Heidelberg has made a successful start to the new 2022/23 financial year. The first quarter saw significant improvements in both sales and operating profitability, thanks to the continued recovery of the markets in almost all regions and the progressive success in transforming the company.
For example, the Group’s sales figures between April and June grew by 20% year on year to €530m. This significant increase can largely be attributed to the rise in the number of new machines delivered. The regions of Europe and North America recorded particularly positive developments. By contrast, results in China were sometimes weaker compared to the previous year, due to the extensive lockdowns in the economically relevant cities. Thanks to higher sales and the ongoing reduction of structural costs, Heidelberg significantly improved its operating result (EBITDA) in the first quarter, recording an increase of €20m to €35m. In addition, it was possible to pass on sustained increases in material costs.
“The positive start to the new financial year gives us cause to be cautiously optimistic as we look forward,” commented Dr Ludwin Monz, CEO. “Provided there is no downturn in the general economic environment, we are confident we will reach the annual targets we have set. We will support our growth by expanding our products and services for digital printing in the label market and launching new, networking-capable wallboxes in the electromobility sector.”
