Ad-hoc | 4 May 2004 20:04

SUSS MicroTec: Q2 starts with positive order trend

Ad-hoc-announcement transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– SUSS MicroTec: Q2 starts with positive order trend · Q1: EBITDA significantly improved on Q1 previous year · Balanced Free Cash Flow · Early Q2 numbers show strong upswing in Order entry Munich May 4, 2004 – In Q1 2004 SUSS MicroTec AG showed a moderate sales growth (9% compared to Q1/03) but clearly improved EBITDA from EUR -7.5 million in Q1/03 to EUR -4.3 million in Q1/04. The key figures at a glance (Q1/03 figures in brackets): Net sales: EUR 19.2 (17.6) million, +9%. Gross profit: EUR 6.2 (4.7) million, +31%. Gross profit margin: 32.3 (27.0) %. The Gross profit margin is still affected by the shortfall in utilization. For the upcoming quarters we expect a clearly improved gross profit margin as a consequence of increasing sales. EAT amounted EUR -5.0 (-5.8) million. Due to not cash effective valuation allowances (EUR 1.2 million) on loss carry forwards there is a low tax rate. With a clearly positive earnings development in the second half of the year this valuation allowance might be withdrawn again. Q1/2004 Order entry reached EUR 24.4 (25.3) million and stayed on the previous quarters’ level. In April a significant upswing in order entry was achieved. Thus the management expects Order entry in Q2 to be greater than EUR 35 million. This growth is mainly driven by increased demand for production equipment, for both 200mm and 300mm tools. In participation of this upswing we have already experienced a growth in inventory, which is the primary reason for the reduced Free cash flow of EUR 0.1 (4.6) million. Net cash on hand at the end of Q1 amounted to EUR 25.4 million less EUR 2.9 million short-term bank liabilities. Based on the actual business development the management reiterates the given forecast for 2004 with primary target to achieve a positive EBIT. Currently this target will be achieved with sales in the rage of EUR 115 to 120 million. For details of key figures for Q1/2004, see http://www.suss.com (home page) Q1/2004 results in comparison: in million Euro Q1/2003 Q1/2004 Net Order Entry 25.3 24.4 Net Order Backlog 38.5 38.8 Net Sales 17.6 19.2 Equity 111.8 100.0 Equity Ratio 69.4% 64.6% Net Liquidity 16.7 22.5 Free Cash Flow 4.6 0.1 Gross Profit 4.7 6.2 Gross Profit Margin 27.0% 32.3% EBITDA -7.5 -4.3 EAT -5.8 -5.0 EPS (diluted) in EURO -0.39 -0.33 Employees 756 720 For further information, please contact: SUSS MicroTec AG Barbara von Frankenberg Investor Relations Tel.: +49 (0) 89 / 320 07-314 Fax: +49 (0) 89/ 320 07-450 E-Mail: b.frankenberg@suss.de end of ad-hoc-announcement (c)DGAP 04.05.2004 ——————————————————————————– WKN: 722670; ISIN: DE0007226706; Index: TecDAX, NEMAX 50 Listed: Geregelter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hannover, München und Stuttgart 042004 Mai 04