Rakon shares rise on return to profit

Rakon managing director Brent Robinson says the company achieved growth in two of its three core markets, space and defence and global positioning. Photo / Getty Images

Rakon shares gained 7.5 per cent after the high-tech components maker returned to a full-year profit, benefiting from growth in its core markets and some non-recurring gains.

The Auckland-based company posted a profit of $10 million in the 12 months ended March 31 versus a loss of $13.6m in the prior year. Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation more than tripled to $12.1m from $4.0m and met guidance of between $10.7m and $12.7m. The shares rose 1.5c to 21c.

Rakon managing director Brent Robinson said the company - which designs and manufactures advanced frequency control and timing products - achieved growth in two of its three core markets: space and defence and global positioning, which contributed to a 7 per cent increase in total revenue. Sales rose to $101.1m from $94.7m.

While revenue was flat revenue in its core market of telecommunications on a US dollar currency basis, margins had improved, he said.

"The technology and solution design requirements for next-generation 5G telecommunication networks and applications is becoming clearer, with Rakon well positioned with its product and technology offering," Robinson said.

The bottom line result includes several non-recurring gains, including a gain from the sale of property in France of $2.1m, with cash proceeds of $4.5m, a gain from the partial sale of shares in Thinxtra of $1.9m, with cash proceeds of $3.2m. It also saw a net dilution gain on Thinxtra shares of $4.8m, resulting from an equity accounted net asset gain following Thinxtra's successful capital raising.

Robinson said the company achieved "solid progress" regarding manufacturing partnerships and platforms. Since the March 31 balance date, it has completed a buy-out of 51 per cent of the shares of Centum Rakon India for US$5.5m ($8m).

"The acquisition of Centum Rakon India is a pivotal strategic decision that gives us the opportunity to grow profits. Having total ownership and full decision-making control means that we can leverage the benefits that this established low-cost manufacturing platform offers," he said.

Rakon also moved from having net debt of $4.5m to holding a $7.4m cash surplus at the balance date, which allowed it to complete the acquisition of Centum Rakon India from its own resources.

The company also said that chair Bryan Mogridge will retire at the 2018 annual shareholders meeting. He had previously signalled plans to retire before his next re-election, and will be replaced by Bruce Irvine, who will seek re-election at the meeting.