This represents an increase of 7.4% compared to the previous year at a constant exchange rate (CER). Group performance was supported by the Lonza Pharma Biotech & Nutrition (LPBN) segment, which reported net sales of
Financial Summary Q1 2020
LPBN performance overview
All LPBN sites globally have run to target in Q1 with very few exceptions. Small Molecules as well as Mammalian and Microbial achieved strong momentum and experienced only minimal impacts from COVID-19, with no delays or cancellations to existing clinical programs. Cell and Gene Therapy delivered strong sales growth supported by solid continuing demand, especially in viral vector. All signed projects remained on track in Q1, and COVID 19 has already offered some new and important opportunities, which are currently under review. Biosciences also reported a positive performance, supported by strong sales. However, there was mixed performance within the Capsules business with the pharma business behind the previous year. This was partially offset by an improved level of performance in the Nutrition business, which benefitted from strong demand in the US and in
LSI performance overview
LSI has started the year with a strong first quarter, mainly driven by strong sales in Microbial Control Solutions. The majority of businesses saw solid performance and positive sales growth, including Professional Hygiene, Home and Personal Care, Material Protection, Paints and Coatings, and Crop Protection. However, there was a softer level of demand for Wood Protection in all regions. The Specialty Chemical Services division was negatively impacted by challenges in some end markets. The Composites business saw weaker levels of demand for consumer electronics. Customer manufacturing was negatively impacted by soft demand in Chemical CDMO, although Fermentation CDMO was slightly ahead of the same quarter last year. Performance Chemicals and Intermediates were impacted by lower prices, which was only partially offset by solid Vitamin B3 demand.
COVID-19 impact
The essential nature of its products, services and solutions means that Lonza has been able to maintain operations in most markets, with a small number of minor disruptions. Operations in Wood Protection sites in
The LPBN segment has currently received in excess of 40 clinical and commercial enquiries regarding projects relating to COVID-19. While the business cannot participate in every initiative, it is focusing on a small number of key development projects relating to both vaccines and therapeutic treatments, which may help to contain the spread of the pandemic.
Because there have been no disruptions to business continuity caused by the challenges arising from COVID-19, the Group is currently able to continue as planned with key strategic growth projects and long-term investments. The carve-out of the LSI segment also currently remains on track for completion by mid-2020.
The Lonza Investor Relations and Media teams will be available for further questions only after the call.
Contact:
Dr.
Tel: +41 61 316 8782
Email: kristin.koehler@lonza.com
About Lonza
At Lonza, we combine technological innovation with world class manufacturing and process excellence. Together, these enable our customers to deliver their discoveries in the healthcare, preservation, and protection sectors.
We are a preferred global partner to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets. We work to prevent illness and promote a healthier world by enabling our customers to deliver innovative medicines that help treat or even cure a wide range of diseases. We also offer a broad range of microbial control solutions, which help to create and maintain a healthy environment.
Founded in 1897 in the Swiss Alps, Lonza today operates in 120 sites and offices in more than 35 countries. With approximately 15,500 full-time employees, we are built from high-performing teams and of individual employees who make a meaningful difference to our own business, as well as the communities in which we operate. The company generated sales of
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