Slightly less than a quarter of respondents described earnings or forward-looking guidance as disappointing.

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The truth is, market prices are determined by forward-looking expectations of revenues, expenses, earnings, interest rates, the regulatory environment, governmental policies, etc.

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Looking forward to 2013, the company expects to achieve earnings per share growth of 3% to 4% and sales growth of about 1%, Sir Andrew said.

BBC: GlaxoSmithKline profits down as European sales falter