ASSLAR (dpa-AFX) - Vacuum pump manufacturer Pfeiffer Vacuum has raised its outlook for the full year's earnings following surprisingly good business in the third quarter. As a result, a new record level of sales of around €950 million is now expected to be achieved, as the SDax-listed company announced on Thursday in Aßlar, Hesse. Previously, the level from the previous year of around 917 million euros was in the plan of boss Britta Giesen. The new target puts Pfeiffer above analysts' expectations. "Our sales remained strong in the year to date, even though demand conditions are becoming increasingly difficult," Giesen said, according to the statement. In terms of profitability, the board continues to expect an operating margin (Ebit) of around 12 percent.

In the third quarter, earnings rose by 5.7 percent to 241.1 million euros. Earnings before interest and taxes declined by 10.6 percent to 30.3 million euros due to higher capital expenditures. Net earnings fell by 13.3 percent to 20.8 million euros./men/stk