advance
14% based on the dynamic business growth in the Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz Divisions
and supported by the acquisitions of Hexal and Eon Labs
PHARMACEUTICALS
delivers
net sales growth of 10%, outperforming the industry average thanks to fast-growing
cardiovascular and oncology franchises
SANDOZ
performs
well with net sales growth of 54% – thanks to acquisitions of Hexal and Eon Labs
which have helped to transform Sandoz into a global leader
CONSUMER
HEALTH
net
sales up 8%, supported by good underlying growth ahead of its markets, particularly
OTC through its focus on strategic brands
OPERATING
INCOME
rises
10% based on the strong business expansion and sustainable productivity improvements
but at a slower pace than sales due to acquisition-related expenses
NET
INCOME
climbs
10% on the back of strong operating performance
EARNINGS
PER SHARE
rise
11% in USD, a double-digit expansion for the fourth consecutive year
DIVIDEND
proposed
to shareholders for 2005 is CHF 1.15 per share, an increase of 10% and representing
the ninth consecutive year of paying a higher dividend
