Novartis closes 2010 with rise in fourth-quarter sales

BASEL, Switzerland — Novartis reported $14.2 billion in net sales for the fourth quarter of 2010, up 10% compared with net sales reported for the fourth quarter of 2009, the company announced in a press release. Specifically, Alcon contributed $1.8 billion in net sales for the quarter, according to the release.

Pharmaceuticals sales, which were strengthened by a 7% increase in volume expansion, rose 3% to $8 billion during the fourth quarter. However, operating income decreased 6% to $2.47 billion during the fourth quarter.

Net income, which was negatively impacted by a low tax charge and financing costs linked to the company's consolidation of Alcon, dropped 2% to $2.3 billion for the quarter.

Earnings per share totaled $0.95, down 6% from $1.01 during the same period in 2009.

For the full-year 2010, Novartis posted $50.6 billion in net sales, representing a 14% increase compared with net sales posted during 2009. Specifically, Alcon contributed $2.4 billion in net sales for the year, according to the release.

Full-year pharmaceutical sales, led by an 8% rise in volume, grew 7% to $20.6 billion while operating income rose 15% to $11.5 billion for the year.

Net income increased 18% to $10 billion for the full-year 2010, while earnings per share totaled $4.28, up 16% from $3.70 for the full-year 2009.