BERLIN, Germany, April 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Schering AG, Germany achieved an organic net sales growth of 12% in the first quarter of 2006. In total, net sales increased by 16% to over EUR 1.4 billion in comparison to the previous year’s figure.
The business area Gynecology&Andrology demonstrated the stongest growth with an increase of 21%. This growth was mainly driven by the success of our oral contraceptive, Yasmin(R), increasing by 34% to EUR 180 million. Yasmin is number one worldwide among oral contraceptives. In addition, net sales of Mirena(R), our intrauterine delivery system, increased above-average by 31%. Net sales of our top-selling product, Betaferon(R), rose by 23% to EUR 232 million.
The Oncology business area also recorded a double-digit net sales increase of 20%. Net sales of Fludara(R), Campath(R) and Bonefos(R) developed exceptionally well with increases of over 30%, respectively.
Furthermore, Schering AG was very successful in major regional markets. Hence, the Europe (+14%), United States (+14%), Latin America/Canada (+28%) as well as Asia/Pacific Region (+25%) grew in the double-digit range.
“The good results of the first quarter were mainly driven by our successful products, Yasmin(R) and Betaferon(R). This dynamic growth will help us achieve our set goals for 2006,” said Dr. Hubertus Erlen, Chairman of the Executive Board of Schering AG. “At the same time, we are progessing well with the implementation of our efficiency improvement programs.”
The operating profit amounted to EUR 240 million (+4%) in the first three months of 2006. After adjusting for one-time effects relating to divestitures and takeover offers, the operating profit increased by 22% to EUR 280 million. This corresponds to an operating margin of approximately 20%. Net profit amounted to EUR 174 million (+21%). Earnings per share amounted to EUR 0.92 (+21%).
Additional information
Unless otherwise indicated, all narrative in this section refers to currency adjusted sales growth rates.
Schering AG is a research-based pharmaceutical company. Its activities are focused on four business areas: Gynecology&Andrology, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging as well as Specialized Therapeutics for disabling diseases. As a global player with innovative products Schering AG aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. With in-house R&D and supported by an excellent global network of external partners, Schering AG is securing a promising product pipeline. Using new ideas, Schering AG aims to make a recognized contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life: making medicine work
This press release has been published by Corporate Communication of Schering AG, Berlin, Germany.
Your contacts at Corporate Communication:
Media Relations: Oliver Renner, T: +49-30-468-124-31, oliver.renner@schering.de
Media Relations: Verena von Bassewitz, T: +49-30-468-192-206, verena.vonbassewitz@schering.de
Investor Relations: Peter Vogt, T: +49-30-468-128-38, peter.vogt@schering.de
Investor Relations: Dr. Jost Reinhard, T: +49-30-468-150-62, jost.reinhard@schering.de
Find additional information at: www.schering.de/eng
Certain statements in this press release that are neither reported financial results nor other historical information are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause actual results and Schering AG’s plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Certain factors that may cause such differences are discussed in our Form 20-F and Form 6-K reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Schering AG undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
Schering AG
CONTACT: Your contacts at Corporate Communication: Media Relations: OliverRenner, Tel: +49-30-468-124-31, oliver.renner@schering.de, Media Relations:Verena von Bassewitz, Tel: +49-30-468-192-206,verena.vonbassewitz@schering.de, Investor Relations: Peter Vogt, Tel:+49-30-468-128-38, peter.vogt@schering.de, Investor Relations: Dr. JostReinhard, Tel: +49-30-468-150-62, jost.reinhard@schering.de
