centrotherm international AG published preliminary, unaudited figures for the 2023 financial year in an ad hoc announcement. Accordingly, the Management Board anticipates total operating performance of around EUR 195 million with consolidated revenue of over EUR 150 million, and consequently lower total operating performance than forecast (forecast: EUR 220 million to EUR 260 million).
In contrast, EBITDA is expected to reach the forecast of a positive EBITDA in the low double-digit million range at EUR 19 million. At around EUR 270 million, the Group’s incoming orders will also be within the forecast range of EUR 250 million to EUR 350 million. The order backlog as at December 31, 2023 is expected to total around EUR 540 million.
Based on these positive preliminary business figures for 2023, the Executive Board believes that its strategy has been confirmed overall and has therefore decided today to examine strategic financing options. These options are aimed at further strengthening the company’s financial power in order to accelerate its continued growth and further strengthen its market position.
To this end, investments, particularly in research & development, the expansion of the product portfolio and in the global service network and customer service, are to be significantly increased. The possible financing options to be examined by the Management Board include, in particular, taking on a new strategic investor, carrying out capital increases, raising debt capital and issuing hybrid financial instruments such as convertible bonds or bonds with warrants.
Jan von Schuckmann, CEO of centrotherm international AG: “We are convinced that the potential expansion of our financial leeway can provide a strong new impetus for centrotherm’s future development, and that we can raise our innovative strength and market position to a new level. The timing for this is ideal to set the strategic course for an even stronger centrotherm at an early stage. This is particularly important for the sustainable success of our company and its employees in light of the anticipated global market growth and competitive environment.”
In recent years, centrotherm has successfully established itself as a technology provider and supplier of production solutions to leading manufacturers in both the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. The product portfolio was significantly expanded as part of the sustainable diversification strategy. As a consequence, centrotherm is now the market leader with its product portfolio for high-temperature processes for silicon carbide wafers.
Its customer base includes leading global manufacturers in the semiconductor industry. The high demand for sensors and microelectronic components that are used in renewable energies, e-mobility and artificial intelligence applications are key drivers of the positive business trend. centrotherm aims to consistently continue its growth, and to exploit the diverse opportunities arising from its core expertise in thermal production solutions to the best possible extent.
Original – centrotherm international