SCHOTT achieved solid results in the 2022/23 fiscal year: Despite numerous challenges, such as high energy costs, customer reticence and global competitive pressure, the international technology group’s global sales increased by four percent to EUR 2.9 billion, with an EBIT of EUR 413 million.
“We are continuing to focus on innovation and sustainable growth,” said SCHOTT Chairman of the Board of Management, Dr Frank Heinricht. “Our financial strength coupled with strategic investments allow us to face the challenges in the international market with confidence.”
SCHOTT’s financial stability in the fiscal year 2022/23 is demonstrated, among other things, by a significant increase in its equity ratio from 51 to 63 percent, according to CFO Dr Jens Schulte. The company’s net income of EUR 277 million, as well as the successful initial public offering (IPO) of SCHOTT Pharma AG & Co. KGaA at the end of September 2023, were contributing factors to these results.
Gross proceeds of around EUR 935 million, gained from the placement of 23 percent of the ordinary shares on the public market, had a major impact on net liquidity. Products and solutions for the pharmaceutical industry and high-end optics were important sales drivers. SCHOTT intends to use the proceeds to further invest in its ambitious sustainability commitment and strategic growth in Europe, the US and China.
In fiscal year 2022/23, the company continued to expand its international production network with around EUR 450 million of investments. Last year saw the ground-breaking ceremony for a new pharmaceutical production facility in Hungary, and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art diagnostics facility in the US. In addition, the company secured the necessary supply of alternatives to natural gas and important raw materials.
This year, SCHOTT intends to invest another record sum of over EUR 500 million. Plans include expanding the production area of its optics competence centre in Malaysia and constructing a climate-neutral administration and production building in Landshut, Bavaria.
Its subsidiary SCHOTT Pharma plans to expand its manufacturing capacities, including a new production line for polymer syringes in Müllheim, Germany, a glass syringe plant in Hungary, and a new production site in Serbia. Furthermore, SCHOTT plans to strategically strengthen its business with a focus on the semiconductor industry.