Finance Monthly CEO Awards 2015 Edition

1 www.finance-monthly.com FINANCE MONTHLY 19 EUROPE NORTH AMERICA ASIA MIDDLE EAST AFRICA AUSTRALASIA FINANCE MONTHLY CEO AWARDS 2015 Germany Winner... Pierre-Pascal Urbon CEO and CFO of SMA Solar Technology AG Website: www.SMA.de SMA SOLAR TECHNOLOGY AG – ENERGY THAT CHANGES SMA Solar Technology AG has been the global market and technology leader for solar inverters formore than two decades now. Technologically, the inverter is themost important component of a PV plant. It converts the direct current generated in the photovoltaic cells into alternating current compliant with the grid requirements – for self-consumption or feed-in to the power distribution grid. As a technology-driven company, SMA develops, produces and sells game-changing new products in this area and with this drives the global energy transition. KEY TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE DECENTRALIZED ENERGY SUPPLY OF THE FUTURE The company offers complete PV system technology solutions for all appealing photovoltaic markets, all module types and all power classes; for small residential systems as well as large scale PV plants, grid-connected installations as well as stand-alone and backup systems all over the world. Plant monitoring and visualization products as well as energy management solutions complete the portfolio. In addition to this, SMA customers worldwide benefit from comprehensive services: from support in installation and commissioning of PV plants to operations and maintenance of large PV power plants. The company also provides training for plant planners, installers and electrically qualified persons in seminars as part of the SMA Solar Academy. A powerful international sales and service structure provides SMA with direct exposure to the global solar market and at the same time ensures customer proximity. SMA is represented with own companies in all important markets around the globe. In addition to its strong international footprint, the company’s flexible business model is another strong asset in the dynamic global solar market. WELL POSITIONED IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION WITH STRATEGIC ALLIANCES Carefully targeted strategic alliances as well as a best-cost sourcing strategy and a transformation process that will lead to significant cost reduction are strengthening SMA’s competitive position. For example, SMA has formed one of the world’s largest converter alliances with Danish system technology specialist Danfoss A/S. The two companies sustainably strengthen their cost positions through economies of scale and through joint development initiatives. In addition, as a strategic anchor investor, Danfoss is holding 20% of SMA’s shares, thus complementing the company’s stable shareholder structure. With a high equity ratio of nearly 50% and a net cash position of more than €200 million, SMA is financially solid and a bankable partner for its customers and suppliers. Since June 27, 2008, SMA has been listed in the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92), and since September 22, 2008, the company’s shares have been listed in the TecDAX.