Final Results

CML Microsystems PLC 11 June 2002 CML MICROSYSTEMS Plc 2002 FINAL RESULTS Results down in-line with profits warning but above market expectations CML Microsystems Plc ('CML'), which designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of semiconductor products, primarily for the global communications market, announces its Final Results for the full year ended 31 March 2002. CML's semiconductor circuits and devices serve customers in electronic manufacture, assembly and distribution in the wire-line telecom, wireless data and private mobile radio/land mobile radio markets. CML is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is traded OTC as an ADR in the US. The Group has five operating subsidiaries in the UK, the US and Singapore. Commenting on the results, George Gurry, Chairman said: 'Although these results bear the impact of the severe progressive and widespread downturn that took place across the group's principal trading markets during the year, and which had its greatest effect on the performance of the group during its second half, I am pleased to say that the final figures represent a rather better overall outcome than either the group or reportedly the investment market had been expecting.' Financial Highlights • Sales of £16.247m (2001: £21.719m), down 25.2% • Very sharp drop in second half product shipments • Operating profit of £1.588m (2001: £4.758m), down 66.6% • Pre-tax profits of £2.101m (2001: £5.324m), down 60.5%; but above market expectations • Tax rate down to 13.48% due to new R&D Tax Credit legislation • 11.9% of net revenues spent on R&D • Basic EPS of 12.51p (2001: 26.28p), down 52.4% • Net cash reserves of £11.77m (2001: £10.9m) • Maintained final dividend of 10.5p, payable 2 August 2002 Business Review • Lower sales recorded in each principal market territory • Month on month bookings show improvement in the opening months of the current year • Improved integration of communications and marketing operations in main semiconductor businesses • Single unified 'CML' semiconductor business identity implemented across all market territories • Rolling programme for new product development Regarding prospects, George Gurry, Chairman said: 'Group shipments in the closing month of March were somewhat higher than had been expected and I can add that month on month bookings have continued to show improvement into the opening months of the current year. Nevertheless, I note that 'market' personnel - across customers and suppliers alike - continue to have a nervous and very cautious view of the markets, and it remains difficult to uncover clear grounds to feel confident that a general upturn is imminent. 'That said, I have every confidence that your Company will respond effectively to both the problems and the opportunities of this current year.' Enquiries: CML Microsystems Plc www.cmlmicroplc.com Nigel Clark, Financial Director 020 7786 9600 (today) Chris Gurry, Business Development Director 01621 875500 (thereafter) Binns & Co PR Peter Binns/Simon Ellis/Paul McManus 020 7786 9600 CML MICROSYSTEMS PLC PRELIMINARY RESULTS Chairman's Statement Although these results bear the impact of the severe progressive and widespread downturn that took place across the group's principal trading markets during the year, and which had its greatest effect on the performance of the group during its second half, I am pleased to say that the final figures represent a rather better overall outcome than either the group or reportedly the investment market had been expecting. The continuing decline experienced with product shipments into the last quarter, which was announced through the London Stock Exchange in late February, was not evident in the case of shipments during the final month, which was helpful towards reducing the operational loss that the group had as an internal forecast for the second half. The halt in the month on month fall in shipments seen by the closing month is not construed as indicative of a general market upturn. For the full trading year ending 31st March 2002, the group's product sales show a £5.472m fall to £16.247m, which is 25.2% down against the sales recorded for the previous year (2001: £21.719m). This shortfall resulted mostly from the very sharp drop in product shipments seen in the second half, when sales billings were down by over £3m against the sales figure recorded for the opening half. As a consequence of this shortfall in sales, the group's operating profit is down by 66.6% to £1.588m (2001: £4.758m), and an operating loss of approximately £0.51m was incurred for the second half. With net interest earnings falling by 9.4% to £513k (2001: £566k), the result mainly of the general decrease in key interest rates taking place through the year, the group posted a pre-tax profit outcome of just £2.101m, a 60.54% reduction against the pre-tax figure reported for the year earlier (2001: £5.324m). On a happier note, the group has continued to benefit from the recent R&D Tax Credit legislation, as befits its very positive investment stance towards this area, and the tax charge of approximately £283k represents a 13.48% tax rate for the year. Basic earnings per share show an expected fall on the back of the reduced trading results, although the extent of the drop is alleviated somewhat by the lower tax rate that the group's business profile attracts. At 12.51p per ordinary share, this EPS figure is 52.40% down against the figure for the year previous (2001: 26.28p per share), with the small number of new shares issued in the year having no material effect in this outcome. The group's net cash reserves amounted to £11.77m at the year-end, up from the £10.9m reported at the previous year close, corresponding to a cash equivalent of 80.54p per ordinary share (2001: 74.65p per share). Overall net assets per share also grew slightly to stand at 141.31p per share. Your Directors do not conceal their disappointment that these results include earnings that are so significantly down against the expectations for further improvement that they had held at an earlier point. They nevertheless recognise the role that the quite exceptional recent conditions in the group's market places have performed in arriving at this outcome, and they believe that effective steps are being taken to manage the securing of group opportunities in these circumstances. Your Directors are confident that your Company has the financial and operational strengths sufficient to achieve its planned return to growth, and they believe that the current results can be appropriately accompanied by the payment of a ' same again' dividend. Your Directors are therefore recommending the payment of a dividend of 10.5p per ordinary share (2001: 10.5p per share), which will be payable, if approved, on 2nd August 2002 to all shareholders registered as on 5th July 2002. It would be difficult to exaggerate the completeness of the collapse taking place across the group's markets over the year. Lower sales were recorded for each and every principal market territory, with sales into the Americas down by more than one half compared with the year previous, and a fall was similarly experienced in total product sales into each of the three principal semiconductor product markets. Steps were taken during the year to improve the integration of communications and marketing operations in the main semiconductor businesses, and measures aimed to increase the efficiency of other activities were also put in place. Further steps included changes of name for the main UK and US based operating companies, thereby presenting a single unified 'CML' semiconductor business identity throughout all of the group's market territories. As you would expect, the difficulties in the marketplace did not deflect the group from continuing its strong investment in its rolling product development programme, with spending maintained at a similar level to that in the previous year, and a steady number of products were either announced, released or had reached the final stages of market release. As I have reported, group shipments in the closing month of March were somewhat higher than had been expected and I can add that month on month bookings have continued to show improvement into the opening months of the current year. Nevertheless, I note that 'market' personnel - across customers and suppliers alike - continue to have a nervous and very cautious view of the markets, and it remains difficult to uncover clear grounds to feel confident that a general upturn is imminent. That said, I have every confidence that your Company will respond effectively to both the problems and the opportunities of this current year, and I do look forward to reporting to you at the halfway point. I cannot close without drawing your attention to the vital contribution made towards the success and strength of your Company by the group's employees worldwide. On your behalf, and on behalf of your Directors, I extend our sincere thanks for their loyal support and effort throughout the year. G W Gurry Chairman 11th June 2002 PRELIMINARY RESULTS GROUP PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT for the year ended 31st March 2002 Unaudited Audited 2002 2001 £'000 £'000 Turnover 16,247 21,719 Operating Profit 1,588 4,758 Profit on Ordinary Activities before Interest and Taxation 1,588 4,758 Interest Receivable 513 566 Profit on Ordinary Activities before Taxation 2,101 5,324 Taxation (283) (1,537) Profit on Ordinary Activities after Taxation 1,818 3,787 Minority Interest 11 13 Profit for the financial year 1,829 3,800 Proposed dividend (1,535) (1,534) Retained profit for year 294 2,266 Earnings Per Share Basic 12.51p 26.28p Diluted 12.33p 25.76p Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses Profit for the financial year 1,829 3,800 Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investments (31) 716 Total recognised gains and losses for year 1,798 4,516 Prior year adjustment (516) - Total gains and losses recognised since last Report and Accounts 1,282 4,516 PRELIMINARY RESULTS GROUP BALANCE SHEET at 31st March 2002 Unaudited Audited restated 2002 2001 £'000 £'000 Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 9,280 9,858 Current Assets Stocks 1,633 2,037 Debtors 2,079 2,900 Investments 9,207 8,733 Cash at bank and in hand 2,566 2,173 15,485 15,843 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (3,577) (4,778) Net Current Assets 11,908 11,065 Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 21,188 20,293 Provisions for liabilities and charges (532) (530) Net Assets 20,656 20,393 Capital and Reserves Called up Share Capital 731 730 Share Premium Account 3,237 3,226 Capital Redemption Reserve 255 255 Profit and Loss Account 16,433 16,171 Shareholders' Funds 20,656 20,382 Minority Interests - 11 20,656 20,393 PRELIMINARY RESULTS GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31st March 2002 Unaudited Audited 2002 2001 £'000 £'000 Net cash in flow from operating activities 2,932 5,759 Returns on investments and servicing of finance 513 566 Taxation (863) (835) Capital expenditure and financial investment (163) (1,091) Equity dividends paid (1,534) (1,217) Net cash in flow before financing 885 3,182 Financing 12 439 Increase in cash 897 3,621 Notes 1.The profit and loss account, balance sheet and cash flow statement are an abridged version of the Company's full accounts which have not yet been filed with the Registrar of Companies and which have not yet been reported on by the Company's auditors. 2. A dividend of 10.5p per Ordinary Share (2001: 10.5p per Ordinary Share) is recommended in respect of the year ended 31st March 2002 and will be paid on 2nd August 2002 to shareholders on the register as at 5th July 2002. 3. The calculation of earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share adjusted to allow for the issue of shares on the assumed conversion of all dilutive options. 4. The same accounting policies have been used for the year ended 31st March 2002 as for the year ended 31st March 2001, except that the group's accounting policy for deferred taxation was changed during the year in order to comply with FRS 19 . The 2001 Audited figures have been restated to reflect this new policy. 5. The preliminary announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on 10th June 2002. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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