(AOF) – Riber reported a drop in sales in the third quarter due to difficulties in the supply of electronic components. They fell by 55% to 3 million euros. As a result, revenue at the end of September 2022 fell by 23% to 12.2 million euros. The backlog at September 30, 2022 stood at €39.1 million, up 93%.
The systems order book amounted to €31.4 million, up 149%. It is composed of 6 production systems, compared to 2 in 2021, and 8 research systems, compared to 5 in 2021. It does not include the order announced on October 25 for 1 research system and the option to purchase announced June 8 for 4 production machines whose firm orders will be confirmed in 2023 with the obtaining of the export license.
“In a climate of international supply tensions, Riber is doing everything possible to achieve a 2022 turnover close to that of last year”, warned the equipment manufacturer for the semiconductor sector.
The high level of the current order book already ensures strong growth in 2023 revenue of more than 40 million euros.
In a dynamic market context with strong demand for the company’s systems, the group plans to continue taking orders during the fourth quarter of 2022.
AOF – LEARN MORE
Growing market and price pressures
According to the SIA, global chip sales were $151.7 billion in the first quarter of 2022, up 23% year-on-year. Sales increased in all major regional markets and for all product categories. As global uncertainties, including the war in Ukraine and the health crisis, weigh on supply chains, demand for semiconductors continues to significantly outpace supply. Manufacturers Samsung and TSMC have announced that they will raise their prices, in a context where players in the sector have good leeway and benefit from increased bargaining power. However, wage increases and component prices could weigh on future performance.