Almirall announces increased dividend

Almirall has revealed that it has approved a dividend payment which is five per cent higher than the amount awarded last year.

The pharmaceutical company is to award around 55.1 million euros (47 million pounds) in dividend payments to shareholders, which equates to a gross of 0.33 euros per share.

It stated that this increase has been implemented in light of the company’s “robust financial results” last year, with earnings having increased by six per cent compared to 2008.

The firm also expects that its future business performance will be boosted by upcoming treatments such as the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease drug Eklira and the irritable bowel syndrome therapy linaclotide.

Jorge Gallardo, chairman and chief executive officer of Almirall, said: “Once again we are pleased to be able to share Almirall’s good results with our shareholders. These have come from a strong, forward-looking business strategy, notwithstanding the complexity of the economic environment.”

Last week, Almirall published its financial breakdown for the first quarter of 2010, during which the firm was able to increase its income and reduce its levels of debt.