• Robust commercial demand, with softer early-stage demand due to biotech funding constraints

• Growth project portfolio progressing in line with plan

• Outlook 2023 reiterated, with high single-digit CER sales growth and CORE EBITDA margin of 30 to 31%

In its quarterly qualitative update, Lonza reported Q1 performance in line with the trajectory for 2023. 

In Biologics, there was good momentum across the division, with sustained customer demand for commercial supply and softer demand for early stage services. The Small Molecules division delivered a solid performance. In Cell & Gene, biotech funding constraints impacted demand for pre-clinical and Phase 1 services. Finally, the performance of the Capsules & Health Ingredients division was impacted by the softer demand for consumer health products in the US.

Lonza’s growth projects are progressing in line with plan. Operations have commenced in two new facilities for drug product and bioconjugates in Visp (CH), while construction began at the large-scale commercial drug product facility in Stein (CH).

Lonza reiterated its Outlook 2023, and reconfirmed its trajectory for a stronger Second Half balancing a softer First Half, as anticipated at Full-Year 2022.

Pierre-Alain Ruffieux, CEO, Lonza, commented: “Our Q1 performance is in line with the expected trajectory towards our Group Outlook 2023. Thanks to our strong base business and industry fundamentals, we are well-positioned to continue to capture value with our clear focus on quality, a broad range of offerings and our technical expertise.”

As announced at Full-Year 2022, Lonza has initiated the return of excess capital to shareholders through a share buyback of up to CHF 2 billion. As planned, the program commenced in early April 2023 and is scheduled to be completed in H1 2025.  The program is being executed via a second trading line at the SIX Swiss Exchange.