Interim Results

Mondas PLC 28 January 2005 Mondas plc Interim Results for the six months to 31 October 2004 Mondas PLC, the specialist provider of software solutions to the banking & securities and education markets, announces its interim results for the six months to 31 October 2004. KEY POINTS Actions: • Progress made on a number of fronts: • Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock ('CULS') - Agreement reached for a 2 year extension at the same conversion price, strengthening the company's balance sheet • Agreement with Rhyme Systems Ltd. for a development licence for the Fund Manager Enquiry System, 'FES' • Outsourced certain software development offshore Trading: • Banking & Securities Division: • Progressing the delivery of systems to CSFB & HSBC • Receiving growing interest from North America and private client stockbrokers • Discussions with global financial institutions continue • Resource Division • First orders from our relationship with Pearson • Emphasis on customer management has increased sales of new product Results and Current Trading: • Operating loss before goodwill amortisation and restructuring charges of £0.43m (2003: loss £0.50m) • Pre-Tax loss of £1.45m (2003: £1.09m) exacerbated by one off exceptional items of £0.42m • Encouraged by an improving trend in our results excluding exceptional items • Cash balances of £1.05m (2003: £1.88m) Commenting on the results, Jarlath McGee, Chief Executive, said: 'These results reflect a challenging period for the Company. However, there are now clear signs that we are moving away from the problems of the past. The strategic review, the results of which we announced in October 2004, is being vigorously implemented although there is still work to be done. We are now focused on delivering asset servicing solutions to the investment banking and fund management markets. The education market remains a high priority, as there are considerable opportunities for growth.' 27 January 2005 Enquiries: Mondas PLC Tel: 020 7392 1300 Jarlath McGee, Chief Executive College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020 Matthew Smallwood/Clare Warren CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT In August last year, your Board carried out a top-level reorganisation to restore the confidence of our customers, our shareholders and our staff in the future of the Company. At the subsequent Annual General Meeting on 29 October 2004, our actions received the clear support of shareholders. These interim results cover this difficult period, which, of necessity, includes a substantial reorganisation charge. I am pleased to report today that the holders of 89.42% of the Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock ('CULS'), which was due to be repaid on 31 October 2005, have irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of a special resolution to be proposed at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the holders of CULS to extend the redemption date by two years to 31 October 2007. The Company proposes to increase the annual coupon, with effect from 1 November 2005, by 0.75% from 8% to 8.75%. There is no change in the conversion terms, which remain two ordinary shares for each £1 of loan stock. Financial Results Mondas recorded an operating loss, before goodwill amortisation and restructuring charges, for the six months ended 31 October 2004, of £429,859 (2003: loss £496,244) on turnover of £1.82 million (2003: £1.85 million). These losses arose in the first quarter but were partially reversed by a small profit in the second quarter. The restructuring charge was £426,938 (2003: £nil) and amortisation of goodwill was £472,698 (2003: £472,698). Loss per share was 5.5p (2003: 4.1p). We have realigned our cost base to eliminate some central costs and to focus our efforts on our key markets. As a result our headcount has fallen from 56 at 1 May 2004 to 49 as of today. This, combined with the change in management at the start of the second quarter, has given rise to a restructuring charge of £426,938, of which £285,355 arose from the board changes in August 2004, £28,767 from the Annual General Meeting in October 2004, and £112,816 from the business restructuring. These amounts include salary costs, severance payments, legal and professional fees and cancellations of certain marketing programs. At 31 October 2004 the Company's cash balances amounted to £1.048 million (2004: £1.884 million). Within creditors falling due within one year is an amount of £2.98 million arising from reclassification of the CULS to a short term liability as at the balance sheet date. As stated above holders of CULS holding in excess of the required 75 per cent have irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of the special resolution to extend the redemption date to 31 October 2007. Accruals and deferred income has increased by £192,000 due to provisions arising from the restructuring. Banking and Securities Division Mondas continues to maintain its position as a market leader of corporate actions processing systems. Our success at Credit Suisse First Boston (Europe) Limited in delivering the orders announced in our second quarter has further underlined its confidence in Mondas as a major supplier. This has subsequently led to the identification of further opportunities over the next two years, to include progressive development of functionality and international adoption of the system. We continue to receive growing interest from the North American market from existing and prospective customers and from partners. We remain confident of the successful implementation of the system sold to HSBC plc, in the second half of the current financial year. As part of our business review, we stated our intent to maximise the value of certain non core applications. I am pleased to report that we have entered into an agreement (subject to final contract) with Rhyme Systems Limited ('Rhyme Systems') to grant it a development licence for our fund manager enquiry system, 'FES', currently deployed at Brewin Dolphin Securities Limited. This agreement includes a royalty payable to Mondas by Rhyme Systems for certain future revenues from this product. Rhyme Systems is a major supplier of back office systems to the UK asset management market. Rhyme Systems will also be a distributor of our flagship product, Radica CAPS, to its significant user base. In order to increase margins we have outsourced certain software development projects offshore. We continuously evaluate our internal working practices to ensure minimisation of cost. Resource Division We continue to build on our existing commitment to the education sector and are now seeing the first orders from our relationship with Pearson plc's education division for our existing Resource 32000 range. In addition to the UK market, this relationship has generated international opportunities for the Resource division, which we are currently pursuing. An increased emphasis on customer management has resulted in a recent significant increase in sales of new products to our user base. Acquisitions and Alliances In October 2004 we described our strategy to acquire intellectual property within the asset servicing market that will give the company customer base, product and geographic reach. We are in active dialogue and negotiations with a number of businesses which meet our criteria. Current Trading and Outlook Against a background of some previous internal turmoil and difficult market conditions, we are encouraged by an improving trend in our results. Although our ability to achieve market expectations is dependent on closing some new licence business, we are seeing a firming of the pipeline from private client stockbrokers and discussions with global financial institutions are progressing. The agreement reached with the holders of the CULS for a two year extension to the CULS, with no change in the conversion price of 50p per share, is an encouraging indication of support for the new management team. The internal restructuring, together with our order delivery and pipeline, allows your directors to look to the future with cautious optimism. Independent Review Report to Mondas PLC For the six months ended 31 October 2004 Introduction We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information which comprises the profit and loss account, balance sheet, cash flow statement and related notes 1 to 7. We have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial information. This report is made solely to the company having regard to guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 ' Review of interim financial information' issued by the Auditing Practices Board. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company, for our work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have formed. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the AIM rules. The directors are also responsible for ensuring that the accounting policies and presentation applied to the interim figures are consistent with those applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and the reasons for them, are disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review having regard to guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4 issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data and, based thereon, assessing whether the accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied, unless otherwise disclosed. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with United Kingdom Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock redemption In arriving at our review conclusion we have considered the adequacy of the disclosures made in note 1 to the Interim Report concerning the possible outcome of negotiations for the extension of the repayment date of the Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock of £3,000,000, currently repayable on 31 October 2005. The Interim Report has been prepared on a going concern basis, the validity of which depends upon the repayment date being extended. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that would result from a failure to obtain an extension to the repayment date. Details of the circumstances relating to this fundamental uncertainty are described in the Chairman's Statement. Our opinion is not qualified in this respect. Review conclusion On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months ended 31 October 2004. RSM Robson Rhodes LLP Chartered Accountants London, England 27 January 2005 Interim Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the six months ended 31 October 2004 Six months ended Six months 12 months ended 31 October ended 31 October 30 April 2004 2003 2004 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) £ £ £ Turnover 1,816,653 1,847,452 3,974,732 Cost of sales (115,497) (71,556) (156,384) Gross profit 1,701,156 1,775,896 3,818,348 Restructuring charge (426,938) - - Other administrative expenses (2,603,713) (2,744,838) (5,362,889) Total administrative expenses (3,030,651) (2,744,838) (5,362,889) Analysis of group operating losses Operating loss before goodwill amortisation and depreciation (794,186) (454,993) (501,206) Amortisation of goodwill (472,698) (472,698) (945,396) Depreciation of tangible fixed assets (62,611) (41,251) (97,939) Operating loss (1,329,495) (968,942) (1,544,541) Net interest payable (124,863) (121,626) (235,013) Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (1,454,358) (1,090,568) (1,779,554) Taxation (918) 147,748 147,748 Loss for the period (1,454,276) (942,820) (1,631,806) Basic and diluted loss per share (5.5p) (4.1p) (6.6p) There are no recognised gains or losses for the above periods other than those stated above. Interim Balance Sheet at 31 October 2004 As at As at As at 31 October 31 October 30 April 2004 2003 2004 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited) (restated-note 1)(restated-note 1) £ £ £ Fixed assets Intangible assets 945,389 1,890,784 1,418,087 Tangible assets 174,225 223,662 229,294 1,119,614 2,114,446 1,647,381 Current assets Debtors 460,749 709,907 934,331 Cash at bank and in hand 1,048,770 1,884,733 1,492,744 1,509,519 2,594,640 2,427,075 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Other Current Liabilities (378,734) (319,671) (585,071) Convertible 8% Unsecured Loan Stock 2005 (2,978,185) - - (3,356,919) (319,671) (585,071) Net current (liabilities)/assets (1,847,400) 2,274,969 1,842,004 Total assets less current liabilities (727,786) 4,389,415 3,489,385 Creditors: Amounts falling due in more than one year - - - Convertible 8% Unsecured loan stock 2005 - (2,950,385) (2,964,285) Accruals and deferred income (1,335,391) (1,366,695) (1,143,001) Net (liabilities)/assets (2,063,177) 72,335 (617,901) Capital and reserves Called up share capital 2,614,164 2,614,164 2,614,164 Share premium account 6,280,707 6,281,957 6,280,707 Profit and loss account (10,958,048) (8,823,786) (9,512,772) Equity shareholders' (deficit)/funds (2,063,177) 72,335 (617,901) The interim accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 27 January 2005 and signed on its behalf by: Colin Peters Chairman Interim Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the six months ended 31 October 2004 Six months Six months 12 months ended ended Year ended 31 October 31 October 30 April 2004 2003 2004 £ £ £ Net cash outflow from operating activities (324,551) (498,668) (727,600) Returns on investments and servicing of finance (110,964) (107,726) (207,213) Taxation paid/(received) (918) 147,748 147,748 Capital expenditure and financial investment (7,541) (71,068) (133,388) Cash outflow before financing and liquid resources (443,974) (529,714) (920,453) Management of liquid resources 333,210 (1,209,207) (848,852) Financing - issue of ordinary shares - 1,513,304 1,513,304 - expenses paid in connection with share issue - (76,800) (78,050) Cash inflow from financing - 1,436,504 1,435,254 Decrease in cash (110,764) (302,417) (334,051) Notes to the Interim Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Six months Six months 12 months ended ended Year ended 31 October 31 October 30 April 2004 2003 2004 £ £ £ Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash outflow Operating loss (1,329,495) (968,942) (1,544,541) Amortisation of goodwill 472,698 472,698 945,396 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 62,611 41,251 97,939 Decrease in debtors 473,582 39,365 (185,059) Decrease in creditors (3,947) (83,040) (41,335) Net cash outflow from operating activities (324,551) (498,668) (727,600) Notes to the Financial Statements 1. Interim report This interim report was approved by the Board on 27 January 2005. It has been prepared using accounting policies that are consistent with those adopted in the statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2004. The figures for the year to 30 April 2004 were derived from the statutory accounts for that year. The statutory accounts for the year ended 30 April 2004 have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and received an audit report which was unqualified and did not contain statements under s237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. The above financial information does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Directors believe that current sales prospects combined with existing working capital resources will ensure that Mondas has adequate working capital to service its existing business for the foreseeable future. The holders of 89.42% of the Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock ('CULS'), which was due to be repaid on 31 October 2005, have irrevocably undertaken to vote in favour of a special resolution to be proposed at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the holders of the CULS to extend the redemption date by two years to 31 October 2007. Under the terms of the CULS instrument a majority of 75% voting in favour of the proposal at the meeting is sufficient for such a change to be effective. The comparative periods have been restated to reclassify Accruals and Deferred Income as a separate item on the face of the balance sheet, as permitted under Schedule 4 of Companies Act 1985. The reclassification had no effect on net assets in either comparative period. 2. Dividends The directors are not declaring a dividend for the six months ended 31 October 2004. 3. Loss per share Basic loss per share is based on the loss attributed to the members of Mondas Plc and on the weighted average number of shares outstanding throughout the six months ended 31 October 2004 of 26,141,634 (2003: 22,988,717). Diluted loss per share is the same as the basic loss per share because the options and convertible unsecured loan stock have no dilutive effect. Notes to the financial statements 4. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt Six months Six months 12 months ended ended ended 31 October 31 October 30 April 2004 2003 2004 £ £ £ Change in cash (110,764) (302,417) (334,051) Cash (outflow)/inflow from (decrease)/increase in (333,210) 1,209,207 848,852 liquid resources Change in net debt from cash flows (443,974) 906,790 514,801 Amortisation of Convertible Unsecured Loan Stock (13,900) (13,900) (27,800) Opening net (debt)/funds (1,471,541) (1,958,542) (1,958,542) Closing net funds (1,929,415) (1,065,652) (1,471,541) 5. Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds Six months Six months 12 months ended ended ended 31 October 31 October 30 April 2004 2002 2004 £ £ £ Losses for the financial year (1,445,276) (942,820) (1,631,806) Issue of ordinary shares at par - 504,188 504,188 Costs of Issue - (76,800) - Premium on new shares issued - 1,009,116 931,066 (Decrease)/Increase in shareholders' funds (1,445,276) 493,684 (196,552) Opening shareholders' funds (617,901) (421,349) (421,349) Closing shareholders' funds (2,063,177) 72,335 (617,901) 6. Restructuring Charge as per Profit and Loss Six months ended 31 October 2004 £ Board Restructuring (including provisions for salaries, legal and other professional fees) 285,355 Annual General Meeting 28,767 Other restructuring including severances, professional fees, and cancellation of certain marketing programs. 112,816 426,938 7. Copies of the interim report Copies of the interim report are being sent to all shareholders of the Company and are available to the public from the Company's registered office: 17-29 Sun Street, London EC2M 2PT and the offices of John East & Partners Limited, Crystal Gate, 28-30 Worship Street, London EC2A 2AH. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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