Garbsen/Hannover, 22 March 2005 – LPKF Laser & Electronics AG, Garbsen/Hannover, the globally active specialist for system and process solutions for PCB technology and microelectronics, concludes the 4th quarter 2004 with much higher turnover and profit for the whole of 2004.
 
LPKF Laser & Electronics AG finished the 2004 financial year with an 11 per cent rise in turnover to € 25.17 million (2003 financial year: 22.67 million) and a rise in profits to K€ 930 (2003 financial year: K€ 768). This considerable improvement in performance is mainly attributable to the company’s major sales success with cutting and drilling lasers in Asia. 35 per cent of the Group’s overall turnover is now being generated in Asia. Growth in turnover in the Asian market rose 50 per cent in the 2004 financial year. New inspection systems for the packaging of chips are also selling well and have very promising potential.

In addition to the macroeconomic upswing, positive impulses for the company’s business come from the numerous new and further developed products which have been positively accepted by LPKF Laser & Electronics’ customers. Thanks to this favourable trend, the management will seek approval at the annual general meeting for a dividend payment of 4 Cents per share.

EBIT for the Group in the 2004 financial year rose 34 per cent to € 1.73 million (2003 financial year: € 1.29 million). Group financial resources at 31.12.2004 increased by around 19 per cent to € 7.13 million (2003 financial year: € 6.00 million).

LPKF AG expects the new developments in all product segments to win new customers and stimulate existing customers to order new equipment. This will create the basis for a boost in turnover to € 30 million in the ongoing financial year and a further improvement in profits. The management is forecasting particularly strong growth here in the PCB Production Systems and Rapid PCB Prototyping segments.

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG considers the figures for the 2004 financial year and the current high level of orders in hand compared to the previous year as strong evidence that it is charting a positive course for solid growth. The company is committed to continuing this dynamic growth by rigorously implementing its marketing strategies.

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