The technological strengths of centrotherm photovoltaics AG have once again proven their worth in the first half of 2011. In the first six months the world’s leading supplier of equipment and technology to the photovoltaics sector increased its sales by 54.0 % to EUR 428.6 million (H1 2010: EUR 278.3 million). At the same time, consolidated operating profits (EBIT) were up 57.2 % at EUR 53.2 million (H1 2010: EUR 33.9 million). The EBIT margin came in at 12.4 % (H1 2010: 12.2 %). The Solar Cell & Module division accounted for the lion’s share of the company’s success, contributing around 89 % of sales with an EBIT margin of 21.4 % (H1 2010: 23.4 %). Consolidated earnings in the first half were up 63.3 % at EUR 37.4 million (H1 2010: EUR 22.9 million). As a result, earnings per share climbed 63.9 % to EUR 1.77 (H1 2010: EUR 1.08). The equity ratio amounted to 44.7 % (December 31, 2010: 49.2 %). The return on capital employed (ROCE) rose to 29.8 % (H1 2010: 26.5 %).
“In the first six months of this year, we have profited from strong demand which is clearly reflected in our Group figures,” commented Dr. Thomas Riegler, CFO of centrotherm photovoltaics AG. “Sales were driven predominantly by single systems which accounted for 86.1 % of sales revenues – that‘s more than four fifths – especially in the Solar Cell & Module segment.” Sales revenues generated by the service and replacement parts business in the first half of 2011 climbed 79.7 % to EUR 17.0 million (H1 2010: EUR 9.5 million). This business is scheduled for further development in future.
