Viscom AG: Business performance exceeds expectations - rise in annual forecast for 2011

- Revenue more than doubled to EUR 26,853 thousand (previous year: EUR 12,844 thousand)

- EBIT up more than fivefold to EUR 5,626 thousand (previous year: EUR 915 thousand)

- Incoming orders of EUR 24,493 thousand (previous year: EUR 17,017 thousand) continue upward trend

- Order backlog remains at a high level at EUR 11,120 thousand

Hanover, 25 August 2011 - Viscom AG (ISIN DE0007846867), the European market leader for automated optical inspection systems for the electronics industry, profited from the growth potential of both the German and the international markets in the first half of 2011. The increased willingness to invest in the main sales markets and the investments in new products and cutting-edge technologies as well as the growing service offering were reflected positively in the Viscom Group's books.

The very good net assets and financial figures for the first six months of the current financial year are sending more than encouraging signs. Viscom recorded approximately 44 % more orders than last year and as of 30 June 2011 had received orders valuing EUR 24,493 thousand (previous year: EUR 17,017 thousand). Order backlog at EUR 11,120 thousand was also up on the previous year (previous year: EUR 9,428 thousand).

Viscom generated revenue of EUR 26,853 thousand in the first half of the year (previous year: EUR 12,844 thousand). Compared to the previous year's period, this is a rise of 109 %. This confirms the Company's expectation of an upturn in business this year. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were EUR 5,626 thousand, up more than fivefold on the previous year's figure of EUR 915 thousand. This corresponds to an EBIT margin of 21 %. The positive result was impacted by the recognition of company-produced assets of EUR 930 thousand. Adjusted for these one-off effects, EBIT amounted to EUR 4,696 thousand and the adjusted EBIT margin to 17.5 %.

Viscom Group's net profit at the end of the first half of the year of EUR4,415 thousand (previous year: EUR 1,112 thousand) is the highest it has been since the IPO. This steep increase in profits is mainly due to the high recognition of revenue in the first half of the year. 'The business figures in Viscom Group's European market segments alone are very pleasing. Viscom Group achieved revenue of approximately EUR 20,388 thousand in this, its strongest region. European sales have risen by 157 % as against 30 June 2010, representing three quarters of total revenue', explains Dirk Schwingel, a member of Viscom AG's Executive Board.

Positive figures in the United States also strengthen the company's position in international competition, with the Asian market being just as encouraging. This growth is mainly a result of the willingness to invest from the automotive and automobile supplier sector, Viscom's most revenue-generating customer segment. 'Also EMS, contract manufacturers that is, and producers from other industries such as the communications technology, invest in high end Viscom products', comments Volker Pape, a member of the Executive Board and founder of Viscom AG. Viscom's business is shaped by significant seasonal differences: The second half of the year is normally stronger than the January to June period. 'The current order situation will continue to ensure high utilisation at all production levels. These prospects point indicate further success in the second half of the year', reports Dr. Martin Heuser, a member of the Executive Board and founder of Viscom AG.

Revenue of between EUR 50 and EUR 53 million and an EBIT margin of between 15 and 18 % are expected for 2011 following an official adjustment to guidance. These new forecasts differ from those made by management as official guidance targets (EUR 45 to EUR 47 million in revenue and an EBIT margin of 10 % to 13 % for 2011) as a result of the large volume of incoming orders and the high recognition of revenue in the first half of the year.

Viscom expects that the current turbulence on the financial markets will not materially impact customer investment activity, particularly in Asia. Nevertheless, the Group is watching developments very closely in order to react if needed.

The complete Interim Report as of 30 June 2011 is now available on our website www.viscom.de in the Investor Relations section.

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 obligation for updating the statements contained in this report.

Key figures of Viscom AG

Consolidated Information

Key figures (KEUR)	01/01-30/06/2011	01/01-30/06/2010
Revenue	26,853	12,844
EBIT	5,626	915
EBIT margin	21.0 %	7.1 %
Financial result	242	188
Income taxes	-1,453	9
Net profit for the period	4,415	1,112
Earnings per share	0.50 EUR	0.13 EUR
Number of shares	9,020,000	9,020,000
Number of weighted shares	8,885,060	8,885,060
Number of employees (as of 30 June)	266	255

Segment Information

Key figures (KEUR)	01/01-30/06/2011	01/01-30/06/2010
Europe
Revenue	20,388	7,930
EBIT	4.894	1.076
EBIT margin	24.0 %	13.6 %
Asia
Revenue	3,623	3,488
EBIT	431	142
EBIT margin	11.9 %	4.1 %
Americas
Revenue	2,842	1,426
EBIT	301	-303
EBIT margin	10.6 %	-21.2 %

Contact:
Viscom AG
Investor Relations
Dirk Schwingel
Carl-Buderus-Str. 9-15
30455 Hannover
Tel.: +49-511-94996-771
Fax: +49-511-94996-555
dirk.schwingel@viscom.de