131 Likes

UCB: First Half-Year 2007 Financial Results

Revenue increased to 1.86 billion euro driven by strong performance of Keppra® and Xyzal®

Underlying profitability (recurring EBITDA) increased by 14%* to 485 million euro

Synergy target increased from 300 million euro to 380 million euro

Net sales went up by 14% on a like for like basis to 1,709 million euro (+6%*). Revenue increased by 3%* to 1,861 million euro. Continuing outstanding growth in Keppra® with net sales up 36% to 498 million euro (44% currency adjusted), reinforcing market leadership in Europe and the U.S.A. Solid allergy sales with Xyzal® sales growing by 18% (+20% currency adjusted) to 104 million euro, Xyzal® launch in the U.S.A. on track for autumn 2007. Excellent uptake of Neupro® with sales of 17 million euro (up >500%), Neupro® launched in the U.S.A. in July 2007

Recurring EBITDA of 485 million euro, before impact of acquisition related one-time inventory step-up (94 million euro), increased by 14%* reflecting revenue increase, manufacturing improvements and cost containment

Net profit of 171 million euro (-39%*), reflecting the acquisition related one-time expenses and financial charges. Net profit adjusted for one-time acquisition related expenses and non-recurring items amounts to 224 million euro (+1%*), with operating performance more than compensating the incremental acquisition related financial expenses and intangible amortisation expenses

Swift integration of Schwarz Pharma ongoing with raised synergy targets of 380 million euro after three years

Brussels (Belgium), 26 July 2007, 7:00 AM CET - UCB today announced its consolidated financial results for the six months ending 30 June 2007.

Roch Doliveux, CEO of UCB, comments: "UCB today is much better positioned for the future than a year ago - with significantly increased critical mass - large enough to advance an especially rich pipeline and launch our new products to specialists first. UCB's new leadership team is now aligned and executing our plan to become a next generation biopharma leader building on an even stronger talent pool."

Roch Doliveux concludes: "For the first half of 2007, UCB's strong operational performance and growth, combined with a swift integration, enables us - excluding the one-time non recurring expenses - to fund the Schwarz Pharma acquisition as well as our new product launches. With the registration of the Schwarz Pharma Domination and Profit Transfer Agreement in July, the full integration is now possible thus allowing UCB to raise the synergy target from 300 to 380 million euro of which we aim to realise 130 million euro in 2007 already."

UCB anticipates revenue for the full year 2007 to slightly exceed last year's pro forma revenue. Recurring EBITDA is expected to reach approximately 720 million euro, while reported net profit for 2007 is expected at a lower level, exceeding 100 million euro due to financial and exceptional one-time charges related to the acquisition.

*Full consolidation of UCB and Schwarz Pharma - Comparison of reported H1 2007 versus pro-forma H1 2006 figures at real rates

Asset Download

070726_UCB_RESULTS_FR_2.pdf

070726_UCB_RESULTS_NL_3.pdf

070726_UCB_RESULTS_EN_2.pdf

070726_UCB_RESULTS_EN_ATTACHMENT_6.pdf

131 Likes