IMPROVED underlying revenue helped propel Smith & Nephew's sales above $5bn (£3.8bn) for the first time in its history.

Yesterday the firm reported underlying revenue growth for the year was up 4.4 per cent to $5bn. Underlying sales growth from emerging markets was 16.1 per cent while its sports medicine and ear, nose and throat unit revenue grew seven per cent.

Emerging markets, including China, have helped to drive growth as patient populations grow and medical expertise improves.

The medical products maker forecast another year of revenue growth after topping annual sales expectations.

Smith & Nephew said its outlook for underlying growth was 3.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent in 2020, but this was assuming that the coronavirus outbreak in China would normalise early in the second quarter.

Chief executive Roland Diggelmann said: "For 2020, our focus is on sustaining the positive momentum and our strategic imperatives remain the right path to value creation."

"Within these, we will focus on delivering a consistent and excellent customer experience... and continuing to improve our operational agility and efficiency."

(c) 2020 City A.M., source Newspaper