Novartis Reports Higher Sales and Earnings in First Quarter of 2008 Showing Healthcare Portfolio Well on the Way to New Growth Cycle
- Novartis on track in 2008:
-
- Net sales from continuing operations up 9% (+0% in local currencies) to USD 9.9 billion with double-digit contributions from Sandoz, Vaccines and Diagnostics and Consumer Health
- Operating income rises 7% to USD 2.5 billion, supporting major investments in new product launches, pipeline and emerging markets
- Net income up 10% to USD 2.3 billion; EPS advances 15% to USD 1.02
- Pharmaceuticals net sales up 6% (-3% lc) as flagship brands and key regions help offset 19% decline in US from ongoing impact of generics and Zelnorm marketing suspension:
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- New products – including Tekturna/Rasilez, Exforge, Aclasta/Reclast, Exelon Patch, Exjade, Xolair, Lucentis and Tasigna – contribute more than USD 500 million of net sales in 2008 first quarter
- Late-stage pipeline progressing well – particularly RAD001 (metastatic renal cancer), FTY720 (multiple sclerosis) and SOM230 (Cushing’s disease) –
- amid plans for many regulatory submissions by end of 2010
- Sandoz benefits from fast-growing markets, particularly in Eastern Europe, as net sales rise 12% (+2% lc) and offset soft first-quarter sales in the US
- Consumer Health with solid performance as net sales rise 14% (+5% lc) driven by growth in Animal Health, OTC and CIBA Vision
- Vaccines and Diagnostics achieves dynamic net sales growth of 21% (+10% lc) while boosting investments in new meningitis vaccines and product portfolio
- Novartis expects record sales and earnings in 2008 from continuing operations
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- Reaffirming outlook for Group net sales growth at a mid-single-digit rate and Pharmaceuticals at a low-single-digit rate, both in local currencies
For charts see attachement.
BASEL, Switzerland, April 21, 2008 — Commenting on the
results, Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO of Novartis said:
"Our solid first quarter results show that Novartis is on track. I
am especially pleased with the dynamic growth of Vaccines and
Diagnostics and the new products in Pharmaceuticals. Our pipeline
is also progressing well with promising results in innovative
treatments in several areas, including cancer (e.g. RAD001) and
multiple sclerosis (e.g. FTY720). Project Forward is beginning to
deliver the desired improvements in efficiency, allowing for
continuous high level investments in R&D. Our recently
announced plans to acquire majority ownership of Alcon will create
a new growth platform with the world leader in eye care, further
strengthening our healthcare portfolio in a fast-changing
healthcare environment. I am confident Novartis will once again
achieve record sales and earnings in 2008 from continuing
operations now fully focused on healthcare."
Overview
On track for solid growth in 2008, Novartis reported higher net
sales and double-digit earnings growth in the first quarter of 2008
from the Group's continuing operations now entirely focused on
healthcare and reaffirmed its outlook for record sales and earnings
for the full year.
Net sales rose 9% to USD 9.9 billion, which were unchanged in local
currencies (lc), thanks to the contributions from Sandoz, Consumer
Health and Vaccines and Diagnostics. In Pharmaceuticals, net sales
fell 3% lc to USD 6.3 billion as strong growth of key brands in all
regions outside the US helped offset a 19% US decline from the
negative impact of generic competition and the loss of Zelnorm that
continued from 2007.
Operating income climbed at a slightly slower pace than net sales,
rising 7% to USD 2.5 billion after taking into account significant
investments in all Divisions in new product launches, late-stage
development projects, and expansion in emerging markets. Currency
movements had a net positive impact of approximately USD 185
million. The operating margin reached 25.1% of net sales after
25.6% in the year-ago period.
On the back of the solid operating performance, net income rose 10%
to USD 2.3 billion, benefitting from business growth, productivity
programs, higher levels of income from associated companies and net
financial income. Basic earnings per share (EPS) advanced 15% to
USD 1.02 from USD 0.89 in the 2007 first quarter, helped by a
reduced level of outstanding shares.
For full report, see attachment.
Posted: April 2008
