LPKF: Solid Business Performance in the First Half of 2024

Garbsen, July 25, 2024 - LPKF Laser & Electronics SE reported a revenue increase of 15% year-on-year, amounting to EUR 55.2 million in the first half of 2024. Despite a rise in revenue, the company faced challenges, recording earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR -5.5 million, an improvement from the previous year's EUR -7.1 million.

The second quarter saw revenue of EUR 29.8 million and an EBIT of EUR -1.1 million, aligning with forecasts. However, incoming orders dropped by 8% to EUR 61.1 million, and the order backlog decreased to EUR 65.5 million.

CEO Klaus Fiedler highlighted a positive trend in the Semiconductor, Depaneling, and Solar segments, despite some reluctance to invest among customer groups. Significant progress was made with the LIDE technology, crucial for AI-driven computing. The Solar segment also showed promise, driven by global demand for thin-film solar modules.

New product launches, such as CellShepherd in the biotech market, marked strategic expansions. The Management Board, aiming to enhance profitability, collaborates with an external consultant to optimize costs.

For the third quarter, LPKF forecasts revenue of EUR 26-31 million and an adjusted EBIT of EUR -3 to 2 million. The full-year forecast was narrowed, projecting revenue of EUR 130-135 million and an adjusted EBIT margin of 4-7%.