Shire forecasts strong 2012 EPS growth on record 2011 sales; Vyvanse news

Shire (LSE: SHP), the UK’s third-largest drugmaker, posted a pleasing set of financial for full-year 2011, with revenues rising 23% to $4.26 billion, non-GAAP operating income of $1.36 billion, up 27% and US GAAP operating income leaping 40% to $1.11 billion.

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per American Deposit Receipt rose 26% to $5.34, while US GAAP diluted earnings per ADR were $4.53, a jump of 43%, the company reported. After an initial dip following release of the figures, Shire’s shares were flat at £21.74 by around 1pm UK time yesterday.

Angus Russell, chief executive, commented: “Shire has had another strong year - our strategy of focusing on meeting the needs of patients, physicians and payers to deliver value to the health care system has led to growing sales across our balanced portfolio of differentiated products. In 2011 our total revenues topped $4 billion for the first time…Supported by our strong cash generation, we will continue to invest in growth prospects that will further leverage our established infrastructure. We expect 2012 to be a year of good earnings growth, as we aim to deliver increasing value to all our stakeholders.”