Roche’s 2025 profit blunted by weakened US dollar

Core Insights - Roche's adjusted operating profit increased by 5% in 2025, which was lower than expected due to the weakened US dollar, despite strong growth in its food allergy medicine Xolair and multiple sclerosis treatment Ocrevus [1] - The company's core operating profit reached SFr21.8bn ($28.4bn) in 2025, slightly below the market consensus of SFr22bn [1] Financial Performance - Total sales for Roche amounted to SFr61.5bn, reflecting a 7% change at constant exchange rates (CER), but only a 2% increase in Swiss Francs [2] - Core earnings per share were reported at SFr19.46, which is 1% below consensus estimates [2] - The appreciation of the Swiss Franc against other currencies, particularly the US dollar, significantly impacted reported results [2] Market Reaction - Investor response to Roche's financial results was lukewarm, with shares opening 0.6% lower at SFr336.3 on 29 January, down from SFr338.3 at the previous market close [3] - Roche's market capitalization stood at SFr272.6bn [3] Revenue Breakdown - Roche's pharmaceuticals division generated sales of SFr47.7bn, a 9% increase from 2024 [4] - Ocrevus was the top-selling drug, generating SFr7bn, while Vabysmo grew 12% year-over-year to SFr4.1bn, although this was 2% below consensus estimates [4] - Xolair experienced a significant growth of 32% in 2025, but biosimilar launches are anticipated in the second half of 2026 [4] Future Outlook - Roche's stock has seen an upward trend due to positive clinical data for pipeline products, including successful Phase III studies for fenebrutinib and promising Phase II data for obesity candidate CT-388 [5] - The company aims to launch 19 new molecular entities (NMEs) by 2030, as stated by CEO Thomas Schinecker [5]