Garbsen, May 11, 2017 - The laser specialist LPKF has made a good start to the current financial year. Revenue for the first three months amounted to EUR 24.5 million, up 65% on the same period of the previous year and significantly ahead of expectations. Operating income (EBIT) was positive at EUR 0.1 million, thereby exceeding the prior-year figure and the Company's expactations by some distance. All four segments of the LPKF Group contributed to this revenue growth and improved their profitability. This is supported by good order data. Incoming orders and orders on hand were up 52% and 83% respectively year-on-year. 

The SolarQuipment segment performed especially well in the first quarter. Segment revenue increased by 71% year-on-year, while incoming orders in the first three months were already in excess of the expected revenue for 2017 as a whole. This development continued in the second quarter with new major orders.

The systematic implementation of cost reduction measures in 2016 meant that LPKF closed the first quarter of 2017 with slightly positive operating income (EBIT). CEO Dr. Ingo Bretthauer sees this as a clear sign that the measures were a success. "We will continue acting with pronounced cost awareness in 2017. Our overriding short-term objective is to return to profitability for 2017 as a whole. The first quarter shows that we have every opportunity to achieve this aim."

The Management Board is confirming its forecast for the 2017 financial year. If the global economy remains stable, the Management Board anticipates revenue of between EUR 92 million and EUR 100 million and an EBIT margin of between 1% and 5%. Revenue is expected to continue to grow in the subsequent years. LPKF intends to return to generating EBIT margins of at least 10% in the medium term.

About LPKF
LPKF Laser & Electronics AG is a specialist for the manufacturing of laser systems for micro material processing and is a global leader in numerous fields. Formed in 1976, the Company has its head office in Garbsen near Hanover and is globally active via subsidiaries and representative offices. The shares of LPKF Laser & Electronics AG are listed on the Prime Standard segment of Deutsche Börse (ISIN 0006450000).


Contact:
Bettina Schäfer, Department Manager Group Communication & Investor Relations