Roche posts 6% sales growth in H1, beats consensus estimates

Roche Holding reported first-half sales of CHF 30.36 billion, beating analyst estimates as its pharmaceuticals division drove a 6% constant-currency gain.

"The results reflect continued demand across our portfolio, particularly in allergy, haemophilia A and breast cancer treatments," the company said in its earnings statement Thursday.

Sales exceeded the CHF 30.27 billion consensus compiled by the company. The diagnostics division posted a 3% revenue increase, supported by immunodiagnostic and clinical chemistry products. Core earnings per share, a key profitability metric, rose 9%.

The Swiss franc's appreciation against the US dollar weighed on reported results. Roche maintained its full-year outlook, targeting mid-single-digit percentage sales growth and high-single-digit core EPS growth on a constant-currency basis, with the dividend expected to increase.

The company's pharmaceuticals division generated the bulk of the growth, with sales rising 6% on a CER basis. Demand for Roche's allergy drug, haemophilia A therapy and breast cancer treatments were among the key drivers, the company said.

Roche's diagnostics unit, which provides immunodiagnostic and clinical chemistry products, contributed a 3% sales increase on a CER basis.

Currency headwinds from the strengthening Swiss franc reduced reported results relative to constant-currency figures, the company noted.

The guidance reaffirmation signals management's confidence in sustained demand across Roche's core therapeutic areas. Investors will watch upcoming quarterly results for signs of whether currency headwinds intensify and how the company's pipeline of new drugs progresses through clinical development.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.