Zeiss Reports Revenue and Earnings Increase for FY 2013-2014

Despite unfavorable currency effects, Zeiss reported that revenue rose 2 percent, from €4.287 billion, up from €4.190 billion a year ago, for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2014. Earnings (EBIT) grew by 14 percent to €360 million. "Overall, 2013/14 was a successful fiscal year for the ZEISS Group," said Dr. Michael Kaschke, president and CEO of Carl Zeiss AG.   "Thanks to our broad portfolio, we have remained on track to further growth despite the difficult conditions confronting us in the global economy. However, the business groups developed differently and did not meet our expectations in all cases."   Zeiss noted that the number of employees increased slightly to 24,817 worldwide. Expenditure on research and development activities rose by 8 percent to €448 million. Investments in property, plant and equipment totaled €188 million, the company said. Zeiss said it expects a stable revenue development in fiscal year 2014/15, despite stagnation in the world economy.