Reuters clients ahead of the curve on SMA profit warning

Shares in SMA Solar, Germany’s largest solar company by sales, plunged more than 12 percent to their lowest level in two years, wiping off 234 million euros in market cap, after the company cut its 2011 outlook on Sept. 19, a move Reuters clients were aware of since early August. An Aug. 4 analysis headlined “SMA Solar faces profit margin struggle” had predicted such a move, as growing competition and falling demand hit the company that has spoiled investors with margins close to 30 percent. An exclusive CEO interview on Sept. 16, only three days ago, revealed that the company saw its targets as “challenging” while nevertheless sticking to its ambitious full-year outlook. Three days later, on Sept. 19, the company slashed its outlook for both sales and operating profits – a move Reuters clients were well prepared for.