TRADING UPDATE 3Q20

Group topline

The third quarter results continued to reflect varied demand dynamics associated with covid-19 across Barco’s regions and divisions. Although orders and sales were significantly below last year, on a quarter-over-quarter basis, sales were essentially flat, and orders grew.

3Q versus 2Q comparison - Regional breakdown

From a regional perspective, sales grew in EMEA markets and were flat in APAC, reflecting economic pick-up in several end markets. Sales declined in the Americas region where the pace of economic recovery in our end markets lags other regions.

3Q versus 2Q comparison - Divisional breakdown

Divisional results reflect early indications of economic recovery in the Entertainment and Enterprise divisions. Activity in Healthcare was weaker across all segments and most pronounced in the Americas region as customers reset delivery schedules based on hospital spending priorities.

Enterprise sales began to rebound in the third quarter as demonstrated by a solid pick-up for both the Control Rooms and the ClickShare segments. ClickShare sales continued to steadily improve in line with back-to-office trends and the need for solutions that enable hybrid workspaces. Six months after its launch, ClickShare Conference now accounts for 22% of the ClickShare business.

In Entertainment, both the Cinema and the V&H segments contributed to a modest 3% growth in divisional sales versus Q2 on new build activity for cinema in EMEA and with services rebounding as cinemas reopen.

Healthcare reported a slow third quarter, following a very strong first half.  As a result, sales year-to-date for Healthcare are now flat. The weak 3Q was driven by short term postponement of investments by hospitals leading to deployment push-outs.

Investing in strategic growth opportunities while adjusting the cost base

The company continues to execute its plan to align both its activity rate and spending with the impacts of the pandemic by resetting indirect cost levels, next to temporary measures and resource redeployments.

In parallel, the company continues to invest in strategic portfolio innovations and to strengthen commercial activities in selected markets and regions in order to further improve its competitive position.

Quote of the CEO, Jan De Witte

“While total company topline for the 3rd quarter was flat with the 2nd quarter, we saw improvements in Enterprise and indications of economic recovery in EMEA and parts of APAC. Healthcare delivered a softer quarter, but its fundamentals remain solid. In Entertainment, although the global Cinema and Events segments are clearly riding a roller-coaster, Barco’s longer-term growth opportunities remain unchanged. With Clickshare Conference, positive market receptivity is telling us we have the right product at the right time to enable hybrid workplaces, and we are continuing to invest in building awareness.”

“At this point, it is clear that 2020 will prove to be an off-year for the Barco P&L. To put the company back on its path to reaching its long-term financial goals, we are resetting expense levels while continuing to invest in strategic growth initiatives,” said Jan De Witte, CEO of Barco.

Outlook

Taking into account the uncertainties associated with the second covid wave, both in terms of its impact on ongoing recovery rates in Europe and delayed recovery in the Americas region, management expects continuous pressure on topline performance.

Given lower volumes, unfavorable mix and continued investments in commercial and innovation strength, we expect a considerable decrease in full year EBITDA margin compared to the first half.

Disclaimer:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management regarding future events, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Barco is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release in light of new information, future events or otherwise. Barco disclaims any liability for statements made or published by third parties and does not undertake any obligation to correct inaccurate data, information, conclusions or opinions published by third parties in relation to this or any other press release issued by Barco.

About Barco
Barco designs technology to enable bright outcomes around the world. Seeing beyond the image, we develop visualization and collaboration solutions to help you work together, share insights, and wow audiences. Our focus is on three core markets: Enterprise (from meeting, classroom and control rooms to corporate spaces), Healthcare (from the radiology department to the operating room), and Entertainment (from movie theaters to live events and attractions). In 2019, we realized sales of 1.083 billion euro. We have a global team of 3,600 employees, whose passion for technology is captured in 400 granted patents.
For more information, visit us on www.barco.com, follow us on Twitter (@Barco), LinkedIn (Barco), YouTube (BarcoTV), or like us on Facebook (Barco).

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