- | a similar level of consolidated sales growth, on a comparable basis, to that achieved in 2002. |
- | at an exchange rate of one euro per dollar, an increase in earnings per share close to 20%, before exceptional items and goodwill amortization. The sensitivity of this growth rate being 1% for a 3 cent movement in the dollar exchange rate |
He also emphasized that: We draw strength from an R&D portfolio which is extensive compared to our size, and the five medicines whose growth should continue during the years to come: Plavix®, Aprovel®, Ambien®, Arixtra®, Eloxatin®, whilst awaiting the registration of Xatral® o.d. in the United States at the end of 2003. We remain confident that, in the coming years, we will continue to be a company with one of the highest growth rates in our industry both for sales and for earnings, and which will be capable of overcoming the challenges which confront the global pharmaceutical industry. This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on managements current expectations or beliefs and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements : the ability of Sanofi-Synthélabo to expand its presence profitably in the United States; the success of Sanofi-Synthélabos research and development programs; the ability of Sanofi-Synthélabo to protect its intellectual property rights; and the risks associated with reimbursement of health care costs and pricing reforms, particularly in the United States and France. Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of documents filed by Sanofi-Synthélabo with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov or directly from Sanofi-Synthélabo on the web site www. sanofi-synthelabo.com |
Philippe Goupit | Director of Investor Relations |
Isabelle Laurent | Investor Relations Europe |
Arnaud Delépine | Investor Relations Europe |
Sanjay Gupta | Investor Relations US |
Europe | US |
Tel: +33 1 53 77 45 45 | Tel: 1 212 551 42 93 |
Fax: +33 1 53 77 42 96 | Fax: 1 212 551 49 10 |
SANOFI-SYNTHELABO By: /s/ Marie-Hélène Laimay Name: Marie-Hélène Laimay Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |