Haulotte's range includes telehandlers

Haulotte Group is reporting consistent revenues for the first half of 2015, with sales worth EUR207 million (USD232.5 million), slightly down from EUR207.2 million (USD233 million) for the same period last year.

Excluding currency effects, strong performances from Asia (up 17%) and North America (up 8%) offset a mixed picture in Europe (down 13%) and Latin America (down 34%) over the period.

Haulotte attributes the falls to the "wait-and-see attitude of major rental companies" and unique market challenges in Latin America.

The group recorded stronger first half growth in equipment rental, which increased 15.7%, and services which were up by 11.7% (9% and 3% respectively taking exchange rate changes into consideration).

Current operating income, at 5.2% of sales (excluding gains and losses), was impacted by increasing competition intensity, with prices not yet reflecting changes in exchange rates, and higher fixed costs due to continued focus on the group's strategic axis of development, particularly innovation.

The group's net debt remained stable over the period, reflecting a level of contained working capital.

Looking forward, strong commercial activity during the northern summer and a favourable EUR/USD exchange rate allow Haulotte to confirm sales growth expectations of close to 5% and a current operating margin rate in line with that delivered in 2014.

Headquartered in France and listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Haulotte manufactures and distributes more than 60 models in the access equipment, telehandler, earth moving, scaffolding and staging/seating markets.