HAMBURG (dpa-AFX) - Drug discovery company Evotec expects its business to perform significantly worse as a result of a hacker attack. The group cut its forecasts for both sales and operating profit. The company, which is listed on the MDax, announced on Thursday after the close of business in Hamburg that it expects annual sales of only 750 to 790 million euros. In the worst case, that would be only about as much as in the previous year. Previously, 820 to 840 million euros had been on the cards. On the Tradegate trading platform, Evotec shares were down 2.8 percent from the Xetra closing price.

In terms of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda), adjusted for special effects, management is targeting a significant decline to 60 to 80 million euros. In 2022, Evotec had reported just under 102 million euros and was targeting 115 to 130 million euros in the current year. For the current year, the Group's management calculates more than 90 million euros in costs. The Management Board maintained the targets for 2025.

Evotec had had to leave the MDax due to the delayed publication of the audited annual report for 2022 caused by the cyber attack, but was allowed to return promptly./ngu/he