Interim Results

Vislink PLC 30 August 2006 Vislink plc Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2006 Vislink plc ('The Group'), a leading supplier of microwave radio and satellite transmission products for the broadcast and security markets and of CCTV systems for the marine security market has today announced its interim results for the six months to 30 June 2006. Financial summary ---------------------------- -------- ----------- For the six months ended 30 June 2006 2005 £'000 £'000 ---------------------------- -------- ----------- Revenue 50,764 35,753 Operating profit 6,234 2,527 Adjusted* operating profit 6,910 3,046 Profit before taxation 6,076 2,092 Earnings per share - basic 2.73p 1.07p Adjusted* earnings per share - basic 3.08p 1.33p ---------------------------- -------- ----------- *Adjusted operating profit is operating profit before the amortisation of acquired intangibles. Adjusted earnings per share are calculated on the same basis. Highlights: • Group sales increased by 42.0% to £50.76 million (2005 - £35.75 million) • The Group's operating profit was up by 146% to £6.23 million (2005 - £2.53 million) • The Group's adjusted operating profit was up by 127% to £6.91 million (2005 - £3.05 million) • Adjusted earnings per share increased by 132% to 3.08 pence (2005 - 1.33 pence) • The Group's net cash inflow from operating activities in the period was £6.57million (2005 - £0.23 million outflow) • The Group ended the period with net cash of £3.92 million (31 December 2005 - £2.16 million) Bob Morton, Chairman of Vislink said: 'The Group has had a record half year and has entered the second half with a strong order book. The Board is encouraged by current trading and continues to look forward to the rest of the year with enthusiasm and confidence.' - ends - For further information on 30 August 2006, please contact: Ian Scott-Gall, Chief Executive 01488 685500 James Trumper, Group Finance Director 01488 685500 Chairman's Statement Results for six months to 30 June 2006 The Board is pleased to report that the Group has continued to deliver a significant improvement in its trading, with a record performance for the first six months of 2006. The Group's order intake for the period increased to £48.78 million (2005 - £46.90 million). Group sales from continuing operations were up 42% to £50.76 million (2005 - £35.75 million). The Group's reported operating profit from continuing operations was up by 146% to £6.23 million (2005 - £2.53 million). The adjusted operating profit, being operating profit from continuing operations before the amortisation of acquired intangibles, was up by £3.86 million to £6.91 million (2005 - £3.05 million). Each of the Group's regional businesses have reported higher sales and adjusted operating profits in the period. The UK business reported an operating profit of £1.83 million (2005 - £1.46 million) before the amortisation of acquired intangibles; operating profits in the US business of MRC increased to £5.74 million (2005 - £2.00 million) and at Hernis the operating profit increased to £0.73 million (2005 - £0.54 million). Net interest costs were lower at £0.16 million (2005 - £0.44 million) including £0.11million of interest arising from the discounting of the deferred consideration in respect of the Link acquisition (2005 - £0.13 million). The Group made a profit on continuing activities after interest charges but before tax of £6.08 million (2005 - £2.09 million). The Group's net cash inflow from operating activities in the period was £6.57million (2005 - £0.23 million outflow). The Group had net cash of £3.92 million at 30 June 2006 (31 December 2005 - £2.16 million). Earnings Per Share The reported basic undiluted earnings per share for the period were 2.73 pence (2005 - 1.07 pence). After adjusting for the amortisation of acquired intangibles, the Group's adjusted earnings per share were 3.08 pence (2005 - 1.33 pence). Dividends The Group's stated strategy is to only recommend a final dividend and therefore as in previous years the Board is not recommending an interim dividend. Business Review US business MRC, the US business, has seen its external sales increase to £29.98 million (2005 - £16.64 million) as a result of both the 2GHz re-channelisation programme in the US and an increase in its international sales to £4.41 million (2005 - £2.27 million). Operating profits increased by 187% to £5.74 million (2005 - £2.00 million). The US domestic broadcast market remains strong with demand being driven by the 2Ghz re-channelisation programme. The international broadcast market continues to grow for MRC. Good progress is also being made in developing the US defence and law enforcement markets. UK business The UK business comprises the Advent satellite communications business, the Link wireless camera business and the Venezuelan TV contract. External sales for the business were £14.99 million (2005 - £14.41 million). The adjusted operating profit increased by 25% to £1.83 million (2005 - £1.46 million) before the £0.68 million amortisation of acquired intangibles in respect of the acquisition of Link (2005 - £0.52 million). Link has continued to perform strongly in all of its markets. In the UK the BBC English Regions have appointed Link as their preferred supplier for wireless camera systems and have ordered LinkXPs for thirteen BBC regions. Link has benefited from the launch of HD products in the UK and internationally and also from the 2GHz re-channelisation programme in the US. Advent returned to profitability in the period. The business has opened a Singapore office for the Asian region and won significant orders from Sun TV in India. Skylogic have ordered more ground stations following on from last year's successful installations for the winter Olympics in Turin. The Venezuelan TV contract is scheduled to be completed during the second half. Hernis Hernis has made an excellent start to the year. Orders for the period increased by 54% to £8.75 million (2005 - £5.69 million) due to the growth in the offshore oil and gas markets and the marine LNG carrier market. Significant orders received in the period included a contract for the installation of Hernis camera systems on four new LNG carriers for Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea, a storage tank farm for Qatar and two contracts with Jurong Shipyard in Singapore for two ultra-deepwater semi-submersible drilling rigs. Hernis sales increased by 23% to £5.80 million (2005 - £4.70 million) and operating profits increased by 35% to £0.73 million (2005 - £0.54 million). Strategy and Prospects The Group's strategy is to maintain organic sales growth from the development of the worldwide defence, security and law enforcement markets. These markets require communication systems that are mobile, are able to cope with difficult environments and require minimal infrastructure with a high bandwidth to cope with a variety of data. In addition there is a significant trend toward the convergence of terrestrial microwave and satellite in these markets. These are all features inherent in the Group's broadcast contribution products. There is a major benefit to the Group in developing its channels to these markets. In the defence, public safety and homeland security markets the Group now has products that provide rapidly deployable tactical, multi-agency video and data communications from vehicles, airborne platforms, point to point microwave and satellite links. Group sales in the period for these markets increased by 80% to £5.77 million (2005 - £3.21 million). The Group's broadcast products continue to offer the most flexible range of TV contribution technology systems that transmit live video signals back to the studio. The different applications of live contribution technology define our broadcast markets. The migration of the industry towards High Definition (HD) and IPTV is underpinning long-term confidence in the contribution market. The Group is developing new products to meet the increasing demands for greater mobility, HD and IP based systems. The Group sees the move from Standard Definition (SD) to HD within the professional broadcast market as a strong growth opportunity. MRC and Link are expected to continue to benefit from the 2GHz re-channelisation programme in the US over the next two and a half years. In addition Advent, Link and MRC are all seeing increased demand from the international professional broadcast markets. The marine, offshore and onshore markets are currently strong for Hernis. Their growth has been fuelled by the high oil price and the increasing demand for natural resources that has encouraged investment in a number of shipping and exploration projects around the world by the oil and gas industry. In summary, the Group has had a record half year and has entered the second half with a strong order book. The Board is encouraged by current trading and continues to look forward to the rest of the year with enthusiasm and confidence. ALR Morton, Chairman August 30, 2006 CONSOLIDATED GROUP INCOME STATEMENT for the six months ended 30 June 2006 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 Continuing operations Revenue 2 50,764 35,753 85,072 Cost of sales (32,052) (24,506) (56,452) --------- --------- --------- 18,712 11,247 28,620 Sales and marketing (5,591) (3,077) (8,952) Research and development (2,456) (2,272) (4,950) Administrative costs (4,233) (3,286) (7,407) Other expenses (198) (85) (170) --------- --------- --------- Operating profit from continuing operations 2 6,234 2,527 7,141 ------------------------- ------- --------- --------- --------- Operating profit is analysed as: Adjusted operating profit 6 6,910 3,046 8,348 Amortisation of acquired intangibles (676) (519) (1,207) ------------------------- ------- --------- --------- --------- Finance costs 3 (242) (475) (872) Investment income 3 84 40 96 --------- --------- --------- Profit on continuing activities before taxation 6,076 2,092 6,365 Tax on profit on ordinary activities 4 (2,363) (741) (2,883) --------- --------- --------- Profit for the period from continuing operations being profit attributable to shareholders 3,713 1,351 3,482 ========= ========= ========= Earnings per share expressed in pence per share: From continuing operations - basic 6 2.73p 1.07p 2.66p From continuing operations - diluted 6 2.68p 1.06p 2.62p ========= ========= ========= Dividends No dividends have been declared and approved in respect of the six month periods ending 30 June 2006 and 30 June 2005 (see note 5). CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the six months ended 30 June 2006 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 Opening shareholders' equity 37,815 25,001 25,001 ---------- --------- --------- Profit for the financial period 3,713 1,351 3,482 Share options - value of employee services 59 42 75 Dividends 5 (681) (246) (246) ---------- --------- --------- Movements in the profit and loss account 3,091 1,147 3,311 Translation difference on foreign currency net investments (1,161) 1,027 1,765 Shares issued 66 7,470 7,687 Disposal of investment in own shares 60 4 51 ---------- --------- --------- Total movements in shareholders' equity 2,056 9,648 12,814 ---------- --------- --------- Closing shareholders' equity 39,871 34,649 37,815 ---------- --------- --------- CONSOLIDATED GROUP BALANCE SHEET as at 30 June 2006 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 31 December 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 Assets Non-current assets Goodwill 23,013 23,181 23,393 Intangible assets 6,492 7,394 6,854 Property, plant and 4,891 4,785 4,547 equipment Financial assets - available for sale investments 109 - 43 Deferred tax assets 929 1,602 835 --------- --------- --------- 35,434 36,962 35,672 --------- --------- --------- Current assets Inventories 15,973 11,117 13,345 Trade and other receivables 14,023 15,686 17,032 Financial assets - available for sale investments - 259 - Net cash and cash 8 7,658 2,100 7,122 equivalents --------- --------- --------- 37,654 29,162 37,499 --------- --------- --------- Liabilities Current liabilities Financial liabilities - borrowings 8 235 2,660 3,794 Trade and other payables 22,898 17,216 22,206 Current tax liabilities 1,151 1,060 816 Provisions 825 620 732 --------- --------- --------- 25,109 21,556 27,548 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net current assets 12,545 7,606 9,951 --------- --------- --------- Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities - borrowings 8 3,500 2,795 1,169 Deferred tax liabilities 2,372 3,232 2,608 Other non-current liabilities 2,236 3,752 3,878 Provisions - 140 153 --------- --------- --------- 8,108 9,919 7,808 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- 39,871 34,649 37,815 --------- --------- --------- Capital and reserves Called up share capital 3,418 3,392 3,412 Share premium account 4,422 4,165 4,362 Investment in own shares (49) (156) (109) Merger reserve 30,565 30,565 30,565 Translation reserve (2,449) (2,026) (1,288) Profit and loss account 3,964 (1,291) 873 --------- --------- --------- Total shareholders' equity 39,871 34,649 37,815 --------- --------- --------- CONSOLIDATED GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the six months ended 30 June 2006 Six months Six months Year ended to 30 June to 30 June 31 December 2006 2005 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) Notes £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash flow from operating activities Cash generated from/(used in) operating activities 7 6,569 (230) 9,602 Investment income 84 40 96 Finance costs (183) (387) (567) Taxation paid (2,325) (413) (2,670) --------- --------- --------- Net cash generated from/(used in) operating activities 4,145 (990) 6,461 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of subsidiary - (2,445) (2,445) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 2 - 130 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,063) (596) (1,014) Expenditure on capitalised development costs (869) (467) (1,054) Acquisition of investments (66) - (43) --------- --------- --------- Net cash (used in) investing activities (1,996) (3,508) (4,426) --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities Net proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital 66 4,470 4,687 Net proceeds from sale of own shares held 60 4 51 Proceeds from issue of new bank loan 8 3,500 - - Repayment of borrowings 8 (3,678) (1,307) (3,084) Repayment of loan notes 8 (1,285) - (54) Dividend paid to shareholders - - (246) --------- --------- --------- Cash (used in)/generated from financing activities (1,337) 3,167 1,354 --------- --------- --------- Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 8 (276) 212 514 --------- --------- --------- Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 536 (1,119) 3,903 Net cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 7,122 3,219 3,219 --------- --------- --------- Net cash and cash equivalents at end of period 8 7,658 2,100 7,122 --------- --------- --------- NOTES TO THE INTERIM ACCOUNTS for the six months ended 30 June 2006 1. BASIS OF PREPARATION This interim report has been prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounting policies are the same as those presented in the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2005 and those that are anticipated to be in force at 31 December 2006. The preparation of the interim report in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results ultimately may differ from these estimates. This interim report is unaudited and does not constitute audited accounts within the meaning of the Companies Act 1985. The accounts for the year ended 31 December 2005, on which the auditors gave an unqualified audit opinion, were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and IFRIC interpretations, and have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. 2. SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS The Group's internal organisational and management structure and its system of internal financial reporting to the Board of Directors is based on the geographical location of its businesses. These comprise three regions, the UK, the United States of America (US) and Norway. The UK comprises the broadcast businesses of Advent Communications (satellite products), projects and the wireless camera systems of Link. The US comprises the microwave radio broadcast business of MRC. Norway comprises the marine CCTV business of Hernis. The table below shows the analysis of Group external revenue, by geographic location. Revenue Operating Profit ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ Six months to Six months to Year ended Six months to Six months to Year ended 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 31 December 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 31 December (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) 2005 £'000 £'000 (Audited) £'000 £'000 (Audited) £'000 £'000 By geographic location UK - broadcast (note a) 20,276 17,032 34,523 1,150 942 888 US - broadcast 30,161 16,757 47,403 5,741 2,003 7,414 Norway - marine CCTV 5,798 4,699 10,044 725 540 942 Central costs - - - (1,026) (698) (1,802) Inter-segmental transactions (5,471) (2,735) (6,898) (356) (260) (301) -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Group total 50,764 35,753 85,072 6,234 2,527 7,141 -------- -------- --------- --------- -------- -------- Notes: a) For the six months ended 30 June 2006 the UK operating profit is after charging £676,000 in respect of the acquired intangibles (six months to 30 June 2005 - £519,000 and year to 31 December 2005 - £1,207,000). Secondary format - geographical segments The Group manages its business segments on a global basis. The operations are based in three main geographical areas. The UK is the home country of the parent. The operations are located geographically as described in the table above. The sales analysis in the tables below are based on the geographical location of the customer, product category and customer category. Geographic revenue analysis Six months to Six months to Year ended 31 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 December 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 By market: UK & Ireland 3,847 3,091 5,478 Rest of Europe 4,367 5,403 12,330 North America 26,397 15,349 41,835 South America 5,338 7,904 12,548 Middle East 3,132 520 2,010 Asia 7,153 2,908 9,282 Africa 151 170 606 Other 379 408 983 -------- -------- -------- 50,764 35,753 85,072 -------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Analysis of revenue by product category Microwave radio and wireless camera products 32,942 18,101 49,070 Satellite products 8,697 6,240 15,576 Broadcast projects 3,327 6,713 10,370 Marine CCTV products 5,798 4,699 10,044 Other - - 12 -------- -------- -------- 50,764 35,753 85,072 -------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- Analysis of revenue by customer category Broadcasters 39,276 27,984 66,017 Defence, security and law enforcement 5,771 3,206 7,745 Marine, oil and gas 5,188 4,563 9,803 Other 529 - 1,507 -------- -------- -------- 50,764 35,753 85,072 -------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- 3. FINANCE COSTS - NET Six months to Six months to Year ended 31 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 December 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 Interest payable on bank borrowing (114) (348) (537) Interest payable on other loans (16) (1) (43) Unwinding of discounting associated with deferred consideration (112) (126) (292) -------- -------- --------- Finance costs (242) (475) (872) Investment income 84 40 96 -------- -------- --------- Finance costs - net (158) (435) (776) -------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- 4. TAX ON PROFIT ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES Six months to Six months to Year ended 31 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 December 2005 (Unaudited) (Unaudited) (Audited) £'000 £'000 £'000 The tax charge for the period comprises: 179 27 149 UK current tax charge Overseas current tax charge 2,513 862 2,755 Deferred tax (credit) (329) (148) (21) -------- -------- --------- 2,363 741 2,883 -------------------------------- -------- -------- --------- The tax charge for the six months ended 30 June 2006 is based on the effective tax rate, which it is estimated will apply to earnings for the full year. 5. DIVIDENDS No interim dividend is proposed for the period. In 2005 there was no interim dividend and the final dividend of 0.5 pence per share was approved at the Annual General Meeting on 24 May 2006 and paid on 21 July 2006. 6. EARNINGS PER ORDINARY SHARE Earnings per share is calculated by reference to a weighted average of 135,912,000 ordinary shares in issue during the period, excluding shares held by the Employees' Share Ownership Plan (30 June 2005 - 126,812,000 and 31 December 2005 - 131,052,000). The diluted earnings per share is after taking account of a further 2,439,000 shares (30 June 2005 - 945,000; 31 December 2005 - 1,631,000) being the dilutive effect of share options. Adjusted earnings Vislink believes that adjusted operating profit, adjusted profit before tax, adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per share provide additional useful information on trends to shareholders. Vislink uses these measures for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements. The principal adjustment is in respect of the amortisation of acquired intangibles. The reconciliation between reported and adjusted earnings and basic earnings per share is shown below: Six months to Six months to Year ended 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 31 December 2005 Earnings Basic EPS Earnings Basic EPS Earnings Basic EPS £'000 pence £'000 pence £'000 pence Reported earnings 3,713 2.73p 1,351 1.07p 3,482 2.66p Amortisation of acquired intangibles after tax 473 0.35p 337 0.26p 845 0.64p -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Adjusted earnings 4,186 3.08p 1,688 1.33p 4,327 3.30p -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- 7. NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT Net cash flow from operating activities comprises: Six months to Six months to Year ended 31 30 June 2006 30 June 2005 December 2005 £'000 £'000 £'000 Continuing operations Net profit 3,713 1,351 3,482 Adjustments for: Taxation 2,363 741 2,883 Depreciation 621 476 1,081 Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment 41 16 5 Amortisation of development costs 488 477 968 Amortisation of acquired intangibles 676 519 1,207 Share options - value of employee services 59 42 75 Investment income (84) (40) (96) Finance costs 242 475 872 Changes in working capital (excluding the effect of the acquisition of subsidiaries) (Increase) in inventories (3,156) (1,419) (3,377) Decrease in trade and other receivables 2,399 1,430 619 (Decrease)/increase in payables (765) (3,925) 2,150 (Decrease) in provisions (28) (373) (267) --------- -------- --------- Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 6,569 (230) 9,602 --------- -------- --------- 8. NET CASH The movements in cash and cash equivalents and borrowings in the period were as follows: Net cash and Short term Other Total cash borrowings borrowings net cash equivalents £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 At 1 January 2006 7,122 (3,794) (1,169) 2,159 New bank borrowings 3,500 - (3,500) - Repayment of borrowings (3,678) 2,509 1,169 - Payment of loan notes (1,285) 1,285 - - Issue of loan notes - (235) - (235) Other cash movements in the period 2,275 - - 2,275 Exchange rate adjustments (276) - - (276) --------- --------- --------- --------- At 30 June 2006 7,658 (235) (3,500) 3,923 --------- --------- --------- --------- Loan notes are issued in respect of the deferred consideration associated with the acquisition of Link Research Limited on 11 February 2005. 9. APPROVAL A committee of the Board of Directors approved this report on 30 August 2006. Independent review report to Vislink Plc Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information for the six months ended 30 June 2006, which comprise the consolidated interim balance sheet as at 30 June 2006, and the related consolidated interim statements of income, cash flows and changes in shareholders' equity for the six months then ended and related notes. We have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority require that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the basis set out in Note 1. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of Group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the disclosed accounting policies have been applied. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit and therefore provides a lower level of assurance. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in producing this report, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 30 June 2006. PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Chartered Accountants Bristol 30 August 2006 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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