Large Format Review - Business News

Compared to 2008, Group revenue decreased 9.1 percent to 2,755 million Euro. The crisis-driven decline in Agfa-Gevaert's markets started to bottom-out in the second half of the year.

In spite of the sales decline and manufacturing inefficiencies due to lower use of capacity in the first quarters of the year, the Group's recurring gross profit margin improved from 31.7 percent in 2008 to 32.2 percent. This was mainly due to the successful efficiency improvement programs, lower raw material prices and certain one-off effects.

Agfa-Gevaert is ahead of its plans to reduce its Selling and General Administration expenses. The average monthly SG&A expense was brought down from 64 million Euro in 2007 and 54 million Euro in 2008 to 46 million Euro in 2009. The year on year SG&A cost decrease amounted to 14.5 percent. The SG&A expenses represented 20.1 percent of revenue, compared to 23.3 percent in 2007 and 21.3 percent in 2008.

The Group's recurring EBITDA (the sum of Graphics, HealthCare, Specialty Products and the unallocated portion) increased from 251 million Euro in 2008 to 284 million Euro. Recurring EBIT improved from 135 million Euro to 182 million Euro.

Restructuring and non-recurring items resulted in an expense of 12 million Euro, versus an expense of 158 million Euro in 2008.The 2009 figures were positively influenced by changes in the post-retirement medical plans in theUSAand by changes in the defined benefit plans in theUSAandGermany.The 2008 figures were affected by a considerable impairment loss on goodwill.

The net finance costs amounted to minus 114 million Euro, compared to minus 83 million Euro in 2008. This increase was due to the increased pension deficit, which was caused by the evolution of the stock markets in 2008.

Income tax expense amounted to 49 million Euro versus 60 million Euro in 2008. Current tax expense amounted to 14 million Euro and deferred tax expense amounted to 35 million Euro (non-cash item).

Mainly due to the strong operational performance in all business groups in the last quarters of the year, a positive net result of 6 million Euro was booked, compared to minus 167 million Euro in 2008. The 2008 result was subject to the aforementioned impairment loss, an exceptional tax charge and considerable restructuring costs.

Balance sheet and cash flow

• At the end of 2009, total assets were 2,852 million Euro, compared to 3,160 million Euro at the end of 2008.
• Inventories were 483 million Euro (or 93 days). Trade receivables (minus deferred revenue and advanced payments from customers) amounted to 469 million Euro, or 58 days and trade payables were 206 million Euro, or 40 days.
• Due to continued targeted efforts, net financial debt improved to 445 million Euro, versus 673 million Euro at the end of 2008 and 721 million Euro at the end of 2007.
• Net cash from operating activities amounted to 266 million Euro.

 

Agfa Graphics' revenue decreased 11.9 percent compared to 2008. The effects of the economic slowdown - which surfaced in the course of 2008 - persisted in the first quarters of 2009. In the second half of the year the crisis-driven decline started to bottom-out. In the last months of 2009 both the prepress and the inkjet market started to recover, mainly inNorth Americaand the emerging countries. However, the crisis-related increased competitive pressure in the Computer-to-Plate segment continued throughout the year.

Agfa Graphics is successfully implementing its plans to reduce its SG&A costs. Compared to 2008, these costs were reduced by50million Euro.

Together with the measures to improve operational efficiency, these efforts clearly supported Agfa Graphics' profitability, resulting in a particularly strong fourth quarter performance. Lower raw material prices and certain one-off effects also had a positive influence. Year-on-year, these beneficial elements were counterbalanced by crisis-related elements, such as the underutilization of the manufacturing capacity, bad debt provisions and increased competitive pressure.

Fourth quarter results

The Agfa-Gevaert Group's fourth quarter revenue decreased 3.4 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2008. Excluding currency effects, the decline would be limited to 1.0 percent. This improvement compared to the previous quarters of the year shows that Agfa-Gevaert's markets are starting to recover from the effects of the economic crisis.

The Group reduced its SG&A costs by 17 million Euro compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. By reducing their costs and improving their operational efficiency, all business groups contributed to the strong improvement of profitability. The recurring EBITDA increased to 97 million Euro (13.2 percent of revenue) and the recurring EBIT increased to 73 million Euro (9.9 percent of revenue). The Group's net result amounted to 20 million Euro.

Recent judgments in arbitration cases relating to AgfaPhoto - such as the judgments concerning the hereditary building rights and the alleged misconduct of Agfa-Gevaert in connection with the sale of the Consumer Imaging division - have been in favor of Agfa-Gevaert.

Agfa Graphics

Traditionally, the fourth quarter is the strongest for the printing industry. Agfa Graphics' revenue decreased 6.8 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2008. The decline is far less pronounced than in the previous quarters of the year, due to the strong performance of the Computer-to-Film segment in the BRIC countries, the booking of revenues for a number of contracts for high-end inkjet equipment and the burgeoning recovery of the graphic markets. The shift of part of the film business (for Computer-to-Film applications) from Agfa Specialty Products to Agfa Graphics as a result of changes in the competitive landscape also had a beneficial impact on Agfa Graphics' revenue. The business group's efforts to reduce its operational costs are clearly paying off. The recurring EBITDA margin improved to 11.5 percent and the EBIT margin to 8.5 percent.

In industrial inkjet, the highlight of the fourth quarter of 2009 was the agreement to acquire most of the assets of Gandi Innovations Holdings LLC's North American operations and the shares of its principal foreign subsidiaries. Gandi Innovations is a leading supplier of large format inkjet printing systems in the mid-range market segment. Their product offering is complementary to Agfa Graphics' range of entry-level :Anapurna large format printers and high-end :M-Press Tiger and :Dotrix inkjet machines. The deal was finalized in the beginning of 2010.

Also in inkjet, new :M-Press Tiger presses - the second generation of the :M-Press industrial flatbed press - will soon be installed at printers in theUK,Australia,Canada, theUSAandFrance.In the fourth quarter, the :Anapurna large format printers also continued to sell well. As their installed base is growing gradually, these systems are now starting to generate more substantial ink sales.

In the field of prepress, Agfa Graphics unveiled a number of technological innovations at the IFRA 2009 newspaper trade show (Vienna,Austria). These innovations allow newspaper printers to improve the efficiency of their prepress departments. :Arkitex Portal, for instance, is a new addition to Agfa Graphics' popular :Arkitex software for managing and controlling the production process for newspaper publishers. Agfa Graphics also introduced a high speed option for its range of :Advantage N platesetters. Due to the new option, platesetters can produce significantly more printing plates per hour.

In January 2010, Agfa Graphics signed a letter of intent with its business partner Shenzhen Brothers for the establishment of a joint venture aiming at reinforcing both partners' market position in the Greater China and ASEAN region.Agfa Graphics is convinced that the combination of Shenzhen Brothers' strong relationship with local suppliers and governments and Agfa Graphics' know-how and leading technology will facilitate the realization of both companies' ambitious growth plans.

Outlook

It is expected that the graphic markets will continue to recover in the course of 2010. At present, the recovery is stronger in North America and the emerging countries than in most Western European countries. As a result, Agfa Graphics expects a stronger first quarter performance in 2010. The effects of the aforementioned acquisition of Gandi Innovations will slowly become apparent in the course of the year. The effects of the joint venture with the Chinese Shenzhen Brothers company will start to kick in in the course of the second half of the year.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced senior management changes.

Jun Haraguchi, President and Chief Executive Officer will return to Japan to become General Manager, Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.  In his new position he will be responsible for global sales operations and marketing strategy.  Mr. Haraguchi has spent the last 13 years in positions of increasing responsibility within Konica Minolta, the last five years as President and CEO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.  During his tenure he led the successful integration of Konica and Minolta, the integration of several acquisitions, most recently Danka Office Imaging, while improving market share and the overall operating performance of the company.  He will remain on the board of directors of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.

Nobuo (Ned) Umehara has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. effective April 1, 2010.  Mr. Umehara, who until recently served as General Manager of OEM Sales for Konica Minolta Business Technologies, has been with Konica Minolta for 33 years.  He has considerable experience in the U.S. market having worked here on two separate assignments in the past, once in the printer division and once within the MFP sales operation.  Mr. Umehara will be leading an organization with strong brand awareness, award-winning product lines, and a solid infrastructure in place.

"It has been a privilege leading a dynamic organization such as Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.," said Haraguchi.  "Despite the tough economy over the past two years, our corporation has been able to grow market share and improve operating performance.  Ned will be assuming responsibility for a company that is led by a strong senior management team and is well positioned for future success.  I want to thank the entire Konica Minolta family for their unwavering support and dedication during my time here, and I look forward to their future success - both individually and as a group."

"I am honored to take on this important role at this time in our company's history," said Umehara.  "Leveraging the strength of the operation, I envision continuing our strategies to expand our presence in commercial print, managed print services, and the solutions business while gaining share in the core MFP business.  One thing is certain, and that is our business partners and end users will not be affected during this transition.  My number one goal is to ensure them they can continue to count on Konica Minolta for industry-leading technologies and superior service."

According to published reports citing the Nikkei business daily, DIC Corporation, parent company of Sun Chemical and the world’s largest printing ink manufacturer, become Japan’s first company to use the Chinese yuan for trade settlement.

According to a March 24, 2010 MarketWatch report citing the Nikkei business daily, DIC switched from using U.S. dollars to yuan to transfer payments from its units in Shanghai and Shenzhen to the Japanese parent company. A DIC official added that the switch was done on a trial basis.

China has been strengthening attempts to turn the yuan into an international trading currency, and has loosened controls to allow transfers.

New application package enables traffic sign manufactures to create reflective traffic signs using UV printing technology.

Brno / Olomouc, Czech Republic, March 23  2010 – Grapo Technologies, a manufacturer of UV large format roll-to-roll and flatbed UV printers based in the Czech Republic, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Orafol Europe GmbH, a leading manufacturer of self-adhesive graphic products, special tape systems and reflective materials.  Both companies agreed  to develop an application package that uses Grapo’s Octopus UV digital printers and specially developed inks to digitally produce reflective traffic signs using Orafol`s microprismatic reflective film systems, replacing screen printing technology for many sign applications.

“We are very pleased have been selected by Orafol, a well-known and respected brand in the market, for this unique application” said Radim Kralik, CEO of Grapo Technologies. “Through this partnership, Orafol and Grapo will be able to sell this unique system. It is a rewarding experience for Grapo that Orafol’s due diligence efforts resulted in the approval of our technology for this highly critical application.”

Traffic signs are a very specific application with critical specifications and cannot be produced digitally using normal CMYK inks.  In partnership with Orafol, Grapo Technologies has modified its Octopus UV printing system to the ORALITE ® UV traffic sign printer, developing special inks to address the seven-color requirement for traffic signs.  “For printing on the Orafol`s microprismatic reflective material,” added Kralik, “each color must have perfect physical specifications to ensure proper reflection.  The seven flat color inks we developed are able to be printed directly from one head on the ORALITE ® UV traffic sign printer, replacing traditional screen printing processes which are costly, time consuming and carry a heavier environmental footprint. In addition, screen printing is not a cost-effective process for shorter runs.”

Migrating Traffic Signs from Analog to Digital Manufacturing

With this new system, traffic sign manufacturers will be able to cost-effectively handle short runs and print signs on demand to meet market needs, especially for signs with variable information, directions and other information that may only require a quantity of one or two.

Kralik points out that although Grapo can sell the system under the agreement, Orafol will be the primary coordinator of sales activities.  “There are legal and testing procedures required to gain acceptance from each ministry of traffic,” he explains. “Colors must be certified, but more importantly, the entire system must be certified.  Orafol will be leading the certification process based on their relationships, reputation and experience in this market.”  Not only must colors be specific in order to pass certification, but inks also must demonstrate good adhesion to the reflective materials and last a long time under varying light and weather conditions. The new traffic sign manufacturing system consists of three components:  the ORALITE ® UV traffic sign printer developed by Grapo, custom inks developed by Orafol, and microprismatic reflective material provided by Orafol.

“Because of this easy and reliable technology we expect to see good market reception to this breakthrough solution.” said Dr. Loclair, Managing Director of Orafol. “We are excited to be able to show samples of printed reflective material using this system at  Intertraffic Amsterdam 23-25 March 2010 .” Orafol can be found in Hall 1, Booth 203 at the show.

Agile Development Ensures Fast Production of Niche Products

“This is only one niche market we have been investigating,” said Kralik, “and we are extremely pleased that our nimble and flexible R&D organization was able to respond quickly to the needs of this market as presented to us by Orafol.  This is only one example of how our R&D efforts can benefit not only niche markets but the market as a whole in an environment where new applications arise frequently and requirements for existing applications can change quickly.”

Adobe Systems Incorporated today reported financial results for its first quarter fiscal year 2010 ended March 5, 2010.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2010, Adobe achieved revenue of $858.7 million, compared to $786.4 million reported for the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $757.3 million reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  This represents 9 percent year-over-year revenue growth.  Adobe's first quarter revenue target range was $800 to $850 million.

"Stability in our creative business, combined with strength in our Acrobat and Omniture solutions, helped drive strong financial performance in Q1," said Shantanu Narayen, president and CEO of Adobe.  "The market trends enabling our diverse business remain strong and we are bullish about the upcoming launches of Flash Player and Creative Suite."

First Quarter Fiscal 2010 GAAP Results

Adobe's GAAP diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were $0.24, based on 532.6 million weighted average shares. This compares with GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.30 reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 based on 527.8 million weighted average shares, and GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.06 reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 based on 532.0 million weighted average shares.

GAAP operating income was $176.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $207.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $153.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  As a percent of revenue, GAAP operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was 20.6 percent, compared to 26.4 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and 20.3 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

GAAP net income was $127.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to GAAP net income of $156.4 million reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and GAAP net loss of $32.0 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

First Quarter Fiscal 2010 Non-GAAP Results

Adobe's non-GAAP diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of fiscal 2010 were $0.40.  This compares with non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.45 reported in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.39 reported in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Adobe's non-GAAP operating income was $289.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $295.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $265.2 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  As a percent of revenue, non-GAAP operating income in the first quarter of fiscal 2010 was 33.7 percent, compared to 37.5 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and 35.0 percent in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Non-GAAP net income was $211.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, compared to $236.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and $206.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.

Reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP results is provided at the end of this press release.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2010 Financial Targets

For the second quarter of fiscal 2010, Adobe is targeting revenue of $875 million to $925 million.  The Company's operating margin is targeted to be 21.0 percent to 24.5 percent on a GAAP basis, and 33.5 percent to 35.5 percent on a non-GAAP basis.  In addition, the Company is targeting its share count to be between 531 million and 535 million shares, and it is targeting non-operating expense between $16 million and $18 million.  Adobe's GAAP and non-GAAP tax rate is expected to be approximately 25 percent.

These targets lead to a second quarter diluted earnings per share target range of $0.23 to $0.30 on a GAAP basis, and an earnings per share target range of $0.39 to $0.44 on a non-GAAP basis.

Citing a surge in market demand for its Spectra brand printheads that began in 2008 and more recent design mandates for its new, high-performance Polaris Q-Class units, FUJIFILM Dimatix is calling the China Sign Expo 2010 a resounding success and a sign of greater things to come.

More than 40,000 sign industry professionals from all over the world attended the China Sign Expo held in the International Exhibition Center here from March 2nd through 6th, 2010. Nine of the leading Chinese printer manufacturers and dealers showed 34 wide-format printers based on FUJIFILM Dimatix Spectra brand printheads in the 30,000 sq-m show floor. Of those, 22 were powered by new Polaris PQ-512 series Q-Class printheads.

"For FUJIFILM Dimatix, for the OEM manufacturers who design and build the printers and for the dealers who sell them, China Sign Expo 2010 was an outstanding show!" said Howard Baldwin, Vice President of Sales.

"In the 3.2-meter category our high-performance, ultra-slim Polaris PQ-512/15 and new PQ-512/35 printheads dominated by every meaningful measure the wide-format product offerings on the show floor, while the new Polaris PQ-512/85 printhead helped to break the performance barrier on a 5-meter grand-format printer using only two printheads per color to produce 200 sq-m/hour in two-pass mode" Baldwin exclaimed.

The shared physical features and identical interfaces common to all Polaris models allow the printhead to be easily used across many different printer models and applications. Everything from a 15 picoliter close-up viewed point-of-purchase or 85 picoliter long-distance viewed graphics to a 200 picoliter coating on differing media with different ink types are covered by an extensive range of drop sizes and compatible ink types.

Commenting on the versatile Spectra Polaris series, Jiang Hong, CEO of Runtianzhi Flora remarked, "I have been waiting for this type of printhead for many years. The new Spectra Polaris family of heads from Dimatix is taking inkjet to a new level in performance with the highest speed and quality in the market today. The additional water capability, along with traditional solvents and UV-curing inks, can serve a wide variety of applications."

Other leading manufacturers and dealers also featured FUJIFILM Dimatix printhead designs.

• Wit-Color Digital Science & Technology Co. presented seven Polaris-based printers, including two it debuted as part of its new 3.2-m 4-head Smart Polaris series, which is capable of imaging media at resolutions up to 720 x 600 dpi and at rates up to 85 sq-m/hr.
• Zhejiang Gongzheng Technology Development Co., Ltd. showed six Spectra-based 3.2-m devices, including five utilizing from two to six Polaris PQ-512 series heads that were capable of imaging up to 600 x 800 dpi at rates from 23- to 46 sq-m/hr.
• Teckwin International debut its new TS3000 flatbed featuring 12 Polaris PQ-512/15 printheads, and also showed its UV3200 design with eight Polaris PQ-512/15 heads.
• Anhui Liyu Computer Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. displayed its PS3208 wide-format featuring eight Polaris PQ-512/15 heads.
• Honghua Digital Technology Stock Co. Ltd featured six Spectra-based printers, including three machines powered by the Polaris PQ-512/15 and the new PQ-512/35 and PQ-512/85 printheads.
• Major printer dealers Yong Xiang and Beijin Technology Development Co. showed Agfa GandiJet and DGI Polarjet, and Honghua Nano printers powered by FUJIFILM Dimatix Spectra brand S-Class and Nova, and Skywalker printheads, respectively.

Spectra Polaris PQ-512 printheads utilize the binary operating capability of Dimatix' VersaDropTM jetting technology and Q-Class hybrid construction to deliver ink drop sizes from 15 to 200 picoliters from 512 individually addressable nozzles at frequencies up to 45 kHz fired at 8 meters/second velocity with exceptional straightness.

Polaris series printheads are compatible with a broad range of inks, including UV-curable inks and aggressive organic solvents, making them suitable for a variety of commercial and industrial printing applications such as wide-format, label and package printing, at resolutions to 1000 dpi. An integral mounting bezel designed with precision registration points enables drop-in alignment - a unique feature that allows each 256-channel jet module to be exchanged and accurately registered in the field without the need for special tools or recalibration.