Viscom AG Begins 2024 Financial Year with Caution Amid Lower Investment

Hanover, 22 May 2024 – Viscom AG experienced a challenging start to the 2024 financial year due to reduced customer investment. The company reported incoming orders of €18,625 thousand in the first quarter, a 47% decline compared to the previous year. Order backlog stood at €28,949 thousand, down 37.1%. Revenue for the period was €18,628 thousand, a 21.1% decrease year-on-year, and EBIT was notably impacted, falling to €-2,382 thousand from €232 thousand.

Despite these declines, demand for Viscom's inspection systems picked up towards the end of the quarter, with increased customer engagement and specific project discussions worldwide. The company has diversified its market presence beyond the automotive sector into growth markets such as battery production and consumer electronics.

To manage the downturn, Viscom implemented cost-saving measures, including halting non-essential investments and reducing expenses for trade fairs and travel. A new works agreement introduced short-time working from March to May 2024. Additionally, a reduced dividend of €0.05 per share is proposed to ensure financial stability.

Viscom remains cautiously optimistic, maintaining its forecast for the year with target revenue between €100 million and €110 million and an EBIT margin of 3% to 8%. The company believes its diversified market presence and focus on megatrends like electrification and digitalisation will support future growth.