EQS-News: Carl Zeiss Meditec remains on growth course in fiscal year 2021/22

Revenue in the Americas region increased by +8.4% (adjusted for currency effects: -0.1%) to 487m (prior year: 449m), mainly thanks to positive currency effects. After adjustment for currency effects, revenue in the USA developed at a roughly constant level compared with the prior year.

Significant increase in earnings year-on-year

The operating result (earnings before interest and taxes: EBIT) increased to 397m in fiscal year 2021/22 (prior year: 374m). A more favorable product mix with a high proportion of recurring revenue of 46% (prior year: +41%) had a positive effect in this respect. This positive development is also attributable to stockpiling of consumables in the mid-double-digit millions range in the Chinese distribution channel. The majority of this took place in the second half of the fiscal year to provide for potential future lockdowns due to the Zero-COVID-Policy in China. In relation to revenue, an EBIT margin of 20.9% (prior year: 22.7%) was achieved in fiscal year 2021/22. Adjusted for special effects, this figure was 21.4% (prior year: 23.0%). Earnings per share increased to 3.29 (prior year: 2.64). Due to the successful fiscal year, shareholders are to receive an appropriate share of the profits. The Management Board therefore plans to propose a dividend of 1.10 (prior year: 0.90) to the Annual General Meeting.

Positive outlook for new fiscal year 2022/23 despite high degree of uncertainties

Due to the positive development of business and the high volume of orders, the Company is looking ahead to fiscal year 2022/23 with optimism. On the other hand, macroeconomic and political uncertainties, such as the tension in the global supply chains, the high inflation rate, Chinas COVID Policy and the war between Russia and Ukraine continue to persist. For Q1 2022/23, the EBIT margin is expected to fall significantly short of the prior years figure, due among other things to the widespread lockdown situation in China and a weaker product mix as well as rising operating costs. Assuming that the above-mentioned risk factors do not worsen further in the course of the year, however, revenue growth for fiscal year 2022/23 is expected to be at least as high as market growth, with an EBIT margin of around 19 to 21%. Cost increases from expansion of the workforce, wage settlements and the supply chains may cause additional burden.

In the medium term, the EBIT margin is expected to establish itself at a level sustainably above 20%. The rising proportions of recurring revenue are making a positive contribution to this. Conversely, planned strategic investments in Research & Development and Sales & Marketing remain high.

Revenue by strategic business unit

Revenue by region

Further information on our publication and the Analyst Conference Call on the results for fiscal year 2021/22 can be found at