Pharma giants Merck, Sanofi & GSK announced their full-year results for 2014 this week, as did global AgroChemical multinational Syngenta.
Syngenta reported sales of $15.1 billion USD, achieving their integrates sales target of 6% growth despite lower crop prices, unfavourable weather conditions in North America and a deliberate reduction in their low-margin sales of glyphosate. Growth in both Western Europe and emerging markets was robust in 2014, thanks in large part to strong sales of their broadened fungicide portfolio. You can view their full results and press release here.
Merck reported a full-year 2014 worldwide sales figure of $42.2 billion USD, a decrease of 4% from 2013. Q4 2014 sales were $10.5 billion, 7% less than Q4 2013. Merck chairman and CEO Kenneth C. Frazier notes that “While we are transforming the way Merck operates and executes, our fundamental strategy has remained consistent. Our success and our future will continue to be predicated on innovating at the intersection of scientific opportunity and global unmet medical need. This is the best pathway to sustainable, long-term growth.” Click here for Merck’s full results and press release.
GSK also had a difficult year in 2014 as they attempt to rebuild their market share in respiratory medicine following weak demand for their Asthma/COPD drug Advair in the fourth quarter. 2014 GSK revenues were down 3% year-over-year, with the company failing to return to profitability despite bringing in £23 billion last year. In 2015 GSK will bank on an asset swap with Novartis, and have also recently announced their plans to list their HIV unit ViiV Healthcare after hiring a trio of banks to advise on their options. Full results here.
French pharma giant Sanofi are aiming to appoint a new CEO in the first quarter of 2015 after ousting Christopher Viehbacher last year. Leadership turmoil aside Sanofi revealed strong numbers for 2014, with full-year sales results of €33,770 million, an increase of 2.5% when compared to their figures for the previous year. In 2014 Sanofi’s vaccine business increased 7.2%, Animal Health up 6.7%, Pharma up 4.4% (driven by Diabetes & Genzyme) and Growth Platforms increased by 10.7%. 2015 Business EPS is expected to be stable to slightly growing when compared to 2014. Full results here.
Follow Evolution Global Talent Attraction on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIN to keep up-to-date with news and trends from the biotechnology, biosciences, medical device, IT and Intellectual Property industries.
