As previously communicated in the 9 month report HMS has seen customers becoming
more cautious under the present market situation. Due to the uncertainties in
the market the company´s sales volumes did not grow as expected.
Based on preliminary information net sales for 2011 increased with 11 % reaching
SEK 384 m (345). Net sales for the fourth quarter was approximately SEK 95 m
(92). The extensive expansion during 2011 increasing the company´s sales- and
development resources was performed according to plan and is now increasing
operating expenses. Based on a preliminary assessment HMS operating margin for
the fourth quarter will be approximately 8-10 % and approximately 18 % for the
full year 2011.
"During the fourth quarter we have continued to see unstable market condition
with fluctuating order intake on several markets. The last six month have been
characterized by an uncertain development on the market rendering our existing
customers to take a more cautious position. HMS still experience a good order
intake related to customdesigns based on our technology. These customized
solutions will not affect net sales until later 2012 and going forward.," says
CEO Staffan Dahlström
The weakness of the Japanese market is expected to continue in the near future.
The German market is slow but we do see positive signals in the automotive
segment. The US market continues to develop positively.
The Company's yearend report will be presented on February 10, 2012
For more information please contact:
Staffan Dahlström, Chief Executive Officer, HMS, phone: +46 35 17 29 01
Gunnar Högberg, Chief Financial Officer, HMS, phone: +46 35 17 29 95
HMS Networks AB (publ) is a world-leading supplier of communication technology
for industrial automation. Sales for the last twelve months totaled SEK 380
million. Over 90% of these sales were to customers located outside Sweden. All
product development and parts of the manufacturing are performed at the head
office in Halmstad. Sales offices are located in Tokyo, Beijing, Karlsruhe,
Chicago, Milan, Mulhouse, Pune, Coventry and Copenhagen. HMS has 230 employees
and produces network interface cards and Gateways to interconnect different
networks under the trademark Anybus® and products for remote management under
the trademark Netbiter®. HMS is listed on NASDAQ-OMX Nordic Exchange in
Stockholm in the category Small Cap, Information Technology.
[HUG#1577991]
