STADA’s 2021 development strengthens base for further growth

Specialty sales growth of 9% to EUR639 million, equivalent to one fifth of group turnover, reflected in part the introduction of bevacizumab, STADA’s fourth marketed biosimilar, in several countries during 2021, as well as the ongoing roll-out of a novel triple combination formulation for treating advanced Parkinson’s disease. The group also last year reinforced its Specialties pipeline through a partnership formed with Sweden’s Calliditas Therapeutics that is aimed at developing and commercializing the first-ever approved treatment in the European Union for a chronic autoimmune kidney disease.

With Consumer Healthcare sales ahead by 15% to EUR1.28 billion in 2021, comprising around two-fifths of group turnover, STADA confirmed its position as a growth leader within the industry. Organic line extensions, international expansion and marketing initiatives around brands such as Grippostad, Ladival, Nizoral, Snup and Vitaprost were complemented by successfully integrating recent acquisitions like the Walmark supplements business. Midway through last year, STADA acquired from Sanofi 16 well-established consumer healthcare brands across 13 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain. Taking over this portfolio ─ which included cold & flu, skincare and food supplement brands such as Silomat, Mitosyl and Frubiase ─ fits ideally with STADA’s strategy of focusing on local hero brands that have strong customer loyalty in specific regions.

As Europe’s fourth-largest supplier of generic medicines, STADA was in 2021 able to reinforce its position with 2% sales growth to EUR1.33 billion. Within this growth, Generics sales climbed by 6% in STADA’s Europe region, supported by strong performances and market-share gains in France and Italy.

Across all three strategic segments, STADA’s growth was underpinned by a highly efficient and reliable supply chain that supplied approximately 1.1 billion packs of medicines across the world in 2021.

Around 7,000 of STADA’s 12,500 highly engaged employees worldwide work in Technical Operations roles, dedicated to ensuring access to medicines. The importance of STADA’s unique corporate culture that allows unique talents to prosper was reflected in both participation in regular employee surveys that was far above industry benchmarks, as well as the recent receipt of a ‘Top Employer Award’ covering many of the group’s largest European markets. Furthermore, an independent audit of STADA’s compliance management system conducted by EY resulted in the best result possible.

Adjusted for special items, group EBITDA improved by 4% to EUR717.8m. Operating cashflow increased by 47% to EUR589.2 million as STADA exercised diligent investment decisions and efficient cost management across the group.

With a diverse and balanced portfolio and pipeline, STADA is well positioned for future sustainable growth. Having during 2021 became a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and committed to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the group’s global sustainability policy, STADA is currently preparing its first group-wide Sustainability Report for publication in the near future.