The gross margin on net sales before carve-out charges declined by 0.1 percentage points in the first three quarters of the fiscal year, down from 27.6% for the same period a year ago to 27.5%.

Research and development expenses rose by €5 million to €75 million (previous year: €70 million), a 7% increase compared with the same period a year ago. The R&D ratio was 4.3% (previous year: 4.4%).

Selling, general and administrative expenses as a proportion of net sales were scaled back by 0.2 percentage points to 14.4% (previous year: €14.6%). Selling, general and administrative expenses including other operating income and expenses amounted to €251 million (previous year: €234 million).