date:Aug 08, 2014
, short of analysts' average estimate of 5.01 billion francs in a Reuters poll, as the strong Swiss franc and higher input costs took their toll.
Sales growth adjusted for currency swings and acquisitions accelerated to 4.7 percent in the first half, from 4.1 percent in the year-ago period and 4.2 percent in the first quarter, as volumes and pricing both picked up.
In franc terms, sales fell 4.8 percent to 42.98 billion francs.
SALES TARGET CONFIRMED
I was impressed with organic growth accel