During the corona pandemic, fewer patients with eye diseases were treated worldwide. That has changed. At the medical technology group Carl Zeiss Meditec, orders rose by an impressive 36 percent.
Jena (dpa/th) - Despite supply chain problems and a worried view of Asia, the medical technology group Carl Zeiss Meditec is aiming for record sales of at least 1.8 billion euros. The board of directors of the Thuringian company, which is listed in the MDax of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, announced on Friday in Jena for the first time a specific sales target for the 2021/22 financial year, which runs until the end of September. CEO Markus Weber based his expectation on a "gratifying third quarter, despite all the uncertainties" and bulging order books.
Incoming orders at the end of the third quarter were 1.75 billion euros, 36 percent above the level of the same period last year. "There are catch-up effects in eye treatments, especially after the lockdown in China." In addition, customers would stock up. Zeiss Meditec produces, among other things, artificial lenses used to treat cataracts, as well as surgical microscopes and lasers.
In the first nine months, the Jena-based company generated an eleven percent increase in sales to 1.33 billion euros. Operating profit fell slightly because expenses, especially for marketing and sales, rose again after the corona pandemic. Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell from EUR 282.8 million to EUR 275.9 million. The bottom line was a profit of 191 million euros after 183 million euros in the same period last year.
Regarding the tensions around Taiwan, Weber said: "We have concerns like other international companies." China is an important market for Carl Zeiss Meditec, "it is important that we continue to have a good partnership with our customers," said the CEO.
Provided that the risks from the corona pandemic and international conflicts do not increase, the Executive Board expects a margin measured on earnings before interest and taxes in the upper range of the forecast of 19 to 21 percent for this financial year.
The Jena group employs around 3,700 people worldwide and achieved sales of 1.65 billion euros in the past financial year. Carl Zeiss Meditec is one of the top-selling listed companies in East Germany.
