Novartis 4th-qtr sales and earnings beat expectation

Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NOVN: VX) pleased investors this morning with its fourth-quarter and full-year 2017 financial results, posting sales growth of 5% to $12.9 billion (+2% at constant exchange) for the last quarter, beating analysts’ estimate of $12.7 billion.

Earnings excluding special items climbed 7% (+5% CC) to $3.2 billion in the fourth quarter, compared with the $3.1 billion average of analysts’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg, with the news sending Novartis’ shares 2.56% higher to 85.74 Swiss francs. Earnings per share were up 8% (+6% cc) at $1.21.

2017 full-year sales rose 1% to reach $49.11 billion (+2% at cc). Operating income was up 4% (+7% cc) to $8.63 billion, with net income at $7.70 billion, up 15% (+14% cc). Earnings per share rose 16% (+14% cc) to $3.28.