VIENNA, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Austrian hydraulic lifting systems manufacturer Palfinger said on Wednesday first-half earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) fell 41.3 percent to 15.1 million euros.
The firm, which makes loading platforms and truck cranes, said earnings in the first six months of the year were above all weighed down by weak economic conditions in its core market Germany.
However, Palfinger said that on a quarterly basis, the slump seen in the fourth quarter of 2001 had been overcome. EBIT in the second quarter rose to eight million euros after 7.1 million in the first quarter.
The group said it expected a further improvement in earnings over the full year, but cautioned that this would be strongly dependent on macroeconomic conditions.