Interim Results

Elektron PLC 26 September 2003 Embargoed for release: 7.30 a.m. 26 September 2003 ELEKTRON PLC Interim results for the period ended 31st July 2003 Elektron PLC ('Elektron'), the AIM and ShareMark quoted components and microwave electronics company announces results for the half-year ended 31st July 2003. Key Points: • Profit before taxation of £201,000 in the six months to 31 July 2003 compared to a loss before taxation of £854,000 in the six months to 31 July 2002 and a loss before taxation of £3,366,000 in the year ended 31 January 2003. • Turnover on continuing operations experienced a small reduction to £5.7 million (2002: £5.8 million) • Operating profits on continuing operations, before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation, increased to £339,000 (2002: £90,000) • Turnover at Bulgin Components of £4,239,000 produced operating profits of £423,000 (2002: Turnover £4,403,000 and operating profits £454,000). • Turnover at Milmega of £1,033,000 produced operating profits of £38,000 (2002: Turnover £1,060,000 and operating losses £74,000). • Turnover at BP Purchasing of £424,000 producing operating profits of £13,000 (2002: Turnover £359,000 and operating losses of £51,000). • Borrowings reduced to £1,449,000 at 31 July 2003 from £1,680,000 at 31 January 2003. For further information please contact: Adrian Girling Roland Cornish Executive Chairman Chairman Elektron PLC Beaumont Cornish Limited Tel: 0208 477 9300 Tel: 0207 628 3396 Chairman's Statement I am pleased to be able to confirm some improvement in the Group's performance. This comes from the elimination of loss making businesses together with the turnaround at Milmega and BP Purchasing and reduction in parent company costs. With careful control of costs and cash we have begun to move forward from the difficulties of the past and to invest in new product introductions and development of new markets for the future. The launch of Ethernet and USB versions of Bulgin Components' popular range of 'Buccaneer' waterproof connectors has been well received by the market and have contributed to growth of this product range, offset by decline in lower margin commodity products. Sales volume to UK distributors is down in line with the market. UK OEM sales have grown, reflecting focus on product 'design in'. We have seen growth in USA sales, offset by weakness in Europe. Milmega makes steady progress towards developing new products and markets to replace the business lost when the telecoms market for microwave amplifiers collapsed. An innovative pulsed amplifier design for radar training and a unique implementation of a harmonic radar concept for counter surveillance applications have been well received by existing and potential customers. Work continues to develop distribution channels to provide access to Far East markets. BP Purchasing has done well to achieve sales and profit growth in a flat market, providing a service sourcing 'hard to find' components. A loyal customer base is steadily growing on the strength of good customer service in selected niche areas of component distribution. Earnings per share and dividends Earnings per share for the six months ended 31 July 2003, before goodwill amortisation, were 0.42p (six months ended 31 July 2002: loss 0.81p). Earnings per share for the six months ended 31 July 2003, after goodwill amortisation, were 0.26p (six months ended 31 July 2002: loss 1.20p). The Board is not proposing an interim dividend. Annual General Meeting A separate notice of the Annual General Meeting, which is to be held on 11 December 2003, will be sent to shareholders in accordance with the prescribed notice period. Future strategy and outlook We have not seen, nor do we expect any help from our market place, which tends to be slightly stronger in the first half. We will continue to invest in selected new product and new market development, in so far as cash allows. Adrian Girling Executive Chairman Group Profit and Loss Account Unaudited Interim Results to 31 July 2003 Half year Half year Year to to to 31 July 31 July 31 January 2003 2002 2003 £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover - continuing operations 5,696 5,822 11,074 - discontinued operations - 2,161 3,563 --------- --------- --------- 5,696 7,983 14,637 --------- --------- --------- Operating profit/(loss) - continuing 254 5 (696) operations - discontinued - (820) (1,136) operations --------- --------- --------- 254 (815) (1,832) Loss on closure of discontinued operations - - (1,440) Profit on disposal of freehold property - 61 61 --------- --------- --------- Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities before interest 254 (754) (3,211) Net interest payable (53) (100) (155) --------- --------- --------- Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities before 201 (854) (3,366) taxation Taxation on (profit)/loss on ordinary (66) 195 114 activities --------- --------- --------- Profit/(Loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 135 (659) (3,252) Minority interests - 37 34 Profit/(Loss) attributable to shareholders 135 (622) (3,218) Dividends - - - Transfer to/(from) reserves 135 (622) (3,218) Earnings/(Loss) per share - standard 0.26p (1.20)p (6.18)p - before goodwill amortisation 0.42p (0.81)p (5.45)p Analysis of Operating Profit/(Loss) Operating profit/(loss) on continuing operations - operating profit/ (loss) 339 90 (118) - exceptional items - - (407) - goodwill amortisation (85) (85) (171) 254 5 (696) Operating loss on discontinued operations - operating loss - (553) (636) - exceptional items - (151) (290) - goodwill - (116) (210) amortisation - (820) (1,136) Group Balance Sheet Unaudited Interim Results at 31 July 2003 31 July 31 July 31 January 2003 2002 2003 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets Intangible assets 328 1,423 413 Tangible assets 1,581 2,513 1,809 1,909 3,936 2,222 Current assets Stocks 1,200 2,131 1,318 Debtors 2,343 3,353 2,445 Cash at bank and in hand 41 1,731 129 3,584 7,215 3,892 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (3,647) (6,890) (4,086) Net current (liabilities)/assets (63) 325 (194) Total assets less current liabilities 1,846 4,261 2,028 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than (429) (713) (619) one year Provisions for liabilities and charges (322) - (449) Net assets 1,095 3,548 960 Capital and reserves Called - up share capital 2,602 2,602 2,602 Share premium 270 270 270 Profit and loss account (1,777) 679 (1,912) Shareholder's funds - Equity 1,095 3,551 960 Minority interests - (3) - Capital employed 1,095 3,548 960 Notes: 1. The financial information in this statement does not constitute statutory accounts. The financial information in respect of the year ended 31 January 2003 has been extracted from the statutory accounts which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified and did not contain any statement under Section 237 of the Companies Act 1985. 2. The interim financial information has been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Group's statutory accounts for the year ended 31 January 2003. Fixed annual charges are apportioned to the interim period on the basis of time elapsed. Other expenses are accrued in accordance with the same principles used in the preparation of the annual accounts. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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