MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - Strong demand in Europe and North America boosted construction equipment manufacturer Wacker Neuson at the start of the year. First-quarter revenue rose by more than a quarter to EUR 667 million, the SDax-listed company announced in Munich on Tuesday. Analysts had expected less growth. In terms of earnings before interest and taxes (Ebit), Wacker Neuson benefited from a positive one-off effect, the sale of a piece of land. Management was also able to cut costs for administration, sales and distribution as well as research and development, resulting in an improvement in the operating margin from 7.5 percent to 13.2 percent. The full-year guidance was confirmed.

The supply chain situation has improved slightly, but remains challenging, it added. Accordingly, the level of work in progress has improved slightly, but Wacker Neuson continues to hold elevated inventories./lew/ngu