-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclosure announcement transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer is responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08.11.2006
Basler shows sustained growth and sets a key course for the future
. Nine month results: turnover 14% up and net earnings 30% up on same period last year . Strong third quarter growth tops previous year's performance: turnover of Euro 15.1 million up 24% and net earnings of Euro 1.5 million up 25% . Vision Systems division broadens activities with introduction of inspection solutions for the photovoltaics industry . Regional network in Asia extended with opening of new sales office in Japan
Ahrensburg, 8 November 2006 - Basler AG, one of the leading companies in Vision Technology, the technology of artificial vision, has continued its strong growth in the third quarter 2006 and set an important strategic course for the future.
Turnover in the first three quarters grew by 14% vis-à-vis the same period last year to reach Euro 38 million (Q1-3/2005: Euro 33.4 million). First three quarters net results came to Euro 3 million or 30% up on last year's performance (Q1-3/2005: Euro 2.3 million). Incoming orders also rose by 14% to Euro 40.3 million (Q1-3/2005: Euro 35.5 million).
The first three quarter 2006 figures at a glance:
|In Euro mill. |Q1-3 / 2006|Q1-3 / 2005|+/- in %| |Turnover |38.0 |33.4 |+14% | |Incoming Orders |40.3 |35.5 |+14% | |Gross Margin |53% |50% |+3% | |Net Result |3.0 |2.3 |+30% | |Earnings per Share |0.87 |0.64 |(in Euro) Revenues and earnings in third quarter show strong growth as well. However incoming orders decrease against pre-level, which relates solely to the balance sheet date. Third quarter 2006 figures at a glance: |In Euro mill. |Q3/2006 |Q3/2005|+/-in %| |Turnover |15.1 |12.2 |+24% | |Incoming Orders |10.2 |11.9 |-14% | |Gross Margin |52% |52% |+/-0% | |Net Result |1.5 |1.2 |+25% | |Earnings per Share |0.43 |0.33 |(in Euro)
In the third quarter 2006 we have set an important course for future growth. We have enhanced our business activities in the Vision Systems division (inspection systems for industrial mass production) with the introduction of innovative inspection solutions for the photovoltaic industry as first unveiled at the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Dresden (4-8 September 2006). We can now offer manufacturers of raw wafers and solar cells fully automatic solutions integrated in the production process for key quality control tasks that so far have proven impervious to automation. The main benefit of the products is the higher efficiency and lower raw material consumption they offer in terms of raw wafer and solar cell production. The first major turnover results from solar inspection systems are expected in the 2007 financial year. Entry to the solar market is the next stage in the company's strategic growth course which foresees further growth not only in established growth markets but also by penetration of dynamic emerging markets.
In the past third quarter we have also extended our activities in Asia by opening a new sales office in Japan. This is now our fifth location in Asia joining our offices in Taiwan, Singapore, Shanghai and Korea. Our new office in Japan is especially crucial for giving our digital high-performance cameras access to one of the world's biggest regional markets for Vision Technology. Basler shall present itself for the first time to a Japanese trade public at the Vision Technology Exhibition ITE 06 taking place in early December in Yokohama.
For the overall year 2006 we are expecting a double digit turnover growth with a strong disproportionate increase in net income. We are estimating revenues of up to Euro 53 mill. and a net result of up to Euro 4 mill. (2005: Euro 2.4 mill.) for the full year 2006.
end of announcement euro adhoc 08.11.2006 06:56:18 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ots Originaltext: Basler AG Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de
Further inquiry note: Christian Höck Tel.: +49 (0)4102 463 175 Fax: +49 (0)4102 463 46 175 E-Mail: christian.hoeck@baslerweb.com
Branche: Semiconductors & active components ISIN: DE0005102008 WKN: 510200 Index: CDAX, Prime All Share, Technologie All Share Börsen: Frankfurter Wertpapierbörse / regulated dealing/prime standard Börse Berlin-Bremen / free trade Hamburger Wertpapierbörse / free trade Baden-Württembergische Wertpapierbörse / free trade Börse Düsseldorf / free trade Bayerische Börse / free trade
