Sanofi Posts Higher Q4 Profit

reported a 26% rise in its fourth-quarter profit. Sanofi's quarterly net profit climbed to EUR1.34 billion ($1.52 billion), versus a year-ago profit of EUR1.06 billion. Business net income rose 0.8% to EUR1.83 billion, versus analysts' estimates of EUR1.79 billion. Its total revenue surged 7% to EUR9.07 billion, versus EUR8.46 billion. The company's diabetes drug sales rose 11% to EUR2.02 billion, while vaccine sales climbed 16% to EUR1.18 billion. The company's sales at Genzyme climbed 22% to EUR746 million. Its consumer health care products sales gained 14%, while animal health drugs sales rose 12%. U.S. sales gained 8.8% to €3,147 million in the quarter, while sales in Western Europe rose 0.1% to €1,956 million. In Japan, sales declined 12% to €550 million. The company will propose a dividend of EUR2.85 per share for 2014. Sanofi Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Serge Weinberg commented, "We are pleased with our solid performance in 2014. The Group delivered strong financial results and we made significant progress in bringing new medicines to market. In 2015, our focus is on operational excellence as we launch multiple new medicines and vaccines". Sanofi shares gained 0.15% to close at $47.00 yesterday.