The first half of 2023 remained overshadowed by the consequences of the global crises. As a result, Varta had to adjust the forecast for the current financial year downwards. The group will not publish the final figures for the first half of 2023 until 11 August. "We will open our new factory for the energy storage units in Ellwangen in the second half of 2023. We see a market that continues to grow strongly here," says Markus Hackstein, spokesman for the Executive Board. However, these positive developments as well as the progress of the ongoing restructuring could not cushion the negative effects.
Turnover of 820 million euros expected
Especially in the area of coinpower for small lithium cells, which are mainly used in true wireless stereo headsets, Varta customers were recently affected by lower demand. In the case of zinc-air hearing aid batteries and household batteries, the stocks built up by end customers during the Corona pandemic have made themselves felt in declining sales.
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In general, Varta expects business to pick up due to the generally stronger second half of the year. According to the new forecast, the company now expects sales of around 820 million euros in 2023. The operating result before taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is expected to be between 40 and 60 million euros. For the coming year, the group is already expecting turnover of significantly more than 900 million euros again. (nhp/mfo)
