A Strong Q1 for HELLA

HELLA has reported a strong increase in sales and earnings for the first quarter of its fiscal year, which began on 1 June 2018. Consolidated currency-adjusted sales for the group rose by 10.3% to EUR1.8 billion, while adjusted earnings before interest and tax grew by 12.0% to EUR140 million over the same quarter last year.

The automotive segment was the primary growth driver due to numerous production ramp-ups as well as healthy, ongoing demand for HELLA’s innovative lighting systems and electronics solutions, particularly in the areas of driver assistance systems and energy management. The aftermarket segment also reported a sales increase because of strong demand for workshop products and positive sales trends in the independent spare parts business. The special applications segment reported equivalent sales as the same quarter in the previous year.

"From a sales and earnings perspective, we can look back on a strong first quarter. In the end, our growth exceeded that of the market due to our technology leadership and our attractive product portfolio," explains HELLA CEO Dr Rolf Breidenbach. "Even if market uncertainty will increase, we are well on our way toward achieving our annual targets."

While the dynamic and demanding industry environment is causing growing uncertainty, HELLA expects a positive company outlook for the current fiscal year due to its strong strategic positioning.