WETTENBERG (dpa-AFX) - PVA Tepla benefited in the first quarter from increased demand for metrology systems for the quality control of semiconductor components, for example. Based on current developments, the technology company expects further strong growth potential in this product group in the future. "There are also initial signs of a recovery in the semiconductor industry. The Management Board currently expects this sector to recover in the second half of 2024," the company, which is listed in the small cap index SDax, announced in Wettenberg on Wednesday. The Management Board confirmed the forecast for the current year.

For 2024, the Hesse-based company expects turnover of 270 to 290 million after 263 million in the previous year. Operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) are expected to be between 47 and 51 million, compared to 41.5 million a year earlier.

In the first three months, earnings increased by five percent to just over 61 million euros. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization climbed by around a fifth to EUR 8.7 million.

PVA Tepla specializes in vacuum technology and measurement technology, among other things. However, the company also supplies the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries with crystal growing systems./zb/jha/