Ireland | 8 November 2012 08:30
Viscom AG / Release of an announcement according to Article 37x of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] 08.11.2012 08:30 Interim report according to Article 37x of the WpHG, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hanover, 8 November 2012 Viscom AG develops, manufactures and sells high-quality automated optical and X-ray inspection systems for use in industrial electronics production and is one of the global leaders in its field. Viscom inspection systems are used in nearly all sectors of the electronics industry. General Business Performance Following a second quarter that was marked by reserved investment activities in Europe, Viscom Group's business performance became clearly positive again in the third quarter, and the Group's revenue and earnings development was on target. Incoming orders in the third quarter rose by around 57 % compared to the second quarter. This underlines a positive trend and will generate high production capacity utilisation and corresponding revenue estimates until the end of the year. Europe generated considerable growth in the third quarter and Viscom Group customers once again increased their investments in inspection systems. The European economic environment is still impacted by uncertainty despite making a slight recovery. In the important region of Asia, Viscom Group managed to double incoming orders compared to the first half of the year by consistent and long-term customer relationship management. The positive development in the Americas region continued in the third quarter. Primarily the automotive supply industry, but also service providers in the SME sector are filling the order books in this region. The economy in the USA is improving slowly but steadily. However, at present this recovery is still being held back by a certain unwillingness to invest − due to the results of the presidential elections in November to be awaited. The end-of-year business is expected to provide positive momentum in this region. Net Assets and Financial Position Viscom generated Group revenue of EUR 35,939 thousand in the first three quarters of 2012 (previous year: EUR 39,351 thousand), corresponding to an 8.7 % decrease. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to EUR 5,924 thousand (previous year: EUR 8,692 thousand). With an EBIT margin of 16.5 % (previous year: 22.1 %), Viscom Group's profitability remains at a very satisfactory level. Net profit for the period declined from EUR 6,400 thousand in the previous year's period to EUR 4,243 thousand. In the first nine months of 2012, customers placed orders in the amount of EUR 35,448 thousand with Viscom Group. Incoming orders were down by around 8 % on the very strong period in the previous year (previous year: EUR 38,510 thousand). Order backlog at the end of the third quarter of 2012 was EUR 10,421 thousand (previous year: EUR 12,639 thousand). With an equity ratio of 87.9 %, Viscom AG still has a very strong equity base (31 December 2011: 86.0 %). Outlook Viscom Group is sticking with its published guidance for the current financial year of EUR 52 million to EUR 54 million in revenue and an EBIT margin between 13 % and 17 %. Key figures of the GroupConsolidated income statement (KEUR) 01.01.−30.09.2012 01.01.−30.09.2011 Revenue 35,939 39,351 EBIT 5,924 8,692 Financial result 249 402 Income taxes -1,930 -2,694 Net profit for the period 4,243 6,400 Earnings per share EUR 0.48 EUR 0.72 Number of employees at end of period 290 273 Consolidated balance (KEUR) 30.09.2012 31.12.2011 Assets Current assets 54,741 58,578 Non-current assets 13,426 13,902 thereof: Financial assets 7,177 7,177 Total assets 68,167 72,480 Liabilities Current liabilities 7,789 9,687 Non-current liabilities 464 452 Shareholders' equity 59,914 62,341 Total liabilities and shareholders' 68,167 72,480 equity Equity ratio 87.9 % 86.0 % Consolidated cash flow Statement (KEUR) 01.01.- 01.01.- 30.09.2012 31.12.2011 Cash flow from operating activities 6,821 11,535 Cash flow from investing activities -1,282 -8,814 Cash flow from financing activities -6,664 86 End of period capital 27,678 28,810Segment information (KEUR) 01.01.−30.09.2012 01.01.−30.09.2011 Europe Revenue 23,467 30,068 EBIT 4,732 7,661 Asia Revenue 6,559 5,736 EBIT 297 711 Americas Revenue 5,913 3,547 EBIT 895 320Any forecasts, expectations or forward-looking statements included in this report may carry risks and uncertainties. We therefore cannot guarantee that these assumptions will turn out to be correct. Actual results and developments may vary significantly from the forecasts and assumptions made in this report. Factors that may lead to such deviations include changes to the general economic development and competitive position, exchange rate and interest rate fluctuations as well as amendments to national and international laws. The Company does not assume any responsibility for updating the statements contained in this report. 08.11.2012 DGAP's Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: Viscom AG Carl-Buderus-Strasse 9-15 30455 Hannover Germany Internet: www.viscom.de End of Announcement DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------