Novartis(NVS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Novartis achieved 8% sales growth and 14% core operating income growth for the full year 2025, with a core margin of 40.1%, reached two years ahead of plan [5][34][36] - For Q4, sales declined by 1%, while core operating income increased by 1%, with underlying growth of 3% when excluding one-time adjustments [6][38] - Core EPS rose 17% to $8.98, and free cash flow reached an all-time high of CHF 17.6 billion, growing 8% [34][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Kisqali sales grew 57% to CHF 4.8 billion for the year, with Q4 growth at 44% [7][8] - Kesimpta grew 36% to $4.4 billion, with a 27% growth in Q4 [10][11] - Pluvicto reached $2 billion in sales, showing 42% constant currency growth [12] - Leqvio achieved 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 - Novartis reported strong growth in key markets, with Kisqali leading in early breast cancer settings in Germany with over 80% NBRX share [8] - Kesimpta is leading in 9 out of 10 major markets outside the U.S. [11] - Pluvicto has secured approvals in Japan and China, contributing to strong growth outside the U.S. [12] 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 power [7] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong pipeline with seven pivotal readouts expected in 2026 [31][49] - Novartis plans to continue investing in R&D, with over $10 billion allocated in 2025 [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a 5%-6% sales CAGR from 2025 to 2030, despite anticipated generic impacts [42][48] - The company expects to return to a core margin of over 40% by 2029 [43] - Management highlighted the importance of pipeline assets in driving future growth [49] Other Important Information - The company completed a CHF 15 billion share buyback program and proposed a dividend increase of 6% [40][27] - The transition of CFO from Harry Kirsch to Mukul Mehta was noted, with Kirsch acknowledging the company's transformation during his tenure [41] Q&A Session Questions and Answers Question: Insights on remibrutinib and FDA conversations - Management confirmed that remibrutinib has an approved label without liver safety discussions, and they plan to advocate for limited liver monitoring based on FDA feedback [54][56] Question: Commercial opportunities for remibrutinib in MS - Management indicated that while B-cell monoclonal antibodies will remain dominant, there is a significant market for oral options, especially for patients preferring non-injectable therapies [61] Question: Risks associated with Pelacarsen's event-based study - Management expressed confidence in the study's design and powering assumptions, despite lower than expected event rates [63]