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Pricer

Quarterly Report Nov 8, 2007

3098_10-q_2007-11-08_996d76bd-5d51-41ad-833a-0c8e94ad9580.pdf

Quarterly Report

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Interim Report January - September 2007

  • Orders received during the three quarters increased by 51 percent to SEK 351 M (233)
  • Net sales for the three quarters amounted to SEK 298.9 M (296.2)
  • Gross margin improved to 29 (20) percent
  • Operating result for the three quarters of SEK -14.7 M (-32.6). Third quarter is still negative but showing significant improvement
  • Result after tax of SEK -20.3 M (-35.6)
  • Result per share of SEK -0.01 (-0.05)
  • Liquid funds of SEK 73.8 M (27.0)
  • The board of Pricer appointed Charles Jackson as new CEO from September 1
  • The restructuring program to accomplish savings is well under way

_____________________________

Operations

Charles Jackson, Vice President of Sales & Marketing since 2002, was appointed new CEO of Pricer, effective as of September 1, 2007.

Pricer has entered a phase of restructuring, as announced in August, designed to improve margins and reduce operational expenses so as to obtain significant leverage of increasing volumes. Consolidation synergies after the acquisition of Eldat have been to a large extent realised and additional synergies deriving from the acquisition are expected which will give effect towards the end of 2007 and more so in 2008. Pricer is in a good position to benefit from the continued development of the ESL market. Furthermore, Pricer will continue to focus on customer benefit through innovations and launching of new technologies. Pricer's segment based system can now be complemented with the new technology of Dot Matrix products, simplifying the transition and making it more cost-effective for the customers.

The restructuring program to further improve operational efficiency is well under way leading to expense reductions exceeding SEK 25 M for 2008. The program involves reduction of headcount at all sites and centralizing certain functions to Stockholm and Paris respectively.

Orders received in the third quarter amounted to SEK 115 M (43). Orders in the nine-month period increased with 51 percent and amounted to SEK 351 M (233). It should be noted that Eldat was acquired in August of 2006 and is hence, included in the numbers from that date.The order book at the end of September amounted to approximately SEK 126 M (84). The majority of Pricer's orders are in USD and EUR.

The market and market activities

In Pricer's view, the market for ESL is showing sustained positive development. The signals from Pricer's prioritized geographical markets continue to be clear, and there is interest also outside established markets. The number of installations grows globally which influences also other retail chains to evaluate to include ESL as an operating tool in their processes to improve efficiency. The interest for electronic information systems grows and is expected to grow even further as the new technology based on Dot Matrix is introduced. Interest is expected on a broader scale also outside grocery retail. Leading non food retailers have started test installations of the graphic displays. Pricer has an advantage of being the only company that can offer and control both segmented and graphic displays under the same communication network.

Pricer continues to supply ESL systems to the large retail chains in France after having successfully installed systems during the past years. Carrefour continues to place orders for stores in Spain, Greece, Italy and Réunion. The pilot installation at the retail chain Auchan in France is installed and the customer is evaluating the system. Pricer is also in the process of negotiating for and installing pilots at other customers and market segments as well.

Metro Cash & Carry was the first major retailer in the world to roll out ESL and is now in the process of upgrading to Pricer's new ESL generation in Germany. Metro Cash & Carry France operates 84 Cash & Carry stores and has chosen the Pricer ESL system for deployment. Deliveries are taking place during 2007 for about 30 of these Cash & Carry stores. Metro has also begun to install ESL systems in other countries, notably Portugal, Denmark and Spain.

Orders and deliveries to the Japanese market have increased in the third quarter and the underlying demand for ESL systems in Japan, according to Pricer's assessment, is increasing steadily. The deployment of the Pricer ESL system to the York Benimaru supermarket chain is ongoing successfully. It is noted that store number 1,000 with Ishida in Japan was installed in October.

A licensing agreement was signed with Ishida for development, marketing and sales of wireless graphic display labels mainly for the Japanese market. In April Pricer received a first payment for this right of SEK 14 M, to be followed by an additional SEK 21 M approximately, in the form of goods or cash, on attainment of certain targets in the next few years. Pricer will also receive volume-based royalties, expected as from 2008.

Pricer remains confident of the prospects in the U.S. market despite the fact that time to closure is longer than earlier anticipated. Installations are ongoing for one customer with approximately ten

stores during 2007 and further stores expected in 2008. Pilots and initial installations are also in place at other customers and decisions are expected in the near future on purchases of ESL systems on a wider scale.

At the end of the third quarter, Pricer had over 3,300 installations in about 30 countries with main focus in stores located in Japan, France, Germany and the Nordic countries.

Net sales and result

Net sales amounted to SEK 131.9 M (125.9) during the third quarter and for the nine-month period to SEK 298.9 M (296.2). Eldat was acquired in August 2006 and is included from that date. Deliveries in 2007 went mainly to customers in Japan, Germany and France. As compared to 2006 particularly deliveries to Carrefour in France are lower due to roll-out programs to the hypermarkets at Carrefour that took place during earlier years.

Gross profit increased to SEK 40.3 M (31.0) and the gross margin improved to 31 (25) percent for the quarter. Gross profit for the period was SEK 87.0 M (58.9) and the gross margin improved to 29 (20) percent. The stronger gross margin is mainly attributable to an improved market mix of sales and reduced unit costs. The margin has been negatively impacted by a reserve for inventory write off amounting to 1.5 MSEK relating to discontinued products.

Other operating income of SEK 14.3 M is mainly the first payment from the license agreement with Ishida.

Operating expenses increased to SEK 41.4 M (28.3) for the quarter and SEK 116.0 M (91.5) for the period. Expenses in the quarter include a reserve of approximately SEK 11 M for contractual severance payment to the parting CEO and compensation to other employees also leaving Pricer as part of the restructuring program. As compared to last year the increase is primarily related to the consolidation of Eldat. Operating expenses have also been affected by costs relating to the allocation of employee options, expenses relating to fees and services for the debenture loan and depreciation of intangible assets relating to the acquisition of Eldat.

The operating result amounted to SEK -0.8 M (2.7) for the quarter and SEK -14.7 M (-32.6) for the period, equal to an improvement of 55 percent.

Net financial items amounted to SEK -5.1 M (-1.2) for the quarter and SEK -7.2 M (-3.0) for the period and consisted mainly of interest on convertible debentures and bank loans.

The net result was SEK -5.4 M (1.5) for the quarter and SEK -20.3 M (-35.6) for the period.

Jul-Sep 2007 Jul-Sep 2006 Jan-Sep 2007 Jan-Sep 2006
Net sales 131.9 125.9 298.9 296.2
Cost of goods sold -91.6 -94.9 -211.9 -237.3
Gross profit 40.3 31.0 87.0 58.9
Gross margin, % 31 25 29 20
Other operating items 0.3 - 14.3 -
Expenses -41.4 -28.3 -116.0 -91.5
Operating result -0.8 2.7 -14.7 -32.6

Net sales and operating result, SEK M

Financial position

Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK -5.9 M (-23.9) for the third quarter and SEK -6.9 M (-50.1) for the period. Working capital amounted to SEK 96.0 M (103.3) as compared to SEK 101.1 M at the beginning of the year. As from 2007 working capital does not include deferred tax and other provisions and, hence comparative numbers have been adjusted. Liquid funds as of September 30, 2007 amounted to SEK 73.8 M (27.0).

Cash flow from financing activities amounted to SEK 27.3 M (17.2) for the quarter and included the last draw down of SEK 49.9 M of the convertible debentures partly offset by repayment of bank loans.

Pricer strengthened its financial situation and cash position through the issue of convertible debentures of SEK 74.9 M in April 2007. The duration of the debentures is two years with approximately 8 percent annual interest (6 months STIBOR + 4.5 percent) and can be converted to shares in Pricer at a share price of SEK 0.70, corresponding to a dilution of about 9 percent. In line with IFRS a portion of the debenture loans is accounted as equity and, furthermore, an adjustment is being made to the interest expense during the duration of the loans. The debentures were available until August 2007 and have been drawn in full.

The loan of SEK 20 M from Nordea was paid back in August in view of the additional liquidity from the convertible debentures. However, the loan is still available in the form of a promissory facility.

Capital expenditure

Total net capital expenditure amounted to SEK 0.4 M (-4.4) for the quarter and SEK -5.0 M (8.4) for the period. The negative investment in the year to date numbers consists of a reduction in the purchase price of Eldat based on a warranty claim settlement between the parties.

Personnel

The average number of employees during the quarter was 93 (94) and for the period 98 (108), including 0 (6) at Appulse Ltd and PIER AB. The number of employees as of September 30, 2007 was 93 (115) out of which 23 employees are in the process of leaving their employment. As of December 31, 2006 the number of employees was 110.

Parent company

The parent company had net sales of SEK 98.1 M (85.5) in the third quarter and SEK 226.6 M (232.4) in nine-month period of the year, which included transactions within the group of SEK 76.0 M (132.8). The result before tax was SEK -2.5 M (3.8) for the quarter and SEK 4.1 M (-23.2) in the period and capital expenditures were SEK 1.1 M (5.2) for the period. The parent company had liquid funds of SEK 61.0 M (8.7) as of September 30, 2007.

Risks and uncertainties

Pricer's results and financial position are affected by a number of risk factors that should be taken into consideration when assessing the company and its future potential. These risks are primarily related to development of the ESL market and the company's access to financing. Given the customer structure and the large size of the contracts any delay in the installations may have a significant impact on any given quarter. In addition to this, reference is made to a more elaborated description in the annual report of last year.

Related party transaction

There are no significant changes in related parties and there have been no significant transactions with related parties as compared to what was reported in the annual report.

Accounting principles

Pricer follows the IFRS standards adopted by EU and interpretations thereof (IFRIC). This interim report is issued in accordance with IAS 34 Interim reporting. Accounting principles and accounting methods are unchanged as compared to the annual report.

Future outlook

Pricer anticipates further positive development in the market with growth in the number of installed systems and continued interest from several major retail chains. Evaluations and negotiations with a number of retail chains are in progress. Margins are expected to be further strengthened by lower unit costs. Pricer continues to expect to show profit and positive cash flow during the fourth quarter of 2007.

Next reporting date

The year end report for January-December 2007 will be published February 15, 2008.

Sollentuna, November 8, 2007 Pricer AB (publ)

Charles Jackson President and CEO

This interim report has not been subject to review by the auditor

In its capacity as issuer, Pricer AB is releasing the information in this interim report for January-September 2007 in accordance with the Swedish (2007:528) Securities Exchange Act. The information was distributed to the media for publication at 09,30 hrs CEST on Thursday November 8, 2007.

For further information, please contact: Charles Jackson, President and CEO, Pricer AB +46 8 505 582 00

Pricer provides the retail industry's leading electronic display and Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) platform, solutions, and services for intelligently communicating, managing, and optimizing product information on the shop floor. The platform is based on a two-way communication protocol to ensure a complete traceability and management of resources. The Pricer system significantly improves consumer benefit and store productivity.

Pricer, founded in 1991 in Uppsala, Sweden, offers the most complete and scalable ESL solution. Pricer has over 3,300 installations across three continents with approximately 60 percent market share. Customers include many of the world's top retailers and some of the foremost retail chains in Europe, Japan and the USA. Pricer, in cooperation with qualified partners, offers a totally integrated solution together with supplementary products, applications and services.

Pricer AB (publ.) is quoted on the Nordic Small Cap list of OMX. For further information, please visit www.pricer.com

Sweden

Pricer AB (publ.) Website: www.pricer.com Bergkällavägen 20-22 Telephone: +46 8 505 582 00 SE-192 79 Sollentuna Corporate Identity number: 556427-7993

Q 3 Q 3 9 month 9 month Full year
Amounts in SEK M 2007 2006 2007 2006 2006
Net sales 131,9 125,9 298,9 296,2 409,9
Cost of goods sold -91,6 -94,9 -211,9 -237,3 -320,2
Gross profit 40,3 31,0 87,0 58,9 89,7
Other operating income 0,3 - 14,3 - -
Other operating expenses - - - - -0,2
Selling and administrative expenses -34,4 -20,6 -90,2 -63,8 -95,3
Research and development expenses -7,0 -7,7 -25,8 -27,7 -35,2
Operating result -0,8 2,7 -14,7 -32,6 -41,0
Net financial items -5,1 -1,2 -7,2 -3,0 -8,1
Result before tax -5,9 1,5 -21,9 -35,6 -49,1
Tax on result for the period 0,5 0,0 1,6 0,0 1,1
Net result for the period -5,4 1,5 -20,3 -35,6 -48,0
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the Parent Company -5,4 1,7 -20,4 -34,2 -46,5
Minority interest 0,0 -0,2 0,1 -1,4 -1,5
Net result for the period -5,4 1,5 -20,3 -35,6 -48,0
Earnings per share, number of shares Q 3
2007
Q 3
2006
9 month
2007
9 month
2006
Full year
2006
Earnings per share before dilution, SEK -0,005 0,01 -0,01 -0,05 -0,05
Earnings per share after dilution, SEK -0,005 0,01 -0,01 -0,05 -0,05
Number of shares, millions
Number of shares after dilution, millions
1 016
1 153
882
882
1 016
1 153
754
754
853
853
NET SALES BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET
Amounts in SEK M
Q 3
2007
Q 3
2006
9 month
2007
9 month
2006
Full year
2006
Nordic Countries 6,2 3,6 15,8 9,2 15,5
Rest of Europe 68,0 75,2 175,4 198,2 265,3
Asia 54,8 39,9 101,1 77,6 115,6
Rest of the world 2,9 7,2 6,6 11,2 13,5
Total net sales 131,9 125,9 298,9 296,2 409,9

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT - SUMMARY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET - SUMMARY

Amounts in SEK M 2007-09-30 2006-09-30 2006-12-31
Intangible fixed assets 267,9 275,8 282,2
Tangible fixed assets 6,5 9,3 8,1
Financial assets 0,2 0,3 0,2
Total fixed assets 274,6 285,4 290,5
Inventories 41,6 66,3 64,6
Other receivables 133,7 172,7 107,8
Cash and cash equivalents 73,8 27,0 31,5
Total current assets 249,1 266,0 203,9
TOTAL ASSETS 523,7 551,4 494,4
Shareholders' equity 339,8 368,3 353,1
Equity, minority interest -0,2 -0,2 0,1
Total equity 339,6 368,1 353,2
Long-term liabilities 87,8 9,4 25,2
Short-term liabilities 96,3 173,9 116,0
Total liabilities 184,1 183,3 141,2
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 523,7 551,4 494,4
Pledged assets 316,4 34,7 77,2
Contingent liabilities 1,2 1,1 1,1
Shareholders' equity per share, SEK 0,33 0,36 0,35
Shareholders' equity, SEK, after dilution 0,29 0,36 0,35
CHANGE IN EQUITY
9 month 9 month Full year
Amounts in SEK M 2007 2006 2006
Equity at start of period 353,2 152,1 152,1
New share issue - 253,9 253,9
Translation difference 0,2 -1,2 -4,3
Shareholder contribution, minority - 0,4 0,6
Change in shareholder minority 0,0 -1,5 -1,1
Issued employee options 2,2 - -
Additional interest on convertible 4,5 - -
Net result for the period -20,3 -35,6 -48,0
Equity at end of period 339,8 368,1 353,2
Attributable to:
- Equity holders of the Parent Company 339,8 368,3 353,1
- Minority interest -0,2 -0,2 0,1
Total 339,6 368,1 353,2
Q 3 Q 3 9 month 9 month Full year
Amounts in SEK M 2007 2006 2007 2006 2006
Net result after financial items -5,9 1,5 -21,9 -35,6 -49,1
Adjustment for non-cash items 2,4 3,8 9,9 9,4 17,6
Paid tax 0,8 -0,1 0,0 -0,5 -0,5
Change in working capital -3,2 -29,1 5,1 -23,4 -19,8
Cash flow from operating activities -5,9 -23,9 -6,9 -50,1 -51,8
Cash flow from investing activities -0,4 4,4 5,0 -8,4 -11,2
Cash flow from financing activities 27,3 17,2 43,0 17,2 25,5
Cash flow for the period 21,0 -2,3 41,1 -41,3 -37,5
Cash and cash equivalents at start of period 52,5 29,0 31,6 69,5 69,5
Exchange rate difference in cash and cash equivalents 0,3 0,3 1,1 -1,2 -0,4
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
1)
73,8 27,0 73,8 27,0 31,6
Unutilised bank overdraft facilities - 0,0 - 0,0 0,0
Disposable funds at end of period 73,8 27,0 73,8 27,0 31,6
1) Whereof blocked accounts 0,2 1,1 0,2 1,1 1,1
KEY RATIOS, GROUP
Q 3 Q 2 Q 1 Q 4 Q 3
Amounts in SEK M 2007 2007 2007 2006 2006
Order entry 115,0 145,3 91,1 70,5 43,4
Order entry - moving 4 quarters 421,9 350,3 234,6 303,5 259,8
Net sales 131,9 102,9 64,1 113,7 125,9
Net sales - moving 4 quarters 412,6 406,6 406,5 409,9 419,4
Operating result -0,8 -10,7 -3,2 -8,2 2,7
Operating result - moving 4 quarters -22,9 -19,4 -23 -40,8 -39,8
Result for the period -5,4 -12,2 -2,7 -13,3 1,5
Cash flow from operating activities -3,2 -5,6 4,6 -3,5 -24,2
Cash flow from op.activities - moving 4 quarters -7,7 -28,7 -37,7 -68,5 -86,6
Number of employees, end of period 93 96 102 110 115
Equity ratio 65% 67% 73% 71% 67%

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT - SUMMARY

PARENT COMPANY INCOME STATEMENT - SUMMARY

Q 3 Q 3 9 month 9 month Full year
Amounts in SEK M 2007 2006 2007 2006 2006
Net sales 98,1 85,5 226,6 232,4 288,9
Cost of goods sold -74,5 -65,7 -171,2 -196,3 -240,4
Gross profit 23,6 19,8 55,4 36,1 48,5
Other operating income - - 14,0 0,0 1,0
Other operating costs - - - 0,0 -0,1
Selling and administrative expenses -20,0 -11,5 -47,7 -36,1 -47,6
Research and development expenses -4,2 -5,6 -15,9 -23,6 -27,9
Operating result -0,6 2,7 5,8 -23,6 -26,1
Result from participations in group companies - 0,0 0,0 1,0 -12,2
Net financial items -1,9 1,1 -1,7 -0,6 -0,9
Result before tax -2,5 3,8 4,1 -23,2 -39,2
Tax on result for the period - 0,0 - 0,0 0,0
Net result for the period -2,5 3,8 4,1 -23,2 -39,2

PARENT COMPANY BALANCE SHEET - SUMMARY

Amounts in SEK M 2007-09-30 2006-09-30 2006-12-31
Intangible fixed assets 2,8 5,0 4,5
Tangible fixed assets 4,5 7,1 6,1
Financial assets 346,5 279,4 279,6
Total fixed assets 353,8 291,5 290,2
Inventories 26,6 36,4 47,4
Current receivables 60,8 128,1 62,0
Cash and cash equivalents 61,0 8,7 23,0
Total current assets 148,4 173,2 132,4
TOTAL ASSETS 502,2 464,7 422,6
Shareholders' equity 370,8 375,9 359,9
Total equity 370,8 375,9 359,9
Long-term liabilities 84,4 10,6 9,2
Current liabilities 47,0 78,2 53,5
Total liabilities 131,4 88,8 62,7
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 502,2 464,7 422,6
Pledged assets 301,7 34,7 34,8
Contingent liabilities 0,2 0,2 0,2

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