Mikron Group sells its non-operational property in Nidau

Mikron Group posts strong results in both business segments

Mikron reports sales increase and high order backlog

The Mikron Group reports a further improvement in profitability

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, July 20, 2022, 7.00 a.m. - The Mikron Group has again improved its half-year results in 2022. Order intake rose by 33.3% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, sales by 4.3%, and EBIT increased from CHF 8.2 million in the first half of 2021 to CHF 11.4 million (+39.0%). This corresponds to an EBIT margin of 7.8% (first half of 2021: 5.9%). Strong demand in all key markets and higher sales in the Mikron Machining division were key factors in this pleasing development.

Dividend proposal approved at Mikron's Annual General Meeting amounts to CHF 0.24 per share

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Corrigenda to the ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR dated 27 April 2022, 6.00 p.m.

Biel, April 28, 2022, 8.00 a.m. - The dividend proposal approved by the shareholders of Mikron Holding at the Annual General Meeting of 27 April 2022 amounts to CHF 0.24 per share and not CHF 0.20 per share as incorrectly stated in the ad hoc announcement of yesterday 27 April 2022, 6.00 p.m.

Mikron shareholders approve all proposals of the Board of Directors

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, April 27, 2022, 6 p.m. – At the Annual General Meeting of Mikron Holding AG on April 27, 2022, the shareholders approved all the Board of Directors’ proposals and the dividend of CHF 0.20 per share. They were unable to attend the event in person due to the coronavirus pandemic. Board members Paul Zumbühl, Andreas Casutt and Hans-Michael Hauser were re-elected for a further one-year term of office. The shareholders also elected Alexandra Bendler and Hans-Christian Schneider to the Mikron Board of Directors, also for a term of one year. Paul Zumbühl was confirmed as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

All Mikron Group’s financial key figures considerably better than in the previous year

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, March 11, 2022, 7.00 a.m. – In 2021, the Mikron Group was able to significantly improve its earnings situation. All financial key figures are considerably better than in the previous year. The key drivers of this encouraging development were the restructuring successfully completed in 2020 as well as the significant sales increases reported by both segments. Net sales of the Group rose from CHF 257.8 million to CHF 289.5 million (+12.3%). The Group’s EBIT for 2021 amounts to CHF 17.6 million (2020: CHF -4.7 million before restructuring costs and CHF - 20.8 million after restructuring costs), and the cash flow from operating activities is a remarkable CHF 50.7 million (2020: CHF 9.2 million).

Mikron Holding AG | Mühlebrücke 2 | 2502 Biel | Schweiz | T+41 32 321 72 00 | F +41 32 321 72 01 | www.mikron.com

Abbestellen

Changes to the Board of Directors of the Mikron Group

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, February 23, 2022, 7 a.m. – Eduard Rikli, a member of the Board of Directors since 2010, has reached the maximum age specified in the organizational regulations and will therefore not be standing for re-election at the General Meeting of April 27, 2022. Patrick Kilchmann, who has been on the Board of Directors of the Mikron Group since 2011 will not be standing for re-election either. The Board of Directors of the Mikron Group will propose to the 2022 General Meeting to appoint Alexandra Bendler and Hans-Christian Schneider as new members.

Mikron sees marked improvement in earnings

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Media release on provisional closing figures for 2021

Biel/Bienne, January 26, 2022, 7.00 a.m. – The Mikron Group achieved a significant improvement in earnings in the 2021 business year. The key drivers of this encouraging development were the restructuring successfully completed in 2020 as well as the significant sales increases reported by the Mikron Tool division of the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment and by the Mikron Automation business segment. Provisional, as yet unaudited, closing figures show an increase in Group sales from CHF 257.8 million in 2020 to CHF 289.5 million in 2021 (+12.3%).

Order intake

At CHF 305.7 million, the Mikron Group posted a 14.4% increase in order intake compared with 2020 (CHF 267.3 million). The Mikron Automation business segment accounted for CHF 170.5 million of order intake, and the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment CHF 135.4 million.

Net sales and order backlog

At CHF 289.5 million, annual net sales are 12.3% higher than the previous year’s figure (CHF 257.8 million). The Mikron Automation business segment reported sales of CHF 176.7 million (previous year: CHF 161.7 million, +9.3%), while the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment saw an increase from CHF 96.3 million to CHF 112.9 million (+17.2%). At CHF 176.7 million, the Group’s year-end order backlog is 9.3% higher than at the close of 2020 (CHF 161.6 million).

Profitability

For the 2021 business year, Mikron is expecting an EBIT margin at the level of the half-year closing, i.e. approximately 6%.

Mikron will announce the Group’s detailed closing figures for 2021 at the Media and Analyst Conference on March 11, 2022.

Preliminary volume figures for the Mikron Group

¹⁾ Alternative performance measures, see Annual Report 2020, pages 96 to 98, or www.mikron.com/apm

²⁾ Unaudited

Brief profile of the Mikron Group

The Mikron Group develops, produces and markets highly precise, productive and adaptable automation solutions, machining systems and cutting tools. Rooted in the Swiss culture of innovation, Mikron is a global partner to companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, medtech, consumer goods, writing instruments and watchmaking industries. The Mikron Group enables its customers to increase quality and industrial productivity. The Group has over 100 years of experience, state-of-the-art technologies, and a global service. The two business segments Mikron Automation and Mikron Machining Solutions are based in Switzerland (Boudry and Agno). Additional production sites are located in the USA, in Germany, Singapore, China and Lithuania. Mikron Holding AG shares are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange (MIKN). The Mikron Group employs a total workforce of around 1,300.

Mikron with higher sales and significantly improved profitability

Mikron with significantly improved earnings situation in the first half of 2021

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel/Bienne, June 21, 2021, 7.00 a.m. – According to current estimates, the Mikron Group's half-year figures for 2021 will be significantly better than in 2020. Mikron expects an increase in net sales of around 15% and an EBIT margin of around 5% for the first half of 2021. Order intake will also be significantly higher than in the first half of 2020.

In addition to the successful restructuring in 2020, the increased demand for tools from Mikron Tool in the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment and the further increase in the sales level in the Mikron Automation business segment were key factors in Mikron's improved earnings situation in the first half of 2021.

Mikron will announce the Group's detailed 2021 half-year figures on July 22, 2021.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Dr. Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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July 22, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Ad hoc announcement: Semiannual results 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron's shareholders approve all proposals of the Board of Directors

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel/Bienne, April 26, 2021, 7 a.m. – Due to the corona pandemic the shareholders of Mikron Holding AG were unable to attend the ordinary Annual General Meeting on April 23, 2021, in person. They approved all proposals of the Board of Directors. Paul Zumbühl has been elected as chairman of the Board of Directors.

Brief profile of the Mikron Group

The Mikron Group develops, produces and markets highly precise, productive and adaptable automation solutions, machining systems and cutting tools. Rooted in the Swiss culture of innovation, Mikron is a global partner to companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, medtech, consumer goods, writing instruments and watchmaking industries. The Mikron Group enables its customers to increase quality and industrial productivity. The Group has over 100 years of experience, state-of-the-art technologies, and a global service. The two business segments Mikron Automation and Mikron Machining Solutions are based in Switzerland (Boudry and Agno). Additional production sites are located in the USA, in Germany, Singapore, China and Lithuania. Mikron Holding AG shares are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange (MIKN). The Mikron Group employs a total workforce of around 1,350.

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July 22, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.
 

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron's Swiss subsidiaries to be merged

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel/Bienne, April 26, 2021, 7 a.m. – In the 2020 financial year, the Mikron Group successfully adapted its structures. To simplify the organization, the Board of Directors of Mikron Holding AG has now decided to merge the four Swiss subsidiaries Mikron SA Boudry, Mikron SA Agno, Mikron Tool SA Agno and Mikron Management AG, Langenthal, retroactively effective as per January 1, 2021. Mikron Holding AG, Biel, remains a separate entity. From the merger of its four Swiss subsidiaries Mikron expects a one-time positive tax effect for the financial year 2021 in the vicinity of CHF 5 million by utilizing and capitalizing tax loss carryforwards. The merger has no impact on the operating activities of the Group nor the management of the single locations.

Brief profile of the Mikron Group

The Mikron Group develops, produces and markets highly precise, productive and adaptable automation solutions, machining systems and cutting tools. Rooted in the Swiss culture of innovation, Mikron is a global partner to companies in the automotive, pharmaceutical, medtech, consumer goods, writing instruments and watchmaking industries. The Mikron Group enables its customers to increase quality and industrial productivity. The Group has over 100 years of experience, state-of-the-art technologies, and a global service. The two business segments Mikron Automation and Mikron Machining Solutions are based in Switzerland (Boudry and Agno). Additional production sites are located in the USA, in Germany, Singapore, China and Lithuania. Mikron Holding AG shares are traded on SIX Swiss Exchange (MIKN). The Mikron Group employs a total workforce of around 1,350.

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Investor Relations Calendar

July 22, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Marc Desrayaud will be the new CEO of the Mikron Group

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, March 29, 2021, 7:00 am. – Marc Desrayaud will take over as CEO of the Mikron Group effective June 1, 2021. The 55-year-old Frenchman holds a Master's degree in electronic/electrotechnic and industrial computers from the Université de Lyon. During his entire professional career, Marc Desrayaud has worked for Swiss companies. After working in management positions at ABB, Rieter Textile Machinery and Autoneum, Marc Desrayaud has held various positions at Oerlikon Balzers Coating AG since 2012. He is currently the Head of Business Unit Balzers Industrial Solutions. In this role, he manages an entity with 5500 employees worldwide and 114 service centers in 37 countries.

Marc Desrayaud has acquired in-depth market knowledge and experience from his previous activities, including in the tooling, automotive and watchmaking industries as well as in medical technology. The Board of Directors of the Mikron Group is looking forward to working with Marc Desrayaud and would like to take this opportunity to thank Bruno Cathomen for his achievements as CEO and his great and continuing commitment, even after his decision to leave Mikron in mid-2021.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Dr. Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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April 23, 2021, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2021

July 22, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Successfully restructured Mikron Group with strengthened position in automation and tooling business

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, March 10, 2021, 7.00 a.m. – In the 2020 financial year, which was strongly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, the Mikron Group's sales declined from CHF 327.6 million to CHF 257.8 million (-21.3%). While the Mikron Automation business segment held up well particularly in its main market – the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment suffered considerably owing to the general mood of uncertainty and low demand for machining systems especially in the automotive industry. The substantial restructuring measures had a positive impact already in the course of the second half of the year. At the end of 2020, the Mikron Group's order backlog of CHF 161.6 million was already higher than the corresponding figure at the end of 2019 (CHF 157.4 million, +2.7%). The Group's EBIT for 2020 amounts to CHF -4.7 million before restructuring costs and to CHF -20.8 million after restructuring costs (2019: CHF 14.1 million). Overall, Mikron is facing the current challenges in a stronger position, with a significantly improved cost structure and with secured liquidity.

The two business segments Mikron Automation and Mikron Machining Solutions both look back on a difficult business year. While Mikron Automation held up well overall, due to the good positioning in its main sales market of pharmaceutical and medtech sectors, the Machining Solutions segment was more affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Demand for machining systems in the automotive industry, its main sales market had already fallen sharply before the outbreak of COVID-19. The pandemic further worsened the situation and also severely impacted the service and tooling business.

The extensive restructuring programs were implemented consistently and rapidly in both business segments. Restructuring cost of CHF 16.1 million burdened the results in 2020 while the reduced cost base showed positive effects already in the second half-year. In the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment, capacity was significantly reduced, and production of machining systems concentrated at one site. In the Mikron Automation business segment, the Berlin site will be closed by mid-2021.

Order intake

The Mikron Group reported order intake of CHF 267.3 million in 2020, representing a decrease of 7.3% compared with the prior year (CHF 288.5 million). The Mikron Automation business segment increased its order intake to CHF 171.5 million (previous year: CHF 169.2 million, +1.4%), while the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment saw a decline to CHF 96.0 million (previous year: CHF 119.4 million, -19.6%).

Net sales and order backlog

Posting annual net sales of CHF 257.8 million, the Mikron Group fell 21.3% short of the prior-year's result of CHF 327.6 million. While Mikron Automation's net sales of CHF 161.7 million were 8.7% behind the previous year's figure, Mikron Machining Solutions recorded net sales of CHF 96.3 million (2019: CHF 151.5 million, -36.4%).

At CHF 161.6 million, the Mikron Group's order backlog at the end of 2020 was 2.7% higher than the prior-year figure. While the Machining Solutions business segment reported an order backlog at the level of the previous year (+0.3%), the Automation segment increased the same figure by 3.4%.

Profitability

EBIT for the 2020 business year was negatively impacted by one-off expenses in connection with the restructuring measures. In total, restructuring costs of CHF 16.1 million were booked. Due to the significant drop in sales in the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment and the lack of volume at the Berlin site in the Mikron Automation business segment, the Group's EBIT (before restructuring costs ) of CHF -4.7 million in 2020 was significantly lower than in 2019 (CHF 14.1 million). The Automation business segment, whose results are strongly negatively impacted by the Berlin site, posted EBIT (before restructuring costs) of CHF 9.1 million (2019: CHF 12.9 million). EBIT before restructuring costs for the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment, at CHF -13.6 million, was also well below the prior-year figure of CHF 1.1 million. After restructuring costs, the Group EBIT stands at CHF -20.8 million.

Net earnings

Mikron's net earnings for 2020 were CHF -22.1 million, compared to CHF 8.8 million in the prior year. Net earnings per share for the year 2020 came to CHF -1.35 (prior year: CHF 0.54). At the General Meeting on 23 April 2021, the Board of Directors of the Mikron Group will propose no distribution to the shareholders.

Outlook

The Mikron Automation business segment started 2021 with a solid order backlog and is anticipating further encouraging developments in the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors.

In the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment, the restructuring in the machining division is essentially complete, with capacity reduced and concentrated on one site. The new Mikron MultiX platform is proving its worth with new customers. New digital services and products have already proved successful in practice. Concrete signs of recovery in demand for tools and services were noted at the end of 2020.

However, it is difficult to estimate how quickly demand will recover in the machine business. The unpredictable further development of the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible impact on customers' investment decisions do not allow any concrete forecasts to be made at present. Mikron is facing the current challenges in a stronger position and with a significantly improved cost structure compared to the beginning of 2020. For the entire Group, Mikron expects a slight increase in sales and a return to profitability in the 2021 financial year.

Key figures for the Mikron Group

1)     except number of employees and %

2)     Alternative performance measures, see Annual Report 2020, pages 96 to 98, or www.mikron.com/apm

Publication of annual results for 2020

The annual results will be published at the same time as this media release in the form of the 2020 Annual Report: www.mikron.com/reports. Online report see: https://report.mikron.com.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Dr. Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

April 23, 2021, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2021

July 22, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron with improved earnings in second half

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, January 27, 2021, 7.00 a.m. – According to provisional closing figures, the Mikron Group's sales contracted from CHF 327.6 million to CHF 257.8 million (-21.3%) in the 2020 business year, which was dominated by the Covid crisis. While the Mikron Automation business segment held up well in the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors in particular, its main market, the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment suffered considerably owing to the general mood of uncertainty and low demand for machining systems. Both business segments incurred substantial restructuring costs in the first half of 2020. The measures taken had a positive impact on the result already in the course of the second half. Order intake and net sales also improved compared with the first half. Overall, Mikron is expecting to report a small positive EBIT for the second six months and so post an EBIT loss for 2020 in the neighborhood of the half-year results.

Order intake

At CHF 267.3 million, the Mikron Group posted a 7.3% decrease in order intake compared with 2019 (CHF 288.5 million). The Mikron Automation business segment accounted for CHF 171.5 million of order intake, and the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment CHF 96.0 million, with the order situation in the tools business fortunately recovering somewhat towards the end of 2020.

Net sales and order backlog

With annual net sales at CHF 257.8 million, the Mikron Group fell short of the previous year's result (CHF 327.6 million) by 21.3%. The Mikron Automation business segment reported sales of CHF 161.7 million (previous year: CHF 177.2 million, -8.7%), while the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment suffered a decrease in sales to CHF 96.3 million (previous year: CHF 151.5 million, -36.4%). At CHF 161.6 million, the Group's year-end order backlog is, however, higher than at the end of 2019 (CHF 157.4 million, +2.7%) and at the end of June 2020 (CHF 155.0 million, +4.3%).

Profitability

Mikron is expecting EBIT (incl. restructuring costs) at the level of the half-year results (CHF - 21.6 million).

Mikron will announce the Group's detailed closing figures for 2020 at the Media and Analysts Conference on March 10, 2021.

Preliminary volume figures for the Mikron Group

^{1)     Alternative performance measures, see Annual Report 2019, pages 102 to 104, or www,mikron.com/apm}

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

March 10, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2020 Annual Report

March 10, 2021, 10.30 a.m. – Media and Analysts Conference (virtual conference)

April 23, 2021, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2021 (virtual conference)

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron CEO Bruno Cathomen to step down in mid-2021

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, October 12, 2020, 7:00 a.m. – After twelve years in senior management and nine years as CEO of the Mikron Group, Bruno Cathomen has decided to step down from his position as CEO in mid-2021. Until the handover to his successor, Bruno Cathomen will remain with the company as CEO and continue to assume the tasks and responsibilities of Group Management. The Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to thank Bruno Cathomen for his great commitment and services to date. The search for a qualified successor is started immediately.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

www.mikron.com/news

Investor Relations Calendar

January 27, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Provisional closing figures for 2020

March 10, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2020 Annual Report

March 10, 2021, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 23, 2021, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron plans the succession in the Presidium of the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting 2021

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, September 11, 2020, 7:00 a.m. – The Board of Directors of Mikron Holding AG will propose to the shareholders at the next Annual General Meeting on April 23, 2021 Paul Zumbühl for election as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Zumbühl was elected to the Board of Directors of the Mikron Group at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. He will succeed Heinrich Spoerry as Chairman of the Board of Directors, who has been on the Mikron Board of Directors since 2001 and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mikron Holding AG since 2010. The Board of Directors of the Mikron Group would like to thank Heinrich Spoerry for his many years of great commitment to the Mikron Group.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

January 27, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Provisional closing figures for 2020

March 10, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2020 Annual Report

March 10, 2021, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 23, 2021, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron decides to restructure Mikron Berlin under its own management

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, August 17, 2020, 7:00 a.m. – In the media release of July 2, 2020, Mikron announced the sale of the Mikron Berlin and Mikron Kaunas sites to Callista Private Equity, Munich. Both sites with a total of around 70 employees work exclusively for the automotive industry. Due to a different understanding of the implementation of the planned transaction, Mikron and Callista have mutually agreed to dispense with it. Mikron will restructure the Berlin site under its own management and continue to operate Kaunas.

As announced in the media release on the half-year results on 23 July 2020, the expected costs of the restructuring are fully included in the 2020 half-year results. This means that also under the new circumstances – the restructuring of Mikron Berlin under Mikron's own management – no restructuring costs will be charged to the second half of the year. Mikron continues to expect an EBIT loss for the second half of 2020 on a par with the first half (before restructuring costs).

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

Investor Relations Calendar

January 27, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Provisional closing figures for 2020

March 10, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2020 Annual Report

March 10, 2021, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 23, 2021, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron with drop in demand from the automotive industry and good performance in pharmaceutical and medical technology

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, July 23, 2020, 7:00 a.m. – For the Mikron Group, the first half of 2020 was characterized by a very low order intake from the automotive industry. The outbreak of the corona pandemic aggravat­ed the situation. The massive drop in demand particularly affected the machine manufacturing of the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment and the Berlin site of Mikron Automation. Mikron has initiated a restructuring program for the machine manufacturing business with a significant reduction in capacity. In the Automation business segment, Mikron divested its two sites in Berlin and Kaunas, which serve the automotive industry exclusively, on July 1, 2020. The continuing good results of the Mikron Automation business segment's sites, which are mainly active in pharmaceutical and medical technology, are encouraging. The Mikron Group's sales declined by 31.4% to CHF 121.3 million in the first half of 2020. EBIT before restructuring costs fell to CHF -5.7 million (first half of 2019: CHF 7.5 million).

At CHF 125.7 million, the Mikron Group's order intake for the first half of 2020 is well below the corresponding figure for the first half of 2019 (CHF 163.9 million). The order backlog stands at CHF 155.0 million (June 30, 2019: CHF 183.3 million, -15.4%), while sales declined from CHF 176.8 million in the first half of 2019 to CHF 121.3 million (-31.4%).

With a 50% share of sales, Europe (including Switzerland) remained the Mikron Group's principal sales market in the first half of 2020. Sales here fell by 39% compared with the first half of 2019. Sales in the USA rose by 9% com­pared with the first half of 2019, while sales in Asia fell by 52%.

Due to the significant drop in sales in the Mikron Machining Solutions busi­ness segment and the lack of volume at the Ber­lin site in the Mikron Automation business seg­ment, the Group's EBIT (before restructuring costs) of CHF -5.7 million in the first half of 2020 was significantly lower than in the first half of 2019 (CHF 7.5 million). The Automation business segment, whose results are strongly negatively impacted by the Berlin site, posted EBIT (before restructuring costs) of CHF 2.9 mil­lion (first half of 2019: CHF 6.4 million). EBIT before restructuring costs for the Mikron Ma­chining Solutions business segment, at CHF -9.0 million, was also well below the corre­sponding prior-year figure (first half of 2019: CHF 1.7 million). After restructuring costs of CHF 15.9 million, which include the sale of the Berlin and Kaunas sites and capacity adjustments in Agno and Rottweil, Group EBIT stands at CHF -21.6 mil­lion. Loss for the first half of 2020 is CHF -24.0 million (profit for first half of 2019: CHF 4.7 mil­lion).

Outlook

A forecast for the second half of the year is very difficult to make due to the unpredictable de­velopment of the corona pandemic, the gener­al uncertainty in the automotive industry and in view of general political risks. Mikron expects business in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries market segment to remain good. However, Mikron does not anticipate a rapid recovery in demand from the automotive in­dustry, with the result that the second half of the year is also expected to show an EBIT loss on a par with the first half (before restructuring costs). The expected restructuring costs have been fully recognized in the half-year financial statements, so that the second half of the year will not be affected.

Key Figures for the Mikron Group in the first half year 2020

1) Except number of employees and equity ratio

2) Alternative performance measures, see Mikron semiannual report 2020, page 19.

Publication of semiannual results for 2020

The semiannual results will be published at the same time as this media release in the form of the 2020 Semiannual Report: www.mikron.com/reports

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

Investor Relations Calendar

March 10, 2021, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2020 Annual Report

March 10, 2021, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 23, 2021, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2021

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron expects an operating loss for the first half of 2020

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, July 9, 2020, 7:00 a.m. - Due to the dramatic slump in demand from the automotive industry, exacerbated by the corona pandemic, Mikron expects the EBIT margin (before restructuring costs) to fall to around -5% in the first half of 2020 (first half of 2019: +4.8%). As announced in the press release of May 20, 2020, the half-year result will be additionally affected by restructuring costs and the sale of the units in Berlin and Kaunas (Lithuania) by around CHF 15 million.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

Investor Relations Calendar

July 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semi-annual results 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron to sell subsidiaries in Berlin and Lithuania

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, July 2, 2020, 7:00 a.m. – As announced in its media release of May 20, 2020, the Mikron Group is disposing of its site in Berlin. On July 1, 2020, Mikron signed a sales contract, which also includes the site in Kaunas, Lithuania, with Callista Private Equity, Munich. The two sites have around 70 employees in total and operate solely in the automotive industry. The contractual parties have agreed not to disclose the sale price.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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July 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semi-annual results 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron aligns capacity and structures to changed market circumstances

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, May 20, 2020, 7:00 am. – Mikron is now specifying the capacity adjustments announced in its media release of April 17, 2020. Following the huge slump in demand for capital goods in the automotive industry, a trend that has been further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Mikron is reducing capacity and simplifying Group structures.

The core measures of the program adopted by the Group involve streamlining machine manufacturing by concentrating on rotary transfer machines and consolidating activities at one production site as well as intensifying Mikron Automation's focus on assembly automation systems for the pharmaceutical and medtech industries.

Following intensive discussions with employee representatives and the conclusion of the associated consultation process, agreement was reached to reduce machine manufacturing in Agno from the current 340 FTE to around 280 FTE. This adjustment will involve 47 redundancies and reducing the working hours of a further 57 employees. Once restructuring measures have been completed, Mikron's workforce at its both sites in Agno will still total approximately 420.

At the Rottweil site in Germany, machine tool assembly will be discontinued, and FTE count will be reduced from 150 to 100.

These measures will not affect Mikron Tool's two production sites in Agno and Rottweil.

Furthermore, Mikron will be disposing of its Berlin site. This site, which employs 70 people, belongs to Mikron Automation and only handles orders for the automotive industry.

By implementing these far-reaching measures, Mikron is responding to the medium-term downturn in demand for capital goods in the automotive industry. At the same time, it is safeguarding machine manufacturing at Agno and intensifying Mikron Automation's focus on the pharmaceutical and medtech industries.

The measures adopted will incur restructuring costs and valuation adjustments in the order of CHF 15 million. These one-time costs will impact the first half of 2020 and the Mikron Group's operating profit during the rest of the year, and will lead to a significant negative result for the full financial year.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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July 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semi-annual results 2020

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron reacts to the persistently low demand from the automotive industry and makes further capacity adjustments at the machine manufacturing site in Agno

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, April 17, 2020, 7:00 a.m. –  Within the Mikron Machining division at the Agno site in Ticino, the Mikron Group is initiating discussions with employee representatives and social partners with the aim of adjusting capacity to the reduced demand from the automotive industry and to the new market conditions. Demand from the automotive industry is not expected to recover in the medium term. The Mikron Tool division and the Mikron Automation segment are not affected by this measure.

In November 2019, the Mikron Group announced plans to introduce short-time working and implement initial personnel adjustments at the machine manufacturing site in Agno. The market environment was already proving highly challenging at the end of 2019. Machine orders declined further in the wake of the corona crisis. It is currently not possible to judge when demand for machines will recover. Mikron is assuming that the automotive industry will remain very hesitant about investing over the longer term too. Demand from other market segments is likely to pick up again in the medium term.

The Mikron Group management is very regrettably obliged to react to the new market conditions and to the long-term fall-off in demand from the automotive industry and, together with employee representatives and social partners, to initiate the envisaged process of staff cutbacks at the machine manufacturing site in Agno. Management is currently working on the assumption that up to 110 jobs are affected by this measure. A solution that is as socially compatible as possible is being sought in cooperation with the social partners.

Mikron took extensive steps early on to protect employees against the coronavirus and also follows the cantonal requirements. These actions will remain in place as far as necessary and are constantly being adapted. Near-term surplus capacity owing to the coronavirus is still being offset by short-time working.

The Mikron Group continues to stand by its machine manufacturing site in Agno. Further headway is being made with the successful market launch of the new Mikron MultiX machine generation. Thanks to efforts to expand this platform, the product portfolio is to be successively renewed over the next few years.

The other Mikron Group companies in Switzerland (Mikron Tool Agno and Mikron Automation Boudry) are not affected by the capacity adjustments. However, it is also impossible to predict the impact of the coronavirus on these companies.

In parallel to capacity adjustments at the machine manufacturing site in Agno, Mikron has also made initial capacity adjustments at the machine manufacturing and automation sites in Germany and in some cases introduced short-time working. There too Mikron has been significantly impacted by changes in the automotive industry and is continuously examining all options.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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July 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semi-annual results 2020

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron's shareholders approve all proposals

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel/Bienne, April 15, 2020, 6 p.m. – Due to the ordinance issued by the Federal Council on March 16, 2020, which bans the holding of public and private events, the shareholders of Mikron Holding AG were unable to attend the ordinary Annual General Meeting on April 15, 2020, in person. They approved all proposals by the Board of Directors. The dividend distribution originally planned was canceled due to the current economic situation. All current members of the Board of Directors were reelected for a further one-year term.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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July 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semi-annual results 2020

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron Group's Board of Directors to waive proposed dividend

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, April 9, 2020, 6:00 p.m. – Due to the current general economic situation and in view of the uncertainties related to the Corona crisis, the Board of Directors of Mikron Holding AG has decided to waive its proposal for a dividend distribution at the Annual General Meeting on April 15.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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April 15, 2020, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2020

July 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semi-annual results 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron Group's business segments affected to different degrees by market developments

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, March 16, 2020, 7.00 a.m. – In the 2019 financial year, the Mikron Group was able to increase sales and maintain EBIT at the previous year's level. By contrast, the Group saw a significant year-on-year decline in order intake and order backlog, especially in the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment. Overall, the Group achieved sales of CHF 327.6 million (prior year: 314.7 million, +4.1%) and order intake of CHF 288.5 million (prior year: CHF 362.3 million -20.4%). The order backlog of CHF 157.4 million on December 31, 2019, is markedly behind the record figure of December 31, 2018 (CHF 195.7 million, - 19.6%). With EBIT at CHF 14.1 million (prior year: CHF 13.9 million, +1.4%), the Group achieved an EBIT margin of 4.3% (2018: 4.4%).

The two business segments Mikron Automation and Mikron Machining Solutions have seen very different market developments and business performances in 2019. Mikron Automation made excellent use of the good order backlog at the beginning of the year and of the generally positive dynamics in its core market. The Machining Solutions segment suffered primarily from the sharp decline in demand in the machine business – especially from the automotive industry.

Order intake

The Mikron Group reported order intake of CHF 288.5 million in 2019, representing a decrease of 20.4% against the prior year (CHF 362.3 million). Europe remains Mikron's most important market, with approximately 51% of orders received in 2019 placed by European customers (previous year: 49%). The two strongest market segments are the pharmaceutical and medtech industries with 48% (previous year: 40%) and the automotive industry contributing 16% (prior year: 31%) to overall order intake. In North America, Mikron Automation did not quite reach the high level of the previous year, while Mikron Machining Solutions was able to make some gains at a low level. In Asia, on the other hand, Mikron Automation received more orders and Mikron Machining Solutions fewer than in the previous year.

Net sales and order backlog

Posting annual net sales of CHF 327.6 million, the Mikron Group exceeded the prior-year result (CHF 314.7 million) by 4.1%. While Mikron Automation succeeded in increasing sales by 14.2%, Mikron Machining Solutions posted a decrease of 5.5%. While the Mikron Automation business segment enjoyed good capacity utilization throughout the 2019 financial year, this was not the case for the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment. The Machining division already started to reduce capacity and introduce short-time working toward the end of 2019. During the year under review, the Mikron Tool division was mostly able to fill the available capacity thanks to an exceptionally high order backlog at the beginning of the year and reduced but relatively stable order intake.

At CHF 157.4 million, the Mikron Group's order backlog at the end of 2019 was 19.6% lower than the prior-year record figure. While the Machining Solutions business segment reported a year-on-year decline in order backlog of 44.0%, the same figure decreased by 6.9% in the Automation segment.

Profitability

In the 2019 business year, the Mikron Group reported EBIT of CHF 14.1 million (previous year: CHF 13.9 million). The Mikron Machining Solutions business segment posted EBIT of CHF 1.1 million (prior year: CHF 4.2 million). The decrease in profitability reflects the lower level of machine sales in 2019 as well as ongoing new product development costs, with the tools business achieving a pleasing result overall. Mikron Automation reported improved EBIT of CHF 12.9 million after the prior year's EBIT of CHF 8.4 million. The EBIT margin for this business segment increased to 7.3% (prior year: 5.4%).

Net earnings

Mikron's net earnings for 2019 were CHF 8.8 million, compared to CHF 12.2 million in the prior year. Net earnings per share for 2019 came to CHF 0.54 (prior year: CHF 0.74). Given the current economic situation, at the Annual General Meeting on April 15, the Board of Directors of the Mikron Group will propose a distribution from capital contribution reserves of CHF 0.03 per share and a dividend of CHF 0.03 per share.

Outlook

At Group level, the outlook is currently very difficult, not only for order intake, but also for sales and profitability in 2020. The lower capacity utilization at Mikron Machining Solutions and the necessary adjustments will have a significant impact on Mikron's results in 2020. The effects of the coronavirus cannot yet be estimated.

Key figures for the Mikron Group

¹⁾ except number of employees and %

²⁾ Alternative performance measures, see Annual Report 2019, pages 102 to 104, or www.mikron.com/apm

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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April 15, 2020, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2020

July 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

EBIT at previous year's level

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, January 23, 2020, 7.00 a.m. – According to provisional closing figures, the Mikron Group achieved a further year-on-year increase in net sales in 2019, up slightly from CHF 314.7 million to CHF 327.6 million (+4.1%). While the Mikron Automation business segment continued the encouraging development seen in 2018, the Mikron Machining Solutions segment was unable to offset the very substantial declines in order intake from the automotive industry as of mid-2019. Overall, the Group is expecting EBIT to be at the previous year's level in 2019 too.

The dominant trend facing the Mikron Group in 2019 was a significant fall in demand from the automotive industry from the middle of the year onward. At the same time, though, the Mikron Automation business segment succeeded in leveraging new market opportunities – in the medtech sector in particular. To take future growth in this segment into account, Mikron has decided to expand the Boudry site to include a modern assembly and engineering center.

Order intake

At CHF 288.5 million, the Mikron Group posted a 3.4% increase in order intake compared with 2017. Reporting order intake of CHF 288.5 million (-20.4%) in the 2019 business year, the Mikron Group was, as expected, unable to repeat the record order intake achieved in 2018 (CHF 362.3 million) on the strength of large individual orders. The Mikron Automation business segment accounted for CHF 169.2 million of order intake, and the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment CHF 119.4 million.

Net sales and order backlog

With annual net sales 4.1% higher at CHF 327.6 million, the Mikron Group again witnessed an improvement on the previous year's result (CHF 314.7 million). Mikron Automation lifted sales by 14.2% from CHF 155.2 million in 2018 to CHF 177.2 million in 2019, while the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment recorded a 5.5% decrease from CHF 160.3 million to 151.5 million. At CHF 157.4 million, the Group's year-end order backlog is considerably lower than the record level seen at the close of 2018 (CHF 195.7 million).

Profitability

Based on the provisional figures, Mikron is confirming its previous EBIT expectations for the 2019 financial year and is anticipating a figure on a par with the prior year (2018: EBIT CHF 13.9 million, EBIT margin 4.4%).

Net result

As communicated earlier, the Mikron Group is expecting higher tax expense than in the previous year. On the basis of the provisional closing figures, it is looking to achieve a net result in the neighborhood of CHF 8 million for 2019 (2018: CHF 12.2 million).

Mikron will announce the Group's detailed closing figures for 2019 at the Media and Analyst Conference in Zurich on March 16, 2020.

Preliminary volume figures for the Mikron Group

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

March 16, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2019 Annual Report

March 16, 2020, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 15, 2020, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

confirms sales and EBIT forecasts for 2019, but expects higher tax expense

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, December 12, 2019, 7:00 a.m. - The Mikron Group continues to expect higher sales for 2019 as a whole than for 2018 and EBIT at the previous year's level. Negative tax effects, however, will significantly reduce profit after taxes in 2019.

While the Mikron Automation business segment confirms the positive business development, the Mikron Machining Solutions business segment - as already communicated - is significantly affected by the lower demand from the automotive industry. The very different operating results of the individual companies at EBIT level will lead to a higher tax rate at Group level in the 2019 annual financial statements. Since the Mikron Group does not anticipate a short-term recovery in the automotive industry and in the operating results of the companies concerned, the capitalized tax loss carryforwards may also have to be partially written down in the 2019 financial statements. Overall, these tax effects will significantly reduce profit after taxes compared with the previous year.  

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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January 23, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Preliminary volume figures for 2019

March 16, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2019 Annual Report

March 16, 2020, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 15, 2020, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron reduces Machining capacity at Agno site

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, November 19, 2019, 7 a.m. – The Mikron Group is reacting to declining demand for machines from the automotive industry and is making selective adjustments to its headcount in the Mikron Machining division at the Agno site. The measure does not affect innovation projects and the Mikron Machining division's service business. The two other divisions – Mikron Tool and Mikron Automation – are also not affected. The Group is therefore expecting sales for the 2019 financial year to be higher than in 2018 with EBIT remaining at the same level as in 2018.

The Mikron Group is reacting to declining demand for machines from the automotive industry in particular and is reducing capacity in the Mikron Machining division at the Agno site. A 15% reduction in working hours was already introduced there on November 1. As management does not anticipate any early recovery in demand from the automotive sector, Mikron is obliged to reduce its headcount at Mikron SA Agno from the current 370. Unfortunately, this means that around 25 jobs will be cut. Mikron is endeavoring to implement them in a socially acceptable way. Over the past five years, the good order intake enabled Mikron to steadily increase headcount at the Mikron Machining and Mikron Tool divisions in Agno (Mikron SA Agno and Mikron Tool SA Agno) to the current level of just over 500 employees.

The market launch and industrialization of the new MultiX machine platform, which won the first innovation prize in the machine tools category at the world's largest machine tool fair EMO 2019, and the expansion of the service business will be continued as planned without any reductions. At the same time, the machine portfolio will be gradually optimized, additional investments will be made in infrastructure and operating resources for proprietary manufacturing, and the organization will be subsequently geared to using fewer types of machines.

The Mikron Tool and Mikron Automation divisions are not affected by this reorientation. Mikron Tool is continuing to expand at the Agno site, and the Automation segment can confirm the encouraging business trend of the first half. Overall, the Mikron Group expects sales for 2019 as a whole to be higher than in 2018 and for EBIT to remain at the previous year's level.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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March 16, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2019 Annual Report

March 16, 2020, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 15, 2020, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron increases sales and EBIT

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, July 25, 2019, 7:00 a.m. – With a high opening backlog, the Group generated a good performance in the first half of 2019. It increased sales by 14% year-on-year to CHF 176.4 million and EBIT by 25% to CHF 7.5 million. The development in the Automation business segment was particularly pleasing. The Machining Solutions business segment felt the impact of the decline in demand from the automotive industry.

As expected, the Mikron Group's order intake for the first half of 2019 was lower than the record prior-year figure (CHF 187.8 million) at CHF 163.9 million. Demand from the pharmaceutical and medtech industries was more stable than that from the automotive industry. The order backlog stands at CHF 183.3 million (June 30, 2018: CHF 186.6 million, -2%), while the Mikron Group increased sales to CHF 176.8 million (first half of 2018: CHF 155.3 million, +14%). This improvement was achieved thanks to the Automation business segment, which was able to benefit from the high workload as expected.

Europe (including Switzerland) remained the Mikron Group's principal sales market in the first six months of 2019, accounting for 57% of total sales. Here, the Group sales decreased by 3% compared with the first half of 2018. US sales grew by 47% year on year, while those in Asia rose by 26%.

Overall, the Mikron Group achieved an EBIT of CHF 7.5 million for the first half of 2019 (first half of 2018: CHF 6.0 million, +25%). The Automation business segment improved its EBIT from CHF 2.5 million in the first six months of 2018 to CHF 6.4 million in the first six months of 2019, while the Machining Solutions business segment's EBIT (CHF 1.7 million) fell short of the result for the first half of 2018 (CHF 2.7 million).

Net earnings for the first half of 2019 came to CHF 4.7 million (first six months of 2018:
CHF 3.8 million, +24%).

In the Mikron Automation business segment, highly productive automation systems were in strong demand again in the first half of 2019 – particularly in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries. Mikron Automation also made strong gains in the consumer goods segment, while order intake from the automotive industry was clearly below the prior-year figure. Overall, Mikron Automation achieved a good order intake in the first half of 2019. The business segment will therefore also see good capacity utilization in the second half of the year.

In the first half of 2019, the Machining Solutions business segment faced uncertainty in the global automotive industry and a sharp fall in demand from this market segment. The relatively healthy order backlog on hand at the beginning of the year enabled the business segment to keep sales on a par with the first half of 2018.

In the second half of the year, the Machining division will continue to work hard on establishing the new product platforms in its sales markets, despite difficult market conditions. For Mikron Tool division, the focus is on developing new markets in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries. Both of the Mikron Tool division's production sites (Agno, Switzerland and Rottweil, Germany) were operating at full capacity again in the first half of 2019.  

Outlook

A forecast for the second half of the year is difficult due to the uncertainty in the automotive industry and general political risks. Mikron does not expect demand from the automotive industry to recover in short term. In the other market segments, Mikron expects demand to remain stable. Overall, the Group expects sales for 2019 as a whole to be higher than in 2018 and EBIT at the previous year's level.

Key figures for the Mikron Group in the first half year 2019

*except number of employees and equity ratio

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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March 16, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2019 Annual Report

March 16, 2020, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 15, 2020, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2020

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron's shareholders approve all proposals

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel/Bienne, April 25, 2019, 6 p.m. – At this year's ordinary Annual General Meeting in Biel/Bienne, the shareholders of Mikron Holding AG approved all proposals by the Board of Directors. Among other things they agreed to a distribution from reserves from capital contributions of CHF 0.20 per share, the future remuneration of the Board of Directors and Group Management, and the Compensation Report for the past financial year. 

The Annual General Meeting also approved the proposed changes to the Articles of Association with regard to remuneration payable to the Board of Directors and Group Management. The Board of Directors can now receive part of their remuneration in the form of blocked shares in the company. A long-term incentive plan is being introduced for management, which is also share-based for Group Management. 

All members of the Board of Directors were reelected for a further term of one year. 

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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July 25, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2019

March 16, 2020, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2019 Annual Report 

March 16, 2020, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 15, 2020, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2020

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Veraison sold shares in Mikron Holding AG

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, 22 March 2019, 7.00 a.m. - The Mikron Group was informed yesterday evening by Veraison SICAV that Veraison SICAV sold all shares of Mikron Holding AG.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

July 25, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2019

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron significantly increases sales and profitability

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, March 20, 2019, 7.00 a.m. – The Mikron Group significantly increased order intake and sales in 2018 compared with the previous year, while improving profitability. Both business segments contributed to this positive performance. Overall, the Group achieved sales of CHF 314.7 million (prior year: 248.5 million, + 26.6%) together with order intake of CHF 362.3 million (prior year: CHF 278.9 million, + 29.9%). The order backlog reached a record CHF 195.7 million on December 31, 2018 (end of 2017: CHF 157.2 million, + 24.5%). With EBIT at CHF 13.9 million (prior year: CHF 2.8 million, + 396.4%) the Group improved its EBIT margin from 1.1% in 2017 to 4.4%.

Both business segments in the Mikron Group were able to strengthen their market posi­tions in the year under review. The Group's capacity utilization across all the sites im­proved steadily over the year. Both business segments had to deal with temporary supply bottlenecks in materi­als procurement. The high demand for its products meant that the Mikron Tool division reached its capacity limits.

Order intake

The Mikron Group reported order intake of CHF 362.3 million in 2018, representing an increase of 29.9% against the prior year (CHF 278.9 million). Europe (incl. Switzerland) remains Mikron's most important market, with approximately 49% of orders received in 2018 placed by European customers (previous year: 62%). The two strongest market segments are still the pharmaceutical/medtech industries with 40% and the automotive industry contribut­ing 31% (prior year: both 31%) to the overall order intake. In North America, Mikron Auto­mation made a significant contribution to the good order intake, while Mikron Machining Solutions remained below expectations with machine orders in this market. Compared with 2017, Mikron reported similar levels of order intake in Asia, mainly from the writing instruments and automotive industries.

Net sales and order backlog

Posting annual net sales of CHF 314.7 million, the Mikron Group exceeded the prior-year result (CHF 248.5 million, +26.6%) markedly. While Mikron Machining Solutions succeeded in increasing sales by 29.2%, the Automation business segment posted an increase of 24.6%. Some sites were still not fully utilized at the beginning of 2018. However, the situation improved steadily in the course of the year overall, with most companies reporting good capacity utilization by the end of 2018. The Tools and Services areas were experiencing overload, which is resulting in long delivery times. Mikron expects demand in this area to continue and has therefore increased the relevant capacities. At CHF 195.7 million, the Mikron Group's order backlog at the end of 2018 was 24.5% higher than the prior-year figure.

Profitability

In the 2018 business year, the Mikron Group reported a significantly improved EBIT of CHF 13.9 million (previous year: CHF 2.8 mil­lion). The EBIT profit of CHF 4.2 million (prior year: CHF -1.6 million) posted by the Machining Solutions business segment represents an improvement in profitability. The better prof­itability reflects the higher level of machine and service sales in 2018. Mikron Automation reported an im­proved EBIT of CHF 8.4 million after the prior year's EBIT of CHF 3.1 million. The EBIT mar­gin increased to 5.4% (prior year: 2.5%).

Net earnings

Mikron's net earnings for 2018 were CHF 12.2 million, compared to CHF 1.2 million in the prior year. Net earnings per share for the year 2018 came to CHF 0.74 (prior year: CHF 0.07). At the General Meeting on 25 April 2019, the Board of Directors of the Mikron Group will propose a distribution from capital contribu­tion reserves of CHF 0.20 per share.

Outlook

The Mikron Group started 2019 with a record order backlog, particularly at Mikron Automation. Even though the gen­eral environment remains fragile, most of Mikron's key markets and, in partic­ular, demand for services seem robust. The Group expects order intake to normalize on a somewhat lower level, however because certain large orders won in 2018 are not expected to be repeated in 2019. Overall, Mikron Group is expecting a further rise in sales and profitability.

Key figures for the Mikron Group

*except number of employees and %

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

July 25, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2019

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron Group opens subsidiary in Lithuania

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, February 5, 2019, 7 a.m. – The Mikron Group is opening a new subsidiary in the Kaunas area of Lithuania. As part of the Mikron Automation business segment, this will initially produce modules for automation solutions, mainly for customers in the automotive industry. It will thus support the segment's growth strategy. With the new site, Mikron aims to benefit from cost advantages and a wide pool of talent in particular. Mikron is planning to create up to 50 jobs in Lithuania in the medium term.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

March 20, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2018 Annual Report

March 20, 2019, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland)

Mikron witnessing solid growth

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, January 22, 2019 – According to provisional closing figures, the Mikron Group achieved a significant year-on-year increase in order intake and net sales in 2018, ending the year with sales growth of 26.8%. Order intake also continued to develop positively and reached a record level of CHF 362.3 million. The Mikron Group began the new year with a record order backlog of CHF 195.7 million (end of 2017: CHF 157.2 million). Both business segments (Machining Solutions and Automation) contributed to driving the sales growth.

All Mikron Group operations profited from the fact that the market environment relevant to Mikron was generally stable in 2018. With Mikron customers' production systems still running at high capacity utilization levels, demand for tools and services increased.

Order intake

In the 2018 financial year, the Mikron Group saw 29.9% year-on-year growth in incoming orders to CHF 362.3 million. Mikron Automation reported incoming orders of CHF 200.9 million in 2018, an increase of 59.4% compared with 2017. Following solid order intake in the first half, the Automation segment won a number of large orders in the second half, some of which will generate sales into 2020. The Mikron Group is not expecting to attract the same volume of new large orders in 2019. The Machining Solutions segment recorded an increase in order intake from CHF 152.9 million in 2017 to CHF 162.2 million in 2018.

Net sales and order backlog

With annual sales of CHF 315.2 million, the Mikron Group exceeded the previous year's result (CHF 248.5 million) by 26.8%. Mikron Machining Solutions lifted sales by 29.6% from CHF 124.1 million in 2017 to CHF 160.8 million in 2018, while the Automation business segment posted 24.5% growth from CHF 124.6 million to 155.2 million. The year-end order backlog is at a record CHF 195.7 million (end of 2017: CHF 157.2 million, + 24.5%).

Profitability

Based on the provisional figures, Mikron is confirming its previous profitability expectations for the 2018 financial year. The Group is anticipating an EBIT margin of over 4% (2017: 1.1%). Both business segments contributed to driving the improvement in profitability.

Net result

Given the improved operating results reported by subsidiaries, the Mikron Group expects to utilize and capitalize tax loss carryforwards and so reduce the tax rate in the 2018 financial year. On the basis of the provisional closing figures, the Mikron Group is looking to achieve a net result in the vicinity of CHF 12 million for 2018 (2017: CHF 1.2 million).

Mikron will announce the Group's detailed closing figures for 2018 at the Media and Analyst Conference in Zurich on March 20, 2019.

Preliminary volume figures for the Mikron Group

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

March 20, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2018 Annual Report

March 20, 2019, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

and acquires own shares

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Bienne, September 27, 2018, 6.15 p.m. – The Mikron Group presented its new Mikron 6x6 generation of machines (formerly the Phoenix project) for the first time to a wide audience of specialists at the International Exhibition for Metal Working (AMB) in Stuttgart. Mikron is convinced that this new, modular range will strengthen its market position and is pleased at the large amount of positive feedback.

Mikron Holding AG will also take advantage of the opportunity to acquire 400'000 (representing 2,39% of the registered share capital) of its own shares from VERAISON SICAV. As a consequence, VERAISON SICAV will fall below the threshold of 10% of the voting rights.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

March 20, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2018 Annual Report

March 20, 2019, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron reports high order backlog at mid-year

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, July 24, 2018, 7 a.m. – The Mikron Group was able to capitalize on the positive performance in its key markets in the first half of 2018. Both business segments improved their sales and earnings compared to the same period of the previous year. The marked sales growth in both business segments resulted in EBIT of CHF 6.0 million for the first half of 2018 (first half of 2017: CHF -0.8 million). The high order backlog at mid-year and the generally good performance of both business segments will have a positive impact on the Group's sales and earnings in the second half of 2018.

At CHF 187.8 million, the Mikron Group reported a high order intake in the first half of 2018 (first half of 2017: CHF 114.2 million) which, compared to 2017, leads the group to expect a marked improvement in the year-end results. The order backlog is at CHF 186.6 million (June 30, 2017: CHF 119.2 million).

In the Machining business segment, the tool business enjoyed a particularly strong performance. Mikron was also able to tap into new market segments in this area – such as the Chinese market, which is still very young. In the machines business, Mikron Machining also succeeded in acquiring some interesting new contracts. Business with machines for the writing instruments industry, which operates primarily in Asia run well, owing to the amount of new orders won in the second half of 2017. Both production sites in Agno (Switzerland) and Rottweil (Germany) were operating at high capacity. Owing to the increase in demand, Mikron Machining further expanded capacity in the tools business at both sites. 

In the Automation business segment, the sites in Europe saw good capacity utilization with numerous new orders from the pharmaceutical and medtech industries, the automotive industry, and the consumer goods sector. In the USA, capacity utilization will further improve in the second half of the year owing to the amount of new orders won. In comparison with the same period of the previous year, the Automation business segment was also able to increase sales and profitability. However, a number of the new orders will only have a positive impact on sales and earnings as of the second half of 2018.

The Mikron Group achieved total net sales of CHF 155.3 million in the first half of 2018 (first half of 2017: CHF 118.4 million, +31%). Both business segments were able to improve their sales. Europe (including Switzerland) remained the dominant market for the Mikron Group in the first six months of 2018, accounting for 66% of all sales. Here, the Group improved sales by 29% compared to the first half of 2017. US sales increased by 54% compared to the first half of 2017, while those in Asia rose by 48%.

The marked sales growth in both business segments resulted in EBIT of CHF 6.0 million for the first half of 2018 (first half of 2017: CHF -0.8 million). The Automation business segment improved its EBIT from CHF 0.2 million in the first six months of 2017 to CHF 2.5 million in the first six months of 2018, while the Machining business segment improved by CHF 4.5 million to CHF 2.7 million (first half of 2017: CHF -1.8 million).

Net earnings for the first half of 2018 came to CHF 3.8 million (first six months of 2017: CHF -1.7 million).

Outlook

The high order backlog at mid-year and the generally good performance of both business segments will have a positive impact on the Group's sales and earnings in the second half of 2018. The Mikron Group's medium-term planning for 2018-2022 is based on average annual sales growth of around 6% and a target EBIT margin of 5-7%. 

Overall, the Group expects a rise in annual sales of between 20% and 30%, in comparison with last year, and an EBIT margin of 3-5% (2017: 1.1%) in the 2018 annual results. Both business segments are currently contributing similarly and are thus moving towards the medium-term goals.

Key figures for the Mikron Group in the first half year 2018

*except number of employees and equity ratio

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

March 20, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2018 Annual Report

March 20, 2019, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron Group confirms improved business performance in the first half of 2018

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, June 20, 2018, 7 a.m. – The significant improvements in the Mikron Group's business development in the second half of 2017 were confirmed in the first months of 2018. Order intake rose sharply compared with the first half of 2017. Mikron is thus expecting an increase in sales of around 25% for the first six months of 2018 in comparison with the same period of the previous year. For the year as a whole, Mikron anticipates a rise in sales of between 20 and 30% and an EBIT margin of 3-5% (2017: 0.5%). Mikron will announce the definitive figures in the semi-annual financial statements and detailed information on business performance on July 24, 2018.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Javier Perez Freije, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

July 24, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2018

March 13, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2018 Annual Report

March 13, 2019, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron investigates development opportunities for property in Nidau

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, May 31, 2018, 7.00 a.m. – The Mikron Group has awarded Skyline Development AG, Küsnacht, a project mandate for the development of its property on Ipsachstrasse in Nidau, which is not used for business purposes.

The Mikron Group is currently looking into all possible future uses for its property at Ipsachstrasse 14/16 in Nidau. Skyline Development AG, the project development office commissioned with this task, will draw up a development concept with the involvement of local partners.

In its consolidated balance sheet of 31 December 2017, the Mikron Group valued the property at CHF 29.2 million.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Andreas Heierli, Head Group Finance & Controlling

Phone +41 91 610 62 04, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

July 24, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2018

March 13, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2018 Annual Report

March 13, 2019, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron's shareholders approve all proposals

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel/Bienne, April 12, 2018, 6 p.m. – At this year's ordinary Annual General Meeting in Biel/Bienne, the shareholders of Mikron Holding AG approved all proposals by the Board of Directors. Among other things they agreed to a distribution from reserves from capital contributions of CHF 0.05 per share, the future remuneration of the Board of Directors and Group Management, and the Compensation Report for the past financial year. All members of the Board of Directors were reelected for a further term of one year. Paul Zumbühl, CEO of the Interroll Group, was elected to the Board of Directors.

At the Annual General Meeting, one shareholder also asked questions regarding impairment testing. The Board of Directors of the Mikron Group explained that the shareholders' equity stated in the 2017 Annual Report is fully recoverable. It is sticking to the medium-term EBIT margin target of 5–7%.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Andreas Heierli, Head Group Finance & Controlling

Phone +41 91 610 62 04, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

July 24, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2018

March 13, 2019, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2018 Annual Report

March 13, 2019, 10.30 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 25, 2019, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2019

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron sees significant increase in order intake

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, March 12, 2018, 7.00 a.m. – As expected, the second half of the year proved much better for the Mikron Group than the first. This is reflected in all three key indicators: order intake, sales and EBIT. The fact that the expectations published mid-year could nevertheless not be met is due to orders for a number of large customer projects coming in later than hoped. Over the year as a whole, order intake for Mikron manufacturing and automation systems was very volatile, resulting in an uneven distribution of production capacities. With incoming orders totalling CHF 278.9 million (previous year: CHF 243.6 million, +15%), the Group posted total annual sales of CHF 248.5 million (previous year: CHF 256.0 million, -3%) and EBIT of CHF 2.8 million (previous year: CHF 4.1 million, -32%). The innovation initiative launched in 2016 is on track. For 2018 the Group expects 10 to 20% growth in sales and, as a consequence, an improvement in EBIT.

In 2017, the general economic environment was stable overall, and demand for larger investment projects also picked up in the second half of the year. With Mikron customers' production systems running at high capacity utilization levels, demand for tools and Mikron's range of services was good. Numerous customers ordered retrofits for existing systems to be able to benefit from advances made in digitalization in the context of Industry 4.0 and to increase the productivity of their machines. With orders for a number of large customer projects coming in later than hoped, the expectations published mid-year could not be fully met. 

Order intake

In the 2017 financial year, the Mikron Group saw 15% year-on-year growth in incoming orders to CHF 278.9 million. Up toward the end of the third quarter, the intake of orders for Mikron Machining's systems business was very volatile and generally too low. Thanks to the sound economic environment above all in the fourth quarter, the business segment posted order intake of CHF 152.9 million, representing an overall increase of 33% compared with the low prior-year figure. Mikron Automation reported a 2% year-on-year decrease in order intake to CHF 126.0 million in 2017, due primarily to customer orders being postponed until the new year.

Net sales and order backlog

With annual sales of CHF 248.5 million, the Mikron Group was not quite able to reach the previous year's result (CHF 256.0 million, -3%). While Mikron Machining succeeded in increasing sales by 7% on the back of strong tool and service business, the Automation business segment faced a decrease of 11%. After a very weak first half, Mikron Automation reported second-half sales in line with the corresponding year-back figure. At CHF 157.2 million, the Mikron Group's order backlog at the end of 2017 was 28% higher than the prior-year figure.

Profitability

With EBIT at CHF 2.8 million in 2017, the Mikron Group fell short of the previous year's result of CHF 4.1 million. While the Machining business segment witnessed an improvement in profitability, EBIT remains negative at CHF -1.6 million (previous year: CHF -5.2 million). The loss is mainly due to the low level of sales in the machinery business, especially in the first half of the year. Innovation project costs also put profitability under pressure. Factoring out this innovation spend, Mikron Machining would have achieved a positive EBIT margin. Following the good result recorded in 2016, Mikron Automation faced a significant decline in EBIT, from CHF 7.5 million to CHF 3.1 million in the 2017 financial year. Taking into account the 11% decrease in sales, the business segment still reported a solid EBIT margin of 2.5%.

Net result

In the year under review, the Mikron Group posted a net result of CHF 1.2 million (previous year: CHF 2.3 million) or CHF 0.07 per share (previous year: CHF 0.14). The Board of Directors will be proposing to the Annual General Meeting an unchanged distribution from capital reserves of CHF 0.05 per share.

Innovation initiative

The Mikron Group innovation initiative launched in 2016 is on track. In 2017, Mikron invested a total of CHF 8.8 million (previous year: CHF 7.1 million) in the development and expansion of new products and product platforms. This is equivalent to 3.5% of sales.

Outlook

The Mikron Group is not anticipating any fundamental changes in market conditions in 2018. Customer system capacity utilization rates are expected to remain high, which will continue to impact positively on the service and tool business. The tool business is looking to tap into further encouraging development opportunities on the US market. This is also true for Mikron Automation, once the uncertainties in the healthcare system have been resolved. The business segment should also be able to profit from the trend toward self-medication and from the fact that people are living increasingly longer. New market opportunities will present themselves to Mikron Machining in 2018 with capacity utilization still high in the automotive industry.

Given that orders in hand are relatively high – though they are unevenly distributed among the various production locations – Mikron expects 10 to 20% growth in sales for 2018 and thus an improvement in EBIT.

Key figures for the Mikron Group

*except number of employees and 

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Martin Blom, CFO Mikron Group,

phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

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Investor Relations Calendar

April 12, 2018, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2018

July 24, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Semiannual results 2018

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Javier Perez-Freije to become new Chief Financial Officer of the Mikron Group

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, January 30, 2018, 7 a.m. – The Board of Directors of the Mikron Group has appointed Javier Perez-Freije as the Group's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Perez-Freije has extensive, long-standing experience of finance in industrial companies. He will take up his new role on August 1, 2018.

Javier Perez-Freije (42) holds a Master of Business Administration and Engineering from the University of Siegen, Germany. Following further studies at New York University Stern School of Business, he completed his education with a dissertation at the University of St. Gallen. He has previously been head of controlling of a division of the Swiss industrial group Rieter, CFO of a US business unit of the Swiss automotive supplier Autoneum, and most recently CFO of Netstal-Machinery Ltd.

With his in-depth financial expertise and his experience of the machinery industry, Mr. Perez-Freije is ideally qualified for the role of CFO of the Mikron Group. He will take over from Martin Blom, who is leaving Mikron in April 2018.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Martin Blom, CFO Mikron Group,

phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

Investor Relations Calendar

March 12, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2017 Annual Report

March 12, 2018, 10.00 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 12, 2018, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2018

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Mikron Group adjusts outlook

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, November 2, 2017, 7 a.m. – In the third quarter of 2017, the Mikron Group reported encouraging order intake from various market segments, especially for machining systems. The prospects for the fourth quarter are also promising: The Mikron Automation division in particular is expecting an upturn in orders from the USA. At the same time, the tool and service business continues to perform well. By the end of the year, the Group is set to increase order intake compared with the previous year. Thus it will start the 2018 financial year with a healthy order backlog.

Since some orders were approved considerably later than anticipated, however, recent developments will only have a small effect on sales for the current year. Compared with the previous year, the Mikron Group is therefore expecting a decline in sales and EBIT for the 2017 financial year.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Martin Blom, CFO Mikron Group,

phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

Investor Relations Calendar

March 12, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2017 Annual Report

March 12, 2018, 10.00 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 12, 2018, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2018

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

CFO Martin Blom to leave the Mikron Group

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel/Bienne, 10 October 2017, 7 a.m. – Martin Blom, CFO of the Mikron Group, has decided to leave the Group in April 2018 to take up a new professional challenge. The Board of Directors and Group Management of Mikron regret this decision. The search for a suitable successor will commence immediately. Martin Blom will continue to carry out his duties and responsibilities through April 2018.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Martin Blom, CFO Mikron Group
Bruno Cathomen, CEO Mikron Group

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Investor Relations Calendar

March 12, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2017 Annual Report

March 12, 2018, 10.00 a.m. – Media and analysts conference
April 12, 2018, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2018

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Paul Zumbühl nominated for election to the Board of Directors of the Mikron Group

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, September 1, 2017, 7 a.m. – The Board of Directors of the Mikron Group proposes that Paul Zumbühl be elected to the Board of Directors at the next ordinary Annual General Meeting on April 12, 2018. This will be the first step in the renewal of the board planned for the coming years. Paul Zumbühl (born 1957, Swiss national) has been CEO of the Interroll Group since 2000. Under his leadership, Interroll has become a global leader in the manufacture of key products and services for in-house logistics. Prior to this, Mr. Zumbühl held various management positions with international corporate groups. He has a degree in engineering from Lucerne School of Engineering and an MBA from the joint program of the Universities of Boston, Bern and Shanghai, as well as an AMP from Kellogg Business School, Chicago, USA.

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Martin Blom, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

Investor Relations Calendar

March 12, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2017 Annual Report

March 12, 2018, 10.00 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 12, 2018, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2018

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).

Order postponements impact on the half-year result

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR:

Biel, 25 July 2017, 7.00 a.m. – The firming global economy and the improved investment climate have heightened interest in the Mikron Group's systems, cutting tools and services. This is, however, not yet reflected in the half-year results. The Mikron Group's order intake was clearly below the prior-year level. Weaker sales were the main reason for an EBIT loss in the half-year results. With the prospect of various new orders, the Mikron Group is confident that order intake will improve in the second half of 2017. Accordingly, the Mikron Group is expecting an increase in sales to match the prior-year figure by the end of the current year. Factoring in the various additional measures in place to reduce costs and improve efficiency, the Group continues to predict a slight year-on-year increase in EBIT in the 2017 annual results.

At CHF 114.2 million, the Mikron Group's order intake for the first half of 2017 was clearly below the prior-year level (first half of 2016: CHF 124.7 million). Largely on the back of orders in the second quarter, the Machining business segment reported a 7% rise in order intake compared with the relatively modest prior-year figure. Mikron Machining's tool business turned in a very reassuring performance in the first half of 2017. The service business saw order intake at a healthy level, exceeding the figure for the same period of 2016. Mikron Machining's machine business witnessed robust demand from the writing instruments industry, while no major orders came in from the watchmaking and automotive industries. The Automation business segment reported a 21% decrease in order intake compared to the first half of 2016. Whereas Mikron Automation regularly received new orders from European customers in the pharmaceutical and medtech industries, US customers were very hesitant to invest, with individual pre-confirmed orders put on hold until the second half of 2017. Mikron Automation's service business order intake was satisfactory, although it did not reach the good figure for the first half of 2016.

In the first half of 2017, the Mikron Group posted net sales of CHF 118.4 million (first half of 2016: CHF 127.0 million, -7%). The unevenly distributed order backlog at the individual sites at the beginning of the year and the unexpectedly low order intake in the first quarter of 2017 had a negative effect. Both business segments were unable to maintain sales at the prior year-level, as reflected in the decrease of 11% to CHF 60.7 million (first half of 2016: CHF 68.0 million) at Mikron Automation and of 2% to CHF 57.8 million (first half of 2016: CHF 59.2 million) at Mikron Machining.

Lower sales overall and additional outlays on individual Mikron Automation customer projects resulted in an EBIT loss of CHF -0.8 million for the first half of 2017 (first half of 2016: CHF 1.3 million). Mainly on the back of a solid performance by the tool and service businesses, the Machining business segment improved EBIT by CHF 1.4 million year-on-year to CHF -1.8 million (first half of 2016: CHF -3.2 million). However, this was not sufficient to break even. Although just in positive territory (CHF 0.2 million), the Automation business segment's result failed to match the very good prior-year figure.

Outlook

At Mikron Automation, prospective orders indicate a positive performance in the second half of 2017. The business segment is confident of seeing a significant improvement in order intake and sales at all its sites. Mikron Machining is expecting to benefit from positive stimuli from the writing instruments, watchmaking and electronics industries. Demand from the automotive industry is still difficult to gauge, whereas Mikron Machining can count on strong demand in the tool and service businesses in the second half as well.

Overall, the Mikron Group is expecting an increase in sales in the second half of 2017 to match the prior-year figure by the end of the current year. Factoring in the various additional measures in place to reduce costs and improve efficiency, the Group continues to predict a slight year-on-year increase in EBIT for 2017.

Key figures for the Mikron Group in the first half year 2017

Contact

Mikron Management AG, Martin Blom, CFO Mikron Group

Phone +41 91 610 62 09, ir.mma@mikron.com

Download Media Release

Investor Relations Calendar

March 12, 2018, 07.00 a.m. – Media release: Publication of the 2017 Annual Report

March 12, 2018, 10.00 a.m. – Media and analysts conference

April 12, 2018, 04.00 p.m. – Annual General Meeting 2018

Except for the historical information contained herein, the statements in this media release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.

Mikron® is a trademark of Mikron Holding AG, Biel (Switzerland).