In the first half of the year, Comet Group generated sales of some CHF 231 million (H1 2017: CHF 222.6 million restated). In terms of the EBITDA margin and net profit, the Group expects to post a result that is significantly lower than the result from H1 2017. This is attributable to the one-off provision of CHF 10 million due to the planned separation from the ebeam systems business (EBS) in the US, as well as a lower operating result in the X-ray systems business (IXS) in comparison to last year.

Separation from the systems business in Davenport (USA) – focus on ebeam components and modules from Flamatt (Switzerland)

Comet Group is realigning the ebeam business and separating itself from the manufacturer of customer-specific large systems in Davenport (USA). It will focus instead on the promising OEM components and module business which has higher margins in the long term and on placing the business on a new, attractive footing. It is currently looking for a new owner for the ebeam systems business in Davenport. To this end, Comet Group is setting aside a provision in the first half of 2018 that will reduce net profit on a one-off basis by around CHF 10 million.

Program to improve operating result in the X-ray systems business

Due to the disappointing performance in the X-ray systems business in the first half of year, Comet Group has launched an extensive program to improve earnings. The aim of this program is to increase the operating result by a significant amount in 2019. Strategic key projects for updating the product portfolio will be continued without any changes. With this in mind, the management of the division has been transferred to Dr. Matthias Barz on an interim basis.

Outlook for 2018

Due to the aforementioned measures relating to the ebeam and X-ray system businesses as well as the postponement of projects in the semiconductor market until 2019, management and the Board of Directors now expect sales of between CHF 440 and 460 million and an EBITDA margin of 10% to 12% for 2018 (previous expectations were sales of CHF 460–490 million with an EBITDA margin of 14–16%). These targets for 2018 are based on the assumption that there will not be a further decline in the global economic performance vis-à-vis current assumptions.

Teleconference in English

A teleconference will be held in English with Dr. René Lenggenhager, CEO, and Markus Portmann, CFO, from 10.00 a.m. to 10.45 a.m. (CEST) on July 4, 2018. To join the call please dial in ten minutes before it begins:

+41 (0) 58 310 50 00 (Europe)
+44 (0) 207 107 0613 (UK)
+1 (1) 631 570 5613 (USA)

Publication of the half-year report

The detailed half-year figures will be published on August 16, 2018, and presented at the media and analysts conference held at 10.00 a.m. (CEST) on the same day in Zurich (SIX Swiss Exchange, Pfingstweidstrasse 110, 8005 Zurich).

Investor Day

Comet Group invites you to Flamatt to take part in Investor Day on November 13, 2018.