Unmanageable debt - your options…

If you are struggling with unmanageable debts, don’t panic - you may have several options.

You may feel that you’ve reached ‘the end of the line’, and that you’ll never be able to repay your debts… but there may well be a solution to your problems.

Take a look at the two solutions described below - one of them may be your route out of debt.

Debt management plan

A debt management plan may be suitable for you if you can’t afford to keep up with the repayments to your unsecured debts as you had originally agreed, but you can repay your debts within a reasonable period of time (under different terms, however).

In simple terms, a debt management plan works by asking your lenders to accept changes to the repayment plan. If they believe accepting these changes is the best way forward, they may agree to lower monthly payments and a freeze/reduction in interest and charges.

Just be aware that repaying any debt more slowly can damage your credit rating, since you’re not sticking to the repayment plan you originally signed up to. You should speak with a professional debt adviser about all your options before entering a debt management plan.

IVA

An IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement), on the other hand, may be suitable for you if you are struggling with an unmanageable level of unsecured debt that you can’t afford to repay, but that you can commit to making regular reduced monthly payments towards.

An IVA will - in most cases - last for five years, and is a legally binding debt solution. Once your IVA draws to a successful close (i.e. assuming you’ve done everything you were required to), your creditors will write off any remaining unsecured debt.

Just bear in mind that it’ll have an impact on your credit rating - and if you own your home, you’ll probably have to release equity from it so you can repay more of your debt.

To find out if you’re eligible for an IVA, you’ll need to seek IVA advice (Individual Voluntary Arrangement advice). By seeking IVA advice, you’ll be able to have a professional debt adviser take a look at your situation and let you know what they believe is the most suitable way forward - whether it’s entering an IVA or not.

Bad credit repair: why it’s important

If you have bad credit then you should immediately take measures for bad credit repair. Bad credit can not only force you to pay high interest rates on new loans but also you can be denied of new loans. Due to bad credit you can even lose your home or car that you purchased by borrowing money. There are a good number of reasons that show why it’s utmost important to go for bad credit repair.

Reasons for bad credit repair

  • If you have bad credit then on taking any kind of debt, you will be required to pay much higher rate of interest. Even, the interest rate charged on your credit card balances will be quite high. If you want to avoid this then you have no option other than going for bad credit repair. Bad credit repair will help you to raise your credit score and an impressive credit score will help you to get much competitive interest rates on your debt accounts. So, bad credit repair will actually reduce the amount of your total interest payments.
  • Bad credit not only affects your loan interest rates but also your insurance payments. As with bad credit you are considered to be a risky customer, the insurance companies will charge high insurance premiums for your life insurance or auto insurance policy. But, by opting for bad credit repair, you can improve your credit score and thus can get better insurance deals.
  • Not only the lenders or insurance companies, even the utility service providers check your credit record or credit score before offering you any particular service. If they find that you have bad credit, then considering you a risky client, they can ask you to make some security deposit in order to provide the service. These deposits are refunded to you if you make timely payments for the service. But, through bad credit repair, if you improve your credit record then you will be no more required to pay any money as security deposit.
  • If you apply for an increase in credit limit of your credit cards, then the credit card companies will check your credit record before raising the credit limit. If they find that you have bad credit then they may cancel your application. Bad credit may even cut your credit limits as the credit card companies will want you to spend less through credit cards. But, if you opt for bad credit repair, then by repairing your credit you can achieve higher credit limits for your credit cards.

Should I Buy Penny Stocks?

This question is not an easy one to answer. The answer depends on many variables. We’ll start with who should not buy penny stocks. You should not buy penny stocks to invest in the college education of your children. It’s a bad idea if the sole investment in your retirement portfolio is penny stocks. Having one or 2 penny stocks in a large retirement portfolio is great.

Largely people do not buy penny stocks for the long term profit of the company. Rarely does one of these low priced companies become a profitable one that trades on the major exchanges. The majority of these companies fail and even more fail their investors. Those who trade penny stock often realize that there are many companies that are not telling the truth in their filings or their press releases. Weeding through the scam companies and constant dilution is the job of a penny trader.
This is not to say all penny stocks are bad, there are many companies really trying to blossom into great investments. A majority, although they’re bad investments, are great to trade during the ups and downs of the stock cycle. Most penny stock traders learn how to read charts to gain the most profit out of these cycles.
Remember, when you buy penny stocks, you’re making a trade. Know what you expect to happened with the stock price or based on news within the company. If you get the profit you were hoping for, don’t forget to sell. Also, if the stock fails to live up to your expectations, sell immediately.
Traders buy penny stocks for the profit. Whether it’s a long term profit or a short term one.  Don’t buy penny stocks if you don’t know what to expect or how to get out. You must trade with a plan. There are other articles here discussing what is a good entry price and when stocks are at their bottoms. Please read these articles and others before you buy penny stocks for the first time.

What is the Best Rewards Card in Ireland?

Deciding on the best rewards cards depends on what is the most rewarding to you.  Rewards include cash back options, travel points, travel insurance, donations to sports teams, colleges, and charities.

Here are some of top rewards cards in Ireland:

  • MBNA’s new Pigsback.com credit card. With 0% APR on balance transfers for 10 months and 2,000 PiggyPoints after your first card purchase, it’s pretty great. The APR isn’t bad either (14.9 % APR when this went into print). As for your reward? You get 1 PiggyPoint for every 2 Euros you spend on card purchases! It really does fair high on my list of best credit card deals in Ireland.
  • SonyCard. For every € 1.5 you charge on the card, you receive one “pulsebeat.” You can get stuff free by using your pulsebeats. Sony offers over 600 products available for purchase with pulsebeats.
  • Tesco’s Clubcard Credit Card. This card gets you one point for every €4 you spend. Sometimes it’s double points, but bear in mind each point is worth about only around 4cents when you redeem them. You can spend your points at Tesco stores or petrol stations. You can also use the clubcard vouchers as airmiles
  • Sainsbury Credit Card. This card gives you two Nectar points for every €1 you spend in Sainsbury (for the first two years you hold the card). When you use the card elsewhere, you get one Nectar point for every €5 you spend. Each nectar point equals 0.5cents. You can use your vouchers at Sainsburys and Argos. You can also use them at certain restaurants, video stores, cinema tickets, and for airplane tickets.
  • Play.com credit cards lets you earn points for spending at play.com and elsewhere. You get two playpoints for each €1 you spend at play.com. If you use your card elsewhere, you receive one playpoint for each €1. Five hundred playpoints equal €5. You can redeem your points at Play.com where you can buy DVDs, music, games, books, computers, electronics, and gadgets.
  • Ulster Bank credit cards also offer YourPoints. But you only receive one point for every € 1 you spend. You can use YourPoints to make travel arrangements and you can get shopping vouchers for them.

Money problems

Money problems - dealing with debt

Money problems can come in all shapes and sizes, but debt can be one of the hardest to deal with. After all, someone whose bank balance is low might consider themselves to be in financial trouble, but someone who owes more money than they have is clearly worse off financially - they`d probably be happy to wipe out whatever savings they have if they could just wipe out their debt too!

Click here for more information on Money Problems

Brown & Brown, Inc. Announces a 4.1% Increase in Commissions and Fees Revenues

DAYTONA BEACH, FL and TAMPA, FL–(Marketwire - April 20, 2009) - Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) today announced its net income and net income per share for the first quarter of 2009. Additionally, it announced that its commissions and fees revenues for the first quarter of 2009 increased 4.1% over the first quarter of 2008.

Net income for the first quarter of 2009 was $48,012,000, or $0.34 per share, compared with $51,760,000, or $0.37 per share for the same quarter of 2008.

Total revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2009 were $263,580,000, compared with $256,715,000 recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2008, an increase of 2.7%.

J. Powell Brown, President of Brown & Brown, Inc., noted, “We are pleased to be delivering innovative and very cost effective insurance products and services to our new and existing customers, as well as generating industry-leading margins. Our first-quarter results reflect a continued slowdown in the economy, which has caused significant decreases in insurance exposure units. These results also demonstrate the effect of the very competitive insurance rate environment for property and casualty insurance that has prevailed over the last few years.”

Jim W. Henderson, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, added, “Our acquisition activity remains active and promising. For the year, we have closed on four deals representing a total of approximately $12.5 million in forward annualized revenues. We remain conservative in our pricing and insistent on sustainable earnings. Substantially all of our acquisitions are funded by our robust internal cash flows.”

Brown & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a broad range of insurance and reinsurance products and services, as well as risk management, third party administration, managed health care, and Medicare set-aside services and programs. Providing service to business, public entity, quasi-public entity, individual, trade and professional association clients nationwide, the Company is ranked by Business Insurance magazine as the United States’ seventh largest independent insurance intermediary. The Company’s Web address is www.bbinsurance.com.

This press release may contain certain statements relating to future results which are forward-looking statements, including those relating to future financial results and to acquisition opportunities. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only the Company’s current belief regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company’s control. It is possible that the Company’s actual results, financial condition and achievements may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results, financial condition and achievements contemplated by these forward-looking statements. Further information concerning the Company and its business, including factors that potentially could materially affect the Company’s financial results and condition, as well as its other achievements, are contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Some factors include: general economic conditions around the country; downward commercial property and casualty premium pressures; the effects of recent legislative and regulatory changes in Florida pertaining to the insurance industry, including those relating to coastal property coverages; the competitive environment; the integration of the Company’s operations with those of businesses or assets the Company has acquired or may acquire in the future and the failure to realize the expected benefits of such integration; the potential occurrence of a disaster that affects certain areas of the States of California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and/or Washington, where significant portions of the Company’s business are concentrated; and the cost and impact on the Company of previously disclosed regulatory inquiries regarding industry and Company practices with respect to compensation received from insurance carriers. All forward-looking statements made herein are made only as of the date of this release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which the Company hereafter becomes aware.

                       Brown & Brown, Inc.
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
        For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
               (in thousands, except per share data)
                          (unaudited)

                                                         2009       2008
                                                      ---------  ----------

REVENUES
Commissions and fees                                  $ 263,964  $  253,528
Investment income                                           310       1,999
Other (loss) income, net                                   (694)      1,188
                                                      ---------  ----------
     Total revenues                                     263,580     256,715
                                                      ---------  ----------

EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits                      127,341     121,187
Non-cash stock-based compensation                         1,816       1,944
Other operating expenses                                 35,864      31,204
Amortization                                             12,385      11,116
Depreciation                                              3,333       3,246
Interest                                                  3,634       3,434
                                                      ---------  ----------
     Total expenses                                     184,373     172,131
                                                      ---------  ----------

Income before income taxes                               79,207      84,584

Income taxes                                             31,195      32,824
                                                      ---------  ----------

Net income                                            $  48,012  $   51,760
                                                      =========  ==========

Net income per share:
  Basic                                               $    0.34  $     0.37
                                                      =========  ==========
  Diluted                                             $    0.34  $     0.37
                                                      =========  ==========

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
  Basic                                                 141,558     140,704
                                                      =========  ==========
  Diluted                                               141,843     141,327
                                                      =========  ==========

Dividends declared per share                          $   0.075  $    0.070
                                                      =========  ==========

                             Brown & Brown, Inc.
                          INTERNAL GROWTH SCHEDULE
                        Core Commissions and Fees(1)
                      Three Months Ended March 31, 2009
                               (in thousands)
                                (unaudited)

                                          Total           Internal Internal
               Quarter  Quarter   Total    Net      Less    Net     Net
                Ended    Ended     Net  Growth Acquisition Growth  Growth
               3/31/09  3/31/08  Change     %     Revenues   $        %
               -------- -------- -------  -----   ------- -------  ------

Florida Retail $ 40,131 $ 41,227 $(1,096)  (2.7)% $ 3,667 $(4,763)  (11.6)%
National
 Retail          77,527   70,156   7,371   10.5%   11,443  (4,072)   (5.8)%
Western Retail   25,293   21,087   4,206   19.9%    7,566  (3,360)  (15.9)%
               -------- -------- -------          ------- -------
  Total Retail  142,951  132,470  10,481    7.9%   22,676 (12,195)   (9.2)%
               -------- -------- -------          ------- -------

Wholesale
 Brokerage       34,462   36,878  (2,416)  (6.6)%     718  (3,134)   (8.5)%

Professional
 Programs        10,572   10,245     327    3.2%        -     327     3.2%
Special
 Programs        37,968   27,800  10,168   36.6%        -  10,168    36.6%
               -------- -------- -------          ------- -------
Total National
 Programs        48,540   38,045  10,495   27.6%        -  10,495    27.6%
               -------- -------- -------          ------- -------

Services          8,085    7,933     152    1.9%        -     152     1.9%
               -------- -------- -------          ------- -------

Total Core
 Commissions
 and Fees (1)  $234,038 $215,326 $18,712    8.7%  $23,394 $(4,682)   (2.2)%
               ======== ======== =======          ======= =======

                Reconciliation of Internal Growth Schedule
                     to Total Commissions and Fees
            Included in the Consolidated Statements of Income
            for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2009 and 2008
                            (in thousands)
                              (unaudited)

                                                         Quarter   Quarter
                                                           Ended     Ended
                                                         3/31/09   3/31/08
                                                        --------- ---------
 Total core commissions and fees(1)                     $ 234,038 $ 215,326
 Contingent commissions                                    29,926    36,347
 Divested business                                              -     1,855
                                                        --------- ---------

 Total commission & fees                                $ 263,964 $ 253,528
                                                        ========= =========

(1)   Total core commissions and fees are our total commissions and fees
      less (i) profit-sharing contingent commissions (revenue derived from
      special revenue-sharing commissions from insurance companies based
      upon the volume and the growth and/or profitability of the business
      placed with such companies during the prior year), and (ii) divested
      business (commissions and fees generated from offices, books of
      business or niches sold by the Company or terminated).

                            Brown & Brown, Inc.
                       CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                  (in thousands, except per share data)
                               (unaudited)

                                                   March 31,   December 31,
                                                      2009         2008
                                                  -----------  ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                      $   126,439  $     78,557
   Restricted cash and investments                    140,840       144,750
   Short-term investments                               7,471         7,511
   Premiums, commissions and fees receivable          230,838       244,515
   Deferred income taxes                                    -        14,171
   Other current assets                                26,821        33,528
                                                  -----------  ------------
      Total current assets                            532,409       523,032

Fixed assets, net                                      63,354        63,520
Goodwill                                            1,044,417     1,023,372
Amortizable intangible assets, net                    493,444       495,627
Other assets                                           13,692        14,029
                                                  -----------  ------------
      Total assets                                $ 2,147,316  $  2,119,580
                                                  ===========  ============

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
   Premiums payable to insurance companies        $   367,438  $    357,707
   Premium deposits and credits due customers          45,008        43,577
   Accounts payable                                    31,802        18,872
   Accrued expenses                                    55,797        96,325
   Current portion of long-term debt                    6,526         6,162
                                                  -----------  ------------
      Total current liabilities                       506,571       522,643

Long-term debt                                        251,427       253,616

Deferred income taxes, net                             93,289        90,143

Other liabilities                                      14,596        11,437

Shareholders’ equity:
   Common stock, par value $0.10 per
    share; authorized 280,000 shares; issued
    and outstanding 141,549 at 2009 and 141,544
    at 2008                                            14,155        14,154
   Additional paid-in capital                         252,478       250,167
   Retained earnings                                1,014,801       977,407
   Accumulated other comprehensive income                  (1)           13
                                                  -----------  ------------

      Total shareholders’ equity                    1,281,433     1,241,741
                                                  -----------  ------------

      Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity  $ 2,147,316  $  2,119,580
                                                  ===========  ============

International Datacasting Corporation Announces Fiscal 2009 Year End and Fourth Quarter Financial Results

OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwire - April 6, 2009) - International Datacasting Corporation (TSX:IDC), a leader in providing advanced global solutions for the distribution of broadband content via satellite, announced today its financial results for the three- and 12-month periods ended January 31, 2009. All figures are stated in Canadian dollars.

Fiscal 2009 Highlights

- Revenue for fiscal 2009 was $29.1 million, an increase of 18% from the $24.7 million recorded in fiscal 2008.

- Gross margin was 47%, up from 46% last year.

- EBITDA increased to $2.6 million from $1.7 million in fiscal 2008.

- Net earnings increased to $3.0 or $0.05 per share-basic in fiscal 2009, changed from $2.6 million or $0.06 per share-basic in fiscal 2008.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2009 Highlights

- Revenue for the quarter was $6.4 million, compared to $7.5 million recorded in Q4 2008.

- Gross margin was 57%, compared to 32% for the same period last year.

- EBITDA increased to $0.7 million from $0.3 million in Q4 2008.

- Net earnings were $1.6 million or $0.03 per share-basic in Q4 2009, compared to $2.0 million or $0.04 per share-basic in the same quarter of the previous year.

“In fiscal 2009, we delivered another successful year of significant growth in the business,” said Ron Clifton, President and CEO of IDC. “We achieved record revenue and earnings, expanded our customer base, added many new clients, launched new products in each of our vertical markets and secured the renewal of our multi-year contract to continue providing radio and television services to Canadian Forces serving overseas. We also strengthened our foothold in the rapidly growing digital cinema market with new orders in Europe and our first full scale deployment of 3D systems for live alternative content in the U.S.”

Mr. Clifton continued: “While a slowing economy provides cause for caution in the near-term, we believe that our long-term prospects remain strong. The trends in the industry favouring broadband satellite IP multicasting in the broadcast radio, data and video markets continue to fuel demand for our products and applications. We believe the combination of momentum from our sizable customer base, our technology leadership with an applications focus and a strong balance sheet will continue to position us well going forward.”

Operational Highlights

IDC generated a combination of new and repeat business orders in fiscal 2009 with strong revenue growth in all its geographic regions. Throughout fiscal 2009, IDC continued to deliver on its strategy of providing a comprehensive suite of solutions by offering a common broadband technology platform across three vertical market sectors: broadcast data, radio and video.

In the Broadcast Data market, IDC fulfilled a large multi-million dollar master order from a long-time customer in the news and financial information sector with its new award-winning dual carrier satellite receiver product. The Company was also selected and received orders for a U.S. Government program for a ruggedized compact version of this new product. In addition, the Company secured an order for a new high speed Internet overlay service network,won its first orders for its high-performance IP multicast network security and encryption solution and was selected to provide a next-generation corporate training and digital signage network to Grupo Financiero Banorte’s more than 950 branches across Mexico.

In the Broadcast Radio market, IDC continued to make significant progress in international markets that are upgrading to new technology. The Company installed new SuperFlex IP radio networks for customers in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Thailand, and continued the roll-out of network expansion and upgrades for Westwood One in the U.S. PROFLine professional radio network products were also supplied to new and existing customers across the European market.

In the Broadcast Video market, IDC continued to deliver products and services to two major IPTV customers in the US and was selected by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), and shipped initial equipment for a next-generation satellite network to deliver file based digital television programming to PBS member stations across the U.S. The Company also received orders from TVN, the world’s largest television on-demand company, to provide SuperFlex IP satellite receivers for their Video On Demand network. IDC’s digital cinema solutions also contributed significantly in fiscal 2009. Through technology licensing agreements with Doremi Labs and Sensio, IDC provided to long standing customer Cinedigm in the US the world’s first 3D live digital cinema network, designated CineLive”. IDC’s leading edge technology was also selected by OpenSky and Arqiva with orders received for new digital cinema network deployments in Europe.

Financial Review

Revenues were $29.1 million for fiscal 2009 compared to $24.7 million a year earlier, an increase of 18%. The year-over-year growth was a result of an increase in satellite equipment sales to new and existing customers in all three of the Company’s vertical markets, and, in particular, an increase in sales of a new dual carrier satellite receiver product launched in the first quarter and targeted at data and video applications.

IDC’s business continues to grow on an annual basis with fluctuations due to order timing on a quarterly basis. As a result, revenues for Q4 2009 were $6.4 million, down compared to revenue of $7.5 million in Q4 2008.

Gross profit was $13.8 million in fiscal 2009, representing 47% of revenues, compared to $11.4 million or 46% of revenues in fiscal 2008. Margins were positively affected by a change in the product mix, increased manufacturing efficiencies and reduced costs due to outsourcing compared to fiscal 2008.

Gross profit for Q4 2009 was $3.6 million, representing 57% of revenues, compared to $2.4 million or 32% of revenues in Q4 2008. In Q4 2009, margins were higher than usual due to product mix, an inventory accrual adjustment and a standard cost adjustment. Without these two inventory adjustments, which were for prior periods in the fiscal year, margins for Q4 2009 would have been 47%. Margins in Q4 2008 were lower than usual as the Company fulfilled a large order at significantly lower margins for strategic reasons.

Overall operating expenses were $12.3 million in fiscal 2009 compared to $10.3 million in fiscal 2008, as the Company increased spending to support and grow a higher volume of business. Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses grew to $7.8 million from $6.8 million, primarily due to increased staff, sales commissions associated with higher revenues and consulting fees related to the implementation of new internal controls certification. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A expense declined from 28% of revenue in fiscal 2008 to 27% of revenue in fiscal 2009.

Research and Development (R&D) spending rose to $3.4 million from $2.4 million, primarily due to the addition of engineering staff to support the expansion and continued innovation of the Company’s satellite equipment product lines. Over the longer term, the Company expects R&D investment to be approximately 10% to 12% of revenue, as IDC maintains its strategy of developing new products and applications to grow the business.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $2.6 million in fiscal 2009, up from $1.7 million in fiscal 2008. The increase was due to the higher revenues, improved margins, and the implementation of a foreign currency strategy in fiscal 2009, which resulted in a smaller net foreign exchange loss for the year of $79,451, compared to a foreign exchange loss of $487,319 in fiscal 2008. (Please see note on Non-GAAP Financial Information below.)

Net earnings increased to $3.0 million for the year, up from $2.6 million in fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2009, IDC recorded a $1.5 million income tax recovery, compared to a $2.0 million recovery in fiscal 2008. In both fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, the Company recognized the majority of the income tax recovery in Q4. For fiscal 2009, net earnings per share-basic were $0.05, compared to $0.06 in fiscal 2008. The year-over-year decline was due to a higher weighted average number of shares outstanding in fiscal 2009.

IDC’s cash balance was $7.6 million at January 31, 2009 compared to $7.8 million at January 31, 2008, with $1.6 million of cash generated by operating activities in fiscal 2009, compared to $1.7 million of cash used in operating activities in fiscal 2008. At fiscal 2009 year end, the Company was free of term debt compared to $1.0 million in term debt at the beginning of the year.

A complete set of audited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the three and 12 months ended January 31, 2009 will be available at www.sedar.com or on the Investor Information section of IDC’s website at www.datacast.com.

Conference Call

A conference call will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. EPT to discuss this announcement. The call may be accessed by dialing 416-644-3416 or 1-800-732-9307. A taped replay will be available for one week by dialing 416-640-1917 or 1-877-289-8525, reference number 21301974#. To access the live webcast, please visit the Company’s website at www.datacast.com or www.newswire.ca for directions.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information

Non-GAAP measures, such as EBITDA and backlog, are provided to enhance the overall understanding of our current financial performance and our prospects for the future. Specifically, we believe non-GAAP results provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding specific expenses we believe are not indicative of our core operating results. The presentation of this additional information should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is not a recognized measure under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), does not have standardized meaning, and is unlikely to be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Accordingly, investors are cautioned that EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to revenue, net earnings or loss determined in accordance with GAAP as an indicator of the financial performance of the Company or as a measure of the Company’s liquidity and cash flows.

About International Datacasting Corporation (IDC)

International Datacasting Corporation (TSX:IDC) is a global leader in providing advanced solutions for the distribution of broadband content via satellite. IDC is at the forefront of delivering IP-based datacasting solutions via satellite and content distribution technologies with installations in more than 100 countries worldwide. IDC’s products are in demand for radio and television broadcast networks, distance learning, digital signage, digital cinema, IPTV distribution and other content distribution applications. IDC is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, operates in Europe through its wholly owned subsidiary PROFline B.V. in Arnhem, the Netherlands and has an established international network of value-added partners and distributors.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that may involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Factors that might cause a difference include, but are not limited to, competitive developments, risks associated with IDC’s growth, the development of the satellite datacasting market, regulatory risks, intellectual property infringement and other factors. IDC assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect IDC’s financial and business results is included in the public documents IDC files from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities.


International Datacasting Corporation
Consolidated Balance Sheet as at
                                        January 31, 2009  January 31, 2008
ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash                                        $7,554,296        $7,842,443
  Amounts receivable                           6,903,984         8,310,120
  Income tax receivable                          171,766            34,190
  Inventories                                  4,250,698         2,547,142
  Prepaid expenses                               487,073           373,280
  Future tax asset                               583,537           301,125
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets                          19,951,354        19,408,300

Equipment                                      3,113,279         3,074,510
Future tax asset long term portion             2,911,463         1,862,375
Intangible assets                                852,957         1,163,127
Goodwill                                       2,491,030         2,491,030
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               9,368,729         8,591,042

                                             $29,320,083       $27,999,342
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current Liabilities
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities    $4,376,113        $5,103,315
  Other liabilities                                7,800             4,662
  Amounts on deposit                                   -             4,881
  Obligations under capital leases -
   current portion                               147,827           204,598
  Term loan - current portion                          -           628,333
  Deferred revenue                               691,326           705,990
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities                      5,223,066         6,651,779
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long Term Liabilities
  Term loan - long term portion                        -           343,645
  Obligations under capital leases               176,473           259,854
  Future tax liability                           217,504           296,597
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Long Term Liabilities                      393,977           900,096
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities                              5,617,043         7,551,875
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholders' equity
  Capital stock                               22,829,784        22,779,088
  Contributed surplus                          2,680,871         2,547,811
  Accumulated other comprehensive income         176,440            97,254
  Accumulated deficit                         (1,984,055)       (4,976,686)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity                    23,703,040        20,447,467
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                             $29,320,083       $27,999,342
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

International Datacasting Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income
For The Years Ended

                                        January 31, 2009  January 31, 2008

Revenue                                      $29,060,599       $24,708,905

Cost of revenue                               15,278,327        13,262,957
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gross profit                                  13,782,272        11,445,948
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative            7,765,188         6,805,912
Research and development, net of
 investment tax credits                        3,361,556         2,431,798
Amortization                                   1,206,999         1,014,572
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                              12,333,743        10,252,282
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income                               1,448,529         1,193,666
Interest income (expense)
  Long-term                                      (47,567)          (66,243)
  Short-term                                     157,593           (44,589)
Foreign exchange (loss)                          (79,451)         (487,319)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes                   1,479,104           595,515
Income tax recovery                            1,513,527         1,957,108
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings                                  $2,992,631        $2,552,623
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other comprehensive income

Unrealized gain (loss) on translation of
 self sustaining foreign operations              $79,186          $(48,462)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income                       $79,186          $(48,462)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comprehensive income                          $3,071,817        $2,504,161
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings per share
Basic                                              $0.05             $0.06
Diluted                                            $0.05             $0.05

Weighted average number of shares
 outstanding
  Basic                                       56,384,415        45,641,857
  Diluted                                     59,055,942        49,763,317

International Datacasting Corporation
Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income
For The Three Months Ended

                                        January 31, 2009  January 31, 2008

Revenue                                       $6,431,288        $7,528,562

Cost of revenue                                2,790,518         5,135,515
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gross profit                                   3,640,770         2,393,047
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative            1,936,695         1,699,645
Research and development, net of
 investment tax credits                          927,226           666,876
Amortization                                     331,236           328,471
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                               3,195,157         2,694,992
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income                                 445,613          (301,945)
Interest income (expense)
Long-term                                         (6,986)          (12,746)
Short-term                                        34,045            (1,639)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)                    (102,222)          231,765
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before income taxes                     370,450           (84,565)
Income tax recovery                            1,248,761         2,064,976
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings                                  $1,619,211        $1,980,411
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other comprehensive income
Unrealized gain on translation of self
 sustaining foreign operations                   $69,198           $98,229
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other comprehensive income                        69,198            98,229
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comprehensive income                          $1,688,409        $2,078,640
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings per share
Basic                                              $0.03             $0.04
Diluted                                            $0.03             $0.03

Weighted average number of shares
 outstanding
  Basic                                       56,409,688        55,061,027
  Diluted                                     57,526,022        57,973,785

International Datacasting Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the years ended

                                        January 31, 2009  January 31, 2008
Operating Activities
Net earnings                                  $2,992,631        $2,552,623
Add items not requiring an outlay of
 cash:
  Amortization                                 1,206,999         1,014,572
  Future income taxes                         (1,410,593)       (2,053,903)
  Stock-based compensation                       149,927           239,003
  Loss on disposal of equipment                    2,494                 -
Net change in operating components of
 working capital                              (1,335,336)       (3,501,450)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash provided by (applied to) operating
 activities                                    1,606,122        (1,749,155)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Investing activities
  Additions to equipment                        (833,039)       (1,712,747)
  Payment of Profline holdback                         -          (319,601)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash (applied to) investing activities          (833,039)       (2,032,348)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Financing activities
Line of credit advances                                -         1,425,000
Bank loan repayments                            (971,978)       (2,078,022)
Repayments of obligations under capital
 leases                                         (218,337)         (163,095)
Issue of common shares, net of issue costs        33,829         9,295,940
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash (applied to) provided by financing
 activities                                   (1,156,486)        8,479,823
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
 on cash                                          95,256           (84,043)
Increase (decrease) in cash during the
 period                                         (288,147)        4,614,277
Cash - Beginning of period                     7,842,443         3,228,166
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash - End of period                          $7,554,296        $7,842,443
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment purchased under capital lease           78,185           245,686
Capital lease obligations assumed                (78,185)         (245,686)
Interest payments paid                            68,286           110,832
Income taxes paid                                 42,935           127,635

International Datacasting Corporation
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
for the period ended
                                     Three Months ended Three Months ended
                                       January 31, 2009   January 31, 2008

Operating Activities
Net earnings                                 $1,619,211         $1,980,411
Add items not requiring an outlay of
 cash:
  Amortization                                  331,236            328,471
  Future income taxes                        (1,235,584)        (1,970,158)
  Stock-based compensation                       27,540             46,932
  Loss on disposal of equipment                   2,494                  -
Net change in operating components of
 working capital                               (305,608)        (1,808,563)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash provided by (applied to) operating
 activities                                     439,289         (1,422,907)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Investing activities
  Additions to equipment                       (115,552)          (254,981)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash (applied to) investing activities         (115,552)          (254,981)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Financing activities
Line of credit advances                               -          1,425,000
Bank loan repayments                                  -         (2,088,019)
Repayments of obligations under capital
 leases                                         (58,299)           (48,902)
Issue of common shares, net of issue costs       30,466          9,106,672
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash (applied to) provided by financing
 activities                                     (27,833)         8,394,751
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
 on cash                                         51,246             31,998

Increase (decrease) in cash during the
 period                                         347,150          6,748,861

Cash - Beginning of period                    7,207,146          1,093,582
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash - End of period                         $7,554,296         $7,842,443
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment purchased under capital lease          53,344             39,148
Capital lease obligations assumed               (53,344)           (39,148)
Interest payments paid                            6,986              6,299
Income taxes paid                                     -             64,210

Firan Technology Group Corporation Announces Continued Growth in the First Quarter 2009

TORONTO, ONTARIO–(Marketwire - April 6, 2009) - Firan Technology Group Corporation (TSX:FTG) today announced financial results for the first quarter 2009.

- Sales increased by 8% to $14.7M and

- Gross margin as a percentage of sales increased 31% or $0.9M.

“Given the state of the global economy, we are pleased with our results in our first quarter of 2009. Notwithstanding the dip we saw in demand, we maintained our growth, paid down our debt and renewed our credit facilities with our bank,” stated Mr. Brad Bourne, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We remain committed to our strategy of Operational Excellence to improve our internal performance, and to aggressively invest in R&D to improve our technological capabilities to grow the business”, he added.


Q1 2009 Results: (three months ended February 27, 2009 compared with three
                  months ended Feb 29, 2008)

                                                     Q1 2009        Q1 2008
                                                 ------------   ------------

Sales                                            $14,694,000    $13,598,000

Operating Earnings before:                         1,009,000        161,000
                                                 ------------   ------------

Net R&D Investment                                 1,074,000        863,000
Filtran Restructuring and Losses                           -        368,000
Tax                                                    2,000        (23,000)
                                                 ------------   ------------
Net Loss                                            ($67,000)   ($1,047,000)
                                                 ------------   ------------

Loss per share
 - basic                                               $0.00         ($0.06)
 - diluted                                             $0.00         ($0.06)

The Corporation’s sales grew in Q1 2009 to $14,694,000, an increase of $1,096,000 or 8% over Q1 2008. Sales were positively impacted by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, which offset a decline in activity across both businesses. Customers worked to reduce inventories in the quarter and this reduced demand at FTG. Last years’ acquisition of Filtran increased revenues by $777,000 in the quarter. We continue to see solid demand for this type of product and are working to leverage our knowhow and expand into new programs and customers.

Q1 2009 sales for the Circuits segment were $11,486,000, an increase of $917,000 or 9% compared to Q1 2008. For the Aerospace segment, sales in the first quarter were $3,208,000 compared to $3,029,000 in Q1 2008, an increase of $179,000 or 6%.

FTG had an operating earnings before R&D, and tax in Q1 of 2009 of $1,009,000, compared to $161,000 on an equivalent basis in Q1 2008. There were no Filtran related expenses in Q1 2009 versus $368,000 in Q1 2008.

Net loss for the first quarter was $67,000 compared to a net loss of $1,047,000 in the comparable quarter in 2008. The Q1 2009 loss includes $229,000 in foreign exchange losses due to revaluation of assets and liabilities on the balance sheet, a one time expense related to utility costs of $114,000, expenses of $25,000 related to the creation of FTG Aerospace-Tianjin, offset by a one time recovery of $277,000 due to an overpayment on employee benefits in prior periods. R&D remained high in Q1 2009 as we continue to invest in new technologies and programs.

Across FTG, total bookings in the quarter were $13.3M. The book-to-bill for the Corporation was 0.91:1 and 0.97:1 for the Circuits business. Bookings were generally stable for defence customers, down slightly from large Air Transport customers and down significantly from customers in the business jet markets. The lower orders from existing programs and customers were somewhat offset by the capture of new programs and new customers. Total backlog of orders at the end of Q1 2009 were $16.7M.

FTG accomplished many goals in Q1 2009 that continue to improve the Corporation and position it for the future, including:

- The renewal of multiyear contracts with Honeywell and Rockwell

- Qualification at Lockheed Martin for both Circuits facilities

- The renewal and expansion of credit facilities with Comerica bank

- Acquisition and commissioning of Laser Direct Imaging Technology in Circuits-Toronto

- Continued higher technology activity across all three sites

As at February 27, 2009, the Corporation’s primary source of liquidity included accounts receivable of $12,031,000 and inventory of $9,779,000. Net working capital at February 27, 2009 was $9,493,000.

The Company will host a live conference call on April 7, 2009 at 8:30am (EDT) to discuss the results of Q1 2009.

Anyone wishing to participate in the call should dial 416-641-6136 or 1-866-223-7781 and identify that you are calling to participate in the FTG conference call. The Chairperson is Mr. Brad Bourne. A replay of the call will be available until April 21, 2009 and will be available on the FTG website at www.ftgcorp.com. The number to call for a rebroadcast is 416-695-5800 or 1-800-408-3053, pass code 5034437.

ABOUT FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION

FTG is an aerospace and defense electronics product and subsystem supplier to the North American marketplace. FTG has two operating units:


    FTG Circuits is a manufacturer of high technology/high reliability
    printed circuit boards. Our customers are leaders in the aviation,
    defense, and high technology industries. FTG Circuits has operations
    in Toronto, Ontario and Chatsworth, California.

    FTG Aerospace manufactures illuminated cockpit panels, keyboards and
    sub-assemblies for original equipment manufacturers of avionics
    products as well as airframe manufacturers located in Toronto, Ontario.

The Corporation’s shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FTG.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are related to, but not limited to, FTG’s operations, anticipated financial performance, business prospects and strategies. Forward-looking information typically contains words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan” or similar words suggesting future outcomes. Such statements are based on the current expectations of management of the Corporation and inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and unknown, including economic factors and the Corporation’s industry, generally. The preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible factors. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual events and results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by the Corporation. The reader is cautioned to consider these and other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to the Corporation and not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Other than as may be required by law, FTG disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Additional information can be found at the Corporation’s website www.ftgcorp.com.


FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   February 27, 2009      November 30, 2008
(in thousands of dollars)                 (unaudited)              (audited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS

CURRENT
 Cash                                       $    304               $    170
 Accounts receivable                          12,031                 14,711
 Taxes receivable                                299                    299
 Inventories (Note 5)                          9,779                  9,150
 Prepaid expenses                                560                    445
 Future income taxes                             279                    270
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              23,252                 25,045

CAPITAL ASSETS                                 7,678                  7,329
GOODWILL (Note 10)                             4,684                  4,583
OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS                          419                    431
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            $ 36,033               $ 37,388
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIABILITIES

CURRENT
 Bank indebtedness (Note 6)                 $  3,126               $  2,977
 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities      8,715                  9,872
 Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6)    1,918                  1,833
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              13,759                 14,682
LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 6)                        5,767                  6,104
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              19,526                 20,786
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

 Share capital
  Common shares                               12,681                 12,681
  Preferred shares                             2,218                  2,218
 Contributed surplus                           8,105                  8,071
 Deficit                                      (6,759)                (6,692)
 Accumulated other comprehensive income          262                    324
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              16,507                 16,602
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            $ 36,033               $ 37,388
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 See accompanying notes. 

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Consolidated Statements of Loss
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Three Months Ended
                                     ---------------------------------------
(in thousands of dollars              February 27, 2009   February 29, 2008
 except per share amounts)                   (unaudited)         (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

SALES                                          $ 14,694            $ 13,598
COST OF SALES                                    10,893              10,701
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  3,801               2,897
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPENSES
 Selling, general and administrative              1,760               1,965
 Research and development costs                   1,124                 863
 Recovery of research and development
  costs                                             (50)                  -
 Amortization of capital assets                     644                 700
 Amortization of intangible assets                   12                   -
 Interest expense on long-term debt                 122                 139
 Interest expense on short-term debt                 25                  43
 Restructuring costs                                  -                 208
 Foreign exchange loss (Note 9 (b))                 229                  49
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  3,866               3,967
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES                            (65)             (1,070)

(RECOVERY OF) PROVISION FOR INCOME
 TAXES                                                2                 (23)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET LOSS                                       $    (67)           $ (1,047)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET LOSS PER SHARE
 Basic                                         $      -            $  (0.06)
 Diluted                                       $      -            $  (0.06)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 See accompanying notes.

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
(in thousands of dollars) (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       Prefe-                     Accumulated
               Common    rred Contri-                   Other         Total
                Share   Share   buted           Comprehensive Shareholders'
              Capital Capital Surplus  Deficit Income ("AOCI")       Equity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance,
 November
 30, 2008    $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ 8,071 $ (6,692)         $ 324      $ 16,602
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net loss            -       -       -      (67)             -           (67)
Other
 comprehensive
 loss:
 Foreign
  currency
  translation
  adjustments
  (Note 10)         -       -       -        -            173           173
 Net
  unrealized
  loss on
  derivative
  financial
  instruments
  designated
  as cash flow
  hedges
  (Note 9 ( c ))    -       -       -        -           (235)         (235)
                                                                ------------
Comprehensive
 loss                                                                  (129)

Stock based
 compensation       -       -      34        -              -            34

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance,
 February 27,
 2009        $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ 8,105 $ (6,759)         $ 262      $ 16,507
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Prefe-                    Accumulated
                Common    rred Contri-                  Other         Total
                 Share   Share   buted          Comprehensive Shareholders'
               Capital Capital Surplus  Deficit  Loss ("AOCI")       Equity
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance,
 November
 30, 2007     $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ 7,939 $ (6,484)       $ (829)     $ 15,525
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net loss             -       -       -   (1,047)            -        (1,047)
Other
 comprehensive
 loss:
 Foreign
  currency
  translation
  adjustments
  (Note 10)          -       -       -        -           (60)          (60)
                                                                ------------
Comprehensive
 loss                                                                (1,107)

Stock based
 compensation        -       -      29        -             -            29

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance,
 February
 29, 2008     $ 12,681 $ 2,218 $ 7,968 $ (7,531)       $ (889)     $ 14,447
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

See accompanying notes.

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION
Interim Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Three Months Ended
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                     February 27, 2009    February 29, 2008
(in thousands of dollars)                   (unaudited)          (unaudited)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET (OUTFLOW) INFLOW OF CASH RELATED
 TO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:

 OPERATING
  Net loss                                     $   (67)            $ (1,047)
  Items not affecting cash
   Stock based compensation expense                 34                   29
   Effect of exchange rates on U.S. dollar
    Canadian debt                                  120                  (57)
   Amortization of capital assets                  644                  700
   Amortization of intangible assets                12                    -
 Changes in non-cash operating working
  capital                                          906               (1,085)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1,649               (1,460)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 INVESTING
  Acquisition of Filtran Microcircuits Inc.          -               (1,462)
  Additions to capital assets                     (916)                (101)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  (916)              (1,563)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 FINANCING
  Increase in bank indebtedness                     91                3,493
  Repayments of long-term debt                    (466)                (318)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  (375)               3,175
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Effects of foreign exchange rate changes
  on cash flow                                    (224)                  (1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET CASH FLOW                                      134                  151

CASH, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                          170                  234
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH, END OF PERIOD                            $   304              $   385
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

DISCLOSURE OF CASH PAYMENTS
 Payments for interest                         $   147              $   179
 Payments for income taxes                     $     2              $     2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

See accompanying notes.

FIRAN TECHNOLOGY GROUP CORPORATION

Selected Notes to the Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands of dollars except per share amounts)(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles on a basis consistent with those followed in the November 30, 2008 audited consolidated financial statements of Firan Technology Group Corporation and are presented in Canadian dollars. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements do not include all the information and note disclosures required by Canadian generally accepted accounting principles for annual financial statements and therefore should be read in conjunction with the said November 30, 2008 audited consolidated financial statements and the notes below.

In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary by management to present a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements were prepared using the same accounting policies and methods as those used in the Corporation’s audited financial statements for the year ended November 30, 2008, except as explained in Note 2.

In light of the current economic environment, demand has softened as some of our customers have reduced existing inventory levels. While the current environment remains challenging, the Corporation is in a strong position to continue to serve its customer base and focus on key opportunities.

The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Firan Technology Group Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its 100% owned subsidiaries, FTG Circuits Inc. (”FTG Circuits - Chatsworth”) and Firan Technology Group (USA) Corporation.

4. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Measurement uncertainty

The preparation of the Corporation’s financial statements, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making such estimates, actual results reported in future periods could differ from those estimates. Estimates include provisions for accounts receivable, inventory obsolescence, warranty, useful lives of capital assets in determining amortization and valuation of investment tax credits, future income tax assets, intangibles and goodwill.

Derivative financial instruments

The Corporation has elected to apply hedge accounting for certain forward foreign exchange contracts used to manage foreign currency exposure on anticipated sales and has designated these as cash flow hedges. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives are recorded as prepaid assets when they are in an asset position or in accounts payable and accrued liabilities when in a liability position. Gains or losses arising from hedging items are reported in the same caption on the consolidated statements of operations as those of the hedged items.

The effective portions of the change in fair value of the derivative are initially recorded in other comprehensive income on the balance sheets and are reclassified to the consolidated statements of loss when the hedged item is realized. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively when it is determined that the derivative is not effective as a hedge or the derivative is terminated or sold, or upon sale or early termination of the hedged item.

5. INVENTORIES

The Corporation’s inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Direct labour and an allocation of fixed and variable overheads are included in the determination of work - in - process and finished goods amounts. Net realizable value represents the estimated selling price for inventories less costs necessary to make the sale.

The adoption of CICA 3031 constitutes a change in accounting policy from valuing inventory at the lower of cost and market to the lower of cost and net realizable value, as defined under the new standard. The Corporation’s valuation of inventory for November 30, 2008 is consistent with CICA 3031 and no retroactive restatement is required. The book value of inventories is as follows:


                                February 27, 2009  November 30, 2008
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Raw materials                             $ 3,296            $ 3,058
Work in process                             3,687              3,306
Finished goods                              2,796              2,786
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Net inventory                               9,779              9,150
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------

The cost of inventories recognized as an expense during the quarter ended
February 27, 2009 was $10,893 (February 29, 2008 - $10,701). Write downs
of inventories recognized in cost of sales were $83 (February 29, 2008 -
$25).

6. BANK INDEBTEDNESS AND LONG-TERM DEBT

Long - term debt consists of:

                                                      February    November
                                                      27, 2009    30, 2008
                                                      --------    --------
5 year U.S. $6,000 term loan (of which U.S. $3,000
relates to the U.S. subsidiary), amortized over 7
years, repayable in equal monthly payments of U.S.
$72 plus interest at a fixed rate of 8.19%. Term loan
is secured by a first charge over all of the property
and assets of the Corporation and matures on July 14,
2011. Principal at February 27, 2009
U.S. $3,786 (November 30, 2008 - U.S. $4,000).         $ 4,817     $ 4,948

5 year U.S. $2,500 capital expenditure facility (of
which $1,000 U.S. relates to the U.S. subsidiary),
amortized over 5 years, repayable in equal monthly
payments of U.S. $46 plus interest at U.S. prime
less (50) basis points, matures July 14, 2012.
Principal at February 27, 2009 U.S. $1,779 (November
30, 2008 - $1,917)                                       2,264       2,371

5 year U.S. $2,000 capital expenditure facility,
drawdown period expired December 31, 2008, repayable
in equal monthly payments of U.S. $8 plus interest at
U.S. prime less (50) basis points, matures December
31, 2013. Principal at February 27, 2009 U.S. $475
(November 30, 2008 - U.S. $500)                            604         618
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         7,685       7,937
Less amounts due within one year                         1,918       1,833
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                       $ 5,767     $ 6,104
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Estimated principal repayments of long-term debt are as follows:

                                  within 12           $ 1,918
                                  13 to 24 months       1,918
                                  25 to 36 months       3,372
                                  37 to 48 months         382
                                  49 to 60 months          95
                                                     --------
                                                      $ 7,685
                                                     --------

The Corporation has available a 3 year committed revolving credit facility of U.S. $6,000 subject to certain borrowing base requirements, maturing July 12, 2009. The revolving facilities are available by way of Prime Rate Loans, USBR Loans, BA Rate Loans and / or Libor Loans plus an applicable margin. Applicable margins are; Canadian Prime Rate loans plus nil (0) basis points, U.S. Prime Rate loans less (50) basis points, USBR Loans plus nil (0) basis points, BA Rate Loans plus two hundred (200) basis points and Libor Loans plus two hundred (200) basis points.

The U.S. subsidiary utilized U.S. $1,600 or Cdn $2,036 of the revolving facility at February 27, 2009 (2008 - U.S. $1,500 or Cdn. $1,855 at November 30, 2008). The Canadian operations utilized Cdn. $1,090 (2008 - Cdn. $1,122) during the same period. The revolving credit facility is secured by a first charge on all of the property and assets of the Corporation.

The Corporation was in compliance with all of its bank covenants as at February 27, 2009 and has sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet its obligations for the foreseeable future. Specifically, management is confident that it has sufficient liquidity to fund current operations, meet its debt maturity and capital expenditure plans. The Corporation’s revolving facility expires July 12, 2009 and the Corporation has signed a 3 year renewal on March 16, 2009 to extend the revolving facility until March 31, 2012.


9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(b) Foreign exchange loss

                                      February 27, 2009  February 29, 2008
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss relating to financial assets
 and liabilities, excluding forward
 foreign exchange contracts                        $238               $ 49
Realized (gain) relating to forward
 foreign exchange contracts                          (9)                (6)
Unrealized loss relating to
 forward foreign exchange contracts,
 including changes in fair value of
 open positions                                       -                  6
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign exchange loss                              $229               $ 49
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Foreign currency risk arises because of fluctuations in exchange rates. The Corporation conducts a significant portion of its business activities in foreign currencies, primarily United States dollars. The assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies will be affected by changes in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and these foreign currencies. The Corporation’s long-term debt and most of the manufacturing materials are sourced in U.S. dollars, providing a natural economic hedge for a portion of the Corporation’s currency exposure.

(c) Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting

Foreign exchange contracts are transacted with a financial institution to hedge foreign currency denominated anticipated sales of products. The following table summarizes the Corporation’s commitments to buy and sell foreign currency under foreign currency forward contracts, all of which have a maturity date of less than one year as at February 27, 2009.


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                                      Notional       Weighted
Currency sold    Currency bought   amount sold   average rate
-------------------------------------------------------------

U.S. dollars   Canadian dollars        $ 5,500       $ 1.2283

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Management estimates that a loss of $242 would be realized if these contracts were terminated on February 27, 2009. All of these forward contracts are designated as cash flow hedges and have an unrealized loss of $235, all of which is recognized in the accumulated other comprehensive income (”AOCI”) section of shareholders equity. This unrealized loss in AOCI at February 27, 2009 is expected to be reclassified to earnings over the next twelve months when the sales are recorded.

All hedging relationships are formally documented, including the risk management objective and strategy. On a quarterly basis, an assessment will be made as to whether the designated derivative financial instruments have been and continue to be effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of the hedged transactions.

10. TRANSLATION OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES

FTG Circuits - Chatsworth and Firan Technology Group (USA) Corporation are considered self-sustaining subsidiaries. Accordingly, their assets (including goodwill) and liabilities are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Sales and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during each month. The resulting current period translation gain of $173 (2008 loss of $60) is included in the accumulated other comprehensive income section of shareholders’ equity until there is a realized reduction in the net investment. Goodwill for FTG Circuits - Chatsworth is translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates. The resulting gain of $101 on the translation of the goodwill is included in the AOCI section of shareholders equity.

11. SEGMENTED INFORMATION

The Corporation operates in two operating segments: FTG Circuits and FTG Aerospace. FTG Circuits is a leading manufacturer of high technology/high reliability printed circuit boards within the North American marketplace. FTG Aerospace is a manufacturer of illuminated cockpit panels, keyboards, bezels and sub assemblies for original equipment manufacturers of avionic products and airframe manufacturers. FTG Circuits and FTG Aerospace financial information is shown below:


                                        Period ended February 27, 2009
                                    --------------------------------------
                                                        Corporate
                                    Circuits  Aerospace    Office    Total
                                    --------------------------------------
Sales                               $ 11,486 $    3,208  $      - $ 14,694
Costs and SG&A expenses                9,666      2,476       511   12,653
Amortization of capital assets           553         91         -      644
Amortization of intangibles               12          -         -       12
Research and development costs         1,023        101         -    1,124
Recovery of research and
 development costs                       (50)         -         -      (50)
Foreign exchange loss on conversion
 of balance sheet assets and
 liabilities                             228          1         -      229
                                    --------------------------------------
Earnings (loss) before interest and
 taxes                                    54        539      (511)      82
Interest expense on long-term and
 short term debt                         147          -         -      147
Provision of income taxes                  2          -         -        2
                                    --------------------------------------
Net (loss) earnings                 $    (95) $     539  $   (511) $   (67)
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    --------------------------------------

Segment assets                      $ 26,491  $   9,542  $      -  $36,033
Goodwill                               4,684          -         -    4,684
Intangibles                              419          -         -      419
Additions to capital assets              902         14         -      916

                                         Period ended February 29, 2008
                                    --------------------------------------
                                                        Corporate
                                    Circuits  Aerospace    Office    Total
                                    --------------------------------------

Sales                               $ 10,569  $   3,029  $      - $ 13,598
Costs and SG&A expenses                9,385      2,691       590   12,666
Amortization of capital assets           659         41         -      700
Research and development costs           788         75         -      863
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on
 conversion of balance sheet assets
 and liabilities                          11         38         -       49
Restructuring costs                      208          -         -      208
                                    --------------------------------------
(Loss) earnings before interest and
 taxes                                  (482)       184      (590)    (888)
Interest expense on long-term and
 short term debt                         182          -         -      182
Income taxes (recovery)                  (23)         -         -      (23)
                                    --------------------------------------
Net (loss) earnings                 $   (641) $     184  $   (590) $(1,047)
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    --------------------------------------

Segment assets                      $ 25,653  $   7,717  $      -  $33,370
Goodwill and intangibles               4,142         -          -    4,142
Additions to capital assets              101         -          -      101

Geographic location
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands of dollars)                     Period ended February 27, 2009
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                                        United
                               Canada   States  Asia  Europe  Other    Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales (by location of
 customer)                     $2,507  $11,249  $751    $153    $34  $14,694
Goodwill
 (by location of division)      1,039    3,645     -       -      -    4,684
Intangibles
 (by location of division)        419        -     -       -      -      419
Capital assets - other and
 Filtran
 (by location of division)      4,902    2,776     -       -      -    7,678

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                                              Period ended February 29, 2008
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                                        United
                               Canada   States  Asia  Europe  Other    Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales (by location of
 customer)                     $2,268  $10,408  $740    $182    $ -  $13,598
Goodwill (by location of
 division)                      1,317    2,825     -       -      -    4,142
Intangibles (by location of
 division)                          -        -     -       -      -        -
Capital assets - other
 (by location of division)      6,698    1,597     -       -      -    8,295
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Extra Space Storage Inc. Announces Modifications to 2009 Dividend Distributions

SALT LAKE CITY, UT–(Marketwire - April 6, 2009) - Extra Space Storage Inc. (the “Company”) (NYSE: EXR) announced today that its board of directors has decided, in response to continuing uncertainty in the capital markets, to modify the Company’s dividend distributions for the remainder of fiscal 2009.

At this time, the Company does not expect to distribute a dividend in the second and third quarters of 2009. The Company expects to pay an estimated fourth quarter dividend of between $0.24 and $0.30 per share using a combination of approximately 10% cash and 90% common shares, as allowed by the Internal Revenue Service Revenue Procedure 2009-15, to fully distribute its 2009 net taxable income. The fourth quarter dividend, when combined with the first quarter 2009 cash dividend of $0.25 per share, previously paid on March 31, 2009, is expected to satisfy the real estate investment trust (”REIT”) distribution requirements and generally allow the Company to avoid the payment of corporate income tax for such year. The Company reserves the right to change the percentage of cash payable in the fourth quarter dividend, including paying such dividend entirely in cash if determined to be in the best interest of shareholders.

The Company currently estimates its annual net taxable income for 2009 to be between $45.0 million and $50.0 million and its total annual distributions for 2009 to be between $0.27 and $0.28 per share in cash and between $0.22 and $0.27 per share in stock. The adjustment to the dividend for the remainder of 2009 will enable the Company to retain up to approximately $67.0 million of additional liquidity depending on the amount of stock issued as a dividend in lieu of cash as part of the fourth quarter dividend.

In conjunction with the dividend modifications, the Company announced that it has repurchased approximately $71.5 million principal amount of exchangeable senior notes due in 2012 for approximately $44.5 million. The repurchase will result in a one-time gain of approximately $22.5 million or approximately $0.25 per share on early extinguishment of debt for the quarter ended March 31, 2009. This gain was not previously included in the Company’s earnings guidance for 2009.

Spencer F. Kirk, chairman and chief executive officer of the Company, stated: “Though our balance sheet is in a relatively solid position and we are making progress on refinancing our upcoming loan maturities, the board has decided to adopt a more conservative dividend policy to preserve liquidity. The decision was considered at length because we know how attractive EXR stock has been to many who are looking for a high current yield. At the same time, we believe it is in the best interest of our shareholders that we navigate through these unprecedented financial markets with maximum financial flexibility. Adjusting the dividend gives us an enhanced cushion if capital markets further deteriorate, and also creates the best opportunity to preserve capital for future investments should opportunities arise. Once markets stabilize and lending criteria return to historic norms, we feel that we will have significant additional borrowing capacity and financial flexibility. We believe that preservation of capital and debt reduction is the highest priority during these uncertain economic times and this decision is in the long-term best interest of our shareholders.”

First Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

The Company will release financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2009 on Monday, May 4, 2009 after the market closes. The Company will also host a conference call at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, May 5, 2009 to discuss its financial results.

Hosting the call will be Spencer F. Kirk. Joining him will be Kent W. Christensen, executive vice president and CFO, and Karl Haas, executive vice president and COO.

The conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet and can be accessed by all interested parties through the Company’s website at www.extraspace.com and then by clicking on the “investor relations” link at the bottom of the home page. To listen to the live call, please go to the website at least fifteen minutes prior to the start of the call to register, download, and install any necessary audio software. A digital replay will be available on May 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time through May 19, 2009 at midnight Eastern Time. To access the replay, dial 888-286-8010 and enter passcode 45178021. International callers should dial 617-801-6888 and enter the same passcode.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs, plans or intentions relating to acquisitions and other information that is not historical information. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipates,” or “intends” or the negative of such terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. We may also make additional forward-looking statements from time to time. All such subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, by us or on our behalf, are also expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.

All forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. Our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them, but there can be no assurance that management’s expectations, beliefs and projections will result or be achieved. All forward-looking statements apply only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in or contemplated by this release. Any forward-looking statements should be considered in light of the risks referenced in the “Risk Factors” section included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Such factors include, but are not limited to:

--  changes in general economic conditions and in the markets in which we
    operate;

--  the effect of competition from new self-storage facilities or other
    storage alternatives, which could cause rents and occupancy rates to
    decline;

--  potential liability for uninsured losses and environmental
    contamination;

--  difficulties in our ability to evaluate, finance and integrate
    acquired and developed properties into our existing operations and to lease
    up those properties, which could adversely affect our profitability;

--  the impact of the regulatory environment as well as national, state,
    and local laws and regulations including, without limitation, those
    governing REITs, which could increase our expenses and reduce our cash
    available for distribution;

--  recent disruptions in credit and financial markets and resulting
    difficulties in raising capital at reasonable rates, which could impede our
    ability to grow;

--  delays in the development and construction process, which could
    adversely affect our profitability; and

--  economic uncertainty due to the impact of war or terrorism, which
    could adversely affect our business plan.

About Extra Space Storage Inc.

Extra Space Storage Inc., headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust that owns and/or operates 694 self-storage properties in 33 states and Washington, D.C. The Company’s properties comprise approximately 475,000 units and over 50 million square feet of rentable space. The Company is the second largest owner and/or operator of self-storage properties in the United States.

Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP & Pond, Gadow & Tyler, P.A. Announce Filing of Class Action Suit Involving Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates of Morgan Stanley

NEW YORK, NY–(Marketwire - April 6, 2009) - The following statement was issued today by the law firms Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP (”BLB&G”) and Pond, Gadow & Tyler, P.A. (”Pond Gadow”).

On December 2, 2008, BLB&G and Pond Gadow filed a class action lawsuit in the Superior Court for the State of California, County of Orange on behalf of their client the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi and similarly situated purchasers of Morgan Stanley (”Morgan Stanley”) Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates (collectively, the “Certificates”) pursuant to or traceable to the false and misleading March 14, 2006 Registration Statement and accompanying prospectuses. On December 31, 2008, defendants filed a Notice of Removal, removing the case from the Superior Court to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On March 6, 2009, the District Court for the Central District of California transferred the action to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, where it is now pending as Case No. 09-02137.

The class includes purchasers of the following Certificates: Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-4SL, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-5AR, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-5ARW, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-6AR, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-7, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-8AR, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-9AR, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-10SL, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-11, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-12XS, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-13AX, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-14SL, Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-15XS, and Morgan Stanley Mortgage Loan Trust 2006-16AX.

The complaint alleges that on March 14, 2006, defendants caused a Registration Statement to be filed with the SEC in connection with and for the purpose of issuing billions of dollars of Certificates. The Certificates were issued pursuant to the Prospectus Supplements, each of which was incorporated into one of the Registration Statements. The Certificates were supported by pools of mortgage loans.

According to the complaint, the Offering Documents included false statements and/or omissions about: (i) the underwriting standards used by the loan originators; (ii) the standards and guidelines used by Morgan Stanley when evaluating and acquiring the loans; (iii) the appraisal standards used to value the properties collateralizing the loans, and the corresponding loan-to-value ratios of the loans; (iv) the credit enhancement supporting the loan securitization process; and (v) the pre-established ratings assigned to each tranche of Certificates issued pursuant to the offering documents.

Ultimately, the truth about the performance of the mortgage loans that secured the Certificates began to be revealed to the public, increasing the risk of the Certificates receiving less cash flow in the future and the likelihood that investors would not receive it on a timely basis. The credit rating agencies also began to put negative watch labels on the Certificates, ultimately downgrading many. As a result, the Certificates are no longer marketable at prices near the price paid for them, and the holders of the Certificates are exposed to much more risk with respect to both the timing and absolute cash flow to be received than the Offering Documents represented.

The complaint alleges that Morgan Stanley, certain of its officers and directors and the issuers and underwriters of the Certificates violated Sections 11, 12 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933. Plaintiff seeks to recover damages on behalf of all purchasers of the Certificates listed above (the “Class”).

If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than 60 days from today. If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions concerning this notice or your rights or interests, please contact David R. Stickney or Timothy A. DeLange of BLB&G at (858) 793-0070 or via e-mail at davids@blbglaw.com or timothyd@blbglaw.com. You can view a copy of the Complaint as filed and this notice online at http://www.blbglaw.com. Any member of the class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain a member of the proposed class.