(Figures in Euros unless otherwise stated)

Solar panel maker that has been savaged by cheap Chinese competition. I can’t recall the details of what’s gone on in the industry but essentially there has been mass over supply. At the half year point they had 122m cash. And at a glance about another 100m of assets too. Their strategy seemed to be  to cut costs, reduce production and limp along until prices recovered – using their cash pile slowly. Of course shareholders might like the company to voluntarily fold and cash to be distributed.

First half loss was about 12m. Market capitalisation is £35m.

In the management statement released yesterday ( from the ‘outlook’ paragraph):

‘’The Group has a strong net cash balance and the Board is continuing to reorganise the Group, to enable the return of cash to shareholders. The Board expects to make a further announcement before the year end.’’

From the half year report ‘outlook’ section:

‘’While the Group continues to believe in the positive long-term outlook for PV, it is mindful of the intensely competitive environment which is likely to persist in the short to medium-term and which has already led to many companies exiting the industry, either voluntarily or through insolvency. The Group has a strong net cash balance and the Board will make the necessary decisions during the remainder of the year to serve the best interests of shareholders.’’

This looks like a change of attitude within the company. Just how much cash they might return is a guess at the moment. Of course with a dividend payout the share price will fall but if a payout is announced, then I expect the SP to jump before the ex div date.