Source inform that Aixtron, has slashed its sales guidance for 2011 and reduced its order backlog by €100 million, based on talks with its Asian customers revealed increasing macro-economic concerns.

Previously, Aixtron’s target was  €800 million-€900 million.However, it now expects to post sales of between €600 million and €650 million. With the average cost of a piece of MOCVD kit around €2-2.5 million, the new guidance suggests that Aixtron has cut its shipment expectations for 2011 by as many as one hundreds units.

It may has an influence on the company’s shares. Earnings before interest and tax will be 25-30%, not the 35% predicted. Shares in Aixtron fell by around 15% immediately following the announcement, while those of rival MOCVD tool supplier Veeco Instruments were down by 6% in early trading.

According to Aixtron in its statement announcing the guidance cut, “This new guidance and backlog adjustment reflects the perceived increase in conversion risk, purchase order delays and deferred system delivery requests into 2012 by several customers, specifically in Asia.”

Despite the negative influence, the company still shows its confidence on the long-term prospects of solid-state lighting, saying: “Management continues to believe that the imminence of an emerging LED lighting industry in conjunction with initiatives such as the Chinese five-year plan continues to support the positive outlook for the LED industry, despite short-term demand adjustments driven by market uncertainty.”