Ascom is on the right track with the implementation of its strategy - 2016 is a year of transformation

Ascom Group - 2016 is a year of transformation
Ascom is looking back to a challenging first-half year. Wireless Solutions achieved solid results with an overall flat revenue development and a double-digit EBITDA margin. However, the Group result was strongly impacted by the substantial loss in the Network Testing Division. In addition, one-time costs in connection with the change of the CEO, costs of exploring strategic options for Network Testing as well as consultancy costs in preparing the OneCompany structure lead to an additional deterioration of the result.

The Company closed first half-year 2016 with net revenue of CHF 181.3 million (H1/2015: CHF 201.6 million), an EBITDA of CHF 5.2 million (H1/2015: CHF 20.5 million) and a loss at Group level of CHF 5.6 million (Group profit H1/2015: CHF 11.4 million). Regardless of the first-half year result, Ascom is financially sound with cash and cash equivalents of CHF 33.6 million and a solid equity ratio of 35.5% as of 30 June 2016.

Wireless Solutions - Solid first half-year results
Wireless Solutions (accounting for about 80% of the Group's business) made further progress in its transformation towards becoming a leading provider of healthcare ICT and mobile workflow solutions. In the first half-year 2016, the division generated net revenue of CHF 146.5 million (H1/2015: CHF 147.1 million). The healthcare business (about 60% of the division's revenues) achieved net revenue growth of 6.8%. The drop in volume demand in the OEM channel and the investments made in connection with the transformation into a solutions provider contributed to lower profitability. The division achieved an EBITDA of CHF 14.6 million with a double-digit margin of 10.0% (H1/2015: 14.4%).

Strategic options for Network Testing
The division experienced a difficult first half-year due to the challenging market environment. Net revenue in the first half-year 2016 declined to CHF 35.2 million (H1/2015: CHF 54.6 million). Although the functional costs could be reduced by about CHF 2 million compared to the prior half-year, the division incurred a loss of CHF 7.9 million at EBITDA level.

In the last months, several intensive discussions with strategic and financial investors have taken place to evaluate strategic options for Network Testing. These discussions will be continued with the target to find a good solution for all stakeholders.

Ascom focuses on organic growth
Ascom Wireless Solutions has a good customer base mainly in Western Europe and in the USA and is expanding its presence to new geographic areas. The latest lighthouse wins in Australia and Singapore are good examples of Ascom's competitive edge. The Company wants to grow organically based on own expertise and a strong focus on innovation and software development. In order to participate in a broader way in workflow solutions, Ascom will increase its software development efforts and investments. In addition, new strategic alliances and partnerships will support the Company in implementing its strategy.

Fundamental transformational steps in 2016
The swift implementation of this Ascom 2020 strategy with sustainable profitable growth is a priority for the Board of Directors. The Board is convinced that it has initiated the right steps to accelerate its strategy under the leadership of Holger Cordes as new CEO of Ascom.

2016 is a year of transformation for Ascom. On the one hand, the Company plans to fully concentrate on the transformation of Ascom into a leading provider of healthcare ICT and mobile workflow solutions. On the other hand, Ascom as a Group will be converted from a divisional and regional set up to a OneCompany organization with one business, one mission and one culture.

A fast implementation of the new OneCompany organization is important to accelerate the execution of the strategy. Ascom will be tailored to be an agile one-business company focused on healthcare ICT and mobile workflow solutions with a significant lower cost base. The Company will accelerate the integration of the portfolio and enhance a comprehensive value proposition. A global platform approach in R&D, product management and process standardization will strengthen the market position. The organization and administration will be leaner and more aligned with customer needs. Ascom will accelerate the pace of innovation by building a world-class cutting-edge development team to enhance the software development capabilities.

Looking forward
Supported by the increased order backlog and a strong sales pipeline, Ascom expects a clearly stronger second half-year 2016 in both divisions; in particular, healthcare business is expected to grow at double-digit rates. However, second half-year result will be impacted by the costs for the OneCompany program of about CHF 10 million, which will lower the annual cost base by about CHF 10 million with a payback of 12 months.

Ascom will become one company with one mission and one culture in a very promising growing market. The focus on one business will lead to better earnings stability. The Board of Directors and the Management are convinced that Ascom is well positioned to achieve sustainable organic growth and to generate strong cash flows in the coming years.

KEY FIGURES 1^st Half-year

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Swiss GAAP FER accounting standards since the beginning of 2015. Prior 1^st half-year figures previously reported under IFRS have been restated accordingly.