FUCHS PETROLUB SE last Friday reported provisional figures for the financial year 2014. Group sales revenues increased to EUR 1.866 (US$2.12) billion, slightly higher than its previous year's revenue. This represents growth of EUR 34 million or 2% over the previous year; when adjusted for currency effects, the increase was just under 4%.

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of EUR 313 million were slightly ahead of the previous year's record level of EUR 312. Earnings after tax are EUR 220 million, following EUR 219 million in the previous year. At the same time, the Group further strengthened its balance sheet with free cash flow of EUR 188 million compared to 150 million the previous year.

FUCHS was also able to continue its organic growth (+3%) in all three global regions in 2014. Acquisitions represent 1% of the overall increase.

FUCHS anticipates further increases of both sales revenues and earnings for the financial year 2015. This is based on forecasts for 2015 that indicate stronger growth in the global economy than in the previous year.

FUCHS PETROLUB will publish the final figures for the financial year 2014 on March 24, 2015.