The company has reported net sales of CHF45.61 billion in 2008, a decrease of 1%, compared to CHF46.13 billion posted in 2007. Operating profit was CHF13.92 billion, a decrease of 4%, compared to CHF14.5 billion posted in 2007.
Severin Schwan, CEO of Roche, said: “Roche continued the positive trend of recent years. Once more sales by both the pharmaceuticals and diagnostics divisions grew considerably faster than the market. Core earnings per share in local currencies also rose again.
“In these times of economic upheaval it is more important than ever that we adhere rigorously to our strategy. We will continue to focus on our core pharmaceuticals and diagnostics business.”