Advanced Energy Industries, Inc. announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2008. Sales were $88.9 million for the quarter, representing a decline of 17.2% from $107.3 million in the first quarter of 2007 and an increase of 6.0% from $83.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Net income for the first quarter of 2008 was $6.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to $12.7 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2007. However, net income increased sequentially from $4.2 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2007, primarily due to higher revenues and gross profit.
"Strength in our solar equipment and flat panel display markets drove total revenue and EPS above our guided range this quarter. We were pleased with our continued diversification, as we grew our non-semiconductor business 18% sequentially," said Dr. Hans Betz, President and CEO of Advanced Energy. "We implemented cost reductions in G&A during the first quarter that will equate to an estimated $5.5 million in annual savings. This will position us to operate more effectively and profitably in the future."
