Final Results
21 February 2011
XP Power Limited
("XP" or "the Group")
Annual Results for the year ended 31 December 2010
XP, one of the world's leading developers and manufacturers of critical power
control components for the electronics industry, today announces its annual
results for the year ended 31 December 2010.
Highlights
Year ended Year ended
31 December 31 December
2010 2009 Change
Bookings £103.4m £68.4m + 51%
Revenue £91.8m £67.3m +36%
Gross margin 48.0% 45.0% + 300 bps
Adjusted1 profit before income tax £18.7m £8.7m + 115%
Adjusted1 profit after tax £15.9m £7.7m + 106%
Diluted earnings per share adjusted1 83.7p 40.8p + 105%
Final dividend per share2 12.0p 12.0p
Total dividend per share 33.0p 22.0p + 50%
1 Adjusted for amortisation of intangibles associated with acquisitions of £0.1
million (2009: £0.3 million)
2 The Group changed its dividend payment schedule from a half yearly to a
quarterly basis in April 2010. In 2010 the two quarterly dividends for the six
month period ending 31 December totalled 20.0p, compared to the single half
yearly final dividend for the second half of 2009 of 12.0p, an increase of 67%
* The Group's well-established strategy of developing and manufacturing its
own range of market leading products produced another year of record
profits and earnings per share
* Bookings increased by 51% to £103.4 million (2009: £68.4 million) and
revenues increased by 36% to £91.8 million (2009: £67.3 million)
* Increased gross margins of 48.0% (2009: 45.0%) driven by continued
expansion of XP's own design/own manufacture revenues which represented £
44.1 million or 48% of total revenues (2009: £ 26.2 million or 39% of total
revenues)
* Thirty two new product families introduced in the period, including an extensive
range of high efficiency "Green Power" products
* Chinese manufacturing facility successfully securing new approved vendor
agreements from blue chip customers.
* Work commenced on a manufacturing site in Vietnam which will double
existing manufacturing capacity when it comes on stream in early 2012
* Record earnings and strong cash flows provide basis for an increased total
dividend of 33.0p per share for the year up 50% on the prior year
* Record levels of new product investment and product launches in the year to
underpin growth in future years as new customer programmes reach production
phase
Larry Tracey, Executive Chairman, commented:
"The trading environment was favourable throughout 2010 as a result of the
recovery in world economic conditions. In these improved markets, I am pleased
to report that XP Power's well established strategy of moving up the value
chain to develop and manufacture its own range of market leading products has
enabled the Group to report another very strong performance.
In 2010 we also continued to invest for the future, further expanding our
product range and commencing a further expansion of our production capacity to
establish a solid foundation for future revenue and earnings growth."
Enquiries:
XP Power (21 February 2011) +44 (0)20 7638 9571
Larry Tracey, Executive Chairman +44 (0)7785 387142
James Peters, Deputy Chairman +44 (0)7785 353066
Duncan Penny, Chief Executive +65 8322 9520
Citigate Dewe Rogerson +44 (0)20 7638 9571
Kevin Smith/Ged Brumby
XP designs and manufactures power controllers, the essential hardware component
in every piece of electrical equipment that converts power from the electricity
grid into the right form for equipment to function.
XP typically designs in power control solutions into the end products of major
blue chip OEMs, with a focus on the industrial (circa 46% of sales), healthcare
(circa 25% sales) and technology (circa 29% of sales) sectors. Once designed
into a program, XP has a revenue annuity over the life cycle of the customer's
product which is typically 5 to 7 years depending on the industry sector.
XP has invested in research and development and its own manufacturing facility
in China, to develop a range of tailored products based on its own intellectual
property that provide its customers with significantly improved functionality
and efficiency.
Headquartered in Singapore and listed on the Main Market of the London Stock
Exchange since 2000, XP serves a global blue chip customer base from 27
locations in Europe, North America and Asia.
For further information, please visit www.xppower.com
Chairman's Statement
Overview
The trading environment was favourable throughout 2010 as a result of the
recovery in world economic conditions. In these improved markets, I am pleased
to report that XP Power's well established strategy of moving up the value
chain to develop and manufacture its own range of market leading products has
enabled the Group to report another substantial improvement in profitability
and earnings per share. Our ongoing commitment to invest in new products was
again rewarded as key customer programs won in prior years entered production
phase and further growth in the proportion of our own XP branded products in
the sales mix drove gross margins to a new record.
Financial
Total orders increased by 51% to £103.4 million (2009: £68.4 million). Total
sales increased by 36% to £91.8 million (2009: £67.3 million). Sales of product
based on XP Power's own designed/own manufactured product increased by 68% to £
44.1 million (2009: £26.2 million). Another increase in the proportion of
higher margin, own design/own manufactured products in the sales mix helped to
drive a further improvement in gross margins to 48.0% (2009: 45.0%). Operating
profit increased to £19.7 million (2009: £9.6 million). Diluted adjusted
earnings per share grew to 52.6 pence per share in the second half and
increased by 105% to 83.7 pence per share for the year (2009: 40.8 pence per
share), another record for the Group.
Net debt at the year end was £18.4 million compared to £18.7 million at the end
of 2009. Operating cash flow was £10.3 million (2009: £16.3 million)
representing 52% of operating income.
Strategic Progress
In mid-2009 the Group achieved a key strategic objective when its second larger
manufacturing facility in China began production. With the Chinese factory now
operating in excess of 50% of capacity, the Group has commenced construction of
a manufacturing site in Vietnam, which should be on stream within 12 months.
Combined, these factories will dramatically enhance the Group's ability to
secure preferred supplier status with larger customers and increase
significantly the proportion of its revenues which come from own design/own
manufactured products from the current level of just below 50%.
Dividend
In April 2010 we announced that the Company's dividend payment schedule would
change from a half yearly to a quarterly basis, to increase the attractiveness
of the Group's shares to certain investors and to smooth cash flows. This has
been well received by our shareholders.
Our continued strong financial performance, cash flows and confidence in the
Group's prospects have enabled us to consistently increase dividends throughout
the year.
The first quarterly payment of 6.0 pence per share was made on 6 July 2010, a
second quarterly dividend of 7.0 pence per share was paid 12 October 2010 and a
third quarterly dividend of 8.0 pence per share was paid on 7 January 2011. In
2009 an interim dividend of 10.0 pence per share was paid on 9 October 2009 and
a final dividend of 12.0 pence per share was paid on 1 April 2010.
In line with our progressive dividend policy, a final dividend of 12.0p per
share for the fourth quarter of 2010 is proposed which when combined with the
interim dividends for the previous quarters, results in a total dividend of
33.0p per share for the year (2009: 22.0p), an increase of 50%.
Sustainability
In 2010 we committed substantial management and financial resources to reducing
our carbon footprint and water usage in line with our goal of becoming the
leader in our industry in addressing the effect our operations have on the
environment. These efforts will continue through 2011 and 2012 as we seek to
assist in achieving the national targets set by the countries in which we
operate.
Outlook
In the past year we have established the key ingredients for sustainable above
peer group growth. We have the people, the products and the productive capacity
which creates a solid foundation for revenue and earnings growth over the
coming years.
Larry Tracey
Executive Chairman
Chief Executive's Review
2010 was a further record year for XP Power with the previous year's records
for own designed/manufactured revenue, margins, earnings and cash flow beaten
again in 2010. This underlines what has been achieved as a result of our
consistent strategy of moving up the value chain, powered by an increasingly
strong pipeline of new leading-edge products, many of which are highly
efficient ("Green") and our development as an independent manufacturer. This
performance is even more pleasing as much of it has been delivered against a
backdrop of difficult economic conditions, demonstrating the resilient nature
of our business model.
Our broad and up to date portfolio of class leading products combined with
excellent engineering support, and the assured quality and reliability
facilitated by our move into manufacturing, is increasingly making us the power
converter provider of choice for many large customers.
A record 88% of our revenues came from our own brand products in 2010 (2009:
83%) and 48% of our total revenues are now generated from our own designed/
manufactured products (2009: 39%). These own designed/manufactured products
generate significantly higher margins, and give XP Power the capacity to design
tailor made power control solutions for specific customer orders making us an
increasingly attractive partner for our larger target customers.
Markets
XP Power supplies power control solutions to original equipment manufacturers
("OEMs") who themselves supply the healthcare, technology and industrial
markets with high value products. The increasing importance of energy
efficiency, for both environmental and economic reasons, the necessity for ever
smaller products, the rate of technological change and the increasing
proliferation of electronic equipment, all contribute to underpin the strength
of medium term demand for XP Power's power conversion products.
The worldwide market for XP Power's products is estimated to be greater than
£1.2 billion per annum and we expect it to grow by approximately 17% in the next
four years. We estimate that XP Power's global market share grew to around 8%
in 2010 compared with around 6.5% in 2009. Across North America and Europe, XP
Power currently has around 10% and 12% respectively of our available market,
while across Asia we doubled our share to 2% in the period. These estimates
illustrate the significant commercial opportunities that remain open to XP
Power, and the Board is confident that the Group's competitive advantages over
many of its peers will allow it to capitalise on these opportunities.
According to industry sector, 2010 revenues were split: industrial up 47% to
£42.2 million (2009: £28.7 million), healthcare up 15% to £22.8 million
(2009: £19.8 million) and technology up 43% to £26.8 million (2009: £18.8 million).
Healthcare continued to grow robustly, reflecting an ongoing focus on that
sector and very strong healthcare product offering. However, its growth rate
was surpassed by those of the industrial and technology sectors in the period
as these markets recovered from the severe downturn in 2009.
According to geography our 2010 revenues were split: Asia up 22% to
£5.6 million (2009: £4.6 million), Europe up 30% to £41.4 million
(2009: £31.9 million) and North America up 45% to £44.8 million (2009: £30.8 million).
North America was hardest hit during the recession and has therefore shown stronger
growth in the recovery. Nevertheless, we are confident we have taken market
share in all geographies.
Our major blue chip customers continue to demand market leading, highly
reliable products. We maintained a consistent investment in research and
development through the year and our product pipeline remains the broadest and
freshest in the industry. The attractions of this continually evolving
portfolio of market leading products enabled the Group to win a number of new
customers in the year, underpinning revenue growth in future years.
Increasingly, the design and manufacturing process of major international OEMs
takes place across different continents, with these blue chip companies
demanding global support. In response, XP Power has established an
international network of offices which offers the necessary customer support
across technical sales, design engineering, logistics and operations. This
network gives XP Power a competitive advantage over both its smaller
competitors, who do not have the scale and geographic reach to serve global
customers, and its larger competitors who often lack the operational
flexibility to provide excellent service and speed. We believe that this
balance offers XP Power the opportunity to further increase its market share,
and we believe is one of the main reasons for our success in winning new
contracts.
Expanding the International Network
XP Power's mix of quick response capability and global reach is a major
competitive advantage. XP Power maintained a network of 27 sales offices spread
over North America, Europe and Asia, with a further 16 distributors, supporting
its smaller customers, during the year. The size and scope of this network is
kept under continuous review to ensure the business remains best placed to
capitalise on growth opportunities in each of its geographies.
XP Power has the largest, most technically trained sales force in the industry.
Our detailed in-house training programme demands that the sales force pass
numerous technology and customer service modules, making them a "value add"
partner to our customers' product development teams. The management believes
that this gives the business a competitive edge compared to many within its
peer group.
The North American network consists of 17 sales offices and an extensive
engineering services function, based in Northern California. This network
allows XP Power to provide all its major customers with local face to face
support and rapid response times. The central engineering services function has
established XP Power as a value added partner, allowing it to comprehensively
address the demands of its larger customers for complex solutions that can be
efficiently integrated into their end equipment, in turn delivering significant
savings in cost, time to market and engineering resource.
In Europe, the XP Power network consists of eight sales offices and a further
nine distributor offices, providing the same level of customer support as North
America. In addition, XP Power has engineering services centres in Germany and
the UK, providing some of the largest blue chip conglomerates in Europe with
specialist technical expertise and value added services for market leading,
complex power control solutions.
The Asian sales activities are run from Shanghai and Singapore, where we also
manage a network of seven distributors serving the region. In the medium term
we expect revenues derived from Asia to be an increasing proportion of XP
Power's worldwide revenues.
Market Leading Technology
A long term commitment to invest in research and development of new products
has been the cornerstone of XP Power's growth strategy. This investment has
established the broadest, most up to date portfolio of products in the power
converter industry.
Research and development spend grew to £4.6 million in 2010 (2009: £3.8
million), its highest level ever, and a record thirty two new product
families were introduced in the year, resulting in a number of exciting new
customer approvals. Of particular note was the launch of an extensive range of
highly efficient "green power" medical external power converters reflecting the
trends in that industry sector. These have been extremely well received by our
customers with some encouraging early design wins of significant value. This
product family adds to our already extensive range of "green power" products.
As the large number of new products released over the last few years are now
coming to production and being sampled to customers, the Group expects the rate
of new product introductions to slow somewhat in the current year compared to
the very high numbers of recent years. While new product introductions will
remain at the heart of our activities, our development resources will also be
focused on producing modifications to existing products to meet the
requirements of individual customers.
Reliability and Manufacturing Capabilities
XP Power's products frequently power critical applications - not least in the
healthcare sector - and reliability is a crucial issue for our customers. Our
key customers demand the ultimate in terms of quality control to ensure
reliability for the life of their equipment. Control of the manufacturing
capability is therefore critical to ensure strict management of the production
processes and components that go into our products, and also gives us
opportunities to reduce our product costs. The capability and performance of
our Kunshan facility, which was commissioned in 2009, has been instrumental in
winning new programs and customers.
During the year we continued our vertical integration and started small scale
production of magnetic components which are a key component of our products.
This vertical integration enhances our value proposition to key customers who
like to see rigorous control of the supply chain. In addition, it has enabled
us to produce quick turnaround magnetic components for our design teams in
Singapore, UK and USA to assist in shortening design cycles.
As previously reported, the Group purchased a site in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam, which will house the next expansion of our manufacturing capacity. The
Vietnam site has sufficient space for the Group to build two factories
equivalent to the size of its existing China factory in a phased approach as
demand dictates. With the Kunshan facility now running at over 50% capacity,
work commenced in December 2010 on the first Vietnam facility, which will
double our existing manufacturing capacity. This facility is expected to be
completed in early 2012.
The Environment and Sustainability
In 2009 we established an Environmental Committee that immediately set the goal
of making XP Power the leader in environmental issues within our industry. Much
has been achieved in 2010 and this is set out in detail in the 2010
Environmental Report contained within our Annual Report.
During 2010 we became an Applicant Member of the Electronic Industry
Citizenship Coalition (EICC). The EICC is an industry organisation of leading
electronics manufacturers which promotes an industry code of conduct for global
electronics supply chains to improve working and environmental conditions. It
deals with environmental, health and safety, labour standards and business
ethics issues. We have publically adopted the Code of Conduct of the EICC and
are now active members on both its Environmental Sustainability and Water
working groups.
As it is a new build project, our new Vietnamese facility presents us with an
excellent opportunity to establish the most environmentally friendly power
converter manufacturing facility in the world and we are incorporating green
technologies into the plant from the outset.
We have also expanded our ISO14001 Environmental Management certifications
around the world. Currently, approximately 80% of our revenues are covered by
ISO14001.
During the year we commissioned an independent study to analyse the performance
of power conversion products used in a typical hospital in order to understand
the efficiency levels and standby power consumption of the electronic power
converters typically used in this setting. The survey provided a host of
fascinating findings.
Over 1,000 power converters were deployed in the medical equipment used in the
hospital, consuming 306 MWh per year, which represented approximately 8% of the
total hospital power consumption. The average efficiency of the power converters
used in this equipment was only 77%. Few of these power converters contained any
functionality to reduce power consumption while in standby mode.
In comparison, XP Power's most efficient medical power converters are up to 95%
efficient and have low standby power functionality. Inekon, the energy
management and energy efficiency consultant, has estimated that the hospital in
question could reduce its power consumption from medical devices by up to
32,500 kW hours per year, or 11%, if the equivalent XP Power converters were used.
This represents CO2 emissions of 18.6 tons and substantial ongoing cost savings,
with the energy wasted reduced by almost half.
With this compelling data, XP Power now has the hard evidence to help convince
its customers of the benefits of incorporating more high efficiency power
converters into their products. This is undoubtedly the biggest beneficial impact
XP Power can have on the environment.
Investing in Customer Support
In a competitive market place, excellent customer support and service is
critical. XP Power has developed a network of relationship managers and sales
engineers to manage long-term customer relationships across three continents.
The Group has worked hard to build a sales culture that can successfully manage
complicated relationships and has developed sophisticated proprietary customer
relationship management tools to effectively manage the sales process. The
management regards these tools and their method of utilisation as a significant
source of competitive advantage over the Group's larger competitors.
Our Business Model
XP Power's business model exhibits the following characteristics:
* Exposure to a broad cross section of end markets - Technology, Industrial
and Healthcare - but with no exposure to consumer electronics;
* A diverse customer base of over 5,000 active customers, with no one
customer accounting for more than 5% of revenue;
* Powerful proprietary customer relationship management tools which allow the
efficient management of our customer base and identification of pricing and
product trends that enable the development of appropriate, innovative new
products;
* An established pipeline of new class leading "green power" products which
operate at high efficiency;
* Attractive margins and lower capital investment requirements when compared
to many manufacturing industries, resulting in strong free cash flow and
gross margins that are amongst the highest in the industry; and,
* Although design cycles are often long - typically an average period of 16
months from identifying a program to receiving the first production orders
- once our power converters are approved for use in our customer's end
equipment XP Power enjoys a revenue annuity for the lifetime of the
customer's equipment, which is typically five to seven years.
It is this business model that ultimately allows the Group to grow and change
while at the same time maintaining strong profitability and cash flow to fund
returns to its shareholders.
Outlook
XP Power has enjoyed another excellent year, building its reputation in the
industry and taking market share. The consistent application of our strategy of
moving up the value chain, powered by a strong pipeline of new leading-edge
products and our move into manufacturing has again generated a substantially
improved result.
We remain confident about the fundamental medium term growth drivers which
underpin the markets in which we operate. With the successful transition of its
business model to higher margin, own IP product sales and the continued
development of a state of the art independent manufacturing capability, XP
Power remains in a strong position to capitalise on its growth ambitions.
Duncan Penny
Chief Executive
Consolidated Income Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2010
Note 2010 2009
Revenue 2 91.8 67.3
Cost of sales (47.7) (37.0)
Gross profit 44.1 30.3
Expenses
Distribution and marketing (20.0) (17.4)
Administrative (0.7) (0.8)
Research and development (3.7) (2.6)
Other operating income - 0.1
Operating profit 19.7 9.6
Finance cost (1.1) (1.2)
Profit before income tax 2 18.6 8.4
Income tax expense 3 (2.6) (0.8)
Profit for the year 16.0 7.6
Profit attributable to:
Owners of the parent 15.8 7.4
Non controlling interests 0.2 0.2
Profit for the year 16.0 7.6
Earnings per share
Attributable to owners of the parent
(pence per share)
- Basic 5 83.9 39.4
- Diluted 5 83.2 39.3
- Diluted adjusted 5 83.7 40.8
Consolidated Balance Sheet
At 31 December 2010
£ Millions Note 2010 2009
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 5.0 4.0
Trade and other receivables 15.6 11.0
Other current assets 1.5 1.2
Inventories 21.0 10.7
Total current assets 43.1 26.9
Non-current assets
Interest in associates 0.1 0.1
Property, plant and equipment 8.3 7.1
Goodwill 30.8 31.0
Intangible assets 5.3 4.5
ESOP loans to employees 2.4 2.6
Deferred income tax assets 0.8 0.3
Total non-current assets 47.7 45.6
Total assets 90.8 72.5
LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 15.5 9.1
Current income tax liabilities 3.4 2.5
Derivative financial instruments 0.4 0.3
Borrowings 6 12.7 3.9
Total current liabilities 32.0 15.8
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings 6 10.7 18.8
Deferred income tax liabilities 1.8 1.8
Provision for deferred contingent 3.5 3.6
consideration
Total non-current liabilities 16.0 24.2
Total liabilities 48.0 40.0
NET ASSETS 42.8 32.5
EQUITY
Share capital 27.2 27.2
Merger reserve 0.2 0.2
Treasury shares (1.0) (0.9)
Hedging reserve (0.4) (0.2)
Translation reserve (7.6) (7.4)
Retained earnings 24.2 13.3
42.6 32.2
Minority interests 0.2 0.3
TOTAL EQUITY 42.8 32.5
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2010
£ Millions 2010 2009
Cash flows from operating activities
Profit after tax 16.0 7.6
Adjustments for
- Income tax expense 2.6 0.8
- Amortisation and depreciation 1.9 1.6
- Finance cost 1.1 1.2
Change in the working capital:
- Inventories (10.3) 6.9
- Trade and other receivables (4.9) 1.8
- Trade and other payables 6.2 (3.1)
- Income tax paid (2.3) (0.5)
Net cash provided by operating activities 10.3 16.3
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases and construction of (2.1) (1.7)
property, plant and equipment
Capitalised research and (1.7) (1.5)
development expenditure
ESOP loan repaid 0.2 0.1
Net cash used in investing activities (3.6) (3.1)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from borrowings (3.2) (1.3)
Purchase of treasury shares by ESOP (0.2) -
Interest paid (0.9) (1.1)
Dividends paid to equity holders of (4.8) (4.0)
the Company
Dividends paid to minority shareholders (0.3) (0.1)
Net cash provided by financing activities (9.4) (6.5)
Effects of currency translation (0.3) 0.9
Net (decrease)/increase in (3.0) 7.6
cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 3.9 (3.9)
beginning of financial year
Effects of currency translation 0.1 0.2
on cash an cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at 1.0 3.9
end of financial year
Notes to the Annual Results Statement
For the year ended 31 December 2010
1. Basis of preparation
These financial statements are presented in Pounds Sterling and have been
prepared using the accounting principles incorporated within International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.
2. Segmental reporting
The Group is organised on a geographic basis. The Group's products are a single
class of business; however the Group is also providing sales by end market to
assist the readers of this report.
The geographical segmentation is as follows:
£ Millions 2010 2009
Revenue
Europe 41.4 31.9
North America 44.8 30.8
Asia 5.6 4.6
Total Revenue 91.8 67.3
Segment result
Europe 7.4 5.3
North America 9.6 4.0
Asia 1.0 0.9
Segment result 18.0 10.2
Research and development costs (3.7) (2.6)
Finance income and cost (1.1) (1.2)
Corporate recovery from 5.4 2.0
operating segment
Profit before tax 18.6 8.4
Tax (2.6) (0.8)
Total Profit 16.0 7.6
Analysis by end market
The revenue by end market was as follows:
Year to 31 December 2010 Year to 31 December 2009
£ Millions Europe North Asia Total Europe North Asia Total
America America
Technology 10.7 12.6 3.5 26.8 8.7 8.9 1.2 18.8
Industrial 22.1 18.6 1.5 42.2 15.4 10.2 3.1 28.7
Healthcare 8.6 13.6 0.6 22.8 7.8 11.7 0.3 19.8
Total 41.4 44.8 5.6 91.8 31.9 30.8 4.6 67.3
3. Income taxes
£ Millions 2010 2009
Singapore corporation tax
- current year 1.0 0.5
- adjustment in respect of prior year (0.1) -
Overseas corporation tax
- current year 2.4 1.1
- adjustment in respect of prior year (0.2) (1.2)
Total current tax 3.1 0.4
Deferred tax (0.5) 0.4
Tax charge for the year 2.6 0.8
The differences between the total tax shown above and the amount calculated by
applying the standard rate of Singapore corporate tax to the profit before tax
are as follows:
£ Millions 2010 2009
Profit before tax 18.6 8.4
Tax on profit on ordinary activities 3.2 1.4
at standard Singapore tax rate of 17%
Lower than standard Singapore tax rate (0.6) (0.3)
Higher rates of overseas corporation tax 1.6 0.9
Deduction for gains on employee share options (1.1) -
Prior year adjustments (0.5) (1.2)
Tax charge for the year 2.6 0.8
The Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £1.6 million (2009: £2.6
million). The eventual recognition of this asset is dependent of the assessment
of our subsidiaries' tax positions by the relevant tax authorities. The Company
is in discussions with the tax authorities in the US regarding a potential
contingent income tax liability of £2.85 million ($4.4 million). Having
considered the matter and after seeking external advice the directors' opinion
is that the tax authorities claims are substantially unfounded. Pending the
outcome of the ongoing discussions, any resulting assessments and potential tax
liability, if any, could be materially different from the amount set out above.
4. Dividends
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the period
2010 2009
Pence per £ Pence per £
share Millions share Millions
Prior year final dividend 12.0 * 2.3 11.0 2.1
paid
First Quarter paid 6.0 ^ 1.2 - -
Second Quarter paid 7.0 ^ 1.3 10.0 * 1.9
Total 25.0 4.8 21.0 4.0
* Dividends in respect of 2009 (22.0p)
^ Dividends in respect of 2010 (33.0p)
A dividend of 8.0p per share was paid in respect of the Third Quarter of 2010
on 7 January 2011.
The proposed final dividend for 2010 of 12.0 pence per share is subject to
approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 4 April
2011 and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements. It
is proposed that the final dividend be paid on 8 April 2011 to members on the
register as at 18 March 2011.
5. Earnings per share
The calculations of the basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to
the ordinary equity holders of the parent are based on the following data:
2010 2009
£ Millions £ Millions
Earnings
Earnings for the purposes of basic
and diluted earnings per share
(profit for the year attributable to 15.8 7.4
equity shareholders of the parent)
Amortisation of intangibles 0.1 0.3
associated with acquisitions
Earnings for adjusted earnings per share 15.9 7.7
Number of shares
Weighted average number of shares 18,830 18,788
for the purposes of basic earnings
per share (thousands)
Effect of potentially dilutive 170 64
share options (thousands)
Weighted average number of
shares for the purposes of
dilutive earnings per share (thousands) 19,000 18,852
Earnings per share from operations
Basic 83.9p 39.4p
Diluted 83.2p 39.3p
Diluted adjusted 83.7p 40.8p
6. Borrowings
The borrowings are repayable as follows:
£ Millions 2010 2009
On demand or within one year 12.7 3.9
In the second year 3.9 18.8
In the third year 3.9 -
In the fourth year 2.9 -
23.4 22.7
Less: Amounts due for settlement (12.7) (3.9)
within 12 months
(shown under current liabilities)
Total repayable after 12 months 10.7 18.8
The other principal features of the Group's borrowings are as follows:
1. Bank overdrafts are repayable on demand. The bank overdrafts are secured on
the assets of the Group. At 31 December 2010, the Group had an overdraft of £
4.0 million (2009: £0.1 million). In September 2010 the Group renewed its
annual working capital facility, which is US Dollar 15 million, priced at LIBOR
plus a fixed margin of 2.5%.
2. The Group previously had a term debt facility which was due to expire at the
end of September 2011. This facility had repayments at the end of each quarter
of US Dollars 1.5 million and US Dollars 27.0 million would have been due to be
repaid at the expiry of this facility at the end of September 2011. In December
the Group made arrangements with its bankers, Bank of Scotland plc, to renew
this facility in the amount of US Dollars 18.0 million for a further three
years expiring at the end of September 2014. The quarterly repayments remain at
US Dollars 1.5 million and the pricing is at LIBOR plus a margin of between
1.75 to 2.25% depending on the ratio of Net Debt to EBITDA.
The Company entered into an interest rate swap in respect of 85% of the value
of the original US$36 million term debt which fixes the floating LIBOR rate at
1.99%. The interest rate on existing debt is therefore fixed at 3.99%. This
interest rate swap expires at the end of September 2011.
3. The Group has pledged all assets as collateral to secure banking facilities
granted to the Group.
7. Principal risks and uncertainties
Like many other international businesses the Group is exposed to a number of
risks which might have a material effect on its financial performance. The
Board has overall responsibility for the management of risk and sets aside time
at its meetings to identify and address risks.
Risks Specific to the Industry in which the Group Operates
Fluctuations in foreign currency
The Group deals in many currencies for both its purchases and sales including
US Dollars, Euro and its reporting currency Pounds Sterling. In particular,
North America represents an important geographic market for the Group where
virtually all the revenues are denominated in US Dollars. The Group also
sources the majority of its product in US Dollars. The Group therefore has an
exposure to foreign currency fluctuations. This could lead to material adverse
movements in reported earnings.
Competition
The power supply market is diverse and competitive in Europe, North America and
Asia. The Directors believe that the development of new technologies could give
rise to significant new competition to the Group, which may have a material
effect on its business. At the lower end of the Group's target market the
barriers to entry are low and there is, therefore, a risk that competition
could quickly increase particularly from emerging low cost manufacturers in
Asia.
Risks Specific to the Group
Dependence on key personnel
The future success of the Group is substantially dependent on the continued
services and continuing contributions of its Directors, senior management and
other key personnel. The loss of the services of any of their respective
executive officers or other key employees could have a material adverse effect
on their businesses.
Loss of key customers/suppliers
The Group is dependent on retaining its key customers and suppliers. Should the
Group lose a number of its key customers or a key supplier this could have a
material impact on the Group's business financial condition and results of
operations. However, for the year ended 31 December 2009, no one customer
accounted for more than 2.5% of revenue.
Shortage, non-availability or technical fault with regard to key electronic
components
The Group is reliant on the supply, availability and reliability of key
electronic components. If there is a shortage, non availability or technical
fault with any of the key electronic components this may impair the Group's
ability to operate its business efficiently and lead to potential disruption to
its operations and revenues.
Fluctuations of revenues, expenses and operating results
The revenues, expenses and operating results of the Group could vary
significantly from period to period as a result of a variety of factors, some
of which are outside its control. These factors include general economic
conditions, adverse movements in interest rates, conditions specific to the
market, seasonal trends in revenues, capital expenditure and other costs, the
introduction of new products or services by the Group, or by their competitors.
In response to a changing competitive environment, the Group may elect from
time to time to make certain pricing, service, marketing decisions or
acquisitions that could have a short term material adverse effect on the
Group's revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
Management stretch
The management team is likely to be faced with increased challenges associated
with any sustained macroeconomic recovery. With the financial markets uncertain
the management team must also be able to adapt to the changing conditions and
implement corrective measures as they are needed. It could adversely affect the
Group if the management team is not able successfully to cope with these
challenges.
Information Technology Systems
The business of the Group relies to a significant extent on IT systems used in
the daily operations of its operating subsidiaries. Any failure or impairment
of those systems or any inability to transfer data onto any new systems
introduced could cause a loss of business and/or damage to the reputation of
the Group together with significant remedial costs.
Risks relating to taxation of the Group
The Group is exposed to corporation tax payable in many jurisdictions including
the USA where the effective rate can be as high as 40.0%, the UK where the
corporation tax rate is currently 28.0% and a number of European jurisdictions
where the rates vary between 25.5% and 38.7%. In addition, the Group has
manufacturing activities in China and Hong Kong where the corporation tax rates
are 24% and 17.5% respectively and sales companies in Singapore and Switzerland
where the corporation tax rates are 17.0% and 20.0% respectively.
The effective tax rate of the Group is affected by where its profits fall
geographically. The Group effective tax rate could therefore fluctuate over
time. This could have an impact on earnings and potentially its share price.
Further, the Group's tax position includes judgments about past and future
events and relies on estimates and assumptions. Although we believe that the
estimates and assumptions supporting our positions are reasonable and are
supported by external advice, our ultimate liability in connection with these
matters will depend upon the assessments raised and the result of any
negotiations with the relevant tax authorities. If the actual taxes and
penalties imposed exceed the amounts we have accrued, it could adversely affect
our financial position, results and cash flows.
8. Responsibility Statement
The Directors' confirm to the best of their knowledge and belief that this
condensed set of financial statements:
- gives a fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit
of the Group; and
- includes a fair review of the information required by the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules.
9. Other information
XP Power Limited (the "Company") is listed on the London Stock Exchange and
incorporated and domiciled in Singapore. The address of its registered office
is 401 Commonwealth Drive, Lobby B, #02-02, Haw Par Technocentre, Singapore
149598.
The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the
Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2010 or 2009. The
financial information for the year ended 31 December 2009 is derived from the
XP Power Limited statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2009, which
have been delivered to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority in
Singapore. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was
unqualified. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2010 will be
finalised on the basis of the financial information presented by the directors
in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Accounting and
Corporate Regulatory Authority in Singapore following the Company's Annual
General Meeting.
Whilst the financial information included in this preliminary announcement has
been computed in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRSs), this announcement does not itself contain sufficient information to
comply with IFRSs. The Company expects to publish full financial statements
that comply with IFRSs later this month.
This announcement was approved by the directors on 21 February 2011.