Jenoptik AG announced earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2016. For the quarter, revenue rose 8.5% to EUR 158.2 million against EUR 145.8 million a year ago. At EUR 9.8 million, the operating result (group EBIT) improved at a faster rate than revenue, by 11.7% against EUR 8.7 million a year ago ­ essentially as a result of a better gross profit combined with lower functional costs. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose 5.2% to EUR 16.7 million from EUR 15.8 million a year ago. The financial result, at minus EUR 2.1 million, was below the prior-year figure (prior year EUR 1.1 million), which was primarily driven by currency exchange rate gains from the valuation of financial assets. Due to the absence of currency effects and despite lower interest expenses in the reporting period the group achieved earnings before tax of EUR 7.7 million against EUR 9.8 million a year ago and earnings per tax of EUR 6.5 million against EUR 8.3 million a year ago. Cash flows from operating activities came to EUR 15.4 million, considerably above the prior year's figure of minus EUR 0.8 million. The free cash flow improved to EUR 12.0 million against negative free cash flow of EUR 3.3 million a year ago. Cash inflow was mainly influenced by lower payments for working capital. With unchanged financial liabilities, net debt fell further to EUR 33.4 million as of March 31, 2016.

The company provided earnings guidance for the year 2016. For the year, the company Executive Board has confirmed the guidance it published in March. For 2016, it expects group revenue of between EUR 680 million and EUR 700 million. EBIT is anticipated to show a moderate rise and the EBIT margin is expected in the range of 9.0% and 9.5%. Earnings before tax shall develop similarly to EBIT.