HIGHLIGHTS Q4-2018
* Q4-18 revenue of NOK 29.3 million, compared with NOK 30.2 million in Q3-18
* Q4-18 gross margin of 36%, compared with 30% in Q3-18
* Full-year 2018 revenue growth of 10% and gross margin of 28% (FY 2017: -6%)
* Sampling of One Touch ID FAP 20 sensor started in Q4-18
* Infineon technology partnership and R&D program with MK Group strengthen smart
card position
* Government ID progress with orders from Telpo, Tysso and India agreement with
Digitsecure
Post Q4-18 events
* Received and delivered purchase order for 30,000 chipsets from Tactilis
* Increased customer traction in India reflected in firm awards and growing lead
pipeline
* Expanding smart card ecosystem with agreements in Asia
* Initiated cost reduction program
* Raised NOK 160 million in gross proceeds in a private placement
* Subsequent offering with potential gross proceeds of NOK 28
NEXT CEO Ritu Favre commented: "We have delivered consistently on our technology
roadmap through 2018. Our FAP 20 sensor is with customers for testing and the
Dual Interface solution for payment cards is soon ready for sampling. Increased
year-over-year revenues for 2018 and the significantly improved gross margin
confirm we are pivoting from product development to revenue generation. Going
forward, we expect to leverage our large-size, highly secure and cost-effective
sensor technology in all market segments to drive growth and position for the
emerging hyper-growth of the payment smart-card market."
PRESENTATION OF FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
NEXT will present a business review and its interim report for the fourth
quarter of 2018 today at 08.30 Norwegian time at SANDS, Cort Adelers gate 33,
Oslo. The presentation will be held in English. It will be available as a live
feed and as a recording on the company website or through this link:
http://webtv.hegnar.no/presentation.php?webcastId=97603689
NEXT Media contact:
Tanja Moehler, tanja.moehler@nextbiometrics.com
NEXT Investor contacts:
Ritu Favre (CEO), Ritu.Favre@NEXTbiometrics.com
Knut Stålen (CFO), Knut.Stalen@NEXTbiometrics.com
ABOUT NEXT Biometrics:
NEXT provides advanced fingerprint sensor technology that delivers uncompromised
security and accuracy for the best possible user experience in the smart card,
government ID, access control and notebook markets. The company's patented NEXT
Active ThermalT principle allows the development of large, high quality
fingerprint sensors in both rigid and flexible formats. NEXT Biometrics Group
ASA (www.nextbiometrics.com) is headquartered in Oslo, with sales, support and
development operations in Seattle, Silicon Valley, Taipei, Prague, Bengaluru and
Shanghai.