. 3Q09 revenue of EUR 19.6 million, -47.3% vs. 3Q08 (-35.8% at constant exchange rate and excluding the 2008 big events rentals), and a continued improvement compared to the last three quarters
. Acceleration of studio focused R&D investments: +25% vs. 2008
. 3Q09 EBIT margin of 47.5%; 3Q09 earnings per share of EUR 0.42
. Autumn order book of EUR 28.0 million (+142.8%), incl. EUR 11.8 million orders to be invoiced in 2010 and beyond
. Major studio contract with Sky News, to be delivered over the next six months
. New global service agreement for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics exceeding EUR 1 million
. 2009 is a transition year towards a stronger 2010
. EUR 1.00 gross interim dividend per share to be paid at the end of November

Liège (Belgium), November 12, 2009, EVS Broadcast Equipment S.A. (Euronext Brussels: EVS.BR, Bloomberg: EVS BB, Reuters: EVSB.BR) (Pinksheets: EVBEF), the leader in Professional Digital Video applications for live, near-live and studio TV production, today reported its results for the third quarter ("3Q09") and the first nine months ("9M09") of 2009.


Key highlights

Pierre L'Hoest, CEO of EVS said: "The market continues to be challenging for the broadcast industry. The somewhat improving sentiment about the global economic environment has pushed some clients to realize some catch up purchases, and some other clients to start thinking about large projects again, but it remains unclear whether the coming months will show clear signs of recovery or continued cautiousness in the broadcast industry. In that market, we will continue to focus on the development and launch of new solutions that will bring the clients to the next level. We are also very proud that Sky News has elected EVS as key partner for the launch of its new HD news channel in the spring of 2010. This project will help us extending our know-how in the studio market as we develop some customized tools for it."

Commenting on the results and perspectives, Jacques Galloy, CFO added: "The uncertain economic environment will continue to weigh on our business performance this year. Despite lower sales, we have decided to accelerate our R&D investments and have opened new R&D centers in Brussels and Paris as well as a new subsidiary in Switzerland. The 47.5% EBIT margin during the first nine months of 2009, as well as the interim dividend, show the resilience of the company during such a downturn. Following record year 2008, 2009 is a transition year towards a stronger 2010."


Corporate Calendar:
Monday November 23, 2009 Interim dividend - ex date
Wednesday November 25, 2009 Interim dividend - record date
Thursday November 26, 2009 Interim dividend - payment date
Thursday February 11, 2010 FY09 earnings
Tuesday May 11, 2010 1Q10 earnings
Tuesday May 18, 2010 Combined Ordinary and Extraordinary General Meeting