Net sales of the Orion Group came to EUR 993.8 (1 168.8) million, change -15.0%. The decrease was due to the restructurings as well as lower invoicing in the pharmaceutical wholesale business. Operating profit EUR 71.8 (52.2) million increased by 37.6% from the comparative period. Orion Pharma continued to show positive profit development despite notably lower milestone payments than in the comparative period. Group profit before extraordinary items and taxes was EUR 72.1 (52.0) million. Earnings per share were EUR 0.74 (0.53). Equity ratio was 48.1% (48.2%). An additional dividend of EUR 2.14 is proposed by the Board of Directors to an extraordinary meeting of shareholders.
The figures in the report have not been audited.
Espoo, 9 August 2004
Board of Directors of Orion Corporation
Orion Corporation
Jukka Viinanen Jari Karlson
President and CEO CFO
The full report including tables can be downloaded from the enclosed link.