OBERKOCHEN, Germany—The Zeiss Group posted €3.019 billion in revenue for the first six months of the fiscal year 2018/19 ending March 31, 2019, a 9 percent increase over the prior year. Ninety percent of the revenue was generated by markets outside Germany, according to Zeiss. Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of €443 million were significantly higher than the €380 million generated the prior year. The EBIT margin rose to 14.7 percent and incoming orders hit EUR €3.161 billion, up from €2.839 billion in the first half of 2017/18, Zeiss said.

“We believe the positive development during the first six months of the year can be attributed to our successful innovation activities, the consistent alignment of our portfolio with global megatrends and our focus on the most attractive and most dynamic future markets,” said professor Dr. Michael Kaschke, Zeiss president and CEO. He added, “This has allowed us to achieve stronger growth than our relevant markets in almost all areas.”

All segments contributed to the positive results, according to Zeiss. The company’s medical technology unit generated €801 million in revenue in the first quarter, an 11 percent increase from year ago. Zeiss’ acquisition of U.S.-based IanTech in October 2018 added a new specialist for micro-interventional cataract surgery that enhances the Zeiss portfolio with its systems and consumables.

Zeiss’ consumer market business segment experienced a 10 percent increase in revenue, to €593 million. The company said its vision care business unit utilized the growth opportunities offered by dynamic economies like China and Brazil and successfully expanded its market position.