Group equity rose by 30.6% to 7.173 billion euros in comparison with fiscal year end 2020/21 (prior year: 5.494 billion euros), corresponding to an equity ratio of 55% (prior year: 52%).
The ZEISS Group continues on its dynamic growth trajectory and is banking on innovative strength for the future. The expenditure for research and development was increased and amounted to 1,151 million euros at around 13% of revenue (prior year: 943 million euros). At R&D departments across the ZEISS Group, more than 5,200 employees are working on further expanding the company's innovative strength. This is reflected in the number of patents which totaled around 10,500 worldwide as of the reporting date.
Significant revenue growth was generated in the APAC region (+22%), while the Americas and EMEA regions also recorded sales growth. Thus, all regions continue to be on a good growth track and have again contributed to the positive development of ZEISS.
"One of the factors behind our success is our focused investment strategy. The continuing high level of expenditure on research and development, which amounts to 13% of revenue, is our investment in the future - at 1,151 million euros, it has reached a new high," said Dr. Christian Müller, CFO of Carl Zeiss AG. "Sustainability plays a major role for us. A commitment to the common good and to finding solutions for key societal issues are part and parcel of our ethos,” added Müller.
In addition to the high expenditure on research and development, ZEISS is making targeted investments in the expansion of infrastructure, not only at its main site in Oberkochen but also in Jena, Wetzlar, Dresden and at other sites in Germany and worldwide, e.g. in India. The company is thus accommodating the accelerated growth. The targeted expansion of infrastructure will safeguard the long-term competitive and innovative edge through research, production and development capacities.
ZEISS had a global workforce of 38,770 employees (prior year: 35,375 employees) at the reporting date of 30 September 2022. Headcount thus increased by 10% as compared to 30 September 2021.