PWR 0.57% $1.75 peter warren automotive holdings limited

Fools Fools Selling PWR, page-12

  1. 5,426 Posts.
    Trend and this I guess.

    POWERLAN LIMITED 2002-06-24 ASX-SIGNAL-G

    HOMEX - Sydney

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++
    RESPONSE TO ASX QUERY

    1. Is the Company aware of any information concerning it that has not
    been announced which if known could be an explanation for trading in
    the in securities of the Company?

    Powerlan has recently completed/concluding an on-market takeover of
    Clarity International Limited. Clarity posted, a half-year loss of
    $5.5m - (information which is in the public domain). Powerlan
    anticipates that Clarity will loose a further amount in the final
    half of 2002. As yet Powerlan cannot quantify the magnitude of
    Clarity's potential loss, as it is currently conducting extensive
    auditing of Clarity's accounts. Powerlan does however suspect that
    Clarity will have to take a provision for one large project and will
    need to also write down WIP due to Powerlan's more conservative
    accounting.

    Powerlan made an announcement on 29 April 2002 in regards to the
    transformation of its business from a traditional IT product and
    services reseller to a global software company. In the announcement
    Powerlan indicated that it is considering taking certain non-cash
    write downs which will result in Powerlan showing a loss for year
    ended 30 June 2002. The magnitude of the loss was not quantified, as
    this is to be determined in consultation with the Powerlan auditors.

    In the Powerlan update announcement Powerlan also collaborated on its
    strategy of divesting of many of its non-core assets to ensure
    complete focus on its stated objectives - this program is now well
    underway with about 2 non-core assets already sold and another 2
    assess under negotiations. The media has reported this strategy as
    "risky" but logical. The result of these non-core sales may require
    Powerlan to take a provision for out-of-date stock, which will not
    realize my value in the sales - this provision cannot be quantified
    at this point, as it is dependant upon the outcome of any asset
    sales.

    Powerlan purchased a company called IMX 12 months ago. The sale
    agreement calls for a final consideration payment based on IMX's
    earning for the year, to be made 1 July, 2002 amounting to $5M and
    the balance of the consideration to be made by way of issuing
    Powerlan shares after the audit of IMX. IMX has by far exceeded its
    profit forecasts and now it is anticipated that the amount payable in
    shares is in between $20M to $25M. This information and its
    dilutionary effect on Powerlan were disclosed in detail, in the
    Powerlan's Bidders Statement (para 3.5.2) regarding the Clarity on
    market takeover. Powerlan is now in negotiations with IMX to quantify
    the final earnings number and also discussing alternatives to the
    original share issue consideration. These negotiations are expected
    make at least 4 weeks before an outcome is concluded. This
    information will be released to the market on conclusion of these
    negotiations.

    2 If the answer to Q1 is yes can an announcement be made immediately?
    If not, why not and when is it expected that an announcement will be
    made?

    Powerlan believes that it will be in a position to make an informal
    announcement within the next four weeks, as indicated above.

    3 Is there any reason to think that there may be a change in the
    operating profit before abnormal items and income tax so that the
    figure for the financial year ended 30 June 2002 would vary from the
    previous year by more than 15%. If so, please provide details.

    Yes, last financial year Powerlan posted an EBIT of approximately
    $20M. Considering that Powerlan has divested of a number of business
    units, is in the process of divesting Of two additional business
    units and is in the process of assessing the extent of losses which
    will remit from the Clarity acquisition, Powerlan's operating profit
    will vary by more the 15% from last year's results. As stated in the
    response to Question 1, it is difficult for Powerlan to quantify the
    operating costs and potential losses related to discountinuing
    operations, divestment of non-core operations and relevant write
    downs that will be bought to account at this point. It should however
    be pointed out that the majority of the losses that is intended to
    bring to account in 2001 is considering to be abnormal (once off) and
    is expected not to be of a recurring nature. The provision for such
    costs and bringing to account certain losses is a result of Powerlan
    taking a very conservative view on Clarity's accounts providing for
    recoverability or write downs of old stock which will more than
    likely be crystallized as a result of Powerlan selling its non-core
    assets and anticipated write down of good will.The losses to which I
    have referred will have minimal cash impact as they me a result of
    adjustments for which cash has either already been paid in the past
    or is of a non-cash nature ie: goodwill.

    4 Is there any reason to think that the Company may record any
    material abnormal or extraordinary profit/loss for the financial year
    ended 30 June 2002? If so, please provide details.

    As above. Also in our preliminary view it is considered that Clarity
    will contribute in operating loss of approximately $20M as questions
    are raised as to the recoverability of Work-in-Progress (WIP) and
    trade debtors. As 2 result of the anticipated non-core asset sales,
    debtor provisions and losses relating to the Education business
    Powerlan is expected to incur $8M in stock write downs. The
    management is also currently considering the carrying value of
    goodwill and is yet not in a position to determine the quantum of
    the potential write down. It should be stressed that these details
    are very rough estimates and may change considerably in either
    direction and are dependant heavily upon our auditor's advice.

    5 Is there any other explanation that the Company may have for the
    price change and increase in value in the securities of the Company?

    Large fund manager institutions are exiting the Powerlan stock (and
    many other technology stocks), tax loss selling, nervousness of the
    Powerlan's business strategy and stated transformation, Powerlan's
    acquisition of a loss making public company namely Clarity, the
    significant earn out which is payable to IMX, an acquisition made by
    Powerlan about one year ago and the general negative global sentiment
    regarding technology companies.

    6. Please confirm that the Company is in compliance with the listing
    rules and particular listing rule 3.1.

    Considering the significant changes underway within Powerlan, the
    company believes that it has been compliant with the listing rules.

    Should you have any queries regarding this please do not hesitate to
    call.


    P Giannopoulos
    COMPANY SECRETARY


    Gyro

 
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$1.75
Change
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