Shares in the supplier of silicon etch equipment crashed by more than 60%, some 21.5p, on dire interims to June, as sales and margins slumped. Pre-tax losses were £8.4m, after £5.4m of 'non-recurring non-cash' provisions mainly relating to component inventories, against last year's £3m pre-tax profit. Trading losses hit £3m, and borrowings rose from a year-end £13.9m to £17.5m. Meanwhile sales surrendered 42% at £17.1m on a rapid fall in demand for equipment from the photonics sector, particularly in North America. The board warned that it expects no revenue growth in the 'foreseeable future'. To save cash, it will cut its workforce by 20% during the rest of the year. 'Avoid for now' is understating the investment case.
Market cap: £4.2m
PE Forecast: n/a
Share price: 13.5p
More breaking news stories.
More extended feature articles.
And a depth of analysis you
can't find anywhere else.
Advertisement
VCT Report 2010 uncovers the money available
for investment in every single VCT, helping you get one step ahead in the race to attract funding for your unquoted, AIM-listed or PLUS-quoted
company.
Order VCT Report 2010 today using this online form
A comprehensive overview of cash shells on AIM and PLUS, companies that have become a significant feature on the market landscape. For more information and to order, click here or contact our marketing team on 020 7250 7056.
Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.
A full year's subscription to What Investment magazine for £19.95, a whopping 58% off. Get the latest news, features and expert advice on ISAs, Investment Trusts and Funds, SIPPS, Investing for Children and much much
more. Find out more here.
is the definitive and most up-to-date guide to completing your self-assessment tax return, making sure that you get it right and on time, and showing how you can save tax. For more information and to order, click here or contact our marketing team on 020 7250 7056.
The new, fully updated AIM Guide is now available to buy for only £49.95 (saving you £30).
A 'must-have' for any serious investor or professional interested in the market for young, fast-growing companies. Order your copy today Hurry, as offer ends soon!
Small-cap and growth company share recommendations on AIM- and PLUS-listed companies. Latest analysts' stock tips and advice on which are the best shares to buy on London's junior stock markets.
Advertisement
Delcam, the international seller of CAD/CAM software to the engineering, aerospace and healthcare sectors among others, is a cash-generative small-cap seeing recovery in its markets.
Bombed-out biotech play Antisoma is hoping two of its drugs will lead to good fortune after experiencing disaster with lung cancer treatment ASA404.
GW Pharmaceuticals has won approval from Health Canada for its cannabis-based Sativex product to treat spasticity caused by Multiple Sclerosis.