LOS GATOS, Calif., July 2, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Semotus Solutions (AMEX:DLK), an innovative provider of real-time professional market data and intelligent wireless communications software, reported its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2004. The Company continues its commitment to the improvement in operations and believes that it is poised to take advantage of an economic recovery in technology. Semotus reduced its net loss for the year ended March 31, 2004 versus 2003 by 34% and also reduced its cash burn from operations by 41%. Operating costs declined by 34% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004, which reduced the operating loss from continuing operations by 43%.
Semotus reported a reduction in its net loss to $2,251,685 or $0.11 per share for the year ended March 31, 2004 from $3,432,350 or $0.19 per share for the year ended March 31, 2003. This operating improvement was accomplished while holding revenues flat from year to year. The flat revenue growth reflected the fact that technology purchases remained stagnant.
The net loss of $2,251,685 in the year ended March 31, 2004 was negatively affected by a non-cash charge to income of $857,128 due to the application of the variable method of accounting for certain stock options that were repriced. The net loss minus this non-cash charge of $857,128 is $1,394,557, which is more reflective of actual operational performance. This is further discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10K, in FootNote 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: Stock Based Compensation", in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Semotus' operating performance continued to improve, as evidenced by a continued increase in its gross profit margin to 76% from 74% for the year ended March 31, 2004 versus 2003. Operating expenses other than the stock, option and warrant expense showed significant improvement with a reduction of 52% in the year ended March 31, 2004 versus 2003. "The Company has continuously and consistently managed its operating costs in its drive to reach profitability," stated Anthony LaPine, Semotus CEO. "Our recent investment in marketing and sales is beginning to reflect in increases in revenue."
Also furthering the Company's goal of cash breakeven, Semotus reduced its overall use of cash by 88% to $252,858 from $2,100,732 in the year ended March 31, 2004 versus 2003. Part of the reduction was due to additional cash raised from a common stock and warrant offering in January 2004, which produced $977,474 in net proceeds. Even with eliminating the cash raised from the offering, Semotus reduced its cash burn by 41%.
Semotus believes that for fiscal year 2005, there will be increased revenues. The Company expects its first quarter sales to show an increase over last year's first quarter. Additionally, operating margins should be maintained and the cash burn reduced. As of the end of the first quarter (6.30.04), the Company had approximately $1,625,000 in cash versus $1,717,000 in cash three months earlier at the end of the fiscal year (3.31.04).
About Semotus Solutions
Founded in 1993, Semotus Solutions (AMEX:DLK) is a premier provider of software for the mobile enterprise connecting employees to critical business systems, information and processes. Semotus has a Fortune 1000 installed customer base and more than 600 corporate clients including Lockheed Martin, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Coca-Cola, Hewlett Packard, Nextel Communications, JP Morgan-Chase and The United Nations. Semotus Solutions' software provides mobility, convenience, efficiency and profitability in the areas of workforce automation, finance, healthcare, and m-commerce. www.semotus.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "intends", "believes" and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.