Singulus Technologies AG – Strategic Realignment and New Semiconductor Contract

Singulus Technologies AG, a German industrial machinery specialist listed on Xetra, has announced two decisive moves that reshape its business trajectory. On the one hand, the company is divesting its entire “Optical Data Storage” (OD) segment to Sonopress GmbH, a global leader in CD, DVD and Blu‑ray replication. On the other hand, it has secured an additional order for a modular vacuum coating system tailored to semiconductor technology. These actions signal a deliberate pivot from legacy optical media into the high‑growth semiconductor and photovoltaic markets.

1. Divestiture of the Optical Data Storage Business

For several weeks, German financial news outlets – Finanznachrichten, Anleihen‑Finder, Anleihencheck, BondGuide, 4Investors – have reported that Singulus has sold its OD division to Sonopress. The transaction, executed with immediate effect, involved the transfer of all service and spare‑parts activities linked to optical disc manufacturing. No financial terms were disclosed, and both parties agreed to a confidentiality clause.

This divestiture is significant for several reasons:

  • Portfolio Concentration: By shedding a segment that has seen declining demand in an age of digital streaming, Singulus can reallocate resources to higher‑margin, higher‑growth sectors.
  • Capital Efficiency: Although the sale price is undisclosed, the exit removes a legacy cost base, potentially improving cash flow and enabling future investment in semiconductor and solar‑cell equipment.
  • Strategic Alignment: Sonopress’s expertise in optical media service complements its core replication business, while Singulus can now focus on vacuum coating and crystalline‑silicon technology.

Critics may argue that the divestiture signals a retreat from the optical market, yet the move reflects an understanding that the industry’s future lies elsewhere.

2. New Order for a Modular Vacuum Coating System

In parallel, Singulus announced that it has secured another order for a modular vacuum coating system targeting the semiconductor technology segment. The announcement, made via press releases on Finanznachrichten, WebNews and Pressetext, was accompanied by a reference to Article 17 MAR, indicating that the information was released in compliance with insider‑information regulations.

Key implications of this contract include:

  • Entry into a High‑Growth Market: Semiconductor manufacturing is projected to expand rapidly, driven by AI, automotive electronics, and 5G. A vacuum coating system is critical for depositing thin films on wafers, and Singulus’s solution positions it as a supplier of essential equipment.
  • Modular Design Advantage: The system’s modularity allows scalability and easier integration into existing fabs, giving Singulus a competitive edge over monolithic competitors.
  • Revenue Diversification: Coupled with the divestiture, the new contract diversifies Singulus’s revenue base away from the declining optical sector.

The timing of the announcement – on the same day as the divestiture – suggests a coordinated strategy: liquidate a diminishing business line while simultaneously investing in a burgeoning market.

3. Financial Context

  • Stock Performance: As of 28 December 2025, Singulus traded at €1.365, well below its 52‑week low of €0.90. The price‑earnings ratio is negative (-1.67), reflecting current losses likely due to restructuring and investment costs.
  • Market Capitalization: The company’s market cap stands at approximately €11.54 million, indicating a small cap status that makes it sensitive to strategic shifts.
  • Operational Focus: The company’s core products include optical disc production lines, crystalline‑silicon solar‑cell wet‑chemical equipment, and vacuum coating processes. The new semiconductor contract dovetails with the existing vacuum coating expertise.

4. Strategic Outlook

The dual actions of divesting the OD segment and securing a semiconductor contract represent a bold repositioning. Singulus is aligning itself with two sectors that promise sustained growth:

  1. Semiconductor Equipment: Demand for advanced lithography, deposition, and etching tools is projected to grow as chip densities increase and new applications (e.g., autonomous vehicles) emerge.
  2. Solar‑Cell Manufacturing: Vacuum coating remains essential for high‑efficiency crystalline silicon cells, a market that continues to expand as renewable energy adoption accelerates.

If Singulus can leverage its engineering capabilities to penetrate deeper into these markets, it may overcome its current financial challenges and revive shareholder value. However, success will hinge on:

  • Execution Speed: Delivering the new vacuum coating system on schedule and within budget.
  • Market Acceptance: Convincing semiconductor fabs of the system’s reliability and performance.
  • Cost Management: Controlling R&D and production costs to avoid repeating past losses.

In conclusion, Singulus Technologies AG is taking decisive steps to shed a declining business and embrace high‑growth opportunities. Whether this strategy will translate into long‑term profitability remains to be seen, but the company’s moves indicate a clear intent to redefine its identity in the industrial machinery landscape.