News Article
Riber revenues rocket 40%
MBE tool sales up 4% compared to 2010 due to high sales to manufacturers and research centres in the compound semiconductor industry
The provider of MBE equipment saw €29.0 million in revenues for 2011, an increase of 40% in relation to 2010. Fourth-quarter revenues came to €10.5 million.
Revenue growth for the provider was driven mainly by the increase in sales of evaporation sources, which multiplied by four over the year. This was mainly due to delivery of major investment orders aimed at setting up OLED screen production lines.
MBE system sales were up 4% in relation to 2010 at €11.5 million, reflective of the good level of sales to compound semiconductor industrial firms and research centres. In 2011, 10 MBE systems were delivered, including three production systems.
The services and accessories business was down 18%, set against a slowdown in the North American market.
Outlook
The fourth quarter of 2011 saw a dynamic level of commercial development. During the period, Riber received nine MBE systems orders, including one production system and eight research systems. More specifically, this growth was achieved thanks to the continued strengthening of positions in Europe and China.
On December 31st, 2011, the order book represented €19.4 million, 12% higher than the previous year. It primarily includes 15 MBE systems, with two production systems and 13 research systems. Only one system is due to be delivered after 2012.
Cells and sources order book significantly decreased following the completion of investments in generation 5 ¼ OLED production lines. Riber is currently preparing the next-generation cells range for its next investment steps.
2011 full-year earnings will be released on March 29th, 2012 (before start of trading).
