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Beam Communications (ASX:BCC) sees 43pc increase in earnings for FY20

Telecommunication
ASX:BCC      MCAP $13.39M
28 August 2020 15:30 (AEST)

Beam Communications (BCC) has provided its full-year results for the 2020 financial year.

Pleasingly, Beam’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 43 per cent over the previous financial year to $3,009,000.

Underlying net profit after tax (NPAT) was steady with a minimal increase from $339,000 in FY19 to $341,419 in FY20.

The telecommunications company attributes the earnings to a strong demand for its ZOLEO global messaging device and its Iridium network. Other factors include an increase in high-margin airtime revenue, a favourable exchange rate, research and development tax refund and cost-saving initiatives.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis, Beam performed better than it expected.

Notably, full-year total revenue actually declined by 16.1 per cent to $14.92 million from FY19’s $17.77 million. However last financial year’s result was elevated by a $3.85 million Thuraya WE order.

Revenue from its online SatPhone Shop business grew 16 per cent. SatPhone Shop was established by Beam in 2012. It offers a range of mobile satellite products and services including handsets, accessories, SIM cards, and payment options on hardware.

Today, the subsidiary has become Telstra’s largest mobile satellite dealer, offering a full suite of mobile satellite solutions on the Iridium satellite network.

Due to the unpredictable COVID-19 caused, the company chose to write down $1.97 million in capitalised development expenses — mainly for the Thuraya WE network device. This one-off item led to a statutory net loss of $1.62 million for FY20.

Additionally, the company reported an operating loss of $1.51 million compared to the $722,000 reported in FY19.

However, Beam claims it is well-funded, with $4.2 million in cash and available debt facilities.

Company shares are trading 6.12 per cent lower for 23 cents at 3:12 pm AEST.

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