1st Quarter Results

IQE PLC 21 May 2003 21st MAY 2003 IQE plc 1st Quarter 2003 Results IQE plc (IQE), the world's leading global outsource supplier of customised epitaxial wafers to the semi-conductor industry, today announces its 1st Quarter 2003 Results for the period ended 31 March 2003. KEY POINTS • Q1/2003 sales were £4.959m, 7% lower than the previous quarter (Q4/ 2002: £5.316m) and 13% lower than the same quarter last year (Q1/2002: £5.680m). • Q1/2003 operating loss was £3.420m, 35% lower than the previous quarter (Q4/2002: £5.276m) and 31% lower than the same quarter last year (Q4/ 2002: £4.977m) due to continued cost cutting measures and reduced depreciation charges resulting from the impairment charges taken in 2002. • Q1/2003 operating cash outflow was £3.005m, compared with Q4/2002 £0.966m and Q1/2002 £3.319m. • Q1/2003 capital expenditure was reduced to £0.070m compared with Q4/ 2002 £0.576m and Q1/2002 £1.366m. Exceptional costs of £0.299m were also incurred in the quarter associated with staff reductions and restructuring. • Q1/2003 total cash outflow was £4.217m (Q4/2002: £2.233m) including repayment of £1.219m of long term borrowing. • Continued aggressive cost cutting measures, including a reduction of 50 staff as previously reported and restructuring of the Group, which will save approximately £2.000m per year. • Gross cash at the close of Q1/2003 was £13.497m (Q1/2002: £27.918m). • Continued progress in diversifying the Group's product ranges, particularly in the optical technologies area away from its traditional reliance on optical communication products, should bear fruit in the coming quarters. • Some delays in order pull through from one major customer in the wireless sector due to end customer design changes, otherwise continued strength in the RF wireless sector. Commenting on the results, Dr Drew Nelson, President/CEO said 'Although revenues fell slightly in Q1 due to strong pricing pressures and seasonal effects, wafer volumes continued to rise. The results were closely in line with those presented at the year end 2002 results, illustrating the continued difficult trading conditions in the technology markets. The Group is realising significant cost savings and these continuing efforts are resulting in lower cash outflows, despite the lower levels of sales. The Group remains confident that it is in a strong position in the outsource market but recognises the protection of its cash position is paramount, so management are focussed on growing sales, continual cost savings and working capital improvements. We expect a significantly reduced total cash outflow in Q2, including the repayment of approximately £0.8m of long term borrowing on relatively flat sales. The Board continues to believe that the Group will benefit strongly as the overall semiconductor industry recovers and will continue to strengthen its position as the leading outsource supplier of advanced wafer products to the sector.' For further information please contact : IQE plc +44 (0)2920 839400 Drew Nelson, (President/CEO) Tim Hawkes (Acting CFO) Chris Meadows (Investor Relations) Leslie Coventry (Company Secretary) Buchanan Communications +44 (0)2074665000 Tim Thomson/Nicola Cronk FIRST QUARTER 2003 RESULTS INTRODUCTION Group sales appear to have stabilised at around the current levels, with price declines being offset by higher volumes. In contrast, a number of other companies in our sector have continued to experience continued significant sales declines. We believe this is as a result of the Group increasing its share of the outsource wafer market. We are also encouraged by the number of customers who are indicating strongly their desire to increase outsourcing as the market returns. Following our earlier initiatives, actions were taken which are now bearing fruit and these are resulting in significant cost reductions, reduced cash outflows moving forward and a stronger competitive position. As the market recovers, the Board continues to believe that IQE is in a strong position to be a major beneficiary. RESULTS Q1/2003 sales were £4.959m, a 7% reduction on Q4/2002 due to normal Q1 seasonal effects and 13% down on Q1/2002 mainly due to the change in US$ exchange rate, with reductions in the telecom opto market being compensated for by the strengthening electronics/wireless market. The gross margin for Q1/2003 was -20% compared with -44% in Q4/2002 excluding exceptional, non-recurring costs and -21% in Q1/2002 as a result of reduced depreciation charges, ongoing reductions in labour costs and improvements in operating efficiencies. The negative gross margin continues to reflect a high (but continually reducing) proportion of the production overhead costs being largely fixed in nature. This should improve further in Q2/2003 when the impact of the Q1/2003 headcount reductions is realised. Q1/2003 research and development costs were £0.659m, representing 13% of sales (Q4/2002: £0.811m, 15%). Development is now being focussed mainly on the InGaP HBT product for the wireless market, where short-medium term returns can be expected as qualification with a number of customers is well underway, as well as high power lasers for industrial applications, optical storage (DVD and CD) and LED products. All research and development expenditure was expensed in the quarter. Q1/2003 SG&A costs were £1.764m, an 18% reduction on Q4/2002 and 33% down on Q1/ 2002, reflecting substantial cost cutting and restructuring measures taken throughout the Group. As a result of the above, the Group incurred a Q1/2003 operating loss before exceptional items (restructuring costs) and non-recurring charges of £3.420m compared with operating losses of £5.276m in Q4/2002 and £4.977m in Q1/2002. The restructuring costs related to the reduction in headcount, mainly in IQE Europe, which reduced the Group headcount from 310 to 260, the beneficial impact of which will be realised in Q2/2003. After charging net interest costs of £0.082m and exceptional items of £0.299m, the pre tax loss for the quarter was £3.801m. Q1/2003 capital expenditure fell to £0.070m, well below both the previous quarter (Q4/2002: £0.576m) and the same quarter last year (Q1/2002: £1.366m). Future capex is likely to be minimal, as the major upgrade to the operations is complete and only maintenance capex is now required. Q1/2003 cash outflow from operations was £3.005m (£2.706m before restructuring costs of £0.299m), down from £3.319m in Q1/2002 on 13% lower sales but up from £0.966m in Q4/2002. Q4/ 2002 benefited substantially from a working capital improvement of £2.118m and a grant release of £0.420m. Total cash outflow for Q1/2003 was £4.217m, which included repayment of £1.219m of long term borrowings. Gross cash reduced to £13.497m from £17.715m at last year end. OPERATIONS The Group is continuing to increase its market share and feedback from customers on the Group's broad product range and large production capability has been positive. IQE Inc has continued to see improving conditions in its wireless business as customer inventories have now been largely worked through and demand for handsets and infrastructure components is improving, one exception being a significant contract which has been delayed due to a specification change in the final model. However, this should resume within the next two quarters. Internal programmes to extend efficiency improvements and achieve cost reductions are continuing successfully, enabling the variable costs of production to be maintained as a percentage of the sales price, a critical achievement as the industry is experiencing significant price reduction pressures. Optical storage related components and High Efficiency LED market segments remain relatively buoyant, and IQE Europe has been successfully qualifying with Far East OEM DVD suppliers. In addition, IQE Europe's InGaP HBT product is proving to be highly reliable and offers enhanced performance over competitors' products. A new high power laser product is also under development and is in qualification with key tier 1 customers. The Group is currently transitioning products and technologies into these areas, both in the epitaxy and substrate divisions, which should help to raise margins in future quarters as they are brought into production. Wafer Technology has seen a strengthening in demand for GaAs substrates for LED applications albeit offset to some extent by price erosion. The Company's range of narrow gap materials for longer wavelength IR applications has also continued to be well-received to the extent that steps have been initiated to bring additional capacity on line during the quarter. These developments, coupled with close management of costs and inventories, has enabled the Company to outperform the rest of the industry in continuing to trade at close to cash-breakeven for the period. IQE Silicon Compounds continues to develop the strained silicon product family and supply other more standard silicon products to the wider market. TRADING PROSPECTS The outlook for the remainder of 2003 continues to look very challenging, with increasing wafer volumes offset to some extent by a tight pricing environment. As a result, sales are not expected to increase rapidly. However, the Group has achieved a number of operational efficiencies, which have enabled IQE to offer customers attractive pricing and to gain market share without prejudicing the financial position of the business. To summarise: • We have made significant cost savings, whilst ensuring that the Group is well positioned to respond rapidly to increased sales demands. • We have substantially reduced SG&A costs. • We have continued to invest in new product development, with the main focus on products offering short to medium term paybacks. • Our planned capacity expansion has been completed and we are capable of producing up to £120m sales revenue through investment in the purchase, installation and run-up of significant capital assets. As the Group continues to increase market share, incremental sales will have a significant positive impact on profitability and cash position. • The Board remains confident that IQE is in a strong position within the outsourcing market as a 'one stop shop' advanced wafer supplier. With a large available production capacity and the necessary capital resources, the Board believes the Group will benefit strongly as the overall semiconductor industry recovers and will continue to strengthen its position as the leading outsource supplier of advanced wafer products to the sector. • We realise the protection of our cash position is paramount. We are focussed both on continual cost-savings and working capital reductions along with increasing sales and reviewing strategic relationships that could benefit the Group. Dr Drew Nelson President and Chief Executive Officer IQE plc ACCOUNTS FOR 3 MONTHS TO 31 MARCH 2003 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT Note 31 Mar 2003 31 Mar 2002 31 Dec 2002 (All figures GBP000s) Turnover 4,959 5,680 22,960 Cost of Sales (5,956) (6,895) (90,579) Gross Profit/(Loss) (997) (1,215) (67,619) Gross Profit/(Loss) % (20.1) (21.4) (294.5) S G and A Costs including Distribution : Research/Development (659) (1,142) (3,210) Selling/General/Administration (1,764) (2,620) (10,401) Operating Profit/(Loss) before Goodwill/Exceptionals (3,420) (4,977) (81,230) Operating Profit/(Loss) % before Goodwill/Exceptionals (69.0) (87.6) (353.8) Goodwill Written off 2 (0) (437) (34,302) Exceptional Items 3 (299) (345) (2,686) Operating Profit/(Loss) after Goodwill/Exceptionals (3,720) (5,759) (118,218) Operating Profit/(Loss) % after Goodwill/Exceptionals (75.0) (101.4) (514.9) Interest Received/(Paid) (82) (12) (16) Net Profit/(Loss) before Taxes (3,801) (5,771) (118,234) Net Profit/(Loss) % (76.7) (101.6) (515.0) Current Taxes (0) (0) 0 Deferred Taxes (0) (0) 1,217 Dividends (0) (0) 0 Net Profit/(Loss) after Taxes (3,801) (5,771) (117,017) Basic Earnings Pence/Share (2.05) (3.13) (63.08) Basic Earnings Pence/Share excl Goodwill (2.05) (2.90) (44.59) Diluted Earnings Pence/Share 4 (2.05) (3.13) (63.08) Diluted Earnings Pence/Share excl Goodwill 4 (2.05) (2.90) (44.59) Net Profit/(Loss) before Interest/ Taxes/Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (3,187) (3,396) (19,537) As At As At As At BALANCE SHEET 31 Mar 2003 31 Mar 2002 31 Dec 2002 (All figures GBP000s) Fixed Assets : Intangible Fixed Assets 0 33,866 0 Tangible Fixed Assets 13,514 74,772 13,862 Investment in Own Shares 14 3 9 Capitalized Research and 0 0 0 Development Total Fixed Assets 13,528 108,640 13,871 Current Assets : Stocks 4,774 10,644 4,988 Debtors 3,687 6,589 3,721 Cash and Bank 13,497 27,918 17,715 Total Current Assets 21,958 45,150 26,424 Creditors Falling Due within One Year (11,302) (9,404) (11,908) Net Current Assets 10,655 35,746 14,516 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 24,184 144,386 28,387 Creditors Falling Due after One Year : Deferred Income (452) (141) (452) Long Term Borrowings (5,333) (7,773) (5,999) Provision for Liabilities and Charges : Deferred Taxes (0) (1,215) 0 Net Assets 18,398 135,256 21,936 Capital and Reserves : Called Up Share Capital 1,880 1,851 1,871 Merger Reserve (605) (605) (605) Share Premium Account 140,464 140,162 140,328 Shares to be Issued 147 3 133 Retained Earnings (123,309) (8,261) (119,507) Other Reserves (179) 2,108 (284) Total Equity Shareholders' Funds 18,398 135,256 21,936 The financial statements were approved by the Directors of IQE plc on 20 May 2003 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to CASH FLOW STATEMENT 31 Mar 2003 31 Mar 2002 31 Dec 2002 (All figures GBP000s) Net Inflow/(Outflow) from Operations (3,005) (3,319) (8,995) Returns on Investment and Servicing Finance : Interest Received/(Paid) (82) (12) (16) Capital Expenditures : Purchases of Fixed Assets less (70) (1,366) (3,765) Leases Received Payments to Acquire Investments 0 0 0 in Subsidiaries Capitalized Development Costs (0) (0) 0 Dividends Received/(Paid) 0 0 0 Taxes Received/(Paid) 0 (0) (67) Net Inflow/(Outflow) before Financing (3,156) (4,698) (12,843) Financing : Issues of Ordinary Share Capital 158 2,950 3,267 Loans Received/(Repaid) (625) (258) (662) Leases (Repaid) (594) (609) (2,578) Net Inflow/(Outflow) from Financing (1,061) 2,083 27 Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Bank Overdrafts (4,217) (2,614) (12,816) RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT TO CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) FROM OPERATIONS 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to 31 Mar 2003 31 Mar 2002 31 Dec 2002 (All figures GBP000s) Operating Profit after Goodwill/Exceptionals (3,720) (5,759) (118,218) Depreciation Charged 532 1,926 64,379 Goodwill Written off 0 437 34,302 (Increase)/Decrease in Stocks 214 1,633 7,289 (Increase)/Decrease in Debtors 34 906 3,774 Increase/(Decrease) in Creditors (66) (2,431) (800) Grants Released 0 (32) (141) Grants Received 0 0 420 Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow) from Operations (3,005) (3,319) (8,995) RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to 31 Mar 2003 31 Mar 2002 31 Dec 2002 (All figures GBP000s) Increase/(Decrease) in Cash (4,217) (2,614) (12,816) Loans (Received)/Repaid 625 258 662 Leases Repaid 594 609 2,578 Change in Funds Resulting from Cash Flows (2,998) (1,747) (9,576) New Finance Leases (0) (376) (389) New Loans Non Cash (0) (0) (1,315) Net Movement (2,998) (2,123) (11,280) Net Funds at Start 7,959 19,104 19,104 Exchange Differences (28) 19 135 Net Funds at Close 4,932 17,000 7,959 Analysis of Net Funds : Cash and Bank 13,497 27,918 17,715 Loans Due after One Year (2,936) (2,640) (3,049) Loans Due within One Year (551) (656) (1,035) HP/Finance Leases Due after (2,421) (5,132) (2,950) One Year HP/Finance Leases Due within One Year (2,657) (2,490) (2,722) Total 4,932 17,000 7,959 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS 1 BASIS OF PREPARATION The financial information is prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards, which have been applied on a consistent basis during the period under review. The particular accounting policies adopted are described below: * Turnover represents amounts invoiced, exclusive of value added tax * Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any provisions for impairment. Cost comprises all costs that are directly attributable to bringing the asset into working condition for its intended use, as defined by Financial Reporting Standard Number 15. Depreciation has been calculated so as to write down the cost of assets to their residual values over the following estimated useful economic lives. No depreciation is provided on land or assets in the course of construction, or on assets in periods of non-use where no physical or technological deterioration occurs and the remaining useful economic life is extended by the period of non-use. Freehold buildings 25 years Short leasehold improvements 5/27 years Plant and machinery 5/10 years Fixtures and fittings 4/5 years Motor vehicles 4 years * The financial information consolidates the financial statements of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. * Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. * Research and development expenditure is fully written off when incurred except where contracts of sufficient value exist or are likely to exist in the foreseeable future, in which case it is written off over a two year period commencing with the start of the contracts to which the costs relate. * Transactions in foreign currencies during the period are recorded in sterling at the rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date. All exchange differences are taken to the profit and loss account. The balance sheets of IQE Inc are translated into sterling at the closing rates of exchange for the period, while the profit and loss accounts are translated into sterling at the average rates of exchange for the period. The resulting translation differences are taken direct to reserves. * The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes. Contributions are charged in the profit and loss account as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the schemes. * Deferred taxation is provided in full on timing differences that result in an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future date at rates expected to apply when they crystallize based on current tax rates and law. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in financial statements. Deferred tax is not provided on timing differences arising from the revaluation of fixed assets where there is no binding contract to dispose of those assets. Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted * Government grants receivable in connection with expenditure on tangible fixed assets are accounted for as deferred income, which is credited to the profit and loss account by instalments over the expected useful economic life of the related assets on a basis consistent with the depreciation policy. Revenue grants for the reimbursement of costs incurred are deducted from the costs to which they related, in the period in which the costs are incurred. * Assets held under finance leases and hire purchase contracts are capitalized at their fair value on inception of the leases and depreciated over the shorter of the period of the lease and the estimated useful economic lives of the assets. The finance charges are allocated over the period of the lease in proportion to the capital amount outstanding and are charged to the profit and loss account. Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account in equal amounts over the lease term. * The only derivative instruments utilized by the Group are forward exchange contracts. The Group does not enter into speculative derivative contracts. Forward exchange contracts are used for hedging purposes to alter the risk profile of an existing underlying exposure of the Group in line with the Group's risk management policies. 2 GOODWILL The goodwill arising on the acquisition of Wafer Technology International Limited and its subsidiary Wafer Technology Limited had been capitalized and was being amortized over its useful life, which was considered by the Directors to be 20 years. However, the Directors carried out an evaluation of the investment during 2002 and, in the light of current market conditions, considered that no goodwill existed. Accordingly, the remaining value of goodwill was written off in full in the 2002 accounts. 3 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 2003 2002 Exceptional items comprise : Restructuring costs £299K £0K Legal fees £0K £345K Restructuring costs relate to the cost of staff redundancies within the Group as part of the Group's cost reduction program. Legal fees related to a complaint lodged by IQE (Europe) against Rockwell regarding a declaratory judgment that IQE Europe's processes did not infringe a Rockwell-owned MOCVD patent which expired on 11 January 2000 plus claims for damages related to this matter. Rockwell counter-claimed, alleging breaches of a licence agreement by IQE (Europe). The two parties settled their dispute during 2002. Under the terms of the settlement, IQE (Europe) paid Rockwell $500K and provided them with 300,000 shares in IQE plc in return for their agreement that neither IQE (Europe) nor its customers had infringed the MOCVD patent. A further $250K will be paid to Rockwell during 2003 followed by a final payment of $250K during 2004. The cost of the settlement was charged in full in the 2002 accounts 4 EARNINGS PER SHARE FRS 14 requires the presentation of diluted EPS when a company could be called upon to issue shares that would decrease net profit or increase net loss per share. For a loss making company with outstanding share options, net loss per share would only be increased by the exercise of the out of the money options. Since it seems inappropriate to assume that options holders would act irrationally, no adjustment has been made to diluted EPS for out of the money share options. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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