,794 (4,808) (900) (3,914) 904 (785) (1,050) (931) Discontinued operations (171) - (4,654) (4,825) 168 - - 168 Profit / (loss) on ordinary activities before taxation 1,623 (4,808) (5,554) (8,739) 1,072 (785) (1,050) (763) Taxation (note 6) (240) 110 Retained loss for the financial year (note 13) (8,979) (653) Earnings per share (note 7) Loss per share (48.51)p (3.53)p Adjusted earnings per share - basic and diluted 2.61p 0.71p Consolidated Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses for the Year ended 30 April 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Loss for the financial year (8,979) (653) Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investments 118 4 Total recognised gains and losses relating to the financial year (8,861) (649) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AT 30 APRIL 2003 2002 Notes #'000 #'000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 8,657 13,465 Tangible assets 1,049 1,426 9,706 14,891 Current assets Debtors due within one year 8 9,211 9,054 due after more than one year 9 1,834 1,900 Total 11,045 10,954 Cash at bank and in hand 368 617 11,413 11,571 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 (8,187) (7,553) Net current assets 3,226 4,018 Total assets less current liabilities 12,932 18,909 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 11 (2,584) (3,997) Provisions for liabilities and charges 12 (1,141) (750) Net assets 9,207 14,162 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 926 926 Share premium account 13 6,226 15,529 Profit and loss account 13 2,055 (2,293) Total equity shareholders' funds 14 9,207 14,162 CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities (note 15) 2,257 1,649 Interest received 27 117 Interest paid (435) (602) Interest element of finance lease rental payments - (4) Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance (408) (489) Taxation 99 285 Purchase of tangible fixed assets (502) (503) Financial investment (116) - Sale of tangible fixed assets 10 77 Sale of fixed asset investments - 679 Net cash (outflow)/inflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (608) 253 Cash inflow before financing 1,340 1,698 Issue of share capital - 7 Repayment of bank loan (1,928) (1,111) Capital element of finance lease rental payments - (33) Net cash outflow from financing (1,928) (1,137) (Decrease)/increase in cash in the period (note 16) (588) 561 Notes 1. The financial information set out above does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2003 or 2002, within the meaning of section 240(1) of the Companies Act 1985, but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2002 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, and those for 2003 will be delivered following the Company's annual general meeting. The auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were unqualified and did not contain statements under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The summary information presented herein was approved by the board on 2 July 2003. 2. Segmental analysis a) Analysis by business sector Turnover Operating profit/(loss) Net assets/(liabilities) 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 Space 16,018 14,418 920 1,295 2,320 2,566 Government & Defence 18,916 18,685 1,610 522 12,303 16,538 Central - - (356) (300) (1,155) (1,031) Total continuing operations 34,934 33,103 2,174 1,517 13,468 18,073 Discontinued operations 655 2,469 (171) 168 - 1,676 Goodwill amortisation and impairment - - (4,808) (785) - - (1) Exceptional items(1) - - (676) (1,050) - - Net debt - - - - (4,261) (5,587) Total 35,589 35,572 (3,481) (150) 9,207 14,162 b) Analysis by location of operation Turnover Operating profit/(loss) Net assets/(liabilities) 2003 2002 2003 2002 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 United Kingdom 21,782 23,913 1,333 1,139 12,479 17,584 Rest of Europe 13,152 9,190 841 378 989 489 Total continuing operations 34,934 33,103 2,174 1,517 13,468 18,073 Discontinued operations 655 2,469 (171) 168 - 1,676 Goodwill amortisation and impairment - - (4,808) (785) - - (1) Exceptional items (1) - - (676) (1,050) - - Net debt - - - - (4,261) (5,587) Total 35,589 35,572 (3,481) (150) 9,207 14,162 (1) All goodwill amortisation and impaiment and exceptional items above relate to continuing UK operations within Government & Defence. c) Turnover by location of clients (continuing operations) 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 United Kingdom 17,830 17,307 Rest of Europe 16,806 14,545 Rest of World 298 1,251 Total continuing operations 34,934 33,103 All turnover from discontinued operations related to the Rest of Europe. 3. Operating expenses 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Net operating expenses comprise:- Cost of sales (of which discontinued #562,000 (2002: #1,570,000)) 23,701 24,072 Administrative costs (of which discontinued #264,000 (2002: #731,000)) 10,546 10,600 Total operating costs before exceptional items (of which discontinued #826,000 34,247 34,672 (2002: #2,301.000)) Exceptional goodwill impairment 4,147 - Other exceptional items 676 1,050 39,070 35,722 Administrative costs include: Auditors' remuneration (of which Company #54,000 (2002: #52,000) 84 60 Other fees paid to the auditors (all tax compliance and consulting advice) 43 42 Depreciation of tangible assets 618 794 Amortisation of goodwill 661 785 Exchange losses 34 61 Rentals payable under operating leases - land and buildings 839 1,128 - others 274 493 Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets (11) (27) Profit on sale of fixed asset investment - (19) 4. Exceptional items 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Goodwill impairment 4,147 - Vacant property provision 399 750 Staff termination costs 277 300 Exceptional items recognised before operating losses 4,823 1,050 Loss on disposal of fixed assets (before UK corporation tax credit of #67,000) 224 - Loss on disposal of subsidiary (note 5) 4,654 - Total exceptional items 9,701 1,050 5. Loss on disposal of subsidiary On 2 September 2002 VEGA disposed of its 100% shareholding in VEGA Informatietechnologie (Holding) bv for a deferred consideration of #400,000. This transaction resulted in a loss on disposal for the Group of #4,654,000 of which #3,906,000 relates to goodwill previously written off to reserves. Net assets at the date of disposal were #623,000. VEGA Informatietechnologie (Holding) bv contributed a loss before tax of #171,000 in the four months up to its disposal. 6. Taxation a) Analysis of tax charge in the year 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 UK corporation tax: tax charge on profit in the year 228 - adjustments in respect of prior year (12) (69) Foreign tax: tax charge on profit in the year 151 229 adjustments in respect of prior year 52 - Current tax charge 419 160 Deferred tax credit (179) (270) Tax charge/(credit) on loss on ordinary activities 240 (110) 6. Taxation (continued) b) Factors affecting tax charge for the year 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Group loss on ordinary activities before tax (8,739) (763) Current tax 30% (2002: 30%) (2,622) (229) Effects of: Expenses (including goodwill amortisation) not deductible for tax purposes 1,342 249 Non allowable loss on disposal of subsidiary 1,372 - Excess foreign tax on overseas income 72 141 Adjustments relating to prior years corporation tax 40 (69) Originating timing differences 111 72 Non utilisation of tax losses 70 - Other 34 (4) Current tax charge 419 160 Deferred tax credit (179) (270) Tax charge/(credit) on loss on ordinary activities 240 (110) 7. Earnings/(loss) per Ordinary share The calculation of earnings/(loss) per share is based on profits attributable to shareholders and weighted average numbers of shares as set out below. An adjusted earnings per share figure has been calculated in addition to the earnings/(loss) per share required by FRS 14 and is based on earnings excluding the effect of goodwill amortisation and impairment and before loss on disposal of subsidiary. It has been calculated to allow shareholders to gain a clearer understanding of the trading performance of the Group. 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Loss attributable to shareholders (8,979) (653) Adjusted for: Loss on disposal of subsidiary 4,654 - Goodwill amortisation and impairment 4,808 785 Adjusted earnings 483 132 2003 2002 Ordinary shares Ordinary shares Basic weighted average number of shares 18,507,883 18,507,211 Dilutive potential shares (employee share options) - 68,959 Diluted weighted average number of shares 18,507,883 18,576,170 8. Debtors: due within one year 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Trade debtors 4,662 4,966 Corporation tax 10 185 Other debtors 33 17 Prepayments 372 451 Amounts recoverable on contracts 3,955 3,435 Deferred tax 179 - 9,211 9,054 9. Debtors: due after more than one year 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Amounts recoverable on contracts 1,718 1,900 Financial investment 116 - 1,834 1,900 10. Creditors: amount falling due within one year 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Current instalments due on bank loan 1,413 1,928 Bank overdraft 632 279 Payments received on account 2,102 2,020 Trade creditors 1,004 673 Corporation tax 673 327 Other taxes 825 656 Accruals 1,538 1,670 8,187 7,553 11. Creditors: amounts falling due after one year 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Bank loan 2,584 3,997 2,584 3,997 12. Provisions for liabilities and charges Vacant property Staff termination Total #'000 #'000 #'000 At 1 May 2002 750 - 750 Charge for the year 399 277 676 Utilised (244) (41) (285) At 30 April 2003 905 236 1,141 The vacant property provision represents rent and rates over the remaining periods of the leases on our offices at Hounslow and Stevenage and on vacant space at our Welwyn Garden City office. 13. Share premium and reserves Share Profit & premium account loss account #'000 #'000 At 1 May 2002 15,529 (2,293) Currency translation differences - 118 Transfer arising from capital reduction (9,303) 9,303 Goodwill written back on disposal of subsidiary - 3,906 Retained loss for the financial year - (8,979) At 30 April 2003 6,226 2,055 During the year the Company reduced its share premium account by #9,303,000 in order to eliminate a deficit in distributable reserves. This reduction was approved by shareholders at an EGM on 14 January 2003 and subsequently sanctioned by the High Court on 19 February 2003. 14. Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Retained loss for the financial year (8,979) (653) Other recognised gains 118 4 Goodwill written back on disposal of subsidiary 3,906 - New share capital issued - 7 Net reduction in shareholders' funds (4,955) (642) Opening shareholders' funds 14,162 14,804 Closing shareholders' funds 9,207 14,162 15. Reconciliation of operating loss to operating cash flow 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 Operating loss (3,481) (150) Depreciation 618 794 Profit on sale of fixed assets (11) (46) Amortisation and impairment of goodwill 4,808 785 (Increase)/decrease in debtors (525) 990 Increase/(decrease) in trade creditors 281 (902) Increase/(decrease) in other creditors 176 (572) Increase in provisions for liabilities and charges 391 750 Net cash inflow from operating activities 2,257 1,649 16. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt 2003 2002 #'000 #'000 (Decrease)/increase in cash in the period (588) 561 Cash outflow from loan repayments 1,928 1,111 Capital element of finance lease repayments - 33 Exchange movements (14) (5) Reduction in net debt for the year 1,326 1,700 Opening net debt (5,587) (7,287) Closing net debt (4,261) (5,587) 17. Analysis of net debt At Cash Exchange At 1 May 2002 flow movements 30 April 2003 #'000 #'000 #'000 #'000 Cash at bank and in hand 617 (261) 12 368 Overdrafts (279) (327) (26) (632) 338 (588) (14) (264) Debt due after one year (1,928) 515 - (1,413) Debt due within one year (3,997) 1,413 - (2,584) (5,587) 1,340 (14) (4,261) 18. Exchange rates The applicable foreign exchange rates used are as follows: 2003 2002 Average for year - EUR 1.54 1.63 USD 1.56 1.44 Period end - EUR 1.44 1.62 USD 1.59 1.46 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange END FR ZGGGNNMNGFZM
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