Riber reports first-half 2017 revenue up 80% year-on-year

For first-half 2017, Riber S.A. of Bezons, France, which manufactures molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) systems as well as evaporation sources and effusion cells, has reported revenue of €12.5m, up 80% on €7m in first-half 2016, comprising 57% from Asia (up from 56%), 12% from the USA (down from 24%) and 31% from Europe (up from 20%).

The strong growth reflects the major deliveries of evaporators (Cells & Sources) in the first quarter for the photovoltaic and screen industries (driving first-half sales to €8.8m, compared with just €1m in first-half 2016), as well as continued growth in sales of Services & Accessories during the second quarter (to €2.8m, up 18% on €2.4m in first-half 2016).

In terms of MBE Systems, one research system yielding €0.9m in revenue was billed during first-half 2017, compared with two systems (including one production unit) yielding €3.6m in revenue in first-half 2016.

Orders have almost doubled (up by 92%) from €8.8m in first-half 2016 to €16.8m, reflecting contributions by each business line.

Specifically, MBE System orders are up 76%, from €6m (four research systems plus one production system) in first-half 2016 to €10.5m (three research systems plus four production systems) in first-half 2017.

Orders for evaporators (Cells & Sources) have risen by70% from€0.7m to €1.2m, driven primarily by purchases relating to MBE systems.

Orders for Services & Accessories order have risen by 143% from €2.1m to from €5.1m, mainly confirming the upturn in customers’ production activities.

Considering the level of business recorded for first-half 2017 and the good visibility, Riber is raising its target for full-year 2017 revenue growth from 30% to at least 50%.

Full results for first-half 2017 earnings will be released on 26 September.