As expected, RoodMicrotec's total sales in the first quarter of 2013 did not yet show any recovery, and thus were in line with the first quarter of 2012 and weaker than in the fourth quarter of 2012. Sales in the first quarter are virtually always somewhat weaker than in the fourth, and that has been the case this year as well. This is in line with the trend in the global semiconductor industry, which is marked by a lesser first half year and a stronger second half year. In the first months of this year the semiconductor industry did not show any recovery yet, but the outlook for 2013 is positive.

Both the number of applications and offers and our order portfolio clearly increased in the first quarter, pretty much across the board. Also, we did a great deal of preparatory work for future sales, which should result in higher sales in the second half of this year and next year.

Outlook for 2013
In the first three months of 2013 the semiconductor market was at more or less the same level as in the corresponding period in 2012, but the expectations for the full year 2013, and in particular the second half, are very positive (+4.5%), and the market is expected to grow further (+5.2%) in 2014.

In view of this market outlook we expect, in line the development of the semiconductor market, a sales increase in the second half of 2013. We aim to compensate for our current problems in the second half of 2013.

We maintain our previously stated long-term objective of annual autonomous growth of between 3% and 13% at an average growth of the semiconductor market of 6%, of improving the operating result and the net result, and of further reducing our debt position.