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Horgen, August 7, 2009 - Orders received reached CHF 33.4 million
(-63%) in the first half. Gross revenues amounted to CHF 30.1 million
(-67%). The drastic decline in volume reflects the general global
economic crisis and the unfavorable industry climate in particular.
The Group reported an operating result of CHF -13.7 m (1H 2008: 0.4
million). The net loss from continuing operations amounted to CHF
-10.5 million (1H 2008: 1.5 million). This includes currency gains of
around CHF 2.5 million. Lower net current assets led to a balanced
cash flow from operating activity.
In an extremely difficult sector environment, SSM Textile Machinery's
order intake was 74% lower than the previous year. Sales declined by
71%. All regions reported a substantial drop in demand. Despite a
historically low volume, the gross margin was maintained. Rigorous
cost management cut fixed costs considerably, enabling the loss to be
contained. The operating loss amounted to CHF 5.7 million.
Ismeca Semiconductor was also hit hard by the economic slump. New
orders fell by almost 50%. Sales were 63% lower than in the previous
year. Strict cost management was unable to compensate for the missing
volume. The operating result stood at CHF -7.1 million. Currency
gains led to a positive financial result, which cut the net loss by
almost CHF 2 million.
Outlook
The first half ended with historical lows, especially in volumes.
Although the business environment is likely to remain demanding in
the second half, a positive trend in incoming orders, customers' more
optimistic assessment of the future and a backlog in investments all
indicate a considerably better second half.
Innovations are being pushed in both divisions. This not only enables
market positions to be secured - it also creates a good basis for the
company to reap above-average benefits from the next upturn.
Cash and cash equivalents and treasury shares worth over CHF 600
million, plus a debt-free balance sheet, are available for
acquisition projects - some of which have already reached an advanced
stage.
Please find the Results for H1 2009 in the PDF attached.
Schweiter Technologies AG, Neugasse 10, CH - 8812 Horgen, Switzerland
Tel. +41 44 718 33 03 Fax +41 44 718 34 51 info@schweiter.com
www.schweiter.com
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Schweiter Technologies
Neugasse 10 Horgen Switzerland
WKN: 879123;
ISIN: CH0010754924; Index: SPI, SPIEX, SSCI;
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