MANNHEIM (dpa-AFX) - High demand gave industrial services provider Bilfinger another boost in the second quarter. "Demand for our solutions in our core industries is stable at a high level, and in some areas it is continuing to increase," Executive Board Chairman Thomas Schulz said Monday, according to a statement. In particular, he said, the company is benefiting from growing markets in the energy transition. Sales climbed four percent year-on-year to €1.12 billion in the second quarter, according to the Mannheim-based SDax group. Adjusted for currency effects, earnings increased by six percent.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebita) increased by a good third to 43 million euros. The recently launched cost-cutting program also contributed to this. The related margin improved from 3.0 percent in the previous year to 3.9 percent. The bottom line for the three months to the end of June was a profit of 30 million euros, compared to 19 million euros in the same period last year. The Mannheim-based company confirmed its targets for the year.

For the current year, Bilfinger continues to expect earnings of €4.3 to €4.6 billion. At 3.8 to 4.1 percent, operating profit (Ebita margin) should be significantly higher than in 2022./mne/stk