Rakon shares tumble to record low after guidance cut again

Shares of Rakon tumbled about 24 percent to a record low after the former local tech darling cut its annual earnings guidance for the second time since December, blaming increasing price competition in the smart device market.

The stock fell 9 cents to 29 cents, slicing about $17 million off its market value to $55.4 million. They listed at $1.60 in May 2007 and reached as high as $5.80 12 months later.

The Auckland-based company expects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation between $5 million and $7 million in the 12 months ended March 31, it says in a statement. That is down from December's forecast of between $8 million and $12 million, when it cut its expectations from $14 million and $16 million.

"The downward adjustment comes as a result of the smart wireless device market's sudden and aggressive price reductions demanded of all key component suppliers," Rakon says. "The directors of Rakon are very disappointed to have to accept this downward reforecast."

It blamed the December downgrade on "a delayed sales programme in the high reliability and smart wireless device segments of its business, plus a forecast decline in margin from some consumer products".

The shares gained 2.7 percent to 38 cents in trading yesterday and have shed 32 percent in the past year. The stock is rated an average 'hold' based on four analyst recommendations compiled by Reuters, with a median target price of 40 cents. 

The company says its annual cost reductions of $10 million are still intact and it is still compliant with its bank covenants. Rakon held $32.9 million of bank debt and a $5.1 million bank overdraft as at September 30.

Rakon has reviewed its balance sheet in recent months, and it "will be the subject of actions to ensure it is properly aligned to a future for Rakon that allows the company to profit from its strengths", it says.

Last year, the company's board reviewed its assumptions for goodwill calculations in the first-half report, but concluded there was no case for impairment in the carrying value of goodwill.

For intangible assets, goodwill was calculated at $24.8 million, while the carrying value of its Chinese and Indian ventures totalled $13.1 million, as at Sept. 30.

(BusinessDesk)