STOCKHOLM, March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Based on
Pricer's record-high order backlog in combination with an improved
situation in supply chain, the company's view is currently that the
effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) will be limited. We
anticipate certain timing effects regarding deliveries and
completion of store installations that may have a moderate negative
effect in the first quarter of 2020. The main impact that we see is
that customer dialogues regarding test and pilot projects are being
postponed.
Pricer provides a digital in-store communication system with
solutions that significantly improve the efficiency of several
critical and time-consuming store processes, such as pricing,
replenishment, in-store picking and inventory management. The
addressable market consists of retail chains within the grocery,
DIY, consumer electronics and pharmacy verticals.
For Pricer, January and February
2020 reported a strong start of the year with an order
intake showing strong growth compared to the same period last year
and net sales that were in line with expectations based on the
proportion of the order backlog planned for delivery in the first
quarter. The order intake includes a stable flow of small and
medium-sized orders combined with a follow-up order from an
existing US customer of approximately 300 MSEK. This comes in
addition to the record-high order backlog of more than 700 MSEK
that the company brought into the year and which is expected to be
delivered in full during 2020.
As a result of the COVID-19 virus spreading around the world,
several countries in March have taken decisions that may restrain
retailers from carrying out their businesses effectively. It is
likely that these measures will result in delayed investment
decisions in several of Pricer's most important markets and hence
impact the company's order intake going forward. So far, we have
not experienced any interrupted negotiations, but we do experience
postponed customer dialogues relating to test and pilot
projects.
We expect an impact on net sales in March as a result of
installation projects that cannot be finalized before the end of
the quarter and therefore moves into April, as well as a few
deliveries that are postponed to the second quarter. The company's
view is that the flow of small and medium-sized orders will be
temporarily slowed as our customers need to focus on internal
priorities until their operations are back to normal. Apart from
that, the supply chain situation is recovering well, and lead times
are improving, although some logistics challenges remain.
For the time being, it is not possible to quantify the financial
implications resulting from the COVID-19. The company monitors
developments closely and remain in constant dialogue with both
suppliers and customers to mitigate risks that arise as a
consequence of the spread of virus. Pricer has a strong financial
position with a continued high net cash position and has no plans
for reductions in its operations.
This information is information that Pricer AB is obliged to
make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The
information was submitted for publication, through the agency of
the contact persons set out above, at 10:00
CET on March 19, 2020.
Every care has been taken in the translation of this
document. In the event of discrepancies, the Swedish original will
supersede the English translation.
For further information, please contact:
Helena Holmgren
President and CEO
+46-702-870-068
Susanne Andersson
CFO
+46-730-668-904
info@pricer.com
About Pricer
Pricer AB, founded in Sweden in
1991, listed on the NASDAQ Stockholm, is a global leader in
providing in-store digital shelf-edge solutions that enhance both
store performance and the shopping experience. The increasingly
feature-rich Pricer platform is fast, robust, interconnectable and
scalable. For further information, please visit
www.pricer.com
This information was brought to you by Cision
http://news.cision.com
https://news.cision.com/pricer/r/pricer--update-on-possible-effects-of-the-coronavirus--covid-19-,c3063555
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