Strong growth in 2005 first half adjusted EPS : up 26.1% at €2.22

Increase in full year adjusted EPS guidance Positive phase IIb/III results for 6 products SECOND QUARTER • Net sales: €6,687 million, up 6.5% (10.1% on a comparable basis) • Increase of 24.4% in “adjusted operating income – current” • Adjusted net income up 26.0% at €1,553 million • Adjusted earnings per share up 24.7% at €1.16 (vs. €0.93 for the second quarter of 2004). FIRST HALF • Net sales: €13,104 million, up 7.4% (11.0% on a comparable basis) • Increase of 26.1% in “adjusted operating income – current” • Adjusted net income up 27.1% at €2,968 million • Adjusted earnings per share up 26.1% at €2.22 (vs. €1.76 for the first half of 2004) EPS GUIDANCE • Increase in 2005 full-year adjusted EPS guidance to at least 20%2 growth barring major adverse events. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT • Positive results for 6 products in late stage trials (2 Phase III results and 4 Phase IIb results). Läs hela rapporten i bifogad fil.