March 2017 – (PresseBox) SLM Solutions Group AG, a leading supplier of metal-based additive manufacturing technology, has exceeded its adjusted revenue range for FY 2016 on the basis of preliminary IFRS results. For 2017, the Management Board anticipates a return to the long-term growth path.

Reporting preliminary and unaudited consolidated revenue of TEUR 80,707 (previous year: TEUR 66,137), growth of 22.0% compared with 2015 was achieved. The forecast for the 2016 fiscal year – reduced in December to a range TEUR 75,000 to TEUR 80,000 – was slightly exceeded as a consequence. The forecast originally issued in early 2016 had to be reduced due to a changed dynamic in the market environment. Of the total consolidated revenue, 86.3%, or TEUR 69,675, was attributable to the core business of selling laser melting systems (previous year: 89.5% or TEUR 59,165). A further 13.7% was attributable to the "After Sales" segment that aggregates service revenues and sales of replacement parts and merchandise (previous year: 10.5%). SLM Solutions received orders for 130 machines in 2016 (previous year: 102 machines). The value of the orders totalled TEUR 79,992 (previous year: TEUR 61,132), reflecting a higher rate of increase than the number of machines ordered due to the higher-value product mix.

Uwe Bögershausen, CFO of the company, looks back on the fiscal year just ended: "2016 was characterised by extraordinary events, and ultimately fell short of our expectations. But at the same time we also see that general interest in our technology has risen significantly. Additive manufacturing has now become quite mature and is finding its natural place alongside classic manufacturing processes. Its industrial relevance is beyond question – and not just in a few niches, but in the main."

Management Board member Henner Schöneborn adds: "We continue to be very well positioned on the market with our multi-laser technology and aim to seize the opportunities on offer to us within this dynamic environment. With a look to 2017, we consequently expect to return to the previous years' strong growth. Cost and sales growth are to remain in a healthy relationship with each other in this context."

The 2016 annual report will be published on March 30, 2017 on the company's website at www.slm-solutions.com.