In 2015, Siltronic once again generated higher sales, which rose 9.1 percent to € 931.3 million (2014: € 853.4 million). Whereas higher volumes and favorable exchange-rate effects enhanced sales, lower prices had the reverse effect. Volumes for 300 mm silicon wafers grew in particular. Asia remained the strongest region, and Siltronic succeeded in growing its sales there by 8 percent.

EBITDA improved by 8.8 percent compared with the previous year, climbing to € 124.0 million (2014: € 114.0 million). Additional cost-reduction measures and good production-capacity utilization had a positive impact, whereas currency-hedging losses dampened EBITDA. The EBITDA margin was 13.3 percent (2014: 13.4 percent).

Higher Investments Year over Year

Investments at Siltronic grew in 2015 to € 75.1 million (2014: € 40.7 million), up 84.5 percent year over year. The funds were invested primarily in improved technology and automation processes as well as in the modernization of crystal-pulling facilities.

The number of employees at Siltronic decreased markedly. The division had 3,894 employees as of December 31, 2015 (Dec. 31, 2014: 4,165).

Key Data: SILTRONIC