In the 2007 first half, Haulotte Group attained a new record with sales of €310.2 million (unaudited) (about U.S. $427.2 million) versus €236.9 million (about U.S. $326.2 million) in the equivalent prior-year period, an increase of 31 percent.
Europe continued to account for 90 percent of revenue. Breakdown by business highlighted the growing contribution of equipment sales, which increased by one point as compared to the first half of 2006 to 85 percent of total revenue.
The share of rental activity declined one point to 10 percent; services (including financing activities) remain stable at 5 percent.
For the full year, Haulotte confirms that the high-end guidance of annual sales growth at close to 25 percent. On the basis of this favorable sales trend, the company expected a rise in order intakes of more than 50 percent at the end of June. The Group confirms forecasts for full-year sales growth approaching 25 percent. This figure represents the high end of the revised guidance range issued in April.
For the net profits’ objectives, Haulotte Group maintains guidance close to 12 percent for full-year ’07as the continuing weakness of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro and persistent pressures on raw material since the beginning of the year limit the positive impact of the stronger-than-expected sales growth.
