LPKF Earnings Down, Orders Up

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG said it lost ground on both earnings and revenue in the first half of 2014, despite surging orders.

Revenue in the first six months of the year was €45.6 million ($60.9 million), down 35 percent from €69.9 million ($93.4 million) in the first half of 2013, which the company said was unusually high. Earnings before interest and taxes were €1.6 million ($2.1 million), down 89 percent from €15.0 million ($20 million) in the first half of 2013.

Incoming orders, meanwhile were €79.7 million ($106.5 million) in the first six months of 2014, an increase of 41 percent over the same period last year. Sales of its laser direct structuring and solar cell structuring systems has been particularly strong in the first half-year, the company said. Its systems are also used in electronics fabrication, medical technology and the automotive industry.

The company said it prevailed in a patent lawsuit against smartphone maker Motorola and expects to generate revenue of €132 million to €140 million ($176 million to $140 million) by year’s end.

For more information, visit www.lpkf.com.