a new force in world pharmaceuticals astrazeneca tom mckillop chief executive officer plc momentum z market shares increased profits merger completed record time group restructuring r & d programmes progressing financial highlights continuing operations constant 1st half 98 99 currency m sales 8 096 9 043 12 healthcare 6 360 7 382 16 operating profit 1 938 2 091 610 822 13 before tax 934 059 eps excep items 0 75 81 n dividends per share 23 pro forma basis exceptional gastrointestinal up 15 cent losec 848 million zup zus 11 zeuropean 29 zstrong growth france sweden and the uk split by indication gerd 56 dyspepsia ex hp 24 pud 10 h pylori total 3 nsaid other based on 1998 cardiovascular 17 zestril 602 18
