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Basler AG: Business figures for the first nine months of 2020: Basler grows at high profitability and narrows its forecast at the upper end of the corridor - Seite 2

Compared to the previous year, the pre-tax result increased by € 5.0 million to € 18.1 million (previous year: € 13.1 million). Thus, the pre-tax return rate amounted to 14 % in the first nine months.

The free cash flow as sum of the cash flow from operating activities and cash flow from financing activities amounted to € 7.1 million (previous year: € -14.6 million).

The management assumes the incoming orders to seasonally increase towards the end of the year. However, the Basler group expects relatively weak sales and results for the fourth quarter. Additionally, in view of the increasing number of infections, risks in the sales and procurement markets will increase again.

These developments have already been anticipated in the business planning. Thus, the Basler management solidifies its forecast at the upper end as follows: group's sales € 165 million at a pre-tax return rate of 10 %.

Even if the current macroeconomic conditions have strong dampening effects, in principle, management is proud of what has been achieved and, in principle, positive about the future. Main growth drivers like automation, image processing in new application sectors outside the factory as well as the networking of intelligent machines and products (Industry 4.0 and / or IOT) continue to be intact, or rather in the medium-term will even be accelerated due to the corona crisis. Thus, the company still aims to reach a sales level of approximately € 250 million in its medium-term planning.

Basler is a leading international manufacturer of high-quality imaging components for computer vision applications. In addition to classic area scan and line scan cameras, lenses, frame grabbers, light modules, and software, the company offers embedded vision modules and solutions, 3D products, as well as customized products and consulting services. Basler's products are used in a variety of markets and applications, including factory automation, medical, logistics, retail, and robotics. They are characterized by high reliability, an excellent price/performance ratio, and long-term availability. Founded in 1988, the Basler Group employs around 800 people at its headquarters in Ahrensburg and other locations in Europe, Asia and North America. Thanks to its worldwide sales and service organization and cooperation with renowned partners, it offers solutions that fit for customers from a wide range of sectors