As expected, the Product Sales performance benefitted from strong launches and the continued growth of newer medicines and China, offset by the erosion of Crestor sales. Progress was made on overall cost discipline, while the level of Externalisation Revenue, divestment timing and investment in launches impacted the overall results. Patients continued to benefit from the progress of the pipeline and AstraZeneca's plans remain on track, with the Company continuing to anticipate Product Sales growth this year, weighted to the second half.
· Product Sales increased by 3% (down by 2% at CER). Strong performance of China and newer medicines across all therapy areas was offset by the decline of Crestor sales in Europe and Japan. Total Revenue declined by 4% (9% at CER) to $5,178m, reflecting the level of Externalisation Revenue in the quarter
· The Reported Gross Margin declined by five percentage points (four at CER) to 77.3%, a result of the favourable impact of manufacturing variances realised in Q1 2017, as well as the agreement on Lynparza with MSD4; the Core Gross Margin fell by five percentage points (four at CER) to 78.8%
· Good progress on overall cost discipline - Reported Operating Expenses were stable (down by 5% at CER) at $3,817m; Core Operating Expenses increased by 3% (but declined by 1% at CER) to $3,349m. Reported R&D costs declined by 12% (16% at CER) to $1,279m; Core R&D costs declined by 7% (12% at CER) to $1,240m, driven by efficiency savings. Reported SG&A costs increased by 7% (2% at CER) to $2,457m; Core SG&A costs increased by 11% (6% at CER) to $2,028m, reflecting investment in China and new medicine launches
· Reported Other Operating Income & Expense increased by 99% (97% at CER) to $469m, a result of a legal settlement; Core Other Operating Income & Expense declined by 63% (64% at CER) to $124m, impacted by the timing of divestments
· Reported EPS of $0.27 and Core EPS of $0.48
· Capital expenditure reduced to $213m (Q1 2017: $286m). Restructuring costs reduced to $95m (Q1 2017: $312m), supporting an anticipated decline over the full year
· FY 2018 guidance reiterated and unchanged
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