The Roche Group confirmed its forecast for a mid-single digit increase in sales this year following a first quarter during which sales increased by 6% at constant exchange rates, but declined by 5% in Swiss francs following a period during with the franc rose significantly in value against the dollar and other currencies. The company expects core earnings per share, expressed at constant exchange rates, to rise by a high single digit rate. This will make way for a rise in the annual dividend. As is customary, Roche did not report earnings for the quarter.
