Garbsen, 11 October 2018 - According to preliminary figures, LPKF Laser & Electronics AG generated revenue of EUR 30 million in the third quarter of 2018, an increase of 11% compared to the same period of the previous year (Q3 2017: EUR 26.5 million). After nine months, Group sales reached EUR 88 million, up 23% on the previous year's figure of EUR 71.4 million.

At EUR 104 million, incoming orders after nine months were 14% higher than the previous year's figure of EUR 91.3 million. In the third quarter, incoming orders amounted to EUR 32 million after EUR 28.5 million in the same period of the previous year. The orders on hand also continued to rise, reaching EUR 54 million as of September 30, 2018 (previous year: EUR 47.5 million). This results in a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2.

The Management Board considers the renewed positive quarterly figures a clear sign of LPKF's stable and sustainable growth course. 

Due to the good order and revenue development in the third quarter, the Management Board raises its revenue guidance for 2018. The EBIT forecast is currently unchanged.

For 2018, with a stable development of the global economy, the Management Board expects consolidated sales of between EUR 115 and 120 million (previously: EUR 110 and 115 million) and a return on capital employed (ROCE) of between 2 and 7 %. An EBIT margin of up to 6 % is expected.
LPKF aims to achieve a ROCE between 10 and 15 % by 2020.

Earnings figures will be published together with the complete quarterly financial report on November 15.
  Explanation of key figures
EBIT: Earnings before interest and taxes
Book-to-bill ratio: Incoming orders / revenue
EBIT margin: Earnings before interest and taxes / sales x 100
ROCE: Earnings before interest and taxes / Intangible assets + Property, plant and equipment + Inventories + Trade receivables - Advance payments received


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