Ireland | 14 May 2013 08:30
Viscom AG / Release of an announcement according to Article 37x of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] 14.05.2013 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, 14 May 2013 General Business Performance The general economy continued to face challenges at the beginning of 2013. Viscom AG customers showed a certain unwillingness to invest in the first quarter of 2013. Increasing competition from low cost suppliers is also impacting the global market. This situation in the market had a negative effect on business particularly in Europe in the first months of the new financial year. The Asian market recovered considerably, already exceeding Viscom Group's expectations and planning. Viscom acquired several new customers in Asia, particularly in the EMS (electronic manufacturing services: job order producers of electronic devices) and 3C (Computer, Communication, Consumer) target markets. The previous year's positive economic momentum continued in the Americas region. Competition and pricing pressure, which have also increased in this region, had a negative impact on earnings. Net Assets and Financial Position In the first three months of the 2013 financial year, customers placed orders in the amount of EUR 10,530 thousand with Viscom Group. Incoming orders were down by around 18 % on the very strong figure in the previous year (EUR 12,910 thousand). Order backlog as of 31 March 2013 amounted to EUR 8,272 thousand (previous year: EUR 10,081 thousand). Viscom's Group revenue amounted to EUR 10,560 thousand in the reporting period (previous year: EUR 13,741 thousand). Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) amounted to EUR 762 thousand (previous year: EUR 2,546 thousand), corresponding to an EBIT-Margin of 7.2 % (previous year: 18.5 %). Net profit for the period was EUR 797 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,753 thousand). With an equity ratio of 87.9 %, Viscom AG still has a very strong equity base at the end of the first quarter of 2013 (31 December 2012: 85.9 %). Outlook Although Viscom had a slow start to 2013, the outlook is optimistic. The Group acquired as customers further renowned telecommunications companies, particularly in Asia, in the current second quarter. These new customers provide Viscom with the opportunity to grow stronger in this market, to reduce its dependence on the automotive supply industry and generate additional revenue in other sectors. Viscom has the potential to further develop its technological leadership with key development projects still promising additional opportunities in the market. The Group also plans to continue expanding its activities in Asia for acquiring new customers in the EMS. A 'Global Application Team' has been set up for this region to accelerate global customer acquisition and customer retention in the long term. Viscom is expanding its product portfolio in the required service and price segments in response to increasing competition and pricing pressure in the market. Viscom AG's management continues to stick with its published annual guidance and expects revenue growth of around 10 % year on year for full year 2013. The EBIT-Margin is likely to be between 13 % and 17 %. The Interim Management Report as of 31 March 2013 is available now on the company website www.viscom.de under Investor Relations. Viscom AG 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. Any 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. KEY FIGURES OF THE GROUPConsolidated income statement 01.01.- 01.01.- 31.03.2013 31.03.2012 Revenue KEUR 10,560 13,741 EBIT KEUR 762 2,546 EBIT-Margin % 7.2 18.5 Net profit for the period KEUR 797 1,753 Earnings per share EUR 0.09 0.20 Number of employees at end of 293 275 periodConsolidated balance sheet 31.03.2013 31.12.2012 Assets Current assets KEUR 60,645 61,423 Non-current assets KEUR 11,151 11,082 thereof: Financial assets KEUR 4,723 4,680 Total assets KEUR 71,796 72,505 Liabilities Current liabilities KEUR 7,682 9,280 Non-current liabilities KEUR 979 949 Shareholders' equity KEUR 63,135 62,276 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity KEUR 71,796 72,505 Equity ratio % 87.9 85.9Cash flow statement 01.01.-31.03.2013 01.01.-31.12.2012 Cash flow from operating KEUR 403 9,520 activities Cash flow from investing KEUR -378 -1,594 activities Cash flow from financing KEUR 0 -6,665 activities End of period capital KEUR 30,075 30,014SEGMENT INFORMATION01.01.-31.03.2013 01.01.-31.03.2012 EUROPE Revenue KEUR 5,729 9,461 EBIT KEUR 270 2,156 ASIA Revenue KEUR 3,037 2,356 EBIT KEUR 361 132 AMERICAS Revenue KEUR 1,794 1,924 EBIT KEUR 131 25814.05.2013 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------