Novartis delivers 12% sales and 21% core operating income growth from continuing operations (in cc¹). Executes Sandoz spin-off, achieves important innovation milestones, and raises FY 2023 guidance Dienstag, 24. Oktober 2023 - 07:04

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

• Transformation into a "pure-play" innovative medicines business is complete, with the spin-off of Sandoz; commentary below is on continuing operations2
• Q3 sales grew +12% (cc, +12% USD) with core operating income growing +21% (cc, +17% USD)
  • Growth driven by continued strong performance from Kesimpta (+124% cc), Entresto (+31% cc), Kisqali (+76% cc), Pluvicto (+217% cc) and Scemblix (+157% cc)
• Q3 operating income grew +13% (cc, -4% USD) driven by higher sales and lower restructuring charges, partly offset by higher impairments through discontinuation of early stage development projects
• Q3 net income grew +37% (cc, +14% USD) mainly due to higher operating income
• Q3 free cash flow3 was USD 5.0 billion (+24% USD) driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities
• Q3 core EPS grew +29% (cc, +24% USD) to USD 1.74
• Strong nine months performance with sales growing +10% (cc, +8% USD) and core operating income growing +19% (cc, +13% USD)
• Q3 key innovation milestones, including positive Ph3 data for multiple pipeline assets with blockbuster potential:
  • Cosentyx – FDA approval for intravenous formulation in three indications (PsA, AS, nr-axSpA)
  • Demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant Ph3 data for: 1) Pluvicto (mCRPC pre-taxane), 2) iptacopan (IgAN), 3) remibrutinib (CSU), 4) Lutathera (GEP-NETs)
  • Kisqali – Ph3 NATALEE iDFS 500 event analysis complete; file submitted in EU, US submission planned for Q4 2023
• Initiated previously announced, up-to USD 15 billion share buyback to be completed by year-end 2025
• Full-year 2023 guidance raised for core operating income based on strong momentum4  
  • Net sales expected to grow high single digit
  • Core operating income expected to grow mid to high teens (from low double digit to mid teens)

Basel, October 24, 2023 – commenting on the quarter, Vas Narasimhan MD, CEO of Novartis, said: "Novartis delivered a very strong quarter, with double-digit sales and core operating income growth leading to a further upgrade to 2023 guidance. We have successfully executed the spin-off of Sandoz, allowing us to fully focus on high-value innovative medicines. Our growth drivers, including Kesimpta, Entresto, Kisqali and Pluvicto, continue to perform well in the market. Our robust pipeline also continues to deliver, and we have achieved important innovation milestones for Pluvicto, iptacopan, remibrutinib and Lutathera. We are confident in our mid-term growth outlook and remain committed to creating value for our shareholders."

Key figures1

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 48 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year. 2  As defined on page 37 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report, Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the Innovative Medicines Division and the continuing Corporate activities and Discontinued operations include operational results from the Sandoz business. 3 Effective January 1, 2023, Novartis revised its definition of free cash flow, to define free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment. To aid in comparability, the prior year free cash flow amounts have been revised to conform with the new free cash flow definition. See page 48 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report. 4  Please see detailed guidance assumptions on page 8.

Strategy update

Our focus

Novartis has completed its transformation into a "pure-play" innovative medicines business, with the successful spin-off of Sandoz. Our focus is now centered on four core therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, renal and metabolic; immunology; neuroscience, and oncology). In each of these areas, we have multiple significant in-market and pipeline assets, all of which address diseases with a high 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.

Financials

Following the September 15, 2023, shareholders' approval of the spin-off of the Sandoz business the Company reported its consolidated financial statements for the current and prior years as "continuing operations" and "discontinued operations."

Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the Innovative Medicines Division 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.

With the spin-off of the Sandoz business, Novartis operates as a single global operating segment, being a focused innovative medicines company.

The commentary below focuses on continuing operations. We also provide information on discontinued operations, which mainly includes Sandoz and allocated corporate activities.

Continuing operations

Third quarter

Net sales were USD 11.8 billion (+12%, +12% cc) driven by volume growth of 17 percentage points. Pricing had a negative impact of 1 percentage point and generic competition had a negative impact of 4 percentage points.

Operating income was USD 1.8 billion (-4%, +13% cc), mainly driven by higher sales and lower restructuring charges, partly offset by higher impairments through discontinuation of early stage development projects.

Net income was USD 1.5 billion (+14%, +37% cc), mainly due to higher operating income and lower tax rate driven by non-recurring items. EPS was USD 0.73 (+20%, +45% cc), growing faster than net income, benefiting from lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Core operating income was USD 4.4 billion (+17%, +21% cc), mainly driven by higher sales. Core operating income margin was 37.4% of net sales, increasing by 1.4 percentage points (+2.7 percentage points cc).

Core net income was USD 3.6 billion (+18%, +23% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 1.74 (+24%, +29% cc), growing faster than core net income, benefiting from lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Free cash flow amounted to USD 5.0 billion (+24% USD), compared with USD 4.1 billion in the prior year quarter driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities.

Nine months

Net sales were USD 34.0 billion (+8%, +10% cc) driven by volume growth of 16 percentage points. Pricing had a negative impact of 2 percentage points and generic competition had a negative impact of 4 percentage points.

Operating income was USD 7.2 billion (+16%, +31% cc), mainly driven by higher sales, other income from legal matters, lower restructuring charges, partly offset by higher impairments through discontinuation of early stage development projects.

Net income was USD 5.9 billion (+25%, +41% cc), mainly due to higher operating income. EPS was USD 2.84 (+31%, +49% cc), growing faster than net income, benefiting from lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Core operating income was USD 12.6 billion (+13%, +19% cc), mainly driven by higher sales. Core operating income margin was 36.9% of net sales, increasing by 1.7 percentage points (+2.9 percentage points cc).

Core net income was USD 10.3 billion (+15%, +22% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 4.95 (+21%, +28% cc), growing faster than core net income, benefiting from lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Free cash flow amounted to USD 11.0 billion (+27% USD), compared with USD 8.7 billion in the prior year period driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities.

Discontinued operations

Results for discontinued operations in the third quarter and nine-months 2023 include the results of the Sandoz Division and selected portions of corporate activities attributable to Sandoz business, as well as certain expenses related to the spin-off.

In connection with the Sandoz spin-off on October 4, 2023, the Company will report as part of its Q4 discontinued operations results a one-time non-cash non-taxable IFRS gain of approximately USD 5.9 billion. This IFRS gain represents mainly the excess amount of the IFRS distribution liability, which is the estimated fair value of the Sandoz business distributed to Novartis AG shareholders, over the then carrying value of Sandoz business net assets.

Third quarter

Discontinued operations net sales were USD 2.5 billion (+8%, +6% cc), mainly driven by ex-US growth.

Operating loss amounted to USD 86 million, compared to an operating income of USD 342 million in the previous year. The operating loss in third quarter was driven by the discontinued corporate transaction cost related to spin-off of the Sandoz business, which were core adjustments.

Core operating income was USD 250 million (-51%, -38% cc), mainly driven by lower gross margin and higher SG&A expenses.

Net income from discontinued operations amounted to USD 250 million, compared to USD 245 million in the previous year.

Nine months

Discontinued operations net sales were USD 7.4 billion (+6%, +8% cc), mainly driven by ex-US growth.

Operating income amounted to USD 265 million, compared to USD 1.1 billion in the previous year. The current year period includes the discontinued corporate transaction cost related to spin-off of the Sandoz business, which were core adjustments.

Core operating income was USD 1.2 billion (-20%, -11% cc), mainly driven by higher SG&A expenses and R&D investments.

Net income from discontinued operations amounted to USD 440 million, compared to USD 755 million in the previous year.

Total company

Third quarter

Total company net income was USD 1.8 billion, mainly due to higher operating income and lower tax rate driven by non-recurring items compared to USD 1.6 billion in the prior year. EPS increased to USD 0.85 from USD 0.73 in prior year.

Cash flows from operating activities amounted to USD 5.4 billion compared to USD 4.7 billion in the prior year. Free cash flow amounted to USD 5.0 billion compared to USD 4.4 billion in the prior year.

Nine months

Total company net income was USD 6.4 billion, mainly due to higher operating income compared to USD 5.5 billion in the prior year. EPS increased to USD 3.05 from USD 2.50 in prior year.

Cash flows from operating activities amounted to USD 11.9 billion compared to USD 10.1 billion in the prior year. Free cash flow amounted to USD 11.0 billion compared to USD 9.3 billion in the prior year.

Q3 key growth drivers

Underpinning our financial results in the quarter is a continued focus on key growth drivers including:

Net sales of the top 20 products in 2023

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* Sales growth benefiting from a one-time revenue deduction adjustment in Europe

R&D update - key developments from the third 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.

During the first nine months of 2023, Novartis repurchased a total of 74.9 million shares for USD 7.2 billion on the SIX Swiss Exchange second trading line. These repurchases included 52.8 million shares (USD 4.9 billion) under the USD 15 billion share buyback (announced in December 2021 and completed in June 2023) and 10.4 million shares (USD 1.1 billion) under the new up-to USD 15 billion share buyback announced in July 2023. In addition, 11.7 million shares (USD 1.2 billion) were repurchased to mitigate dilution related to participation plans of associates. Furthermore, 1.4 million shares (for an equity value of USD 0.1 billion) were repurchased from associates. In the same period, 12.2 million shares (for an equity value of USD 0.8 billion) were delivered as a result of options exercised and share deliveries related to participation plans of associates. Consequently, the total number of shares outstanding decreased by 64.1 million versus December 31, 2022. These treasury share transactions resulted in an equity decrease of USD 6.5 billion and a net cash outflow of USD 7.3 billion.

As of September 30, 2023, net debt excluding net debt related to discontinued operations increased to USD 10.8 billion compared to USD 7.2 billion total net debt at December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to the USD 7.3 billion annual dividend payment, net cash outflow for treasury share transactions of USD 7.3 billion and net M&A / intangible assets transactions of USD 2.9 billion. This increase in net debt was partially offset by USD 11.0 billion free cash flow.

As part of the spin-off, Sandoz incurred total bank debt of approximately USD 3.7 billion and paid approximately USD 3.0 billion in cash, including payment in satisfaction of certain intercompany indebtedness owed by Sandoz and its subsidiaries to Novartis and its affiliates as of September 30, 2023. This reduced the net debt position of Novartis by USD 3.0 billion.

As of Q3 2023, the long-term credit rating for the company is A1 with Moody's Investors Service and AA- with S&P Global Ratings.

2023 outlook raised due to strong momentum

Key assumptions:

• No US Entresto Gx at risk launch in 2023
• No Sandostatin LAR generics enter in the US in 2023

Entresto patent update

Novartis has appealed to reverse the negative US District Court decision and to uphold the validity of its combination patent covering Entresto and other combinations of sacubitril and valsartan, which expires in 2025 (with pediatric exclusivity). No generics have tentative or final approval in the US. Any US commercial launch of a generic Entresto product prior to the final outcome of Novartis combination patent appeal, or ongoing litigations involving other patents, may be at risk of later litigation developments.

Foreign exchange impact

If late-October exchange rates prevail for the remainder of 2023, the foreign exchange impact for the year would be negative 2 percentage point on net sales and negative 6 percentage points on core operating income. The estimated impact of exchange rates on our results is provided monthly on our website.

Key figures1

nm= not meaningful

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 48 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year.

2 As defined on page 37 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report, Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the Innovative Medicines Division 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 Interim Financial Report at the link below:

https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/resource/download/1a97fd38-edbc-49ea-9350-8042dc006c1c/

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 "guidance," "expected," "momentum," "continue," "drivers," "confident," "outlook," "remain," "committed," "prioritized," "prioritizing," "continued," "growing," "growth," "plans," "on-track," "continuing," "anticipated," "to follow," "will," "outlook," "may," "upcoming," "ongoing," "focus," "pipeline," "potential," "estimated," "launch," "to deliver," "transformation," "transformative," "address," "planned," "focusing," "accelerated," "long-term," "innovation," "priority," "can," "awaiting," 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 potential future, pending or announced transactions; or regarding potential future sales or earnings of Novartis; or regarding discussions of strategy, priorities, plans, expectations or intentions, including our transformation into a "pure-play" innovative medicines business; or regarding our liquidity or cash flow positions and our ability to meet our ongoing financial obligations and operational needs; or regarding our USD 15 billion share buyback; or regarding our appeal of the negative decision of the US District Court for the District of Delaware on the validity of our patent covering Entresto and combinations of sacubitril and valsartan. 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: liquidity or cash flow disruptions affecting our ability to meet our ongoing financial obligations and to support our ongoing business activities; the impact of a partial or complete failure of the return to normal global healthcare systems including prescription dynamics; global trends toward healthcare cost containment, including ongoing government, payer and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of data security or data privacy, or disruptions of our information technology systems; regulatory actions or delays or government regulation generally, including potential regulatory actions or delays with respect to the development of the products described in this press release; the potential that the benefits and opportunities expected from our planned spin-off of Sandoz may not be realized or may be more difficult or take longer to realize than expected; the uncertainties in the research and development of new healthcare 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; safety, quality, data integrity, or manufacturing issues; uncertainties involved in the development or adoption of potentially transformational technologies and business models; uncertainties regarding actual or potential legal proceedings, investigations or disputes; our performance on environmental, social and governance measures; general political, economic and business conditions, including the effects of and efforts to mitigate pandemic diseases such as COVID-19; uncertainties regarding future global exchange rates; uncertainties regarding future demand for our products; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG's current Form 20-F on file with 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 AG and its subsidiaries. BAUSCH + LOMB is a registered trademark of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.

About Novartis

Novartis is a focused 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 interim financial report at the link below. Additional information is provided on Novartis divisions and pipeline of selected compounds in late stage development and a copy of today's earnings call presentation can be found at https://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar.

Important dates

Please find full media release in English attached and on the following link:

Media release (PDF)

German version is available through the following link:

Medienmitteilung (PDF)

French version is available through the following link:

Communiqué aux médias (PDF)