Garbsen, August 15, 2017 - Following a strong first quarter, LPKF Laser & Electronics AG's revenue in the second quarter was slightly weaker but incoming orders continued to rise. All in all, the Group generated revenue of EUR 44.8 million in the first half of the year, up 13% on the same period of the previous year. Incoming orders increased by 6% to EUR 62.8 million, resulting in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.4. Orders on hand rose by 40% to EUR 45.7 million.

As expected, the revenue generated in the second quarter was not yet sufficient to result in positive EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) for the first half of the year. EBIT for the second quarter was negative at EUR 2.8 million. EBIT for the first half of the year as a whole therefore totaled EUR -2.7 million, corresponding to an EBIT margin of -6.1%. The net loss for the period was reduced significantly thanks to the revenue growth and the effects of cost savings.

All four segments recorded revenue growth in the first half of the year. Growth varied considerably from segment to segment, partly due to differences in the starting positions in the previous year. According to CEO Dr. Ingo Bretthauer, it is pleasing to see that the Group's growth is now broad-based. The SolarQuipment segment with systems for solar cell structuring continued its positive development and its current level of orders on hand will extend well into 2018.

The WeldingQuipment segment, which produces plastic welding systems, has also enjoyed an extremely strong first half of the year with revenue growth of 17.5%. Incoming orders also developed positively with a book-to-bill ratio of > 1.

Based on the good level of orders on hand, Bretthauer is optimistic for the future but also warns against premature euphoria: "The prospects for achieving our targets for the year have improved further. But we still have six important months ahead of us. As so often, the fourth quarter will play a particularly important role in terms of our target attainment."

The Management Board is confirming its forecast for the 2017 financial year. If the global economy remains stable, this means it expects to generate revenue of between EUR 92 million and EUR 100 million and an EBIT margin of between 1% and 5% for the year as a whole. Revenue is set to continue to grow in the coming 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