Q1: Growth continues for Novozymes

2008 kicked off with high sales growth, leading to an upwards adjustment in local currencies. Expected sale of enzymes for detergents and feed significantly increased. Despite unfavorable exchange rates, the outlook for net profit 2008 in DKK is maintained.

Earnings development was good in the first quarter, and the developments in energy and raw material prices were in line with expectations. Overall, the financial results in the first quarter were very satisfactory, particularly given the generally unfavorable exchange rate movements.

Novozymes’ sales rose by 11% in local currencies in the first quarter of 2008. Calculated in DKK sales rose by 5% to MDKK 2,026 from MDKK 1,931 in 2007
Operating profit rose by 4% to MDKK 372 from MDKK 359 in 2007. Adjusted for exchange rate movements, growth was approximately 13%
The operating profit margin for the quarter was 18.4% against 18.6% in 2007
Net profit for the period rose by 4% to MDKK 264 against MDKK 254 in 2007
Earnings per share (diluted) were DKK 4.19 for the first quarter, an increase of 5%
Free cash flow before acquisitions was MDKK 221 against MDKK 308 in 2007
Return on invested capital (ROIC) fell to 19.3% from 22.4% in the first quarter of 2007

“The high growth rate is continuing in 2008,” says Steen Riisgaard, President and CEO. “We have not seen, and there is no sign of, a slowdown in sales or earnings. In fact the first quarter was better than expected, so we are increasing our sales expectations for the year. However, the declining dollar is eroding growth and earnings in DKK. It is somewhat frustrating that the underlying business performance does not show in the results in DKK, because things are going really well.”

Download Novozymes' Group financial statement for Q1 2008 in pdf-format.