MADRID, 8 May. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Almirall obtained a net profit of 7.7 million euros in the first quarter of the year, a figure 62.3% lower than that of the same period in 2022, as reported by the biopharmaceutical company to the National Securities Market Commission (CNMV). ).

Almirall's net sales reached 232 million euros between January and March, an increase of 6%, driven by its European dermatology business, which increased its sales by 11.4% compared to the first quarter of 2022.

The gross operating result (Ebitda) of the biopharmaceutical company totaled 51.8 million euros in the first quarter, with a decrease of 13.1% compared to the same period last year.

The company has attributed the decrease in its Ebitda to the lower contribution, compared to the first quarter of 2022, of the other income item due to the reduction in income received as milestones within the agreement with Astra Zeneca/Covis.

In any case, after the results of the first quarter, Almirall maintains its estimates of achieving "low to medium single-digit" net sales growth in 2023 and an Ebitda of between 165 and 180 million euros.

Until March, the group made an investment in general and administration expenses of 106.7 million euros, 3.7% more than last year, to support recent and future launches in the United States and Europe.

The company's gross margin at the end of the quarter was 65.4%, in line with expectations. This figure, Almirall has specified, reflects the impact of the increase in energy costs and inflation, which is affecting some purchases of materials.

The investment in RD made by the biopharmaceutical company in the first quarter reached 23.9 million euros, while its net debt stood at 216 million euros at the end of March, a figure slightly higher than that of the fourth quarter of 2022.

"The first quarter of 2023 represents a solid start to the year for Almirall. We have obtained excellent operating results that put us on track to meet our estimates for 2023", highlighted the company's president and CEO, Carlos Gallardo.

Almirall's general shareholders' meeting approved on May 5 the distribution of a dividend charged to unrestricted reserves amounting to 34.5 million euros, which is equivalent to 0.19 euros per share.

For the purposes of dividend distribution, the company approved the use of the 'scroll dividend' system, already applied in previous years.