Preliminary Results

RTS NetWorks Group PLC 13 June 2001 13 June 2001 RTS NETWORKS GROUP PLC ('RTS NetWorks' or 'the Group') Preliminary Results for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000 The Board of RTS NetWorks, provider of next-generation e- and m- business solutions, announces its first Preliminary Results since the company floated on AIM. Highlights * The Group achieved turnover of £6.074 million with revenue growing by 45 per cent. in the second half of 2000 over the previous seven months. * The Group focus is now on the sale and licensing of software products to complement the customised development and consultancy business. * During the period the Group's client list grew threefold to include: Amadeus, Cannes Exhibition Centre, Colt Telecom, Conseil General des Alpes-Maritimes, Conventum Bank, Distractions, Entertainment UK (Kingfisher Group), FIM Bankers, Finnish Ministry of Finance, Finnish Post Office, France Telecom, Granada, Helsinki City, Lagardere, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Motorola, Nissan, Nokia Networks, Powerhouse, Reuters, Rivals, Tesco, Thames Water, Total/Fina/Elf, TNT and the US National Guard. * A major launch of products and components for multi-channel usage has started including RTSe Investor Framework, Commerce Management Suite, Synchronicity CMS Version 2, and XML Site Kit. * The Company has built and strengthened strategic partnerships with operators, manufacturers and software companies, including the selection by IBM as one of only 13 m-commerce partners in Europe. Bernard Fisher, Chairman, commented: 'Our business model is evolving from consulting and service revenues towards the sale and licensing of software products. The intended impact will be to increase our margins, develop services for more customers with the same resources and generate recurring revenue through licensing and maintenance.' For further information please contact: RTS NetWorks Group PLC 020 7749 5000 Bernard Fisher, Chairman Square Mile BSMG Worldwide 020 7601 1000 Nick Oborne/Sally Lewis 13 June 2001 RTS NETWORKS GROUP PLC ('RTS NetWorks' or 'the Group') Preliminary Results for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000 Chairman's Statement We entered 2000, our first full year of trading on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange with a strategy: * to build up the Group; * to invest in emerging technologies; * to lay the groundwork for profitability in 2001/2; and * prepare the Group for sustainable longer term growth. Market conditions have had an impact on our trading and operations, but these fluctuations were not totally unexpected. I am pleased to report that I believe we are still largely on track in achieving our objectives, albeit over a slightly longer timeframe: Building the Group: We have integrated 12 businesses in four countries, with the implementation of common management and reporting systems, technical infrastructure and tools. New technology: At the time of flotation, Internet development was an immature market, and wireless solutions were little more than a concept. Not only have we developed a substantial competence in multi-channel applications, but have built an impressive library of software components and products, acquiring solid client references in major vertical markets. Profitability: Following initial investment in integration and Research & Development (R&D), the objective has always been to bring the Group progressively closer to underlying profitability. A general market slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2000 impacted short- term revenues, but has not caused us to modify this objective. Out of R&D and client projects, we have developed four product lines and a software library of over 100 documented components. These will be used to improve efficiency and margin and provide customers with even more cost-effective, flexible and timely solutions in an ever more rapidly evolving marketplace. Growth: Since admission to AIM our client base has grown threefold and we have won several contracts in excess of £250,000. Market conditions have led us to be more cautious in our plans for growth through mergers and acquisitions, although we anticipate that these conditions may create some opportunities for acquisitions. We continue to plan for growth, both organic and through mergers and acquisitions where they can be accretive to earnings or where they improve the Group's geographic footprint or services to our international customers. Financial highlights The Group achieved turnover for the period of £6.1 million with expenditure of £15.0 million resulting in a net operating loss of £8.9 million before goodwill amortisation and impairment of intangible fixed assets. In the second half of 2000, revenues grew 45% over the previous seven months. Further details can be found in the Financial Review. Outlook We believe that the second half of 2001 will be a turning point for the Group. We have begun a launch of software products and components, principally developed last year, including Investor Framework, Commerce Management Suite, Synchronicity CMS Version 2, and XML Site Kit. Our products are now all being designed with 'multi-channel' usage: for PC's, handheld phones and other devices. Our business model is evolving from consulting and service revenues towards the sale and licensing of software products. The intended impact will be to increase our margins, develop services for more customers with the same resources and generate recurring revenue through licensing and maintenance. In the first quarter of 2001, we signed significant orders in the portal and wireless sectors of our market place. We believe our selection by IBM as one of only 13 strategic m-commerce partners worldwide, alongside much larger corporations, confirms our position in the industry. This year we will further extend our wireless skills, currently strongest in Finland, across all our business and product lines. Revenues in the first quarter of 2001 grew more than 70% over the same period last year, with 20% organically and 50% through acquisitions. While we have won two large contracts in France, the pipeline of new business in that territory remains weak and a review of French operations is in hand. I would like to thank all our investors for their continued support in a year of change and consolidation. I also extend the Board's thanks to our talented managers and staff, whose skills and dedication have shaped and enhanced our reputation. Bernard Fisher Chairman 12 June 2001 Review of Operations Overview Following a first half largely dedicated to the integration of 12 businesses that we acquired both at the time of flotation on the Alternative Investment Market and thereafter, the priorities of 2000 were to: * build our client base, in particular to increase the size and value of projects; * develop our alliance programme: a smaller number of partners, but for higher expected commercial return; * increase the profitability of operations and projects; * focus the Company's R&D into clearly identified vertical markets, with a planned launch for products and components; and * progress our wireless business from the early adopter stage (demo's and prototypes) to that of major projects. Commercial base and partnerships Demand for our components and services continued to grow during the period and our client base has grown more than threefold. During the second half of 2000, the growth rate slowed as clients approached us with larger, more strategic projects. The impact of this trend was announced in December 2000. Despite this, the Group achieved revenue growth during the second half of 2000 of 45% over the previous seven months. Our client list now includes: Amadeus, Cannes Exhibition Centre, Colt Telecom, Conseil General des Alpes-Maritimes, Conventum Bank, Distractions, Entertainment UK (Kingfisher Group), FIM Bankers, Finnish Ministry of Finance, Finnish Post Office, France Telecom, Granada, Helsinki City, Lagardere, Merck Sharpe & Dohme, Motorola, Nissan, Nokia Networks, Powerhouse, Reuters, Rivals, Tesco, Thames Water, Total/Fina/Elf, TNT and the US National Guard. We have worked to strengthen and exploit key alliances resulting in IBM selecting RTSe as a strategic partner in their mobile- commerce initiative. We continue to be an active member of the influential industry forum and contribute to the setting of standards for the wireless industry. Additionally our partner and alliance network, focused on wireless initiatives, now includes: BEA, Brokat, HP Mobile Bazaar, IBM, Microsoft Windows Mobile Solutions Programme, Nokia, Oracle, and Sybase. Projects completed during the period of particular interest include: Financial Solutions: * Conventum: A Finnish financial institution for which we developed an Initial Public Offering system providing Internet subscriptions for private investors, from the RTSe Investor Framework suite. Built to withstand high volumes, the system also features full integration to the Finnish Internet banks for instant payment. * Leonia Bank market information system: RTSe provided a complete online market information service which is fully integrated into Leonia's Internet Bank and Online Trading System. The service is also integrated into the Helsinki Stock Exchange and international market information providers for stock market, currency and interest rates. Historical graphs and real-time and delayed quotes also feature. Commerce Management: * Tesco: RTSe has been helping Tesco determine its wireless strategy. * Thames Water: New Wave Online, a fully-enabled e-commerce site, built with our Commerce Management components. www.newwaveonline.co.uk. Content Management: * Golf Wits Portal: By building RTSe Synchronicity Content Management System into this service, non-technical site managers can easily update content as and when they like. www.golfwits.com * Minor League Baseball portal: The RTSe Synchronicity Content Management System allows the organisation to update information daily, resulting in more current, accurate content. * Rivals.com: The sports portal ranked the stickiest site on the Internet (Sticky means users stay on the site for longer than on other sites). www.alliancesports.com. Entertainment: * Distractions: An award winning mobile entertainment portal, developed and built with RTSe's multi-channel content management system. The portal offers single and multi-player games, quick-hit entertainment, points and community building tools. Now benefiting from new commercial agreements with KPN, BT Cellnet Genie as well as Granada Media Group. www.distractions.co.uk * Pori Jazz: A web and wireless portal for the annual jazz festival includes content and event information which can be forwarded to mobile phones. This project incorporated RTSe's skills in e-commerce, content management and wireless. www.porijazz.com. R&D and intellectual assets During the course of the period, RTSe strengthened the value of the Group's intellectual property in financial services, retail and business to business commerce and competence in mobile (m- commerce and m-business) and content management. Products and components developed during the period include: Financial Solutions * Portfolio Management: Stores transaction history for user portfolio, generates reports and charts performance; * Market Information: Presents a variety of information from any stock exchange including price, volume, news, plus graphic and analysis tools utilising 'push' technology so users do not have to refresh screens for the latest information. Commerce Management * HDi: Management system for logistics and workflow of fulfilment, delivery and installation; * E-commerce: Integrated suite of e-commerce components with supporting content and data maintenance systems; * Instore: Customer service oriented Point of Sale system. Content Management * A complete content management system, handling content processes and workflow, for multiple contributors and websites. Version 2 of Synchronicity CMS includes XML functionality, and was released in the US in May; * RTSe XML Site Kit: quick to structure and build, and easy to manage, with an intuitive interface. Wireless * Wireless Investor: Real time market information systems for mobile devices, such as cell phones or personal organisers; * Outlook Bridge: Wireless interface to MS Outlook through corporate intranets; * Route WAP: Wireless application providing interactive routing and directions; * Wireless Timetable: Wireless application to access and search timetable information; and * Wireless Enterprise Management: Wireless access to time sheet and resource management applications. Wireless extensions to all our product lines are currently in development. Thanks to judicious technology choices made in 2000, and investment in research and development, RTSe is well-positioned to meet the needs of corporations for multi-channel services (web, wireless and Digi-TV), that are expected to see high growth in 2001 and beyond. Awards and accolades Our position as an industry leader was confirmed with the following awards which demonstrate our understanding and innovation in multiple channel delivery: * Distractions wireless entertainment project. Winner of the first W@P Forum award for best use of WAP in a consumer application; * Helsinki City Library project. Winner of the first Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Access to Learning Award, for innovation in setting standards in reducing segregation through technology. Speakers from RTSe were invited to present at a number of industry events, including the London Stock Exchange, on utilising the Internet for improving Investor Relations. Integration RTS NetWorks achieved the effective integration of the 12 businesses that provide the nucleus of its skills: RTSe Finland Oy formed from three technology companies: IT consultant and software developer Avercom (1998); database integrators Bitwise (1998) and financial solutions provider CGS (1998). RTSe Finland is based in in Espoo (Helsinki) and forms the technology centre of the Group. RTSe France formed from Internet consulting company Acces Consultants (2000); technology solutions and systems integrators Insys Sud (1999) and Microsoft certified solution provider Ove (1999). Development and delivery operations are based in Sophia Antipolis (Nice), with sales and client support in Paris. The level of activities in France has not met expectations. RTSe UK formed from four companies providing digital services: web agency Cega Limited (1999), design and concepts company Brainstormers Web Factory Limited (2000), database developer Boxer IT Limited (2000) and retail and logistics systems specialist Axida Limited (2000). Product and solution development work is centred in Kingston upon Hull, with design, concept work and client support in London RTSe USA commenced trading in December 1999, after acquiring the SMMS (Spatial Metadata Management System) technology division of RTS Enabling Technology, Inc. This is not a core activity of the Group and is being divested. July 2000 saw the acquisition of Synchronicity, Inc., specialists in database-driven interactive portals, e-commerce and web content management. Group management and processes RTS NetWorks' policy has been to impose a flexible framework for common processes and reporting across the Group. Within this framework, business units are given considerable autonomy, to serve their markets according to local requirements. The central management structure has been kept small. Its role is to set strategy guidelines, pursue mergers and acquisitions, and co-ordinate R&D, marketing and communication. Competencies and skills Staff currently number around 170 people, with approximately 70% in production (development, design and consultancy) and the remainder in sales, marketing and administration. Over 80% of staff in Finland, France and the US (and over 60% in the UK) have university degrees or equivalent engineering diplomas. Training, professional development and balanced financial incentives are key factors in the recruitment and retention of quality staff. Market conditions As reported by many other companies, the end of 2000 saw a slowdown in new project signoff. RTS NetWorks recognised the trend and took action to reduce the cost base as of Q1 2001 and sharpen the focus of the business to concentrate on core skills and key clients. Looking forward The operational effort towards profitability remained on course during the first quarter of 2001 with the receipt of a number of significant orders, efficiencies gained as a result of the integrations, as well as industry recognition in our selection as a strategic m-commerce partner for IBM. Revenues in the first quarter of 2001 were considerably higher than the same period last year. The priority of our Business Plan is to accelerate the drive to profitability through: * increasing revenues through targeted campaigns and a strengthened direct sales force; * evolving the business model from project fees to licence revenues; * expansion of our partner network programme; * strengthened marketing; and * further reductions in the cost base, whilst retaining the capacity for expansion. Financial Review Turnover and operating loss Turnover for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000 was £6.1 million, a significant increase over the pro forma results for the period to 30 September 1999, published in the AIM prospectus, and achieved through organic growth and acquisitions. The operating loss for the period before impairment of intangible fixed assets and amortisation of goodwill was £8.9 million. In December 2000, the decision was made to downsize operations in all the operating units as a result of a market downturn. Accordingly a restructuring provision of £688,000 was raised and is included within the operating loss figure. After deducting an exceptional charge of £8.0 million for impairment of intangible fixed assets and goodwill amortisation of £2.9 million, the Group made a net loss on ordinary activities of £19.7 million. Loss per share The basic loss per share after impairment of intangible fixed assets and before goodwill amortisation was 24.29p. Cash flow and borrowing facilities The net cash outflow from operating activities was £9.8 million. The Group ended the period with £1.4 million cash on hand and borrowings of £224,000, resulting in net funds of £1.2 million. During the period the Company raised £15.0 million in cash from the issue of share capital after expenses. Significant cash outgoings include £3.5 million on acquisitions, £1.5 million on capital expenditure and the remaining £8.6 million on servicing working capital requirements. The Company raised a further £1.5 million in January 2001 by means of a private equity placing and also secured a loan facility of £1.5 million from Robotic Technology Systems PLC, its former parent company. The Group drew down £500,000 of this facility in January 2001. This facility was effectively frozen and replaced in June 2001 by a new facility made available to the Group by Robotic Technology Systems PLC, whereby the Group could borrow up to £1.0 million as a subordinated loan, repayable in December 2005. Funding and Report of the auditors In addition, the Company is currently in negotiation with regard to procuring further funding by way of equity investment and/or a subordinated long term loan facility. The directors are of the opinion that sufficient funding will be received to ensure that the Company, and the Group, can continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and accordingly the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Whilst reference is made by the auditors to the uncertainties regarding future funding, their auditor's opinion has not been qualified in this respect. Acquisitions In line with our corporate objective, we have continued to invest in new businesses both in the UK and overseas. Acquisitions during the period include Boxer IT Limited, Axida Limited, and Synchronicity, Inc.. Boxer IT Limited Boxer IT Limited, a UK web developer, was acquired in April 2000 for £187,000, satisfied by shares and a cash payment of £22,000. Axida Limited In July 2000, the Group acquired Axida Limited for a maximum consideration, payable to the vendors of Axida, of £6.2 million. This was satisfied by the issue of 3,319,502 new RTS NetWorks ordinary shares at 108.45p each for a value of £3.6 million and a placing of 1,575,000 new ordinary shares at 100p each on behalf of the vendors. A further £1 million in RTS NetWorks ordinary shares (to be issued at 108.45p per share) will become payable to the vendors of Axida, the business having achieved its post acquisition financial targets. Synchronicity, Inc. ('Synchronicity') The consideration payable to the vendors of Synchronicity is a maximum of £4.25 million. Of this amount £3.25 million was satisfied by the issue of 2,688,394 new RTS NetWorks ordinary shares at 121p each of which 350,000 new ordinary shares were placed at 100p each on behalf of the vendors. A further £1 million in RTS NetWorks ordinary shares (at the prevailing market price at time of issue) may become payable to the vendors dependent on the future performance of Synchronicity. Carrying value of fixed asset investments Fixed asset investments comprise both investments in the shares of subsidiaries and fixed asset loans made to the subsidiaries since they were acquired. We reviewed the value of the Group's fixed asset investments as at 31 December 2000 for impairment in value. The subsidiary companies acquired by the Group in the period were recorded on the Company's balance sheet at cost on the date of acquisition being the aggregate of the market value of shares issued, shares to be issued and cash paid for the business acquired. However, in line with the general downturn in the technology sector and the subsequent fall in share prices, it is the Board's belief that, at the present time, there have been appropriate adjustments made to the carrying values of the fixed asset investments. Consequently the Company has provided for impairment in the carrying value of fixed asset investments of £10.9 million. This has the effect of reducing the net book value of fixed asset investments (comprising both the investment in shares and the loans) of the Company to £15.5 million and creating an exceptional loss to the Company of £10.9 million. Intangible assets The Company has adopted a policy to amortise the goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiaries and businesses over a period of 5 years. At 31 December 2000, the Company reviewed the net book value of its intangible assets for impairment in value in conjunction with a review of the carrying values of the Company's fixed asset investments. In line with the above reduction in the carrying value of the Company's fixed asset investments, the Board recognises that there has also been impairment in the value of its recognisable goodwill. Accordingly, in addition to the goodwill amortisation for the period the Group has taken an impairment charge of £8.0 million. Foreign currency risks The Group has significant overseas investments that operate in France, Finland and the USA. Their revenues and expenses are denominated exclusively in their respective local currencies. The Group maintains a policy that only minimal bank balances are held locally and the Group bank account holding all surplus cash and bank balances are maintained in the UK. For further information please contact: RTS NetWorks Group PLC 020 7749 5000 Bernard Fisher, Chairman Square Mile BSMG Worldwide 020 7601 1000 Nick Oborne/Sally Lewis Group profit and loss account for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000 ============================================================================== Before goodwill Goodwill amortisation amortisation Total £'000 £'000 £'000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Turnover Continuing operations 5,537 - 5,537 Acquisitions 537 - 537 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 6,074 - 6,074 Cost of sales (4,746) - (4,746) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Gross profit 1,328 - 1,328 Administrative expenses Other administrative expenses (10,277) (2,936) (13,213) Impairment of intangible fixed assets (7,976) - (7,976) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total administrative expenses (18,253) (2,936) (21,189) Operating loss (16,925) (2,936) (19,861) Continuing operations (14,870) (2,426) (17,296) Acquisitions (2,055) (510) (2,565) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (16,925) (2,936) (19,861) Interest receivable 202 - 202 Interest payable (27) - (27) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loss on ordinary activities before taxation (16,750) (2,936) (19,686) Tax on loss on ordinary activities - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loss on ordinary activities after taxation (16,750) (2,936) (19,686) ============================================================================== Loss per share - Basic and diluted 24.29p 4.26p 28.55p ============================================================================== The Company has taken advantage of exemptions under section 230 Companies Act 1985 not to publish its own profit and loss account for the period. Group statement of total recognised gains and losses ============================================================================== for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000 £'000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Loss for the financial period (19,686) Exchange adjustments (189) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total recognised gains and losses for the period (19,875) ============================================================================== Reconciliations of movements in equity shareholders' funds ============================================================================== Group for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000 £'000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total recognised gains and losses for the period (19,875) Equity shares issued 906 Premium on equity shares issued (net of expenses) 28,209 Shares to be issued in respect of acquisitions 1,000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net increase in shareholders' funds 10,240 Opening equity shareholders' funds - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Equity shareholders' funds as at 31 December 2000 10,240 ============================================================================== Balance sheet ============================================================================== as at 31 December 2000 £'000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Fixed assets Intangible assets 9,000 Tangible assets 1,159 Investments 162 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10,321 Current assets Stocks 219 Debtors due within on year 1,399 Debtors due after more than one year 164 Cash at bank and in hand 1,444 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3,226 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (2,468) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net current assets 758 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Total assets less current liabilities 11,079 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (51) Provisions for liabilities and charges (788) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net assets 10,240 ============================================================================== Capital and reserves Called up share capital 906 Share premium account 18,153 Shares to be issued 1,000 Merger reserve 10,056 Profit and loss account (19,875) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Equity shareholders' funds 10,240 ============================================================================== Approved by the Board on 12 June 2001. Group cash flow statement ============================================================================== for the 16 month period ended 31 December 2000 £'000 £'000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Cash outflow from operating activities (9,773) Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest received 202 Interest paid (13) Interest element of finance lease payments (14) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash inflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance 175 Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed assets (1,111) Purchase of intangible fixed assets (312) Purchase of fixed asset investments (27) Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets 14 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment (1,436) Acquisitions Purchase of subsidiary undertakings (3,504) Cash acquired with subsidiary undertakings 1,132 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash outflow from acquisitions (2,372) Net cash outflow before financing (13,406) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Financing Issue of ordinary share capital 15,876 Share issue costs (918) Repayment of loans (38) Capital element of finance lease payments (47) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash inflow from financing 14,873 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Increase in cash in the period 1,467 ============================================================================== Reconciliation to net cash £'000 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash at the start of the period - Increase in net cash 1,467 Borrowings acquired with subsidiaries (309) Movements in borrowings 85 Exchange adjustments (23) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Net cash at 31 December 2000 1,220 ============================================================================== Notes to the accounts: 1. Basis of preparation The financial information set out above does not constitute accounts under section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. The results for the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000 are extracts from the Group accounts which will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the Company's Extraordinary General Meeting. The Company is currently in negotiation with regard to procuring further funding by way of equity investment and/or a subordinated long term loan facility. The directors are of the opinion that sufficient funding will be received to ensure that the Company, and the Group, can continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and accordingly the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. Whilst reference is made by the auditors to the uncertainties regarding future funding, the auditor's Opinion has not been qualified in this respect. 2. Loss per share Earnings per ordinary share have been calculated using the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. For basic earnings per share, the weighted average number of equity shares in issue is 68,964,459 and the earnings being losses after tax are £19,686,000. Diluted earnings per share is not relevant as the Group has incurred a loss for the period. 3. RTS Networks will not be paying a dividend in respect of the sixteen months ended 31 December 2000. 4. Copies of the 2000 Report and Accounts will be sent to shareholders in due course. Further copies will be available from the registered office of the Company, 44 Phipps Hatch Lane, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 OHN.
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