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Introduction & Market Context
Krka Group (LJSE:KRK) presented its Q1 2025 financial results on May 15, 2025, revealing record performance figures and an upgraded outlook for the full year. The Slovenia-based pharmaceutical company reported substantial growth in both sales and profitability, with a particularly notable surge in net profit driven by strong operational performance and favorable currency movements.
The company’s shares have responded positively to these results, with the stock price rising 1.54% to €792 in recent trading, approaching its 52-week high of €792 and significantly above its 52-week low of €534.
Quarterly Performance Highlights
Krka achieved record Q1 2025 sales of €522.1 million, representing a 7% increase year-over-year. More impressively, net profit soared by 51% to reach €152.5 million, driven by both operational improvements and significant foreign exchange gains.
As shown in the following chart of quarterly performance metrics:
The company maintained robust profitability with an EBITDA margin of 27.9% and EBIT margin of 23.5%. The gross profit margin improved to 58.3% from 57.6% in the same period last year, while the net profit margin jumped significantly to 29.2% from 20.3% in Q1 2024.
Profitability metrics show substantial improvement across the board:
"We are maintaining high profitability while continuing to invest in future growth," stated the company in its presentation. The return on equity (ROE) increased to 26.2% from 17.7% a year earlier, while return on assets (ROA) rose to 20.5% from 14.1%.
Regional Sales Analysis
Krka’s sales growth was broad-based across nearly all regions, with East Europe remaining the largest contributor at 33.9% of total sales. The Russian Federation, despite geopolitical challenges, continues to be Krka’s largest market with 12% growth year-over-year.
The regional breakdown of sales is illustrated in this chart:
Central Europe represented 23.9% of total sales, with Poland showing particularly strong growth of 14%. Western Europe accounted for 18.4% of sales, while South-East Europe contributed 14.4%. The only region showing a decline was Overseas Markets, which fell by 10% and represents just 3.3% of total sales.
Product Portfolio and R&D
Prescription pharmaceuticals remain Krka’s core business, accounting for 82.8% of total sales and showing 8% growth year-over-year. The company’s product portfolio is diversified across several categories:
Krka continues to invest significantly in research and development, with Q1 2025 R&D expenses reaching €49.5 million. The company finalized over 200 marketing authorization procedures and introduced four new products during the quarter: Dagraduo, Pixoroso, Delanxara, and Co-Amlessa.
The company’s production volumes are expanding, with plans to exceed 20 billion finished dosage forms in 2025. The "Big Six" products represent 40% of sales value and approximately half of sales volume:
Financial Analysis and FX Impact
A key factor in Krka’s exceptional profit growth was the significant appreciation of the Russian ruble against the euro during Q1 2025, which generated substantial foreign exchange gains:
The FX impact contributed €57.6 million in positive foreign exchange differences, partially offset by a €3.4 million negative impact from derivatives, resulting in a net financial result of €56.8 million for the quarter.
The company’s consolidated income statement reflects these gains:
Krka maintains a strong financial position with no debt burden. Total (EPA:TTEF) assets increased by 9% to €3.1 billion compared to year-end 2024, while equity grew by 8% to €2.4 billion.
Forward-Looking Statements
Based on the strong Q1 performance, Krka has raised its guidance for 2025, now expecting:
The company projects sales to exceed €2 billion for the full year 2025, with net income expected to reach €365 million, representing a guidance increase announced in January 2025. Capital expenditures for 2025 are planned at €150 million, a 28% increase from 2024.
Krka also announced a proposed dividend of €8.25 per share for 2024, continuing its commitment to shareholder returns. The company has allocated over €1.35 billion for dividends in the past decade, with a 10-year dividend CAGR of 14.1%.
The pharmaceutical manufacturer remains focused on ESG initiatives, implementing CSRD/ESRS requirements in sustainability reporting and achieving an S&P Global CSA Score of 56/100, placing it among the top 10% of pharmaceutical companies in sustainability performance.
With its strong financial position, continued investment in R&D and production capacity, and broad geographic diversification, Krka appears well-positioned to maintain its growth trajectory, though currency volatility, particularly related to the Russian ruble, remains a significant factor in its financial performance.
Full presentation:
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