Gerresheimer AG, a provider of healthcare and beauty solutions and drug delivery systems for pharma, biotech, and cosmetics, has reported double-digit growth in revenues and adjusted EBITDA for FY 2022. Revenue rose organically by 16.2%, driven by all divisions. Adjusted EBITDA grew organically by 10.2%.
“In 2022, Gerresheimer has proven that it is a profitable growth company, accelerating growth across all businesses. We have exceeded our targets while steering Gerresheimer successfully through a dynamic environment. Our strategic investments from recent years are paying off, resulting in significantly higher growth rates and returns. We will continue to leverage business opportunities and to accelerate our profitable growth path”, said Dietmar Siemssen, CEO of Gerresheimer AG. “Following a strong close to 2022, we have made a good start to 2023. Our order books are at record levels, and we expect continued double-digit growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, while further improving margins”, he added.
Fourth quarter revenues amounted to Euro 529m, representing organic growth of 15.9%. Both divisions, plastics & devices and primary packaging glass, contributed to this success. With 21.2%, Q4 2022 delivered the strongest adjusted EBITDA margin of the year and adjusted EBITDA increased from Euro 95m in Q4 2021 by Euro 17m to Euro 112m, representing currency-adjusted organic growth of 11.9%. Free cash flow before M&A activities in the fourth quarter was particularly strong at Euro 79m, after Euro 63m in Q4 of 2021.
The plastics & devices division revenues grew organically by 13.8% in Q4, while for FY 2022 revenues grew organically by 12.3%, driven by strong demand for plastic packaging solutions, inhalers, and pens. Adjusted EBITDA increased organically by 15.2% in Q4 and by 8.8% for FY 2022, amounting to Euro 81m in Q4 and Euro 232m for FY 2022.
The primary packaging glass division grew revenues organically by 18.1% in Q4 and delivered organic revenue growth of 20.8% for FY 2022. This performance was driven by continued strong demand for glass containments as well as high-value solutions such as Gx Elite Glass and Gx RTF vials. Adjusted EBITDA improved organically by 8.9% for FY 2022, amounting to Euro 45m in Q4 and Euro 162m for FY 2022.
The fourth quarter revenue contribution of the advanced technologies division of Euro 4m was as expected, with a continuous focus on projects and investments in future growth. This included ongoing projects for the development of a new pump for a US biotech customer as well as a micro pump for chronic heart failure treatment with SQ Innovation, which is well on track.
Gerresheimer’s consistent execution of its strategy and the delivery on its financial targets enable the company to accelerate sustainable, profitable growth. Attractive growth projects, including the strong order intake in both high-value solutions and
medical devices, are fueling Gerresheimer’s transformation into a system and solution provider, underlining its position as a strategic partner of choice for the global pharma and biotech industries. In 2022, Gerresheimer continued to execute its investment program to accelerate profitable growth with a particular focus on high-value solutions and medical devices, as well as further growth initiatives. It increased capacity in ready-to-fill solutions in syringes and vials and ramped up facilities for a new autoinjection contract.
For FY 2022 the group’s adjusted net income amounted to Euro 151m, resulting in adjusted earnings per share of Euro 4.61, representing organic growth of 6.9%. The Management Board and Supervisory Board are proposing a dividend of Euro 1.25 per share for FY 2022, resulting in a payout ratio of 27.1%, again at the upper end of the dividend pay-out policy range of 20 to 30%.
Gerresheimer is setting new standards for organic growth. The company will continue to leverage business and growth opportunities, investing in the right niche markets, while consistently following its formula G strategy process.
Gerresheimer has made a good start to FY 2023 and expects double-digit organic growth for both revenues and adjusted EBITDA with further expansion of its adjusted EBITDA margin.
