Preliminary Rslts-Replacement

IFX Power PLC 05 February 2003 The issuer advises that the following is a replacement of the Preliminary Results announcement that was released at 7.00am on 4th February 2003 under RNS reference 9978G. Under the column headings for Financial Highlights the year ended date for 31 December 2002 also included the date 30 June 1999, and the year ended date for 31 December 2001 also included the date 30 June 1998, these have been removed. No other amendments have been made. IFX Power plc ('IFX' or 'the Group') Preliminary Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2002 IFX Power, one of the world's leading providers of power supply solutions to the mid-tier of the electronics industry, today announces its Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 December 2002. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS £ Millions Year ended 31 Year ended 31 December 2002 December 2001 Turnover 64.0 86.5 Gross margin 20.4 25.4 Gross margin % 31.9% 29.4% Profit before tax and amortisation of goodwill 2.2 4.9 Profit before tax 0.7 3.7 Free Cash Flow 6.6 2.3 Basic earnings per share 0.0p 13.6p Earnings per share adjusted for goodwill amortisation 7.3p 19.3p (fully diluted) Dividend per share 12.0p 12.0p KEY ACHIEVEMENTS • Significant outperformance in the power supply sector with positive profits. • Gross margins improve 2.5% points to 31.9%. • Introduced 37 new state of the art 'XP' branded product families up 23% from the prior year. • Substantially increased the development engineering headcount with the acquisition of Switching Systems International. • Improved management productivity from investment in IT systems. • Strong cash flow enabled dividend to be maintained at 12p per share. Larry Tracey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said: 'The best year yet for achievement by an experienced workforce pushing hard in the worst market conditions. Progress made this year should benefit employees and shareholders during the next few years.' Enquiries: IFX Power plc Larry Tracey, Chief Executive Officer 0118 976 5028 James Peters, European Managing Director Duncan Penny, Finance Director www.ifxpower.com CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT Business Performance The economic climate in which we operate continues to be tough. Many companies in both North America and Europe lack the business confidence to invest in the capital equipment which our products power. This has resulted in a decline in our revenues since the exceptional conditions which prevailed in 2000. Revenues decreased 26% from those achieved in the prior financial year to £64.0 million. Our revenues derived from the networking, datacom and telecom sectors have more than halved as these industries have experienced difficulties. However our revenues derived from the medical, industrial and defence sectors have increased £6 million from the levels achieved in 2001. Gross margins have improved to 31.9% in 2002 from 29.4% in 2001. This is our third successive year of gross margin improvement in the face of difficult markets and generally declining prices. This improvement has resulted from our continued development of own branded products designed to meet the requirements of our customers in the markets we serve. Operating expenses have been cut back to £18.0 million compared with £20.2 million in 2001. During the fourth quarter we scaled back parts of the continental European organisation. The costs of this restructuring were charged to operating expenses in the second half of 2002. I therefore expect further reductions in operating expenses in 2003. Profit before tax and goodwill amortisation was £2.2 million compared to £4.9 million in 2001. This resulted in fully diluted earnings per share adjusted for goodwill of 7.3p compared with 19.3p in 2001. Against this background we have taken action to enable us to increase earnings and free cash flow in these market conditions. The key elements of our strategy are: • Geographic expansion • New product development • Moving up the 'value chain' • Reduced operating expenses Geographic expansion During 2001 we embarked on an aggressive expansion of our sales presence in both continental Europe and North America in the face of declining end markets. The high quality power supply sales engineers required to make our business model successful were more readily available in a downturn and our view was that such an expansion would not be possible under normal market conditions. In continental Europe new offices were added in Benelux, Denmark, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland in addition to the existing UK and German offices. Our expectations were that these offices would all be profitable in 2002. Unfortunately this was not the case. During Q4 2002 we started to scale back these operations such that they can break even in 2003. Our revenue from continental Europe was £6.1 million in 2002 (2001: £0.8 million). These incremental revenues have almost exactly compensated for the decline in the base business in the UK which was due to the slow down in our telecomm business. An expansion of our geographic sales presence in North America has also taken place. Since the beginning of 2001 we have opened new offices in Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. These offices are now profitable. However, the incremental revenues generated from these offices have not been sufficient to offset the decline in the North American base business derived from our networking customers. The revenues generated from our networking customers are down £23 million from 2001. Despite slower progress than we hoped we are pleased that we now have 90% coverage of our target geographic market and have incremental revenues of £10 million resulting from these new offices which we otherwise would not have. We believe that this puts us in a good position versus our competition who have generally been cutting back their sales resource since 2001. New Product Development New product development is vital to the long-term success of our business. Fragmented requirements of customers in the mid-tier and the lack of resource devoted to suitable product development for the mid-tier amongst the top tier players has given us an advantage in this arena. In 2001 we introduced 30 new product families. In 2002 a further 37 product families were introduced, all of which are 'XP' branded. New products allow us to win more of the available business in our tier of the market and allow us to make significantly higher gross margins while at the same time delivering cost savings to our customers. Our knowledge management systems allow us to capture the necessary information to carefully target our product development and tailor it to the key needs of the customer base in the mid-tier as well as closely manage the sales force. Our new engineering capability of over 20 engineers based in Anaheim Southern California and in New England gives us even greater capability to expand our own proprietary product range. Moving up the Value Chain On 30 April 2002, the Group acquired the business and certain assets of Switching Systems International ('SSI') for US$8.5 million (approximately £5.9 million) plus expenses. US$1.25 million of this consideration is deferred until July 2003. Based in Anaheim, California, SSI operates in, and provides power supply solutions to, the mid-tier of the electronics industry. SSI has designed its own proprietary range of configurable power supplies using outsourcing partners as manufacturers. It also provides value added power supply solutions using these same products. Value added power solutions are modified standard devices that can be more easily integrated into the customer's system. Modifications can involve providing wiring harnesses, thermal management, custom enclosures and ensuring Electro Magnetic Compatibility. These enhancements aid the design-in process saving the customer time and therefore money. SSI's traditional route to market was via manufacturing representatives in the US. Following the acquisition, these manufacturing representatives have been replaced by IFX's direct sales force. The acquired business has now been integrated into XPiQ, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of IFX. The acquisition of SSI is an important step for the Group in that it continues our move higher up the value chain. With SSI we acquired our own proprietary configurable product line and a highly skilled design engineering team, capable of designing products which specifically meet the needs of the customers in the mid-tier of the market. The gross margins we are able to earn from our own proprietary products are significantly higher than if we only specify the product for our manufacturing partners to build. Early signs from this acquisition are promising. The business is already profitable having lost money prior to its acquisition by the Group. Our existing customers are reacting very favourably to the product line and the cost reductions they can attain by designing it in to their equipment. In Q4 2002 we received the 'Innovation Award' from Advanced Sterilisation Products, a division of Johnson and Johnson, for the impact our proprietary power supply had on the success of their end product. As a consequence of moving up the value chain we are no longer dealing with certain of our historic suppliers where their product line conflicts with our own XP branded offering. This has had some negative affect on our short-term revenues but the shortfall should be taken up by our own new branded products in the near future. Reduced operating expenses Our knowledge management system has allowed us to flatten the organisational structure. This has enabled us to significantly reduce the number and cost of management. Financial Performance Strong free cash flow has enabled us to maintain our dividend. We will be proposing a final divided of 7p per share at our forthcoming Annual General Meeting. People A year ago I announced that we would be splitting the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive. I am pleased to announce that Duncan Penny will be assuming the role of Chief Executive with immediate effect. Duncan joined the Group in April 2000 as group finance director. James Peters will be assuming the role of deputy chairman. The Group needs to attract and retain the best people in the industry. People who will continue to drive the business forward and who above all act in our customers' interests. We have a culture that rewards excellent performance with profit sharing, sales commissions and with equity participation. Over 100 of our employees have some sort of equity interest in the Group. The Group also strives to maintain the technical standard of the sales force, which it believes to be the best in the industry, by regular product training. Our customers The profile of our customers has changed dramatically since the beginning of 2001. The reduction in the networking and telecom related revenues should have run its course by March 2003. The increase in the industrial and medical revenues during this period should continue through 2003. Outlook Despite the tough market conditions I am proud that we have remained one of the few profitable power supply companies while at the same time expanding our geographic coverage and product range. Although I see no signs of any immediate pick up in the markets we serve, I consider that our increased geographic coverage, updated product offering and engineering capabilities position us well for 2003 and beyond. Larry Tracey Chairman IFX Power plc Consolidated Profit and Loss Account For the Year Ended 31 December 2002 £ Millions 2002 2001 Restated (*) Turnover Note 2 64.0 86.5 Gross profit 20.4 25.4 Selling and distribution (12.2) (13.3) Administrative expenses Research and development (1.7) (0.4) Goodwill amortisation (1.5) (1.2) Other administration expenses (4.1) (6.5) Total administrative expenses (7.3) (8.1) Other operating income 0.1 0.1 Group operating profit Note 2 1.0 4.1 Share of associates' operating profit 0.1 0.1 Total operating profit 1.1 4.2 Interest receivable and similar income 0.2 - Interest payable and similar charges (0.6) (0.5) Profit on ordinary activities before Taxation 0.7 3.7 Tax on profit on ordinary activities Note 3 (0.6) (1.4) Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 0.1 2.3 Minority interests (0.1) 0.5 Profit attributable to IFX shareholders - 2.8 Dividends payable Note 4 (2.5) (2.5) Retained profit for the period (2.5) 0.3 Basic earnings per share Note 5 0.0p 13.6p Earnings per share adjusted for goodwill - fully Note 5 7.3p 19.3p diluted * The 2001 tax charge has been decreased by £0.2 million owing to the adoption of Financial Reporting Standard 19 - Accounting for deferred tax (see Note 10). Statement of Recognised Gains and Losses £ Millions 2002 2001 Profit attributable to IFX shareholders - 2.8 Currency translation differences (1.7) 0.2 Total recognised (losses)/gains relating to the year (1.7) 3.0 Prior period adjustment (Note 10) 0.2 - Total recognised (losses)/gains since last annual report (1.5) 3.0 IFX Power plc Statutory Consolidated Balance Sheet At 31 December 2002 £ Millions 2002 2001 Restated (*) Fixed assets Intangible assets - Goodwill 23.0 20.0 Tangible assets 3.4 3.0 Own shares 0.4 0.5 Investments 0.8 1.5 Total Fixed Assets 27.6 25.0 Current assets Stocks 7.7 10.1 Debtors 10.8 12.6 Cash at bank and in hand 4.4 1.5 Total current assets 22.9 24.2 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (11.8) (13.0) Net current assets 11.1 11.2 Total assets less current liabilities 38.7 36.2 Creditors: amounts falling due after more then one year (9.0) (3.4) Net assets 29.7 32.8 Capital and reserves Called up share capital 0.2 0.2 Share premium account 27.0 27.0 Merger reserve 0.2 0.2 Profit and loss account 1.7 5.9 Total equity shareholders' funds 29.1 33.3 Minority interests 0.6 (0.5) Total capital and reserves 29.7 32.8 * The 2001 debtors figures has been increased by £0.2 million owing to the adoption of Financial Reporting Standard 19 - Accounting for deferred tax (see Note 10). IFX Power plc Statutory Consolidated Cash Flow for the Year Ended 31 December 2002 £ Millions 2002 2001 Net cash flow from operating activities Note 6 8.3 6.5 Returns on investments and servicing of finance Interest paid (0.6) (0.5) Interest received - - Net cash outflow from returns on investments and the (0.6) (0.5) servicing of finance Tax paid (0.5) (2.4) Capital expenditure Purchase of tangible fixed assets (0.9) (1.4) Sale of tangible fixed assets 0.3 0.1 Net cash outflow from capital expenditure (0.6) (1.3) Free cash flow 6.6 2.3 Purchase of subsidiary undertakings Note 9 (5.7) (7.1) Purchase of freehold properties - (0.9) Equity dividends paid (2.5) (2.5) Financing New loans 4.8 3.4 Net cash flow from financing 4.8 3.4 Increase/(decrease) in cash 3.2 (4.8) Notes to the Interim Results for the Year Ended 31 December 2002 1. Basis of preparation The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The particular accounting policies adopted are described below. Accounting convention The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention. Basis of consolidation The group has accounted for the acquisition of XP and Forx using the merger method of accounting and all other subsidiaries using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 6, 'Acquisitions and Mergers'. Goodwill and intangible fixed assets For acquisitions of a business, where the acquisition method of accounting is adopted, purchased goodwill is capitalised in the year in which it arises and amortised over its estimated useful life up to a maximum of 20 years. The directors regard 20 years as a reasonable maximum for the estimated useful life of goodwill. Capitalised purchased goodwill in respect of subsidiaries is included within intangible fixed assets. Tangible fixed assets Depreciation is provided on cost in equal annual instalments over the estimated lives of the assets. The rates of depreciation are as follows: Plant and machinery - 25 - 33% Motor vehicles - 25% Office equipment - 25 - 33% Leasehold improvements - 10% or over the life of the lease if shorter Long leasehold land and buildings - Term of the lease Investments Investments held as fixed assets are stated at cost less provision for impairment. Associates In the Group financial statements investments in associates are accounting for using the equity method. The consolidated profit and loss account includes the Group's share of associates' profits less losses while the Group's share of the net assets of the associates is shown in the consolidated balance sheet. Goodwill arising on the acquisition of associates is accounted for in accordance with the policy set out above. Any unamortised balance of goodwill is included in the carrying value of the investment in associates. Stocks Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost represents material and appropriate overheads based on normal levels of activity. Deferred taxation Deferred taxation is provided in full on timing differences that result in an obligation at the balance sheet date to pay more tax, or a right to pay less tax, at a future date, at rates expected to apply when they crystallise based on current tax rates and law. Timing differences arise from the inclusion of items of income and expenditure in taxation computations in periods different from those in which they are included in financial statements. Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is regarded as more likely than not that they will be recovered. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted. Prior year figures have been restated to reflect the requirements of Financial Reporting Standard 19, resulting in a tax credit of £0.2 million in the 2001 comparatives. Foreign exchange and financial instruments Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates ruling at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are translated at the rates ruling at that date. These translation differences are dealt with in the profit and loss account. The results of overseas subsidiary undertakings are translated into sterling at the average rates for the period. The exchange differences arising as a result of restating retained profits to closing rates are dealt with as a movement on reserves. The Group uses financial instruments to reduced exposure to foreign exchange risk. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Leases Rental costs under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account in equal annual instalments over the period of the leases. Pension costs The group operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Contributions are charged to the profit and loss account as they become payable. 2. Segmental analysis The Group operates substantially in one class of business, providing power supply solutions to the electronics industry. Analysis of total Group operating profit, net assets, pro forma turnover and pro forma total Group operating profit by geographical region is set out below. Segmental Analysis £ Millions Year to 31 Year to 31 December 2002 December 2001 Turnover Europe 21.3 21.1 United States 42.7 65.4 Total Turnover 64.0 86.5 Group Operating Profit (before goodwill) Europe (0.6) 1.0 United States 3.1 4.3 Total Group Operating Profit (before goodwill) 2.5 5.3 Amortisation of goodwill (1.5) (1.2) Total Group Operating Profit after goodwill 1.0 4.1 At 31 December At 31 December 2002 2002 Net assets Europe 2.9 3.4 United States 26.8 29.4 Total net assets 29.7 32.8 3.Taxation £ Millions Year to 31 December Year to 31 2002 December 2001 (Restated) United Kingdom 0.1 0.8 International Taxation: Subsidiary undertakings 0.4 0.8 Deferred taxation 0.1 (0.2) Total taxation 0.6 1.4 4. Equity Dividends An interim dividend of 5p (2001 - 5p) per share was paid on 17 October 2002. A final divided of 7p (2001 - 7p) is proposed for approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting to be paid on 22 May 2003 to shareholders on the register of members on 2 May 2003. 5. Earnings per share £ Millions Year to 31 December 2002 Year to 31 December 2001 Earnings for the financial period for Basic earnings per share - 2.8 Amortisation of goodwill 1.5 1.2 Earnings for adjusted earnings per share 1.5 4.0 Weighted average number of shares (thousands) 20,514 20,568 - basic Weighted average number of shares (thousands) 20,646 20,712 - fully diluted 6. Reconciliation of Operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities £ Millions Year to 31 Year to 31 December 2002 December 2001 Operating profit 1.0 4.1 Depreciation and amortisation 2.3 1.7 Decrease in stocks 4.6 3.8 Decrease in debtors 4.0 5.3 Decrease in creditors (2.5) (8.4) Other non cash flow movements (1.1) - Net cash inflow from operating activities 8.3 6.5 7. Reconciliation of net debt £ Millions Year to 31 Year to 31 December 2002 December 2001 Net cash at 1 January (6.2) 1.9 New loan (4.8) (3.4) Increase/(decrease) in cash per cash flow statement 3.2 (4.7) Net debt at 31 December (7.8) (6.2) Represented by Cash at bank and in hand 4.4 1.5 Overdrafts (4.0) (4.3) Loan (8.2) (3.4) Net debt at 31 December (7.8) (6.2) 8. Borrowings On 22 August 2001 the Group obtained a multi-currency revolving credit facility from Bank of Scotland totalling £20 million committed for three years at an interest rate of 1.5% above LIBOR in order to finance acquisitions. At 31 December 2002 £8.2 million had been drawn down under this facility. In addition to this the Group has a £10 million working capital facility which is repayable on demand. Both facilities are secured on the assets of the Group. 9. Acquisitions Cash consideration for acquisitions. £ Millions Year to 31 Year to 31 December 2002 December 2001 Switching Systems International 5.3 - XPiQ Inc - 2.7 Powerspec - 2.7 Kamuk XP Power ApS - 0.5 MPI - XP Power AG - 0.8 Others 0.4 0.5 Sub total 5.7 7.2 Less: cash acquired - (0.2) Total cash consideration 5.7 7.0 10. Prior year adjustment Included in the tax charge for the period ended 31 December 2001 is a credit of £0.2 million resulting from the change in the method of accounting for deferred tax assets and liabilities following the adoption of Financial Reporting Standard 19. 11. General The financial information set out in this announcement does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 December 2002 or 2001. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2001 is derived from the IFX Power plc statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2001 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under s237 (2) or (3) Companies Act 1985. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2002 will be finalised on the basis of the financial information presented by the directors in this preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies following the company's annual general meeting. This announcement was approved by the directors on 3 February 2003. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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