Roche announced a strong start to 2026, with group sales growing 6% at constant exchange rates (CER) to CHF 14.7 billion in the first three months. This growth was driven by high demand for its innovative medicines and diagnostics, and it exceeded the company-compiled consensus. However, when reported in Swiss francs, sales decreased by 5% due to the significant appreciation of the Swiss franc against other currencies, particularly the US dollar.
The Pharmaceuticals Division saw a 7% increase in sales at CER, but a 4% decline when reported in Swiss francs, reaching CHF 11.5 billion. This was attributed to continued strong growth of medicines for severe diseases. The top five growth drivers—Xolair, Phesgo, Hemlibra, Vabysmo, and Ocrevus—collectively achieved $5.3 billion in sales, marking a 14% increase at CER or 2% in Swiss francs compared to the same period in 2025.
Sales in the Diagnostics Division grew 3% at CER, but fell 7% in Swiss francs. This was due to strong demand for core lab and pathology solutions, which offset the impact of healthcare pricing reforms in China. Roche expects group sales to increase in the mid-single-digit range at CER for the full year 2026 and aims for high-single-digit core earnings per share growth at CER, with a further increase in its dividend in Swiss francs.
