Preliminary Results

Zytronic PLC 11 December 2007 For Immediate Release 11 December 2007 ZYTRONIC PLC ('Zytronic' or the 'Company') Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 September 2007 (unaudited) Zytronic Plc, a leading specialist manufacturer of touch screens and optical filters for electronic displays, announces its preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2007. Highlights Financial • Group turnover of £11.4m decreased by 7% (2006: £12.3m) • Profit before tax decreased to £0.64m (2006 restated: £1.27m) • Tax charge of 15.6% (2006 restated: 12.0%) • Basic EPS of 3.7p (2006 restated of 7.8p) • Proposed final dividend maintained at 2.0p - total for year 3.0p (2006: 3.0p) Operational • Increasing sales of ZYPOS(R) touch sensors • ATM sales returning to higher, more normal levels • Appointment of new distributors takes total to 36 • Significant investment in refurbishment of freehold property and plant and equipment for new ZYPOS manufacturing facility On outlook, Chairman John Kennair said: 'The return to higher levels of ATM sales, together with the growth in sales of ZYPOS touch sensors should enable an improvement in gross margins. We expect that continuing strong sales growth in all product groupings will reduce the Group's dependence upon the ATM market in the future and anticipate a substantial improvement in the overall future profitability of the business. We look forward to the remainder of the current financial year with renewed confidence.' Enquiries: Zytronic Plc (Today: 020 7466 5000; thereafter 0191 414 5511) John Kennair, Chief Executive Denis Mullan, Finance Director Buchanan Communications 020 7466 5000 Richard Darby, Isabel Podda Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited Alan Stewart, Corporate 0845 213 4213 Finance Jamie Cumming, Corporate 0845 213 4203 Broking Jock MacDonald, Corporate Sales 0191 279 7418 Notes to Editors Zytronic is an industry leader in the development and manufacture of customised optical filters to enhance electronic display performance. It is also an innovator in the production of specialised and transparent laminates for niche markets. Based on this lamination expertise, Zytronic has developed a unique range of touch sensor products employing Projected Capacitive Technology (PCTTM) which enables the pointing device to sense through an anti-vandal screen in front of the display. This system offers significant benefits to electronic display manufacturers. Operating from three modern factories near Newcastle-upon-Tyne in England, Zytronic assembles touch sensors and filters, utilising special glass and plastic materials, in environmentally controlled clean rooms. Chairman's statement I am pleased to report to you on the results for the year ended 30 September 2007 and to inform you that the weakness in our ATM sales, reported in my August trading statement, appears to be behind us, with sales now returning to higher, more normal, levels. Results Turnover for the year under review decreased by 7% to £11.4m (2006 £12.3m) caused by this lower demand in the ATM sector. Gross margins declined by 1.2%, also as a result of the reduction in ATM volumes, leading to a decrease in pre-tax profits to £0.64m (2006 restated £1.27m). Basic earnings per share amounted to 3.7p (2006 restated: 7.8p). Trading The reduced performance in the ATM sector masks significant progress in the rest of the business for the year ended 30 September 2007. All areas of the Group's touch screen business outside the ATM sector have shown substantial growth, with overall sales growth of 75% in the year under review. Sales of ZYPOS(R) touch sensors, which were first introduced in 2006, have shown growth this year of 340% to £1.4m. Sales of ZYTOUCH(R) touch sensors, outside the ATM sector, increased by 27% to £2.2m. It is pleasing to note that the Group has gained new customers over the year, assisted by the appointment of further distributors and representatives taking the total to 36. Sales growth of non-ATM touch screen products has resulted not only from the expansion of geographical markets but also from their growing use in widely diversified markets, with new customers being won in fields of vending, ticketing, transport passenger information systems, gaming and self-service. In the ATM sector, the reduction in our sales, almost entirely in the North American market, has been due primarily to the reorganisation by two of our major customers of their manufacturing and inventory control systems, enabling them to achieve substantial reductions in stock levels. These reorganisations were virtually complete by September 2007, following which we have experienced a return to higher levels of trading. Investment in ZYPOS The building works relating to the new production facilities and clean rooms for ZYPOS were completed by the beginning of October 2007. We have moved our existing ZYPOS production facilities into this new factory and are already producing ZYPOS touch sensors there. We will receive additional items of plant and equipment early next year, further increasing capacity and the automation of production. The new production facilities should have a significant positive impact on the cost base for the production of ZYPOS as we move through 2008. Dividend The Directors are pleased to recommend an unchanged final dividend of 2.0p per share payable on 7 March 2008 to shareholders on the Register of Members on 22 February 2008. Following a dividend of 1.0p per share paid on 29 June 2007, this will bring the total dividend for the year to 3.0p per share (2006 3.0p per share). Outlook We are pleased that sales to our two major customers in the ATM market are returning to higher levels. The Directors expect that continuing strong sales growth in all product groupings will reduce the Group's dependence upon that market in the future. The return to higher ATM sales, together with the growth in sales of ZYPOS touch sensors, which are increasingly being specified into a number of new applications in Europe, the Far East and North America, combined with increased manufacturing capacity in the new ZYPOS production facilities, should enable an improvement in gross margins. Consequently, we anticipate a substantial improvement in the overall future profitability of the business. J M Kennair MBE Chairman 11 December 2007 Group profit and loss account for the year ended 30 September 2007 Unaudited Restated 2007 2006 Notes £'000 £'000 Group turnover 11,434 12,301 Cost of sales 7,989 8,449 Gross profit 3,445 3,852 Distribution costs 197 170 Administration expenses 2,541 2,356 2,738 2,526 Group operating profit 707 1,326 Interest payable (73) (59) Interest receivable 7 6 Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 641 1,273 Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities 3 (100) (153) Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 541 1,120 Earnings per share Earnings per share - basic 5 3.7p 7.8p Earnings per share - diluted 5 3.7p 7.7p The results for both the above years derive from continuing operations. Group statement of total recognised gains and losses for the year ended 30 September 2007 Notes Unaudited Restated 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Profit for the financial year 541 1,120 Total recognised gains and losses relating to the year 541 1,120 Prior year adjustment 1 15 Total gains and losses recognised since last annual report 556 Group balance sheet at 30 September 2007 Unaudited Restated 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 1,959 2,026 Tangible assets 5,350 3,831 7,309 5,857 Current assets Stocks 1,828 1,706 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 2,767 2,852 amounts falling due after one year 194 - Cash at bank and in hand 140 493 4,929 5,051 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2,201 1,837 Net current assets 2,728 3,214 Total assets less current liabilities 10,037 9,071 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year 1,340 658 Provisions for liabilities and charges Deferred tax 477 365 8,220 8,048 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 147 146 Share premium 6,473 6,450 Profit and loss account 1,600 1,452 Shareholders' funds 8,220 8,048 Group statement of cashflows for the year ended 30 September 2007 Unaudited 2007 2006 Notes £'000 £'000 Net cash inflow from operating activities 6a 1,348 1,529 Return on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 7 6 Interest paid (71) (48) Interest element of finance lease rental payments (2) (11) Net outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance (66) (53) Taxation Corporation tax paid (29) (230) Capital expenditure and financial investment Payments to acquire intangible fixed assets (202) (159) Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (1,901) (1,767) Receipt from sale of assets 1 6 Net outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (2,102) (1,920) Equity dividends paid (439) (360) Net cash outflow before financing (1,288) (1,034) Financing Net receipts from new hire purchase agreements/bank loan 1,123 750 Issue of ordinary share capital 24 238 Repayments of bank loans (134) (122) Repayments of capital element of finance lease (78) (149) Net inflow from financing 935 717 Decrease in cash (353) (317) Reconciliation of net cashflow to movement in net debt Decrease in cash (353) (317) Net receipts from new hire purchase agreements/bank loan (1,123) (750) Repayments of bank loans 134 122 Repayments of capital element of finance lease 78 149 Movement in net debt (1,264) (796) Net debt at beginning of year (380) 416 Net debt at end of year 6b (1,644) (380) 1. Basis of preparation The preliminary results have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The preliminary results have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Group's statutory accounts for the year ended 30 September 2006, except that the accounts take account, for the first time, of the requirements of Financial Reporting Standard 20, share-based payment. The results for the year ended 30 September 2006 have been restated to reflect the application of FRS20. The adoption of FRS 20 has resulted in a change in accounting policy for share based-payment transactions. FRS 20 requires the fair value of options and share awards, which ultimately vest, to be charged to the profit and loss account over the vesting or performance period. For equity-settled transactions the fair value is determined at the date of the grant using an appropriate pricing model. For cash-settled transactions fair value is established initially at the grant date and at each balance sheet date thereafter until the awards are settled. If an award fails to vest as the result of certain types of performance condition not being satisfied, the charge to the income statement will be adjusted to reflect this. Staff costs of £46,000 (2006: £39,000) and a deferred tax asset of £29,000 (2006: £15,000) have been recognised in the profit and loss account and the balance sheet respectively. 2. Basis of consolidation The Group results consolidate the financial statements of Zytronic plc and all of its subsidiary undertakings drawn up to 30 September 2007. 3. Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities Restated 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Current tax: UK corporation tax - (27) Corporation tax over-provided in prior years 12 10 Total current tax credit/(charge) 12 (17) Deferred tax: Origination and reversal of timing differences (112) (136) Group deferred tax (112) (136) Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities (100) (153) Factors affecting current tax charge: Restated 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of UK corporation tax of 30% (2006: 30%) (192) (382) Expenses not deductible for tax purposes (includes amortisation of goodwill and licences) 17 (54) Deferred revenue expenses and tax credits 146 110 Accelerated capital allowances 70 81 Current year tax losses carried forward (44) - Effects of small company/marginal rates of UK corporation tax - 16 'Gain' on exercise of share options allowable for taxation 3 202 purposes but not reflected in the profit and loss account Adjustments in respect of prior years 12 10 Total current tax credit/(charge) 12 (17) 4. Dividends The Directors propose the payment of a final dividend of 2.0p per share (2006: 2.0p), payable on 7 March 2008 to shareholders on the Register on 22 February 2008. This dividend has not been accrued in these Annual Accounts. The dividend payment will amount to some £293,000. 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Ordinary dividends on equity shares Final dividend of 1.5p per ordinary share paid on 24 March 2006 - 215 Interim dividend of 1.0p per ordinary share paid on 30 June 2006 - 145 Final dividend of 2.0p per ordinary share paid on 16 March 2007 293 - Interim dividend of 1.0p per ordinary share paid on 29 June 2007 146 - 439 360 5. Earnings per share Basic earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. All activities are continuing operations and therefore there is no difference between EPS arising from total operations and EPS arising from continuing operations. Weighted Weighted average Restated average Restated number Earnings number Earnings Earnings of shares per share Earnings of shares per share 30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 £'000 thousands pence £'000 thousands pence Profit on ordinary activities after taxation attributable to ordinary equity holders 541 14,640 3.7 1,120 14,414 7.8 Basic EPS 541 14,640 3.7 1,120 14,414 7.8 The weighted average number of shares for diluted EPS is calculated by including the weighted average number of shares under option. Weighted Weighted average Restated average Restated number Earnings number Earnings Earnings of shares per share Earnings of shares per share 30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September 30 September 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006 2006 £'000 thousands pence £'000 thousands pence Profit on ordinary activities after taxation attributable to ordinary equity holders 541 14,640 3.7 1,120 14,414 7.8 Weighted average number of shares under option - 147 - - 220 (0.1) Diluted EPS 541 14,787 3.7 1,120 14,634 7.7 During the year 21,818 ordinary shares with an aggregate nominal value of £218 were allocated for cash at 110p each on the exercise of one option. 6. Notes to the statement of Group cashflows (a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities Restated 2007 2006 £'000 £'000 Operating profit 707 1,326 Depreciation 490 429 Amortisation 269 266 Profit on sale of fixed assets (1) (5) Share options charge 46 39 Gross cash inflows 1,511 2,055 Increase in stocks (122) (505) Increase in debtors (96) (216) Increase in creditors 55 195 Net cash inflow from operating activities 1,348 1,529 (b) Analysis of net debt 2006 Cashflows 2007 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash at bank and in hand 493 (353) 140 Bank loan - chattel mortgage (83) 76 (7) Bank loan - property (712) 58 (654) Finance lease (78) 78 - Hire purchase agreements - (1,123) (1,123) Net debt (380) (1,264) (1,644) 7. Report and Accounts The Board approved the preliminary release for the year ended 30 September 2007 on Monday 10 December 2007. The above unaudited results do not represent statutory accounts. The audit report is yet to be signed. The audited accounts will be mailed to shareholders shortly and will be available from the registered office at Whiteley Road, Blaydon on Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 5NJ. The results for the year ended 30 September 2006 have been extracted from the 2006 accounts of Zytronic plc, which have been restated following the adoption of FRS20, share-based payment, in the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2007. The 2006 accounts, which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies, received an unqualified audit report and did not contain a statement under Section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. 8. AGM Date It is intended that the AGM will take place at the Company's offices at Whiteley Road, Blaydon on Tyne, Tyne & Wear, NE21 5NJ on Tuesday 19 February 2008 at 2.00pm. Notice of the AGM will be sent to shareholders with the financial statements. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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