Novartis(US:NVS)2026-02-04 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Novartis achieved high single-digit growth with an 8% increase in sales and a 14% rise in core operating income for the full year 2025, reaching a core margin of 40.1% [4][35] - For Q4, sales declined by 1%, while core operating income increased by 1%, with core EPS rising 2% to $2.03 [5][38] - Free cash flow reached an all-time high of CHF 17.6 billion, growing 8% year-over-year [35][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kisqali sales grew 57% year-over-year to CHF 4.8 billion, with Q4 growth at 44% [6][7] - Kesimpta saw a 36% increase to $4.4 billion, with a 27% growth in Q4 [10] - Pluvicto achieved $2 billion in global sales, with a 75% increase in the U.S. [12] - Leqvio reached blockbuster status with 57% growth for the year [14] - Scemblix also reached blockbuster status with 87% growth in Q4 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kisqali's U.S. sales growth was 62%, with over 80% NBRX share in Germany for early breast cancer [7][9] - Kesimpta is leading in NBRX share in 9 out of 10 major markets outside the U.S. [10] - Pluvicto secured approvals in Japan and China, contributing to strong growth outside the U.S. [12] - Scemblix has a 41% NBRX share in the U.S. and 72% in the third-line setting across major markets [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Novartis aims to grow through the largest patent expiry in its history, focusing on key growth brands and pipeline replacement [6] - The company plans to continue investing in R&D while managing productivity improvements [43][44] - Novartis is committed to maintaining a 5%-6% sales CAGR from 2025 to 2030 [44][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-single-digit sales growth in 2026 despite anticipated challenges from generic entries [43][44] - The company expects to return to a core margin of over 40% by 2029 [44] - Management highlighted the importance of pipeline advancements and upcoming pivotal readouts in 2026 [32][50] Other Important Information - Novartis has completed its CHF 15 billion share buyback program and initiated a new CHF 10 billion program [41] - The proposed dividend for 2025 is CHF 3.70 per share, marking a 6% increase [41][42] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Insights on remibrutinib and FDA conversations - Management noted that remibrutinib has an approved label without liver safety discussions, and they plan to advocate for limited liver monitoring based on FDA feedback [53][54] Question: Commercial opportunities for remibrutinib in MS - Management indicated that the commercial opportunity will depend on data-driven results, with a significant market for oral options in MS [60][61] Question: Thoughts on Pelacarsen's event-based study risks - Management expressed confidence in the study's design and powering assumptions, despite lower than expected event rates [62][63] Question: Launch plans for Rhapsido and Ianalumab in an MFN world - Management acknowledged the importance of adjusting launch strategies for significant assets like Rhapsido and Ianalumab in the ex-U.S. market [73]