UCB: stock jumps on strong growth prospects
(CercleFinance.com) - On Thursday UCB unveiled 2021 target sales that are slightly higher than forecast, in an announcement that led to the share jumping by almost 7% in Brussels.
The Belgian pharmaceutical group said it expects 2021 sales of 5.45 to 5.65 billion euros, a forecast that is 1% above the consensus, while it has added a point to its expected adjusted EBITDA margin from 27% to 28%.
2020 sales came in up 9% at 5.3 billion euros (+8% at constant exchange rates), based on net sales that are up 8% at 5.1 billion euros (+7% at constant exchange rates).
Underlying operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) increased by 1% to 1.4 billion euros, or 27% of sales, although was down 4% at constant exchange rates due to investments in product launches and development.
On Thursday the laboratory also announced its outlook through to 2025, expecting sales of at least 6 billion euros for an adjusted EBITDA margin of 30% to 35%.
This prospect of strong growth - as UCB itself says - was warmly welcomed on the Brussels Stock Exchange, with the share price jumping nearly 7% on Thursday, in pole position in the BEL 20 index.
Copyright (c) 2021 CercleFinance.com. All rights reserved.
The Belgian pharmaceutical group said it expects 2021 sales of 5.45 to 5.65 billion euros, a forecast that is 1% above the consensus, while it has added a point to its expected adjusted EBITDA margin from 27% to 28%.
2020 sales came in up 9% at 5.3 billion euros (+8% at constant exchange rates), based on net sales that are up 8% at 5.1 billion euros (+7% at constant exchange rates).
Underlying operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) increased by 1% to 1.4 billion euros, or 27% of sales, although was down 4% at constant exchange rates due to investments in product launches and development.
On Thursday the laboratory also announced its outlook through to 2025, expecting sales of at least 6 billion euros for an adjusted EBITDA margin of 30% to 35%.
This prospect of strong growth - as UCB itself says - was warmly welcomed on the Brussels Stock Exchange, with the share price jumping nearly 7% on Thursday, in pole position in the BEL 20 index.
Copyright (c) 2021 CercleFinance.com. All rights reserved.