Ipsen up sharply on stellar financial results and outlook

Mid-size French pharma company Ipsen (Euronext: IPN) was trading 16% higher late on Thursday after presenting its latest financial results.

Total sales at Ipsen hit 1.43 billion euros ($1.45 billion) for the first half of 2022, a 15% rise on the same period in 2021. Core earnings per share grew by 20% to 5.06 euros, with a core operating margin of nearly 40%.

Ipsen improved its 2022 financial guidance. It is now forecasting total sales growth in excess of 7% at constant exchange rates, where previously the company had expected a rise of less than 2%. The group’s new prediction for core operating margin exceeds 36%, compared to the prior forecast of less than 35%.