RNS Number:9387L
Applied Optical Technologies PLC
05 June 2003




5th June 2003


                        Applied Optical Technologies plc
                ("Applied Optical Technologies" or "the Group")
     Preliminary Announcement of Results For The Year Ended 31st March 2003


Applied Optical Technologies plc, the supplier of anti-counterfeiting
technologies and services, and premium packaging for brand enhancement and
protection, announces its results for the year ended 31st March 2003.


Highlights

                                                                 2003    2002

Group turnover                                                 #27.2m  #30.6m
Adjusted operating (loss)/profit*                              #(0.4m)  #0.4m
Adjusted loss per share*                                       (1.1)p  (1.0)p
*before goodwill, exceptional items and amounts written off
investments


* continued growth in America despite difficult economic conditions
* benefits of significant operational improvements in Europe offset by
  downturn in sales
* strong balance sheet with cash at bank and in hand of #2.7 million
* results impacted by exceptional items

David Mahony, Chairman, said:

"Whilst the American operations have been successful in securing major new
business and are confident of their ability to take advantage of the enlarged
capacity now available, continued success is dependent, in part, on continued
recovery in the markets they serve. It is anticipated that 3DCD will have a
stronger year than last year, both from sales to its existing customer and
potential new customers.

In Europe there are a number of significant contracts being pursued. While there
is optimism that significant business will be realised, there is no certainty as
to these projects being carried through and the business being awarded to the
Group.

A review is currently being undertaken of the options open to the Board to
ensure a return to profitability and a recovery in the valuation placed by the
market on the Group. The results of this study will be considered and
appropriate actions determined no later than the end of the current calendar
year."

                                    - Ends -


For further information, please contact:
Applied Optical Technologies plc                                0191 419 3344
Mark Turnage, Chief Executive(mturnage@AOTgroup.com)
Mike Angus, Finance Director (mangus@AOTgroup.co.uk)

Weber Shandwick Square Mile                                     020 7067 0700
Nick Oborne/ Sally Lewis


                                                                5th June 2003

                        Applied Optical Technologies plc
                ("Applied Optical Technologies" or "the Group")
     Preliminary Announcement of Results For The Year Ended 31st March 2003

Chairman's Statement

Introduction

After a strong start to the year conditions in a number of our markets
deteriorated during the summer and remained generally weak. Whilst our American
operations saw some recovery and achieved growth in sales volumes for the year,
conditions for our European operations remained difficult. The relatively poor
penetration of the banknote market coupled with the depressed state of other
markets gave rise to a situation whereby we were unable to replace business in
those areas- toll metallising, brand enhancement and third party fiscal stamp
sales - from which we had either withdrawn or had anticipated reduced sales
levels.

Action was taken to contain the cost base of the Group generally and further
operational improvements were achieved within the European facilities. A major
relocation and extension to the production capacity of the American Advantage
plant was successfully undertaken during the year.

Results

Turnover in the year to 31st March 2003 declined from #30.6 million to #27.2
million but the operational improvements and reduction in the Group's cost base
enabled gross margins to be improved. The adjusted operating loss for the year
was #0.4 million (2002: adjusted operating profit of #0.4 million).

The contribution from joint ventures in the year was, as anticipated,
substantially lower at #0.2 million (2002: #1.1 million). The profitability of
3DCD, the largest element of our joint ventures, is closely tied to the pattern
of its customer's product introductions and this was significantly lower than
the prior year.

As disclosed at the half year, the results include a #16.0 million provision for
the impairment of the goodwill arising on the acquisition of OpSec. Further
details of this and other exceptional items are given in the Operating and
Financial Review.

Management

Rick Salomone, President of our American operations, has agreed to join the
Board with effect from 14th August 2003.

A number of appointments have been made to strengthen our sales activity; the
most significant of these being the recruitment of Ricardo Bambach as Senior
Vice-president of Sales and Marketing in America and the appointment of Andrew
Mills as European Sales Director.

Future Outlook

Whilst the American operations have been successful in securing major new
business and are confident of their ability to take advantage of the enlarged
capacity now available, continued success is dependent, in part, on continued
recovery in the markets they serve. It is anticipated that 3DCD will have a
stronger year than last year, both from sales to its existing customer and
potential new customers.

In Europe there are a number of significant contracts being pursued. While there
is optimism that significant business will be realised, there is no certainty as
to these projects being carried through and the business being awarded to the
Group.

A review is currently being undertaken of the options open to the Board to
ensure a return to profitability and a recovery in the valuation placed by the
market on the Group. The results of this study will be considered and
appropriate actions determined no later than the end of the current calendar
year.


DA Mahony
Chairman
5th June 2003


                         OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW

Review of Operations

During the year good progress was made in implementing manufacturing and
technical improvements in the Group's European operations. The benefits of these
improvements were, however, more than offset by lower sales levels - the result
of market conditions in Europe, the failure to gain new business to replace
turnover lost with the exit from several non-core businesses and to secure
significant banknote business. In addition, the Group experienced a reduced
contribution from its joint venture 3DCD. The highlight of the Group's results
was the growth in profitability of its American operations, although this
improvement was disguised in part by the strengthening of sterling against the
dollar.

The year to 31st March 2003 saw Group turnover fall by 11% to #27.2 million
(2002: #30.6 million) and an adjusted operating loss of #0.4 million compared to
an operating profit of #0.4 million in the previous year. These figures were
both impacted materially by a 9% deterioration in the average dollar exchange
rate for the year. After adjusting for the amortisation and impairment of
goodwill of #17.7 million (2002: #2.3 million) and exceptional costs of #1.3
million (2002: #0.9 million) the Group made an operating loss of #19.3 million
(2002: #2.8 million). The loss before taxation amounted to #19.4 million (2002:
#8.3 million).

The Group has continued to restructure its operations. The Lancaster,
Pennsylvania facitlity has been relocated to a new, larger factory, the
headcount in Europe has seen further reductions and a consultancy has been
working with the European management team to improve the efficiency of the sales
organisation. The total cost of this restructuring has been #0.7 million. The
failure to secure significant banknote business led to the reassessment of the
valuation of a debtor receivable from the Group's ATG partner, TGSP, and an
impairment provision of #0.7 million has been made. The Group made a profit of
#0.1 million on the disposal of its redundant metallising equipment.

As announced at the half year, in liaison with the Group's new brokers, Brewin
Dolphin, and new auditors, KPMG Audit Plc, we carried out a full impairment
review of the goodwill on the balance sheet relating to the acquisition of
OpSec. In light of the changed economic environment for the American operations
we prudently decided to make a provision for impairment of #16.0 million. This
provision is a non-cash item. The Board now intends to initiate a balance sheet
restructuring which , subject to meeting the necessary statutory requirements,
will eliminate the existing deficit on distributable reserves.

Management

During the year the Group further strengthened its management team. In America
Ricardo Bambach joined as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Mr.
Bambach has significant industry experience, most recently with Unisys
Corporation and 3M. In Europe, Andrew Mills joined as Sales Director. Mr. Mills
also has significant industry expertise, most recently at De La Rue. Both
appointments were specifically aimed at improving the Group's strength in sales
and marketing. New sales and marketing executives were appointed in America and
Europe, and a new sales executive, based in China, has been recruited.

Review of Sales Activities

The Group competes in discrete market segments under four brands-AOT Banknote
and High Security Documents, OpSec Brand Protection, Advantage ID Technologies,
and Applied Product Enhancement.

- AOT Banknote and High Security Documents

Results in this market area were very disappointing, with turnover down 36% to
#4.4 million from #6.8 million in the prior year. While the Group was able to
deliver against a large euro foil order during the year, and continued its
supply of other non-euro currency protection foils, the overall scale of the
business was not at the level we expected. This was partly attributable to the
impact of adverse market conditions on government customers.

In the non-banknote sector, the Group witnessed an expected reduction in its
subcontract tax stamp business where it supplied a competitor in the industry.
This decline was due in large part to the Group's increased success against this
competitor in other market sectors.

In America a slowdown in orders for the temporary license product by state
governments experiencing budget deficits resulted in lower sales. A major
success during the year was the introduction of a new product line for secure
window decals. This resulted in a major order from the State of Pennsylvania and
the Group is actively marketing this new product to other potential customers.

- OpSec Brand Protection

The Group saw growth in turnover in this segment of 8% from #9.8 million to
#10.6 million, reflecting its strong position in this market and demonstrating
its ability to make progress even during difficult economic times. During the
year, the Group completed its security authentication programme to FIFA for the
World Cup, and was awarded several contracts in the pharmaceutical, apparel, and
licensed merchandise areas. In addition, large scale shipment of product for
protection of the Athens Olympic Games merchandise began.

The Group continues to invest in products and services in the area of brand
protection, and remains very well positioned in this market.

- Advantage ID

Turnover in the current year was down 4% from #9.2 million to #8.9 million, due
to slower ID sales in Europe and the movement in the dollar rate. New contracts
were received during the year from several governments, including major
contracts for passport security from three Latin American governments.

The relocation to a new and larger facility in Lancaster, Pennsylvania was
completed during the year, as was construction of a new Advantage manufacturing
line. The net effect of these measures was substantially to increase capacity.

The Group offers one of the broadest ranges of ID document security products in
the industry, a position it will seek to maintain through continued technical
development of its product range.

- Applied Product Enhancement

While it was anticipated that turnover in this segment would decline, the 34%
reduction was in excess of expectations. The Group continues to supply major
customers including Colgate and Aquafresh and will continue to sell into this
market when it believes it has a sustainable competitive advantage.

American Operations

Turnover in our American operations declined by 4% from #17.3 million to #16.6
million but adjusted operating profit increased by 15% from #1.6 million to #1.8
million. On a dollar basis turnover was actually 4% higher and the increase in
adjusted operating profit was 39%.

The increase in profitability is a reflection of increased productivity in
underlying operations, cost controls put in place over the year, improvements in
the quality of sales and the return from the increased investment in sales and
marketing made during the prior year.

During the year Rick Salomone assumed responsibility for all American operations
and reorganised the management team. The relocation of the Lancaster facility
and construction of the new Advantage manufacturing line was completed and
commissioning of the new line is well underway, although at a slower rate than
previously anticipated. During the year the final elements of the Bridgestone
litigation were settled without material adverse impact to the Group.

The Group believes that its operations occupy a uniquely strong position in the
American market, and that this position has been strengthened by the changes to
the management team and the investments made in the manufacturing facilities.

European Operations

For the reasons highlighted earlier in this statement and in the Chairman's
statement, turnover in the European operations was 21% lower at #12.1 million
(2002: #15.4 million). Adjusted operating loss rose from #2.3 million to #2.5
million.

Restructuring of the European operations resulted in significant improvements in
product quality, delivery timing, and overall customer service. However,
turnover failed to reach the level expected, in part due to the continued
downturn in economic conditions. Turnover was impacted by the Group's exit from
the toll metallising business, a failure to secure the anticipated level of
banknote business, and the budgeted loss of tax stamp business supplied through
a competitor.

In conjunction with the operational improvements, the Group strengthened its
sales and marketing capabilities. Andrew Mills has been recruited as the new
European Sales Director, and several new sales executives were appointed. A
sales consultancy has been retained and is assisting the Group with its sales
and marketing efforts.

Research and Development

The Group continues to invest in research and development. Its optical
development efforts are focused on improving the integration of key imaging
capabilities into a unified platform, to ensure the preservation of the Group's
leading position in the industry. During the year the Group also signed a
license agreement with Rolic Technologies Ltd, a Swiss research and development
company, further to develop and enhance its colour-shifting products.

In films and adhesives, the Group's improvement of the quality of its foils
allowed it to deliver orders of both currency and non-currency foils and has
placed it in a strong position to secure further business. In addition, the
Group delivered its new secure window decals utilising its proprietary in-house
technology for replication of optically variable devices on paper substrates.
The commercialisation of a new generation of optically variable security devices
incorporating multiple colours is in the final stages.

Joint Ventures

As anticipated, the Group saw a decreased contribution from its 50% share of
3DCD from #1.4 million to #0.4 million primarily reflecting lower equipment
sales than in prior years. The technology continues to be a success, with new
variations introduced into the market during the year. The joint venture is
looking actively to expand the use of the technology into the protection of DVDs
against counterfeiting.

The Group's share of the losses of ATG for the year amounted to #0.2 million
(2002: #0.3 million). During the year, the Group announced the acquisition of
the remaining 50% of ATG allowing a greater degree of operational flexibility.
As part of the deal the Group waived a net debt of #0.5 million in return for
sole control of the joint venture and a reduction in the ongoing royalty stream.

Taxation

#107,000 of the #112,000 tax charge in the year ended 31st March 2003 relates to
overseas taxation in respect of income which cannot be fully relieved by brought
forward trading losses. The remainder of the charges relates to deferred
taxation.

Earnings Per Share

The basic and fully diluted loss per share for the year was 38.7 pence (2002:
18.3 pence).

On an adjusted basis (removing the effect of goodwill, exceptional items and
amounts written off investments) the loss per share was 1.1 pence (2002: 1.0
pence) on a non-diluted basis and on a fully diluted basis.

Cash Flow and Financing

The Group continues to be strongly cash generative with a net cash inflow from
operating activities for the year of #0.7 million (2002: #1.4 million).

As at 31st March 2003, the Group had cash at bank and in hand of #2.7 million
(2002: #4.2 million) and net funds of #2.3 million (2002: #3.3 million).

Treasury

Whilst a substantial proportion of the Group's revenue and profit is earned
outside the UK, subsidiaries generally only trade in their own currency. The
Group is therefore not subject to any significant foreign exchange transaction
exposure. The Group's principal exposure to foreign currency lies in the
translation of overseas profits into sterling. This exposure is hedged to the
extent that these profits are offset by interest charges arising from borrowings
in the same currencies.

Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure in the year was #2.5 million (2002: #1.6 million).

The principal capital expenditure in the year was the cost of relocating the
Lancaster facility and the completion of a second Advantage line.

The Group's main capital commitments relate to various minor upgrades to
manufacturing equipment and improvements to the Group's optical imaging and
colour-shifting technologies.

Shareholders' Funds

Shareholders' funds decreased during the year from #54.2 million to #30.7
million. These represent a net asset value of 58 pence per share (2002: 102
pence per share).


M Turnage
Chief Executive
5th June 2003



Applied Optical Technologies plc
Consolidated Profit and Loss Account
For the year ended 31st March 2003

                                                            2003          2002
                                                           #'000         #'000

Turnover; Group and share of joint ventures               28,594        32,979
Less; share of joint ventures' turnover                   (1,434)       (2,365)
                                                       -----------    ----------

Group turnover                                            27,160        30,614
Cost of sales                                            (17,660)      (20,875)
                                                       -----------    ----------

Gross profit                                               9,500         9,739
                 
Goodwill impairment                                      (15,991)            -
Exceptional items                                         (1,275)         (895)
Goodwill amortisation                                     (1,675)       (2,270)
Other operating expenses                                 (10,114)      (10,420)

Net operating expenses                                   (29,055)      (13,585)
                                                       -----------    ----------

Group operating loss                                     (19,555)       (3,846)

Share of operating profit of joint ventures                  207         1,065
                                                       -----------    ----------

Operating loss                                           (19,348)       (2,781)
Interest receivable and similar income                        93           138
Amounts written off investments                               (5)       (5,528)
Interest payable and similar charges                        (114)         (126)
                                                       -----------    ----------

Loss before taxation                                     (19,374)       (8,297)
Taxation                                                    (112)         (913)
                                                       -----------    ----------
Retained loss for the financial year                     (19,486)       (9,210)
                                                       ===========    ==========

Basic loss per share                                       (38.7)p       (18.3)p
                                                       ===========    ==========
Diluted loss per share                                     (38.7)p       (18.3)p
                                                       ===========    ==========
Adjusted basic loss per share                               (1.1)p        (1.0)p
                                                       ===========    ==========
Adjusted diluted loss per share                             (1.1)p        (1.0)p
                                                       ===========    ==========

All results above relate to continuing operations


Applied Optical Technologies plc
Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 31st March 2003

                                                             2003         2002
                                                            #'000        #'000
Fixed assets
Intangible assets                                           8,869       28,773
Tangible assets                                            12,413       12,611

Investments
Investments in joint ventures
  Share of gross assets                                       692        1,175
  Share of gross liabilities                                 (299)        (175)
                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                              393        1,000
                                                        -----------  -----------
Investments in own shares                                   1,674        1,736
Other investments                                              28           33
                                                        -----------  -----------

                                                           23,377       44,153
                                                        -----------  -----------
Current assets
Stocks                                                      2,554        2,839
Debtors
  - amounts falling due within one year                     5,964        6,530
  - amounts falling due after more than one year            2,218        5,641
                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                            8,182       12,171
                                                        -----------  -----------

Cash at bank and in hand                                    2,747        4,232

                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                           13,483       19,242
                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                        -----------  -----------
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year             (6,002)      (7,598)
                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                        -----------  -----------
Net current assets                                          7,481       11,644
                                                        -----------  -----------

Total assets less current liabilities                      30,858       55,797

Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year      (117)        (541)
Provisions for liabilities and charges                          -       (1,057)
                                                        -----------  -----------
Net assets                                                 30,741       54,199
                                                        ===========  ===========

Capital and reserves
Called up equity share capital                              2,669        2,669
Share premium account                                      70,402       70,402
Profit and loss account                                   (42,330)     (18,872)
                                                        -----------  -----------
Equity shareholders' funds                                 30,741       54,199
                                                        ===========  ===========


Applied Optical Technologies plc
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
For the year ended 31st March 2003

                                          2003        2003      2002      2002
                                         #'000       #'000     #'000     #'000

Cash inflow from operating activities                  670               1,435
Dividends received from joint venture                  972               2,101

Returns on investments and servicing of finance         73                  78
Taxation                                              (114)               (139)
Capital expenditure and financial investment        (2,374)             (1,480)
Acquisitions and disposals                               -                (396)
                                                  ----------            --------
Cash (outflow)/inflow before
management of liquid resources and financing          (773)              1,599
Management of liquid resources                           -                 952
Financing
  Issue of shares                            -                     2
  Decrease in debt                        (491)                 (645)
                                       ---------              --------
Net cash outflow from financing                       (491)               (643)
                                                  ----------            --------
(Decrease)/Increase in cash in the year             (1,264)              1,908
                                                  ==========            ========
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reconciliation of net cash flow to
movement in net funds

(Decrease)/Increase in cash in the year             (1,264)              1,908

Movement in short term deposits                          -                (952)

Cash outflow from decrease in debt
and lease financing                                    491                 645
                                                  ----------            --------

Change in net funds resulting from cash flows         (773)              1,601

Foreign exchange movements                            (291)                (19)
                                                  ----------            --------

Movement in net funds in year                       (1,064)              1,582

Net funds at 1st April 2002                          3,331               1,749
                                                  ----------            --------

Net funds at 31st March 2003                         2,267               3,331
                                                  ==========            ========


Applied Optical Technologies plc
Statement of Group Total Recognised Gains and Losses
For the year ended 31st March 2003

                                                              2003        2002
                                                             #'000       #'000

Loss for the financial year attributable to                
shareholders                                               (19,486)     (9,210)

Translation of net foreign currency investments             (3,910)        (63)
                                                         -----------  ----------
Total gains and losses relating to the year                (23,396)     (9,273)
                                                         ===========  ==========


Reconciliation of Group Movements in Shareholders' Funds
For the year ended 31st March 2003
                                                              2003        2002
                                                             #'000       #'000

Loss for the financial year attributable to                
shareholders                                               (19,486)     (9,210)

Translation of net foreign currency investments             (3,910)        (63)

Adjustment in respect of savings related share scheme          (62)       (264)
                                                         -----------  ----------

Movement for the year                                      (23,458)     (9,537)

Opening shareholders' funds                                 54,199      63,736
                                                         -----------  ----------

Closing shareholders' funds                                 30,741      54,199
                                                         ===========  ==========

Applied Optical Technologies plc
Notes to the Preliminary Announcement
For the year ended 31st March 2003


1) The financial information contained in this announcement does not
   constitute the Company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31st March 2002
   or 2003 but is derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2002 have
   been delivered to the registrar of companies, and those for 2003 will be
   delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The auditors have
   reported on those accounts; their reports were unqualified and did not contain
   statements under section 237 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985.


2) Segment Information
                                                            2003          2002
                                                           #'000         #'000
a) Turnover by market sector

Banknote and high security documents                       4,377         6,835
Brand protection                                          10,566         9,755
Brand protection via joint venture                         1,434         2,365
ID technologies                                            8,906         9,231
Product enhancement                                        2,063         3,127
Metallising                                                  779         1,416
Other                                                        469           250
                                                       -----------   -----------
                                                          28,594        32,979
                                                       ===========   ===========
b) Turnover by geographical origin

American operations                                       16,622        17,345
American operations via joint venture                      1,434         2,365
European operations                                       12,109        15,357
Inter-segment sales                                       (1,571)       (2,088)
                                                       -----------   -----------
                                                          28,594        32,979
                                                       ===========   ===========
c) Operating (loss)/profit by geographical origin

American operations                                      (15,448)          555
European operations                                       (3,900)       (3,336)
                                                       -----------   -----------
Operating loss                                           (19,348)       (2,781)
Exclude goodwill amortisation                              1,675         2,270
Exclude goodwill impairment                               15,991             -
Exclude exceptional items                                  1,275           895
                                                       -----------   -----------
Adjusted operating (loss)/profit                            (407)          384
                                                       ===========   ===========

Adjusted operating (loss)/profit arises from

American operations                                        1,842         1,597
European operations                                       (2,456)       (2,278)
Joint Ventures                                               207         1,065
                                                       -----------   -----------
                                                            (407)          384
                                                       ===========   ===========


3) Net Operating Expenses

                                                             2003         2002
                                                            #'000        #'000
                                                        -----------  -----------
Distribution Costs

Selling and Marketing costs                                 3,993        4,195
                                                        -----------  -----------
Administrative Expenses

Technical Support                                             669          613
Research and development costs                              1,031        1,096
Administrative costs                                        4,421        4,516
Exceptional costs                                           1,275          895
Goodwill amortisation                                       1,675        2,270
Goodwill impairment                                        15,991            -
                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                           25,062        9,390
                                                        -----------  -----------
Net Operating Expenses                                     29,055       13,585
                                                        ===========  ===========

Exceptional items included within administrative
expenses

Reorganisation costs                                          672          755
Bridgestone litigation costs                                    -          140
Impairment of amount due from joint venture partner           681            -
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets                  (128)           -
Tangible fixed asset impairment                                50            -
                                                        -----------  -----------
                                                            1,275          895
                                                        ===========  ===========


4)  Share of Operating Profit of Joint Ventures

    The share of operating profit of joint ventures represents the
    Group's share of the results of 3DCD and ATG for the year ended 31st March 2003.


5)  Interest receivable and similar income

                                                      2003                2002
                                                     #'000               #'000

Bank interest receivable                                36                  99
Other interest receivable                               82                  73
Foreign exchange losses                                (25)                (34)
                                                 -----------         -----------
                                                        93                 138
                                                 ===========         ===========


6)  Interest payable and similar charges

                                                             2003         2002
                                                            #'000        #'000

On bank loans and overdrafts                                   31          111
On finance leases and hire purchase agreements                 13           30
Exchange losses/(gains) on foreign currency                    70          (15)
borrowings                                              -----------  -----------
                                                              114          126
                                                        ===========  ===========


7) Taxation

                                                  2003                    2002
                                                 #'000                   #'000
Overseas Tax

Corporation Tax                                    107                     141
Deferred Tax                                         5                     772
                                             -----------             -----------
                                                   112                     913
                                             -----------             -----------


No taxation is payable in the current year by any of the Group's UK based
companies due to losses brought forward from prior years and the availability of
Group relief.

Corporation tax on profits arising in the Group's American companies is limited
to state taxes and statutory minima due to losses brought forward from prior
years.

At 31st March 2003 the Group had a deferred tax asset of #3,198,000 (2001:
#3,556,000) due to losses available in America to carry forward to offset
against future profits of the same trades and other short term timing
differences.

At 31st March 2003 the Group had additional tax losses in respect of European
operations. No deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of these
losses.


8) Loss per share

   The calculations of earnings per share are based upon the following losses and
   numbers of shares.

                                                          2003            2002
                                                         #'000           #'000
Earnings
Loss for the financial year (basic and diluted EPS)    (19,486)         (9,210)
                                                     -----------     -----------
Adjusted earnings
Loss for the financial year                            (19,486)         (9,210)
Add back goodwill amortisation                           1,675           2,270
Exclude goodwill impairment                             15,991               -
Exclude exceptional items in Operating Expenses          1,275             895
Exclude amounts written off investments                      5           5,528
                                                     -----------     -----------
Adjusted loss (basic and diluted)                         (540)           (517)
                                                     ===========     ===========

Weighted average number of shares                No. of shares   No. of shares

For basic and diluted EPS                           50,402,334      50,400,659
                                                   =============   =============


9) Notes to the Cash Flow Statement


   Reconciliation of Group Operating Loss to Operating Cash Flows

                                                             2003         2002
                                                            #'000        #'000

Group operating loss                                      (19,555)      (3,846)
Depreciation                                                2,252        2,157
(Profit)/Loss on sale of fixed assets                        (126)           2
Amortisation                                                1,675        2,270
Impairment provisions                                      16,722            -
Movement in stocks                                            134          562
Movement in debtors                                         1,034       (1,070)
Movement in creditors                                      (1,412)       1,306
Movement in provisions for liabilities and charges            (54)          54
                                                        -----------  -----------
Net cash inflow from operating activities                     670        1,435
                                                        ===========  ==========

Analysis of Net Funds

                              At 1st     Cashflows    Exchange      At 31st 
                          April 2002               adjustments   March 2003
                               #'000         #'000       #'000        #'000

Cash at bank and in hand       4,232        (1,264)       (221)       2,747
Hire purchase agreement and
finance leases                  (190)          110           -          (80)
Bank loans                      (711)          381         (70)        (400)
                             ---------   ---------     ---------     ---------
                               3,331          (773)       (291)       2,267
                             ---------   ---------     ---------     ---------



10) A copy of the preliminary statement is available from the Company
    Secretary, 40 Phoenix Road, Crowther District 3, Washington, Tyne & Wear, 
    NE38 0AD.


11) The preliminary announcement was approved by the Board of Directors on
    5th June 2003.


                                    - Ends -




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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