Average Quarter-Over-Quarter Growth Rate Anticipated To Be Above 50 Per Cent
Calgary, Alberta
November 20, 2000 Wi-LAN Inc. (TSE:WIN), a leading innovator in wireless data/Internet communications, today offered guidance for its broadband wireless revenue for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2001. This preliminary guidance is based on analysis of recent operational results, market conditions, and a comprehensive 2001 budgeting and review process that involved Graham Smith, in a consulting role prior to his appointment as Wi-LAN's new chief sales and marketing officer.
"Wi-LAN's 2001 12-month broadband wireless revenue - excluding non-broadband revenue from U.S. subsidiaries and from our TIL-TEK Antenna division's sales of narrowband antennas - is anticipated to be approximately $50 million, 3.5 times greater than broadband wireless revenue for the fiscal year ended 2000," said Hatim Zaghloul, Wi-LAN chairman and CEO.
Wi-LAN's 2001 broadband wireless revenue expectation is less than the $84 million financial analysts following the company previously forecasted. Current market conditions, including the downturn in the financial markets that has in some cases delayed financing for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), and slower-than-expected service provider deployments in the licensed frequency bands, are key factors for Wi-LAN's reassessment.
Wi-LAN expects to achieve an average quarter-over-quarter growth rate for 2001 broadband wireless revenue of slightly above 50 per cent, starting from an estimated broadband wireless revenue figure of about $5.7 million in first quarter 2001. This increase will be derived from Wi-LAN's new and existing supply agreements. As well, the company anticipates accelerating its growth with sales to larger carriers as the demand for high-speed wireless Internet access increases.
"Results achieved to date validate our business plans and build the foundation for revenue growth in 2001. The addition of industry veteran Graham Smith to Wi-LAN's senior management team strengthens the company's ability to translate sales opportunities into revenues," said Bill Hews, Wi-LAN president and COO. "We anticipate reaching a breakeven rate at the end of 2001 and positive earnings in 2002."
All financial information in this document is reported in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise indicated.
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