Zwolle, 15 May 2012
RoodMicrotec's total sales in the first quarter of 2012 fell markedly compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 and strongly compared to the first quarter of 2011.
This was in line with the trend in the global semiconductor industry, which is marked by a lesser first half year and a stronger second half year.Due to the recession in a number of countries, several orders were postponed for some months, which led to reduced sales in all sectors. It will not lead to a loss of sales, as most of these orders have been postponed to the second or third quarter. Our strategic choice for the Fabless Company (FC) and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) markets, in which we realised significant growth in recent years, could not yet offset the predicted decline of the Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM) market in Europe in this quarter. We have been able, however, in the current tight labour market, to attract qualified engineers and will continue to do so to promote sales and work on the necessary new product development. These developments will result in new sales in the second half of this year and next year.
In contrast with the general trend, order applications again increased, and we are performing a great deal of preparatory work for future sales. For that purpose, too, attracting new engineers is necessary.
Personnel
Recruiting engineers with a background in electronic engineering or physics remains a key priority for us.
Outlook for 2012
The semiconductor market will shrink in 2012, but the outlook for the second half of 2012 is positive. The anticipated growth in the second half will take the total market volume for 2012 to at least the same volume as in 2011.
In view of this market outlook we expect, in line with the development of the semiconductor market, a sales increase in the second half of 2012. We aim to compensate for our current problems in the second half of 2012. In order to secure increased demand, we are building up additional stocks in consultation with some customers.
We maintain our previously stated long-term objective of annual autonomous growth of between 3% and 13% at an average annual growth of the semiconductor market of 6%, of improving the operating result and the net result, and of further reducing our debt position.
About RoodMicrotec
With 40 years' experience as an independent value-added service provider in the area of micro and optoelectronics, RoodMicrotec offers Fabless Companies, OEMs and other companies a one-stop shopping proposition. With its powerful solutions RoodMicrotec has built up a strong position in Europe.
Our services comply with the industrial and quality requirements of the high reliability/space, automotive, telecommunications, medical, IT and electronics sectors.
Certified by RoodMicrotec concerns inter alia certification of products to the stringent ISO/TS 16949 standard that applies to suppliers to the automotive industry. The company also has an accredited laboratory for test activities and calibration to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
Its value-added services include failure & technology analysis, qualification & burn-in, test & product engineering, production test (including device programming and end-of-line service), ESD/ESDFOS assessment & training, quality & reliability consulting, supply chain management and total manufacturing solutions with partners.
RoodMicrotec has branches in Germany (Dresden, Nördlingen, Stuttgart) and the Netherlands (Zwolle).
Further information:
Philip Nijenhuis, CEO Tel. +31 38 4215216
Postal address:
RoodMicrotec N.V., PO Box 1042, 8001 BA Zwolle
Email: investor-relations@roodmicrotec.com Web-site: www.roodmicrotec.com
