VAT media release on Q1 2026 sales expectations

Media Release

Haag, Switzerland, March 31, 2026

• VAT with very strong order intake in the first quarter of 2026
• Conflict-related disruptions in the supply chain and adjustments to customer configurations led to delayed revenue recognition
• VAT now expects sales for the first quarter of around CHF 215 million
• Expected book-to-bill ratio for the first quarter to be around 1.6x
• Positive outlook for business year 2026 confirmed

In the first quarter of 2026, demand in the semiconductor industry remained high. This led to very strong growth in order intake at VAT. However, due to conflict-related and temporary disruptions in its supply chain and adjustments to customer specifications, VAT now expects sales for the first quarter of 2026 of around CHF 215 million and below the guidance given at the beginning of March of CHF 240-260 million. The book-to-bill ratio is expected to be around 1.6x for the first quarter.

The outbreak of the Middle East conflict in late February led to partial and temporary disruptions in VAT's supply chain. Furthermore, late delivery of certain components and materials resulted in short-term adjustments to existing orders. In total, the negative impact on sales is estimated at approximately CHF 25 to 30 million in the first quarter. The situation has since been mitigated, and the reconfigured orders are expected to be delivered during the second quarter.

VAT confirms positive outlook for 2026 and expects that order intake, revenue, EBITDA, EBITDA margin, net profit, and free cash flow for the full year 2026 will exceed the 2025 levels.

More details will be provided during the trading update for the first quarter of 2026 on April 16, 2026. For further information, please contact:

VAT Group AG

Michel R. Gerber Christopher Wickli

Head of Marketing and Communications Investor Relations Manager and Investor Relations

T +41 81 553 70 13 T +41 81 553 75 39

investors@vatgroup.com

ABOUT VAT

We are changing the world with vacuum solutions-that is our purpose as the world's leading provider of high-end vacuum valves. The Group reports in two segments: Valves and Global Service. The Valves segment is a global developer, manufacturer, and supplier of vacuum valves for the semiconductor, display, photovoltaic, and vacuum coating industries, as well as for industrial and research applications. Global Service offers customers local expert support and provides original spare parts, repairs, and upgrades. VAT generated net sales of CHF 1,074 million in 2025 and employs approximately 3,250 people worldwide, with representatives in 29 countries and production sites in Switzerland, Malaysia, and Romania.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected. All statements that do not constitute historical facts (including statements containing the words "believes," "plans," "assumes," "expects," "estimates," and similar expressions) are to be understood as forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and contingencies, as they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future. This may result in the company's actual results, performance, or achievements differing materially from those expressly or implicitly stated in such statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties are related to factors beyond the Company's ability to control or accurately estimate-such as future market conditions, currency fluctuations, the behavior of other market participants, the performance, security, and reliability of the company's IT systems, as well as political, economic, and regulatory changes in the countries where the company operates, or economic and technological trends and conditions. Investors are therefore advised not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, VAT disclaims any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements as a result of developments after the date of this announcement.