ots Ad hoc-Service: Basler AG <DE0005102008> Basler AG: 4th quarter results will be below expectations
Ahrensburg (ots Ad hoc-Service) -
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In the 4th quarter 2000, sales and results of Basler AG - a leading supplier of Vision Technology, the technology of artificial vision - will be below expectations. The evaluation of the figures for October and November point to a deterioration in results following a decline in sales that the company will not be able to make good in December. Consequently, in the 4th quarter, Basler anticipates total operating performance of approximately 13 million DM, EBIT of about -8 million DM and a loss of about -8 million DM (earnings per share: about -2.29 DM). For the year overall, total operating performance will amount to approximately 75 million DM (compared with 71,5 Mio. DM in 1999), EBIT to approximately -8.5 million DM (compared with 5,97 Mio. DM in 1999), a loss of about -8.5 million DM (compared with a profit of 0,65 Mio. DM in 1999) and earnings per share of about -2.42 DM. Analysts have expected a total operating performance of approximately 80 Mio. DM and EBIT of approximately -4 Mio. DM for 2000.
The reason for these results is to be found in the high level of initial investments in the newly established, promising business divisions Machine Vision Components (camera division), Display Inspection (inspection of flat screens) and Web Inspection (inspection of plastic films). Further reason is the decline in the market for compact discs recordable (CD-R). In this respect seasonal factors in the so far excellent performing business with inspection systems for DVD have a bigger impact in the 4th quarter than expected. Finally bulk orders for the business division Display Inspection will not be reflected in the sales figures until the first quarter 2001, rather than in the fourth quarter 2000, as planned.
The current situation in the fourth quarter is temporarily. Basler will begin the new year 2001 equipped with an equity ratio in excess of 75 % and anticipates for 2001 a renewed significant increase in sales and a return to profitability in the first place.
Further information:
Christian Höck Head of Corporate Communications
Basler Vision Technologies An der Strusbek 60-62 22926 Ahrensburg Telefon: 04102-463 175 Fax: 04102-463 108 christian.hoeck@baslerweb.com
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