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 February 7, 2002
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
--- ---
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 No X
--- ---
Enclosure: Investor Relations release dated February 7, 2002: "Pharmaceuticals
drives double-digit sales growth at Novartis in 2001".
Page 1 of 13 Total Pages
Investor Relations Novartis International AG
CH-4002 Basel
Switzerland
[Novartis Logo] Karen J Huebscher, PH.D.
Tel +41 61 324 8433
Nafida Bendali
Tel +41 61 324 3514
Sabine Moravi, MBA
Tel + 41 61 324 8989
Silke Zentner
Tel +41 61 324 8612
Francisco Bouzas
Tel +41 61 324 8444
Fax + 41 61 324 8844
Internet Address:
http://www.novartis.com
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- Investor Relations Release -
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Pharmaceuticals drives double-digit sales growth at Novartis in 2001
o Group sales climb 14% in local currencies (10% in Swiss francs) to CHF 32.0
billion (USD 19.1 billion)
o Dynamic US sales (+18%) account for 43% of Group total
o Pharmaceuticals' sales grow 15% in local currencies, (11% in Swiss francs),
driven by outstanding US performance (+24%) and expanding cardiovascular and
oncology franchises
o Operating income up 8% to CHF 7.3 billion (USD 4.3 billion) despite
increased investments in pharmaceutical launches and key products
o Net income climbs 8% to CHF 7.0 billion (USD 4.2 billion)
o Free cash flow jumps 25% to CHF 4.1 billion (USD 2.4 billion) excluding
acquisitions
o Earnings per share rises 10% to CHF 2.73
Consolidated key figures from continuing activities
Full year 2001 Full year 2000 Change
USD m CHF m % CHF m % CHF m %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales 19,070 32,038 29,112 2,926 10
Operating income 4,332 7,277 6,727 550 8
in % of sales 22.7 23.1
Net income 4,181 7,024 6,511 513 8
in % of sales 21.9 22.4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of employees 71,116 67,653 3,463 5
Earnings per share (CHF) 2.73 2.49 0.24 10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basel, 7 February 2002 - With sales growth accelerating throughout 2001,
Novartis posted full-year Group sales of CHF 32.0 billion (USD 19.1 billion), an
increase of 14% in local currencies or 10% in Swiss francs. Sales growth was
driven by Pharmaceuticals and the sustained dynamism of the US business, where
Pharmaceuticals' sales jumped 24%. Altogether, the US contribution to the sales
of both the Group and the Pharmaceuticals Sector rose to 43%.
All USD figures are convenience translations of CHF into USD at a rate of 1.68.
These should not be construed as a representation that the CHF amounts actually
could be converted into US dollars at the rate indicated or at any other rate.
All product names appearing in italics are registered trademarks of Novartis AG
and its affiliated companies
Page 2 of 13 Total Pages
Daniel Vasella, Chairman and CEO, commented: "In 2001, we reaped the rewards of
our strategic focus on healthcare, and specifically on the Pharmaceuticals
business and the US market. We delivered double-digit sales growth, with Group
sales, net income and free cash flow all reaching record levels, adjusting for
the spin-off of our agribusiness operations. Our increased level of investment
in marketing and sales, with the priority on key growth drivers, resulted in a
sales growth of 24% in Pharmaceuticals in the US, elevating us to one of the
fastest growing major pharmaceutical companies there. Furthermore, despite the
difficult conditions prevailing in the financial markets, we managed to achieve
almost the same level of financial income as we did in the previous year.
Pharmaceuticals obtained 15 product approvals around the world - more than any
other company in our industry - and the new product roll-outs will help sustain
our growth momentum in 2002."
Operating income up 8% to CHF 7.3 billion (USD 4.3 billion)
Investments in Research & Development (R&D) rose to a new high of CHF 4.2
billion, principally to drive the strong pharmaceutical pipeline, which is
currently stocked with 66 projects in clinical development. A drug discovery
center with fully automated high-throughput processes was established to take
advantage of the exponential increase in potential therapeutic targets resulting
from genomics research. Investments in Pharmaceuticals Marketing & Distribution
were increased throughout the year to power key growth drivers and new launches.
This generated a marked acceleration in sales growth. As a result, and due to
greater operational efficiency, the Group's operating margin of 22.7% was higher
than forecast and less than half a percentage point off the high level achieved
in the previous year.
Net income rises 8% to CHF 7.0 billion (USD 4.2 billion)
Income from associated companies, primarily Chiron, increased CHF 42 million
(USD 25 million) to CHF 139 million (USD 83 million). Net financial income was
CHF 1 067 million (USD 635 million), a decrease of only CHF 149 million (USD 89
million) despite difficult financial market conditions. These results were
achieved by the sale of US dollar bonds and successful fund management, which
offset reduced interest income and higher currency losses.
On the basis of the good 2001 performance, a dividend increase of 6% to CHF 0.90
per share will be proposed to the shareholders' AGM.
Strong balance sheet
Novartis maintained its AAA rating, with the strength of its balance sheet at 31
December 2001 undiminished despite several significant transactions in 2001.
These included the acquisition, as a long-term financial investment, of 21.3% of
the voting rights of Roche Holding AG for CHF 5.2 billion (USD 3.1 billion), CHF
826 million to acquire product and marketing rights, and further purchases of
Novartis treasury shares under a second trading line for CHF 3.9 billion (USD
2.3 billion).
On the other hand, an innovative call and put option on Novartis shares raised
new equity of CHF 4 billion, helping to lift Group equity to CHF 42.2 billion
(USD 25.1 billion) at 31 December 2001, CHF 5.3 billion (USD 3.2 billion) up on
the previous year's level.
At year end net liquidity (marketable securities, cash and cash equivalents,
less financial debt) stood at CHF 14.3 billion (USD 8.5 billion), down CHF 183
million (USD 109 million). The debt/equity ratio increased from 0.16:1 on 31
December 2000 to 0.18:1 on 31 December 2001.
Equity Strategy
On 7 May, Novartis shares were split 40 to 1 enhancing their attractiveness for
retail investors. With its first share-buyback program successfully completed
early in the year, Novartis launched a second repurchase program via a second
trading line for up to CHF 4 billion. The program was completed by the end of
January 2002.
Page 3 of 13 Total Pages
Personnel
Overall the number of employees increased from 67 653 on 31 December 2000 to
71 116 on 31 December 2001.
Pharmaceuticals continued to expand its sales force, which now comprises 16 253
worldwide. In the US, where the sales force increase (+22%) has been fastest,
the total number of sales representatives is now approximately 5 500. Other
recruitments were made in Development and Marketing, bringing the Sector's
headcount to 41 256. Generics also increased by more than 1 500, principally as
a result of acquisitions.
Corporate governance, Board and Management changes
In November, Novartis announced changes in several committees of its Board of
Directors and further outlined the responsibilities of its Board members in line
with the newest developments in global corporate governance policies. These
included the addition of a Corporate Governance Committee and adding compliance
with law duties to the mandate of the Audit Committee. In line with its
commitment to good corporate governance principles and to avoid any question of
possible conflicts of interest, Dr. Hans-Ulrich Doerig, who is Vice Chairman of
the Executive Board and Group Chief Risk Officer of Credit Suisse Group, will be
stepping down from the Board of Novartis at the forthcoming AGM on 21 March.
(Daniel Vasella is a Member of the Board of Credit Suisse Group). Dr. Ulrich
Lehner, CEO of Henkel AG, will be proposed for election as a new Board Member at
the AGM.
During the year, Oswald Sellemond retired as Head of Novartis Generics and Al
Piergallini retired as Head of Consumer Health. They were succeeded by Christian
Seiwald and Paul Choffat, respectively.
Corporate citizenship
The Novartis Annual Report, published today, now includes Health, Safety and
Environment reporting and societal aspects. In 2001, Novartis established its
Policy on Corporate Citizenship, which stipulates its values and includes, as a
strategic initiative, its commitment to the UN Global Compact (an initiative
established to strengthen human rights, fair labor practices and environmental
protection).
Thanks to the success of its business in 2001, it was possible for Novartis once
again to support needy and financially disadvantaged patients and to launch new
initiatives for their benefit.
In 2001, the accident rate was further reduced by 22%, while the overall
environmental impact of the Group's operations stayed at the previous year's
level, as reductions achieved were offset by new acquisitions.
Strategic outlook
Novartis will pursue its growth strategy consistently with its focus on
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals as its core business. It plans to invest
vigorously in growth assets and further build global brands, exploiting and
expanding its competitive marketing and sales organization to increase
leadership in key areas and gain market share. Continued emphasis will be placed
on fortifying the US business, strengthening the talent pool and in further
strengthening the Pharmaceuticals pipeline and implementing the research
strategy. Novartis' commitment to innovation will be reinforced with new levels
of investment in R&D, adding a significant number of new research staff and
consistently building strong links with centers of excellence in the scientific
and biotech communities.
Performance outlook
The Group expects growth momentum to continue in Pharmaceuticals in 2002, based
on the performance of key brands, new product roll-outs and new indications. The
Sector anticipates
Page 4 of 13 Total Pages
high single-digit to low double-digit sales growth in 2002, with top line growth
driving an equivalent rise in operating income. Investment levels in marketing
will be maintained whilst investment in R&D will increase. For the current year,
Pharmaceuticals expects to maintain profit margins at their 2001 level.
The remaining sectors are expected to develop sales in line with their
respective markets, with an improvement expected in their operating margins.
Barring any unforeseen events, Group sales are expected to increase in the mid
to high single-digit range in 2002 and operating and net income are expected to
exceed last year's level.
Sector reviews
Pharmaceuticals
Sales
As six brands again achieved individual annual sales of more than CHF 1 billion,
the Pharmaceuticals Sector posted overall sales of CHF 20.2 billion in 2001,
with year-on-year global sales up 15% in local currencies (+11% in Swiss
francs). This excellent performance was a result of dynamic sales growth in the
US (+24%), which accounts for 43% of the Sector's total revenues, and strong
sales increases of key brands in the Primary Care, Oncology and Ophthalmics
businesses. Novartis is now one of the fastest-growing major pharmaceutical
companies in the US.
Fifteen product approvals were obtained around the world - an industry-leading
achievement - while 11 registration dossiers for new drugs and indications were
submitted to the regulatory authorities in key markets. For the second year in a
row, Novartis obtained a higher number of US approvals for new molecular
entities than any competitor bringing its total to 9 such approvals in 2000 and
2001 versus the 3 of the next closest competitor.
Primary Care
Primary Care expanded its cardiovascular franchise with Diovan and Lotrel
continuing to be the fastest growing of the top ten branded antihypertensives in
the US.
Diovan/Co-Diovan (+58%, US: +47%;) captured the leading share of new
prescriptions in the angiotensin II receptor blocker category in the US. In
Europe, the brand achieved a 41% increase in sales. Diovan became the first ARB
to gain an approvable letter from the FDA for the additional indication of heart
failure, the fastest growing cardiovascular disease worldwide.
Lotrel (Cibacen combined with amlodipine; US: +48%) extended its share of new
prescriptions in its segment to 22%.
Lescol (+17%, US: +15%; cholesterol reduction) and its extended-release
formulation, Lescol XL, added further impetus to the cardiovascular franchise,
as prescribers are attracted by the product's favorable efficacy/safety profile.
Starlix (CHF 89 million; USD 53 million; type-2 diabetes), which was approved in
the US towards the end of 2000, gained EU approval early in 2001. Sales grew
gradually over the year reflecting growing familiarity with this new approach to
managing type-2 diabetes. 'Navigator' (co-sponsored by Ajinomoto), the largest
clinical trial of its kind got underway to evaluate Starlix and Diovan in
preventing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes.
Percentages indicating changes in product sales refer to local currencies
Page 5 of 13 Total Pages
Lamisil (+19%, US: +22%; fungal infections), sales were again buoyed by the
product's ability to kill rather than inhibit the fungus, and its beneficial
risk/benefit profile. The oral form of the product gained segment share in a
declining category.
Elidel, a new non-steroid cream for treating atopic eczema in patients as young
as two years old, won US approval in December and is to be launched this
quarter.
Exelon (+104%, US: +158%; Alzheimer's disease) continued to grow dynamically and
posted sales of CHF 403 million (USD 240 million), as increased marketing and
sales resources were applied to counter increased competition in this
fast-growing segment.
Trileptal (+87%, US: +129%; epilepsy) built on its dynamic US launch, the most
successful ever for an anticonvulsant, to post total sales of CHF 250 million
(USD 149 million). With the Mutual Recognition Procedure completed in August,
the oral suspension formulation is being introduced in Europe. Trileptal also
received an approvable letter from the FDA in December, for use as monotherapy
in the treatment of partial seizures in children with epilepsy.
Foradil (+21%), the fast-onset long-acting asthma treatment, achieved strong
growth in the key European markets, Germany and France, and obtained two US
approvals - in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Zelmac/Zelnorm, Novartis' new drug for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been
launched in several markets, having gained approvals in more than 16 countries
including Argentina, Australia, Mexico, and Switzerland. The latter provides the
basis for registration in a further 73 markets. After set-backs in the US and
Europe in getting marketing approval in 2001 as planned, Novartis is working
with regulatory authorities in those countries to bring the product to female
patients who are in need of a safe and effective treatment for IBS.
Riamet, a new treatment for malaria, was introduced in Europe and is intended in
particular for travelers. Novartis is supplying the same compound, branded as
Coartem, to the World Health Organization at cost for distribution to patients
in developing countries where the disease is endemic.
Oncology
Now ranked the fourth biggest oncology company worldwide in terms of turnover,
Novartis Oncology sales were lifted by 28% (in local currencies) in 2001, buoyed
by three successful launches: Glivec/Gleevec, Zometa, and Femara in the new
indication of first-line advanced breast cancer.
Glivec/Gleevec was approved in more than 60 countries and exceeded expectations
with sales of CHF 257 million (USD 153 million) in less than eight months on the
market. Approval has now been granted in the US for gastrointestinal stromal
tumors. Over 100 abstracts and 25 presentations on Glivec/Gleevec were featured
at the American Society of Hematology meeting in December, including positive
preliminary results from the pivotal front-line study in newly diagnosed CML
patients. Novartis plans to apply, by mid 2002, for a label change to include
newly diagnosed patients.
Aredia (+15%, US: +17%), the standard treatment for bone metastasis, posted
record sales of CHF 1.3 billion (USD 756 million). It has to contend with
generics in some markets, but the superior profile of Zometa, the follow-on
product of Aredia, is expected to dampen the impact of competitors.
Zometa, the more convenient and potent successor to Aredia, posted sales of CHF
74 million having received approvals for its lead indication 'hypercalcemia of
malignancy' in more than
Percentages indicating changes in product sales refer to local currencies
Page 6 of 13 Total Pages
65 countries. Zometa has been filed for approval in bone metastases in a broad
range of tumors and has been granted priority review in the US.
Femara, the first-line therapy for treating advanced breast cancer in hormone
sensitive postmenopausal women, posted a 72% (US: +171%) rise in sales fuelled
by rapid global market expansion and share gains in the US. Data that further
confirm Femara's superiority to tamoxifen, as measured by survival and time to
progression, were published and presented in December.
Sandostatin (+26%; acromegaly/carcinoid syndrome) continued to make advances in
its market segments thanks to the success of the more-convenient, long-acting,
once-a-month LAR formulation.
Ophthalmics
In Ophthalmics, Visudyne (+127%; US: +114%; treatment for a form of wet
age-related macular degeneration) was the key driver, with worldwide sales
reaching CHF 377 million (USD 224 million) due in part to improved reimbursement
status and indication expansion (it became the first drug to gain approval for
treatment of pathologic myopia in 35 countries and presumed ocular
histoplasmosis in the US). This performance makes Visudyne the most successfully
launched ophthalmics product ever. Approximately 100 000 patients have undergone
therapy worldwide. Visudyne has been filed for approval in occult subfoveal
choroidal neo-vascularization in the EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and
Switzerland.
In July, Novartis expanded its agreement with QLT Inc. to further investigate
the potential of Visudyne in non-melanoma skin cancer.
Transplantation
In Transplantation, Sandimmun/Neoral, the cornerstone of immunosuppression,
decreased by just 7% (US: -20%), despite the introduction of generic
competition. The US sales decrease compares favorably with the benchmark for
other critical-dose drugs facing competition from generics. Neoral sales grew in
Japan, Germany, France and Italy, helping to offset the generic impact.
Simulect, designed to complement Neoral and optimize clinical outcomes, further
penetrated the induction immunosuppression segment and posted a 24% rise in
sales.
Mature Products
By targeting promotional support activities for selected brands in key markets,
the Mature Products Business Unit achieved a dramatic cut in the sales erosion
rate for its products. At the same time, marketing and sales productivity
improved with total expenditure on these products falling by the equivalent of
2.3% of third party sales compared with the previous year.
The decline in Voltaren (-8%; inflammation) sales slowed significantly compared
with the rate of decline in 2000, as the product continued to be competitive in
a market which includes the new-generation COX-2 inhibitors and generics.
Operating income
Pharmaceuticals' operating income rose 5% to CHF 5.7 billion (USD 3.4 billion).
Investments in Marketing & Distribution were increased at a rate greater than
sales growth to expand the field force, in particular in the US, and to fuel
product launches and growth drivers. Sales growth accelerated as a result. R&D
investments were also increased, from CHF 3.3 billion to CHF 3.4 billion (USD
2.1 billion), which corresponds to 17% of sales. A high operating margin of
28.1% was achieved, down 1.7 percentage points and slightly better than the
company's predictions.
Percentages indicating changes in product sales refer to local currencies
Page 7 of 13 Total Pages
Generics
Sales
Generics sales were up 26% in local currencies (23% in Swiss francs), lifted by
new product launches and recent acquisitions, which contributed 20 percentage
points to sales growth.
Although prices for bulk antibiotics remained stable, the industrial business
reported continued sales growth driven by increases in both penicillins and
macrolide antibiotics, and a solid performance in cephalosporins. Sales growth
was achieved by increased volumes and a shift to higher value products.
Sales of finished generic pharmaceuticals were fuelled by new product launches
and the continued roll-out of the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic
acid. In the key US market, the generic pharmaceutical business achieved
double-digit sales growth. This was due to recent restructuring, the Apothecon
acquisition, strong volume growth and successful launches, most notably of
fluoxetine (the generic form of the anti-depressant Prozac(R)). Geneva
Pharmaceuticals benefited from a 6-month exclusivity to market the 10 mg capsule
formulation of fluoxetine. In Europe, Germany remained the most important
generics market, whilst changes in legislation opened up new opportunities in
France and Italy, where the Generics Sector has made recent strategic
acquisitions.
Operating income
The Sector lifted its operating income 16% to CHF 281 million (USD 167 million).
R&D expenditure totaled CHF 169 million, close on the previous year's level.
Investments in Marketing & Distribution were increased in order to further
penetrate new markets that were entered through recent strategic acquisitions.
These factors and one-time charges to integrate the acquired businesses of
Apothecon and Invamed, and for restructuring at Geneva, in order to increase
competitiveness, squeezed the operating margin by less than one percentage point
to 11.5%.
Consumer Health
Sales
Consumer Health sales rose 4% in local currencies (2% in Swiss francs), with the
US (+4%) contributing 49% of revenues despite the general economic slowdown.
Over-the-counter medicines (OTC) posted a rise in sales of 5% in local
currencies driven by the key brands Lamisil Cream (antifungal),
Nicotinell/Habitrol (smoking cessation) and Voltaren Emulgel (topical pain
relief). Overall, significant growth was achieved despite the sharp slowdown in
the economies of most major markets. Strong performances in the UK, Spain,
Portugal, Italy and Scandinavia enabled the Sector to maintain its leading
position in the European market.
In Infant & Baby, Gerber reached a new record market share in the US
baby/toddler food segment, while Gerber Care and Gerber Wellness products
continued to make progress in a competitive marketplace.
Medical Nutrition sales (+11%) performed particularly well in Europe (+16%),
where market share gains were achieved through focusing on disease/age-specific
products under the Impact and Novasource brands.
Health & Functional Nutrition sales rose 3% in local currencies, as solid sales
in Thailand, France and the UK helped offset a decline in the juice business in
Poland.
Percentages indicating changes in product sales refer to local currencies
Page 8 of 13 Total Pages
Consumer Health has been realigned into six business units: Over-the-Counter
medication, Infant & Baby, Medical Nutrition, CIBA Vision, Animal Health, and
Health & Functional Food. The Sector announced, on 4 February 2002, its
intention to divest its Health & Functional Food businesses.
Operating Income
Operating income grew 6% to CHF 920 million (USD 548 million). Good cost
management helped to offset one-time costs related to the transfer of Ovaltine
production from the UK to Switzerland, the Resende plant closure in Brazil, and
the costs associated with discontinued functional food activities. Overall, the
operating margin improved half a percentage point to 13.8%.
CIBA Vision
Sales
Sales increased by 33% in local currencies (28% in Swiss francs) to CHF 1.8
billion (USD 1.1 billion) in 2001. Wesley Jessen contributed 28 percentage
points to sales growth.
The innovative Focus range of lenses, led by Focus DAILIES (daily disposable
lenses) and Focus NIGHT & DAY (extended wear for up to 30 days and nights), and
the acquired FreshLook brand of cosmetic lenses performed well. Focus NIGHT &
DAY also became the first high-oxygen extended-wear contact lens for up to 30
nights of continuous wear to receive US FDA approval.
New product launches, including AOSEPT Plus / AOSEPT Clear Care and SOLO-care
Plus, (one-bottle, no-rub, cleaning and disinfecting systems) as well as
upcoming specialty lens product developments, are aimed at addressing the
overall declining lens care and specialty lens markets.
Strong sales growth was achieved in ophthalmic surgical products, lifted by the
introduction of a new tight-roll version of the MemoryLens, the only pre-folded
intraocular lens in the world. The PRL (Phakic Refractive Lens), an innovative,
flexible, posterior-chamber, phakic, refractive lens was launched in Europe.
Clinical trials are underway for registration in the US.
Operating income
CIBA Vision's operating income in 2001 increased by 74% to CHF 174 million (USD
104 million) and the operating margin rose 2.5 percentage points to 9.7%. The
operating income reflects the impact of the Wesley Jessen business on revenues
and costs for the full twelve months of 2001, compared with only three months in
2000. In 2001, the result was affected by CHF 34 million of exceptional costs
related to the integration of Wesley Jessen, compared with CHF 110 million in
2000.
Animal Health
Sales
Animal Health sales (-7%) were affected by the economic slowdown and substantial
inventory reductions at US companion animal veterinary clinics, as well as the
impact of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK. Most other European countries
reported good performances, as did Latin America and the Asia/Pacific region.
Sales were lifted by the strongly growing vaccine and aquaculture businesses, by
Tiamutin (respiratory and gastroenteric diseases in pigs) as well as Fortekor
(heart failure treatment for dogs). The latter again posted double-digit growth,
boosted by its additional indication for chronic renal insufficiency in cats.
Percentages indicating changes in product sales refer to local currencies
Page 9 of 13 Total Pages
Operating income
Operating income dropped 23% to CHF 138 million (USD 82 million). The operating
margin was squeezed from 16.5% to 14.3%, reflecting a drop in high margin sales
in the US. Savings in General & Administration costs helped to offset a 6%
increase in R&D investments, keeping overall operating expenses at the previous
year's level.
Financial Results Conference - live on the internet
The Novartis Financial Results will be presented in Basel, Switzerland today. A
live webcast on the internet will start at 10.00 CET. Full details and virtual
media kits are available on the media pages at http://www.novartis.com. The
Financial Analysts' presentation can also be followed on the internet at
http://www.novartis.com/investors/index.shtml from 14.00 CET onwards. Please
ensure that your computer is correctly set up to receive the webcast well in
advance.
Provisional key dates in 2002 are as follows:
21 March 2002 Annual General Meeting
18 April 2002 First-quarter results
22 July 2002 First-half results
17 October 2002 Third-quarter and Nine-month results
17 October 2002 Business and R&D update
This release contains certain "forward-looking statements", relating to the
Group's business, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "expects", "estimates", "promising", "will", "anticipates"
or similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Such
statements include descriptions of new products expected to be introduced or
have been introduced by the Group and anticipated customer demand for such
products. Such statements reflect the current views of the Group with respect to
future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions.
Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the
Group to be materially different from any future results, performances or
achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Some of these are uncertainties relating to clinical trials and
product development, unexpected regulatory delays or government regulation
generally, and obtaining and protecting intellectual property, as well as
factors discussed in the Group's Form 20-F filed with the US Securities and
Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties
materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results
may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed,
estimated or expected.
Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS) is a world leader in healthcare with core businesses in
pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye-care, and animal health. In
2001, the Group's businesses achieved sales of CHF 32.0 billion (USD 19.1
billion) and a net income of CHF 7.0 billion (USD 4.2 billion). The Group
invested approximately CHF 4.2 billion (USD 2.5 billion) in R&D. Headquartered
in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis Group companies employ about 71 000 people and
operate in over 140 countries around the world. For further information please
consult http://www.novartis.com.
For details of the full-year performance and financials please consult the
Novartis 2001 annual report.
Percentages indicating changes in product sales refer to local currencies
Page 10 of 13 Total Pages
Sales from continuing(1) activities by sector
Full year 2001 Full year 2000 Change
in CHF in local
USD m CHF m CHF m in CHF m % currencies %
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pharmaceuticals 12,012 20,181 18,150(2) 2,031 11 15
Generics 1,448 2,433 1,973(2) 460 23 26
Consumer Health 3,973 6,675 6,514(2) 161 2 4
CIBA Vision 1,064 1,787 1,392(2) 395 28 33
Animal Health 573 962 1,083 -121 -11 -7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 19,070 32,038 29,112 2,926 10 14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income from continuing(1) activities by sector
Full year 2001 Full year 2000 Change
% of % of
USD m CHF m sales CHF m sales in CHF m in %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pharmaceuticals 3,379 5,677 28.1 5,401(2) 29.8 276 5
Generics 167 281 11.5 242(2) 12.3 39 16
Consumer Health 548 920 13.8 869(2) 13.3 51 6
CIBA Vision 104(3) 174(3) 9.7 100(2) 7.2 74 74
Animal Health 82 138 14.3 179 16.5 -41 -23
Corporate and
other income/expense 52 87 -64 151
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 4,332 7,277 22.7 6,727 23.1 550 8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated income statement for continuing(1) activities
Full year 2001 Full year 200 Change in
USD m CHF m CHF m CHF m %
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total sales 19,070 32,038 29,112 2,926 10
Cost of goods sold -4,694 -7,886 -7,316 -570 8
Gross profit 14,376 24,152 21,796 2,356 11
Marketing & Distribution -6,606 -11,098 -9,556 -1,542 16
Research & Development -2,493 -4,189 -4,011 -178 4
General & Administration -945 -1,588 -1,502 -86 6
Operating income 4,332 7,277 6,727 550 8
Income from associated companies 82 139 97 42 43
Financial income, net 635 1,067 1,216 -149 -12
Income before taxes and
minority interests 5,049 8,483 8,040 443 6
Taxes -857 -1,440 -1,504 64 -4
Minority interests -11 -19 -25 6 -24
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income 4,181 7,024 6,511 513 8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) All figures for 2000 exclude the spun-off Agribusiness
(2) Restated to reflect the transfer, as of 1 January 2001, of the Ophthalmics
business from CIBA Vision to Pharmaceuticals and the switch of certain products
between sectors
(3) Excluding exceptionals associated with the Wesley Jessen acquisition (CHF 34
million, 2000: CHF 110 million), operating income would have been CHF 208
million (2000: CHF 210 million), reflecting a decrease of 1% in Swiss francs and
an operating margin of 11.6% (2000: 15.1%).
All USD figures are convenience translations of CHF into USD at a rate of 1.68.
These translations should not be construed as representations that the Swiss
franc amounts actually represent such US dollar amounts as could be converted
into US dollars at the rate indicated or at any other rate.
Page 11 of 13 Total Pages
Top twenty pharmaceutical products - 2001
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Sales % change Sales % change Sales % change
US in local Rest of World in local TOTAL in local
Brands Therapeutic Area CHF m currencies CHF m currencies CHF m in CHF currencies
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Diovan/Co-Diovan Hypertension 943 47 937 70 1,880 53 58
Sandimmun/Neoral Transplantation 525 -20 1,304 -2 1,829 -11 -7
Cibacen/Lotensin Hypertension 1,309 28 209 -7 1,518 21 22
(of which Lotrel) (813 48 -- -- 813 47 48)
Lamisil (group) Fungal infections 730 22 675 16 1,405 15(1) 19(1)
Aredia (group) Cancer complications 835 17 435 12 1,270 13 15
Voltaren Inflammation/pain 24 -51 1,042 -7 1,066 -15(1) -8(1)
Sandostatin (group) Acromegaly 343 38 473 20 816 23 26
Lescol Cholesterol reduction 388 15 426 18 814 12 17
Miacalcic Osteoporosis 443 -6 264 10 707 -2 0
Tegretol Epilepsy 263 9 420 -4 683 -3 1
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Top ten products - Total 5,803 17 6,185 10 11,988 9 13
Leponex/Clozaril Schizophrenia 229 -16 310 5 539 -8 -5
Estraderm (group) Hormone replacement 221 30 263 -7 484 5 6
Exelon Alzheimer's disease 219 158 184 65 403 100 104
Foradil Asthma 17 -- 373 16 390 18 21
Visudyne Wet form of age-related 238 114 139 154 377 123 127
macular degeneration
Famvir (group) Antivirals 244 NA 79 NA 323 NA NA
Nitroderm TTS Heart disease 3 -55 317 -3 320 -11 -4
Zaditen Asthma, allergy -- -- 265 -6 265 -16 -6
Glivec/Gleevec Chronic myeloid leukemia 176 NA 81 NA 257 NA NA
Trileptal Epilepsy 170 129 80 36 250 84 87
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Top twenty products - Total 7,320 29 8,276 12 15,596 15 19
Rest of portfolio 1,316 4 3,269 4 4,585 -1 4
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Total 8,636 24 11,545 10 20,181 11 15
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(1) Restated, based on 2000 sales after switches to other sectors
NA = not applicable as no or insignificant prior year sales
Page 12 of 13 Total Pages
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: February 7, 2002 By: /s/ RAYMUND BREU
----------------------------------
Name: Raymund Breu
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Page 13 of 13 Total Pages