The mainstream adoption of web-based TV services helped push Cambridge-based middleware provider ANT into profitability for the second half of 2009. The company has seen demand for its Galio platform increase with two high volume contracts signed with satellite and cable operators and the first retail units shipped into Germany.
“We have been extremely encouraged by the significant licence deals signed in 2009, especially with leading satellite and cable organisations. These deals represent our entry into high volume TV markets,” said CEO Simon Woodward, adding that he expected initial rollout to begin in the second half of 2010, adding to revenue growth and an increase in market awareness for hybrid TV. “A further significant development was the adoption of web Services by the hybrid free-to-air market, which has the potential to far outstrip that of the operator market. Whilst still at an early stage, ANT has a pivotal role to play in the future development of web services within the Free-To-Air market through its central position in initiatives such as HbbTV”.
2009 revenues increased by 26% to £4,699,000, narrowing overall pre-tax losses by 38% to £627,000.
Although total number of units shipped during the year fell by 8% to 2.9%, largely due to market conditions and delays in silicon chip production, an underlying increase in revenue generating shipments of 22% emerged through reducing the number of pre-paid units.
