Biotest AG: strong first half year, profit target raised
Biotest AG / Half Year Results
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Biotest: strong first half year, profit target raised
Dreieich, 18 July 2008. According to preliminary figures, in the first half
of 2008 Biotest achieved sales of €210.9 million, which represents a 33%
increase year-on-year (€158.4 million). Earnings before interest and tax
(EBIT) rose 52% to €27.6 million (2007: €18.2 million). At €14.4 million,
Biotest’s earnings after tax were up 53% in the first six months of 2008
compared with the same period in the previous year (€9.4 million). Sales
and earnings also increased net of acquisitions.
The positive development is attributable, in particular, to the sustained
dynamic business progression in the Plasma Protein and Microbiology
segments. In addition, the costs for the integration of the plasma protein
activities acquired at the end of 2007 in the USA were much lower than
expected.
In light of the half-year figures, the Board of Management of Biotest AG
has raised its profit target for financial year 2008 as a whole. The
Group’s management is now forecasting EBIT of more than €50 million. The
previous target published in May was based on growth of 20% compared to
EBIT in financial year 2007 (€38.5 million), which corresponded to a sum of
around €46 million in absolute terms.
The company still forecasts that sales will reach €420 million, after
recording sales of €326.4 million in financial year 2007.
Biotest will publish the complete half-year report on 14 August 2008.
Disclaimer
This document contains forward-looking statements on overall economic
development as well as on the business, earnings, financial and asset
situation of Biotest AG and its subsidiaries. These statements are based on
current plans, estimates, forecasts and expectations of the company and are
thus subject to risks and elements of uncertainty that could result in
deviation of actual developments from expected developments. The
forward-looking statements are only valid at the time of publication.
Biotest does not intend to update the forward-looking statements and
assumes no obligation to do so.
About Biotest
Biotest AG, Dreieich, Germany, is a company that researches and
manufactures pharmaceutical, biotherapeutic and diagnostic products and has
specialised in immunology and haematology. In its Pharmaceutical segment,
Biotest develops immunoglobulins, clotting factors and albumins based on
human blood plasma. These are used for diseases of the immune system or
haematopoietic system. In the Biotherapeutic segment, Biotest researches
into the clinical development of monoclonal antibodies, including in the
indications of rheumatoid arthritis and blood cancer. The Diagnostic
segment spans reagents and immunological diagnostics which are used, for
example, in blood transfusions and transplants. Biotest has around 1,800
employees worldwide and its shares are listed in the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange's Prime Standard.
Biotest AG:
Biotest AG, Landsteinerstr. 5, D-63303 Dreieich, www.biotest.de
Dr. Michael Ramroth
Tel: +49 (0) 6103 801-338
Fax: +49 (0) 6103 801-347
e-mail: michael_ramroth@biotest.de
WKN, ISIN ordinary share: 522720, DE0005227201
WKN, ISIN preference share: 522723, DE0005227235
Listed: Prime Standard/official trading
Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart
18.07.2008 Financial News transmitted by DGAP
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Language: English
Issuer: Biotest AG
Landsteinerstraße 5
63303 Dreieich
Deutschland
Phone: 0 61 03 - 8 01-0
Fax: 0 61 03 - 8 01-8 80
E-mail: investor_relations@biotest.de
Internet: http://www.biotest.de
ISIN: DE0005227201, DE0005227235
WKN: 522720, 522723
Indices: SDAX
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart
End of News DGAP News-Service
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