The group’s turnover (including parts of the business that has not yet been consolidated) fell 5.8 percent to CHF 1.40 billion nine months later. Therefore, the company is roughly in line with its own forecasts, which predict a drop in sales in the single-digit percentage range.
In the key German business, the group generated around 850 million turnover between January and September, down 13.3 percent compared to the same period last year. In the third quarter alone, sales in the region fell by more than one-fifth. Zur Rose justifies this with its accelerated breakeven program.
In the Swiss domestic market, Zur Rose generated revenue of just under 505 million (+10.2%) in the first nine months. In fact, revenues increased by 11.5% in the third quarter. In the domestic market, the group was able to gain additional market shares. The ‘Europe’ segment, still very small by comparison, reported a good revenue of 55 million francs, 5.9 percent below the previous year’s figure.
In the statement regarding the central e-prescription problem in Germany, it is stated that the distribution is gaining momentum. To date, approximately 450,000 e-prescriptions have been used. The number has more than doubled since September 1. “The majority of pharmacies in Germany are already able to use e-prescriptions and arrange them with their health insurance,” explains zur Rose. The group is now awaiting an explanation from the German Ministry of Health on more convenient ways to use e-prescription in the near future.
Zur Rose slightly adjusted its outlook for the year as a whole and now expects adjusted EBITDA to be between -75 million CHF and -85 million CHF. Previously, the range was -75 million to -95 million. EBITDA is still on the agenda as a breakeven (adjusted) 2023 target. The group also confirms its medium-term EBITDA target margin of 8 percent.
(SDA)