ASSLAR (dpa-AFX) - Vacuum pump specialist Pfeiffer Vacuum again increased sales in the past quarter. However, investments, for example in IT and production capacities, reduced operating profits. Sales for the three months through the end of June climbed by 8.5 percent year on year to nearly €244 million, as the SDax-listed company announced on Tuesday in Aßlar, Hesse. Before interest and taxes (Ebit), however, only €24.1 million remained within the Group - 16.2 percent less than in the year-earlier period. After taxes, Pfeiffer Vacuum earned € 17 million, following € 20.4 million a year earlier.

Meanwhile, the order situation in the semiconductor market is weakening. "As expected, market conditions are currently challenging due to a weakening of demand, particularly in the semiconductor market," said Group President Britta Giesen. Order intake slumped 27 percent in the second quarter to just under 214 million euros. The Management Board is sticking to its targets for the year. Sales are expected to remain at around the previous year's level of just under 917 million euros. The sales volume in the second half of the year is likely to be negatively affected by the decline in incoming orders as a result of the weak semiconductor market. Twelve percent of sales should remain as earnings before interest and taxes./ngu/zb