SMA Solar inverter output in the first quarter sales of more than 1 GW

Niestetal, - SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA / FWB: S92) still maintains its expectations for the year 2011, although the first-quarter sales figures declined. The total sales for the first three months of 255.9 million euros, over the company expected, but still lower than the previous year data (2010 first quarter sales of 339.3 million euros of data). Customers still maintained a high inventory levels, however, important European solar market movements and the incentive plan for the future is expected to decline in module prices have led to this quarter for the decline in demand for solar inverters.

Compared with the same quarter last year, the company export rate almost doubled. SMA Solar Technology AG CEO Günther Cramer explains: "These data confirm the company's strong market share in the global market (companies across four continents have 17 branches), and is particularly remarkable in several prospects in the PV market active development. "one quarter, exports reached 66.4% (38.8% in 2010 export rate). The most important international markets, including Italy, North America, Australia and France.

SMA PV inverters first quarter total sales capacity of 1,019 MW (2010 years 1,288 MW). Sunny Tripower phase inverter has been awarded the prize, the company is one of the most successful products. Günther Cramer stressed that: "The market's strong response to the Sunny Tripower SMA again proved decisive technological advantage." In 2011 the company plans to develop a budget of 100 million euros, which will be further expanded in the past on the basis of the company's technological superiority.

Although a quarter of the fourth quarter of 2010, income was only half of total revenue, SMA EBIT in the quarter total revenue remains high at € 13.7 million (first quarter of 2010 was 92.4 million euros), which depends on the company's highly elastic system. This is 5.4% EBIT margin coincide. Consolidated net profit of € 10.3 million (first quarter 2010 total revenue of € 66.6 million), while earnings per share reached € 0.3 (2010 first quarter was 1.92 euros).

SMA net cash income for the first quarter fell to 462 million euros (December 31, 2010 was 523.4 million euros), mainly with the weak links and business development related to changes in net working capital. SMA's balance sheet structure remains solid, and its equity ratio was 57.5%.

March 31, 2011 net working capital has risen to € 314.9 million (December 31, 2010 was 284.6 million euros), reaching the last 12 months 17.1% of total sales. While the ratio is less than the company's management expected 18-20% range. Net operating costs increased mainly due to planned increases for raw materials, consumables, supplies inventory, but due to business reasons for the increase in the final product inventory.

SMA products, demand early in the second quarter rose slightly. Significant sales on the international market to stimulate a steady stream. SMA Board expects that the second half of this year than in the first half of the development activity greatly increased, and estimated 2011 annual sales will be 1.5 to 1.9 billion euros between the margin of 21-25%.

As the degree of expansion of renewable energy deepening of photovoltaic systems technology will occupy a special importance. Particularly through innovative solutions and integrated power consumption optimization method since, SMA will seize this opportunity for all to see. In addition, the company will not only expand the existing sales and service company's size, is also preparing in Japan and Thailand open a new branch, which will further narrow the distance with customers worldwide.

2010, SMA Group generated sales exceeding 19 billion euros. As a key component of all solarpower plants - supplier of PV inverters, SMA leadership position in the global market. SMA Group is headquartered in Germany Niestetal (belonging to Kassel) in the world, a total of 17 branches. As of 2010, the Group has more than 5,000 employees (including temporary employees).

SMA product portfolio covers the market's most complete product line inverter can be any type of module and the power plant of any size to provide a suitable inverter. Products covered for connecting grid and off-grid inverter PV power plant system. In 2008, the group's holding company SMA Solar Technology AG at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange's Main Market (S92) successfully listed, was included in the TecDAX index. In recent years, the best employers in the awards too numerous to mention, most recently in the federal "best work environment" won championship events.