Revenues at the German lens maker Carl Zeiss have increased 42% over the last year to just under €3 billion.
The Carl Zeiss Group generated revenues of €2.98bn for 2009/10, up from €2.1bn the previous year, and reported incoming orders totalling €3.2bn, a 52% increase.
“Fiscal year 2009/10 was the most successful year ever in the company’s history. Only one year after the most severe economic crisis for decades, Carl Zeiss is now very well positioned and successful in the competitive arena,” explained Dr. Dieter Kurz, its President and CEO. “Not only were we able to equal our performance of record year 2007/08, but we also succeeded in achieving our best-ever figures. All business groups were profitable and have contributed to the good result.”
Business outside Germany accounted for 88% of total sales (compared to 83% previously).
Its earnings before interest and taxes grew to €423 million, compared to a loss of €67m last year. The company had cash and cash equivalents of €1.285bn compared to €977m previously.
Its camera and cine lens business generated revenues of €312m, up from €304m, one of the group’s least impressive increases – it also makes semiconductors, medical systems, microscopes, spectacle lenses (it’s now the world’s second largest manufacturer) and industrial equipment.
“Carl Zeiss’ stable financial base and its high degree of independence from the developments on the financial markets are of special benefit to the company in its investment and portfolio strategy,” said Dr Michael Kaschke, Member of the Executive Board and incoming President and CEO.
Its investments in research and development are about 10% of revenues, at €291m – it generates half its revenues with products that are less than three years old. During the year it applied for 294 new patents, and now holds about 4,000 patents worldwide.
