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UCB's Financial Highlights in 2024

UCB, the renowned biopharmaceutical company, has reported strong financial performance for the year 2024, marking an impressive growth trajectory. The company's revenue surged to €6.15 billion, reflecting a 17% increase compared to the previous year. When adjusted for constant exchange rates, this growth is an even more robust 19%. The net sales also saw a commendable rise, reaching €5.61 billion, a 15% increase (+17% CER).

This significant growth can be attributed mainly to the robust performance of UCB's newly launched products. The company’s innovative therapies, including BIMZELX®, EVENITY®, FINTEPLA®, RYSTIGGO®, and ZILBRYSQ®, have all shown powerful triple- and double-digit growth, contributing to a total of over €1.3 billion in combined net sales. Additionally, established products like CIMZIA® and BRIVIACT® also played a critical role, with BRIVIACT® achieving peak sales well ahead of the target date.

The adjusted EBITDA, an important indicator of operational profitability, increased by 9% to €1.48 billion, indicating a remarkable underlying profitability ratio of 24.0% against revenue. UCB’s core earnings per share (EPS) rose to €4.98, with a positive outlook for the future.

Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

UCB’s CEO, Jean-Christophe Tellier, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting individuals with severe diseases. The company reported reaching over 3.1 million patients globally suffering from various neurological and immunological conditions. This commitment is reflected in the organization's continuous effort to invest in research and development, with nine promising medicines currently in the pipeline.

In terms of sustainability, UCB is making significant strides in improving patient access to its therapies, achieving an 82% reimbursement rate across all markets where it operates, up from 68% in the previous year. The company has also been recognized for its environmental initiatives, achieving validation for its Net Zero Targets, which were highlighted in various ESG ratings. UCB ranked first within the Biotechnology sector by Sustainalytics and received an A- from the Carbon Disclosure Project for its efforts in climate and water security.

Outlook for 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, UCB projects revenue growth between €6.5 billion and €6.7 billion, continuing its upward trend from 2024. This forecast takes into consideration the increased demand and rollout of its growth drivers, alongside the anticipated performance of products like BRIVIACT® despite potential pricing pressures on others like CIMZIA®. The company aims to maintain an adjusted EBITDA margin of around 30% and expects core EPS to fall within the range of €6.80 to €7.40.

In addition to this financial growth, UCB is focused on advancing its pipeline, including a series of Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for several candidates. The company is committed to fostering innovation while ensuring that its portfolio remains strategically positioned for sustained growth and new solutions for patients.

UCB's 2024 performance showcases not only its operational success but also its dedication to addressing critical healthcare needs through innovative therapies and sustainable practices. As the company expands, it continues to prioritize both patient welfare and environmental responsibility, solidifying its position in the biopharmaceutical industry while laying a robust foundation for the future.