Roche Group has posted strong performance during the year ended December 2007 despite significant higher R&D and other expenses. The company's net profit increased by 25 per cent to Swiss francs (CHF) 11,437 million from CHF 9,171 million in the previous year. Its sales increased by 10 per cent to CHF 46,133 million from 42,041 million. The pharmaceutical sales increased by 12 per cent to CHF 34,927 million from CHF 31,161 million. Roche Pharmaceutical division recorded sales growth of 14 per cent but Chugai division's sales declined by 4 per cent to CHF 3,109 million.
Franz B. Humer, chairman and CEO, said, "In 2007 our operating business continued to post healthy growth and excellent results. Sales increased by 10 per cent and have thus shown double-digit growth for the seventh year in succession. In the Pharmaceuticals division, sales increased at almost twice the global market growth rate. We are also strongly positioned for the future; our steady focus on innovation, our global pharmaceutical research network, our strengths in biotechnology, our leadership in diagnostics, our strong product pipeline and the integration of pharmaceuticals and diagnostics are important short and long-term competitive advantages".
For 2008 the Group expects sales in local currencies to increase at a high single-digit rate, with above market sales growth in both divisions. This excludes government and corporate stockpiling orders of Tamiflu for pandemic use. As most of the existing pandemic stockpiling orders have now been filled, Roche anticipates a significant decrease in Tamiflu sales in 2008.
In view of Roche's excellent full-year results, the board of directors will propose that the dividend for 2007 be increased by 35 per cent to 4.60 Swiss francs per share. This will be its 21st consecutive annual dividend increase.