Salute e Benessere
Novartis continues strong momentum of sales growth with margin expansion, reaches key innovation milestones in 2024
Full year
Fourth quarter
Dividend, 2025 guidance
Basel, January 31, 2025 – commenting on Q4 2024 results, Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, said:
“In our first full year as a pure-play innovative medicines company, Novartis delivered one of the strongest financial performances in our history, growing sales 12% cc and core operating income 22% cc. We also achieved important innovation milestones, including new approvals and readouts for many of the assets that will fuel our growth over the mid- to long-term. With the momentum we are seeing in the business, we expect to continue our strong sales growth with margin expansion in 2025 and we remain on track to deliver on our mid-term guidance. Looking ahead, we are focused on executing against our pipeline, including 15 submission-enabling readouts over the coming years and more than 30 assets with the potential to drive differentiated growth over the long term. We remain balanced in our capital allocation approach and committed to creating sustainable value for shareholders.”
1. Constant currencies (cc), core results and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found on page 47 of the Condensed Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year. 2. Please see detailed guidance assumptions on page 7.
3. As defined on page 35 of the Condensed Financial Report, Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business and the continuing corporate activities, and Discontinued operations include operational results from the Sandoz business.
Strategy
Our focus
In 2023, Novartis completed its transformation into a “pure-play” innovative medicines business. We have a clear focus on four core therapeutic areas (cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience and oncology), with multiple significant in-market and pipeline assets in each of these areas, that address high disease burden and have substantial growth potential. In addition to two established technology platforms (chemistry and biotherapeutics), three emerging platforms (gene & cell therapy, radioligand therapy and xRNA) are being prioritized for continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing scale. Geographically, we are focused on growing in our priority geographies – the US, China, Germany and Japan.
Our priorities
Financials
Following the September 15, 2023, shareholder approval of the spin-off of Sandoz, Novartis reported its consolidated financial statements as “continuing operations” and “discontinued operations.”
Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business and the continuing corporate activities. Discontinued operations include the Sandoz Division and selected portions of corporate activities attributable to Sandoz's business, as well as certain expenses related to the spin-off.
While the commentary below focuses on continuing operations, we also provide information on discontinued operations.
Continuing operations
Fourth quarter
Net sales were USD 13.2 billion (+15%, +16% cc), with volume contributing 15 percentage points to growth. Generic competition had a negative impact of 1 percentage point and pricing had a positive impact of 2 percentage points, benefiting from revenue deduction adjustments mainly in the US.
Operating income was USD 3.5 billion (+37%, +39% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments.
Net income was USD 2.8 billion (+7%, +6% cc), mainly driven by higher operating income, partly offset by higher income taxes, mainly resulting from higher income before taxes in the current year and non-recurring tax benefits in the prior year. EPS was USD 1.42 (+10%, +10% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Core operating income was USD 4.9 billion (+27%, +29% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 36.9% of net sales, increasing 3.4 percentage points (+3.7 percentage points cc).
Core net income was USD 3.9 billion (+26%, +29% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 1.98 (+29%, +33% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 3.6 billion (+70% USD), compared with USD 2.1 billion in the prior-year quarter, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.
Full year
Net sales were USD 50.3 billion (+11%, +12% cc), with volume contributing 14 percentage points to growth. Generic competition had a negative impact of 2 percentage points and pricing was flat.
Operating income was USD 14.5 billion (+49%, +55% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, lower impairments, amortization and restructuring charges, partly offset by prior-year one-time income from legal matters and higher R&D investments.
Net income was USD 11.9 billion (+39%, +45% cc), mainly driven by higher operating income, partly offset by higher income taxes, mainly resulting from higher income before taxes in the current year and non-recurring tax benefits in the prior year. EPS was USD 5.92 (+43%, +49% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Core operating income was USD 19.5 billion (+19%, +22% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 38.7% of net sales, increasing 2.7 percentage points (+3.3 percentage points cc).
Core net income was USD 15.8 billion (+17%, +21% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 7.81 (+21%, +24% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 16.3 billion (+24% USD), compared with USD 13.2 billion in 2023, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.
Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations include the Sandoz generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars division, certain corporate activities attributable to Sandoz and certain other expenses related to the spin-off of the Sandoz business.
Fourth quarter
As the Sandoz spin-off was completed on October 3, 2023, there were no operating results in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023 related to discontinued operations. In the fourth quarter of 2023, net income from discontinued operations amounted to USD 5.8 billion, driven by the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders of USD 5.9 billion. For further details see Note 3 “Significant acquisitions of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business” and Note 11 “Discontinued operations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Full year
As the Sandoz spin-off was completed on October 3, 2023, there were no operating results in 2024 related to discontinued operations. In 2023, discontinued operations net sales were USD 7.4 billion, operating income amounted to USD 265 million and net income from discontinued operations was USD 6.3 billion driven by the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. For further details see Note 3 “Significant acquisitions of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business” and Note 11 “Discontinued operations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Total Company
Fourth quarter
Total Company net income was USD 2.8 billion in 2024, compared with USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and basic EPS was USD 1.42 compared to USD 4.14 in the prior year quarter as the prior year quarter included the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. Net cash flows from operating activities for total Company amounted to USD 4.2 billion and free cash flow amounted to USD 3.6 billion.
Full year
Total Company net income was USD 11.9 billion in 2024, compared with USD 14.9 billion in 2023 and basic EPS was USD 5.92 compared to USD 7.15 in the prior year as the prior year included the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. Net cash flows from operating activities for total Company amounted to USD 17.6 billion and free cash flow amounted to USD 16.3 billion.
Q4 key growth drivers
Underpinning our financial results in the quarter is a continued focus on key growth drivers (ranked in order of contribution to Q4 growth) including:
*All markets except the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand
Net sales of the top 20 brands in the fourth quarter and full year
R&D update - key developments from the fourth quarter
New approvals
Regulatory updates
Results from ongoing trials and other highlights
Capital structure and net debt
Retaining a good balance between investment in the business, a strong capital structure, and attractive shareholder returns remains a priority.
In 2024, Novartis repurchased a total of 77.5 million shares for USD 8.3 billion on the SIX Swiss Exchange second trading line. These purchases included 68.8 million shares (USD 7.3 billion) under the up-to USD 15 billion share buyback announced in July 2023 (with up to USD 5.4 billion still to be executed). In addition, 8.7 million shares (USD 1.0 billion) were repurchased to mitigate the impact of share deliveries under the equity-based compensation plans for employees. Furthermore, 1.2 million shares (equity value of USD 0.1 billion) were repurchased from employees. In the same period, 9.8 million shares (equity value of USD 1.1 billion) were delivered to employees related to equity-based compensation plans. Consequently, the total number of shares outstanding decreased by 68.9 million versus December 31, 2023. These treasury share transactions resulted in an equity decrease of USD 7.4 billion and a net cash outflow of USD 8.3 billion.
Net debt increased to USD 16.1 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to USD 10.2 billion net debt at December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to the free cash flow of USD 16.3 billion being more than offset by the cash outflows for treasury share transactions of USD 8.3 billion, the annual dividend payment of USD 7.6 billion, and net cash outflow for M&A / intangible assets transactions of USD 6.3 billion.
As of Q4 2024, the long-term credit rating for the company is Aa3 with Moody's Ratings and AA- with S&P Global Ratings.
2025 outlook
Key assumptions:
Foreign exchange impact
If late-January exchange rates prevail for the remainder of 2025, the foreign exchange impact for the year would be negative 2 percentage points on net sales and negative 3 percentage points on core operating income. The estimated impact of exchange rates on our results is provided monthly on our website.
Annual General Meeting
Dividend Proposal
The Novartis Board of Directors proposes a dividend payment of CHF 3.50 per share for 2024, up 6.1% from CHF 3.30 per share in the prior year, representing the 28th consecutive dividend increase since the creation of Novartis in December 1996. Shareholders will vote on this proposal at the AGM on March 7, 2025.
Reduction in Share Capital
The Novartis Board of Directors proposes to cancel 77 508 630 shares (8 548 613 shares repurchased under the authorization of March 4, 2022, and 68 960 017 shares repurchased under the authorization of March 7, 2023) and to reduce the share capital accordingly by CHF 38.0 million, from CHF 1 073 065 943.53 to CHF
1 035 086 714.83.
Potential Further Share Repurchases
As of December 31, 2024, the remaining available amount under the existing shareholder authority granted at the 2023 AGM is CHF 3.5 billion. To allow for the full execution of the already announced share buyback of up to USD 15 billion and potential additional share buybacks, the Board of Directors proposes that shareholders, in addition to the remaining authorization of CHF 3.5 billion, authorize the Board of Directors to repurchase shares as deemed appropriate from time to time up to CHF 10 billion between the 2025 AGM and 2028 AGM.
Elections of the Board Chair and the Members of the Board of Directors
Dr. Joerg Reinhardt, Dr. Charles Sawyers and Mr. William Winters are not standing for re-election. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Novartis thank them for their many years of valuable service as Chair and members of the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors proposes the election of Dr. Giovanni Caforio as member of the Board of Directors and Board Chair. Dr. Caforio has had an international career in the healthcare industry spanning more than 35 years, most recently as the Chairman and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS).
In addition, the Board of Directors proposes the re-election of the current members of the Board of Directors with the exception of Dr. Reinhardt, Dr. Sawyers and Mr. Winters, and the election of Dr. Elizabeth McNally as a new member of the Board of Directors, each until the end of the next Annual General Meeting.
Key figures
1. Constant currencies (cc), core results and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found on page 47 of the Condensed Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year.
2. As defined on page 35 of the Condensed Financial Report, Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business and the continuing corporate activities, and Discontinued operations include operational results from the Sandoz business.
Detailed financial results accompanying this press release are included in the Condensed Financial Report at the link below:
https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/resource/download/dca5e4e6-11a0-4e0c-b7b3-991f432e8407/
Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that can generally be identified by words such as “may,” “can,” “will,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “grow,” “launch,” “expect,” “deliver,” “address,” “accelerate,” “deliver,” “scaling,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “long-term,” “priority,” “potential,” “momentum,” or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding potential new products, potential new indications for existing products, potential product launches, or regarding potential future revenues from any such products; or regarding results of ongoing clinical trials; or regarding potential future, pending or announced transactions; regarding potential future sales or earnings; or by discussions of strategy, plans, expectations or intentions, including discussions regarding our continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing; or regarding our capital structure. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this press release will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. Neither can there be any guarantee expected benefits or synergies from the transactions described in this press release will be achieved in the expected timeframe, or at all. In particular, our expectations could be affected by, among other things: uncertainties concerning global healthcare cost containment, including ongoing government, payer and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; uncertainties regarding the success of key products, commercial priorities and strategy; uncertainties in the research and development of new products, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection, including the ultimate extent of the impact on Novartis of the loss of patent protection and exclusivity on key products; uncertainties regarding our ability to realize the strategic benefits, operational efficiencies or opportunities expected from our external business opportunities; uncertainties in the development or adoption of potentially transformational digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and business models; uncertainties surrounding the implementation of our new IT projects and systems; uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of information security or disruptions of our information technology systems; uncertainties regarding actual or potential legal proceedings, including regulatory actions or delays or government regulation related to the products and pipeline products described in this press release; safety, quality, data integrity, or manufacturing issues; our performance on and ability to comply with environmental, social and governance measures and requirements; major geo- and socio-political developments, including impact of the war in certain parts of the world; uncertainties regarding future global exchange rates; uncertainties regarding future demand for our products; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's most recently filed Form 20-F and in subsequent reports filed with, or furnished to, the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this press release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
All product names appearing in italics are trademarks owned by or licensed to Novartis.
About Novartis
Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people's lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide.
Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.
Novartis will conduct a conference call with investors to discuss this news release today at 14:00 Central European time and 8:00 Eastern Time. A simultaneous webcast of the call for investors and other interested parties may be accessed by visiting the Novartis website. A replay will be available after the live webcast by visiting https://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar.
Detailed financial results accompanying this press release are included in the condensed financial report at the link below. Additional information is provided on our business and pipeline of selected compounds in late-stage development. A copy of today's earnings call presentation can be found at https://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar.
Novartis issued its 2024 Annual Report today, and it is available at www.novartis.com. Novartis will also file its 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F with the US Securities and Exchange Commission today, and will post this document on www.novartis.com. Novartis shareholders may receive a hard copy of either of these documents, each of which contains our complete audited financial statements, free of charge, upon request. Novartis also issued its Novartis in Society Integrated Report 2024 today, and it is available at www.novartis.com.
Please find full media release in English attached and on the following link:
Media release (PDF)
Further language versions are available through the following links:
German version is available through the following link:
Medienmitteilung (PDF)
2321 Rosecrans Avenue. Suite 2200
90245 El Segundo Stati Uniti