16.03.2016, 23:48
Merck Finishes Record Year 2015 Stronger
OREANDA-NEWS. Merck, a leading science and technology company, reported record results for 2015, emerging stronger from the transformation process that started in 2007. Net sales and EBITDA pre exceptionals were higher than ever before in Merck's history of nearly 350 years.
"2015 was not only an eventful, but above all a very successful year for Merck. We again achieved profitable growth. By acquiring Sigma-Aldrich, we successfully completed the portfolio realignment of recent years. In immuno-oncology, we initiated six pivotal clinical trials. Research advances and future-oriented investments form the foundation for future success. And our new bold and vibrant branding shows what makes Merck unique," said Karl-Ludwig Kley, Chairman of the Executive Board.
Net sales of the Merck Group rose sharply by 13.0% to EUR 12.8 billion in 2015 (2014: EUR 11.4 billion). The acquisitions of AZ Electronic Materials (AZ) and Sigma-Aldrich were responsible for 4.3% of the sales growth. Organically, Merck increased sales by 2.6% over 2014. Favorable exchange rate effects, primarily thanks to the strength of the U.S. dollar, contributed 6.2% to sales growth.
The operating result (EBIT) rose by 4.6% to EUR 1.8 billion (2014: EUR 1.8 billion). EBITDA pre exceptionals, the key financial indicator used to steer operating business, climbed significantly by 7.1% to EUR 3.6 billion (2014: EUR 3.4 billion) thanks to the Life Science and Performance Materials business sectors.
Net income, i.e. profit after tax attributable to Merck shareholders, declined in 2015 by -3.7% to EUR 1.1 billion (2014: EUR 1.2 billion). This was attributable to one-time expenses in connection with the Sigma-Aldrich takeover and integration as well as higher interest expenses to finance the acquisition.
Earnings per share pre exceptionals increased by 5.9% to EUR 4.87 (2014: EUR 4.60). The proposal to the Annual General Meeting on April 29, 2016 will be to increase the dividend by EUR 0.05 to EUR 1.05 per share.
Merck was thus able to meet or exceed its forecast for 2015 with respect to sales, EBITDA pre exceptionals and earnings per share pre exceptionals.
"2015 was not only an eventful, but above all a very successful year for Merck. We again achieved profitable growth. By acquiring Sigma-Aldrich, we successfully completed the portfolio realignment of recent years. In immuno-oncology, we initiated six pivotal clinical trials. Research advances and future-oriented investments form the foundation for future success. And our new bold and vibrant branding shows what makes Merck unique," said Karl-Ludwig Kley, Chairman of the Executive Board.
Net sales of the Merck Group rose sharply by 13.0% to EUR 12.8 billion in 2015 (2014: EUR 11.4 billion). The acquisitions of AZ Electronic Materials (AZ) and Sigma-Aldrich were responsible for 4.3% of the sales growth. Organically, Merck increased sales by 2.6% over 2014. Favorable exchange rate effects, primarily thanks to the strength of the U.S. dollar, contributed 6.2% to sales growth.
The operating result (EBIT) rose by 4.6% to EUR 1.8 billion (2014: EUR 1.8 billion). EBITDA pre exceptionals, the key financial indicator used to steer operating business, climbed significantly by 7.1% to EUR 3.6 billion (2014: EUR 3.4 billion) thanks to the Life Science and Performance Materials business sectors.
Net income, i.e. profit after tax attributable to Merck shareholders, declined in 2015 by -3.7% to EUR 1.1 billion (2014: EUR 1.2 billion). This was attributable to one-time expenses in connection with the Sigma-Aldrich takeover and integration as well as higher interest expenses to finance the acquisition.
Earnings per share pre exceptionals increased by 5.9% to EUR 4.87 (2014: EUR 4.60). The proposal to the Annual General Meeting on April 29, 2016 will be to increase the dividend by EUR 0.05 to EUR 1.05 per share.
Merck was thus able to meet or exceed its forecast for 2015 with respect to sales, EBITDA pre exceptionals and earnings per share pre exceptionals.
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