Novartis Q2 profit rises 24% on strong U.S. sales of Kisqali and Entresto

Published 17/07/2025, 06:20
© Reuters.

Investing.com -- Novartis (SIX:NOVN) on Thursday posted a 24% rise in second-quarter net income to $4 billion, as sales of key therapies including Kisqali and Entresto drove performance in the U.S. Earnings per share increased 29% to $2.07, helped by a lower average share count.

Net sales rose 12% to $14.1 billion, with the U.S. contributing $6.2 billion, up 21%. Sales outside the U.S. reached $7.8 billion, up 6%, or 4% at constant currency. 

Volume added 12 percentage points to growth, partially offset by a 2-point decline from generic competition. Currency and pricing each contributed 1 percentage point.

Kisqali sales climbed 64% to $1.2 billion, while Entresto rose 24% to $2.4 billion. Kesimpta increased 35% to $1.1 billion. 

Scemblix and Leqvio each posted $298 million in revenue, up 82% and 64%, respectively. Cosentyx grew 7% to $1.6 billion.

Operating income rose 21% to $4.9 billion, with margin improving to 34.6% of sales from 32.1%. 

Core operating income, which excludes items such as amortization and legal costs, increased 20% to $5.9 billion. Core margin rose to 42.2% from 39.6%.

Gross profit rose to $11.5 billion from $9.7 billion. Cost of goods sold decreased to 23.6% of sales from 25.4%. 

Research and development spending increased 15% to $2.7 billion, or 19.4% of sales. Selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $3.4 billion but declined slightly as a percentage of sales.

Other revenues more than doubled to $782 million. Interest expense rose to $289 million from $246 million. 

Other financial items turned to a $41 million loss from a $75 million gain. The effective tax rate dropped to 11.2% from 15.5%, reflecting changes in tax positions and profit mix.

Free cash flow increased 37% to $6.3 billion. Net cash from operating activities totaled $6.7 billion, up from $4.9 billion a year earlier.

For the first half, net income rose 29% to $7.6 billion. Sales were $27.3 billion, up 12%. Operating income rose 29% to $9.5 billion. 

Core operating income reached $11.5 billion, up 21%. Earnings per share increased 34% to $3.91. Free cash flow for the half totaled $9.7 billion, up 46%.

Total (EPA:TTEF) financial debt stood at $30.8 billion at the end of June, compared with $29.6 billion at the end of 2024. 

Net debt rose to $23.8 billion from $16.1 billion. Cash and equivalents declined to $6.7 billion from $11.5 billion, following dividend payments of $7.8 billion and $5.5 billion in share buybacks.

Sales in oncology grew 22% to $4.3 billion, led by Kisqali, Pluvicto and Scemblix. Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic sales rose 28% to $2.7 billion. 

Neuroscience was up 19% to $1.5 billion. Immunology rose 10% to $2.5 billion. Established brands fell 8% to $3.1 billion, with declines in Lucentis, Tasigna and Promacta.

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