Datacolor in first half 2012/13

 
 
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Datacolor in first half 2012/13

 

Expansion of marketing, sales and service organization contributes to business performance

 

In the first half of 2012/13, Datacolor AG increased consolidated net sales by 7% (in local currency 8%) to USD 30.4 million (H1 2011/12: USD 28.4 million). EBIT was USD 2.9 million (USD 2.6 million) and net profit USD 2.7 million (USD 1.9 million). The EBIT margin increased to 9.6% (9.1%). Datacolor is debt-free and has a substantial net cash position of USD 25.2 million and a comfortable equity capital ratio of 62.1% (September 30, 2012: 64.1%). The average headcount rose by 4% to 322 full-time equivalents driven by the expansion of the direct sales organization.

 

Datacolor has further strengthened its position as global market leader in the textile industry and in the digital color calibration of displays. The sales and service organization was expanded in particular in key growth markets – primarily in China and India - and the sales regions were strengthened by additional regional sales directors. Its closeness to the market and flat sales organization allow Datacolor to respond even faster and with more flexibility to market developments and customer needs. Datacolor is establishing its own market presence in Turkey and Brazil, both important markets of the future. During the period under review, the share of sales generated by the Asia Pacific region increased further to 32.0% (30.0%); above all in China, Datacolor is tapping into the growth potential by expanding the sales and service organization. The Americas region accounted for 29.3% (29.1%) of net sales, the US market in particular is witnessing a visible recovery. With a share of 38.7% (40.9%), Europe remains Datacolor’s largest market despite the ongoing economic challenges.

 

After introducing the functional organizational structure, the marketing organization (in particular product management and marketing services) has also been further expanded. Market information feeds directly into product development. Online marketing and Internet sales channels were restructured and aligned even more closely to customer requirements. Driven by substantial investments in research and development, Datacolor is growing its innovative product pipeline.

 

At the end of the first quarter of 2012/13, Datacolor rolled out “Viewport”, a pioneering, camera-based system for the precise color quality assessment of multi-color patterned material samples, which up to now had to be visually assessed. With the “Viewport” system global brand suppliers and retail chains benefit from significant process accelerations and cost savings since it eliminates the need to ship physical samples and instead provides a cloud-based exchange of high-resolution, color-calibrated images. The launched high-precision, easy-to-operate “SpyderCAPTURE PRO” solution is a color management tool that photographers and designers can rely on along the entire processing chain. In the second half of the year, additional product innovations are planned for launch that are expected to contribute to Datacolor’s good business performance.

 

Outlook

Datacolor will continue expanding its marketing operations and its direct, customer-oriented sales and service organization. Continuing high investments in new product development and additions to the successful product range are crucial for a sustainable positive performance. Assuming Asia sees a solid economic activity, the US market continues its recovery and the European market stabilizes, Datacolor’s high innovation potential and considerable financial strength position it well to achieve its ambitious objectives for growth and returns.

 

Lucerne, May 3, 2013

 

The full half year report 2012/13 can be downloaded from www.datacolor.com/content/reports

 


 

For further information

 

T +41 44 488 40 19

Datacolor AG, Investor Relations

www.datacolor.com

Waldstaetterstrasse 12, POB 2541, CH-6002 Lucerne

 

 

Agenda

 

October 29, 2013

Press release financial year 2012/13

November 15, 2013

Publication annual report 2012/13

December 10, 2013

Press conference financial year 2012/13

December 12, 2013

Shareholder’s annual general meeting