Final Results

IQE PLC 26 March 2003 26 MARCH 2003 IQE plc 4th Quarter and Preliminary Full Year Results 2002 IQE plc (IQE), the world's leading global outsource supplier of customised epitaxial wafers to the semi-conductor industry, today announces its 4th Quarter and Preliminary Full Year Results for the period ended 31 December 2002. HIGHLIGHTS - Q4 sales were 5% lower than the previous quarter at £5.316m (Q3/2002: £5.607m) mainly due to the weakening of the US$, and were 31% less than the same period last year (Q4/2001: £7.696m) as a result of the dramatic downturn in the optical telecoms market. - Full year sales were down by 45% at £22.960m (2001: £42.047m). - As detailed in the Profit and Loss Account Analysis, Q4 operating loss before goodwill amortisation, exceptional operating items and non-recurring charges was £5.276m compared with a loss of £3.795m in the same period in 2001. Operating loss for the full year before goodwill, exceptionals and non-recurring costs was £21.134m (2001: £3.467m). - Operating cash outflow for Q4 reduced to £0.966m compared with £3.598m for the previous quarter and £4.516m for the same quarter in the previous year, and capital expenditure reduced to £0.576m compared to £2.784m in Q4 2001. - Aggressive cost cutting measures undertaken during year, including a headcount reduction of 120 staff (30% of workforce) completed in March 2003 saving over £6.000m/annum of payroll and other costs. - Year end gross cash stood at £17.715m compared with £30.532m at end 2001. - Continued good progress at IQE Silicon Compounds including the successful completion of customer qualification programs and continued growth in interest in SiGe and related products. - Strong evidence of sustainable pick up in wireless product business serviced by US operations with several major customers now taking regular volume deliveries. - Non-recurring charges in Q4 of £47.607m of which £47.329m was accelerated depreciation (impairment of fixed assets). Commenting on the results, Dr Drew Nelson, President/CEO said '2002 was an exceptionally difficult year for the semiconductor industry, particularly in the field of optical communications which had been a key market for the Group. However, some market segments had begun to recover by the year end, notably the RF Wireless market where IQE has built a strong competitive position. During the year, the Group achieved major reductions in its cost base by aggressively cutting overheads, whilst continuing to diversify its product ranges to reduce dependence on the optical communications sector. These initiatives are beginning to bear fruit and with gross cash of £17.7 million at year end, continuing moves to outsourcing throughout the semiconductor industry, and further product diversification, we continue to believe the Group is strongly positioned as the economy recovers.' For further information please contact : IQE plc Drew Nelson, (President/CEO) +44 (0)2920 83 9400 Tim Hawkes (Acting CFO) +44 (0)2920 83 9400 Chris Meadows (Investor Relations) +44 (0)2920 83 9400 Leslie Coventry (Company Secretary) +44 (0)2920 83 9400 Buchanan Communications Tim Thompson/Nicola Cronk, +44 (0)2074 665000 4th QUARTER / FULL YEAR RESULTS INTRODUCTION The semiconductor markets remained depressed throughout the fourth quarter exacerbated by the continuing downturn in the global economy. In the opto-electronics market, many of the Group's key customers continued to experience poor visibility accompanied by weak sales and profitability. However, the electronics sector, particularly the RF wireless market, had begun showing signs of recovery that has been sustained through to the first quarter of 2003. There was strong evidence in the fourth quarter that the restructuring programmes and strict cost controls were starting to impact with a significant reduction in cash outflow. With sales for the three months only 5% lower than the previous quarter, the Management team believes the electronics market sector has finally bottomed out and that there are strong indicators that IQE stands to gain significant market share as key players come back on line, and increasingly recognise the risk reduction and cost benefits of wafer outsourcing. RESULTS Despite a continuation from Q3 in the increased market demand for wireless products, the weakening of the US$ resulted in sales revenues in Q4 being down 5% on Q3 at £5.316m (Q3, 2002: £5.607m), representing a decrease of 31% year on year (Q4/2001: £7.696m). Sales for the full year to December were 45% lower than the previous full year at £22.960m (2001: £42.047m). As detailed in the Profit and Loss Account Analysis, the reduction in sales revenue compared with Q3 2002 resulted in the negative gross margin excluding non-recurring costs in Q4 increasing to -44% (Q3/2002: -40%). However, following the impairment of assets, depreciation charges in COGS will reduce by £1.655m per quarter, improving gross margin to -13% based on Q4 sales and costs. In-house research and development effort increased in the quarter to £0.811m, representing 15.2% of sales (Q3/2002: £0.525m, 9% of sales), to support increased development activity particularly in the areas of new products such as InP HBTs, Si Ge, Strained Silicon, long wavelength VCSELs and InGaP HBTs, all of which was expensed in the quarter. Nonetheless, R&D expenditure for the quarter was down in absolute terms from the same period in 2001 (Q4/2001: £0.894m, 11.6% of sales). Total research and development costs for the year amounted to £3.210m (2001: £3.792m), which was equivalent to 14% of sales (2001: 9% of sales). Sustained efforts to control costs meant that SG&A expenses excluding non-recurring costs continued to reduce to £2.138m (Q3/2002: £2.705m) (Q4/2001: £2.801m) Non-recurring costs charged in the Profit and Loss Account Analysis in Q4 consisted of £47.329m accelerated depreciation (impairment of fixed assets) reducing the net book value of the majority of fixed assets to market valuation and £0.278m provision for the lease on a vacated property at Wafer Technology. Full year non-recurring costs were £93.507m consisting mainly of £55.931m impairment of fixed assets, £33.411m write-off of Wafer Technology goodwill, £2.855m provision for slow moving/ obsolete inventory and £0.528m provision for vacated leased properties. Excluding the impact of these one off charges, the overall operating loss for the quarter was £5.276m compared with a loss in the previous quarter of £5.457m and a loss of £3.795m in the same period in 2001. Cumulative operating loss for the year before goodwill, exceptionals and non-recurring costs was £21.134m. Excluding goodwill and one off charges, the loss per share for the year was 12.25 pence. The Group incurred an operating cash outflow for the year of £8.995m (2001: outflow of £7.066m) before capital expenditure, which reduced substantially in Q4 to £0.576m (Q4/2001: £2.784m). Total capital expenditure for the year amounted to £3.765m (2001: £25.170m), bringing the net cash outflow for the year before financing to £12.843m (2001: £31.703m). With no further significant capital expenditure planned for 2003 and £17.715m gross cash, the Group believes it has sufficient cash reserves to see it through the current industry downturn. As a result of the unprecedented market conditions, the Board looked critically at the carrying value of assets on the Groups balance sheet, and decided to take an accelerated depreciation charge, thereby writing the majority of assets down to their market valuation. This in no way reduces their effectiveness for large scale production, but is more a prudent recognition that their carrying value on the balance sheet did not reflect the current market valuation for the majority of such assets. OPERATIONS Increasing contracts for wireless products at IQE Inc during Q4 largely offset the decline in contracts for opto-electronic products from IQE (Europe), the overall reduction in sales being mainly due to exchange rate variations. As a result of the dramatic decline in the fibre optic component market, there has been a major shift in emphasis at IQE (Europe), with a concerted marketing effort in the Far East concentrating on opto-electronic materials for consumer (CD/DVD) rather than communications products. Marketing effort has also focussed on electronic products where IQE has a world class offering for InGaP HBTs produced on the MOCVD platforms at IQE (Europe). The HBT product from IQE (Europe) has met with significant success and is being qualified by a number of manufacturers worldwide, although the qualification process can take typically 6 to 9 months to complete. In the wireless marketplace, the Company continues to see quantifiable and sustainable signs of improvement to trading conditions, with more and more significant production orders being agreed with customers. In addition, new product development continues to be successful, particularly with InP HBTs which are being designed into a number of 'next generation' customer products. Wafer Technology continues to perform well on specialist wafer products, although their more mature business has also suffered as a consequence of the very difficult market conditions. Overall, Wafer Technology is performing strongly against its competitors in the marketplace and business has held up reasonably well to the extent that the business is approaching cash break-even. IQE Silicon Compounds continues to make progress in terms of more standard buried silicon based epitaxy and feedback has continued to be very positive with respect to the new SiGe and strained silicon products, although the adoption of the new technology by customers has been slowed by the constraints imposed by the prevailing market conditions. Overall, the current trading environment continues to be extremely challenging, particularly in the opto-electronics sector. Continued weakness in this area is being offset to a significant extent by the improving environment in the wireless sector. However, in order to conserve cash, the Group has taken a number of cost control initiatives that are anticipated to help it to re-establish positive cash flow and profitability as the semiconductor industry recovers, whilst maintaining critical production capability, resource and infrastructure to ensure the business is properly positioned to exploit its full medium and long term potential. OUTLOOK The semiconductor industry continues to suffer from very low visibility at the present time, and is experiencing considerable pricing pressures throughout the supply chain. Against this very difficult background, IQE has managed to keep sales virtually flat over the last three quarters, save for exchange rate variations. We have increased our market share in the RF Wireless sector which is showing continued strength, and have made strong progress in diversifying our product ranges away from the traditional reliance on the optical communications market sector. Although we anticipate the market remaining very difficult for the coming quarters, we continue to see more emphasis placed by our customers on outsourcing and, with a significantly reduced cost base, we believe we will benefit significantly as the semiconductor markets recovers. Dr Drew Nelson President/CEO IQE plc IQE PLC ACCOUNTS FOR 12 MONTHS TO 31 DECEMBER 2002 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to 12 months to (All figures GBP000s) Note 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 Turnover 5,316 7,696 22,960 42,047 Cost of Sales 2, 4 (55,005) (7,796) (90,579) (32,381) Gross Profit/(Loss) (49,689) (100) (67,619) 9,666 S G and A Costs including Distribution : Research/Development (811) (894) (3,210) (3,792) Selling/General/Administration (2,383) (2,801) (10,401) (9,341) Operating Profit/(Loss) before Goodwill/Exceptionals (52,883) (3,795) (81,230) (3,467) Goodwill Written off 3 (0) (472) (34,302) (1,835) Exceptional Items 4 89 (253) (2,686) (759) Operating Profit/(Loss) after Goodwill/Exceptionals (52,794) (4,520) (118,218) (6,061) Interest Received/(Paid) (6) (109) (16) 211 Net Profit/(Loss) before Tax (52,800) (4,629) (118,234) (5,850) Current Tax 0 (419) (0) (104) Deferred Tax 1,217 640 1,217 373 Dividends 0 0 (0) (0) Net Profit/(Loss) after Tax (51,583) (4,407) (117,017) (5,580) Basic Earnings Pence/Share (27.81) (2.67) (63.08) (3.38) Basic Earnings Pence/Share excl Goodwill (27.81) (2.39) (44.59) (2.27) Diluted Earnings Pence/Share 6 (27.81) (2.67) (63.08) (3.38) Diluted Earnings Pence/Share excl Goodwill 6 (27.81) (2.39) (44.59) (2.27) Net Profit/(Loss) before Interest /Taxes/ Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (3,109) (2,466) (19,537) 2,196 PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT ANALYSIS 3 3 3 3 12 12 12 12 months to months to months to months to months to months to months to months to 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec 31 Dec (All figures GBP000s) Note 2002 2002 2002 2001 2002 2002 2002 2001 non non recurring recurring Total total recurring recurring total total (note 5) (note 5) Turnover 5,316 0 5,316 7,696 23,050 (90) 22,960 42,047 Cost of Sales 2, 4 (7,643) (47,362) (55,005) (7,796) (31,283) (59,296) (90,579) (32,381) Gross Profit/(Loss) (2,327) (47,362) (49,689) (100) (8,233) (59,386) (67,619) 9,666 Gross Profit/(Loss) % (43.8) (1.3) (35.7) 23.0 S G and A Costs including Distribution : Research/Development (811) 0 (811) (894) (3,210) 0 (3,210) (3,792) Selling/General/Admin 2 (2,138) (245) (2,383) (2,801) (9,691) (710) (10,401) (9,341) Operating Profit/(Loss) before Goodwill/ Exceptionals (5,276) (47,607) (52,883) (3,795) (21,134) (60,096) (81,230) (3,467) Operating Profit/(Loss) % before Goodwill/ Exceptionals (99.2) (49.3) (91.7) (8.2) Goodwill Written off 3 (0) 0 (0) (472) (891) (33,411) (34,302) (1,835) Exceptional Items 4 89 0 89 (253) (2,686) 0 (2,686) (759) Operating Profit/(Loss) after Goodwill/ Exceptionals (5,187) (47,607) (52,794) (4,520) (24,711) (93,507) (118,218) (6,061) Operating Profit/(Loss) % after Goodwill/ Exceptionals (97.6) (58.7) (107.2) (14.4) Interest Received/(Paid) (6) 0 (6) (109) (16) 0 (16) 211 Net Profit/(Loss) before (5,193) (47,607) (52,800) (4,629) (24,727) (93,507) (118,234) (5,850) Tax Net Profit/(Loss) % (97.7) (60.1) (107.3) (13.9) Current Tax 0 0 0 (419) (0) 0 (0) (104) Deferred Tax 1,217 0 1,217 640 1,217 0 1,217 373 Dividends 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 (0) (0) Net Profit/(Loss) after (3,976) (47,607) (51,583) (4,407) (23,510) (93,507) (117,017) (5,580) Tax Basic Earnings Pence/ (2.14) (27.81) (2.67) (12.73) (63.36) (3.41) Share Basic Earnings Pence/ Share excl Goodwill (2.14) (27.81) (2.39) (12.25) (44.79) (2.29) Diluted Earnings Pence/ Share 6 (2.07) (26.83) (2.60) (12.73) (63.36) (3.31) Diluted Earnings Pence/ Share excl Goodwill 6 (2.07) (26.83) (2.32) (12.25) (44.79) (2.22) Net Profit/(Loss) before Interest/Taxes/ Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) (2,831) (278) (3,109) (2,466) (15,372) (4,165) (19,537) 2,196 BALANCE SHEET As At As At (All figures GBP000s) 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 Fixed Assets : Intangible Fixed Assets 0 34,658 Tangible Fixed Assets 13,862 74,193 Investment in Own Shares 9 3 Capitalized Research and Development 0 0 Total Fixed Assets 13,871 108,854 Current Assets : Stocks 4,988 12,277 Debtors 3,721 7,495 Cash and Bank 17,715 30,532 Total Current Assets 26,425 50,304 Creditors Falling Due within One Year (11,908) (11,945) Net Current Assets 14,516 38,359 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 28,388 147,213 Creditors Falling Due after One Year : Deferred Income (452) (173) Long Term Borrowings (5,999) (8,211) Provision for Liabilities and Charges : Deferred Taxes (0) (1,217) Net Assets 21,936 137,611 Capital and Reserves : Called Up Share Capital 1,871 1,824 Merger Reserve (605) (605) Share Premium Account 140,328 136,661 Shares to be Issued 133 938 Retained Earnings (119,507) (2,490) Other Reserves (284) 1,284 Total Equity Shareholders' Funds 21,936 137,611 CASH FLOW STATEMENT 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to 12 months to (All figures GBPs) 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 Net Inflow/(Outflow) from Operations (966) (4,516) (8,995) (7,066) Returns on Investment and Servicing Finance : Interest Received/(Paid) (6) (109) (16) 211 Capital Expenditures : Purchases of Fixed Assets less Leases Received (576) (2,784) (3,765) (25,170) Capitalized Development Cost 0 250 (0) (0) Dividends Received/(Paid) 0 0 0 0 Taxes Received/(Paid) (9) 33 (67) 321 Net Inflow/(Outflow) before Financing (1,557) (7,125) (12,843) (31,703) Financing : Issues of Ordinary Share Capital 73 24,958 3,267 25,049 Loans Received/(Repaid) (74) (267) (662) (462) Leases (Repaid) (675) (546) (2,578) (1,863) Net Inflow/(Outflow) from Financing (676) 24,145 27 22,724 Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Bank Overdrafts (2,233) 17,020 (12,816) (8,979) RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT TO CASH INFLOW/(OUTFLOW) FROM OPERATIONS 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to 12 months to (All figures GBP000s) 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 Operating Profit after Goodwill/ Exceptionals (52,794) (4,520) (118,218) (6,061) Depreciation Charged 49,685 1,452 64,379 6,422 Goodwill Written off 0 472 34,302 1,835 (Increase)/Decrease in Stocks 950 1,581 7,289 (4,392) (Increase)/Decrease in Debtors 1,298 3,125 3,774 2,882 Increase/(Decrease) in Creditors (494) (6,749) (800) (7,857) Grants Released (31) (486) (141) (504) Grants Received 420 608 420 608 Net Cash Inflow/(Outflow) from Operations (966) (4,516) (8,995) (7,066) RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET FUNDS 3 months to 3 months to 12 months to 12 months to (All figures GBP000s) 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 Increase/(Decrease) in Cash (2,233) 17,020 (12,816) (8,979) Loans (Received)/Repaid 74 267 662 462 Leases Repaid 675 546 2,578 1,863 Change in Funds Resulting from Cash Flows (1,484) 17,833 (9,576) (6,654) New Finance Leases 3 (282) (389) (7,054) New Loans Non Cash 3 0 (1,315) (0) Net Movement (1,478) 17,551 (11,280) (13,708) Net Funds at Start 9,295 1,555 19,104 32,813 Exchange Differences 143 (1) 136 (0) Net Funds at Close 7,959 19,104 7,959 19,104 Analysis of Net Funds : Cash and Bank 17,715 30,532 17,715 30,532 Loans Due after One Year (3,049) (2,899) (3,049) (2,899) Loans Due within One Year (1,035) (674) (1,035) (674) HP Creditors/Finance Leases (5,672) (7,855) (5,672) (7,855) Total 7,959 19,104 7,959 19,104 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 RESTATEMENT OF COSTS Costs totalling £655K, which had been incurred as at September 2002, have been reallocated from SG and A costs to production costs in order to be consistent with the charging basis applied in 2001. 3 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 have carried out an evaluation of the investment and, in the light of current market conditions, have considered that no goodwill exists. Accordingly, the remaining value of goodwill has been written off. 4 EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS Exceptional items comprise : 2002 2001 Legal fees £1,984K £759K Restructuring costs £702K £0K Legal fees relate 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 have now settled their dispute. Under the terms of the settlement, IQE (Europe) has 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 $500K will be paid to Rockwell after 31 December 2002. The cost of the settlement has been charged in full in these accounts. Restructuring costs relate to the cost of staff redundancies at IQE (Europe), IQE Inc and Wafer Technology Ltd as part of the Group's cost reduction program. The Group also incurred an exceptional cost of £55,391K (2001 : Nil) in respect of fixed asset impairment which has been charged to cost of sales in these accounts. 5 NON RECURRING COSTS Non recurring costs in the profit and loss account analysis comprise fixed asset impairment, the write down of the valuation of stocks, onerous lease provisions and the write off of the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Wafer Technology Ltd. 6 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. 7 STATUTORY ACCOUNTS The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2002 or 2001. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2001 is derived from the Company's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2001, which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s237 (2) or (3) Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2002 will be finalized on the basis of the financial information presented by the Directors in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Annual General Meeting. 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