Carl Zeiss has positive end to financial year 2012/2013

A new record for revenues Zeiss had a happy end to financial year 2012/13 (September 30, 2013) with record high revenues. Despite a difficult economy, the company performed well in certain sectors with revenues totaling EUR 4,190 billion (EUR 4,163 billion the previous year) and a profit (EBIT) of EUR 335 million (EUR 420 million the previous year).   The markets in which Zeiss operates developed differently during financial year 2012/13. In general, the market situation was critical: although slight growth was noticed in the Medical Technology Division's market, the situation remained stable in the Microscopy, Industrial Metrology and Vision Care markets. Compared to the previous year, the demand for optical lithography systems continued to decline in the first half of the financial year, but recovered during the second half. "In financial year 2012/2013 we achieved and, in part, exceeded our goals. Zeiss performed well despite the challenging competitive context and unfavorable economic situation at the beginning of the year," stated Dr. Michael Kaschke, president and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG. "We did not make compromises in the long-term investment program – the biggest in the history of the company – but continued to support it consistently and systematically as planned."   "In the past we have demonstrated that we can grow as a group, despite a downturn in the semiconductor market " Kaschke said "For financial year 2013/14 we forecast a slight improvement in revenue and profits in a similar market scenario. We are confident that our strong and future-oriented portfolio combined with the investments made in recent years will be rewarded." This optimistic forecast is based on the progress Zeiss has made since 2011, which has already had a positive impact on the consolidated result. "In the future, we will work on growing our performance levels" Kaschke said, "The Carl Zeiss Agenda 2016 strategic program is based on this."   Through this program the group will work constantly to make ZEISS increasingly modern, global and dynamic.