Empresas y finanzas

Esmertec Announces Results for 2006, a Transition Year



    Esmertec(TM) (SWX:ESMN), a focused provider of software and
    services to communications device manufacturers and mobile telecom
    operators, announced today its results for the financial year ended
    December 31, 2006. The company's results are the outcome of two
    entirely different half years. After a sharp decrease in revenues in
    the first six months to USD 9.3 million, business returned back on
    track in the second half of the year: revenues reached USD 15.5
    million resulting in total revenues of USD 24.8 million for 2006,
    compared to USD 39.2 million in 2005, in line with management's
    guidance. Esmertec expects total revenues to be over USD 34 million
    for the full year 2007.

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    *T
    In USD millions, except as otherwise indicated FY H1 H2 FY
    2005 2006* 2006 2006
    Revenues 39.2 9.3 15.5 24.8
    Gross profit 24.3 1.8 8.2 10.0
    EBITA (LBITA) (5.9)(15.3) (6.3)(21.6)
    Operating income (loss) (13.8)(34.5)(10.8)(45.3)
    Net loss attributable to equity holders of
    Esmertec AG (15.7)(34.5)(13.9)(48.4)
    Basic loss per share, USD (1.22)(2.12)(0.85)(2.97)
    Diluted loss per share, USD (1.22)(2.12)(0.85)(2.97)
    Cash collections 17.4 13.4 14.5 27.9
    Cash flow used in operating activities (15.7)(12.7) (7.5)(20.2)
    Cash, cash equivalents, short term
    investments, marketable securities 55.0 29.1 13.2 13.2
    Shipments in the period, millions of units 23.1 18.1 41.0 59.1
    Subscribers added in the period, millions of
    subscribers N/A 6.5 29.7 36.2
    *T

    During 2006, Esmertec's operational performance developed robustly
    with growth of customers' device shipments with Esmertec software to
    over 59 million in the year and the creation of a new Mobile Operator
    segment with the acquisition of Cellicium in February 2006. Thanks to
    new contracts and follow-on orders from existing customers, the
    cumulated mobile subscriber base with access to Cellicium's USSD
    browsing continued to grow over 70 million from 34 million at the
    beginning of the year.

    "2006 was a challenging year with two totally different faces.
    While our financial performance mainly in the first half year was
    disappointing, we have delivered sustainable improvements in our
    operations," comments Jean-Claude Martinez, CEO of Esmertec. "We have
    increased our efficiency by making Esmertec a more market driven
    organization and by adjusting costs to better reflect our current
    market expectations. Device shipments with Esmertec software
    consistently grew throughout the year. Our new Mobile Operator segment
    developed favourably. I am confident that measures initiated in 2006
    with the market acceptance of our products and services will have
    strong impact on financial results going forward."

    Summary of 2006 results:

    Revenues: For the reporting period ended December 31, 2006, total
    revenues decreased by 36.8% compared to the previous year to USD 24.8
    million. With total revenues of USD 15.5 million in the second half of
    2006 performance was significantly better than in the first half with
    total revenues of USD 9.3 million. The sharp decline in revenues in
    the first half year of 2006 compared to 2005 resulted from a
    combination of market and customer-specific factors in the Mobile &
    Multimedia Device segment, which led to delays or reductions in
    committed volume contracts. In addition, the Company was more cautious
    in its credit evaluations and decided to defer revenues from customers
    not able to demonstrate strong financial viability.

    Gross Margin: Gross margin for the year 2006 was 40.6% of revenues
    (H1: 18.9%; H2 53.5%) compared to 61.9% in the previous year.
    Shortfalls in high-margin license revenues as well as first-half
    losses on services in the Mobile & Multimedia Device segment affected
    the gross margin negatively. In the service business, the gross margin
    in both segments was positive in the second half of the year, with a
    consolidated gross profit of USD 2.3 million compared to a loss of USD
    2.0 million in the first half.

    Operating expenses: Operating expenses, excluding restructuring,
    amortization and impairment expense, stayed relatively stable at USD
    31.0 million in 2006 compared to USD 30.2 million in 2005. If the
    effects of bad debt expense are excluded, operating expenses increased
    14.8% to USD 25.8 million mainly reflecting the acquisition of
    Cellicium in February 2006 and the full impact of the ramp-up of the
    Chinese operations in the second half of 2005. In the course of the
    year, Esmertec introduced several cost and efficiency improvement
    measures, resulting in restructuring charges of USD 2.7 million. These
    measures took effect beginning in the third quarter of 2006. As a
    result, operating expenses (excluding bad debt, amortization and
    impairment expense) were USD 3.0 million lower in the second half of
    2006 compared to the first half of 2006.

    The changes in expectations for revenues from existing products in
    the Mobile & Multimedia Device segment and the changes in the Group
    structure also led to a reassessment of the continuing value of
    intangible assets. Consequently, impairment losses have been recorded
    to the total amount of USD 17.7 million. Bad debt expense declined to
    USD 5.2 million in 2006 compared to USD 7.7 million in 2005, but still
    was significantly affected by the negative financial situation of
    several customers, including one long-term customer which alone
    represent 50% of the total 2006 bad debt expense. All bad debt expense
    incurred in 2006 resulted from contracts signed in the years 2005 and
    before, and nearly half of the expense related to accounts receivable
    from long-term commitments not yet due for payment. At year end 2006,
    accounts receivable representing amounts from long-term commitment
    contracts not currently due has decreased to USD 21.8 million from USD
    31.4 million at December 31, 2005.

    Results: The LBITA was USD 21.6 million compared to a LBITA of USD
    5.9 million in the previous year. Net loss attributable to equity
    holders of Esmertec AG amounted to USD 48.4 million compared to a net
    loss of USD 15.7 million in 2005. Diluted loss per share was USD 2.97
    compared to a loss per share of USD 1.22 in 2005.

    Cash flow: Cash collections from customers totalled USD 27.9
    million in 2006 (USD 17.4 million in 2005), higher than revenues due
    to collections on contracts executed and recognized in prior period.
    As at December 31, 2006, cash, cash equivalents and short term
    investments totaled USD 13.2 million, decreasing from USD 55.0 million
    on December 31, 2005. This reduction reflects primarily the USD 14.4
    million net cash outflow related to the acquisition of Cellicium, the
    final USD 2.5 million payment for the acquisition of Coretek (China),
    USD 1.6 million in investment in and loans to Javaground, and net cash
    used in operations of USD 20.2 million.

    Balance sheet: Accounts receivable decreased from USD 36.4 million
    at the end of 2005 to USD 29.6 million at the end of 2006. Intangible
    assets increased from USD 31.3 million at December 31, 2005 to USD
    38.6 million at December 31, 2006, reflecting intangible assets
    arising primarily from the acquisition of Cellicium (USD 23.6 million)
    and capitalization of development costs (USD 4.5 million) offset by
    the USD 17.7 million in impairments. Esmertec sold a majority stake in
    Esmertec KK (Japan) to an investor group led by local management,
    resulting in a gain on sale of USD 1.9 million; the remaining
    investment is now recorded as a long-term investment. Shareholders'
    equity decreased from USD 72.9 million at the end of 2005 to USD 27.9
    million as at December 31, 2006.

    Segment information

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    *T
    In USD millions Mobile& Mobile
    Esmertec Multimedia Operator Esmertec
    Group Devices Segment Group
    Segment
    2005 2006 2006 2006
    License revenue 29.7 8.1 4.4 12.5
    Service revenue 9.5 7.3 5.0 12.3
    EBITA/(LBITA) (5.9) (24.0) 2.4 (21.6)
    Operating income (loss) (13.8) (46.2) 0.9 (45.3)
    *T

    Esmertec's historical activity has been based primarily on the
    sale of the Jbed Java Virtual Machine and related products and
    services. This is reflected in the Mobile and Multimedia Devices
    Segment and is comparable in scope to the historical results for 2005.
    The Mobile Operator Segment reflects principally the results of
    Cellicium since its acquisition by Esmertec at the beginning of
    February 2006.

    Mobile & Multimedia Devices segment: increase in market share

    In the Mobile & Multimedia Devices segment, revenue reached USD
    15.4 million, a reduction of 60.9% compared to the previous year.
    LBITA decreased to USD (24.0) from USD (5.9) in 2005. While the first
    half-year was marked by a sharp drop of revenues, business activity
    picked up again in the second half of the year, delivering sales
    growth of 58.3% compared to the first half year. In 2006, 44% of
    revenues were achieved in Asia, 40% in the Americas and 16% in Europe.

    Esmertec's customers' product shipments increased by 152% to 59.1
    million with a steady growth over the year. At the same time,
    Esmertec's market share of total mobile phones shipped globally
    increased continuously from an estimated 3.1% at the end of 2005 to
    7.6% in the fourth quarter of 2006. As of December 31, 2006, the
    company's software has been shipped in 99.8 million devices.

    Mobile Operators segment: strong operating margins

    The Mobile Operator segment maintained its fast growth pace.
    Revenues reached USD 9.4 million with associated EBITA of USD 2.4
    million.

    The result reflects a healthy development with both existing
    customers extending their capacities and new customers contributing to
    the positive performance. As of December 31, 2006, 18 mobile operators
    have deployed Cellicium's USSD browsing solution. The number of
    subscribers with access to Cellicium's USSD platform has significantly
    increased over the past 3 years, reaching 70.4 million subscribers as
    of December 31, 2006. In total the Company won eight new USSD
    customers in 2006.

    Although the historical revenue base comes from a major European
    operator, growth in the Mobile Operator segment to date has originated
    mainly from the fast developing markets in the Middle East and Africa,
    and Asia. The Company also has signed its first contracts in Latin
    America. In 2006, 55% of revenues were achieved in the Middle East and
    Africa, 28% in Europe, 14% in the Americas and 3% in Asia.

    Outlook

    Esmertec's markets are experiencing a growing use of interactive
    and mobile communication devices. Java technology is increasingly
    being selected as the interactivity-enabling requirement for handset
    manufacturers and home multimedia products. Esmertec is well
    positioned to benefit from this fundamental growth driver. Esmertec's
    USSD offering is experiencing increased interest in emerging markets
    as well as in Europe.

    Esmertec now concentrates on three fundamental strategic
    priorities

    -- Reinforce market presence and penetration: Esmertec plans to
    further increase its market share by providing customers with
    innovative and reliable products in both segments, with a
    short time to market and excellent service.

    -- Move up the value chain: Through the Cellicium acquisition
    Esmertec moves closer to telecom operators by offering mobile
    browsing solutions and applications. With this profile,
    Esmertec is targeting to expand its product portfolio,
    offering customers cost-saving and revenue-generating
    products.

    -- Develop service offering: Esmertec aims to develop and extend
    its support and maintenance services to mobile industry
    players. The company uses local competence centers to provide
    customers with global expertise. Esmertec focuses on making
    the service competence a profitable business unit.

    For 2007, revenues are expected to increase at least 35% to be
    over USD 34 million and cash flow from operations is expected to be
    positive. Building on the turnaround measures implemented in the
    second half of 2006, the Company intends to make improving
    profitability its top priority.

    Future Board Composition: evolution toward an industrial profile

    In November 2006, three industry experts joined Esmertec's Board
    of Directors. Following this first step toward a Board which is more
    independent from the founding VC investors and with a more industrial
    profile, Roland Manger and Bernd Pfister have decided that they will
    support this transformation and not stand for re-election at the
    Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, which will take place on April
    19, 2007. Tony Reis, a board member since 2005, has also indicated
    that he will not stand for re-election. Chase Bailey, a board member
    since 2004, has indicated that he will resign from the Board of
    Directors at the upcoming annual shareholders' meeting on April 19.
    Thereafter, Esmertec's Board of Directors is expected to consist of
    seven members.

    This communication contains forward-looking statements based on
    current expectations and assumptions of the company's management only,
    and involve certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking
    statements contained herein could be substantially impacted by risks
    and influences that are not foreseeable at present, so that actual
    results may vary materially from those anticipated, expected, or
    projected. Esmertec disclaims any intention or obligation to update
    and revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
    information, future events or otherwise.

    About Esmertec

    Esmertec is a focused provider of software and services to
    communications device manufacturers and mobile telecom operators. The
    company provides software platforms that enable the deployment of
    content and applications in devices and over servers. Customers
    include mobile telecom operators and manufacturers of mobile handsets,
    set-top boxes and interactive televisions. Esmertec's software and
    service capabilities excel with its reliability as well as fast and
    local execution. Founded in 1999, Esmertec is headquartered in
    Zurich-Switzerland with subsidiaries in China, France, South Korea,
    and the USA, and offices in Taiwan and the UK. Since 2005, Esmertec
    has been listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange (ESMN). www.esmertec.com

    Esmertec and Jbed are trademarks of Esmertec AG.

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    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS(1)

    For the For the
    year year
    ended ended
    December December
    31, 31, 2006
    (in USD 000s, except for per share information) 2005(2)
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    License revenue 29,721 12,508
    Service revenue 9,471 12,252
    -------- ---------
    Total revenue 39,192 24,760

    Cost of license revenue -5,211 -2,773
    Cost of service revenue -9,725 -11,946
    -------- ---------
    Total cost of revenue -14,936 -14,719
    -------- ---------
    Gross profit 24,256 10,041

    Research and development, net of capitalized costs -5,473 -6,964
    Amortization of capitalized development costs -1,095 -1,794
    Sales and marketing -7,607 -8,787
    Bad debt expense -7,652 -5,206
    General and administrative -9,440 -10,061
    Amortization of intangible assets -4,408 -4,203
    Impairment of intangible assets -2,369 -17,675
    Restructuring expense 0 -2,689
    Gain on sale of majority interest in Esmertec K.K. 0 1,866
    Other income and expenses, net 2 165
    -------- ---------
    Income (loss) from operations -13,786 -45,307

    Financial income 4,760 4,257
    Financial expenses -7,624 -9,288
    -------- ---------
    Income (loss) before income taxes -16,650 -50,338

    Income taxes -268 969
    -------- ---------
    Net income (loss) -16,918 -49,369

    Attributable to:
    Equity holders of the parent company -15,690 -48,433
    Minority interest -1,228 -936
    -------- ---------
    -16,918 -49,369
    ======== =========

    Average number of shares (thousands) 12,911 16,319
    ======== =========
    Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share in USD -1.22 -2.97
    ======== =========
    (1) This unaudited financial information is prepared in accordance
    with International Financial Reporting Standards.
    (2) Certain amounts in 2005 have been reclassified to conform to
    current year presentation.
    *T

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    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(1)
    At December 31,
    -----------------
    (in USD 000s) 2005(2) 2006
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    ASSETS
    Current assets
    Cash and cash equivalents 35,771 3,142
    Short-term investments 19,195 10,055
    Trade accounts receivable 36,434 29,606
    Income tax refund receivable - 513
    Other receivables 639 1,350
    Inventory 3,935 2,053
    Prepaid expenses and accrued income 1,257 1,330
    -------- --------
    Total current assets 97,231 48,049
    -------- --------
    Non-current assets
    Furniture and equipment 971 1,253
    Intangible assets 31,295 38,611
    Long-term investments and other financial assets 607 4,719
    Deferred tax assets 3,207 0
    -------- --------
    Total non-current assets 36,080 44,583
    -------- --------
    Total assets 133,311 92,632
    ======== ========

    LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
    Current liabilities
    Bank overdrafts 3,176 -
    Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 121 27
    Trade accounts payable 1,587 812
    Income (withholding) tax payable 2,783 1,867
    Other payables 7,190 10,621
    Accrued expenses 10,723 10,083
    Deferred revenue 1,824 1,126
    -------- --------
    Total current liabilities 27,404 24,536
    -------- --------
    Non-current liabilities
    Interest-bearing loans and borrowings 27,935 31,932
    Other long-term liabilities - 5,032
    Pension liabilities 925 1,055
    Deferred revenue 366 105
    Deferred tax liabilities 3,746 2,121
    -------- --------
    Total non-current liabilities 32,972 40,245
    -------- --------
    Total liabilities 60,376 64,781
    -------- --------

    Shareholders' equity
    Share capital 1,231 1,348
    Share premium 114,737 123,338
    Treasury shares -1 -1
    Cumulative translation adjustment 888 -3,414
    Accumulated losses -44,987 -93,420
    -------- --------
    Total equity attributable to equity holders of
    the parent company 71,868 27,851
    Minority interest 1,067 0
    Total equity 72,935 27,851
    -------- --------
    Total liabilities and equity 133,311 92,632
    ======== ========
    (1) This unaudited financial information is prepared in accordance
    with International Financial Reporting Standards.
    (2) Certain amounts in 2005 have been reclassified to conform to
    current year presentation.
    *T

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    UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(1)
    For the year
    ended December
    31,
    (in USD 000s) 2005 2006
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    Net income / (loss) -16,918 -49,369
    Adjustments for:
    Depreciation, amortization and impairment loss 8,144 24,182
    (Gain) loss on sale of businesses - -1,692
    (Gain) on disposal of intangible assets - -200
    Stock option expense 1,105 483
    Increase in provision for bad debts 7,652 5,206
    Other adjustments 2,814 2,317
    -------- --------

    2,797 -19,073
    Net changes in working capital items -18,501 -1,149
    -------- --------
    Net cash used in operating activities -15,704 -20,222
    -------- --------

    Capital expenditure for fixed assets -687 -696
    Capital expenditure for intangible assets -443 -303
    Capitalized development cost -5,364 -4,532
    (Purchase) sale of short-term investments -19,125 13,638
    Investment in and advances to Javaground - -1,641
    Acquisition of businesses (Coretek, Cellicium) -3,462 -14,423
    Other -60 110
    -------- --------
    Net cash used in investing activities -29,141 -7,847
    -------- --------

    Proceeds from borrowings 5,882 -
    Repayment of borrowings -5,999 -3,252
    Repayment of payables relating to acquisitions - -2,500
    Proceeds from minorities 85 -
    Proceeds from issue of share capital 63,978 548
    Interest paid -1,299 -1,171
    -------- --------

    Net cash provided by (used in) financing
    activities 62,647 -6,375
    -------- --------

    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
    equivalents 17,802 -34,444
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 19,817 35,771
    Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash and
    cash equivalents -1,848 1,815
    -------- --------

    Cash and cash equivalents at end of period* 35,771 3,142
    ======== ========

    *excluding short-term investment in amount of: 19,195 10,055
    ======== ========
    (1) This unaudited financial information is prepared in accordance
    with International Financial Reporting Standards.
    *T