Micronas well-positioned (includes Key figures in PDF) (0109)

Key figures for first quarter of 2001

Micronas Group's net sales for the first three months of 2001 came to CHF 154.4 million - CHF 47.8 million, or 44.8 percent, higher than for the same period last year. After adjusting for acquisitions and currency translation, this matches the level set in the first quarter of 2000.

The Consumer Division contributed CHF 134.9 million of total sales; CHF 19.5 million was generated by the Automotive Division. The regional breakdown of sales was: Europe CHF 107.3 million, Asia CHF 40.5 million, USA CHF 4.4 million; sales totalling CHF 2.2 million were generated in other regions.

Operating profit reached CHF 39.9 million, compared with CHF 22.3 million for the same quarter of 2000 - a rise of CHF 17.6 million or 78.9 percent. The operating results include a CHF 27.2 million capital gain from the sale of the Group's stake in innoComm. After taking account of interest, tax and amortization of goodwill there was a net profit of CHF 28.4 million, representing a CHF 13.0 million, or 84.4 percent, improvement on the first quarter of 2000. The net profit before amortization of goodwill adjusted for taxes came to CHF 32.2 million. The net profit margin on sales during the period under review was 18.4 percent (1st quarter 2000: 14.5 percent).

Order intake in the first quarter of 2001 was 30 percent below compared to the same period of last year. For the remainder of the 2001 business year, we expect the subdued market conditions will temporarily hold back Micronas' growth prospects. To counteract this situation, various cost-cutting measures have been initiated.

The Micronas Group is an international manufacturer of application-specific chip systems in the areas of multimedia, consumer and automotive electronics. The company is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange and on Frankfurt's Neuer Markt.

Zurich, 27 April 2001 Micronas Semiconductor Holding AG