STOCKHOLM, Sweden, July 31, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) --
-- Sales during the six-month period amounted to
SEK 2,499,000 (6,199,000).
-- Operating loss improved to SEK -27,896,000 (-56,243,000) for
the six-month period. The result after financial items improved
to SEK -25,043,000 (-50,866,000), a reduced loss of SEK 25,823,000
compared to the same period last year.
-- The level of costs and negative cash flow have been significantly
lower compared to the same period last year. The average
level of costs per month during the six-month period has been
reduced to SEK 5,488,000 (10,531,000) and the negative cash flow
to SEK 5,576,000 (8,974,000).
-- Liquid funds at the close of the period totaled SEK
143,729,000, or SEK 2.62 per share.
-- The number of employees at the end of the period amounted to
29 (70).
-- The third testing session in the series of compatibility tests
between Ericsson, Nokia, Siemens and Effnet was conducted in
April. The test results were very positive for Effnet's ROHC
products.
-- In May Wkit Security AB concluded its installation of DBB for
Sonopress in Germany. This means that Sonopress now can offer DBB
copy protection to its CD-ROM customers.
-- Effnet has appointed Remium Securities as the new sponsor for
its "Nya Marknaden" quotation. Remium will also be a market maker
in the Effnet share.
Events after the end of the period
Effnet signed a sales agreement with NEC Corporation concerninglicensing of Effnet's Robust Header Compression (ROHC) technology. NECintends to integrate ROHC into the next generation's Radio NetworkController, (RNC).
Effnet develops and sells embedded software that increases theefficiency, speed and security of IP traffic on fixed and mobilenetworks to manufacturers of network products. Effnet techniques enableoptimal performance for IP packet processing. Effnet's wholly-ownedsubsidiary, Wkit Security AB is specialized in developing copyprotection software. The company has operations in Stockholm, Sweden andTucson, Arizona. Effnet Group AB is quoted on the New Market in Sweden(symbol: EFFN). More information can be found at www.effnet.com andwww.wkit.com.
SECOND QUARTER 2002
New agreement in an increasingly active market Immediately after the end of the period, the signing of a licensing agreement with NEC Corporation was announced. NEC intends to integrate Robust Header Compression (ROHC) into the next generation's Radio Network Controller (RNC). The selection of Effnet as a technology supplier is confirmation of Effnet's position at the cutting edge of technological innovation in the field. NEC Corporation is one of the world's leading suppliers of computer and tele-communications products. NEC has more than 140,000 employees and annual sales of approximately USD 40 billion.
This spring has been characterized by increased activity on the market and the agreement with NEC is not merely confirmation that Effnet has attractive products to offer. It is also a clear indication that the demand for Effnet's products is on the rise. Both large and mid-sized players appear to be ready to proceed towards next generation technology, where ROHC is necessary. Effnet has a range of completed products in this area and Effnet's continual world-class product research and development means that new competitive products will be launched in accordance with the market's needs. During the second half of the current year, the market for Effnet's products it expected to increase. Effnet's revenue during the first half of the year has definitely not met expectations as the result of unexpectedly weak growth in the telecommuni-cations industry. The goal of attaining a positive monthly return during the last quarter of this year remains due to increased interest and demand for Effnet's products in combination with Effnet's significantly lower costs.
Tests as a part of development work During the second quarter, the third in a series of test sessions concerning ROHC solutions was conducted. The tests are taking place in cooperation with Ericsson, Nokia and Siemens. This test session was conducted at Ericsson in Lulea. The two previous test sessions were conducted at Siemens's laboratory in Roke Manor, England and at Effnet in Tucson, Arizona. The tests are being done so the companies will have the opportunity to test their respective solutions against the others' in terms of compatibility. The test results have been positive for Effnet and confirm Effnet's position as a world leader in the field.
A more cost-effective organization As a result of the cost savings and efficiency program that was implemented, the level of costs and negative cash flow have been significantly lower than last year. Today, Effnet is a streamlined and cost-effective organization ready to meet an upswing in the market. Despite a significant increase in activity, primarily in sales and marketing, during the year's second quarter, a low level of costs has been preserved. The goal of adjusting costs to short-term revenue stands firm for the future.
Average costs, cash flow and operating losses per month for eachquarter. Non-recurrent items are not included below (SEK thousand)
Operating
Costs Cash flow result
4th quarter 2000 -14,968 -12,334 -14,614
1st quarter 2001 -10,444 -9,174 -9,838
2nd quarter 2001 -10,618 -8,775 -8,910
3rd quarter 2001 -10,468 -6,627 -9,862
4th quarter 2001 -7,991 -7,142 -7,252
1st quarter 2002 -5,305 -5,625 -4,435
2nd quarter 2002 -5,672 -5,528 -4,806
In all essentials, Effnet is a new company today compared to the same period last year. The last year's changes have resulted in a company with a new focus, a new business plan, a new organization and a range of new products on a new market.
New market maker
In May Effnet appointed Remium Securities as the new sponsor for its "Nya Marknaden" quotation. Remium Securities will also be a market maker in the Effnet share.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Effnet's sales amounted to SEK 2,499,000 (6,199,000) during the first half of 2002. Revenue has not met expectations but ongoing business negotiations are expected to contribute to increased sales during the remainder of the year.
The group's operating result amounted to SEK -27,896,000 (-56,243,000). The result after financial items amounted to SEK -25,043,000 (-50,866,000). Losses have been reduced to less than half compared to the same period last year.
Personnel costs during the first half of the year have been reduced to SEK -18,622,000 (-36,985,000). The strong reduction in the number of employees resulted in halving personnel costs compared to the same period last year. Despite increased costs for intensified customer work in Japan and the U.S. among other places, other external costs have also been cut almost in half compared to the same period last year.
Total write-downs for the period amounted to SEK -841,000 (-2,114,000) of which goodwill write-downs comprised SEK 0 (-974,000).
Research and development
The total research and development costs have been reduced because of a focus on the selection of products and the fact that the majority of products have been completed. During the period, the costs amounted to SEK -11,406,000 (-22,017,000), of which SEK 1,369,000 (0) are capitalized in the balance sheet following the Swedish Financial Accounting Standards Council's (SFASC) recommendation, RR 15, which took effect on January 1, 2002.
Financial position
Effnet's debt/equity ratio on June 30, 2002 was 92.2 % (96.5 %, at the same time last year). Liquid funds, including current investments, amounted to SEK 143,729,000 (221,141,000), or SEK 2.62 (4.02) per share.
Investments
Investments in material fixed assets during the period amounted to SEK 59,000 (1,429,000) and comprised primarily computer equipment.
Personnel
The number of employees at the end of the period totaled 29, down 41 from one year ago (70). The average number of full-time employees during the period was 36 (75), 11 (12) of whom were based in the U.S.
Financial Calendar
Interim Report July-Sept -- November 1, 2002
This report has not been examined by the company's auditors.
Stockholm, July 31, 2002
Effnet Group AB (publ)
Orjan Grinndal Chief Executive Officer
For more information, please contact: Orjan Grinndal, Chief Executive Officer +46 8-564 605 50/+46 709-57 53 75 Marika Philipson, Chief Financial Officer +46 8-564 605 50/ +46 708-32 44 56
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