BioNTech SE has lowered its forecast for this year’s Covid-19 vaccine sales by 20%, becoming the latest drugmaker to adjust its expectations in the post-pandemic era.
The German company said it now expects 2023 vaccine sales of around €4 billion, down from previous guidance of €5 billion.
BioNTech, which relies on vaccine-related profit share payments from its US partner, Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE), for much of its revenue, said that write-downs reported by Pfizer in mid-October would reduce its third-quarter revenue by €508 million euros, compared with up to about €900 million initially flagged.
The news came as the firm reported a sharp drop in third-quarter revenue and profit.
Revenue totalled €895.3 million, down from €3.47 billion last year, while net profit tumbled to €160.6 million from €1.78 billion a year ago.
Diluted earnings per share slid to €0.67 from €6.98.
The firm also cut estimates for R&D spending to €1.80-2.0 billion from €2.4-2.6 billion before and for selling, general & admin spending to €600-650 million from €650-750 million.
Shares rose 3.6% in pre-market trading.