Garbsen, April 26^th, 2019 - According to preliminary figures, LPKF Laser & Electronics AG achieved a revenue of EUR 36 million in the first quarter of 2019, which corresponds to an increase of 85% compared to Q1 2018 (EUR 19.7 million) and is slightly above the company's expectations (EUR 30 million - EUR 35 million).

Due to the strong growth in sales, particularly in the Solar and Electronics segments, the company expects significantly higher earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) compared with the same period of the previous year. According to preliminary figures, EBIT for the first quarter of 2019 is approx. EUR 6 million (previous year: EUR -2.3 million). This includes a positive one-off effect of EUR 0.6 million.

At EUR 22 million, incoming orders in the first quarter were below Q1 2018 (EUR 29.0 million). As of March 31, 2019, orders on hand amounted to EUR 43 million (previous year: EUR 47.9 million). This results in a book-to-bill ratio of 0.6.

Since LPKF generates part of its revenue with project business, the Management Board expects fluctuations in incoming orders, revenue and earnings at the quarterly level in the future as well. The Management Board sees the company consistently on the right track and confirms its guidance.

For 2019, the Management Board continues to expect Group sales of between EUR 130 million and EUR 135 million and an EBIT margin of between 8% and 12%, assuming a stable development of the global economy. This corresponds to a ROCE of between 10% and 15%.

In subsequent years, the Management Board intends to further increase the company's profitability and generate a sustainable EBIT margin of more than 12%.  

The quarterly financial report will be published on 14 May.
 
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