Quick Facts
- Company: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (Jena)
- Q1 Result: 4.9 million euro loss (after tax)
- Comparison Period: Previous year 15.7 million euro profit
- Causes: Weak sales in China, currency effects (US dollar)
- Outlook: Annual forecast uncertain, update follows on May 12
Jena (21.02.2026) – When the name Zeiss is mentioned in Jena, it usually refers to innovation, growth, and the proud history of the “Lichtstadt”. However, the current figures from Carl Zeiss Meditec AG are causing concern in the Thüringen economic region. For the first time in a long while, the MDAX-listed group has to report a quarterly loss.
Red Figures Instead of Usual Growth
It is a setback for the success-accustomed Jena economy: The medical technology group Carl Zeiss Meditec has started the new fiscal year with a deficit. The bottom line for the first fiscal quarter (which began at Zeiss in October) shows a loss of 4.9 million euros. In comparison: In the same period of the previous year, the company recorded a profit of over 15.7 million euros.
Revenue is also trending downwards. Sales fell by 4.8 percent to 467 million euros. CFO Justus Felix Wehmer attributed the development to a generally “sluggish start” and unfavorable currency effects, particularly in business involving the US dollar. However, the main problem lies elsewhere geographically.
China Changes the Rules
The greatest challenge for the Jena-based company currently comes from the Far East. China is traditionally one of the most important markets for Zeiss Meditec – around a quarter of total revenue is generated in the “Middle Kingdom”. However, market conditions there have changed drastically.
The business with consumables for ophthalmology is particularly affected, specifically artificial lenses used for the treatment of cataracts. In the Chinese public healthcare system, contracts are increasingly awarded through centralized tenders, where domestic Chinese providers enjoy structural advantages. For foreign specialists like the Thüringen-based company, the air is getting thinner.
Consequences for the Jena Location?
The group’s reaction to this protectionist economic policy could also have an impact on the company’s structure. To avoid losing access to the massive Chinese market, Zeiss Meditec plans to increasingly shift development and production directly to China. The company already operates two manufacturing facilities there.
For the workforce in Germany and specifically at the headquarters in Jena, this raises questions. Whether and to what extent the realignment could jeopardize jobs in Thüringen has not yet been decided. One thing is clear: Global competition is forcing even traditional companies to make painful adjustments. The board intends to make further decisions on strategic orientation by May.
Outlook: Forecast to be Adjusted
In light of the current figures and ongoing market uncertainties, the board has dampened expectations. The original revenue target of around 2.3 billion euros for the current fiscal year will likely no longer be achievable. In addition to the weakness in China, generally cautious investments by customers also lead to this assessment.
Shareholders and employees are now looking forward to May 12. On that date, the company intends to present an updated forecast for the fiscal year running until the end of September. For Jena, it remains to be hoped that this is only a temporary dent in the success story of the optics industry.
We will keep you informed about further developments at one of the region’s most important employers.
Source:
Thüringen traditional company in the red – the danger comes from China
Transparency note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.