Given the better-than-expected business performance of Nordex in the first quarter of 2014, the company’s Management Board has now raised its full-year sales and EBIT guidance.
Sales increased by 64 per cent to a record € 424.5 million (Q1/2013: € 259.0 million). At 71 per cent, the EMEA region (Europe and Africa) accounted for the bulk of business. However, sales in the Americas and Asia developed exceptionally well, rising to € 124.1 million (Q1/2013: € 14.5 million). Nordex’s service business also climbed to € 34.3 million in the first quarter (Q1/2013: € 30.8 million). Consolidated operating earnings rose to € 21.1 million (Q1/2013: negative operating earnings of € 0.7 million), due in particular to cost-cutting measures and improved capacity utilisation. A further contributing factor was the execution of more profitable orders. This is also reflected in the higher gross margin of 24.0 per cent (Q1/2013: 21.3%). Consolidated net profit amounted to € 9.1 million (Q1/2013: consolidated net loss of € 8.4 million). Order intake rose by 71 per cent to € 562 million (Q1/2013: € 328 million) in the first quarter. The Board is now looking for sales of € 1.5 - 1.6 billion (previous guidance € 1.4 - 1.5 billion). The EBIT margin is expected to reach 4.0 - 5.0 per cent (previous guidance 3.5 - 4.5 per cent).
