In 2013, cost of sales amounted to € 1,104 million (2012: € 1,086 million) and rose by 1.7% compared with 2012. Nevertheless, this yielded a slightly higher gross profit of € 1,541 million (2012: € 1,531 million). Despite negative foreign exchange effects, gross margin, as a percentage of sales, remained virtually unchanged at 58.6% (2012: 58.9%).
Marketing and selling expenses increased by 1.1% to € 683 million (2012: € 676 million). In 2013, the division recorded a decline of –2.1% in administration expenses to € 99 million (2012: € 101 million). The net increase in other operating expenses from € 117 million to € 121 million was mainly due to one-time items (including impairments) of € 70 million (2012: € 54 million).
Merck Millipore’s R&D expenses fell as a result of foreign exchange effects, among other things, to € 160 million (2012: € 166 million). In 2013, the ratio of R&D spending to sales was therefore 6.1% (2012: 6.4%). In order to ensure a steady stream of product innovations, R&D expenses will remain at a high level going forward. The Process Solutions business unit accounts for the vast majority of the R&D budget.
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