The Group’s sales figures between April and June grew by 20% year-on-year to Euro 530-million. Heidelberg significantly improved its operating result (EBITDA) in the first quarter, recording an increase of Euro 20-million to Euro 35-million. In addition, it was possible to pass on sustained increases in material costs.

Heidelberg attributed 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.

Order backlog too saw a further significant increase of 15% during the first quarter, totaling to Euro 96- million on June 30, 2022 (previous year: Euro 840 million).

Dr Ludwin Monz, CEO of the company said, that the positive start to the new financial year gives Heidelberg cause to be cautiously optimistic as we look forward. “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.”

Despite ongoing global uncertainties, Heidelberg also believes it has good opportunities for profitable growth in the 2022/23 financial year, too. The company continues to expect sales figures to grow to around Euro 2.3-billion (2021/22: Euro 2.183-billion), provided there is no significant downturn in the general economic environment. Profitability is also expected to improve further. The Group hopes to improve its EBITDA margin to at least 8% for the 2022/23 financial year (2021/22: 7.3%). The net result after taxes is also expected to increase slightly compared to 2021/22 (Euro 33-million).