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6-K 1 a250131-6k.htm 6-K 6-K

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 6-K
 
 
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
Report on Form 6-K dated January 31, 2025
(Commission File No. 1-15024)
 
 
Novartis AG
(Name of Registrant)
 
 
Lichtstrasse 35
4056 Basel
Switzerland
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 

 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
 
Form 20-F: x
    
Form 40-F: o
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Yes: o
    
No: x
 

 


SIGNATURES
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Novartis AG
   
     
Date: January 31, 2025
By:
/s/ PAUL PENEPENT
     
 
Name:
Paul Penepent
 
Title:
Head Financial Reporting and Accounting
       
 
EX-99 2 a250131-99_1.htm 99.1 FINANCIAL REPORT Q4 2024 99.1 Financial Report Q4 2024
 
 
 



Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR
  
Novartis International AG
Novartis Global Communications
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland

https://www.novartis.com
https://x.com/novartisnews


FINANCIAL RESULTS | FINANZERGEBNISSE

Novartis continues strong momentum of sales growth with margin expansion, reaches key innovation milestones in 2024

Full year
•
Net sales grew +12% (cc1, +11% USD) with core operating income1 up +22% (cc, +19% USD)
o
Sales growth driven by continued strong performance from Entresto (+31% cc), Cosentyx (+25% cc), Kesimpta (+49% cc), Kisqali (+49% cc), Pluvicto (+42% cc) and Leqvio (+114% cc)
o
Core operating income margin1 38.7%, +330 basis points (cc), mainly driven by higher net sales
•
Operating income grew +55% (cc, +49% USD); net income up +45% (cc, +39% USD)
•
Core EPS1 grew +24% (cc, +21% USD) to USD 7.81
•
Free cash flow1 of USD 16.3 billion (+24% USD) driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities

 
Fourth quarter
•
Net sales grew +16% (cc, +15% USD) with core operating income up +29% (cc, +27% USD)
o
Sales growth driven by continued strong performance from Entresto (+34% cc), Kesimpta (+49% cc), Kisqali (+52% cc), Cosentyx (+24% cc), and Leqvio (+83% cc)
•
Selected innovation milestones:
o
Scemblix FDA accelerated approval for 1L Ph+ CML-CP
o
Kisqali EC approval for HR+/HER2- stage II and III eBC
o
Fabhalta (iptacopan) FDA submission for C3G; priority review granted
o
OAV101 IT Phase III STEER study positive readout in SMA

 
Dividend, 2025 guidance
•
Dividend of CHF 3.50 per share, an increase of 6.1%, proposed for 2024
•
2025 guidance2 – Net sales expected to grow mid- to high-single digit and core operating income expected to grow high single to low double-digit

Basel, January 31, 2025 – commenting on Q4 2024 results, Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, said:
“In our first full year as a pure-play innovative medicines company, Novartis delivered one of the strongest financial performances in our history, growing sales 12% cc and core operating income 22% cc. We also achieved important innovation milestones, including new approvals and readouts for many of the assets that will fuel our growth over the mid- to long-term. With the momentum we are seeing in the business, we expect to continue our strong sales growth with margin expansion in 2025 and we remain on track to deliver on our mid-term guidance. Looking ahead, we are focused on executing against our pipeline, including 15 submission-enabling readouts over the coming years and more than 30 assets with the potential to drive differentiated growth over the long term. We remain balanced in our capital allocation approach and committed to creating sustainable value for shareholders.”

Key figures
Continuing operations3
 
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net sales
13 153
11 423
15
16
50 317
45 440
11
12
Operating income
3 530
2 582
37
39
14 544
9 769
49
55
Net income
2 820
2 638
7
6
11 939
8 572
39
45
EPS (USD)
1.42
1.29
10
10
5.92
4.13
43
49
Free cash flow
3 635
2 141
70
 
16 253
13 160
24
 
Core operating income
4 859
3 821
27
29
19 494
16 372
19
22
Core net income
3 933
3 126
26
29
15 755
13 446
17
21
Core EPS (USD)
1.98
1.53
29
33
7.81
6.47
21
24

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 47 of the Condensed Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year.    2. Please see detailed guidance assumptions on page 7.
3. As defined on page 35 of the Condensed Financial Report, Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business and the continuing corporate activities, and Discontinued operations include operational results from the Sandoz business.










Strategy

Our focus

In 2023, Novartis completed its transformation into a “pure-play” innovative medicines business. We have a clear focus on four core therapeutic areas (cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience and oncology), with multiple significant in-market and pipeline assets in each of these areas, that address high disease 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.

Our priorities

1.
Accelerate growth: Renewed attention to deliver high-value medicines (NMEs) and focus on launch excellence, with a rich pipeline across our core therapeutic areas.
2.
Deliver returns: Continuing to embed operational excellence and deliver improved financials. Novartis remains disciplined and shareholder-focused in our approach to capital allocation, with substantial cash generation and a strong capital structure supporting continued flexibility.
3.
Strengthening foundations: Unleashing the power of our people, scaling data science and technology and continuing to build trust with society.

 
Financials

Following the September 15, 2023, shareholder approval of the spin-off of Sandoz, Novartis reported its consolidated financial statements as “continuing operations” and “discontinued operations.”

Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business 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.

While the commentary below focuses on continuing operations, we also provide information on discontinued operations.

Continuing operations

Fourth quarter

Net sales were USD 13.2 billion (+15%, +16% cc), with volume contributing 15 percentage points to growth. Generic competition had a negative impact of 1 percentage point and pricing had a positive impact of 2 percentage points, benefiting from revenue deduction adjustments mainly in the US.

Operating income was USD 3.5 billion (+37%, +39% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments.

Net income was USD 2.8 billion (+7%, +6% cc), mainly driven by higher operating income, partly offset by higher income taxes, mainly resulting from higher income before taxes in the current year and non-recurring tax benefits in the prior year. EPS was USD 1.42 (+10%, +10% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Core operating income was USD 4.9 billion (+27%, +29% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 36.9% of net sales, increasing 3.4 percentage points (+3.7 percentage points cc).





 
 2
 










Core net income was USD 3.9 billion (+26%, +29% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 1.98 (+29%, +33% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 3.6 billion (+70% USD), compared with USD 2.1 billion in the prior-year quarter, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.

Full year

Net sales were USD 50.3 billion (+11%, +12% cc), with volume contributing 14 percentage points to growth. Generic competition had a negative impact of 2 percentage points and pricing was flat.

Operating income was USD 14.5 billion (+49%, +55% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, lower impairments, amortization and restructuring charges, partly offset by prior-year one-time income from legal matters and higher R&D investments.

Net income was USD 11.9 billion (+39%, +45% cc), mainly driven by higher operating income, partly offset by higher income taxes, mainly resulting from higher income before taxes in the current year and non-recurring tax benefits in the prior year. EPS was USD 5.92 (+43%, +49% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Core operating income was USD 19.5 billion (+19%, +22% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 38.7% of net sales, increasing 2.7 percentage points (+3.3 percentage points cc).

Core net income was USD 15.8 billion (+17%, +21% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 7.81 (+21%, +24% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 16.3 billion (+24% USD), compared with USD 13.2 billion in 2023, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.

Discontinued operations

Discontinued operations include the Sandoz generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars division, certain corporate activities attributable to Sandoz and certain other expenses related to the spin-off of the Sandoz business.

Fourth quarter

As the Sandoz spin-off was completed on October 3, 2023, there were no operating results in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023 related to discontinued operations. In the fourth quarter of 2023, net income from discontinued operations amounted to USD 5.8 billion, driven by the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders of USD 5.9 billion. For further details see Note 3 “Significant acquisitions of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business” and Note 11 “Discontinued operations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Full year

As the Sandoz spin-off was completed on October 3, 2023, there were no operating results in 2024 related to discontinued operations. In 2023, discontinued operations net sales were USD 7.4 billion, operating income amounted to USD 265 million and net income from discontinued operations was USD 6.3 billion driven by the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. For further details see Note 3 “Significant acquisitions of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business” and Note 11 “Discontinued operations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.





 
 3
 









 
Total Company

Fourth quarter

Total Company net income was USD 2.8 billion in 2024, compared with USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and basic EPS was USD 1.42 compared to USD 4.14 in the prior year quarter as the prior year quarter included the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. Net cash flows from operating activities for total Company amounted to USD 4.2 billion and free cash flow amounted to USD 3.6 billion.

Full year

Total Company net income was USD 11.9 billion in 2024, compared with USD 14.9 billion in 2023 and basic EPS was USD 5.92 compared to USD 7.15 in the prior year as the prior year included the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. Net cash flows from operating activities for total Company amounted to USD 17.6 billion and free cash flow amounted to USD 16.3 billion.

Q4 key growth drivers

Underpinning our financial results in the quarter is a continued focus on key growth drivers (ranked in order of contribution to Q4 growth) including:

Entresto
(USD 2 180 million, +34% cc) sustained robust, demand-led growth, with increased penetration in the US and Europe following guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure, and in China and Japan with increased penetration in hypertension
Kesimpta
(USD 950 million, +49% cc) sales grew across all regions reflecting increased demand for a high efficacy product with convenient self-administered dosing
Kisqali
(USD 902 million, +52% cc) sales grew strongly across all regions, including +66% (cc) growth in the US with strong momentum from the recently launched early breast cancer (eBC) indication. Kisqali growth is underpinned by increasing recognition of its overall survival benefit in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (mBC) as well as Category 1 NCCN Guidelines recommendation in both mBC and eBC
Cosentyx
(USD 1 596 million, +24% cc) sales grew mainly in the US, Europe and emerging growth markets driven by recent launches (including the HS indication and the IV formulation in the US) and volume growth in core indications
Leqvio
(USD 223 million, +83% cc) continued to show steady growth, with a focus on increasing account and patient adoption, and continuing medical education
Scemblix
(USD 207 million, +66% cc) sales grew across all regions demonstrating the continued high unmet need in CML
Pluvicto
(USD 351 million, +28% cc) sales grew in Europe and in the US. With supply now unconstrained, the focus is on increasing share in established RLT sites while opening new sites and referral pathways and initiating new patients
Fabhalta
(USD 57 million) launch continues with a modest ramp in PNH globally and in IgA nephropathy in the US
Jakavi
(USD 487 million, +13% cc) sales grew across all regions driven by strong demand across indications
Tafinlar + Mekinist
(USD 527 million, +10% cc) sales grew mainly in the US, Japan and emerging growth markets driven by increased demand
Lutathera
(USD 190 million, +30% cc) sales grew across all regions due to increased demand and earlier line adoption (within indication) in the US and Japan





 
 4
 










Ilaris
(USD 413 million, +11% cc) sales grew across all regions, led by the US
Xolair
(USD 399 million, +9% cc) grew mainly in emerging growth markets
Emerging growth markets*
Grew +9% (cc) overall. China grew +7% (cc) to USD 0.8 billion, mainly driven by Entresto, Xolair and Kisqali
*All markets except the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand

Net sales of the top 20 brands in the fourth quarter and full year

 
Q4 2024
% change
FY 2024
% change
 
USD m
USD
cc
USD m
USD
cc
Entresto
2 180
33
34
7 822
30
31
Cosentyx
1 596
22
24
6 141
23
25
Kesimpta
 950
48
49
3 224
49
49
Kisqali
 902
48
52
3 033
46
49
Promacta/Revolade
 583
4
5
2 216
-2
-1
Tafinlar + Mekinist
 527
8
10
2 058
7
9
Jakavi
 487
10
13
1 936
13
15
Tasigna
 411
-8
-6
1 671
-10
-8
Xolair
 399
6
9
1 643
12
15
Ilaris
 413
10
11
1 509
11
14
Pluvicto
 351
29
28
1 392
42
42
Sandostatin Group
 306
-3
-1
1 279
-3
-1
Zolgensma
 262
-8
-6
1 214
0
2
Lucentis
 210
-30
-29
1 044
-29
-28
Leqvio
 223
81
83
 754
112
114
Lutathera
 190
29
30
 724
20
20
Exforge Group
 159
2
8
 703
-1
2
Scemblix
 207
66
66
 689
67
68
Galvus Group
 144
-6
2
 602
-13
-6
Diovan Group
 140
-5
-2
 590
-4
0
Top 20 brands total
10 640
19
21
40 244
18
19


R&D update - key developments from the fourth quarter

New approvals
Scemblix
(asciminib)
FDA granted accelerated approval to Scemblix for adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (Ph+ CML-CP). The FDA also broadened the indication for Scemblix to include adult patients with previously treated Ph+ CML-CP.
Kisqali
(ribociclib)
EC approved Kisqali as an adjuvant treatment in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer (eBC) at high risk of recurrence regardless of nodal status, nearly doubling the eligible population.





 
 5
 











Regulatory updates
Fabhalta
(iptacopan)
Submission for the treatment of C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) was completed in the US, and the FDA granted Priority Review status to Fabhalta in this indication. The FDA also confirmed no need for an Advisory Committee meeting.

Results from ongoing trials and other highlights
OAV101 IT
(onasemnogene abeparvovec)
Novartis announced positive topline results from the Phase III STEER study. This pivotal trial assessed the efficacy and safety of investigational intrathecal OAV101 in treatment-naïve patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 2, aged two to less than 18 years who are able to sit but have never walked independently. The study met its primary endpoint showing an increase from baseline across the study population in total Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale - Expanded (HFMSE) scores. HFMSE is a gold standard for SMA-specific assessment of motor ability and disease progression.
Pluvicto
(lutetium Lu177 vipivotide tetraxetan)
Final overall survival (OS) analysis in the Phase III PSMAfore study in pre-taxane mCRPC demonstrated an OS hazard ratio less than 1.0 (HR<1.0) in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population unadjusted for cross-over. These results have been shared with the FDA as part of their ongoing review of Pluvicto in this indication.
Kisqali
(ribociclib)
Results from an updated analysis of the pivotal Phase III NATALEE trial of Kisqali plus endocrine therapy (ET) in patients with HR+/HER2- stage II and III eBC showed a sustained reduction in distant recurrence of 28.5% compared to ET alone, underscoring Kisqali’s extended efficacy beyond its 3-year treatment duration. No new safety signals were identified. Data presented at SABCS.
 
In addition, Kisqali was recognized by NCCN Guidelines® as a Category 1 preferred therapy in combination with an aromatase inhibitor for patients with HR+/HER2- eBC. Kisqali is the only Category 1 preferred CDK4/6 inhibitor recommended for both all node-positive disease as well as node-negative disease with high-risk disease characteristics. Kisqali also achieved the highest score (A) on the European Society for Medical Oncology-Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS) for eBC, while maintaining a rating of 5 and 4 in the mBC setting.

In January 2025, Novartis settled compound patent litigation with a generic manufacturer, supporting Kisqali US patent protection until at least Q1 2031.
Scemblix
(asciminib)
96-week results from the Phase III ASC4FIRST trial with Scemblix showed sustained superior major molecular response vs. all investigator-selected standard-of-care TKIs (imatinib, nilotinib, dasatinib and bosutinib) and vs. imatinib alone in adult patients with newly diagnosed Ph+ CML-CP. Fewer treatment-related grade ≥3 AEs and half the rate of AEs leading to treatment discontinuation were reported for Scemblix vs. both imatinib and second-generation TKIs. Data presented at ASH.
Fabhalta
(iptacopan)
In the Phase III APPEAR-C3G study, patients with C3G treated with oral Fabhalta in addition to supportive care experienced clinically meaningful proteinuria reduction sustained at 12 months. In addition, in the open-label period of the study, proteinuria reduction was seen in participants switched to Fabhalta, and improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope was observed upon Fabhalta initiation compared to patients’ historic rapid decline. Fabhalta continued to show a favorable safety profile. Data presented at ASN.
Selected transactions
Novartis entered into a global license and collaboration agreement with PTC Therapeutics for PTC518, a HTT mRNA splice modulator with the potential to become the first oral disease-modifying therapy for Huntington's disease. Under the agreement, Novartis will assume responsibility for PTC518’s development, manufacturing and commercialization following the completion of the placebo-controlled portion of the ongoing Phase II PIVOT-HD study, expected in H1 2025.


 

 
 6
 












Novartis acquired Kate Therapeutics, a preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapies to treat genetically defined neuromuscular diseases. The acquisition will strengthen Novartis’ efforts to advance gene therapies and neuroscience innovation and includes enabling technology platforms and several preclinical therapeutic candidates.
 
Novartis entered into a worldwide licensing and collaboration agreement with Ratio Therapeutics for a next-generation SSTR2-targeting radiotherapeutic candidate. The collaboration focuses on preclinical research and selection of an SSTR2-targeting development candidate, after which Novartis will lead development, manufacturing and commercialization.


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.

In 2024, Novartis repurchased a total of 77.5 million shares for USD 8.3 billion on the SIX Swiss Exchange second trading line. These purchases included 68.8 million shares (USD 7.3 billion) under the up-to USD 15 billion share buyback announced in July 2023 (with up to USD 5.4 billion still to be executed). In addition, 8.7 million shares (USD 1.0 billion) were repurchased to mitigate the impact of share deliveries under the equity-based compensation plans for employees. Furthermore, 1.2 million shares (equity value of USD 0.1 billion) were repurchased from employees. In the same period, 9.8 million shares (equity value of USD 1.1 billion) were delivered to employees related to equity-based compensation plans. Consequently, the total number of shares outstanding decreased by 68.9 million versus December 31, 2023. These treasury share transactions resulted in an equity decrease of USD 7.4 billion and a net cash outflow of USD 8.3 billion.

Net debt increased to USD 16.1 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to USD 10.2 billion net debt at December 31, 2023. The increase was mainly due to the free cash flow of USD 16.3 billion being more than offset by the cash outflows for treasury share transactions of USD 8.3 billion, the annual dividend payment of USD 7.6 billion, and net cash outflow for M&A / intangible assets transactions of USD 6.3 billion.

As of Q4 2024, the long-term credit rating for the company is Aa3 with Moody’s Ratings and AA- with S&P Global Ratings.

 
2025 outlook

Barring unforeseen events; growth vs prior year in cc
Net sales
Expected to grow mid- to high-single digit
Core operating income
Expected to grow high single to low double-digit

Key assumptions:
•
We assume Tasigna, Promacta and Entresto US generic entry mid-2025 for forecasting purposes

Foreign exchange impact

If late-January exchange rates prevail for the remainder of 2025, the foreign exchange impact for the year would be negative 2 percentage points on net sales and negative 3 percentage points on core operating income. The estimated impact of exchange rates on our results is provided monthly on our website.








 
 7
 











Annual General Meeting

Dividend Proposal

The Novartis Board of Directors proposes a dividend payment of CHF 3.50 per share for 2024, up 6.1% from CHF 3.30 per share in the prior year, representing the 28th consecutive dividend increase since the creation of Novartis in December 1996. Shareholders will vote on this proposal at the AGM on March 7, 2025.

Reduction in Share Capital

The Novartis Board of Directors proposes to cancel 77 508 630 shares (8 548 613 shares repurchased under the authorization of March 4, 2022, and 68 960 017 shares repurchased under the authorization of March 7, 2023) and to reduce the share capital accordingly by CHF 38.0 million, from CHF 1 073 065 943.53 to CHF 1 035 086 714.83.

Potential Further Share Repurchases

As of December 31, 2024, the remaining available amount under the existing shareholder authority granted at the 2023 AGM is CHF 3.5 billion. To allow for the full execution of the already announced share buyback of up to USD 15 billion and potential additional share buybacks, the Board of Directors proposes that shareholders, in addition to the remaining authorization of CHF 3.5 billion, authorize the Board of Directors to repurchase shares as deemed appropriate from time to time up to CHF 10 billion between the 2025 AGM and 2028 AGM.

Elections of the Board Chair and the Members of the Board of Directors

Dr. Joerg Reinhardt, Dr. Charles Sawyers and Mr. William Winters are not standing for re-election. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of Novartis thank them for their many years of valuable service as Chair and members of the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors proposes the election of Dr. Giovanni Caforio as member of the Board of Directors and Board Chair. Dr. Caforio has had an international career in the healthcare industry spanning more than 35 years, most recently as the Chairman and CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS).

In addition, the Board of Directors proposes the re-election of the current members of the Board of Directors with the exception of Dr. Reinhardt, Dr. Sawyers and Mr. Winters, and the election of Dr. Elizabeth McNally as a new member of the Board of Directors, each until the end of the next Annual General Meeting.










 
 
 8
 











Key figures1

Continuing operations2
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
  
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net sales
13 153
11 423
15
16
  
50 317
45 440
11
12
Operating income
3 530
2 582
37
39
  
14 544
9 769
49
55
As a % of sales
26.8
22.6
 
 
  
28.9
21.5
 
 
Net income
2 820
2 638
7
6
  
11 939
8 572
39
45
EPS (USD)
1.42
1.29
10
10
  
5.92
4.13
43
49
Cash flows from
operating activities
4 193
2 547
65
 
  
17 619
14 220
24
 
Non-IFRS measures
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Free cash flow
3 635
2 141
70
 
  
16 253
13 160
24
 
Core operating income
4 859
3 821
27
29
  
19 494
16 372
19
22
As a % of sales
36.9
33.5
 
 
  
38.7
36.0
 
 
Core net income
3 933
3 126
26
29
  
15 755
13 446
17
21
Core EPS (USD)
1.98
1.53
29
33
  
7.81
6.47
21
24
                   
                   
                   
Discontinued operations2
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
  
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net sales
 
 
nm
nm
  
 
7 428
nm
nm
Operating income
 
 
nm
nm
  
 
265
nm
nm
As a % of sales
 
 
 
 
  
 
3.6
 
 
Net income
 
5 842
nm
nm
  
 
6 282
nm
nm
Non-IFRS measures
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Core operating income
 
 
nm
nm
  
 
1 185
nm
nm
As a % of sales
 
 
 
 
  
 
16.0
 
 
Core net income
 
 
nm
nm
  
 
889
nm
nm
                   
                   
                   
Total Company
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
 
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
  
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Net income
2 820
8 480
nm
nm
  
11 939
14 854
nm
nm
EPS (USD)
1.42
4.14
nm
nm
  
5.92
7.15
nm
nm
Cash flows from
operating activities
4 193
2 547
nm
nm
  
17 619
14 458
nm
nm
Non-IFRS measures
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
Free cash flow
3 635
2 141
nm
nm
  
16 253
13 179
nm
nm
Core net income
3 933
3 126
nm
nm
  
15 755
14 335
nm
nm
Core EPS (USD)
1.98
1.53
nm
nm
  
7.81
6.90
nm
nm
                   
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 47 of the Condensed Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year.
2. As defined on page 35 of the Condensed Financial Report, Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business 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 Financial Report at the link below:
https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/resource/download/dca5e4e6-11a0-4e0c-b7b3-991f432e8407/






 
9
 











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 “may,” “can,” “will,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “grow,” “launch,” “expect,” “deliver,” “address,” “accelerate,” “deliver,” “scaling,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “long-term,” “priority,” “potential,” “momentum,” 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 results of ongoing clinical trials; or regarding potential future, pending or announced transactions; regarding potential future sales or earnings; or by discussions of strategy, plans, expectations or intentions, including discussions regarding our continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing; or regarding our capital structure. 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: uncertainties concerning global healthcare cost containment, including ongoing government, payer and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; uncertainties regarding the success of key products, commercial priorities and strategy; uncertainties in the research and development of new 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; uncertainties regarding our ability to realize the strategic benefits, operational efficiencies or opportunities expected from our external business opportunities; uncertainties in the development or adoption of potentially transformational digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and business models; uncertainties surrounding the implementation of our new IT projects and systems; uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of information security or disruptions of our information technology systems; uncertainties regarding actual or potential legal proceedings, including regulatory actions or delays or government regulation related to the products and pipeline products described in this press release; safety, quality, data integrity, or manufacturing issues; our performance on and ability to comply with environmental, social and governance measures and requirements; major geo- and socio-political developments, including impact of the war in certain parts of the world; uncertainties regarding future global exchange rates; uncertainties regarding future demand for our products; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s most recently filed Form 20-F and in subsequent reports filed with, or furnished to, 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.

















 
10
 










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

Novartis issued its 2024 Annual Report today, and it is available at www.novartis.com. Novartis will also file its 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F with the US Securities and Exchange Commission today, and will post this document on www.novartis.com. Novartis shareholders may receive a hard copy of either of these documents, each of which contains our complete audited financial statements, free of charge, upon request. Novartis also issued its Novartis in Society Integrated Report 2024 today, and it is available at www.novartis.com.

Important dates

March 7, 2025
 
Annual General Meeting
April 29, 2025
First quarter 2025 results
July 17, 2025 Second quarter & half year 2025 results
October 28, 2025 Third quarter & nine months 2025 results


















 
 11
 









EX-99 3 a250131-99_2.htm 99.2 CONDENSED FINANCIAL REPORT 99.2 Condensed Financial Report






Novartis Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Condensed Financial Report – Supplementary Data

INDEX
Page
COMPANY OPERATING PERFORMANCE REVIEW
Continuing operations
4
Discontinued operations
10
Total Company
10
COMPANY CASH FLOW AND BALANCE SHEET 11
INNOVATION REVIEW 15
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated income statements
17
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
19
Consolidated balance sheets
20
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
21
Consolidated statements of cash flows
23
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
25
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 47
CORE RESULTS - Reconciliation from IFRS® Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results
49
Total Company
50
Discontinued operations
52
FREE CASH FLOW
53
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Net debt
56
Share information
56
Effects of currency fluctuations
57
DISCLAIMER 58


2


Company
Key figures
Fourth quarter and full year

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
Q4 2024
USD m
Q4 2023
USD m
% change
USD
% change
cc 1
FY 2024
USD m
FY 2023
USD m
% change
USD
% change
cc 1
Net sales from continuing operations
13 153
11 423
15
16
50 317
45 440
11
12
Other revenues
405
353
15
15
1 405
1 220
15
15
Cost of goods sold
-3 324
-3 022
-10
-10
-12 827
-12 472
-3
-3
Gross profit from continuing operations
10 234
8 754
17
18
38 895
34 188
14
16
Selling, general and administration
-3 501
-3 444
-2
-2
-12 566
-12 517
0
-1
Research and development
-2 842
-2 567
-11
-11
-10 022
-11 371
12
12
Other income
298
450
-34
-33
1 175
1 772
-34
-34
Other expense
-659
-611
-8
-9
-2 938
-2 303
-28
-26
Operating income from continuing operations
3 530
2 582
37
39
14 544
9 769
49
55
% of net sales
26.8
22.6
28.9
21.5
Loss from associated companies
-3
-6
50
46
-38
-13
-192
-179
Interest expense
-275
-217
-27
-28
-1 006
-855
-18
-21
Other financial income and expense
33
18
83
-12
140
222
-37
-9
Income before taxes from continuing operations
3 285
2 377
38
38
13 640
9 123
50
55
Income taxes
-465
261
nm
nm
-1 701
-551
-209
-221
Net income from continuing operations
2 820
2 638
7
6
11 939
8 572
39
45
Net income from discontinued operations
5 842
nm
nm
6 282
nm
nm
Net income
2 820
8 480
nm
nm
11 939
14 854
nm
nm
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (USD)
1.42
1.29
10
10
5.92
4.13
43
49
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations (USD)
2.85
nm
nm
3.02
nm
nm
Total basic earnings per share (USD)
1.42
4.14
nm
nm
5.92
7.15
nm
nm
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
4 193
2 547
65
17 619
14 220
24
Non-IFRS measures 1
Free cash flow from continuing operations
3 635
2 141
70
16 253
13 160
24
Core operating income from continuing operations
4 859
3 821
27
29
19 494
16 372
19
22
% of net sales
36.9
33.5
38.7
36.0
Core net income from continuing operations
3 933
3 126
26
29
15 755
13 446
17
21
Core basic earnings per share from continuing operations (USD)
1.98
1.53
29
33
7.81
6.47
21
24
 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 47. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this release refer to same period in prior-year.
nm = not meaningful
3
Strategy
Our focus
In 2023, Novartis completed its transformation into a “pure-play” innovative medicines business. We have a clear focus on four core therapeutic areas (cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience and oncology), with multiple significant in-market and pipeline assets in each of these areas, that address high disease 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.
Our priorities
1. Accelerate growth: Renewed attention to deliver high-value medicines (NMEs) and focus on launch excellence, with a rich pipeline across our core therapeutic areas.
2. Deliver returns: Continuing to embed operational excellence and deliver improved financials. Novartis remains disciplined and shareholder-focused in our approach to capital allocation, with substantial cash generation and a strong capital structure supporting continued flexibility.
3. Strengthening foundations: Unleashing the power of our people, scaling data science and technology and continuing to build trust with society.
Financials
Following the September 15, 2023, shareholder approval of the spin-off of Sandoz, Novartis reported its consolidated financial statements as “continuing operations” and “discontinued operations.”
Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business 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.
While the commentary below focuses on continuing operations, we also provide information on discontinued operations.
Continuing operations
Fourth quarter
Net sales
Net sales were USD 13.2 billion (+15%, +16% cc), with volume contributing 15 percentage points to growth. Generic competition had a negative impact of 1 percentage point and pricing had a positive impact of 2 percentage points, benefiting from revenue deduction adjustments mainly in the US. Sales in the US were USD 6.0 billion (+26%) and in the rest of the world USD 7.2 billion (+7%, +9% cc).
Sales growth was mainly driven by continued strong performance from Entresto (USD 2.2 billion, +33%, +34% cc), Kesimpta (USD 950 million, +48%, +49% cc), Kisqali (USD 902 million, +48%, +52% cc), Cosentyx (USD 1.6 billion, +22%, +24% cc), and Leqvio (USD 223 million, +81%, +83% cc), partly offset by erosion due to generic competition, mainly for Lucentis and Gilenya.
In the US (USD 6.0 billion, +26%), sales growth was mainly driven by Entresto, Cosentyx, Kisqali and Kesimpta. In Europe (USD 4.0 billion, +7%, +8% cc), sales growth was mainly driven by Kesimpta, Entresto, Pluvicto, Kisqali, Leqvio and Jakavi, partly offset by increased generic competition for Lucentis and Gilenya. Sales in emerging growth markets were USD 2.9 billion (+6%, +9% cc), including USD 0.8 billion of sales from China (+8%, +7% cc).
Operating income
Operating income was USD 3.5 billion (+37%, +39% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments. Operating income margin was 26.8% of net sales, increasing 4.2 percentage points (+4.5 percentage points in cc).
4
Other revenue as a percentage of net sales was in line with the prior-year quarter. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales decreased by 1.2 percentage points (cc). R&D expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 0.9 percentage points (cc). SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 3.6 percentage points (cc). Other income and expense as a percentage of net sales decreased the margin by 1.2 percentage points (cc).
Core adjustments were USD 1.3 billion, mainly due to amortization, broadly in line with prior-year quarter.
Core operating income was USD 4.9 billion (+27%, +29% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 36.9% of net sales, increasing 3.4 percentage points (+3.7 percentage points cc). Core other revenue as a percentage of net sales was in line with the prior year quarter. Core cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.4 percentage points (cc). Core R&D expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 0.6 percentage points (cc). Core SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 3.6 percentage points (cc). Core other income and expense as a percentage of net sales decreased the margin by 0.1 percentage points (cc).
Interest expense and other financial income/expense
Interest expense amounted to USD 275 million compared with USD 217 million in the prior year mainly due to an increase in financial debts. Other financial income and expense amounted to an income of USD 33 million, broadly in line with prior-year quarter.
Core other financial income and expense amounted to an income of USD 83 million compared with USD 137 million in the prior year mainly due to higher currency losses.
Income taxes
The tax rate in the fourth quarter was 14.2% compared with -11.0% in the prior year. The current year tax rate was impacted by various other one-off items that mostly offset and the effect of adjusting to the full year actual rate which was lower than previously estimated. The prior year rate was favorably impacted by the effect of tax benefits from the write-down in investments in subsidiaries, non-taxable net gains on unrealized foreign currency results, recognition of deferred tax assets on prior years tax loss carryforwards, other items including impact of tax rate changes, and the effect of adjusting to the full year actual rate which was lower than previously estimated. Excluding these impacts, the tax rate in the fourth quarter would have been 15.0% compared with 14.5% in the prior year. The increase from the prior year was mainly the result of a change in profit mix and the impact of a tax charge related to the expansion of products included in the Swiss patent box regime, and the impact of a Pillar Two tax charge in Switzerland.
The core tax rate (core taxes as a percentage of core income before tax) was 15.7% compared with 16.3% in the prior year. The current and prior year core tax rates were both impacted by the effect of adjusting to the full year actual rate, a tax charge related to the expansion of products included in the Swiss patent box regime, and the impact of a Pillar Two tax charge in Switzerland.
Net income, EPS and free cash flow
Net income was USD 2.8 billion (+7%, +6% cc), mainly driven by higher operating income, partly offset by higher income taxes, mainly resulting from higher income before taxes in the current year and non-recurring tax benefits in the prior year. EPS was USD 1.42 (+10%, +10% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Core net income was USD 3.9 billion (+26%, +29% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 1.98 (+29%, +33% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Net cash flow from operating activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 4.2 billion (+65% USD) compared to USD 2.5 billion in the prior-year quarter. Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 3.6 billion (+70% USD), compared with USD 2.1 billion in the prior-year quarter, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.
5
Full year
Net sales
Net sales were USD 50.3 billion (+11%, +12% cc), with volume contributing 14 percentage points to growth. Generic competition had a negative impact of 2 percentage points and pricing was flat. Sales in the US were USD 21.1 billion (+18%) and in the rest of the world USD 29.2 billion (+6%, +8% cc).
Sales growth was mainly driven by continued strong performance from Entresto (USD 7.8 billion, +30%, +31% cc), Cosentyx (USD 6.1 billion, +23%, +25% cc), Kesimpta (USD 3.2 billion, +49%, +49% cc), Kisqali (USD 3.0 billion, +46%, +49% cc), Pluvicto (USD 1.4 billion, +42%, +42% cc) and Leqvio (USD 754 million, +112%, +114% cc), partly offset by erosion due to generic competition, mainly for Lucentis and Gilenya, and the Xiidra® divestment.
In the US (USD 21.1 billion, +18%), sales growth was mainly driven by Entresto, Cosentyx, Kesimpta, Kisqali, Pluvicto and Leqvio, partly offset by the Xiidra® divestment and the impact of generic competition on Gilenya. In Europe (USD 15.6 billion, +4%, +5% cc), sales growth was mainly driven by Entresto, Kesimpta, Pluvicto and Kisqali, partly offset by erosion due to generic competition, mainly for Lucentis and Gilenya. Sales in emerging growth markets were USD 12.9 billion (+11%, +15% cc), including USD 3.9 billion of sales from China (+19%, +21% cc).
Operating income
Operating income was USD 14.5 billion (+49%, +55% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, lower impairments, amortization and restructuring charges, partly offset by prior-year one-time income from legal matters and higher R&D investments. Operating income margin was 28.9% of net sales, increasing 7.4 percentage points (+8.1 percentage points in cc). Other revenue as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.1 percentage points (cc). Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales decreased by 2.3 percentage points (cc). R&D expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 5.4 percentage points (cc). SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 2.8 percentage points (cc). Other income and expense as a percentage of net sales decreased the margin by 2.5 percentage points (cc).
Core adjustments were USD 5.0 billion, mainly due to amortization and impairments, compared with USD 6.6 billion in the prior year. Core adjustments decreased compared with the prior year, mainly due to lower impairments, amortization and restructuring charges, partly offset by prior-year one-time income from legal matters.
Core operating income was USD 19.5 billion (+19%, +22% cc), mainly driven by higher net sales, partly offset by higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 38.7% of net sales, increasing 2.7 percentage points (+3.3 percentage points cc). Core other revenue as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.1 percentage points (cc). Core cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.3 percentage points (cc). Core R&D expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 0.7 percentage points (cc). Core SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased by 2.6 percentage points (cc). Core other income and expense as a percentage of net sales increased the margin by 0.2 percentage points cc.
Interest expense and other financial income/expense
Interest expense amounted to USD 1.0 billion compared with USD 855 million in the prior year mainly due to an increase in financial debts. Other financial income and expense amounted to an income of USD 140 million, broadly in line with the prior year.
Core other financial income and expense amounted to an income of USD 295 million compared with an income of USD 430 million in the prior year, mainly due to lower interest income and higher currency losses.
Income taxes
The tax rate was 12.5% compared with 6.0% in the prior year period. The current year tax rate was favorably impacted by the effect of changes in uncertain tax positions and other items that mostly offset. The prior year tax rate was favorably impacted by the effect of tax benefits from the write-down of investments in subsidiaries, non-taxable net gains on unrealized foreign currency results, recognition of deferred tax assets on prior years tax loss carryforwards, non-taxable income related to legal matters, and other items including impact of tax rate changes. Excluding these impacts, the current year tax rate would have been 15.0% compared with 15.3% in the prior year period. The decrease from the prior year was mainly the result of a change in profit mix, partially offset by the impact of a tax charge related to the expansion of products included in the Swiss patent box regime, and the impact of a Pillar Two tax charge in Switzerland.
6
The core tax rate (core taxes as a percentage of core income before tax) was 16.1% and 15.6% in the prior year. The increase from the prior year was mainly the result of a change in profit mix and the impact of a tax charge related to the expansion of products included in the Swiss patent box regime, and the impact of a Pillar Two tax charge in Switzerland.
Net income, EPS and free cash flow
Net income was USD 11.9 billion (+39%, +45% cc), mainly driven by higher operating income, partly offset by higher income taxes, mainly resulting from higher income before taxes in the current year and non-recurring tax benefits in the prior year. EPS was USD 5.92 (+43%, +49% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Core net income was USD 15.8 billion (+17%, +21% cc), mainly due to higher core operating income. Core EPS was USD 7.81 (+21%, +24% cc), benefiting from the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.
Net cash flow from operating activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 17.6 billion (+24% USD) compared to USD 14.2 billion in 2023. Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 16.3 billion (+24% USD), compared with USD 13.2 billion in 2023, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.
PRODUCT COMMENTARY (RELATING TO Q4 PERFORMANCE)
CARDIOVASCULAR, RENAL AND METABOLIC
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
% change
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Entresto
2 180
1 635
33
34
7 822
6 035
30
31
Leqvio
223
123
81
83
754
355
112
114
Total cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
2 403
1 758
37
38
8 576
6 390
34
36
Entresto (USD 2 180 million, +33%, +34% cc) sustained robust, demand-led growth. In the US and Europe, Entresto penetration grew through the continued adoption of guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure. In China and Japan, Entresto volume growth was fueled by heart failure as well as hypertension. In the US, Novartis is in ANDA litigation with generic manufacturers. Novartis successfully appealed to uphold the validity of its combination patent covering Entresto and combinations of sacubitril and valsartan, which expires in 2025 (with pediatric exclusivity). Several generics have received final approval in the US. Novartis filed a lawsuit against FDA challenging the approval of one generic ANDA, which is now on appeal. Any US commercial launch of a generic Entresto product prior to the final outcome of the combination patent litigation, or ongoing litigations involving other patents or the FDA, may be at risk of later litigation developments.
Leqvio (USD 223 million, +81%, +83% cc) launch in the US and other markets is ongoing, delivering a medicine with effective and consistent LDL-C reduction in two maintenance doses per year. Focus remains on increased account and patient adoption and continuing medical education. Leqvio is registered in more than 105 countries world-wide and commercially available in 78 countries. Novartis obtained global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Leqvio under a license and collaboration agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
IMMUNOLOGY
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
% change
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Immunology
Cosentyx
1 596
1 303
22
24
6 141
4 980
23
25
Xolair 1
399
378
6
9
1 643
1 463
12
15
Ilaris
413
376
10
11
1 509
1 355
11
14
Total immunology
2 408
2 057
17
19
9 293
7 798
19
21
 1  Net sales reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
Cosentyx (USD 1 596 million, +22%, +24% cc) sales grew mainly in the US, Europe and emerging growth markets driven by strong demand from recent launches (including the HS indication and the IV formulation in the US)
7
and volume growth in core indications (PsO, PsA, AS and nr-axSpA). Since initial approval in 2015, Cosentyx has shown sustained efficacy and a robust safety profile, treating more than 1.7 million patients across 8 indications.
Xolair (USD 399 million, ex-US +6%, +9% cc) growth was driven mainly by emerging growth markets. Novartis co-promotes Xolair with Genentech in the US and shares a portion of revenue as operating income but does not record any US sales.
Ilaris (USD 413 million, +10%, +11% cc) sales grew across all regions, led by the US. Contributors to growth include strong performance in the Periodic Fever Syndromes and Still’s disease indications.
NEUROSCIENCE
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
% change
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Neuroscience
Kesimpta
950
641
48
49
3 224
2 171
49
49
Zolgensma
262
286
-8
-6
1 214
1 214
0
2
Aimovig
80
69
16
16
312
266
17
18
Total neuroscience
1 292
996
30
31
4 750
3 651
30
31
Kesimpta (USD 950 million, +48%, +49% cc) sales grew across all regions driven by increased demand and strong access. Kesimpta is a high efficacy B-cell therapy with a favorable safety and tolerability profile and an at-home self-administration for a broad population of RMS patients. Kesimpta is now approved in 90 countries with more than 130,000 patients treated.
Zolgensma (USD 262 million, -8%, -6% cc) continues to treat mainly incident patients in established markets. Sales decreased globally in the quarter, while full year 2024 sales were stable (USD) and grew slightly (cc) compared with prior year. Zolgensma is now approved in 58 countries with more than 4,500 patients treated globally through clinical trials, early access programs and in the commercial setting.
Aimovig (USD 80 million, +16%, +16% cc) sales grew mainly in Europe driven by increased demand for migraine prevention. Novartis commercializes Aimovig ex-US and ex-Japan, while Amgen retains all rights in the US and in Japan.
ONCOLOGY
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
% change
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Oncology
Kisqali
902
610
48
52
3 033
2 080
46
49
Promacta/Revolade
583
563
4
5
2 216
2 269
-2
-1
Tafinlar + Mekinist 1
527
486
8
10
2 058
1 922
7
9
Jakavi
487
444
10
13
1 936
1 720
13
15
Tasigna
411
446
-8
-6
1 671
1 848
-10
-8
Pluvicto
351
273
29
28
1 392
980
42
42
Lutathera
190
147
29
30
724
605
20
20
Scemblix
207
125
66
66
689
413
67
68
Piqray/Vijoice
109
131
-17
-16
449
505
-11
-11
Kymriah
108
120
-10
-10
443
508
-13
-12
Fabhalta 2
57
1
nm
nm
129
1
nm
nm
Total oncology
3 932
3 346
18
19
14 740
12 851
15
16
 1  Majority of sales for Mekinist and Tafinlar are combination, but both can be used as monotherapy.
 2  Net sales from continuing operations reflect Fabhalta sales for all indications.
nm = not meaningful
Kisqali (USD 902 million, +48%, +52% cc) sales grew strongly across all regions, including +66% cc growth in the US with strong momentum from the recently launched early breast cancer (eBC) indication. Kisqali performance reflects increasing recognition of the consistently demonstrated overall survival benefit across all Ph3 clinical trials in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer (mBC), as well as Category 1 preferred NCCN guidelines recommendation and highest ESMO-MCBS scores in both metastatic and eBC indications. Kisqali US eBC launch has shown significant early uptake in use with the broad patient population in line with label, and it is now also approved in the EU. Novartis is in US ANDA litigation with generic manufacturers.
8
Promacta/Revolade (USD 583 million, +4%, +5% cc) sales grew despite discontinued promotion in most markets.
Tafinlar + Mekinist (USD 527 million, +8%, +10% cc) sales grew mainly in the US, Japan and emerging growth markets, driven by demand in BRAF+ adjuvant melanoma, NSCLC, pediatric low-grade glioma, and tumor agnostic indications, while maintaining demand in the highly competitive BRAF+ metastatic melanoma market.
Jakavi (USD 487 million, +10%, +13% cc) sales grew across all regions driven by strong demand in all indications. Incyte retains all rights to ruxolitinib (Jakafi®) in the US.
Tasigna (USD 411 million, -8%, -6% cc) sales declined across all regions due to lower demand and increasing competition.
Pluvicto (USD 351 million, +29%, +28% cc) sales grew in Europe and in the US. Pluvicto is the only radioligand therapy approved by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with progressive, PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, who have already been treated with other anti-cancer treatments (ARPI and taxane-based chemotherapy). Pluvicto is now on the market in several ex-US countries. Novartis is in patent litigation with a manufacturer developing a radiopharmaceutical to treat PSMA-positive prostate cancer.
Lutathera (USD 190 million, +29%, +30% cc) sales grew across all regions due to increased demand, and earlier line adoption (within indication) in the US and Japan. Novartis is in patent litigation with manufacturers having FDA applications referencing Lutathera.
Scemblix (USD 207 million, +66%, +66% cc) sales grew across all regions, demonstrating continued high unmet need for effective and tolerable treatment options for adult CML patients previously treated with two or more tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as a steady influx of early-line patients in the US following recent indication expansion.
Piqray/Vijoice (USD 109 million, -17%, -16% cc) sales declined mainly in the US due to increased competition.
Kymriah (USD 108 million, -10%, -10% cc) declined ex-US, partly offset by strong performance in pediatric and young adult patients up to 25 years of age with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pALL) in the US, and follicular lymphoma indication uptake ex-US.
Fabhalta (USD 57 million) launch continues with a modest ramp in PNH globally and in IgAN in the US.
ESTABLISHED BRANDS
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
% change
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
% change
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
USD m
USD m
USD
cc
Established brands
Sandostatin Group
306
316
-3
-1
1 279
1 314
-3
-1
Lucentis
210
301
-30
-29
1 044
1 475
-29
-28
Exforge Group
159
156
2
8
703
713
-1
2
Galvus Group
144
153
-6
2
602
692
-13
-6
Diovan Group
140
147
-5
-2
590
613
-4
0
Gilenya
109
154
-29
-26
552
925
-40
-39
Contract manufacturing
323
302
7
8
1 152
1 490
-23
-22
Other
1 727
1 737
-1
-5
7 036
7 528
-7
-7
Total established brands
3 118
3 266
-5
-5
12 958
14 750
-12
-11
Sandostatin Group (USD 306 million, -3%, -1% cc) sales declined slightly, primarily in the US due to generics entry.
Lucentis (USD 210 million, ex-US -30%, -29% cc) sales declined in Europe, emerging growth markets and Japan, mainly due to competition.
Exforge Group (USD 159 million, +2%, +8% cc) sales grew in emerging growth markets.
Galvus Group (USD 144 million, -6%, +2% cc) sales grew (cc) mainly in emerging growth markets, partly offset by a decline in Europe due to generic competition.
Diovan Group (USD 140 million, -5%, -2% cc) sales declined mainly in the US, China and Europe.
Gilenya (USD 109 million, -29%, -26% cc) sales declined due to competition, mainly in the US and Europe.
9
Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations include the Sandoz generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars division, certain corporate activities attributable to Sandoz and certain other expenses related to the spin-off of the Sandoz business.
Fourth quarter
As the Sandoz spin-off was completed on October 3, 2023, there were no operating results in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 2023 related to discontinued operations. In the fourth quarter of 2023, net income from discontinued operations amounted to USD 5.8 billion, driven by the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders of USD 5.9 billion. For further details see Note 3 “Significant acquisition of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business” and Note 11 “Discontinued operations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Full year
As the Sandoz spin-off was completed on October 3, 2023, there were no operating results in 2024 related to discontinued operations. In 2023, discontinued operations net sales were USD 7.4 billion, operating income amounted to USD 265 million and net income from discontinued operations was USD 6.3 billion driven by the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. For further details see Note 3 “Significant acquisition of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business” and Note 11 “Discontinued operations” to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
Total Company
Fourth quarter
Total Company net income was USD 2.8 billion in 2024, compared with USD 8.5 billion in 2023 and basic EPS was USD 1.42 compared with USD 4.14 in the prior year quarter as the prior year quarter included the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. Net cash flows from operating activities for total Company amounted to USD 4.2 billion and free cash flow amounted to USD 3.6 billion.
Full year
Total Company net income was USD 11.9 billion in 2024, compared with USD 14.9 billion in 2023 and basic EPS was USD 5.92 compared with USD 7.15 in the prior year as the prior year included the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable, net gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders, which amounted to USD 5.9 billion. Net cash flows from operating activities for total Company amounted to USD 17.6 billion and free cash flow amounted to USD 16.3 billion.
10
Company Cash Flow and Balance Sheet
Cash flow
Fourth quarter
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 4.2 billion, compared with USD 2.5 billion in the prior-year quarter. This increase was mainly driven by higher net income from continuing operations, adjusted for non-cash items and other adjustments, including divestment gains, favorable changes in working capital, and lower income taxes paid, mainly due to the timing of income tax payments.
Net cash outflows used in investing activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 3.0 billion, compared with USD 1.0 billion in the prior-year quarter.
In the current-year quarter, net cash outflows used in investing activities from continuing operations were mainly driven by USD 1.7 billion for net purchases of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits; USD 0.6 billion for purchases of intangible assets; and USD 0.6 billion for purchases of property, plant and equipment. In addition, net cash outflows for acquisitions and divestments of businesses amounted to USD 0.3 billion, including the acquisition of Kate Therapeutics for USD 0.4 billion.
In the prior-year quarter, net cash outflows used in investing activities from continuing operations of USD 1.0 billion were mainly driven by USD 0.5 billion for net purchases of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits; USD 0.4 billion for purchases of property, plant and equipment; and USD 0.4 billion for purchases of intangible assets. These cash outflows were partly offset by cash inflows of USD 0.2 billion from the sale of property, plant and equipment (including proceeds from the sale and leaseback of real estate); and USD 0.1 billion from the sale of financial assets.
In the prior-year quarter, net cash outflows used in investing activities from discontinued operations amounted to USD 0.7 billion (Q4 2024: nil).
Net cash outflows used in financing activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 3.0 billion, compared with USD 0.5 billion in the prior-year quarter.
In the current-year quarter, the cash outflows used in financing activities from continuing operations were mainly driven by USD 2.8 billion for treasury share transactions, and USD 0.2 billion cash outflows for purchased MorphoSys shares, in connection with the “squeeze-out” of the remaining minority shareholders.
In the prior-year quarter, net cash outflows used in financing activities from continuing operations of USD 0.5 billion were mainly driven by USD 1.3 billion for net treasury share transactions; and USD 0.1 billion payments of lease liabilities. These cash outflows were partly offset by cash inflows of USD 0.7 billion from the net increase in current financial debts and other net financing cash inflows of USD 0.2 billion.
In the prior-year quarter, net cash outflows from financing activities from discontinued operations amounted to USD 0.1 billion (Q4 2024: nil).
Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 3.6 billion (+70% USD), compared with USD 2.1 billion in the prior-year quarter, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.
For the total Company, net cash flows from operating activities amounted to USD 4.2 billion, compared with USD 2.5 billion in the prior-year quarter, and free cash flow amounted to USD 3.6 billion, compared with USD 2.1 billion in the prior-year quarter.
Full year
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 17.6 billion, compared with USD 14.2 billion in 2023. This increase was mainly driven by higher net income from continuing operations, adjusted for non-cash items and other adjustments, including divestment gains, lower payments out of provisions and lower income taxes paid, mainly due to the timing of income tax payments, partly offset by unfavorable changes in working capital and higher net interest paid and other financial payments.
In 2023, net cash flows from operating activities from discontinued operations amounted to USD 0.2 billion (2024: nil).
11
Net cash outflows used in investing activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 7.5 billion, compared with USD 6.7 billion net cash inflows in 2023.
In the current year, net cash outflows used in investing activities from continuing operations were mainly driven by USD 3.9 billion net cash outflows for acquisitions and divestments of businesses, including the acquisition of Kate Therapeutics for USD 0.4 billion; the acquisition of Mariana Oncology for USD 1.0 billion (USD 1.04 billion, net of cash acquired of USD 80 million); and the acquisition of MorphoSys for USD 2.3 billion (USD 2.5 billion, net of cash acquired of USD 0.2 billion). In addition, the cash outflows for purchases of intangible assets amounted to USD 2.4 billion; purchases of property, plant and equipment amounted to USD 1.4 billion; purchases of financial assets amounted to USD 0.2 billion and net purchases of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits amounted to USD 0.7 billion. These cash outflows were partly offset by cash inflows of USD 1.0 billion from the sale of financial assets (including USD 0.7 billion proceeds from the sale of Sandoz Group AG shares by consolidated foundations); and by USD 0.2 billion from the sale of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment.
In 2023, net cash inflows from investing activities from continuing operations of USD 6.7 billion were driven by the net proceeds of USD 10.6 billion from the sale of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits; USD 2.0 billion from the sale of intangible assets (including USD 1.75 billion cash proceeds from the divestment of the ‘front of eye’ ophthalmology assets to Bausch + Lomb); USD 0.3 billion from the sale of financial assets; and USD 0.2 billion from the sale of property, plant and equipment (including proceeds from the sale and leaseback of real estate). These cash inflows were partly offset by cash outflows of USD 3.6 billion for acquisitions and divestments of businesses, net (including the acquisition of Chinook Therapeutics for USD 3.1 billion, net of cash acquired of USD 0.1 billion, and the acquisition of DTx for USD 0.5 billion, net of cash acquired of USD 0.1 billion); USD 1.7 billion for purchases of intangible assets; USD 1.1 billion for purchases of property, plant and equipment; and USD 0.1 billion for purchases of financial assets.
In 2023, net cash outflows used in investing activities from discontinued operations amounted to USD 1.1 billion (2024: nil).
Net cash outflows used in financing activities from continuing operations amounted to USD 11.7 billion, compared with USD 17.6 billion in 2023.
In the current year, net cash outflows used in financing activities from continuing operations were mainly driven by USD 8.3 billion for net treasury share transactions; USD 7.6 billion for the dividend payment; the USD 2.15 billion repayment of a US dollar bond at maturity, and the USD 0.3 billion repayments of other current financial debts. Cash outflows for MorphoSys shares purchased outside the Offer amounted to USD 0.3 billion, which included a USD 0.2 billion payment to the former remaining minority shareholders in connection with the “squeeze-out.” These cash outflows were partly offset by cash inflows from the issuance of bonds totaling USD 6.1 billion (Swiss franc denominated bonds with a notional amount of CHF 2.2 billion, equivalent to USD 2.5 billion, and US dollar denominated bonds with a notional amount of USD 3.7 billion). The change in current financial debts resulted in net cash inflows of USD 1.0 billion.
In 2023, net cash outflows used in financing activities from continuing operations of USD 17.6 billion were mainly driven by USD 8.6 billion for net treasury share transactions; USD 7.3 billion for the dividend payment; USD 2.2 billion for the repayment of two EUR denominated bonds (notional amounts of EUR 1.25 billion and of EUR 0.75 billion) at maturity. Payments of lease liabilities amounted to USD 0.3 billion. These cash outflows were partly offset by cash inflows of USD 0.5 billion from the net increase in current financial debts.
In 2023, net cash inflows from financing activities from discontinued operations amounted to USD 3.3 billion (2024: nil).
Free cash flow from continuing operations amounted to USD 16.3 billion (+24% USD), compared with USD 13.2 billion in 2023, driven by higher net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations.
For the total Company, net cash flows from operating activities amounted to USD 17.6 billion, compared with USD 14.5 billion in 2023, and free cash flow amounted to USD 16.3 billion, compared with USD 13.2 billion in 2023.
12
Balance sheet
Assets
Total non-current assets of USD 72.5 billion increased by USD 3.1 billion compared with December 31, 2023.
Intangible assets other than goodwill were broadly in line with December 31, 2023, mainly as the impact of the business acquisitions of Kate Therapeutics, Mariana Oncology, and MorphoSys and additions, were offset by amortization, impairments and unfavorable currency translation effects.
Goodwill increased by USD 1.4 billion mainly due to the impact of the business acquisitions of Kate Therapeutics, Mariana Oncology and MorphoSys, partially offset by an impairment and unfavorable currency translation effects.
Financial assets decreased by USD 0.6 billion mainly due to the sale of Sandoz Group AG shares by consolidated foundations.
Other non-current assets increased by USD 2.3 billion mainly due the increase of prepaid post-employment benefit. This increase is due to pension plans in Switzerland not being required to continue to apply the IFRS Standards limitation on recognition of fund surplus (the assets ceiling) as at December 31, 2024.
Property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, deferred tax assets and investments in associated companies were broadly in line with December 31, 2023.
Total current assets of USD 29.7 billion decreased by USD 0.8 billion compared with December 31, 2023.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by USD 1.9 billion mainly as cash generated through operating activities of USD 17.6 billion and net proceeds from changes in financial debts of USD 4.7 billion, were offset by the USD 7.6 billion dividend payment, USD 8.3 billion for net purchases of treasury shares, USD 3.9 billion mainly for the business acquisitions of Kate Therapeutics, Mariana Oncology and MorphoSys, USD 3.6 billion for net purchases of tangible and intangible assets and other net cash outflows from investing and financing activities and currency effects of USD 0.8 billion.
Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments increased by USD 1.0 billion. Trade receivables increased by USD 0.3 billion, mainly driven by the increase in net sales and other current assets increased by USD 0.4 billion. Income tax receivables decreased by USD 0.3 billion. Inventories were broadly in line with December 31, 2023.
Liabilities
Total non-current liabilities of USD 29.4 billion increased by USD 2.6 billion compared with December 31, 2023.
Non-current financial debts increased by USD 2.9 billion mainly due to the issuance of Swiss franc denominated bonds of USD 2.5 billion (notional amount of CHF 2.2 billion), the issuance of US dollar denominated bonds with a notional amount of USD 3.7 billion and financial debts acquired through the MorphoSys business acquisition of USD 0.6 billion, partly offset by the reclassification of USD 3.3 billion from non-current to current financial debts consisting of two US dollar denominated bonds with notional amount of USD 2.8 billion and a Swiss franc denominated bond of notional amount of CHF 0.5 billion all maturing in 2025.
Provisions and other non-current liabilities decreased by USD 0.4 billion. Non-current lease liabilities and deferred tax liabilities were broadly in line with December 31, 2023.
Total current liabilities of USD 28.7 billion increased by USD 2.3 billion compared with December 31, 2023.
Current financial debts and derivative financial instruments increased by USD 2.1 billion compared with December 31, 2023, mainly due to the issuance of commercial paper notes under the US commercial paper program and the reclassification of USD 3.3 billion from non-current to current financial debts consisting of two US dollar denominated bonds with notional amount of USD 2.8 billion and a Swiss franc denominated bond of notional amount of CHF 0.5 billion all maturing in 2025, partly offset by the repayment of a US dollar bond at maturity of USD 2.15 billion.
Trade payables decreased by USD 0.4 billion. Provisions and other current liabilities increased by USD 0.9 billion mainly driven by the increase in provisions for deductions from revenue. Current income tax liabilities decreased by USD 0.3 billion. Current lease liabilities were broadly in line with December 31, 2023.
13
Equity
The Company’s equity decreased by USD 2.6 billion to USD 44.1 billion compared with December 31, 2023.
This decrease was mainly driven by the net income of USD 11.9 billion, actuarial gains from defined benefit plans of USD 2.0 billion and favorable impact from equity-based compensation of USD 1.1 billion being more than offset by the purchase of treasury shares of USD 8.5 billion, the cash-dividend to Novartis AG shareholders of USD 7.6 billion and unfavorable currency translation effects of USD 1.6 billion.
Net debt and debt/equity ratio
The Company’s liquidity amounted to USD 13.5 billion as at December 31, 2024, compared with USD 14.4 billion as at December 31, 2023. Total non-current and current financial debts, including derivatives, amounted to USD 29.6 billion as at December 31, 2024, compared with USD 24.6 billion as at December 31, 2023.
The debt/equity ratio increased to 0.67:1 as at December 31, 2024, compared with 0.53:1 as at December 31, 2023. The net debt increased to USD 16.1 billion as at December 31, 2024, compared with USD 10.2 billion as at December 31, 2023.
14
Innovation Review
Novartis continues to focus its R&D portfolio prioritizing high value medicines with transformative potential for patients. We now focus on ~100 projects in clinical development.
Selected Innovative Medicines approvals in Q4

Product
Active ingredient/
Descriptor

Indication

Region
Kisqali
ribociclib
Hormone receptor-positive /
human epidermal growth factor
receptor 2-negative early
breast cancer (adjuvant)
EU
Scemblix
asciminib
1L chronic myeloid leukemia
US
Selected Innovative Medicines projects awaiting regulatory decisions
Completed submissions
Product
Indication
US
EU
Japan
News update
Scemblix
1L chronic myeloid leukemia
Q2 2024
Q3 2024
– US approval
Fabhalta
C3G
Q4 2024
Q3 2024
Q3 2024
– US submission, FDA priority review granted
– FDA confirmed no Advisory Committee meeting
Atrasentan
IgA nephropathy
Q2 2024
– China submission completed in Q4 2024
Pluvicto
Metastatic castration-resistant
prostate cancer, pre-taxane
Q3 2024




– PSMAfore final overall survival (OS) analysis
demonstrated OS HR<1.0 in ITT population
unadjusted for cross-over
Lutathera
Gastroenteropancreatic
neuroendocrine tumors,
1L in G2/3 tumors


Q2 2024




Beovu
Diabetic retinopathy


Q4 2024
– Japan and china submissions completed
in Q4 2024
Coartem
Malaria (<5kg patients)






– Submission using MAGHP procedure
in Switzerland to facilitate rapid approvals in
developing countries
Selected Innovative Medicines pipeline projects
Compound/
product
Potential indication/
Disease area
First planned
submissions
Current
Phase

News update
Aimovig
Migraine, pediatrics
≥2028
3
CFZ533
(iscalimab)
Sjögren's syndrome

2
– Program discontinued based
on benefit-risk assessment
Cosentyx
Giant cell arteritis
2025
3
Polymyalgia rheumatica
2026
3
DAK539
(pelabresib)
Myelofibrosis





3
– MorphoSys aquisition
– Based on Novartis review of 48-week data
from the Ph3 MANIFEST-2 study, longer
follow-up time is needed to determine, in
consultation with Health Authorities, the
regulatory path for pelabresib in myelofibrosis
FUB523
(zigakibart)
IgA nephropathy
2027
3

KAE609
(cipargamin)
Malaria, uncomplicated
≥2028
2
Malaria, severe
≥2028
2
KLU156
(ganaplacide
+ lumefantrine)
Malaria, uncomplicated
2026
3
– FDA Orphan Drug designation
– FDA Fast Track designation
Leqvio
Secondary prevention of cardiovascular
events in patients with elevated levels of LDL-C
2027
3

Primary prevention CVRR
≥2028
3
LNA043
Osteoarthritis
2
– Project discontinued following Ph2 readout
15
Compound/
product
Potential indication/
Disease area
First planned
submissions
Current
Phase

News update
LNP023
(iptacopan)
IC-MPGN
≥2028
3

Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome
≥2028
3
Myasthenia gravis
2027
3
LOU064
(remibrutinib)
Chronic spontaneous urticaria
2025
3

CINDU
2026
3
Multiple sclerosis
2027
3
Myasthenia gravis
≥2028
3
177Lu-NeoB
Multiple solid tumors
≥2028
1
LXE408
Visceral leishmaniasis
≥2028
2
OAV101
Spinal muscular atrophy
(IT formulation)
2025
3
– PhIII STEER study positive readout
in Q4 2024
Pluvicto
Metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer
2025
3
– Event-driven trial
Oligometastatic prostate cancer
≥2028
3
TQJ230
(pelacarsen)
Secondary prevention of cardiovascular
events in patients with elevated levels
of lipoprotein(a)
2026
3
– FDA Fast Track designation
– China Breakthrough Therapy designation
– Plan revised based on latest
projections (event-driven trial); readout
expected H1 2026
VAY736
(ianalumab)
Sjögren’s syndrome
2026
3
– FDA Fast Track designation
Lupus nephritis
≥2028
3
Systemic lupus erythematosus
≥2028
3
Systemic scleroderma
≥2028
2
1L immune thrombocytopenia
2027
3
2L immune thrombocytopenia
2027
3
Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia
2027
3
Vijoyce
Lymphatic malformations
≥2028
3
– US, EU Orphan Drug designation
YTB323
Severe refractory lupus nephritis /
Systemic lupus erythematosus
≥2028
2

1L high-risk large B-cell lymphoma
≥2028
2
Systemic scleroderma
≥2028
2
– Trial started
Myositis
≥2028
2
– Trial started
16

Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated income statements
Fourth quarter (unaudited)
(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
Note
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
Net sales from continuing operations
9
13 153
11 423
Other revenues
9
405
353
Cost of goods sold
-3 324
-3 022
Gross profit from continuing operations
10 234
8 754
Selling, general and administration
-3 501
-3 444
Research and development
-2 842
-2 567
Other income
298
450
Other expense
-659
-611
Operating income from continuing operations
3 530
2 582
Loss from associated companies
-3
-6
Interest expense
-275
-217
Other financial income and expense
33
18
Income before taxes from continuing operations
3 285
2 377
Income taxes
-465
261
Net income from continuing operations
2 820
2 638
Net loss from discontinued operations before gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
11
-18
Gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
3, 11
5 860
Net income from discontinued operations
11
5 842
Net income
2 820
8 480
Attributable to:
   Shareholders of Novartis AG
2 818
8 480
   Non-controlling interests
2
0
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic (million)
1 987
2 050
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (USD) 1
1.42
1.29
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations (USD) 1
2.85
Total basic earnings per share (USD) 1
1.42
4.14
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Diluted (million)
2 004
2 065
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (USD) 1
1.41
1.28
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations (USD) 1
2.83
Total diluted earnings per share (USD) 1
1.41
4.11
 1  Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated on the amount of net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG.
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
17
Consolidated income statements
Full year (audited)
(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
Note
FY 2024
FY 2023
Net sales from continuing operations
9
50 317
45 440
Other revenues
9
1 405
1 220
Cost of goods sold
-12 827
-12 472
Gross profit from continuing operations
38 895
34 188
Selling, general and administration
-12 566
-12 517
Research and development
-10 022
-11 371
Other income
1 175
1 772
Other expense
-2 938
-2 303
Operating income from continuing operations
14 544
9 769
Loss from associated companies
-38
-13
Interest expense
-1 006
-855
Other financial income and expense
140
222
Income before taxes from continuing operations
13 640
9 123
Income taxes
-1 701
-551
Net income from continuing operations
11 939
8 572
Net income from discontinued operations before gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
11
422
Gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
3, 11
5 860
Net income from discontinued operations
11
6 282
Net income
11 939
14 854
Attributable to:
   Shareholders of Novartis AG
11 941
14 850
   Non-controlling interests
-2
4
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic (million)
2 018
2 077
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations (USD) 1
5.92
4.13
Basic earnings per share from discontinued operations (USD) 1
3.02
Total basic earnings per share (USD) 1
5.92
7.15
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Diluted (million)
2 035
2 092
Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (USD) 1
5.87
4.10
Diluted earnings per share from discontinued operations (USD) 1
3.00
Total diluted earnings per share (USD) 1
5.87
7.10
 1  Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated on the amount of net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG.  
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
18
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
Fourth quarter (unaudited)
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
Net income
2 820
8 480
Other comprehensive income
Items that are or may be recycled into the consolidated income statement
   Cash flow hedge, net of taxes
1
   Net investment hedge, net of taxes
105
-59
   Currency translation effects, net of taxes
-1 512
1 320
Total of items that are or may be recycled
-1 406
1 261
Items that will never be recycled into the consolidated income statement
   Actuarial gains/(losses) from defined benefit plans, net of taxes
1 904
-217
   Fair value adjustments on equity securities, net of taxes
-21
56
Total of items that will never be recycled
1 883
-161
Total other comprehensive income
477
1 100
Total comprehensive income
3 297
9 580
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to:
   Shareholders of Novartis AG
3 299
9 578
   Continuing operations
3 299
4 062
   Discontinued operations
5 516
   Non-controlling interests
-2
2
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
Full year (audited)
(USD millions)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Net income
11 939
14 854
Other comprehensive income
Items that are or may be recycled into the consolidated income statement
   Cash flow hedge, net of taxes
-24
   Net investment hedge, net of taxes
91
-50
   Currency translation effects, net of taxes
-1 566
1 375
Total of items that are or may be recycled
-1 499
1 325
Items that will never be recycled into the consolidated income statement
   Actuarial gains/(losses) from defined benefit plans, net of taxes
2 024
-160
   Fair value adjustments on equity securities, net of taxes
64
37
Total of items that will never be recycled
2 088
-123
Total other comprehensive income
589
1 202
Total comprehensive income
12 528
16 056
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to:
   Shareholders of Novartis AG
12 533
16 050
   Continuing operations
12 533
10 115
   Discontinued operations
5 935
   Non-controlling interests
-5
6
    
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
19
Consolidated balance sheets

(USD millions)
Dec 31,
2024
(audited)
Dec 31,
2023
(audited)
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment
9 458
9 514
Right-of-use assets
1 415
1 410
Goodwill
24 756
23 341
Intangible assets other than goodwill
26 915
26 879
Investments in associated companies
119
205
Deferred tax assets
4 359
4 309
Financial assets
2 015
2 607
Other non-current assets
3 505
1 199
Total non-current assets
72 542
69 464
Current assets
Inventories
5 723
5 913
Trade receivables
7 423
7 107
Income tax receivables
133
426
Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments
1 998
1 035
Cash and cash equivalents
11 459
13 393
Other current assets
2 968
2 607
Total current assets
29 704
30 481
Total assets
102 246
99 945
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Share capital
793
825
Treasury shares
-53
-41
Reserves
43 306
45 883
Equity attributable to Novartis AG shareholders
44 046
46 667
Non-controlling interests
80
83
Total equity
44 126
46 750
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Financial debts
21 366
18 436
Lease liabilities
1 568
1 598
Deferred tax liabilities
2 419
2 248
Provisions and other non-current liabilities
4 075
4 523
Total non-current liabilities
29 428
26 805
Current liabilities
Trade payables
4 572
4 926
Financial debts and derivative financial instruments
8 232
6 175
Lease liabilities
235
230
Current income tax liabilities
1 599
1 893
Provisions and other current liabilities
14 054
13 166
Total current liabilities
28 692
26 390
Total liabilities
58 120
53 195
Total equity and liabilities
102 246
99 945
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
20
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
Fourth quarter (unaudited)
Reserves

(USD millions)





Note




Share
capital




Treasury
shares




Retained
earnings




Total value
adjustments
Issued share
capital and
reserves
attributable
to Novartis
shareholders



Non-
controlling
interests




Total
equity
Total equity at October 1, 2024
793
-40
46 292
-3 728
43 317
124
43 441
Net income
2 818
2 818
2
2 820
Other comprehensive income
481
481
-4
477
Total comprehensive income
2 818
481
3 299
-2
3 297
Purchase of treasury shares
-14
-2 656
-2 670
-2 670
Equity-based compensation plans
1
244
245
245
Taxes on treasury share transactions
-41
-41
-41
Changes in non-controlling interests
-128
-128
-42
-170
Fair value adjustments related to financial assets sold and divestments
8
-8
Other movements
4.4
24
24
24
Total of other equity movements
-13
-2 549
-8
-2 570
-42
-2 612
Total equity at December 31, 2024
793
-53
46 561
-3 255
44 046
80
44 126
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
Reserves

(USD millions)





Note




Share
capital




Treasury
shares




Retained
earnings




Total value
adjustments
Issued share
capital and
reserves
attributable
to Novartis
shareholders



Non-
controlling
interests




Total
equity
Total equity at October 1, 2023
825
-32
42 333
-4 962
38 164
81
38 245
Net income
8 480
8 480
0
8 480
Other comprehensive income
1 098
1 098
2
1 100
Total comprehensive income
8 480
1 098
9 578
2
9 580
Purchase of treasury shares
-10
-1 223
-1 233
-1 233
Exercise of options and employee transactions
-5
-5
-5
Equity-based compensation
1
249
250
250
Shares delivered to Sandoz employees as a result of the Sandoz spin-off
0
30
30
30
Taxes on treasury share transactions
3
3
3
Transaction costs, net of taxes
4.3
-140
-140
-140
Fair value adjustments on financial assets sold
-69
69
Value adjustments related to divestments
-29
29
Other movements
4.4
20
20
20
Total of other equity movements
-9
-1 164
98
-1 075
-1 075
Total equity at December 31, 2023
825
-41
49 649
-3 766
46 667
83
46 750
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
21
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
Full year (audited)
Reserves

(USD millions)





Note




Share
capital




Treasury
shares




Retained
earnings




Total value
adjustments
Issued share
capital and
reserves
attributable
to Novartis
shareholders



Non-
controlling
interests




Total
equity
Total equity at January 1, 2024
825
-41
49 649
-3 766
46 667
83
46 750
Net income
11 941
11 941
-2
11 939
Other comprehensive income
592
592
-3
589
Total comprehensive income
11 941
592
12 533
-5
12 528
Dividends
4.1
-7 624
-7 624
-7 624
Purchase of treasury shares
-44
-8 406
-8 450
-8 450
Reduction of share capital
4.2
-32
26
6
Equity-based compensation plans
6
1 054
1 060
1 060
Taxes on treasury share transactions
-68
-68
-68
Changes in non-controlling interests
-226
-226
2
-224
Value adjustments related to financial assets sold and divestments
81
-81
Other movements
4.4
154
154
154
Total of other equity movements
-32
-12
-15 029
-81
-15 154
2
-15 152
Total equity at December 31, 2024
793
-53
46 561
-3 255
44 046
80
44 126
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
Reserves

(USD millions)





Note




Share
capital




Treasury
shares




Retained
earnings




Total value
adjustments
Issued share
capital and
reserves
attributable
to Novartis
shareholders



Non-
controlling
interests




Total
equity
Total equity at January 1, 2023
890
-92
63 540
-4 996
59 342
81
59 423
Net income
14 850
14 850
4
14 854
Other comprehensive income
1 200
1 200
2
1 202
Total comprehensive income
14 850
1 200
16 050
6
16 056
Dividends
-7 255
-7 255
-7 255
Dividend in kind
3
-13 962
-13 962
-13 962
Purchase of treasury shares
-51
-8 466
-8 517
-8 517
Reduction of share capital
-65
94
-29
Exercise of options and employee transactions
2
144
146
146
Equity-based compensation
6
898
904
904
Shares delivered to Sandoz employees as a result of the Sandoz spin-off
0
30
30
30
Taxes on treasury share transactions
14
14
14
Transaction costs, net of taxes
4.3
-214
-214
-214
Changes in non-controlling interests
-4
-4
Fair value adjustments on financial assets sold
-1
1
Value adjustments related to divestments
-29
29
Other movements
4.4
129
129
129
Total of other equity movements
-65
51
-28 741
30
-28 725
-4
-28 729
Total equity at December 31, 2023
825
-41
49 649
-3 766
46 667
83
46 750
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
22
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Fourth quarter (unaudited)
(USD millions)
Note
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
Net income from continuing operations
2 820
2 638
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments
6.1
2 709
1 791
Interest received
142
163
Interest paid
-214
-238
Change in other financial receipts
26
Change in other financial payments
-85
-3
Income taxes paid
6.2
-924
-1 093
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations before working capital and provision changes
4 448
3 284
Payments out of provisions and other net cash movements in non-current liabilities
-260
-353
Change in net current assets and other operating cash flow items
6.3
5
-384
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
4 193
2 547
Total net cash flows from operating activities
4 193
2 547
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
-558
-406
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
47
164
Purchases of intangible assets
-573
-377
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
37
2
Purchases of financial assets
-48
-29
Proceeds from sale of financial assets
21
147
Proceeds from sale of other non-current assets
2
Acquisitions and divestments of interests in associated companies, net
-2
-3
Acquisitions and divestments of businesses, net
6.4
-262
-8
Purchases of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits
-2 257
-544
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits
560
32
Net cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations
-3 033
-1 022
Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations
-738
Total net cash flows used in investing activities
-3 033
-1 760
Purchases of treasury shares
-2 762
-1 251
Proceeds from exercised options and other treasury share transactions, net
-5
Repayments of the current portion of non-current financial debts
-10
Change in current financial debts
-24
674
Payments of lease liabilities
-72
-64
Payments from changes in ownership interests in consolidated subsidiaries
-156
Other financing cash flows, net
28
150
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations
-2 996
-496
Net cash flows used in financing activities from discontinued operations
-111
Total net cash flows used in financing activities
-2 996
-607
Net change in cash and cash equivalents before effect of exchange rate changes
-1 836
180
Cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations at September 30, 2023
648
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
-314
160
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
-2 150
988
Cash and cash equivalents at October 1
13 609
12 405
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31
11 459
13 393
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
23
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Full year (audited)
(USD millions)
Note
FY 2024
FY 2023
Net income from continuing operations
11 939
8 572
Adjustments to reconcile net income from continuing operations to net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments
6.1
10 232
10 369
Dividends received from associated companies and others
1
2
Interest received
489
645
Interest paid
-855
-751
Other financial receipts
90
Other financial payments
-116
-17
Income taxes paid
6.2
-2 258
-2 787
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations before working capital and provision changes
19 432
16 123
Payments out of provisions and other net cash movements in non-current liabilities
-1 107
-1 534
Change in net current assets and other operating cash flow items
6.3
-706
-369
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
17 619
14 220
Net cash flows from operating activities from discontinued operations
238
Total net cash flows from operating activities
17 619
14 458
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
-1 366
-1 060
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
86
237
Purchases of intangible assets
-2 448
-1 693
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
80
1 955
Purchases of financial assets
-193
-106
Proceeds from sale of financial assets
957
348
Proceeds from sale of other non-current assets
3
Acquisitions and divestments of interests in associated companies, net
-10
-11
Acquisitions and divestments of businesses, net
6.4
-3 911
-3 558
Purchases of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits
-3 455
-641
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities, commodities and time deposits
2 744
11 248
Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities from continuing operations
-7 513
6 719
Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations
-1 123
Total net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities
-7 513
5 596
Dividends paid to shareholders of Novartis AG
4.1
-7 624
-7 255
Purchases of treasury shares
-8 331
-8 719
Proceeds from exercised options and other treasury share transactions, net
30
153
Proceeds from non-current financial debts
6 143
Repayments of the current portion of non-current financial debts
-2 160
-2 223
Change in current financial debts
958
546
Repayments of other current financial debts
-289
Payments of lease liabilities
-262
-258
Payments from changes in ownership interests in consolidated subsidiaries
-293
Other financing cash flows, net
86
192
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations
-11 742
-17 564
Net cash flows from financing activities from discontinued operations
3 286
Total net cash flows used in financing activities
-11 742
-14 278
Net change in cash and cash equivalents before effect of exchange rate changes
-1 636
5 776
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
-298
100
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
-1 934
5 876
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1
13 393
7 517
Cash and cash equivalents at December 31
11 459
13 393
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements
24

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three month interim period (unaudited) and year ended December 31, 2024 (audited)

1. Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS®) Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. They are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for items that are required to be accounted for at fair value. These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the three month interim period and year ended December 31, 2024, were prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS®) Standards 34 Interim Financial Reporting and accounting policies set out in the 2024 Annual Report published on January 31, 2025.
At the Novartis AG Extraordinary General Meeting, held on September 15, 2023, our shareholders approved the spin-off of the Sandoz business. Following the shareholder approval IFRS Accounting Standards required the Sandoz Division and selected portions of corporate activities attributable to Sandoz’s business, as well as certain expenses related to the spin-off (the “Sandoz business”) to be reported as discontinued operations in the consolidated financial statements. As a result, the Sandoz business has been presented as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated financial statements. This requires the three month and year ended December 31, 2023, consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income and consolidated statement of cash flows to present separately continuing operations from discontinued operations.
The shareholder approval on September 15, 2023, for the spin-off of the Sandoz business, required the recognition of a distribution liability at the fair value of the Sandoz business. Novartis policy is to measure the distribution liability at the fair value of the Sandoz business net assets taken as a whole. The distribution liability was recognized through a reduction in retained earnings. It was required to be adjusted at each balance sheet date for changes in its estimated fair value, up to the date of the distribution to shareholders through retained earnings. Any resulting impairment of the business assets to be distributed would have been recognized in the consolidated income statements in “Other expense” of discontinued operations, at the date of initial recognition of the distribution liability or at subsequent dates resulting from changes of the distribution liability valuation.
At the October 4, 2023, distribution settlement date, the resulting gain, which is measured as the excess amount of the distribution liability over the then-carrying value of the net assets of the business distributed, was recognized on the line “Gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders” within the income statement of discontinued operations.
The recognition of the distribution liability required the use of valuation techniques for the purposes of impairment testing of the Sandoz business’ assets to be distributed and for the measurement of the fair value of the distribution liability. These valuations required the use of management assumptions and estimates related to the Sandoz business’ future cash flows, market multiples, opening share price of Sandoz Group AG on the first day of trading its shares on the SIX Swiss Exchange, to estimate day one market value, and control premiums to apply in estimating the Sandoz business fair value. These fair value measurements are classified as “Level 3” in the fair value hierarchy. The section “—Goodwill and intangible assets other than goodwill” in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report 2024 provides additional information on key assumptions that are highly sensitive in the estimation of fair values using valuation techniques.
Transaction costs that were directly attributable to the Distribution (spin-off) of the Sandoz business to Novartis AG shareholders by way of a dividend in kind, and that would otherwise have been avoided, were accounted for as a deduction from equity (within retained earnings). Prior to the recognition of the distribution liability, these costs were recorded as prepaid expenses in the consolidated balance sheet.
For further information and disclosures, refer to Note 3 and Note 11.
25
2. Accounting policies
The Company’s accounting policies are set out in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2024 Annual Report and conform with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions, either at the balance sheet date or during the period, which affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, including the distribution liability and contingent amounts.
Estimates are based on historical experience and other assumptions that are considered reasonable under the given circumstances and are regularly monitored. Actual outcomes and results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Revisions to estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised.
As disclosed in the 2024 Annual Report, goodwill, and acquired In-Process Research & Development projects are reviewed for impairment at least annually and these, as well as all other investments in intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever an event or decision occurs that raises concern about their balance sheet carrying value. The amount of goodwill and other intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet has risen significantly in recent years, primarily from acquisitions. Impairment testing may lead to potentially significant impairment charges in the future that could have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.
The Company’s activities are not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations.
Status of adoption of significant new or amended IFRS standards or interpretations
No new IFRS Accounting Standards were adopted by the Company in 2024. There were no new IFRS Accounting Standards amendments or interpretations that became effective in 2024 that had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In 2024, the following new IFRS Accounting Standard, which is not yet effective, was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board:
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements
IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board in April 2024. IFRS 18 will become effective on January 1, 2027, and is required to be applied retrospectively to comparative periods presented, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, IFRS 18 replaces International Accounting Standards (IAS®) Standards 1 - Presentation of Financial Statements.
IFRS 18 sets out new requirements focused on improving financial reporting by:
• requiring additional defined structure to the statement of profit or loss (i.e. consolidated statement of income), to reduce diversity in the reporting, by requiring five categories (operating, investing, financing, income taxes and discontinued operations) and defined subtotals and totals (operating income, income before financing, income taxes and net income),
• requiring disclosures in the notes to the financial statements about management-defined performance measures (i.e. non-IFRS measures), and
• adding new principles for aggregation and disaggregation of information in the primary financial statements and notes.
IFRS 18 will not impact the recognition or measurement of items in the financial statements, but it might change what an entity reports as its ‘operating profit or loss’, due to the classification of certain income and expense items between the five categories of the consolidated income statement. It might also change what an entity reports as operating activities, investing activities and financing activities within the statement of cash flows, due to the change in classification of certain cash flow items between these three categories of the cash flows statement. Novartis is currently assessing the impact of adopting IFRS 18.
Based on the Company’s assessment, there were no other IFRS Accounting Standards, amendments or interpretations not yet effective in 2024 that would be expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
26
3. Significant acquisitions of businesses and spin-off of Sandoz business
The Company applied the acquisition method of accounting for businesses acquired, and did not elect to apply the optional concentration test to account for acquired business as an asset separately acquired.
Significant acquisitions of businesses – 2024
Acquisition of Kate Therapeutics Inc.
On October 31, 2024, Novartis acquired Kate Therapeutics Inc. (Kate Therapeutics), a US based, preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing adeno-associated viruses (AAV) based gene therapies to treat genetically defined muscle and heart diseases.
The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of USD 427 million (including purchase price adjustments of USD 2 million) and potential additional milestones of up to USD 700 million, which the Kate Therapeutics shareholders are eligible to receive upon the achievement of specified development milestones.
The fair value of the total purchase consideration was USD 518 million, consisting of a cash payment of USD 427 million and the fair value of contingent consideration of USD 91 million. The purchase price allocation resulted in net identifiable assets of USD 234 million, consisting primarily of IPR&D intangible assets of USD 135 million, other intangible assets (scientific infrastructure) of USD 135 million, cash and cash equivalents of USD 6 million, net deferred tax liabilities of USD 41 million and other net liabilities of USD 1 million. Goodwill amounted to USD 284 million.
The results of operations since the date of acquisition were not material.
Acquisition of Mariana Oncology Inc.
On May 3, 2024, Novartis acquired Mariana Oncology Inc. (Mariana Oncology), a US based, preclinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel radioligand therapies (RLTs) with a portfolio of RLT programs across a range of solid tumor indications.
The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of USD 1.04 billion and potential additional milestones of up to USD 750 million, which Mariana Oncology shareholders are eligible to receive upon the achievement of specified milestones.
The fair value of the total purchase consideration was USD 1.28 billion, consisting of a cash payment of USD 1.04 billion and the fair value of contingent consideration of USD 239 million. The purchase price allocation resulted in net identifiable assets of USD 754 million, consisting primarily of IPR&D intangible assets of USD 344 million, other intangible assets (scientific infrastructure) of USD 473 million, cash and cash equivalents of USD 80 million, net deferred tax liabilities of USD 133 million and other net liabilities of USD 10 million. Goodwill amounted to USD 528 million.
The results of operations since the date of acquisition were not material.
Acquisition of MorphoSys AG
On February 5, 2024, Novartis entered into an agreement to acquire MorphoSys AG (MorphoSys), a Germany-based, global biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines in oncology. The acquisition of MorphoSys adds to our oncology pipeline pelabresib, a late-stage BET inhibitor for myelofibrosis and tulmimetostat, an early-stage investigational dual inhibitor of EZH2 and EZH1 for solid tumors or lymphomasis.
On April 11, 2024, Novartis, through a subsidiary, commenced a voluntary public takeover offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all outstanding shares of MorphoSys for EUR 68 per share, representing a total consideration of approximately EUR 2.6 billion in cash on a fully diluted basis. The settlement of the Offer was conditional on a minimum acceptance threshold of 65%of the MorphoSys outstanding shares.
Novartis purchased during the Offer acceptance period MorphoSys shares on the market for a total amount of EUR 0.3 billion (USD 0.3 billion). The closing conditions of the Offer, including the minimum acceptance threshold of 65% were fulfilled by the end of the Offer acceptance period, and the acquisition of MorphoSys closed on May 23, 2024, with the settlement payment amounting to EUR 1.7 billion (USD 1.9 billion) to the MorphoSys shareholders for their tendered shares. Subsequent to May 23, 2024, Novartis acquired additional MorphoSys outstanding shares through the German statutory two-week extension period of the Offer (ending on May 30, 2024) for EUR 0.3 billion (USD 0.3 billion). As a result, as at May 30, 2024, Novartis held 89.7% of the total outstanding share capital of MorphoSys. Total cash paid for the MorphoSys shares purchased by Novartis through to the end of the statutory two-week extension period of the Offer amounted to EUR 2.3 billion (USD 2.5 billion). Non-controlling interests represented 10.3% of MorphoSys outstanding shares amounting to USD 0.1 billion and were recognized in equity.
In June 2024, outside the Offer Novartis purchased an additional 1.7% of MorphoSys shares for EUR 44 million (USD 47 million). As a result, at June 30, 2024, Novartis held approximately 91.4% of outstanding MorphoSys shares.
On July 4, 2024, Novartis filed a public purchase offer to delist the MorphoSys shares admitted to trading on regulated markets and acquire all MorphoSys AG shares and American Depository Shares (ADS) not held directly by Novartis. In August 2024, the delisting of the MorphoSys shares admitted to trading on regulated markets was completed, and Novartis purchased an additional 3.2% of MorphoSys shares for EUR 83 million (USD 90 million). As a result, at September 30, 2024 Novartis held approximately 94.5% of outstanding MorphoSys shares.
On October 15, 2024, the “squeeze-out” of the remaining minority shareholders of MorphoSys was completed by way of a merger into a wholly-owned Novartis entity. As a result, Novartis held 100% of the outstanding shares of MorphoSys and non-controlling interests in equity were reduced to nil.
27
On October 21, 2024, Novartis paid EUR 144 million (USD 156 million) to the former remaining minority shareholders in connection with the “squeeze-out.”
The fair value of the total purchase consideration for the 89.7% stake held on May 30, 2024, was USD 2.5 billion (including cash acquired). The purchase price allocation resulted in net identifiable assets of USD 0.7 billion, consisting primarily of intangible assets other than goodwill of USD 1.1 billion, comprising IPR&D intangible assets of USD 0.6 billion and other intangible assets (customer out-licensing contracts) of USD 0.5 billion, financial investments and other receivables of USD 0.2 billion, marketable securities of USD 0.4 billion, cash and cash equivalents of USD 0.2 billion, financial debt to third parties of USD 0.9 billion, net deferred tax liabilities of USD 0.1 billion and other net liabilities of USD 0.2 billion. Non-controlling interests amounted to USD 0.1 billion, which were recognized at the non-controlling interests’ proportionate share of MorphoSys identifiable net assets. Goodwill as at the acquisition date amounted to USD 1.9 billion.
The results of operations since the date of acquisition were not material.
Following the completion of management’s analysis of the third-party integrated safety report related to certain clinical trial data readouts, that became available prior to closing the MorphoSys acquisition, the necessity to perform an interim impairment test of the goodwill attributable to the MorphoSys business acquired at the provisional level of the grouping of CGUs of the MorphoSys business was triggered. This impairment test required the use of valuation techniques to estimate the fair value less cost of disposal of the MorphoSys business. These valuations required the use of management assumptions and estimates related to the MorphoSys business’ future cash flows and assumptions on, among others, discount rate (8.5%) and terminal growth/decline rates (-15.0%). These fair value measurements are classified as “Level 3” in the fair value hierarchy. The section “—Goodwill and intangible assets other than goodwill” in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the Annual Report 2024 provides additional information on key assumptions that are highly sensitive in the estimation of fair values using valuation techniques. The interim impairment test indicated an impairment of the goodwill attributable to the MorphoSys business in the amount of USD 0.9 billion, which was recognized as “Other expense” in the consolidated income statement. As at December 31, 2024, the remaining carrying value of the goodwill attributable to the MorphoSys business amounting to USD 1.0 billion was allocated to the grouping of CGUs at the level of the operating segment of the Company, which is the level where the future synergies will be realized.
Significant acquisitions of businesses – 2023
Acquisition of DTx Pharma Inc.
In the second quarter of 2023, Novartis entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of DTx Pharma Inc. (DTx), a US based, pre-clinical stage biotechnology company focused on leveraging its proprietary FALCON platform to develop siRNA therapies for neuroscience indications. DTx’s lead program, DTx-1252 targets the root cause of CMT1A—the overexpression of PMP22, a protein that causes the myelin sheath that supports and insulates nerves in the peripheral nervous system to function abnormally. The transaction also includes two additional pre-clinical programs for other neuroscience indications. The transaction closed on July 14, 2023.
The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of USD 0.6 billion and potential additional milestones of up to USD 0.5 billion, which the DTx shareholders are eligible to receive upon the achievement of specified milestones.
The fair value of the total purchase consideration was USD 0.6 billion. The amount consisted of a cash payment of USD 0.6 billion and the fair value of contingent consideration of USD 30 million, which DTx shareholders are eligible to receive upon the achievement of specified milestones. The purchase price allocation resulted in net identifiable assets of USD 0.4 billion, consisting primarily of IPR&D intangible assets of USD 0.4 billion, cash of USD 0.1 billion and net deferred tax liabilities of USD 0.1 billion. Goodwill amounted to USD 0.2 billion.
The 2023 results of operations since the date of acquisition were not material.
Acquisition of Chinook Therapeutics, Inc.
On June 12, 2023, Novartis entered into an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of Chinook Therapeutics, Inc. (Chinook Therapeutics), a US based clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with two late-stage medicines in development for rare, severe chronic kidney diseases. The acquisition closed on August 11, 2023.
The purchase price consisted of a cash payment of USD 3.2 billion and potential additional payments of up to USD 0.3 billion, which Chinook Therapeutics shareholders are eligible to receive upon the achievement of specified milestones.
The fair value of the total purchase consideration was USD 3.3 billion. The amount consisted of an upfront cash payment of USD 3.2 billion and the fair value of contingent consideration of USD 0.1 billion, which Chinook Therapeutics shareholders are eligible to receive upon achievement of specified milestones. The purchase price allocation resulted in net identifiable assets of USD 2.4 billion, consisting primarily of IPR&D intangible assets of USD 2.5 billion, net deferred tax liabilities of USD 0.4 billion and other net assets of USD 0.3 billion, including cash of USD 0.1 billion. Goodwill amounted to USD 0.9 billion.
The 2023 results of operations since the date of acquisition were not material.
28
Fair value of assets and liabilities arising from acquisitions of businesses
The following table presents the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired through acquisitions of businesses and the total purchase considerations for December 31, 2024, and 2023:

(USD millions)
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Property, plant and equipment
20
18
Right-of-use assets
47
16
In-process research and development
1 424
2 931
Other intangible assets
1 156
15
Deferred tax assets
465
34
Non-current financial and other assets
31
164
Trade receivables and financial and other current assets
613
183
Cash and cash equivalents
242
226
Deferred tax liabilities
-799
-474
Current and non-current financial debts
-852
Current and non-current lease liabilities
-47
-51
Trade payables and other liabilities
-297
-231
Net identifiable assets acquired
2 003
2 831
Non-controlling interests
-75
Goodwill
2 701
1 094
Total purchase consideration for acquisitions of businesses
4 629
3 925
The significant business acquisitions in 2024, were Kate Therapeutics, Mariana Oncology and MorphoSys. The goodwill arising out of 2024 acquisitions is not tax deductible and is attributable to synergies, including the cost synergies from pre-acquisition in-licensed IP from MorphoSys, accounting for deferred tax liabilities on acquired assets, and the assembled workforce. In 2024, an impairment of goodwill was recognized related to the MorphoSys business acquisition of USD 0.9 billion. See Acquisition of MorphoSys AG section of this Note 3 for additional information.
In 2023, the significant business acquisitions were the acquisition of DTx Pharma and Chinook Therapeutics. The goodwill arising out of these acquisitions is attributable to the synergies, accounting for deferred tax liabilities on acquired assets and the assembled workforce. In 2023, no goodwill was tax deductible.
Distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
On July 18, 2023, Novartis announced that its Board of Directors had unanimously endorsed the proposed separation of the Sandoz business to create an independent company by way of a spin-off and to seek shareholder approval for the spin-off of the Sandoz business into a separately traded standalone company, following the complete structural separation of the Sandoz business into a standalone company (the Sandoz business or Sandoz Group AG) and subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions and Novartis AG shareholder approval.
At the EGM held on September 15, 2023, Novartis AG shareholders approved a special distribution by way of a dividend in kind to effect the spin-off of Sandoz Group AG, subject to the completion of certain conditions precedent to the distribution. Upon shareholder approval, the Sandoz business was reported as discontinued operations and the distribution liability was recognized at its fair value, which exceeded the carrying value of the Sandoz business net assets.
The conditions precedent to the spin-off were met and on October 3, 2023 the spin-off of the Sandoz business was effected by way of a distribution of a dividend in kind of Sandoz Group AG shares to Novartis AG shareholders and American Depositary Receipt (ADR) holders (the Distribution). Through the Distribution, each Novartis AG shareholder received 1 Sandoz Group AG share for every 5 Novartis AG shares and each Novartis ADR holder received 1 Sandoz ADR for every 5 Novartis ADR that they held at the close of business on October 3, 2023. As of October 4, 2023, the shares of Sandoz Group AG have been listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX) under the stock symbol “SDZ”.
On September 18, 2023, the Sandoz business entered into financing arrangements with a group of banks under which on September 28, 2023, it borrowed a total amount of USD 3.3 billion. These borrowings consisted of a bridge loan in EUR (EUR 2.4 billion) and term loans in EUR (EUR 0.2 billion) and USD (USD 0.5 billion). In addition, the Sandoz business borrowed approximately USD 0.4 billion under a number of local bilateral facilities in different countries. This resulted in a total gross debt of USD 3.7 billion. These outstanding borrowings of the Sandoz business legal entities were recognized in the September 30, 2023 consolidated balance sheet within Liabilities related to discontinued operations and within financing activities cash flows from discontinued operations. Prior to the Distribution on October 3, 2023, Sandoz business legal entities paid approximately USD 3.3 billion in cash to Novartis and its affiliates through a series of intercompany transactions.
At the Distribution date on October 3, 2023, the dividend in kind distribution liability to effect the Distribution (spin-off) of the Sandoz business amounted to USD 14.0 billion, measured by reference to the October 4, 2023 opening Sandoz Group AG share price and applying a control premium. The dividend in kind distribution liability was recorded as a reduction to equity (retained earnings) and remained in excess of the then carrying value of the Sandoz business net assets, which amounted to USD 8.6 billion.
Certain consolidated foundations own Novartis AG dividend-bearing shares that restricts their availability for use by Novartis. These Novartis AG shares are accounted for as treasury shares. Through the Distribution, these foundations received Sandoz Group AG shares representing an approximate 4.31% equity interest in Sandoz Group AG. Upon the loss of control of Sandoz Group AG through the Distribution on October 3, 2023, the financial investment in Sandoz Group AG was recognized at its initial fair value based on the opening traded share price of Sandoz Group AG on October 4, 2023 (a Level 1 hierarchy valuation). At initial recognition, on October 4, 2023, the Sandoz Group AG financial investment had a fair value of USD 0.5 billion, and was reported in the fourth quarter of 2023 on the consolidated balance sheet as a financial asset.
29
Management has designated this investment at fair value through other comprehensive income.
The total non-taxable, non-cash gain recognized at the Distribution date of the spin-off of the Sandoz business amounted to USD 5.9 billion, which consists of:

(USD millions)
Oct 3,
2023
Net assets derecognized 1
-8 647
Derecognition of distribution liability
13 962
Difference between net assets and distribution liability
5 315
Recognition of Sandoz Group AG shares obtained through consolidated foundations
492
Currency translation gains recycled into the consolidated income statement
357
Transaction costs and other items recognized in the consolidated income statement
-304
Gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
5 860
For additional disclosures on discontinued operations, refer to Note 11.
4. Summary of equity attributable to Novartis AG shareholders
Number of outstanding shares (in millions)
Issued share capital and reserves attributable to Novartis AG shareholders (in USD millions)
Note
2024
2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
Balance at beginning of year
2 044.0
2 119.6
46 667
59 342
Shares acquired to be canceled
-77.5
-87.5
-8 316
-8 369
Other share purchases
-1.2
-1.6
-134
-148
Equity-based compensation plans, exercise of options and employee transactions
9.7
13.2
1 060
1 050
Taxes on treasury share transactions
-68
14
Transaction costs, net of taxes
4.3
-214
Dividends
4.1
-7 624
-7 255
Dividend in kind
3
-13 962
Net income of the period attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG
11 941
14 850
Other comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG
592
1 200
Changes in non-controlling interests
-226
Other movements
4.4
0.1
0.3
154
159
Balance at end of year
1 975.1
2 044.0
44 046
46 667
4.1. The gross dividend to shareholders of Novartis AG amounted to USD 7.6 billion. The net dividend payment to Novartis AG shareholders paid in March 2024 amounted to USD 5.2 billion. The USD 2.4 billion Swiss withholding tax on the gross dividend was paid at its due date in April 2024.
4.2. In December 2021, Novartis entered into an irrevocable, non-discretionary arrangement with a bank to repurchase Novartis shares on the second trading line under its up-to USD 15.0 billion share buyback. The arrangement was updated in July 2022, December 2022, and May 2023, and concluded in June 2023.
In June 2023, Novartis entered into an irrevocable, non-discretionary arrangement with a bank to repurchase 11.7 million Novartis shares on the second trading line, which concluded in July 2023.
In July 2023, Novartis entered into a new irrevocable, non-discretionary arrangement with a bank to repurchase Novartis shares on the second trading line under its new up-to USD 15.0 billion share buyback.
In June 2024, Novartis amended the arrangement to include the repurchase of an additional 8.7 million Novartis shares on the second trading line to mitigate the impact of the shares deliveries under the equity-based compensation plans for employees. These additional repurchases concluded in October 2024. Novartis was able to cancel this arrangement but could have been subject to a 90-day waiting period. As of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, these waiting period conditions were not applicable and as a result, there was no requirement to record a liability under this arrangement as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023.
30
4.3. Transaction costs in 2023 of USD 214 million, net of tax of USD 29 million, that were directly attributable to the Distribution (spin-off) of Sandoz business to Novartis AG shareholders and that would otherwise have been avoided, were recorded as a deduction from equity (retained earnings).
4.4. Other movements include, for subsidiaries in hyperinflationary economies, the impact of the application of IAS Standards 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies.”
5. Financial instruments
Fair value by hierarchy
The following table illustrates the three hierarchical levels for valuing financial instruments at fair value as of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023. For additional information on the hierarchies and other matters, please refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2024 Annual Report, published on January 31, 2025.
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total

(USD millions)
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Debt securities
50
50
50
50
Total cash and cash equivalents at fair value
50
50
50
50
Marketable securities
Derivative financial instruments
106
355
106
355
Total marketable securities and derivative financial instruments at fair value
106
355
106
355
Current contingent consideration receivables
120
65
120
65
Current fund investments and equity securities
24
94
18
31
42
125
Long-term financial investments
Debt and equity securities
193
796
7
20
599
616
799
1 432
Fund investments
15
7
195
183
210
190
Non-current contingent consideration receivables
671
553
671
553
Total long-term financial investments at fair value
208
803
7
20
1 465
1 352
1 680
2 175
Associated companies at fair value through profit or loss
109
101
109
101
Financial liabilities
Current contingent consideration liabilities
-281
-14
-281
-14
Current other financial liabilities
-88
-88
Derivative financial instruments
-143
-91
-143
-91
Total current financial liabilities at fair value
-91
-281
-102
-424
-193
Non-current contingent consideration liabilities
-527
-389
-527
-389
In 2024, there were two transfers of equity securities from Level 3 to Level 1 for USD 19 million due to Initial Public Offering and lift of restrictions.
The fair value of straight bonds amounted to USD 22.5 billion at December 31, 2024 (USD 19.2 billion at December 31, 2023) compared with the carrying amount of USD 24.1 billion at December 31, 2024 (USD 20.6 billion at December 31, 2023). For all other financial assets and liabilities, the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of the fair value.
The carrying amount of financial assets included in the line total long-term financial investments at fair value of USD 1.7 billion at December 31, 2024 (USD 2.2 billion at December 31, 2023) is included in the line “Financial assets” of the consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amount of financial assets included in the line current fund investments and equity securities of USD 42 million at December 31, 2024 (USD 125 million at December 31, 2023) is included in the line “Other current assets” of the consolidated balance sheets.
31
The carrying amount of non-current contingent consideration liabilities of USD 0.5 billion at December, 2024 (USD 0.4 billion at December 31, 2023) is included in the line “Provisions and other non-current liabilities” of the consolidated balance sheets.
In 2024, the consolidated foundations’ investments in Sandoz Group AG shares were fully sold, and the USD 169 million gain on disposal was transferred from other comprehensive income to retained earnings.
The Company’s exposure to financial risks has not changed significantly during the period and there have been no major changes to the risk management department or in any risk management policies.
6. Details to the consolidated statements of cash flows
6.1. Non-cash items and other adjustments from continuing operations
The following tables show the reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
Depreciation, amortization and impairments on:
   Property, plant and equipment
263
246
   Right-of-use assets
65
66
   Intangible assets
1 300
1 276
   Financial assets 1
32
37
Change in provisions and other non-current liabilities
165
-171
(Gains)/losses on disposal on property, plant and equipment; intangible assets; other non-current assets; and other adjustments on financial assets and other non-current assets, net
-53
101
Equity-settled compensation expense
272
248
Loss from associated companies
3
6
Income taxes
465
-261
Net financial expense
242
199
Other
-45
44
Total
2 709
1 791
 1  Includes fair value changes
(USD millions)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Depreciation, amortization and impairments on:
   Property, plant and equipment
932
1 006
   Right-of-use assets
256
263
   Intangible assets
4 881
7 008
   Financial assets 1
45
106
Change in provisions and other non-current liabilities
696
61
Gains on disposal on property, plant and equipment; intangible assets; other non-current assets; and other adjustments on financial assets and other non-current assets, net
-74
-180
Equity-settled compensation expense
1 044
865
Loss from associated companies
38
13
Income taxes
1 701
551
Net financial expense
866
633
Other
-153
43
Total
10 232
10 369
 1  Includes fair value changes
32
In 2024 and 2023, other than through business combinations, there were no additions to intangible assets with deferred payments.
In 2024, there were USD 304 million (Q4 2024: USD 92 million) additions to right-of use assets recognized.
In 2023, there were USD 421 million (Q4 2023: USD 183 million) additions to right-of use assets recognized.
6.2. Total amount of income taxes paid
In 2024, income taxes paid by continuing operations and the total Company were USD 2 258 million (Q4 2024: USD 924 million). For discontinued operations, it was nil.
In 2023, income taxes paid by continuing operations were USD 2 787 million (Q4 2023: USD 1 093 million), and by discontinued operations were USD 162 million (Q4 2023: nil), which were included within “Net cash flows from operating activities from discontinued operations.” In 2023, income taxes paid by the total Company were USD 2 949 million (Q4 2023: USD 1 093 million).
6.3. Cash flows from changes in working capital and other operating items included in the net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
-169
33
-225
-546
Decrease/(increase) in trade receivables
162
-240
-931
-1 504
Increase/(decrease) in trade payables
555
564
-105
479
Change in other current and non-current assets
-73
-41
-502
-125
Change in other current liabilities
-470
-700
1 057
1 327
Total
5
-384
-706
-369
6.4. Cash flows arising from acquisitions and divestments of businesses, net from continuing operations
The following table is a summary of the cash flow impact of acquisitions and divestments of businesses.
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
Total purchase consideration for acquisitions of businesses
-518
-3
-4 629
-3 925
Acquired cash and cash equivalents
6
242
226
Fair value of previously held equity interests
-1
26
Contingent consideration payable, net
91
-7
377
146
Payments, deferred consideration and other adjustments, net
-5
5
-8
-34
Cash flows used for acquisitions of businesses 1
-426
-6
-4 018
-3 561
Cash flows from/(used for) divestments of businesses, net 2
164
-2
107
3
Cash flows used for acquisitions and divestments of businesses, net
-262
-8
-3 911
-3 558
 1  2024 includes the payments for purchases of MorphoSys shares by Novartis during the Offer period totaling EUR 0.3 billion (USD 0.3 billion), see Note 3 for further information (Q4 2024: nil). Also included in 2024, is a payment of EUR 53 million (USD 58 million) in relation to the MorphoSys acquisition (Q4 2024: nil).
 2  In 2024, USD 107 million (Q4 2024: USD 164 million) represented the net cash inflows from divestments made during that year and in previous years.
     In 2024, the net identifiable assets of divested businesses amounted to USD 142 million (Q4 2024: USD 142 million), comprised of non-current assets of USD 159 million (Q4 2024: USD 159 million), current assets of USD 48 million (Q4 2024: USD 48 million), including USD 8 million (Q4 2024: USD 8 million) cash and cash equivalents and of non-current and current liabilities of USD 65 million (Q4 2024: USD 65 million).
     In 2023, USD 3 million (Q4 2023: USD 2 million net cash outflows) represented the net cash inflows from divestments in prior years.
Note 3 provides further information regarding significant acquisitions and divestments of businesses. All acquisitions were for cash.
33
7. Legal proceedings update
A number of Novartis companies are, and will likely continue to be, subject to various legal proceedings, including litigations, arbitrations and governmental investigations, that arise from time to time. Legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable. As a result, the Company may become subject to substantial liabilities that may not be covered by insurance and may in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or cash flow. Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2023 Annual Report and 2023 Form 20-F contains a summary as of the date of these reports of significant legal proceedings to which Novartis or its subsidiaries were a party. The following is a summary as of January 30, 2025, of significant developments in those proceedings, as well as any new significant proceedings commenced since the date of the 2023 Annual Report and 2023 Form 20-F.
Investigations and related litigations
340B Drug Pricing Program investigations
In 2021, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC) received a notification from the US Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) which stated that HRSA believes NPC’s contract pharmacy policy violates the 340B statute, and threatened potential enforcement action. NPC subsequently sued HRSA in the U.S. District Court (USDC) for the District of Columbia to challenge HRSA’s determination and to enjoin HRSA from taking action with respect to NPC’s contract pharmacy policy. HRSA then referred the matter regarding NPC’s contract pharmacy policy to the Office of Inspector General of the US Department of Health and Human Services, which could result in the imposition of civil monetary penalties on NPC. The court issued a decision rejecting HRSA’s interpretation of the 340B statute, vacating the violation notification and remanding the matter to HRSA. HRSA appealed, and the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit heard oral argument on the case in 2022. In May 2024, the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit issued a decision rejecting HRSA’s interpretation of the 340B statute and upholding NPC’s contract pharmacy policy. HRSA did not seek review from the US Supreme Court, and the decision is now final.
NPC has brought litigation challenging a number of state statutes purporting to add further obligations on manufacturers under the federal 340B program as to the use of contract pharmacies in those states. NPC has also brought litigation challenging the federal government’s refusal to allow NPC to apply a rebate payment model for the 340B program.
Swiss and EU investigation
In September 2022, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) initiated an investigation of the acquisition of certain patents by Novartis from Genentech in April 2020 and their subsequent enforcement against Eli Lilly and other parties, allegedly in an attempt to protect Cosentyx from competing products. COMCO investigated whether enforcement of the patents violated the Swiss Cartel Act. The European Commission also requested information from Novartis regarding this matter. COMCO and the EC have both formally closed their investigations with no findings and both stated that they have not found any indication of anticompetitive conduct.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) litigation
In 2023, following the US government’s selection of Entresto for the first round of the IRA’s “Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program,” NPC filed a complaint in the US District Court (USDC) for the District of New Jersey on the grounds that those drug price-setting provisions are unconstitutional under the First, Fifth and Eighth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. In October 2024, the court granted the government’s motion for summary judgment. NPC has appealed to the Third Circuit.
Southern District of New York (S.D.N.Y.) Gilenya marketing practices investigation and litigation
In 2013, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC) received a civil investigative demand from the United States Attorney’s Office for the S.D.N.Y. requesting the production of documents and information relating to marketing practices for Gilenya, including the remuneration of healthcare providers in connection therewith. In 2017, the S.D.N.Y. and New York State declined to intervene in claims raised by an individual relator in a qui tam complaint. In 2022, NPC’s motion to dismiss this complaint was granted. In December 2024, the appeals court affirmed in part but remanded in part, sending the case back to the district court for further proceedings. The claims are being vigorously contested.
In addition to the matters described above, there have been other non-material developments in the other legal matters described in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2023 Annual Report and 2023 Form 20-F.
Novartis believes that its total provisions for investigations, product liability, arbitration and other legal matters are adequate based upon currently available information. However, given the inherent difficulties in estimating liabilities, there can be no assurance that additional liabilities and costs will not be incurred beyond the amounts provided.
34
8. Operating segment
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” (see Note 1 and Note 3).
Continuing operations include the retained business activities of Novartis, comprising the innovative medicines business (previously the Innovative Medicines Division) and the continuing corporate activities.
Discontinued operations include the Sandoz generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars business (the Sandoz Division) and certain corporate activities attributable to Sandoz’s business, as well as certain expenses related to the spin-off. Included in the fourth quarter of 2023 is also the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable net gain on the Distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders. For further details and disclosures on discontinued operations, refer to Note 3 and Note 11.
The Company’s continuing operations is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, distribution, and commercialization and sale of innovative medicines, with a focus on the core therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, renal and metabolic; immunology; neuroscience; oncology; and established brands.
Following the spin-off of the Sandoz business, on October 3, 2023, Novartis operates as a single global operating segment innovative medicines company that is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, distribution and commercialization and sale of innovative medicines. The Company’s research, development, manufacturing and supply of products and functional activities are managed globally on a vertically integrated basis. Commercial efforts that coordinate marketing, sales and distribution of these products are organized by geographic region, therapeutic area and established brands.
The Executive Committee of Novartis (ECN), chaired by the CEO, is the governance body responsible for allocating resources and assessing the business performance of the operating segment of the Company on a global basis and is the chief operating decision-maker (CODM) for the Company.
The determination of a single operating segment is consistent with the financial information regularly reviewed by the CODM for purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources.
See Note 9 for revenues and geographic information disclosures.
9. Revenues and geographic information
Net sales
Net sales information
Net sales from continuing operations comprise the following:
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
Net sales to third parties from continuing operations
13 153
11 423
50 317
44 635
Sales to discontinued operations
805
Net sales from continuing operations
13 153
11 423
50 317
45 440
35
Net sales from continuing operations by region1
Fourth quarter
Q4 2024
USD m
Q4 2023
USD m
% change
USD
% change
cc 2
Q4 2024
% of total
Q4 2023
% of total
   US
6 002
4 763
26
26
46
42
   Europe
3 962
3 716
7
8
30
33
   Asia/Africa/Australasia
2 313
2 231
4
5
18
20
   Canada and Latin America
876
713
23
23
6
5
Total
13 153
11 423
15
16
100
100
   Of which in established markets
10 209
8 655
18
18
78
76
   Of which in emerging growth markets
2 944
2 768
6
9
22
24
 1  Net sales from continuing operations by location of customer. Emerging growth markets comprise all markets other than the established markets of the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Novartis definition of Western Europe includes Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
 2  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 47.
Full year
FY 2024
USD m
FY 2023
USD m
% change
USD
% change
cc 2
FY 2024
% of total
FY 2023
% of total
   US
21 146
17 959
18
18
42
40
   Europe
15 557
14 997
4
5
31
33
   Asia/Africa/Australasia
10 021
9 308
8
11
20
20
   Canada and Latin America
3 593
3 176
13
17
7
7
Total
50 317
45 440
11
12
100
100
   Of which in established markets
37 371
33 725
11
11
74
74
   Of which in emerging growth markets
12 946
11 715
11
15
26
26
 1  Net sales from continuing operations by location of customer. Emerging growth markets comprise all markets other than the established markets of the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Novartis definition of Western Europe includes Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
 2  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 47.
36
Net sales from continuing operations by core therapeutic area and established brands
Fourth quarter
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
% change
% change
USD m
USD m 1
USD
cc 2
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Entresto
2 180
1 635
33
34
Leqvio
223
123
81
83
Total cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
2 403
1 758
37
38
Immunology
Cosentyx
1 596
1 303
22
24
Xolair 3
399
378
6
9
Ilaris
413
376
10
11
Total immunology
2 408
2 057
17
19
Neuroscience
Kesimpta
950
641
48
49
Zolgensma
262
286
-8
-6
Aimovig
80
69
16
16
Total neuroscience
1 292
996
30
31
Oncology
Kisqali
902
610
48
52
Promacta/Revolade
583
563
4
5
Tafinlar + Mekinist
527
486
8
10
Jakavi
487
444
10
13
Tasigna
411
446
-8
-6
Pluvicto
351
273
29
28
Lutathera
190
147
29
30
Scemblix
207
125
66
66
Piqray/Vijoice
109
131
-17
-16
Kymriah
108
120
-10
-10
Fabhalta 4
57
1
nm
nm
Total oncology
3 932
3 346
18
19
Established brands
Sandostatin Group
306
316
-3
-1
Lucentis
210
301
-30
-29
Exforge Group
159
156
2
8
Galvus Group
144
153
-6
2
Diovan Group
140
147
-5
-2
Gilenya
109
154
-29
-26
Contract manufacturing
323
302
7
8
Other
1 727
1 737
-1
-5
Total established brands
3 118
3 266
-5
-5
Total net sales from continuing operations
13 153
11 423
15
16
 1  Reclassified to conform with 2024 presentation of brands by therapeutic area and established brands.
 2  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 47.
 3  Net sales from continuing operations reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
 4  Net sales from continuing operations reflect Fabhalta sales for all indications.
    
nm = not meaningful
37
Net sales from continuing operations by core therapeutic area and established brands
Full year
FY 2024
FY 2023
% change
% change
USD m
USD m 1
USD
cc 2
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Entresto
7 822
6 035
30
31
Leqvio
754
355
112
114
Total cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
8 576
6 390
34
36
Immunology
Cosentyx
6 141
4 980
23
25
Xolair 3
1 643
1 463
12
15
Ilaris
1 509
1 355
11
14
Total immunology
9 293
7 798
19
21
Neuroscience
Kesimpta
3 224
2 171
49
49
Zolgensma
1 214
1 214
0
2
Aimovig
312
266
17
18
Total neuroscience
4 750
3 651
30
31
Oncology
Kisqali
3 033
2 080
46
49
Promacta/Revolade
2 216
2 269
-2
-1
Tafinlar + Mekinist
2 058
1 922
7
9
Jakavi
1 936
1 720
13
15
Tasigna
1 671
1 848
-10
-8
Pluvicto
1 392
980
42
42
Lutathera
724
605
20
20
Scemblix
689
413
67
68
Piqray/Vijoice
449
505
-11
-11
Kymriah
443
508
-13
-12
Fabhalta 4
129
1
nm
nm
Total oncology
14 740
12 851
15
16
Established brands
Sandostatin Group
1 279
1 314
-3
-1
Lucentis
1 044
1 475
-29
-28
Exforge Group
703
713
-1
2
Galvus Group
602
692
-13
-6
Diovan Group
590
613
-4
0
Gilenya
552
925
-40
-39
Contract manufacturing
1 152
1 490
-23
-22
Other
7 036
7 528
-7
-7
Total established brands
12 958
14 750
-12
-11
Total net sales from continuing operations
50 317
45 440
11
12
 1  Reclassified to conform with 2024 presentation of brands by therapeutic area and established brands.
 2  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 47.
 3  Net sales from continuing operations reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
 4  Net sales from continuing operations reflect Fabhalta sales for all indications.
    
nm = not meaningful
38
Net sales from continuing operations of the top 20 brands in 2024
Fourth quarter
US
Rest of world
Total
Brands
Brand classification by therapeutic area or established brands
Key indications
USD m
% change USD/cc 1
USD m
% change USD
% change cc 1
USD m
% change USD
% change cc 1
Entresto
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Chronic heart failure, hypertension
1 245
41
935
24
26
2 180
33
34
Cosentyx
Immunology
Psoriasis (PsO), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSPA), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
1 008
36
588
5
7
1 596
22
24
Kesimpta
Neuroscience
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
642
42
308
64
67
950
48
49
Kisqali
Oncology
HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer and early breast cancer
549
65
353
27
34
902
48
52
Promacta/Revolade
Oncology
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), severe aplastic anemia (SAA)
326
8
257
-2
2
583
4
5
Tafinlar + Mekinist
Oncology
BRAF V600+ metastatic and adjuvant melanoma, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), tumor agnostic with BRAF mutation indication, pediatric low grade glioma (pLGG)
235
18
292
2
5
527
8
10
Jakavi
Oncology
Myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
487
10
13
487
10
13
Tasigna
Oncology
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
218
-1
193
-15
-12
411
-8
-6
Xolair 2
Immunology
Severe allergic asthma (SAA), chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), nasal polyps, food allergy (FA)
399
6
9
399
6
9
Ilaris
Immunology
Auto-inflammatory (CAPS, TRAPS, HIDS/MKD, FMF, SJIA, AOSD, gout)
233
17
180
2
6
413
10
11
Pluvicto
Oncology
PSMA-positive mCRPC patients post-ARPI, post-Taxane
280
12
71
223
220
351
29
28
Sandostatin Group
Established brands
Carcinoid tumors, acromegaly
192
-4
114
-3
3
306
-3
-1
Zolgensma
Neuroscience
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
96
7
166
-15
-12
262
-8
-6
Lucentis
Established brands
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
210
-30
-29
210
-30
-29
Leqvio
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)
116
68
107
98
99
223
81
83
Lutathera
Oncology
GEP-NETs gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
138
34
52
18
22
190
29
30
Exforge Group
Established brands
Hypertension
2
0
157
2
8
159
2
8
Scemblix
Oncology
Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP); Ph+ CML in CP with the T315I mutation
131
60
76
77
80
207
66
66
Galvus Group
Established brands
Type 2 diabetes (RMS)
144
-6
2
144
-6
2
Diovan Group
Established brands
Hypertension
7
-50
133
0
3
140
-5
-2
Top 20 brands total
5 418
31
5 222
9
13
10 640
19
21
Rest of portfolio
584
-7
1 929
2
-1
2 513
0
-2
Total net sales from continuing operations
6 002
26
7 151
7
9
13 153
15
16
 1  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 47.
 2  Net sales from continuing operations reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
39
Net sales from continuing operations of the top 20 brands in 2024
Full year
US
Rest of world
Total
Brands
Brand classification by therapeutic area or established brands
Key indications
USD m
% change USD/cc 1
USD m
% change USD
% change cc 1
USD m
% change USD
% change cc 1
Entresto
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Chronic heart failure, hypertension
4 052
32
3 770
27
30
7 822
30
31
Cosentyx
Immunology
Psoriasis (PsO), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSPA), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)
3 530
34
2 611
11
14
6 141
23
25
Kesimpta
Neuroscience
Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)
2 183
43
1 041
62
65
3 224
49
49
Kisqali
Oncology
HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer and early breast cancer
1 678
63
1 355
29
36
3 033
46
49
Promacta/Revolade
Oncology
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), severe aplastic anemia (SAA)
1 181
-2
1 035
-3
1
2 216
-2
-1
Tafinlar + Mekinist
Oncology
BRAF V600+ metastatic and adjuvant melanoma, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), tumor agnostic with BRAF mutation indication, pediatric low grade glioma (pLGG)
848
7
1 210
7
10
2 058
7
9
Jakavi
Oncology
Myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
1 936
13
15
1 936
13
15
Tasigna
Oncology
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
848
-4
823
-15
-12
1 671
-10
-8
Xolair 2
Immunology
Severe allergic asthma (SAA), chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), nasal polyps, food allergy (FA)
1 643
12
15
1 643
12
15
Ilaris
Immunology
Auto-inflammatory (CAPS, TRAPS, HIDS/MKD, FMF, SJIA, AOSD, gout)
798
16
711
6
12
1 509
11
14
Pluvicto
Oncology
PSMA-positive mCRPC patients post-ARPI, post-Taxane
1 157
26
235
298
296
1 392
42
42
Sandostatin Group
Established brands
Carcinoid tumors, acromegaly
805
-3
474
-2
2
1 279
-3
-1
Zolgensma
Neuroscience
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
435
17
779
-7
-5
1 214
0
2
Lucentis
Established brands
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO)
1 044
-29
-28
1 044
-29
-28
Leqvio
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)
385
88
369
146
148
754
112
114
Lutathera
Oncology
GEP-NETs gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
513
20
211
19
20
724
20
20
Exforge Group
Established brands
Hypertension
8
-38
695
-1
3
703
-1
2
Scemblix
Oncology
Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP); Ph+ CML in CP with the T315I mutation
436
48
253
113
116
689
67
68
Galvus Group
Established brands
Type 2 diabetes (RMS)
602
-13
-6
602
-13
-6
Diovan Group
Established brands
Hypertension
28
-46
562
0
5
590
-4
0
Top 20 brands total
18 885
26
21 359
11
14
40 244
18
19
Rest of portfolio
2 261
-25
7 812
-5
-5
10 073
-10
-10
Total net sales from continuing operations
21 146
18
29 171
6
8
50 317
11
12
 1  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 47.
 2  Net sales from continuing operations reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
40
Other revenues
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
Profit sharing income
305
245
1 063
941
Royalty income
7
24
37
87
Milestone income
2
10
28
45
Other 1
91
74
277
147
Total other revenues
405
353
1 405
1 220
 1  Other includes revenue from activities such as manufacturing or other services rendered, to the extent such revenue is not recorded under net sales to third parties from continuing operations.
10. Other interim disclosures
Property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets
The following table shows additional disclosures related to property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets for continuing operations:
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
Property, plant and equipment impairment charges
-36
-21
-48
-106
Property, plant and equipment impairment reversal
1
5
1
16
Property, plant and equipment depreciation charge
-228
-230
-885
-916
Right-of-use assets impairment charges
-2
-4
Right-of-use assets impairment reversal
1
Right-of-use assets depreciation charge
-66
-64
-257
-259
Intangible assets impairment charges 1
-428
-383
-1 433
-3 048
Intangible assets impairment reversal
9
Intangible assets amortization charge
-872
-893
-3 457
-3 960
 1  2024 impairment charge included the write-down of IPR&D on the cessation of clinical research and clinical development programs and a USD 0.9 billion impairment of goodwill attributable to the MorphoSys business acquired. See Note 3 – Acquisition of MorphoSys AG for additional information.
     2023 impairment charge included the write-down of IPR&D on the cessation of clinical development programs, including the clinical development program PPY988 (USD 1.0 billion), which was acquired with the 2022 acquisition of Gyroscope Therapeutics Holdings plc (See Note 3), VDT482 (USD 0.4 billion) and MBG453 (USD 0.3 billion), and the clinical research program NIZ985 (USD 0.3 billion); as well as the write-down of a currently marketed product by USD 0.3 billion to reflect reduction in its recoverable amount.
    
The following table shows the additions to property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets for continuing operations excluding the impact of business acquisitions, which are disclosed in Note 3:
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
Additions to property, plant and equipment
499
417
1 384
1 065
Additions to right-of-use assets
92
183
304
421
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill
631
543
2 143
1 576
Other non-current assets

(USD millions)
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Deferred compensation plans
479
439
Prepaid post-employment benefit plans
2 604
545
Other non-current assets
422
215
Total other non-current assets
3 505
1 199
41
Non-current financial debt

(USD millions)
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Straight bonds
24 112
20 585
Other bonds 1
523
Total bonds
24 635
20 585
Other financial debt
87
42
Total, including current portion of non-current financial debt
24 722
20 627
Less current portion of non-current financial debt
-3 356
-2 191
Total non-current financial debt
21 366
18 436
 1  Other bonds average interest rate 5.3%
The following table provides a breakdown of straight bonds:

Coupon





Currency



Notional
amount
(millions)




Issuance
year




Maturity
year





Issuer





Issue price
Carrying
value
Dec 31,
2024
(USD
millions)
Carrying
value
Dec 31,
2023
(USD
millions)
3.700%
USD
500
2012
2042
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
98.325%
491
491
3.400% 1
USD
2 150
2014
2024
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.287%
2 150
4.400%
USD
1 850
2014
2044
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.196%
1 828
1 828
1.625%
EUR
600
2014
2026
Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg
99.697%
624
663
0.250%
CHF
500
2015
2025
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.640%
553
595
0.625%
CHF
550
2015
2029
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.502%
609
654
1.050%
CHF
325
2015
2035
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.479%
360
387
3.000%
USD
1 750
2015
2025
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.010%
1 748
1 745
4.000%
USD
1 250
2015
2045
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
98.029%
1 223
1 222
0.625%
EUR
500
2016
2028
Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg
98.480%
518
549
3.100%
USD
1 000
2017
2027
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.109%
997
995
1.125%
EUR
600
2017
2027
Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg
99.874%
624
662
1.375%
EUR
750
2018
2030
Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg
99.957%
779
828
1.700%
EUR
750
2018
2038
Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg
99.217%
774
823
1.750%
USD
1 000
2020
2025
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.852%
1 000
999
2.000%
USD
1 250
2020
2027
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.909%
1 248
1 247
2.200%
USD
1 500
2020
2030
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.869%
1 496
1 495
2.750%
USD
1 250
2020
2050
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
97.712%
1 217
1 216
0.000% 2
EUR
1 850
2020
2028
Novartis Finance S.A., Luxembourg, Luxembourg
99.354%
1 918
2 036
1.600% 3
CHF
650
2024
2027
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.138%
719
1.650% 3
CHF
435
2024
2031
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.148%
481
1.750% 3
CHF
645
2024
2034
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.229%
714
1.850% 3
CHF
280
2024
2040
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.268%
310
1.850% 3
CHF
190
2024
2049
Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland
100.149%
210
3.800% 4
USD
1 000
2024
2029
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.757%
995
4.000% 4
USD
850
2024
2031
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.565%
844
4.200% 4
USD
1 100
2024
2034
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.282%
1 088
4.700% 4
USD
750
2024
2054
Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States
99.936%
744
Total straight bonds
24 112
20 585
 1  Novartis repaid the bond in the second quarter of 2024 in accordance with its terms.
 2  The EUR 1 850 million bond issued in 2020 features a coupon step-up of 0.25% commencing with the first interest payment date after December 31, 2025, if one or both of the 2025 Patient Access Targets are not met. These 2025 Patient Access Targets are the 2025 Flagship Programs Patient Reach Target and the 2025 Strategic Innovative Therapies Patient Reach Target, as defined in the bond prospectus. As of September 30, 2024, there is no indication that these 2025 Patient Access Targets will not be met.
 3  Novartis issued these bonds in the second quarter of 2024.
 4  Novartis issued these bonds in the third quarter of 2024.
In May 2024, Novartis replaced its existing USD 6.0 billion credit facility with a syndicate of banks (which was undrawn at its replacement date and December 31, 2023 and had a maturity date of September 2025) with a new USD 6.0 billion credit facility with a syndicate of banks. This credit facility is intended to be used as a backstop for the US commercial paper program. This facility matures in May 2029, and was undrawn as at December 31, 2024.
42
Current financial debt and derivative financial instruments

(USD millions)
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Bank and other financial debt 1
642
624
Commercial paper
4 091
3 269
Current portion of non-current financial debt
3 356
2 191
Derivative financial instruments
143
91
Total current financial debt and derivative financial instruments
8 232
6 175
 1  Weighted average interest rate during the year 2024: 20.8 % (2023: 13.2 %)
Commitments
Research and development commitments
The Company has entered into long-term research and development agreements with various institutions related to intangible assets. These agreements provide for potential milestone payments by Novartis, which are dependent on successful clinical development, or meeting specified sales targets, or other conditions that are specified in the agreements.
As of December 31, 2024, the amount and estimated timing of the Company’s commitments to make payments under those agreements, which are shown without risk adjustment and on an undiscounted basis, were as follows:
(USD millions)
2024
2025
135
2026
402
2027
739
2028
746
2029
653
Thereafter
8 123
Total
10 798
Other commitments
The Company routinely acquires interests in intellectual property focused on key disease areas and indications that the Company expects to be growth drivers in the future. The Company has a commitment related to a long-term research and development agreement that was entered into in the fourth quarter in 2024 that closed on January 11, 2025, totaling USD 1.9 billion, of which USD 1.0 billion was paid on January 17, 2025.
11. Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations included the operational results from the Sandoz generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars division and certain corporate activities attributable to the Sandoz business, as well as certain other expenses related to the spin-off. Also included in 2023 is the IFRS Accounting Standards non-cash, non-taxable net gain on the distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders (refer to Note 3 for further details).
The Sandoz business operated in the off-patent medicines segment and specialized in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars. The Sandoz business was organized globally into two franchises: Generics and Biosimilars.
As the Sandoz business spin-off was completed on October 3, 2023, there were no operating results in 2024 related to discontinued operations.
43
Net income from discontinued operations
(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
Q4 2023
FY 2023 1
Net sales to third parties from discontinued operations
7 128
Sales to continuing operations
300
Net sales from discontinued operations
7 428
Other revenues
19
Cost from goods sold
-4 044
Gross profit from discontinued operations
3 403
Selling, general and administration
-1 728
Research and development
-671
Other income
56
Other expense
-795
Operating income from discontinued operations
265
Income from associated companies
2
Interest expense
-33
Other financial income and expense
-20
Income before taxes from discontinued operations
214
Income taxes 2
-18
208
Net (loss)/income from discontinued operations before gain on distribution from Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
-18
422
Gain on distribution from Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders 3
5 860
5 860
Net income from discontinued operations
5 842
6 282
 1  The net income from discontinued operations for 2023 is for the period from January 1, 2023, to the October 3, 2023, Distribution date.
 2  The tax rate in 2023 was impacted by non-recurring items such as tax benefits arising from intercompany transactions to effect the spin-off of the Sandoz business, net decreases in uncertain tax positions of the Sandoz business and the favorable settlement of a tax matter related to the Alcon business, which was spun-off in 2019. Excluding these impacts, the tax rate would have been 31.2% in 2023. The tax expense in the fourth quarter 2023 mainly arose from transactions to effect the spin-off of the Sandoz business.
 3  See Note 3 for further details on the non-taxable, non-cash gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders.
Supplemental disclosures related to discontinued operations
Net income from discontinued operations
Included in net income from discontinued operations were:
(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
FY 2023 1
Interest income
2
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
-144
Depreciation of right-of-use assets
-32
Amortization of intangible assets
-171
Impairment charges on property, plant and equipment
-5
Impairment charges on right-of-use assets
-8
Impairment charges on intangible assets
-44
Impairment reversals of property, plant and equipment
1
Additions to restructuring provisions
-27
Equity-based compensation expense related to Novartis equity-based participation plans
-60
 1  2023 amounts are for the period from January 1, 2023, to the October 3, 2023, Distribution date.
In 2023 there were no reversals of impairment charges on right-of-use assets or on intangible assets of discontinued operations.
44
Financial debt
Sandoz business entered into financing agreements with a group of banks under which it borrowed on September 28, 2023, a total amount of USD 3.3 billion. See Note 3 for further disclosures.
Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations
(USD millions)
Q4 2023
FY 2023
Payments out of provisions for transaction costs attributable to the spin-off of the Sandoz business
-52
-52
Derecognized cash and cash equivalents attributable to the spin-off of the Sandoz business
-686
-686
Other cash flows used in investing activities, net
-385
Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations
-738
-1 123
Net cash flows from financing activities from discontinued operations
In 2023, the net cash inflows from financing activities from discontinued operations of USD 3.3 billion (Q4 2023: USD 111 million net cash outflows) were mainly driven by USD 3.6 billion (Q4 2023: nil) cash inflows from bank borrowings (including the USD 3.3 billion Sandoz business borrowings from a group of banks on September 28, 2023, Q4 2023: nil) in connection with the Distribution (spin-off) of the Sandoz business to Novartis AG shareholders, partly offset by transaction cost payments of USD 0.2 billion (Q4 2023: USD 0.1 billion) directly attributable to the Distribution (spin-off) of the Sandoz business (see Note 3).
Other information
The following table shows for discontinued operations the additions to property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets:
(USD millions)
FY 2023 1
Additions to property, plant and equipment
245
Additions to right-of-use assets
66
Additions to goodwill and intangible assets
221
 1  The additions for 2023 are for the period from January 1, 2023, to the October 3, 2023, Distribution date.
For additional information related to the October 3, 2023, distribution (spin-off) of the Sandoz business to Novartis AG shareholders, effected through a dividend in kind distribution of Sandoz Group AG shares to Novartis AG shareholders and ADR holders, refer to Note 3.
45
12. Events subsequent to the December 31, 2024, consolidated balance sheet
Dividend proposal for 2024 and approval of Novartis 2024 consolidated financial statements
On January 30, 2025, the Novartis AG Board of Directors proposed the acceptance of the 2024 consolidated financial statements of Novartis for approval by the Annual General Meeting on March 7, 2025. Furthermore, also on January 30, 2025, the Board proposed a dividend of CHF 3.50 per share to be approved at the Annual General Meeting on March 7, 2025. If approved, the total dividend payments would amount to approximately USD 7.6 billion (2023: USD 7.6 billion), using the CHF/USD December 31, 2024, exchange rate.
Significant transaction closed in January 2025
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Novartis entered into a long-term research and development agreement which closed on January 11, 2025. For additional information see Note 10.
46

Supplementary information (unaudited)

Non-IFRS measures as defined by Novartis
Novartis uses certain non-IFRS Accounting Standards metrics when measuring performance, especially when measuring current-year results against prior periods, including core results, constant currencies and free cash flow. These are referred to by Novartis as non-IFRS measures.
Despite the use of these measures by management in setting goals and measuring the Company’s performance, these are non-IFRS measures that have no standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. As a result, such measures have limits in their usefulness to investors.
Because of their non-standardized definitions, the non-IFRS measures (unlike IFRS Accounting Standards measures) may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures of other companies. These non-IFRS measures are presented solely to permit investors to more fully understand how the Company’s management assesses underlying performance. These non-IFRS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for IFRS Accounting Standards measures and should be viewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.
As an internal measure of Company performance, these non-IFRS measures have limitations, and the Company’s performance management process is not solely restricted to these metrics.
Core results
The Company’s core results – including core operating income, core net income and core earnings per share – exclude fully the amortization and impairment charges of intangible assets, excluding software, net gains and losses on fund investments and equity securities valued at fair value through profit and loss, impact of IAS Standards 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” to other financial income and expense, and certain acquisition- and divestment-related items. The following items that exceed a threshold of USD 25 million are also excluded: integration- and divestment-related income and expenses; divestment gains and losses; restructuring charges/releases and related items; legal-related items; impairments of property, plant and equipment, software, and financial assets, and income and expense items that management deems exceptional and that are or are expected to accumulate within the year to be over a USD 25 million threshold.
Novartis believes that investor understanding of the Company’s performance is enhanced by disclosing core measures of performance since, core measures exclude items that can vary significantly from year to year, they enable better comparison of business performance across years. For this same reason, Novartis uses these core measures in addition to IFRS Accounting Standards measures and other measures as important factors in assessing the Company’s performance.
The following are examples of how these core measures are used:
• In addition to monthly reports containing financial information prepared under IFRS Accounting Standards, senior management receives a monthly analysis incorporating these non-IFRS core measures.
• Annual budgets are prepared for both IFRS Accounting Standards and non-IFRS core measures.
As an internal measure of Company performance, the core results measures have limitations, and the Company’s performance management process is not solely restricted to these metrics. A limitation of the core results measures is that they provide a view of the Company’s operations without including all events during a period, such as the effects of an acquisition, divestment, or amortization/impairments of intangible assets, impairments to property, plant and equipment and restructurings and related items.
Constant currencies
Changes in the relative values of non-US currencies to the US dollar can affect the Company’s financial results and financial position. To provide additional information that may be useful to investors, including changes in sales volume, we present information about our net sales and various values relating to operating and net income that are adjusted for such foreign currency effects.
Constant currency calculations have the goal of eliminating two exchange rate effects so that an estimate can be made of underlying changes in the consolidated income statement excluding the impact of fluctuations in exchanges rates:
• The impact of translating the income statements of consolidated entities from their non-USD functional currencies to USD
• The impact of exchange rate movements on the major transactions of consolidated entities performed in currencies other than their functional currency.
We calculate constant currency measures by translating the current year’s foreign currency values for sales and other income statement items into USD (excluding the IAS Standards 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” adjustments to the local currency income statements of subsidiaries operating in hyperinflationary economies), using the average exchange rates from the prior year and comparing them to the prior year values in USD.
We use these constant currency measures in evaluating the Company’s performance, since they may assist us in evaluating our ongoing performance from year to year. However, in performing our evaluation, we also consider equivalent measures of performance that are not affected by changes in the relative value of currencies.
47
Growth rate calculation
For ease of understanding, Novartis uses a sign convention for its growth rates such that a reduction in operating expenses or losses compared with the prior year is shown as a positive growth.
Free cash flow
Novartis defines free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment. Management believes that this definition provides a performance measure that focuses on core operating activities, and also excludes items that can vary significantly from year to year, thereby enabling better comparison of business performance across years.
Free cash flow is a non-IFRS measure, which means it should not be interpreted as a measure determined under IFRS Accounting Standards. Free cash flow is not intended to be a substitute measure for net cash flows from operating activities as determined under IFRS Accounting Standards. Free cash flow is presented as additional information because management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of the Company’s ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or use of existing cash. Free cash flow is a measure of the net cash generated that is available for investment in strategic opportunities, returning to shareholders and for debt repayment.
Additional information
Net debt
Novartis calculates net debt as current financial debts and derivative financial instruments plus non-current financial debts less cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, commodities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments.
Net debt is presented as additional information because it sets forth how management monitors net debt or liquidity and management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of the Company’s ability to pay dividends, to meet financial commitments, and to invest in new strategic opportunities, including strengthening its balance sheet.
See page 56 for additional disclosures related to net debt.
48
Reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results
The following tables provide an overview of the reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results:
Reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results – Total Company
(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
FY 2024
FY 2023
IFRS Accounting Standards operating income from continuing operations
3 530
2 582
14 544
9 769
Amortization of intangible assets
800
834
3 174
3 730
Impairments
   Intangible assets
405
380
1 401
3 044
   Property, plant and equipment related to the company-wide rationalization of manufacturing sites
18
2
18
5
   Other property, plant and equipment
2
6
9
39
Total impairment charges
425
388
1 428
3 088
Acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items
   - Income
-143
-110
-458
-174
   - Expense
128
126
483
149
Total acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items, net
-15
16
25
-25
Other items
   Divestment gains
1
-3
-45
-225
   Financial assets - fair value adjustments
32
36
45
105
   Restructuring and related items
   - Income
-17
-75
-123
-229
   - Expense
152
229
487
1 180
   Legal-related items
   - Income
-124
-608
   - Expense
35
89
66
   Additional income
-78
-163
-183
-602
   Additional expense
29
66
53
123
Total other items
119
1
323
-190
Total adjustments
1 329
1 239
4 950
6 603
Core operating income from continuing operations
4 859
3 821
19 494
16 372
as % of net sales
36.9%
33.5%
38.7%
36.0%
Loss from associated companies
-3
-6
-38
-13
Core adjustments to loss from associated companies, net of tax
26
Interest expense
-275
-217
-1 006
-855
Other financial income and expense
33
18
140
222
Core adjustments to other financial income and expense
50
119
155
208
Income taxes, adjusted for above items (core income taxes)
-731
-609
-3 016
-2 488
Core net income from continuing operations
3 933
3 126
15 755
13 446
Core net income from discontinued operations 1
889
Core net income
3 933
3 126
15 755
14 335
Core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG
3 932
3 126
15 757
14 331
Core basic EPS from continuing operations (USD) 2
1.98
1.53
7.81
6.47
Core basic EPS from discontinued operations (USD) 1, 2
0.43
Core basic EPS (USD) 2
1.98
1.53
7.81
6.90
 1  For details on discontinued operations core results refer to page 52.
 2  Core earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG by the weighted average number of shares used in the basic EPS calculation outstanding in a reporting period.
49
Reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results – Total Company
Fourth quarter

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
Q4 2024
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
results


Amortization
of intangible
assets 1




Impairments 2

Acquisition or
divestment of
businesses and
related items 3



Other
items 4



Q4 2024
Core results



Q4 2023
Core results
Gross profit from continuing operations
10 234
730
10
10 974
9 579
Operating income from continuing operations
3 530
800
425
-15
119
4 859
3 821
Income before taxes from continuing operations
3 285
800
425
-15
169
4 664
3 735
Income taxes 5
-465
-153
-48
-1
-64
-731
-609
Net income from continuing operations
2 820
3 933
3 126
Net income
2 820
3 933
3 126
Basic EPS from continuing operations (USD) 6
1.42
1.98
1.53
Basic EPS (USD) 6
1.42
1.98
1.53
The following are adjustments to arrive at core gross profit from continuing operations
Cost of goods sold
-3 324
730
10
-2 584
-2 197
The following are adjustments to arrive at core operating income from continuing operations
Research and development
-2 842
70
295
-25
-2 502
-2 231
Other income
298
-1
-143
-128
26
73
Other expense
-659
131
128
262
-138
-156
The following are adjustments to arrive at core income before taxes from continuing operations
Other financial income and expense
33
50
83
137
 1  Amortization of intangible assets: cost of goods sold includes the amortization of acquired rights to currently marketed products; research and development includes the amortization of acquired rights to technologies
 2  Impairments: research and development includes net impairment charges related to intangible assets; other income and other expense includes net impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment; other expense also includes a goodwill impairment
 3  Acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items, including integration charges: other expense includes integration cost charges and expenses related to the Sandoz distribution; other income includes divestment gains and adjustments to provisions; other income and other expense include transitional service-fee income
 4  Other items: cost of goods sold, other income and other expense include restructuring income and charges related to the initiative to implement a new streamlined organizational model, the company-wide rationalization of manufacturing sites and other net restructuring charges and related items; cost of goods sold includes contingent consideration adjustments; other income and other expense include fair value adjustments on financial assets and a curtailment adjustment; other income also includes an adjustment to environmental provisions and a fair value adjustment on a contingent receivable; other expense includes adjustments to environmental provisions; other financial income and expense includes the impact of IAS Standards 29 "Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies" for subsidiaries operating in hyperinflationary economies
 5  Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS Accounting Standards and core results, for each item included in the adjustment, take into account the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact. Generally, this results in amortization and impairment of intangible assets other than goodwill and acquisition-related restructuring and integration items having a full tax impact. There is usually a tax impact on other items, although this is not always the case for items arising from legal settlements in certain jurisdictions. Due to these factors and the differing effective tax rates in the various jurisdictions, the tax on the total adjustments of USD 1.4 billion to arrive at the core results before tax amounts to USD 266 million and the average tax rate on the total adjustments was 19.3%.
 6  Core earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG by the weighted average number of shares used in the basic EPS calculation outstanding in a reporting period.
50
Reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results – Total Company
Full year

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
FY 2024
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
results


Amortization
of intangible
assets 1




Impairments 2

Acquisition or
divestment of
businesses and
related items 3



Other
items 4



FY 2024
Core results



FY 2023
Core results
Gross profit from continuing operations
38 895
2 965
-9
21
41 872
37 959
Operating income from continuing operations
14 544
3 174
1 428
25
323
19 494
16 372
Income before taxes from continuing operations
13 640
3 174
1 428
25
504
18 771
15 934
Income taxes 5
-1 701
-592
-74
-8
-641
-3 016
-2 488
Net income from continuing operations
11 939
15 755
13 446
Net income from discontinued operations 6
889
Net income
11 939
15 755
14 335
Basic EPS from continuing operations (USD) 6
5.92
7.81
6.47
Basic EPS from discontinued operations (USD) 7
0.43
Basic EPS (USD) 6
5.92
7.81
6.90
The following are adjustments to arrive at core gross profit from continuing operations
Cost of goods sold
-12 827
2 965
-9
21
-9 850
-8 701
The following are adjustments to arrive at core operating income from continuing operations
Selling, general and administration
-12 566
2
-12 564
-12 489
Research and development
-10 022
209
500
23
-12
-9 302
-8 600
Other income
1 175
-1
-458
-443
273
392
Other expense
-2 938
938
460
755
-785
-890
The following are adjustments to arrive at core income before taxes from continuing operations
Loss from associated companies
-38
26
-12
-13
Other financial income and expense
140
155
295
430
 1  Amortization of intangible assets: cost of goods sold includes the amortization of acquired rights to currently marketed products; research and development includes the amortization of acquired rights to scientific infrastructure and technologies
 2  Impairments: cost of goods sold and research and development include net impairment charges related to intangible assets; other income and other expense include net impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment; other expense also includes a goodwill impairment
 3  Acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items, including integration charges: research and development and other expense include integration cost charges; other income includes divestment gains; other income and other expense include transitional service-fee income and expenses related to the Sandoz distribution, and adjustments to provisions
 4  Other items: cost of goods sold, selling, general and administration, research and development, other income and other expense include restructuring income and charges related to the initiative to implement a new streamlined organizational model, the company-wide rationalization of manufacturing sites and other net restructuring charges and related items; cost of goods sold and research and development also include contingent consideration adjustments; other income and other expense include adjustments to environmental provisions, fair value adjustments on financial assets, a fair value adjustment on a contingent receivable and other costs and items; other income also includes divestment gains; other expense includes legal related items and a curtailment adjustment; loss from associated companies includes a divestment adjustment related to the sale of an investment in associated companies; other financial income and expense includes the impact of IAS Standards 29 "Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies" for subsidiaries operating in hyperinflationary economies, currency devaluation losses, an adjustment related to the gain on sale of financial assets and interests on tax related items
 5  Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS Accounting Standards and core results, for each item included in the adjustment, take into account the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact. Generally, this results in amortization and impairment of intangible assets other than goodwill and acquisition-related restructuring and integration items having a full tax impact. There is usually a tax impact on other items, although this is not always the case for items arising from legal settlements in certain jurisdictions. Adjustments related to income from associated companies are recorded net of any related tax effect. Due to these factors and the differing effective tax rates in the various jurisdictions, the tax on the total adjustments of USD 5.1 billion to arrive at the core results before tax amounts to USD 1.3 billion and the average tax rate on the total adjustments was 25.6%.
 6  Core earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG by the weighted average number of shares used in the basic EPS calculation outstanding in a reporting period.
51
Reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results – Discontinued operations
Fourth quarter

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
Q4 2023
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
results


Amortization
of intangible
assets




Impairments

Acquisition or
divestment of
businesses and
related items



Other
items



Q4 2023
Core results
Gross profit from discontinued operations
Operating income from discontinued operations
Income before taxes from discontinued operations
Income taxes 1
-18
18
Net income from discontinued operations before gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
-18
Gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
5 860
-5 860
Net income from discontinued operations
5 842
Basic EPS from discontinued operations (USD) 2
2.85
 1  Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS and core results, for each item included in the adjustment, take into account the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact. Generally, this results in amortization and impairment of intangible assets and acquisition-related restructuring and integration items having a full tax impact. There is usually a tax impact on other items, although this is not always the case for items arising from legal settlements in certain jurisdictions. Adjustments related to income from associated companies are recorded net of any related tax effect.
 2  Core earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG by the weighted average number of shares used in the basic EPS calculation outstanding in a reporting period.
Full year

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)
FY 2023
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
results


Amortization
of intangible
assets 1




Impairments 2

Acquisition or
divestment of
businesses and
related items



Other
items 3



FY 2023
Core results
Gross profit from discontinued operations
3 403
165
34
57
3 659
Operating income from discontinued operations
265
165
43
712
1 185
Income before taxes from discontinued operations
214
165
43
718
1 140
Income taxes 4
208
-29
-8
-422
-251
Net income from discontinued operations before gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
422
889
Gain on distribution of Sandoz Group AG to Novartis AG shareholders
5 860
-5 860
Net income from discontinued operations
6 282
889
Basic EPS from discontinued operations (USD) 5
3.02
0.43
The following are adjustments to arrive at core gross profit from discontinued operations
Cost of goods sold
-4 044
165
34
57
-3 788
The following are adjustments to arrive at core operating income from discontinued operations
Selling, general and administration
-1 728
25
-1 703
Research and development
-671
10
-661
Other income
56
-1
-24
31
Other expense
-795
654
-141
The following are adjustments to arrive at core income before taxes from discontinued operations
Other financial income and expense
-20
6
-14
 1  Amortization of intangible assets: cost of goods sold includes the amortization of acquired rights to currently marketed products and other production-related intangible assets
 2  Impairments: cost of goods sold and research and development include impairment charges related to intangible assets; other income includes a reversal of impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment
 3  Other items: cost of goods sold, selling, general and administration, other income and other expense include charges related to the Sandoz distribution, the company-wide rationalization of manufacturing sites and other net restructuring charges and related items; cost of goods sold and selling, general and administration also include adjustments to provisions; other expense includes legal-related items; other financial income and expense includes the impact of IAS 29 “Financial reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” for subsidiaries operating in hyperinflationary economies
 4  Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS Accounting Standards and core results, for each item included in the adjustment, take into account the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact. Generally, this results in amortization and impairment of intangible assets and acquisition related restructuring and integration items having a full tax impact. There is usually a tax impact on other items, although this is not always the case for items arising from legal settlements in certain jurisdictions. Adjustments related to income from associated companies are recorded net of any related tax effect. Due to these factors and the differing effective tax rates in the various jurisdictions, the tax on the total adjustments of USD 926 million to arrive at the core results before tax amounts to USD 459 million and the average tax rate on the adjustments was 49.5%.
 5  Core earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG by the weighted average number of shares used in the basic EPS calculation outstanding in a reporting period.
52
Non-IFRS measure Free cash flow
The following table is a reconciliation of the three major categories of the IFRS Accounting Standards consolidated statements of cash flows to the non-IFRS measure free cash flow:
Fourth quarter
Q4 2024
Q4 2023

(USD millions)
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
cash flow



Adjustments


Free
cash flow
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
cash flow



Adjustments


Free
cash flow
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
4 193
4 193
2 547
2 547
Total net cash flows from operating activities
4 193
4 193
2 547
2 547
Net cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations
-3 033
2 475
-558
-1 022
616
-406
Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations
-738
738
0
Total net cash flows used in investing activities 1
-3 033
2 475
-558
-1 760
1 354
-406
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations
-2 996
2 996
0
-496
496
0
Net cash flows used in financing activities from discontinued operations
-111
111
0
Total net cash flows used in financing activities 2
-2 996
2 996
0
-607
607
0
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow from continuing operations
3 635
2 141
Total non-IFRS measure free cash flow
3 635
2 141
 1  With the exception of purchases of property, plant and equipment, all net cash flows used in investing activities from continuing operations and from discontinued operations are excluded from the free cash flow.
 2  Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations and from discontinued operations are excluded from the free cash flow.
53
Full year
FY 2024
FY 2023

(USD millions)
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
cash flow



Adjustments


Free
cash flow
IFRS
Accounting
Standards
cash flow



Adjustments


Free
cash flow
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
17 619
17 619
14 220
14 220
Net cash flows from operating activities from discontinued operations
238
238
Total net cash flows from operating activities
17 619
17 619
14 458
14 458
Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities from continuing operations
-7 513
6 147
-1 366
6 719
-7 779
-1 060
Net cash flows used in investing activities from discontinued operations
-1 123
904
-219
Total net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities 1
-7 513
6 147
-1 366
5 596
-6 875
-1 279
Net cash flows used in financing activities from continuing operations
-11 742
11 742
0
-17 564
17 564
0
Net cash flows from financing activities from discontinued operations
3 286
-3 286
0
Total net cash flows used in financing activities 2
-11 742
11 742
0
-14 278
14 278
0
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow from continuing operations
16 253
13 160
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow from discontinued operations
19
Total non-IFRS measure free cash flow
16 253
13 179
 1  With the exception of purchases of property, plant and equipment, all net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities from continuing operations and from discontinued operations are excluded from the free cash flow.
 2  Net cash flows (used in)/from financing activities from continuing operations and from discontinued operations are excluded from the free cash flow.
    
54
The following table is a summary of the non-IFRS measure free cash flow:
Fourth quarter
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
Operating income from continuing operations
3 530
2 582
Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments
   Depreciation, amortization and impairments
1 660
1 625
   Change in provisions and other non-current liabilities
165
-171
   Other
174
393
Operating income from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash items
5 529
4 429
Interest received and change in other financial receipts
142
189
Interest paid and change in other financial payments
-299
-241
Income taxes paid
-924
-1 093
Payments out of provisions and other net cash movements in non-current liabilities
-260
-353
Change in inventories and trade receivables less trade payables
548
357
Change in other net current assets and other operating cash flow items
-543
-741
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
4 193
2 547
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
-558
-406
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow from continuing operations
3 635
2 141
Total non-IFRS measure free cash flow
3 635
2 141
Full year
(USD millions)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Operating income from continuing operations
14 544
9 769
Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments
   Depreciation, amortization and impairments
6 114
8 383
   Change in provisions and other non-current liabilities
696
61
   Other
817
728
Operating income from continuing operations adjusted for non-cash items
22 171
18 941
Dividends received from associated companies and others
1
2
Interest received and other financial receipts
489
735
Interest paid and other financial payments
-971
-768
Income taxes paid
-2 258
-2 787
Payments out of provisions and other net cash movements in non-current liabilities
-1 107
-1 534
Change in inventories and trade receivables less trade payables
-1 261
-1 571
Change in other net current assets and other operating cash flow items
555
1 202
Net cash flows from operating activities from continuing operations
17 619
14 220
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
-1 366
-1 060
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow from continuing operations
16 253
13 160
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow from discontinued operations 1
19
Total non-IFRS measure free cash flow
16 253
13 179
 1  In 2023, the free cash flow from discontinued operations was a cash inflow of USD 19 million consisting of USD 238 million net cash inflows from operating activities from discontinued operations, less purchases of property, plant and equipment by discontinued operations of USD 219 million.
    
55
Additional information
Net debt
Condensed consolidated changes in net debt
Fourth quarter
(USD millions)
Q4 2024
Q4 2023
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
-2 150
988
Change in marketable securities, commodities, time deposits, financial debts and derivatives financial instruments
2 305
-340
Change in net debt
155
648
Net debt at October 1
-16 296
-10 831
Net debt at December 31
-16 141
-10 183
Full year
(USD millions)
FY 2024
FY 2023
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
-1 934
5 876
Change in marketable securities, commodities, time deposits, financial debts and derivatives financial instruments
-4 024
-8 814
Change in net debt
-5 958
-2 938
Net debt at January 1
-10 183
-7 245
Net debt at December 31
-16 141
-10 183
Components of net debt

(USD millions)
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Non-current financial debts
-21 366
-18 436
Current financial debts and derivative financial instruments
-8 232
-6 175
Total financial debts
-29 598
-24 611
Less liquidity
   Cash and cash equivalents
11 459
13 393
   Marketable securities, commodities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments
1 998
1 035
Total liquidity
13 457
14 428
Net debt at end of period
-16 141
-10 183
Share information
Dec 31,
2024
Dec 31,
2023
Number of shares outstanding
1 975 089 248
2 044 033 986
Registered share price (CHF)
88.70
84.87
ADR price (USD)
97.31
100.97
Market capitalization (USD billions) 1
193.9
206.3
Market capitalization (CHF billions) 1
175.2
173.5
 1  Market capitalization is calculated based on the number of shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares). Market capitalization in USD is based on the market capitalization in CHF converted at the quarter end CHF/USD exchange rate.
56
Effects of currency fluctuations
Principal currency translation rates

(USD per unit)

Average
rates
Q4 2024

Average
rates
Q4 2023

Average
rates
FY 2024

Average
rates
FY 2023
Period-end
rates
Dec 31,
2024
Period-end
rates
Dec 31,
2023
1 CHF
1.140
1.127
1.136
1.113
1.107
1.189
1 CNY
0.139
0.138
0.139
0.141
0.137
0.141
1 EUR
1.067
1.076
1.082
1.082
1.041
1.107
1 GBP
1.282
1.241
1.278
1.243
1.256
1.275
100 JPY
0.657
0.676
0.661
0.713
0.640
0.707
100 RUB
0.997
1.079
1.080
1.185
0.889
1.111
Currency impact on key figures
The following table provides a summary of the currency impact on key Company figures due to their conversion into US dollars, the Company’s reporting currency, of the financial data from entities reporting in non-US dollars. Constant currency (cc) calculations apply the exchange rates of the prior year period to the current period financial data for entities reporting in non-US dollars.
Fourth quarter

Change in
USD %
Q4 2024
Change in
constant
currencies %
Q4 2024
Percentage
point currency
impact
Q4 2024
Net sales from continuing operations
15
16
-1
Operating income from continuing operations
37
39
-2
Net income from continuing operations
7
6
1
Basic earnings per share (USD) from continuing operations
10
10
0
Core operating income from continuing operations
27
29
-2
Core net income from continuing operations
26
29
-3
Core basic earnings per share (USD) from continuing operations
29
33
-4
    
Full year

Change in
USD %
FY 2024
Change in
constant
currencies %
FY 2024
Percentage
point currency
impact
FY 2024
Net sales from continuing operations
11
12
-1
Operating income from continuing operations
49
55
-6
Net income from continuing operations
39
45
-6
Basic earnings per share (USD) from continuing operations
43
49
-6
Core operating income from continuing operations
19
22
-3
Core net income from continuing operations
17
21
-4
Core basic earnings per share (USD) from continuing operations
21
24
-3
    
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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 “may,” “can,” “will,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “grow,” “launch,” “expect,” “deliver,” “address,” “accelerate,” “deliver,” “scaling,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “long-term,” “priority,” “potential,” “momentum,” 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 results of ongoing clinical trials; or regarding potential future, pending or announced transactions; regarding potential future sales or earnings; or by discussions of strategy, plans, expectations or intentions, including discussions regarding our continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing; or regarding our capital structure. 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: uncertainties concerning global healthcare cost containment, including ongoing government, payer and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; uncertainties regarding the success of key products, commercial priorities and strategy; uncertainties in the research and development of new 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; uncertainties regarding our ability to realize the strategic benefits, operational efficiencies or opportunities expected from our external business opportunities; uncertainties in the development or adoption of potentially transformational digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and business models; uncertainties surrounding the implementation of our new IT projects and systems; uncertainties regarding potential significant breaches of information security or disruptions of our information technology systems; uncertainties regarding actual or potential legal proceedings, including regulatory actions or delays or government regulation related to the products and pipeline products described in this press release; safety, quality, data integrity, or manufacturing issues; our performance on and ability to comply with environmental, social and governance measures and requirements; major geo- and socio-political developments, including impact of the war in certain parts of the world; uncertainties regarding future global exchange rates; uncertainties regarding future demand for our products; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s most recently filed Form 20-F and in subsequent reports filed with, or furnished to, 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.
58
About Novartis
Novartis is an 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 financial report at the link below. Additional information is provided on our business and pipeline of selected compounds in late-stage development. A copy of today’s earnings call presentation can be found at https://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar.
Novartis issued its 2024 Annual Report today, and it is available at www.novartis.com. Novartis will also file its 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F with the US Securities and Exchange Commission today, and will post this document on www.novartis.com. Novartis shareholders may receive a hard copy of either of these documents, each of which contains our complete audited financial statements, free of charge, upon request. Novartis also issued its Novartis in Society Integrated Report 2024 today, and it is available at www.novartis.com.
Important dates
March 7, 2025
Annual General Meeting
April 29, 2025
First quarter 2025 results
July 17, 2025
Second quarter & half year 2025 results
October 28, 2025
Third quarter & nine months 2025 results
59