Bachem is targeting sales of over 500 million CHF in 2022.
For profit, a percentage growth above that of sales is targeted. The company is planning a global investment volume of over 400 million CHF in the next 5 years.
Thomas Meier, CEO of Bachem, on the results of the past fiscal year: 'In 2020, Bachem achieved outstanding results despite major challenges. For the first time, sales were increased to more than 400 million CHF. The strong sales and earnings growth was achieved in all business areas and is broadly based in terms of products and regions. I am particularly pleased that, with operational measures and a high level of personal commitment, we succeeded not only in securing the systemically important supply of active ingredients despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but even in increasing it in critical areas. Our workforce can be very proud of the work they have done.'
Group results
The Bachem Group (SIX: BANB) increased sales in Swiss francs by 28.1% (34.0% in local currencies) to 402.0 million CHF in fiscal year 2020. Operating profit before depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 40.5% (55.3% in local currencies) to 122.6 million CHF and operating profit (EBIT) rose by 55.0% (75.3% in local currencies) to 96.7 million CHF. The EBITDA margin thus rose to 30.5% (previous year: 27.8%) and the EBIT margin to 24.0% (previous year: 19.9%). Net income increased by 44.1% to 78.1 million CHF.
Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which are key to the Group's success, reported strong sales growth of 36.4% in local currencies to 360.4 million CHF. In particular, sales generated with new chemical entities (NCEs) increased significantly in both sales regions Europe/Asia and North America. Research chemicals also contributed to the very good result despite pandemic-related effects. Sales of this product category increased by 16.5% in local currencies to 41.6 million CHF.
In 2020, Bachem expanded its oligonucleotides business. The Group started up the first facilities for small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) and produced in addition to non-GMP material a first GMP batch for a clinical trial. Investments in additional facilities for commercial scale production capacity are progressing according to plan.
Bachem made investments in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets of over 76 million CHF in 2020 for the targeted expansion of capacities at all sites. The company created a total of 272 new jobs, 201 of them in Switzerland. As of year-end, the Group employed a total of 1 529 people (equivalent to 1 475 full-time positions).
Outlook
Bachem is targeting sales of over 500 million CHF in 2022. For profit, a percentage growth above that of sales is targeted. In the development and production of peptides, Bachem intends to further expand its already market-leading position and is also aiming for a leading role in the field of oligonucleotides in the medium term with annual sales of 100 million CHF. To enable the Group to grow consistently and profitably, the company is planning a global investment volume of over 400 million CHF in the next 5 years.
Dividend
Due to the very good business development, the Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting an increase of the dividend from 3.00 CHF to 3.25 CHF per share. Half of the distribution will come from reserves from capital contribution.
About Bachem
Bachem is a leading, innovation-driven company specializing in the development and manufacture of peptides and oligonucleotides. The company, which has 50 years of experience and expertise, provides products for research, clinical development, and commercial application to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of services. Bachem operates internationally with headquarters in Switzerland and locations in Europe, the US and Asia. The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.
Contact:
Alain Schaffter
Tel: +41 58 595 2021
Email: ir@bachem.com
BACHEM HOLDING AG 
