Viscom AG Reports Steady Growth in 2023 But Predicts Cautious Outlook for 2024

Viscom AG, the Hanover-based leader in automated optical and X-ray inspection systems for the electronics industry, achieved revenue and incoming orders in line with its projections for the 2023 financial year. Despite surpassing €100 million in both revenue and incoming orders, the company experienced a 19.2% decrease in EBIT and faced challenges including supply chain disruptions, high parts inventory, and increased costs impacting profitability.

The company's 2023 revenue rose by 12.6% to €118,780 thousand, and incoming orders reached €113,248 thousand, showing slight year-on-year growth. However, heightened interest expenses and ongoing economic uncertainties contributed to a decline in net profit to €3,142 thousand. While management finds the earnings within expectations, results fell short of their aspirations.

Looking ahead to 2024, Viscom AG is bracing for a challenging year, forecasting incoming orders and revenue between €100 to €110 million with an EBIT margin of 3% to 8%. The outlook reflects broader economic apprehensions, cautious investment decisions among key customers, and strained investment capacities due to higher financing costs. Nevertheless, Viscom’s diversification strategy and focus on growing sectors such as battery production and consumer electronics may offset potential declines in demand.

In response to the uncertainty and to maintain financial stability, Viscom AG plans a conservative dividend strategy, proposing a €0.05 per-share dividend for 2023. The company also emphasizes its commitment to sustainability, incorporating non-financial reporting and EU Taxonomy Regulation disclosures for the first time.