Swiss biopharmaceutical company Basilea said its first-half 2026 results showed solid top-line and profit growth, prompting management to raise full-year guidance.
For the six months ended in the first half of 2026, Basilea posted revenue of CHF 119 million, an increase of 14% compared with the prior-year period. The company attributed the gain principally to sustained market demand for its antifungal therapy Cresemba.
Profitability also improved. Operating profit for the first half rose 32% year-on-year to CHF 31.60 million, while net profit increased 77% to CHF 27.90 million. Pretax profit was reported at CHF 32.10 million. Management noted that a lower cost of products sold helped expand gross margins during the period.
Based on this performance, Basilea updated its outlook for full-year 2026. The company now expects operating profit growth of approximately 40%, up from a prior projection of around 20%. It also raised its projected total revenue growth for 2026 to roughly 15%, compared with the earlier estimate of about 10%.
Management provided a revenue target for its antifungal portfolio, stating that revenue attributable to Cresemba and Zevtera is expected to reach approximately CHF 210 million in 2026. The company emphasized that strong Cresemba demand lifted royalty income and was a key driver of the revenue increase.
In addition to product sales and royalties, Basilea reported higher revenue from contracts with BARDA and CARB-X, which the company said supported both late-stage and early-stage research and development activities. Operating expenses for the first half were CHF 87.40 million.
On a per-share basis, Basilea recorded basic earnings of CHF 2.26 for the first half and diluted earnings of CHF 2.13.
Summary
Basilea's H1 2026 report showed a 14% rise in revenue to CHF 119 million, a 32% increase in operating profit to CHF 31.60 million, and a 77% jump in net profit to CHF 27.90 million. The company raised its 2026 operating profit growth target to about 40% and its total revenue growth forecast to around 15%, and expects Cresemba and Zevtera revenue of around CHF 210 million for the year.
Key points
- Revenue growth of 14% in H1 2026 to CHF 119 million, led by Cresemba sales and associated royalty income - sectors impacted: biopharma and healthcare markets.
- Operating profit rose 32% to CHF 31.60 million and net profit increased 77% to CHF 27.90 million, enabling a sizable upgrade to full-year profit guidance - sectors impacted: equity markets and investor sentiment toward pharmaceutical stocks.
- Contract revenues from BARDA and CARB-X contributed to funding R&D across late- and early-stage programs - sectors impacted: government-supported biomedical development and biotech R&D financing.
Risks and uncertainties
- Revenue concentration: Strong dependence on Cresemba (and Zevtera combined revenue target) means company results are sensitive to demand trends for these products - impacts the biopharma and healthcare sectors.
- Contract revenue reliance: Increases in revenue from BARDA and CARB-X supported R&D this period; changes in such contract funding could affect program financing and development timelines - impacts biotech R&D funding and public-private partnership sectors.
- Cost structure sensitivity: Improved profitability was aided by lower cost of products sold; if cost of goods sold rises, margin and profit outcomes could be affected - impacts company margins and investor expectations in the healthcare sector.