Melbourne, 14th February 2011: Cellestis (ASX.CST) is strengthening its foothold as the gold standard for testing for tuberculosis (TB) around the world, again reporting year on year earnings growth with profits from operations up 46% from the same time last year.
For the half year to December 31, 2010 Cellestis reported a profit of $5,666 million. The company said sales revenue for its TB diagnostic, QuantiFERON Gold was $22,531 million, an increase of 24% when compared to the same period last year.
Cellestis said it had experienced strong growth across all of its major markets, with sales in local currencies stronger than reported in $A sales, due to the strength in the Australian dollar. Sales in the USA grew by 39%, Japan by 30% and Europe by 25%. Growth in the “rest of the world” was particularly strong, with sales increasing by 60%.
Dr Tony Radford, CEO of Cellestis said a number of factors – both internal and external – had contributed to the company’s continued growth.
“Externally there is growing recognition that Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) blood tests, such as QuantiFERON®-TB Gold (QFT), are the most accurate testing method. Notably, new guidelines Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released in the US last year recommending the use of these tests has, at this early stage, impacted favourably on Cellestis in the US.”
“Internally, we continue to invest in the company to ensure we’ve been able to manage our growth and continue to enhance our business development activities. Investment in sales and marketing is a key focus as well, as well as IT infrastructure giving us the tools to improve our tools to service customers and support sales growth.”
“We have a positive outlook for the reminder of the year, and expect underlying sales and profit to grow at a similar rate. We are mindful that the strong Australian dollar does impact top-line performance figures and that the re-emergence of major medical situations, such as a major flu outbreak which could divert attention and resources away from TB testing, is a potential risk.”
TOM DONOVAN Account Executive Buchan Consulting Business Strategy | Communication | Public Policy MELBOURNE: PHONE: +61 3 9866 4722 MOBILE: 0422 557 107 FAX: +61 3 9867 1716
