Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche Holding AG (RHHBY.PK) reported Thursday a higher sales in its first quarter benefited mainly by increased demand for cancer medicines and clinical laboratory products. The company also confirmed its full-year 2013 outlook.
In its first quarter, the company's total sales increased 5 percent to 11.59 billion Swiss francs from last year's 11.03 billion francs. In US dollar terms, sales grew 4 percent, and at constant exchange rates, sales rose 6 percent.
Higher sales of Tamiflu due to a severe flu season in North America also supported Roche's performance in the first quarter, the company said.
Pharmaceuticals sales grew 6 percent to 9.2 billion francs, driven by cancer medicines and Tamiflu. All regions performed well, except Japan, where sales declined 11 percent.
Commenting on the first-quarter results, Roche CEO Severin Schwan said, "We got off to a very good start in 2013 due to strong organic growth. The launch of two new cancer drugs, Kadcyla in the United States and Perjeta in Europe, will help to further improve our leading market position in oncology. Based on the first-quarter results, I am confident we will meet our full-year targets."
Going ahead for fiscal 2013, Roche continues to expect Group sales in 2013 to increase in line with last year's sales growth, at constant exchange rates. Core earnings per share is targeted to grow ahead of sales.
In 2013 Roche expects to further increase its dividend.
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