BAGSVAERD, Denmark, Jan. 27, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Novo Nordisk A/S:
Novo Nordisk Increased Sales by 16 Percent in 2005
Operating Profit Growth of 16 Percent Exceeded Previous Expectations
-- Reported sales in 2005 increased by 16%
-- Sales of insulin analogues increased by 62%
-- Sales of NovoSeven(r) increased by 16%
-- Sales in North America increased by 27%
-- Sales in International Operations increased by 25%
-- Operating profit increased by 16% to DKK 8,088 million while
underlying operating profit (measured in local currencies and
excluding non-recurring items) increased by around 20%.
-- Net profit increased by 17% to DKK 5,864 million and earnings per
share (diluted) increased by 20% to DKK 17.83.
-- The long-term eco-efficiency targets established in 2001 were achieved
in 2005. Total realised improvements in the eco-efficiency, as
measured by EPI indices, from 2001 to 2005 were 49% for water and 84%
for energy.
-- At the Annual General Meeting on 8 March 2006, the Board of Directors
will propose a 25% increase in dividend to DKK 6.00 per share of DKK
2. A new share repurchase programme of DKK 6 billion will be initiated
in 2006.
-- In 2006, Novo Nordisk expects to increase operating profit by slightly
more than 10%.
Lars Rebien Soerensen, president & CEO, said: "We are pleased with the results achieved in 2005. Novo Nordisk insulin now constitutes more than half of the insulin sold globally, and we expect the strong demand for our strategic products to continue in 2006 despite increased competition. We are confident that we also in 2006 will be able to deliver solid financial performance while at the same time increasing our investments in both R&D and in sales and marketing."
Stock Exchange Announcement no 2 / 2006
The financial tables for this press release can be found here: http://hugin.info/2013/R/1031641/165704.pdf.