In the fourth quarter of 2010, sanofi-aventis generated net sales of €7,395 million, up 0.5% on a reported basis. Exchange rate movements had a favorable effect of 6.4 percentage points, mainly due to the weaker euro versus the U.S. dollar, Japanese Yen, Brazilian Real, and Australian dollar. At constant exchange rates, and including changes in structure (primarily the consolidation of Chattem), net sales decreased by 5.9%. Excluding changes in structure and at constant exchange rates, fourth-quarter net sales declined by 7.1% or by 2.4% excluding pandemic influenza vaccine sales booked in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Net sales in 2010 were 3.7% higher on a reported basis at €30,384 million. Exchange rate movements had a favorable effect of 4.5 percentage points, largely reflecting the appreciation of the U.S. dollar, Brazilian Real, Japanese Yen, Australian dollar and Canadian dollar against the euro. At constant exchange rates, and after taking into account changes in structure (in particular the consolidation of Chattem), net sales decreased by 0.8%. Excluding changes in structure and at constant exchange rates, net sales for the full year decreased 2.7%.
Commenting on the Group's performance in 2010, sanofi-aventis Chief Executive Officer, Christopher A. Viehbacher said, "2010 was the first year in which the patent cliff really became visible with generic competition for several of our products, notably Lovenox® in the U.S. However, we have delivered another year of EPS growth due to the excellent performance of our growth platforms, which now account for 54% of sales, and tight cost control. In 2010, these growth platforms accounted for more than €16 billion in sales, an increase of 12.5%, constituting a solid basis for the mid and long term development of our company."
About sanofi-aventis
Sanofi-aventis, a leading global pharmaceutical company, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions to improve the lives of everyone. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).