Final Results
Sarantel Group PLC
31 March 2008
31 March 2008
Sarantel Group PLC
('Sarantel' or 'the Group')
Preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2007
Sarantel Group PLC (AIM: SLG.L), the leading manufacturer of revolutionary
filtering antennas for mobile and wireless devices, today announces its
preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2007 and Placing of
101,167,400 New Ordinary Shares at a placing price of 3 pence per share raising
approximately £3 million (gross of expenses). The net proceeds of the Placing
of £2.7 million will be used to continue to develop the customer pipeline for
both its second and third generation GPS antennas and provide working capital
generally.
Highlights are as follows:
• Turnover of £2m (2006: £4m). Recovery in sales apparent by year end
• Loss before tax of £5.8m (2006: £7m (including exceptional items of
£0.8m))
• Prompt action taken to re-align the business in 2007
• Significant design win with Garmin
• Considerable progress in developing the GPS customer pipeline
• Diversification strategy on track
• Major cost breakthrough in manufacturing processes
• Cash balances of £2.4m at year end (of which £0.7m is in a blocked
account) (2006: £5.1m (of which £1.3m was in a blocked account))
• Placing of 101,167,400 New ordinary Shares at a placing price of 3p per
share raising £3m (gross)
Geoff Shingles, Chairman, commented:
'During the financial year ended 30 September 2007, the Board took prompt action
to re-align the business in the light of the more difficult trading conditions.
We reshaped the Company but continued to make good progress with our
diversification programme and design wins, especially with Garmin.
I remain very excited in my belief that the Company's product offering has a
unique position in the developing GPS market. As more GPS devices demand
accurate hand held performance, we expect the special capabilities of our
antenna technology to become more and more in demand.
I am also very pleased that investors have agreed to invest £3m (gross) to
provide the financial resources to achieve our growth plans. '
For further information please contact:
Sarantel Group PLC 01933 670560
Geoff Shingles, Chairman www.sarantel.com
David Wither, CEO
John East and Partners Limited 020 7628 2200
Simon Clements
Virginia Bull
College Hill 020 7457 2020
Adrian Duffield/Ben Way
Notes to Editors:
Sarantel (www.sarantel.com)
Sarantel is a leader in the design of high-performance miniature antennas for
portable wireless applications including hand-held navigation, satellite radio
and laptop computers.
Sarantel's revolutionary ceramic filtering antennas offer dramatically improved
performance over existing antenna designs, resulting in a clearer signal, better
range and a 90 per cent reduction in the amount of signal radiation absorbed by
the body.
Because of their smaller size and higher capabilities, Sarantel's antennas
enable manufacturers to create innovative high-volume consumer products
incorporating technologies such as GPS, Wi-Fi, WiMax, 3G, GPRS, Satellite Radio
and Bluetooth.
Chairman's statement
I am pleased to report on my first full financial year as Chairman of Sarantel.
The Company has raised approximately £3 million before expenses by way of a
placing by our new nominated adviser and broker John East & Partners Limited.
These funds will be used to continue the development of the customer pipeline as
Sarantel's antenna technology gains greater traction with key customers and to
provide working capital generally. A circular is being posted to shareholders
giving notice of the General Meeting of the Company to be held on 24th April
2008 to approve, inter alia, the allotment of the placing shares and to disapply
statutory pre-emption rights in connection with the placing.
During 2007, we continued to manage the effects of the considerable challenges
in the portable satellite radio market and also the delayed take up of our 2nd
generation Global Positioning System ('GPS') antenna. However, we did make
considerable progress in developing the GPS customer pipeline as well as
implementing our diversification strategy.
Sales fell to £2m (2006: £4m) but the operating loss reduced by 18 per cent. to
£5.9m (2006: £7.2m). Our net cash outflow (before financing) similarly reduced
by 52 per cent. to £4.1m (2006: £8.6m).
Good progress has been manifested in our core GPS market, with the very
significant adoption of our antenna technology by Garmin, the top tier GPS
company. We also announced other design successes including two golf
rangefinders and seven personal tracking devices. We are confident that our
antenna technology has an increasing relevance in these developing GPS markets,
as the international trend to hand-held devices continues.
We are also making good progress in our diversified markets, especially in
military and satellite phones applications. These markets traditionally have a
longer lead time to achieve design wins and the Board is pleased with the
progress made to date. Diversification into these markets provides a more stable
environment for the Company's future progress.
During the financial year ended 30 September 2007, the Board took prompt action
to re-align the business in the light of the more difficult trading conditions,
which resulted in a restructuring of both the Board and the Company.
We welcomed Philip David and Colin Tucker as Non Executive Directors in October
2006 whilst Matt Taylor and David Ward, stepped down in December 2006. The
latter was replaced by Ernie Richardson (a director of MTI Partners Ltd, one of
the Company's largest shareholders). Finally, in June 2007, Philip David, Bill
Taylor and Colin Tucker stepped down from the Board. I would like to thank all
the directors for their very valuable contribution during a highly dynamic
period.
A number of members of staff also left Sarantel during the year as we reduced
our headcount to 47 by the end of the financial year. I would like to express my
thanks to everyone who made a contribution to the Company during the year under
review.
In 2007, we reshaped the Company but we continued to make good progress with our
diversification programme and design wins, especially with Garmin. We do now
believe that we have an organisation in place which, because of manufacturing
process improvements and other methods of going to market, will be in a position
to successfully implement our strategic plan.
We continue to work hard to realise Sarantel's potential and I wish to thank my
fellow board members and our staff who as always, apply maximum effort to
achieve that objective. I remain very excited in my belief that the Company's
product offering has a unique position in the developing GPS market. As more GPS
devices demand accurate hand held performance, we expect the special
capabilities of our antenna technology to become more and more in demand.
Chief Executive's statement
Sales of £2m for the year were disappointing as highlighted in the Group's
interim results and announced in our recent trading update. However, during the
year a great deal of focus was placed on developing our customer pipeline in our
core GPS business and a number of new sectors which we are addressing as part of
our diversification strategy.
As a result of these focused efforts we have seen a number of very encouraging
developments which we believe validate the importance of our technology.
Additionally, the Company took aggressive action to rationalise the business and
bring costs in line with the current level of trading activity.
Financial Review
Sales reduced to £2m (2006: £4m) due to the considerable challenges in the
portable satellite radio market and also the delayed take up of our 2nd
generation GPS antenna.
The US Dollar weakened during the year thereby reducing our reported sales by
4.3 per cent. equating to approximately £0.1m of sales as the majority of our
customers are invoiced in US Dollars.
During the year, we shipped our entire stock of satellite radio antennas to XM
satellite radio at a discounted price. This one-off sale, together with the
expected lower yields experienced as we began initial production of our 2nd
generation GPS antenna reduced our material margin for the year to 6 per cent.
(2006: 47 per cent.).
In line with the lower level of activity, the Company reduced headcount levels
which resulted in a 31 per cent. reduction in staff costs when compared to 2006.
We ended the year on a monthly expenses run rate of £0.3m which was 39 per cent.
lower compared to the beginning of the year.
As a result, we were able to reduce our operating loss, before depreciation and
amortisation, to £4.3m (2006: £4.8m) despite a lower turnover.
Non-financial KPI
We make use of delivery precision percentage as a measure of our delivery
performance to our customer request. During 2007 we achieved 100 per cent.
delivery precision (2006: 90 per cent.) as we were able to deliver antennas from
inventory.
Taxation
The Group estimates that it is entitled to a refund for research and development
tax credit amounting to approximately £0.2m for 2007.
Loss per share
The loss per share in the year reduced to 9.6p compared to 12.5p for 2006.
Cash outflow
During the year under review, we raised £2.1m (before costs) through a placing.
Our annual cash outflow before this funding exercise was £4.1m, a reduction of
52 per cent. compared with 2006. In addition to the reduced operating loss
before depreciation and amortisation, the Company also reduced stock levels by
£1m and capital expenditure by £2.1m as the capacity expansion programme was
completed.
IFRS
As reported last year, the Group has prepared a transition plan to implement
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the year ended 30
September 2008, including comparatives for the year ended 30 September 2007. The
Group will report under IFRS for the first time in the Group's interim results
for the six months ended 31 March 2008, with comparatives for the six months
ended 31 March 2007.
Based on the work completed so far, the Directors expect that the main area
potentially affected is the treatment of Research and Development expenditure.
Operational Review
Turnover in 2007 was impacted by the slower than expected development in the
handheld GPS market, which affected the take up of the Group's 2nd generation
GPS antenna. Additionally, sales of satellite radios into North America were
also very disappointing. However, the Company made very significant progress in
developing the customer pipeline in its core GPS markets and is engaged with a
number of different major potential customers under the diversification
strategy.
Design win with Garmin
In January 2008 we announced a significant breakthrough order from Garmin, a top
tier GPS device supplier, for the Colorado series of hand portable outdoor GPS
navigation devices, which were launched in early 2008. This development is
particularly important because it validates the Company's ability to break-in to
a top-tier GPS supplier and validates the relevance of the Company's antenna
technology in performance oriented, hand portable GPS devices. The GPS market is
forecast to grow to over 500 million units by 2010.
Personal Tracking devices
During 2007 we announced seven new designs for our antenna in the personal
tracking market, bringing the total to over 20 personal tracking devices that
use our antenna in this market segment. We believe that this segment is
particularly interesting because these devices are essentially small, battery
operated, hand-held or body worn GSM phones with embedded GPS capability.
Additionally, in a personal tracker, GPS accuracy and reliability are of
paramount importance because they are often used in safety critical
applications. We believe the same characteristics of reliable and accurate GPS
functionality will become increasingly important in the mobile handset as the
location based services market matures.
Golf range finder
We also announced that our GPS antenna had been designed into two recently
launched versions of the SkyGolf range finder. The customer chose our antenna
not only because of its small size, robust hand-held performance but also for
its ability to provide unmatched positional accuracy in an easy to use, compact
hand portable device.
Diversification
As announced at our interim results, the Board stated that it planned to
diversify the Group's product portfolio to ensure Sarantel generated short-term
revenues whilst the performance oriented, high-volume hand portable GPS business
developed towards mass adoption. Customers in these market segments tend to be
very conservative, focused on performance and have a long design lead time.
However I am pleased to report that we are making very good progress in both the
military and satellite phone segments. This was highlighted in our recently
announced development contract win with a major US military radio supplier.
Satellite Radio
Despite disappointing sales of antennas into the portable satellite radio
sector, our antenna remains a key component for XM Satellite radio. We remain
engaged with them and are discussing options for the fully funded development of
an antenna for their next generation of portable satellite radio devices.
3rd generation GPS antenna - the world's smallest GPS antenna
On 13 February 2008, we announced that we had begun prototype deliveries of our
3rd generation GPS antenna, the world's smallest stand-alone GPS antenna. This
product is a dramatic step forward in technology and is a compelling solution
for a broader range of mobile devices where consumers require embedded GPS
capabilities.
Although 2007 has been disappointing, we remain very encouraged by the
developments in our GPS business and with the range and stature of customers who
are now evaluating the Sarantel antenna solutions.
Market development
The GPS market, which is forecast to grow to over 500 million units by 2010, has
seen a large number of high value M&A activities in the past 12 months, of which
the $8bn acquisition of Navteq by Nokia was the most high profile. This is a
very exciting development for Sarantel, because large players are now
implementing strategies to develop the location-based-services market and
pedestrian navigation. We believe that the most exciting location-based
services, especially pedestrian navigation, will require more accurate and
reliable GPS to be embedded into small, hand-portable devices. As a result, we
believe that potential customers will become increasingly attracted to our
antenna technology because we have the ability to demonstrate that we can
successfully overcome these challenges. The number of design wins announced for
our antenna technology in the past six months would support this view.
Manufacturing
Process developments
During the year, we maintained our efforts to improve our manufacturing
processes continuously to increase yields and reduce operating and manufacturing
costs. I am pleased that we were able to achieve a number of significant
breakthroughs, which enabled us to reduce the number of components required and
introduce industry-standard manufacturing processes, and have the potential to
generate significant cost reductions. We believe that these process improvements
are essential in positioning our technology for high volume production and
outsource manufacturing.
Our diversification strategy requires the Company to react to new antenna
requirements from a broad range of customers and applications. During the year
we were able to fully test our product development capability and exercise our
rapid prototyping processes by meeting the challenges of designing and
delivering prototype antennas to a number of different sectors with a very short
lead time. The Company now has a mature platform for developing new antennas and
during the year we successfully demonstrated that our antenna technology is
applicable to a number of applications beyond GPS and satellite radio.
Patented Technology
We continued to extend our technology and we applied for six new patents during
2007. At the same time, we continued to receive grants for a number of countries
for our patents filed in previous years.
Summary
During 2007, we focussed our efforts on developing key customer relationships
and adding depth to our customer pipeline. The recent design win announcements
in the GPS sector are very encouraging. Additionally, we have made significant
progress with customers in the military and satellite phone sectors, but these
relationships take a longer time to develop. Our efforts to improve our
manufacturing processes have led to significant breakthroughs and we have
further reduced our cost base during the year. Overall, we believe that the
Company is well positioned for future growth.
We are very pleased to have successfully raised £3m before expenses, which will
provide the Company with the financial resources to achieve the growth targets.
Outlook
With the GPS market developing well and encouraging progress being made with our
diversification strategy, we expect 2008 will be a year during which the
business will be repositioned for strong growth.
Principal Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost
convention, and in accordance with applicable United Kingdom accounting
standards.
The principal accounting policies of the Group have remained unchanged from
those used in the previous year with the exception of the adoption on 1st
October 2006 of Financial Reporting Standard 20 'Share-based payment'. The
effect of this on the year and in respect of the prior year is disclosed in note
7.
Basis of Preparation
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. After
making due enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation at the time of
approving the financial statements that the group has adequate financial
resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future and, consequently,
continue to use the going concern basis for preparing the financial statements
which follow.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of
the Company and all Group undertakings (see note 12).
Turnover
Income is recognised on despatch of goods. The turnover shown in the profit and
loss account represents amounts receivable for goods supplied during the year,
exclusive of Value Added Tax.
Research and Development
Research and development expenditure is written off in the year in which it is
incurred.
Intangible Fixed Assets
Patents are included at cost, representing third party costs of registering.
Purchased goodwill representing the excess of the fair value of the
consideration given over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired,
is capitalised and was fully amortised at 30 September 2004.
Amortisation
Amortisation is calculated on a straight line basis so as to write off the cost
of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of
that asset as follows:
Patents - ten years from year following acquisition.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated on a straight line basis so as to write off the cost
of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of
that asset as follows:
Leasehold improvements 10%
Plant and machinery 20% - 33% from date asset is put into use
Stocks
Stocks are valued on a FIFO basis at the lower of cost and net realisable value,
after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items. Cost includes
material, direct labour and an appropriate proportion of manufacturing overheads
based on normal levels of activity. Net realisable value represents the
estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion, marketing,
selling and distribution.
Leasing and Hire Purchase Commitments
Assets held under finance leases, which are leases where substantially all the
risks and rewards of ownership of the asset have passed to the Group, and hire
purchase contracts, are capitalised in the balance sheet and are depreciated
over their useful lives. The capital elements of future obligations under the
leases and hire purchase contracts are included as liabilities in the balance
sheet.
The interest elements of the rental obligations are charged in the profit and
loss account over the periods of the leases and hire purchase contracts and
represent a constant proportion of the balance of capital repayments
outstanding.
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the profit and loss
account on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Deferred Taxation
Deferred tax is recognised on all timing differences where the transactions or
events that give the Group an obligation to pay more tax in the future, or a
right to pay less tax in the future, have occurred by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax assets are recognised when it is more likely than not that they
will be recovered.
Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are
expected to apply in the periods in which timing differences reverse, based on
tax rates and laws enacted or substantially enacted at the balance sheet date.
Foreign Currencies
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the
rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign
currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the
date of the transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving
at the operating loss.
Pensions
The Group operates a Group personal pension plan (a money purchase arrangement)
for the benefit of certain Directors and employees. Pension costs are charged to
the profit and loss account in the period to which they relate.
Financial Instruments
Financial assets are recognised in the balance sheet at the lower of cost and
net realisable value.
Interest receivable and payable is accrued and charged or credited to the profit
and loss account in the period to which it relates.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the
substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is
any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the entity
after deducting all of its financial liabilities.
Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments (including share
capital) are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial
instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are
presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses
relating to financial liabilities are included in the profit and loss account.
Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of return on the
outstanding liability.
Where the contractual terms of share capital do not have any terms meeting the
definition of a financial liability then this is classed as an equity
instrument. Dividends and distributions relating to equity instruments are
debited direct to equity.
Share-based payments
The Group operates a group share option scheme under which certain employees and
directors of the company have been granted options to subscribe for shares in
Sarantel Group PLC.
The Group has adopted Financial Reporting Standard 20 'Share-based payment' with
effect from 1 October 2006. In accordance with the transitional provisions, FRS
20 has been applied to all grants of equity instruments after 7 November 2002
that were unvested at 1 October 2006.
Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value (excluding the
effect of non market-based vesting conditions) at the date of grant. The fair
value determined at the grant date of the equity-settled share-based payments is
expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's
estimate of shares that will eventually vest and adjusted for the effect of non
market-based vesting conditions.
Fair value is measured by use of the Cox Rubenstein binomial model. The expected
life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate,
for the effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural
considerations.
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
for the year ended 30 September 2007
2007 2006
Note £ £
as restated
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Turnover 1 2,016,462 4,021,532
Operating costs:
Change in stocks of finished goods and work
in progress 828,627 (1,452,526)
Raw materials and consumables 1,062,441 3,004,319
Other external charges 65,102 527,650
Staff costs 4/7 2,851,805 4,139,185
Depreciation and other amounts written off
tangible and intangible assets 10/11 1,608,586 2,391,627
Other operating charges 1,512,311 2,630,495
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
7,928,872 11,240,750
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Operating loss (5,912,410) (7,219,218)
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Operating loss before depreciation,
amortisation and exceptional items (4,303,824) (4,827,591)
Exceptional non-recurring costs 3 - (770,134)
Depreciation and other amounts written off
tangible and intangible assets (1,608,586) (1,621,493)
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Net interest 5 97,340 237,551
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (5,815,070) (6,981,667)
Tax on loss on ordinary activities 6 184,192 168,920
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Loss for the financial year 22 (5,630,878) (6,812,747)
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
Basic loss per share 9 (9.6)p (12.5)p
--------------------------------- ------ --------- ---------
There were no recognised gains or losses other than the loss for the financial
year.
All the activities of the Group are classed as continuing.
The comparative figure for staff costs has been revised to reflect the adoption
of FRS 20 'Share-based payments'.
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these
financial statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheet
as at 30 September 2007
2007 2006
Note £ £
as restated
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 10 1,094,664 861,408
Tangible assets 11 3,539,771 4,743,006
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
4,634,435 5,604,414
Current assets
Stocks 13 741,280 1,709,683
Debtors 14 705,466 795,918
Cash at bank and in hand 27 2,430,071 5,050,123
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
3,876,817 7,555,724
Creditors: amounts falling due within one 15 1,355,880 1,969,910
year -------- ---------- ----------
--------------------------
Net current assets 2,520,937 5,585,814
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Total assets less current liabilities 7,155,372 11,190,228
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one 16 112,666 618,844
year
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
7,042,706 10,571,384
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ----------
Capital and reserves
Called-up equity share capital 21 7,643,553 5,494,039
Share premium account 22 14,252,078 14,424,857
Other reserves 22 13,593,001 13,467,536
Profit and loss account 22 (28,445,926) (22,815,048)
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ---------
Shareholders' funds 7,042,706 10,571,384
-------------------------- -------- ---------- ---------
The comparative figure for other reserves and the profit and loss account have
been revised to reflect the adoption of FRS 20 'Share-based payments'.
Company Balance Sheet
as at 30 September 2007
2007 2006
Note £ £
as restated
---------------------------- ------ ---------- --------
Fixed assets
Investments 12 3,283,813 3,158,348
---------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------
Current assets
Debtors 14 17,779,647 14,034,770
Cash at bank and in hand 1,559,464 3,286,240
---------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------
19,339,111 17,321,010
Creditors: amounts falling due within one 15 - 28,187
year ------ ---------- ---------
----------------------------
Net current assets 19,339,111 17,292,823
---------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------
Total assets less current liabilities 22,622,924 20,451,171
---------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------
Capital and reserves
Called-up equity share capital 21 7,643,553 5,494,039
Share premium account 22 14,252,078 14,424,857
Other reserves 22 203,465 78,000
Profit and loss account 22 523,828 454,275
---------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------
Shareholders' funds 22,622,924 20,451,171
---------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------
The comparative figure for other reserves and investments has been revised to
reflect the adoption of FRS 20 'Share-based payments'.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
for the year ended 30 September 2007
2007 2006
Note £ £
as restated
----------------------------- ----- --------- --------
Net cash outflow from operating activities 24 (3,760,139) (6,244,447)
Returns on investments and servicing of
finance
Interest received 147,226 321,270
Interest paid (257) (121)
Finance lease interest paid (49,629) (83,598)
----------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net cash inflow from returns on investments
and servicing of finance 97,340 237,551
----------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Taxation received 197,792 149,821
Capital expenditure
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets (303,807) (2,395,345)
Payments to acquire intangible fixed assets (335,858) (353,047)
Proceeds of sale of equipment 525 -
----------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net cash outflow from capital expenditure (639,140) (2,748,392)
----------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Cash outflow before financing (4,104,147) (8,605,467)
Financing
Issue of shares 2,149,515 221,098
Expenses paid in connection with issue of
shares (172,779) -
Net cash movement in respect of capital
element of finance lease rentals 25 (492,641) 300,080
----------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Net cash inflow from financing 1,484,095 521,178
----------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
Decrease in cash 25 (2,620,052) (8,084,289)
----------------------------- ----- --------- ---------
The accompanying accounting policies and notes form an integral part of these
financial statements
Notes to the Financial Statements
1 Turnover
An analysis of turnover by geographical market or segmental information has not
been disclosed as, in the opinion of the Directors, it would be seriously
prejudicial to the Group.
2 Operating Loss
Operating loss is stated after charging:
2007 2006
£ £
----------------------------------- -------- --------
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 102,602 68,258
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 1,063,086 872,723
Impairment of owned tangible fixed assets - 770,134
Depreciation of assets held under finance leases and
hire 442,898 680,512
purchase agreements -------- --------
-----------------------------------
2007 2006
£ £
----------------------------------- -------- -------
Audit services:
Audit of parent company accounts 1,000 1,000
Audit of parent company and consolidated accounts 11,500 12,500
Non-audit services:
Audit of subsidiaries 14,000 14,000
Tax compliance 5,665 5,850
Tax advisory - 4,200
Interim review 6,700 6,500
IFRS conversion - 6,500
Other services - 700
----------------------------------- -------- -------
2007 2006
£ £
----------------------------------- -------- --------
Research and development costs: 647,552 704,165
----------------------------------- -------- --------
2007 2006
£ £
Operating lease costs:
----------------------------------- -------- --------
Land and buildings 135,000 128,004
----------------------------------- -------- --------
3 Exceptional Non-Recurring Items Charged in Arriving at Operating Loss
2007 2006
£ £
----------------------------------- -------- --------
Impairment of tangible fixed assets - 770,134
----------------------------------- -------- --------
Impairment of Tangible Fixed Assets:
During the prior year, continuing process improvements caused certain items of
plant to become obsolete. The carrying value of this plant was therefore written
down to nil.
4 Directors and Employees
The average number of staff employed by the Group during the financial year
amounted to:
2007 2006
Number Number
---------------------------------- --------- -------
Management 1 3
Technical 12 14
Finance and administration 5 6
Sales and marketing 4 6
Operations 55 86
---------------------------------- --------- --------
77 115
---------------------------------- --------- --------
The aggregate payroll costs (including Directors' emoluments) were:
2007 2006
£ £
as restated
---------------------------------- --------- --------
Wages and salaries 2,402,911 3,632,304
Social security costs 258,636 349,621
Pension costs 64,793 79,260
Share based payments 125,465 78,000
---------------------------------- --------- --------
2,851,805 4,139,185
---------------------------------- --------- --------
Remuneration in respect of Directors was as follows:
2007 2006
£ £
---------------------------------- --------- --------
Emoluments 448,363 655,691
Pension contributions to money purchase pension scheme 24,882 23,350
Payment to third parties for Directors' services 48,716 42,709
---------------------------------- --------- --------
521,961 721,750
---------------------------------- --------- --------
The amounts set out above include remuneration in respect of the highest paid
Director as follows:
2007 2006
£ £
-------------------------------- ----------- --------
Emoluments 154,504 182,348
Pension contributions to money purchase pension schemes 17,201 15,250
-------------------------------- ----------- --------
171,705 197,598
-------------------------------- ----------- --------
Share options exercised by Directors during the year were:
2007 2006
No No
-------------------------------- ----------- -------
D Wither - 75,000
D Dey - 444,900
------------------------------- ----------- --------
Details of the share options granted to Directors in the year, together with
further details of their remuneration, are shown in the report of the
Remuneration Committee.
During the year 2 Directors (2006: 2) participated in money purchase pension
schemes.
5 Net Interest
2007 2006
£ £
-------------------------------- ---------- --------
Interest receivable and similar income 148,101 379,519
Finance charges in respect of finance leases (49,629) (83,598)
Other interest payable and similar charges (1,132) (58,370)
-------------------------------- ---------- --------
97,340 237,551
-------------------------------- ---------- --------
6 Taxation on Ordinary Activities
2007 2006
£ £
-------------------------------- ---------- --------
Current tax:
UK corporation tax based on the results for the year
at 19% (2006: 19%) (155,400) (169,000)
Adjustment in respect of prior year (28,792) 80
-------------------------------- ---------- --------
Total current tax (184,192) (168,920)
-------------------------------- ---------- --------
The taxation credit arises in respect of research and development expenditure
and is subject to agreement with HM Revenue & Customs.
The standard rate of tax for the year based on the UK standard rate of
corporation tax is 19% (2006: 19%). The actual tax credit for the year differs
from the standard rate for the reasons set out in the following reconciliation:
2007 2006
£ £
as restated
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (5,815,070) (6,903,667)
Prior year adjustment in respect of share based
payments - (78,000)
------------------------------- ---------- --------
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (5,815,070) (6,981,667)
------------------------------- ---------- --------
Loss on ordinary activities multiplied by rate of
tax (1,104,863) (1,326,517)
Effect of:
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 139,194 43,734
Depreciation for the period in excess of capital
allowances 277,347 441,185
Other timing differences 7,829 4,650
Tax losses carried forward 680,493 836,948
Research and development tax credit (155,400) (169,000)
Prior year over provision (28,792) 80
------------------------------- ---------- --------
Total current tax (184,192) (168,920)
------------------------------- ---------- --------
Tax losses available, subject to agreement with the Inland Revenue, to offset
future taxable trading income amount to approximately £18m (2006: £13.8m).
A deferred tax asset amounting to approximately £5.0m (2006: £4.1m) arising from
taxable trading losses has not been recognised on the grounds that at the
current time there is insufficient evidence that the asset will be recoverable
in the foreseeable future.
7 Prior Year Adjustments
The group has adopted Financial Reporting Standard 20 'Share-based payment' as
disclosed in the Principal Accounting Policies.
As a result of adopting this Financial Reporting Standard the group has
recognised additional costs of £78,000 in the year ended 30 September 2006
within Staff Costs: share based payments. Additionally, at 30 September 2006 the
group recognised the resulting Employee Share Scheme Reserve of £78,000. There
has been no net effect on Shareholders Funds as at 30 September 2006.
The share options were granted to employees of a subsidiary and therefore in the
parent company's own financial statements, as at 30 September 2006, £78,000 was
added to the cost of investment in that subsidiary with a corresponding entry to
the Employee Share Scheme Reserve.
8 Result for the Financial Year
The parent company has taken advantage of Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985
and has not included its own profit and loss account in these financial
statements. The parent company's profit for the year was £69,553 (2006 as
restated: £32,570).
9 Loss Per Share
The calculation of basic loss per share is based on the loss attributable to
ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue
during the year.
2007 2006
£ £
as restated
------------------------------- ---------- --------
Loss for the financial year (5,630,878) (6,812,747)
Weighted average number of shares 58,806,617 54,331,745
------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Per share amount in pence (9.6)p (12.5)p
------------------------------- ---------- ---------
The issue of additional shares on the exercise of options would decrease the
basic loss per share and there is, therefore, no dilutive effect of share
options.
10 Intangible Fixed Assets
The Group
Goodwill Patents Total
£ £ £
------------------------ ---------- --------- ---------
Cost
At 1 October 2006 760,632 1,158,096 1,918,728
Additions - 335,858 335,858
------------------------ ---------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2007 760,632 1,493,954 2,254,586
------------------------ ---------- --------- ---------
Amortisation
At 1 October 2006 760,632 296,688 1,057,320
Charge for the year - 102,602 102,602
------------------------ ---------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2007 760,632 399,290 1,159,922
------------------------ ---------- --------- ---------
Net book value
At 30 September 2007 - 1,094,664 1,094,664
------------------------ ---------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2006 - 861,408 861,408
------------------------ ---------- --------- ---------
11 Tangible Fixed Assets
The Group
Leasehold Plant and
improvements machinery Total
£ £ £
------------------------ ----------- --------- ---------
Cost
At 1 October 2006 196,646 8,827,145 9,023,791
Additions - 303,807 303,807
Disposals - (4,435) (4,435)
------------------------ ----------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2007 196,646 9,126,517 9,323,163
------------------------ ----------- --------- ---------
Depreciation
At 1 October 2006 88,282 4,192,503 4,280,785
Charge for the year 19,437 1,486,547 1,505,984
Eliminated on disposal - (3,377) (3,377)
------------------------ ----------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2007 107,719 5,675,673 5,783,392
------------------------ ----------- --------- ---------
Net book value
At 30 September 2007 88,926 3,450,845 3,539,771
------------------------ ----------- --------- ---------
At 30 September 2006 108,364 4,634,642 4,743,006
------------------------ ----------- --------- ---------
Fixtures and fittings and computer equipment are not significant and so are
included in plant and machinery.
Included within the net book value of £3,539,771 is £1,327,901 (2006:
£1,843,537) relating to assets held under finance leases and hire purchase
agreements. The depreciation charged to the financial statements in the year in
respect of such assets amounted to £442,898 (2006: £680,512).
12 Investments
The Group
At 30 September 2007, the Group held more than 20% of a class of the allotted
share capital of the following:
Country of Class of share Proportion held Nature of
------------- incorporation held -------- business
----------- --------- ------------
Sarantel
Limited England and Ordinary shares 100% Design and
Wales manufacture of
antennas
Sarantel USA
Inc* USA Ordinary shares 100% Marketing
support
services
Sarantel Asia
Pacific Pte.
Ltd* Singapore Ordinary shares 100% Marketing
--------- ------------ ---------- -------- support
services
---------------
* Owned by Sarantel Limited
The Company 2007 2006
Shares in subsidiary undertakings £ £
as restated
------------------------------------ --------- ---------
Cost and net book amount
At 1 October 2006 3,158,348 3,080,348
Additions 125,465 78,000
------------------------------------ --------- ---------
At 30 September 2007 3,283,813 3,158,348
------------------------------------ --------- ---------
13 Stocks
The Group The Company
2007 2006 2007 2006
£ £ £ £
--------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- -------
Raw materials 99,041 238,816 - -
Work in progress 138,243 69,298 - -
Finished goods 503,996 1,401,569 - -
--------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- -------
741,280 1,709,683 - -
--------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- -------
14 Debtors
The Group The Company
2007 2006 2007 2006
£ £ £ £
--------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- --------
Trade debtors 216,373 363,783 - -
VAT recoverable 11,540 54,703 - -
Amounts owed by Group
undertakings - - 17,779,647 14,034,770
Corporation tax recoverable 155,400 169,000 - -
Other debtors 83,568 91,708 - -
Prepayments and accrued
income 238,585 116,724 - -
--------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- --------
705,466 795,918 17,779,647 14,034,770
--------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- --------
Amounts due from group undertakings will not be repayable until they are trading
satisfactorily.
The debtors above include the following amounts falling due after more than one
year:
The Group The Company
2007 2006 2007 2006
£ £ £ £
-------------------------- ------- -------- --- -------- -------
Other debtors 66,938 66,938 - -
-------------------------- ------- -------- --- -------- -------
15 Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
The Group The Company
2007 2006 2007 2006
£ £ £ £
-------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- -------
Trade creditors 294,484 603,083 - -
Other taxation and social 196,541 105,589 - 8,874
security
Amounts due under finance leases
and 506,178 492,641 - -
hire purchase agreements
Other creditors 32,277 108,822 - 1,186
Accruals and deferred income 326,400 659,775 - 18,127
-------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- -------
1,355,880 1,969,910 - 28,187
-------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- -------
16 Creditors: Amounts Falling Due After More Than One Year
The Group The Company
2007 2006 2007 2006
£ £ £ £
--------------------------- ------- ------- --- -------- -------
Amounts due under finance leases and
hire 112,666 618,844 - -
purchase agreements ------- ------- --- -------- -------
---------------------------
17 Borrowings
Borrowings are repayable as follows:
The Group The Company
2007 2006 2007 2006
£ £ £ £
-------------------------- ------- -------- --- -------- -------
Within one year:
Finance leases and hire purchase 506,178 492,641 - -
agreements
After one year and within two
years:
Finance leases and hire purchase 112,666 506,178 - -
agreements
After two years and within five
years
Finance leases and hire purchase - 112,666 - -
agreements ------- -------- --- -------- -------
--------------------------
618,844 1,111,485 - -
-------------------------- ------- -------- --- -------- -------
18 Financial Instruments
The Group uses financial instruments comprising borrowings, cash, liquid
resources and various items such as trade debtors, trade creditors, etc. that
arise directly from its operations. The Group uses derivatives which are limited
to those described under currency exchange risk below. The main purpose of these
financial instruments is to raise finance for, and manage risks of, the Group's
operations.
Short-term debtors and creditors
Short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from the following
disclosures, other than currency risk disclosures.
Interest rate risk
The Group finances its operations through share capital and leasing. The Group
mixes the duration of its deposits to reduce the impact of interest rate
fluctuations.
Liquidity risk
The Group seeks to manage financial risk by ensuring that sufficient financial
liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest cash assets
safely and profitably.
Currency exchange risk
The Group's sales are predominantly made in US$ and are subject to currency
risks on translation. The Group has options to sell currency at certain defined
rates, and these option contracts are reviewed quarterly. There were no material
option contracts in place at the year end.
Borrowings
The Group has purchased some fixed assets through finance leasing and hire
purchase agreements at fixed interest rates.
Financial assets
The Group's cash deposits of £2.43m (2006: £5.05m) are spread between three
banks.
The Directors have given serious consideration and have reached the conclusion
that there is no significant difference between the book and the fair value of
assets and liabilities of the Group at the balance sheet date.
19 Leasing Commitments
At 30 September 2007 the Company had aggregate annual commitments under
non-cancellable operating leases as set out below.
Land and buildings
2007 2006
£ £
------------------------------------- ------ ------
Operating leases which expire:
After more than five years 105,000 135,000
------------------------------------- ------ ------
20 Related Party Transactions
Under an agreement dated 24 February 2005 between the Company and MTI Partners
Limited ('MTI'), MTI provides an authorised representative to serve as a
non-executive Director of the Company for a fee of £20,000 per annum payable
quarterly. From 8 May 2007, MTI agreed to waive their fee until such time as the
company is trading satisfactorily. MTI controls 22.5% of the share capital of
the Company. At 30 September 2007, the amount outstanding to MTI was £198 (2006:
£nil).
Under an agreement dated 28th February 2006 between the Company and Foresight
Venture Partners ('VCF'), VCF provides an authorised representative to serve as
a non-executive director of the Company for a fee of £20,000 per annum payable
quarterly. This agreement was terminated on 11th December 2006. VCF controls
29.5% of the share capital of the Company. At 30 September 2007 the amount
outstanding to VCF was £nil (2006: nil).
The Chairman, Geoff Shingles invoices his fees through Geoff Shingles
Partnership ('GSP'). From 8 May 2007, GSP agreed to waive their fee until such
time as the company is trading satisfactorily At 30 September 2007 the amount
outstanding to GSP was £6,324 (2006: £13,750).
21 Share Capital
Authorised share capital:
2007 2006
No £ No £
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------
A ordinary shares of
£0.10 118,000,000 11,800,000 63,000,000 6,300,000
each
B ordinary shares of
£0.10 2,000,000 200,000 2,000,000 200,000
each --------- -------- -------- --------
----------------------
120,000,000 12,000,000 65,000,000 6,500,000
---------------------- --------- -------- -------- --------
Allotted, called-up and fully paid:
2007 2006
No £ No £
------------------------ -------- -------- -------- -------
A ordinary shares of £0.10
each 75,399,191 7,539,919 53,904,045 5,390,405
B ordinary shares of £0.10
each 1,036,340 103,634 1,036,340 103,634
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
76,435,531 7,643,553 54,940,385 5,494,039
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Allotments during the year
The Company made the following allotments in the period:
A ordinary £
---------------------------------- shares of £0.10 --------
---------
Options exercised during the year 195,146 19,514
Shares issued during the year 21,300,000 2,130,000
Total share premium - -
---------------------------------- --------- --------
Total consideration 21,495,146 2,149,514
---------------------------------- --------- --------
Equity-settled share option scheme
The company has a share option scheme for all employees for the Group. Options
are exercisable at a price equal to the average quoted market price of the
Company's shares on the date of grant. The vesting conditions of these grants
were 3 years service. Options are forfeited if the employee leaves the Group
before the options vest.
The Company operates a SAYE scheme, whereby employees are allowed to subscribe
to a monthly savings amounts for a period of 3 years. At the end of that
period, the employee is allowed to either receive their saved amount plus
interest and a bonus or purchase shares in the Company at a price based on the
average share price on the three days prior to the contract invitation date.
This scheme is open to all employees subject to Inland Revenue approved limits
on total investment.
Exercise of Options
During the year employees of the group exercised share options as follows:
2007 2006
Number of shares exercised 195,146 1,210,751
------------------------------------ ------- --------
Value of shares exercised £ £
------------------------------------ ------- --------
Nominal value 19,514 121,075
Share premium - 58,023
------------------------------------ ------- --------
Total consideration 19,514 179,098
------------------------------------ ------- --------
Share Options
Details of the share options outstanding during the year are as follows:
2007 2006
----------------------- -------------- --------------
As restated
----------------------- -------------- --------------
Number of share Weighted Number of share Weighted
options average options average
exercise price exercise price
(in £) (in £)
Number of
Share Options
at the
beginning of
the year 7,643,935 0.212 7,102,081 0.332
SAYE granted
during the
prior year - - 1,157,672 0.242
SAYE
eliminated
during the
year (694,047) 0.242 - -
Options
granted during
the year 671,750 0.134 1,069,750 0.371
Number of
Options lapsed
and eliminated (357,154) 0.232 (474,817) 0.393
Number of
Options
exercised
during the
year (195,146) 0.100 (1,210,751) 0.361
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at end
of the year 7,069,338 0.201 7,643,935 0.212
----------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
The number of share options and weighted average exercise price for 2006 has
been restated to include the SAYE scheme.
The weighted average fair value per option for options granted during the year
was £0.096 (2006 £0.28).
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise for share options
exercised during the period was £0.163 (2006 £0.361)
The options outstanding at 30 September 2007 had a weighted average remaining
contractual life of 7.2 years (2006 8 years).
Share options at 30 September 2007 are exercisable as follows:
Date of grant Number of Exercise price Last date for
------------- shares (pence) exercise
------------- ------------- ------------
26/02/2003 128,841 10 25/02/2013
26/02/2003 431,082 25 25/02/2013
04/08/2004 2,584,904 10 03/08/2014
04/08/2004 220,050 25 03/08/2014
05/08/2004 787,090 25 04/08/2014
17/02/2005 934,000 27.5 16/02/2015
17/01/2006 82,499 35.8 16/01/2016
07/02/2006 75,000 31.8 06/02/2016
01/03/2006 834,997 38 28/02/2016
28/11/2006 149,750 20 17/11/2016
11/07/2006 463,625 24.2 10/07/2016
30/07/2007 377,500 10 29/07/2017
Details of the share options granted to the Directors are shown in the report of
the Remuneration Committee.
The inputs into the Cox Rubenstein binomial model are as follows:
2007 2006
Weighted average share price £0.117 £0.371
Weighted average exercise price £0.134 £0.371
Expected volatility 75% 107%
Expected life 10 years 10 years
Risk free rate 4% 4.91%
Expected dividend yield 0% 0%
======== ========
Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of
the Group's share price over the previous 180 days. The expected life used in
the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the
effects of non-transferability, exercise restrictions, and behavioural
considerations.
The Group recognised total expenses of £125,465 and £78,000 related to
equity-settled share-based payment transactions in 2006 and 2007 respectively.
22 Reserves
The Group
Share scheme Other reserves Total other Share premium Profit and loss
reserve reserves account account
£ £ £ £ £
At 1 October
2006 as
previously
reported - 13,389,536 13,389,536 14,424,857 (22,737,048)
Prior year
adjustment
(see note 7) 78,000 - 78,000 - (78,000)
----------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
At 1 October
2006 restated 78,000 13.389,536 13,467,536 14,424,857 (22,815,048)
Loss for the
year - - - - (5,630,878)
Expenses
incurred re
shares issued - - - (172,779) -
Increase in
employee share
scheme reserve 125,465 - 125,465 - -
----------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
At 30
September 2007 203,465 13,389,536 13,593,001 14,252,078 (28,445,926)
----------------- --------- -------- -------- -------- ---------
Other reserves result from the application of merger accounting on the
acquisition of Sarantel Ltd on 23 February 2005.
The Company
Share premium Share scheme Profit and loss
account reserve account
£ £ £
At 1 October
2006 as
previously
reported 14,424,857 - 454,275
Prior year
adjustment
(see note 7) - 78,000 -
---------------------------- -------- --------- ---------
At 1 October
2006 restated 14,424,857 78,000 454,275
---------------------------- -------- --------- ---------
Profit for the
year - - 69,553
Expenses
incurred re
shares issued (172,779) - -
Increase in
employee share
scheme reserve - 125,465 -
---------------------------- -------- --------- ---------
At 30
September 2007 14,252,078 203,465 523,828
---------------------------- -------- --------- ---------
23 Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds
Equity shareholders' funds
2007 2006
£ £
as restated
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Loss for the financial year (5,630,878) (6,812,747)
Issue of new shares (net of issue expenses) 1,976,735 221,098
Employee share scheme reserve 125,465 78,000
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Decrease in shareholders' funds in the year (3,528,678) (6,513,649)
Opening shareholders' equity funds 10,571,384 17,085,033
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Closing shareholders' equity funds 7,042,706 10,571,384
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
24 Reconciliation of Operating Loss to Net Cash Outflow From Operating
Activities
2007 2006
£ £
As restated
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Operating loss (5,912,410) (7,219,218)
Depreciation and amortisation 1,608,586 2,391,627
Loss on sale of equipment 532 -
Employee share scheme charge 125,465 78,000
Decrease/(Increase) in stocks 968,403 (1,583,402)
Decrease in debtors 76,851 269,837
Decrease in creditors (627,566) (181,291)
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net cash outflow from operating activities (3,760,139) (6,244,447)
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
25 Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Funds
2007 2006
£ £
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Decrease in cash in the period (2,620,052) (8,084,289)
Cash outflow in respect of finance leases and hire
purchase 492,641 484,757
New finance leases and hire purchase agreements - (784,834)
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Change in net funds resulting from cash flows (2,127,411) (8,384,366)
Net funds at start of the year 3,938,638 12,323,004
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Net funds at end of the year 1,811,227 3,938,638
---------------------------------- ---------- ---------
26 Analysis of Changes in Net Funds
At 1 October Cash flows At 30 September
2006 2007
£ £ £
----------------------------- --------- -------- ---------
Net cash:
Cash in hand and at
bank 5,050,123 (2,620,052) 2,430,071
Debt:
Finance leases and
hire purchase
agreements (1,111,485) 492,641 (618,844)
----------------------------- --------- -------- ---------
Net funds 3,938,638 (2,127,411) 1,811,227
----------------------------- --------- -------- ---------
27 Cash at Bank
Cash balances of £2,430,071 (2006: £5,050,123) at the end of the year include an
amount of £715,700 (2006: £1,350,000) on an interest bearing deposit account
with a financial institution which can only be repaid when the amounts owed to
it under hire purchase agreements are settled in full. At the year end, the
amount owed was £614,497 (2006: £1,161,823).
28 Capital Commitments
2007 2006
£ £
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
Amounts contracted for but not provided in the financial
statements 98,541 827,310
-------------------------------- --------- ---------
29 Pensions
The Group makes payments into a Group personal pension scheme for certain
employees and Directors. The assets of the scheme are administered by trustees
in a fund independent from those of the Group.
This information is provided by RNS
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