Higher costs and investments resulted in a drop in earnings for the Fielmann optics group in 2022. The Executive Board now wants to halve the dividend to 75 cents per share in order to “maintain our accelerated investment rate and take advantage of further acquisition opportunities.” While some analysts had expected a lower dividend, the extent of the cut is surprising. The operating result (Ebitda) fell in 2022 by a good 14 percent to almost 340 million euros and the surplus fell by almost a quarter to around 110 million euros, as the company announced on Thursday based on preliminary figures.
Bereits bei der Vorlage der Zahlen für das dritte Quartal hatte
Fielmann reported a tense market environment, particularly in Germany. In addition, higher salaries for employees and an unfavorable product mix had a negative impact. More sunglasses and contact lenses were sold compared to higher-margin prescription glasses. Sales grew by five percent to 1.76 billion euros in 2022. (dpa)