Copenhagen, 2012-02-22 08:06 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
2011 was a record year for ALK. Revenue and earnings reached the highest level in the history of the company. Revenue increased by 10% to DKK 2,348 million with an underlying growth in sales of allergy vaccines of 5% (in local currencies). Reported operating profit (EBITDA) increased by 41% to DKK 406 million.
"Considering the historically good results in a year with international crisis and the great progress in implementing our global growth strategy, we are convinced that we can generate considerable and long-term value in the years ahead," says Jens Bager, President and CEO of ALK.
High activity level in 2012
For the 2012 financial year, ALK anticipates continued growth in revenue and robust earnings. Vaccine sales are expected to increase by 3-5%, measured in local currencies. ALK also expects to receive significant revenues from partnerships, although at a lower level compared to the extraordinarily high level in 2011. Total revenue of up to DKK 2.4 billion is expected for 2012.
In 2011, ALK decided to further accelerate research and development activities. As a consequence, an extraordinarily high activity level is expected, which will entail increasing expenses, especially in 2012 and 2013, when research and development expenses are expected to account for more than 20% of revenue. Despite the high level of activity, operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) is expected to exceed DKK 300 million in 2012 (DKK 406 million in 2011).
See page 2 in the attached annual report 2011 for highlights of the year.
Webcast
Today, ALK holds a conference call for analysts and investors at 11.30 a.m. (CET) at which Jens Bager, President and CEO, and Flemming Pedersen, CFO, will review the financial results.
Participants in the conference call are kindly requested to call in before 11.25 a.m. (CET). Danish participants should call in on tel. +45 7014 0453 and international participants should call in on tel. +44 207 108 63 03. The conference call will also be webcast on our website www.alk-abello.com/investor, where the related presentation will be available shortly before the conference call begins.
ALK-Abelló A/S
Jens Bager
President and CEO
For further information please contact:
Jens Bager, President and CEO, tel. +45 4574 7576
Investor Relations: Per Plotnikof, tel. +45 4574 7527, mobile +45 2261 2525
Press: Martin Barlebo, mobile +45 2064 1143