Preliminary Results

Advanced Medical Solutions Grp PLC 13 March 2007 For Immediate Release 13 March 2007 Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc ('AMS' or 'the Group') Preliminary Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2006 Winsford, UK: Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc (AIM: AMS), the global medical technology company, today announces its preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2006. Financial Highlights Financial position considerably improved: • Pre-tax profit increased to £0.6 million (2005: £27,000) • EPS more than doubled to 0.5p (2005: 0.2p) • Positive total cash flow of £1.2 million (2005: £0.2 million) resulting in year-end cash of • £4.6 million (2005: £3.4 million) • Group turnover up 11% to £14.3 million (2005: £12.9 million) with gross margin further improved to 42% from 40% Business Highlights Continued progress in key organic growth drivers: • Silver alginate Further silver alginate launches in US and Europe with strategic partners • NHS woundcare NHS direct business building steadily with over 40 Trusts now using ActivHeal(R) range • Surgical skin sealant Kimberly-Clark Health Care launches surgical skin sealant in Europe and US • New territories LiquiBand(R) regulatory approval progressing in US Commenting on the results Dr. Geoffrey Vernon, Chairman of Advanced Medical Solutions, said: 'I am delighted with the progress AMS has made. During the year the Group has improved its financial position and progressed on its key future growth opportunities. The outlook for the Group is extremely positive with a strong start to 2007.' For further information, please contact: Advanced Medical Solutions Group plc Don Evans, Chief Executive Officer On 13/03/07: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000 Mary Tavener, Finance Director Thereafter : +44 (0) 1606 545508 www.admedsol.com Buchanan Communications Mark Court, Mary-Jane Johnson Tel: +44 (0) 20 7466 5000 Notes to Editors: Advanced Medical Solutions is a leading company in the development and manufacture of products for the $15 billion global woundcare market. Founded in 1991 and quoted on AIM, Advanced Medical Solutions is focused on the design, development and manufacture of innovative and technologically advanced products for woundcare and other medical applications. In-house natural and synthetic polymer technology is used to provide advanced wound dressings based on the moist healing principle. AMS's resources ensure a unique position as a vertically integrated 'one stop shop' to provide all categories of moist wound healing products. The Company has the capability to move a product from design and development through to production and delivery ready for distribution into customer markets. The acquisition of MedLogic in 2002 has brought AMS products and technology in cyanoacrylate based tissue adhesives that offer benefits over sutures and staples for closing topical wounds sold direct to hospitals or through distributors. AMS's technology and products currently serve the majority of the key global markets and strategic partners. Chairman's Statement Overview I am delighted to inform investors that AMS has gone from strength to strength in 2006, improving its financial position considerably and progressing key future growth opportunities. Group turnover increased 11% to £14.3 million with growth achieved across both business units, advanced woundcare (up 9%) and wound closure and sealants (up 21%). Gross margins continued to improve from 40% to 42%. Pre-tax profits increased to £0.6 million following achievement of break-even in 2005. Post-tax profits more than doubled to £0.7 million resulting in earnings per share (EPS) increasing 150% to 0.5p. EBITDA was up 37% to £1.4 million. The Group generated a total of £1.2 million of cash in the year resulting in cash of £4.6 million at the year-end and net funds of £4.2 million (2005: £3.1 million). These results provide a solid financial platform for future growth. Good progress was made during 2006 with the key identified organic growth drivers: • Silver alginate - The Group further strengthened its position in the dynamic silver alginate market with launches in Europe and the US with strategic partners. • NHS woundcare - The number of NHS Trusts using the ActivHeal(R) product range has doubled to over 40 with good geographical coverage of hospitals and Primary Care Trusts in England and Scotland in addition to the Northern Ireland contract. • Surgical skin sealant - An exciting new market for surgical skin sealants was entered into with Kimberly-Clark Health Care, a global leader in infection control in the operating room. • New territories - US approval of the LiquiBandTM tissue adhesives range has been progressed with entry expected in 2008. Operating Review The Group's core focus remains the development, manufacture and sale of advanced woundcare dressings and products for closing wounds and sealing tissue. AMS provides a full range of advanced woundcare dressings for sale into the hospital, nursing home and community care market. These products are used mainly for chronic wounds such as ulcers and pressure sores. Products based upon cyanoacrylate adhesives technology allow the closure of wounds following trauma or surgical incisions, or seal skin to protect against breakdown or wound infection. These products address the emerging tissue adhesives and sealants segment of the wound closure market. AMS has successfully adopted a three tier route to market strategy: • Branded Partners - The Group believes that the most effective way of rapidly commercialising new technologies/concepts on a global basis is through strategic partnerships with major branded companies. • Private Label - AMS also addresses the increasing trend towards private label in advanced woundcare, driven by cost constraints by health care providers, by provision of own label products to distributors. These products allow savings to be made on treatment of routine wounds alongside the use of the new innovative products for more difficult wounds. • Direct - AMS sells direct to the NHS in its own home market Advanced Woundcare Advanced woundcare sales of £11.5 million were up 9% on the prior year. Following US launches during 2005, the Group further strengthened its position in the dynamic silver market with the European launch of a range of calcium alginate woundcare dressings containing ionic silver technology by a number of branded partners. The ionic silver technology allows AMS to provide selected partners an entry into the expanding silver alginate woundcare market, which is currently estimated at over $100 million worldwide and growing in excess of 20% per year. AMS introduced its fibre-based silver alginate technology into the US in 2004 and Europe in 2005 under an exclusive, global agreement with a leading brand. The Group now has a broad range of partners covering different channels (hospitals, nursing homes, home health) in Europe and the US. Silver is a broad spectrum anti-microbial that helps to prevent infections such as MRSA. In combination with alginate, a biopolymer derived from seaweed, AMS can provide products ideally suited to the treatment of a wide variety of chronic wounds. Steady progress continues to be made with the Company's direct ActivHeal(R) offering to the NHS. More than 40 NHS Hospital and Primary Care Trusts across the UK have now adopted the ActivHeal(R) range of advanced woundcare products allowing them to achieve substantial cost savings at a time of severe funding pressures without compromising patient care. Many more centres are currently evaluating the product offering. The move to ten Strategic Health Authorities within the NHS should be a positive development for the business as this should result in a more streamlined, centralised approach being adopted for product evaluation and selection. Under the present system each Trust independently evaluates the product range being offered, which delays the process of introducing generic substitutes or replacement new products. We remain confident that our strategy of delivering both innovation to the NHS through our R&D activities with major branded companies, and offering real cost savings through the ActivHeal(R) range, will be successful, enabling us to capture a significant share of the estimated £100 million UK advanced woundcare market. Wound Closure and Sealants The wound closure and sealants business grew 21% to £2.9 million in the period as the Group maintained its strong market leadership position in the UK Accident & Emergency arena and strengthened its European partner business. Based on cyanoacrylate medical adhesive technology, the LiquiBand(R) range covers products for closure of small cuts and trauma wounds particularly to the face and scalp, through to large surgical incisions such as caesarean sections and hip replacements. These products are approved and on sale throughout Europe for use in Accident & Emergency (A&E) and in operating rooms. A number of NHS Ambulance Trusts in the UK have also now adopted LiquiBand(R) to close trauma wounds at the scene of injury, thus potentially reducing the number of A&E admissions. Development activity to extend the cyanoacrylate adhesive technology into new areas has resulted in an exciting strategic partnership with Kimberly-Clark for a novel surgical skin sealant to help control the risk of skin flora contamination throughout a surgical procedure, a key factor in the development of surgical site infections. AMS has developed an innovative film-forming solution that bonds to the skin sealing off the spaces where bacteria can grow. Based upon patented technology, the product immobilises endogenous pathogens thereby reducing the risk of skin flora contamination of the surgical site. AMS has entered into an exclusive global agreement with Kimberley-Clark Health Care for the marketing and distribution of the product under the Kimberley-Clark * InteguSeal Microbial Sealant brand. Following regulatory approvals, this product was launched in Europe in March 2006 and in the US in February 2007. Approval of the LiquiBand(R) product range continues to progress in the US. The Group anticipates entry into this $110 million market in 2008 via a partner with a product range that is well proven in Europe. We believe this will lead to significant value creation in future. Research & Development The Group continued to build on its previous successful technology programmes in advanced woundcare dressings, silver alginate and novel tissue adhesives and sealants, by investing £1 million (7% of turnover) on R&D during 2006. This activity is maintaining a strong pipeline of new products for our direct business and as a technology provider for strategic partners. Board The AMS Board was strengthened with the appointment of Chris Meredith as Commercial Director in April 2006 and Steve Bellamy as Non-Executive Director in February 2007. Chris has made a major contribution to the continued successful commercialisation of the Company's technologies and Steve's strong City experience will be of great value as the Group continues to look for strategic corporate opportunities to enhance growth. Outlook The outlook for the Group is extremely positive with a strong start to 2007. Organic growth is expected to progress due to favourable woundcare demographics, a blue chip partner base, the dynamic silver market and widening acceptance of our ActivHeal(R) woundcare range by NHS Trusts in the UK. US approval and entry for our LiquiBand(R) tissue adhesive range, and the new surgical skin sealant market entry offer step change opportunities for future growth and value creation. The Company's move to profitability and positive cash flow is also allowing management to consider suitable acquisitions to leverage AMS's technology and distribution base. I would like to thank all AMS employees for their continued efforts during 2006 in strengthening the Group's position as a profitable, cash generative business. This is a very exciting time for AMS. Dr. Geoffrey N. Vernon Chairman 12 March 2007 Consolidated Profit and Loss Account For the year ended 31 December 2006 Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 2006 2005 Note £'000 £'000 Turnover 7 14,322 12,892 Cost of sales (8,279) (7,753) Gross profit 6,043 5,139 Distribution costs (107) (123) Administration costs (6,022) (5,604) Other operating income 480 546 Operating profit/(loss) 394 (42) Interest receivable and similar income 204 101 Interest payable and similar charges (29) (32) Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 569 27 Taxation 167 249 Retained profit for the year 736 276 Earnings per share Basic 2 0.52p 0.19p Diluted 2 0.50p 0.19p The above results relate to continuing operations. There is no difference between reported and historical profits and losses. Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses For the year ended 31 December 2006 Group Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Profit for the financial year 736 276 Currency translation differences on foreign currency net 17 (3) investments Total profit recognised since last annual report 753 273 Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds For the year ended 31 December 2006 Group Company Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 31 December 31 December 2006 2005 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Opening shareholders' funds 11,847 11,574 12,650 12,454 Profit for the financial year 736 276 361 196 Share option cost 60 - 60 - Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investments 17 (3) - - Closing shareholders' funds 12,660 11,847 13,071 12,650 The profit for the Company includes the reversal of a provision against the carrying value of investments of £388k (2005: £101k). Balance Sheets At 31 December 2006 Group Company 2006 2005 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 1,734 1,902 - - Tangible assets 2,877 3,403 - - Investments - - 8,904 9,570 4,611 5,305 8,904 9,570 Current assets Stocks 1,786 1,669 - - Debtors - due within one year 3,728 3,247 93 14 - due after more than one year 957 747 200 200 Cash at bank and in hand 4,552 3,388 3,961 2,989 11,023 9,051 4,254 3,203 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (2,678) (2,193) (87) (123) Net current assets 8,345 6,858 4,167 3,080 Total assets less current liabilities 12,956 12,163 13,071 12,650 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (296) (316) - - 12,660 11,847 13,071 12,650 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 11,782 11,782 11,782 11,782 Share option reserve 60 - 60 - Share premium account 37,978 37,978 37,978 37,978 Other reserve 1,531 1,531 - - Profit and loss account (38,691) (39,444) (36,749) (37,110) Equity shareholders' funds 12,660 11,847 13,071 12,650 Dr D.W. Evans Chief Executive Officer 12 March 2007 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement For the year ended 31 December 2006 Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 2006 2005 Note £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 9 1,343 534 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 74 131 Interest element of finance lease rental and hire purchase payments (1) (2) Interest paid (28) (30) Net cash inflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance 45 99 Taxation 78 189 Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (309) (575) Receipts from sale of tangible fixed assets 8 - Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (301) (575) Cash inflow before use of liquid resources and financing 1,165 247 Management of liquid resources Purchase of term deposits (964) (342) Financing Repayment of secured loan 11 (13) (13) Net movement of capital element of finance lease rental 11 and hire purchase payments (5) (3) Net cash outflow from financing (18) (16) Increase/(decrease) in cash 10 183 (111) Notes to the Accounts 1. No dividend has been proposed. 2. The basic earnings per share has been calculated on a weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, namely 142,082,536 (2005: 142,082,536) and profit of £736k (2005: profit of £276k). The diluted earnings per share has been calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue to assume conversion of all dilutive potential shares, namely 146,114,345 (2005: 142,948,093) and a profit of £736k (2005: profit of £276k). 3. This statement was approved by the Directors and agreed with the Group's auditors on 12 March 2007. A copy can be obtained from the Secretary at the Company's Head Office, Road Three, Winsford Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3PD. The accounting policies adopted for the Preliminary Results will be consistent with the published accounts for year ended 31 December 2006. 4. The figures and financial information for the year 2006 do not constitute the statutory financial statements for that year. 5. The figures and financial information for the year 2005 do not constitute the statutory financial statements for that year. Those financial statements have been delivered to the Registrar and included an auditor's report which was unqualified. 6. The Annual General Meeting will be held at 11:00am on 6 June 2007 at Oaklands Hotel, Millington Lane, Gorstage, Weaverham, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 2SU. 7. Segmental information Turnover by geographical region: Turnover 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 United Kingdom 4,524 3,731 Rest of Europe 5,600 6,098 United States of America 3,480 2,288 Rest of World 718 775 14,322 12,892 Turnover by business unit: Turnover 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Advanced woundcare 11,462 10,535 Wound closure and sealants 2,860 2,357 14,322 12,892 It is not possible to identify profit before taxation and net asset by business unit because of the use of common services. Turnover, profit/(loss) before tax and net assets by origin: 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2005 Turnover Profit/(loss) Net assets Turnover Profit/(loss) Net assets £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 United Kingdom 14,322 654 12,656 12,892 137 11,845 United States - (85) 4 - (110) 2 Group 14,322 569 12,660 12,892 27 11,847 The turnover and profit before taxation is wholly attributable to the principal activity of the Group. 8. Operating profit/(loss) Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Operating profit/(loss) arrived at after charging/(crediting): Depreciation 816 877 Amortisation 168 168 Loss on disposal of fixed assets 11 1 Operating lease rentals - plant and machinery 90 90 - land and buildings 294 294 Auditors' remuneration - statutory audit 38 33 - further assurance services 11 9 - tax compliance 8 15 - tax advisory 4 5 Research and development 973 1,147 Exchange loss/(profit) 105 (47) 9. Reconciliation of operating profit/(loss) to net cash inflow from operating activities Year ended Year ended 31 December 31 December 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Operating profit/(loss) 394 (42) Depreciation 816 877 Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 168 168 Loss on sale of fixed assets 11 1 Increase in stocks (117) (163) Increase in debtors (472) (567) Increase in creditors 483 260 Share options cost 60 - Net cash inflow from operating activities 1,343 534 10. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds: (Note 11) Year ended Yearended 31 December 31 December 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 Increase/(decrease) in cash in the year 183 (111) Cash outflow from reductions in debt and finance leases 18 16 Cash outflow from increase in liquid resources 964 342 Change in net funds resulting from cash flows 1,165 247 Translation difference 17 (3) Movement in net funds in year 1,182 244 Net funds at 1 January 2006 3,054 2,810 Net funds at 31 December 2006 4,236 3,054 11. Analysis of net funds: 1 January Cash Exchange 31 December 2006 flows Movements 2006 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash 402 183 17 602 Term deposits 2,986 964 - 3,950 Cash at bank and in hand 3,388 1,147 17 4,552 Debt due within one year (13) (1) - (14) Debt due after one year (309) 14 - (295) Finance leases (12) 5 - (7) Total 3,054 1,165 17 4,236 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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