Trading Statement
03 Junho 2003 - 5:56AM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number:8399L
Alphameric PLC
03 June 2003
3 June 2003
ALPHAMERIC PLC
TRADING STATEMENT
Following the half year end to 31st May 2003 and in line with market practise,
Alphameric today issues the following statement on trading: -
Retail
The challenging economic conditions mentioned in our AGM statement in March have
adversely affected order intake in our Retail Division where the timing of our
existing and potential customers' investment decisions has lengthened. Interest
in the Retail Division's product range continues to be high and its prospect
list is very strong and growing.
During the last two years we have executed a strategy for the Retail Division
aimed at ensuring that we establish Alphameric Retail as a market leader in the
UK retail software market. I believe that we have succeeded in this task and are
extremely well placed to take advantage of our positioning as market conditions
improve.
Retail Betting
Retail Betting has performed to expectation in the period and has continued to
increase the market presence of its products and has won good levels of business
from all sectors of the bookmaking market. The take up of our new fixed odds
betting terminals remains strong and, in line with our strategy for this
Division, is helping to increase our focus on smaller value, higher volume
orders with greater repetitive revenue streams and higher visibility of
earnings.
Hospitality
Hospitality has also performed to expectation in the period and, following a
good start to the year, has continued to gain market share for our web based and
more traditional solutions.
As a result of the performance of our Retail Division the Group will make only a
small trading profit in the first half, traditionally the quieter period of the year,
and it is likely that results for the full year will be significantly below
market expectations. Interest in our product range remains high and the degree
of underperformance for the year will be determined by the rate at which the
strong retail prospect list is translated into sales.
Even though the first half trading has proved disappointing the Group remains
financially robust with no debt and continuing strong cash flows. Reflecting
this financial strength and its confidence in the Group's prospects, the Board
intends to maintain its dividend policy and pay an increased dividend for the
first half of the year.
The results for the six months to 31st May 2003 will be announced on 8 July
2003.
- ends -
Enquiries: -
Alphameric plc
Alan Morcombe, Chief Executive 01483 293971
Weber Shandwick Square Mile
Nick Oborne or Susanne Walker 020 7067 0700
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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