Biotest AG — Earnings Release 2004

Jan 26, 2005

News Details

Corporate | 26 January 2005 14:30

Biotest AG: Biotest recorded revenues of EUR 218 million in 2004

Corporate-news announcement sent by DGAP. The sender is solely responsible for the contents of this announcement. —————————————————————————— Biotest recorded revenues of EUR 218 million in 2004 Dreieich, January 26, 2005. Biotest, which specialises on developing, producing and marketing pharmaceuticals and diagnostic systems focusing on clinical immunology, hematology and intensive care, recorded sales of EUR 218 million last financial year despite the difficult market environment. Sales were down only slightly on the previous year (- 2%). The primary factors behind this development were the company’s conscious re- served reaction on tender markets for plasma products that are characterized by strong price pressure, and the US dollar exchange rate, which did not bide well for export business. In particular, revenues were down in South America, Asia and the Middle East. Revenue growth in Germany (+ 5%) and on European markets (+ 10%) was surpassed by developments on these foreign markets. As a result, the proportion of German to group revenues thus increased slightly in 2004 from 33% to 35%. The lower revenues were exclusively recorded in the Pharmaceutical division. Revenues in this division totaled EUR 142 million, with 3% less than in the previous year (EUR 146 million). In contrast, the Diagnostic division was able to stabilize revenues at EUR 76 million, at the same level as the previous year, in the face of a market distinguished by competition for prices. Sales growth in Germany offset a slight downturn abroad. A significant year-on-year improvement in results is expected due to the fact that lower consolidated sales were due to Biotest’s decision to move away from the lower-margin tender business for plasma products coupled with the fact that revenue growth was recorded in top-priced European markets. Biotest will announce its annual earnings on March 18, 2005. Biotest AG The Board of Managing Directors end of message, (c)DGAP 26.01.2005 —————————————————————————— WKN: 522720; ISIN: DE0005227201; Index: Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin- Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg und Stuttgart 261430 Jän 05