Strong rise in earnings at Micronas Group (PR16)

Key figures for 1st quarter 2000

April 14, 2000 - Micronas Semiconductor Holding AG

The dynamic performance of the Micronas Group continues unabated. In the first quarter of 2000, consolidated net sales reached a volume of CHF 106.6 million, compared with CHF 69.4 million in the first three months of the previous year. Operating earnings (EBIT) increased from CHF 4.6 million for the same period last year to CHF 22.3 million by the end of March 2000. After taking account of interest payments and taxes, net profit for the quarter comes to CHF 15.4 million (previous year: CHF 2.3 million). This leaves earnings per share at CHF 7.23 (previous year: CHF 1.44).

The annual general meeting of Micronas Semiconductor Holding AG, which is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange and on Frankfurt's Neuer Markt, takes place today in Zurich. A detailed report on business in the first quarter of 2000 is being sent to shareholders, financial analysts and the media on May 5.

Micronas is an internationally active manufacturer of application-specific chip systems in the areas of multimedia, and consumer and automotive electronics.