The FINANCIAL — Sanofi Chief Executive Officer, Olivier Brandicourt, commented:
“We have generated solid sales momentum in the third quarter and seen a strong contribution to our financial performance from savings and efficiencies arising from our more focused organization. As a result, we are able to increase our FY 2016 Business EPS guidance. In addition, we have continued to work diligently to progress our major launches and the pipeline. With the filing of Dupixent®, we now have another important product under FDA review which we believe will enhance Sanofi’s growth profile in the coming years.”
In the third quarter of 2016, Aggregate Company sales were €9,652 million, up 2.1% at 2016 exchange rates. Exchange rate movements had a negative effect of 0.9 percentage points, primarily reflecting the adverse evolution of the Argentine Peso, Chinese Yuan, and British Pound, which more than offset the positive effects from the Japanese Yen and Brazilian Real. At CER, Aggregate Company sales increased 3.0%. Year-to-date Aggregate Company sales reached €27,063 million, down 1.3% at 2016 exchange rates. Exchange rate movements had an unfavorable effect of 2.5 percentage points, according to Sanofi.
The first nine months performance included a negative currency impact related to the change of exchange rate applied for the translation of Venezuela operations, resulting from the evolution of the exchange system in February 2016 as well as from the persistent inability to exchange Venezuelan bolivars for U.S. dollars at the privileged official rate. In addition, in the first half of 2015, Sanofi benefited from a significant increase in product demand in Venezuela, due to buying patterns associated with local market conditions. As a consequence, sales in Venezuela were €9 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to €423 million in the first nine months of 2015 (no sales were recorded in the third quarter of 2016 compared to €24 million in the third quarter of 2015). Excluding Venezuela, Aggregate Company sales increased 3.3% and 2.8% in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, respectively.
Pharmaceuticals
Third-quarter sales for Pharmaceuticals increased 0.5% to €7,225 million. Growth in the Multiple Sclerosis, Rare Disease and Cardiovascular franchises offset a decrease in Diabetes, CHC and Established Rx Products. Year-to-date sales for Pharmaceuticals decreased 0.9% to €21,729 million. Excluding Venezuela, year-to-date sales for Pharmaceuticals increased 0.9%.
In the third quarter, Gaucher (Cerezyme and Cerdelga) sales grew 6.3% to €211 million, reflecting Cerezyme growth in Emerging Markets (up 26.9% to €56 million) and the increasing contribution of Cerdelga (€28 million versus €18 million in the third quarter of 2015). Year-to-date Gaucher sales increased 9.5% to €641 million.
Third-quarter sales of Fabrazyme increased 20.4% to €176 million. The strong global momentum of Fabrazyme is a result of continued accrual of new patients as a result of patients switching from competing products and earlier stage patient identification and treatment. Year-to-date sales of Fabrazyme were up 15.0% to €492 million.
Sales of Myozyme/Lumizyme increased 16.0% to €185 million in the third quarter, mainly due to new patient accruals as a consequence of increased patient identification. Year-to-date sales of Myozyme/Lumizyme increased 12.8% to €533 million.
Third-quarter sales of Aubagio were up 49.8% to €334 million driven by the U.S. (up 50.9% to €239 million) and Europe (up 41.5% to €75 million). Aubagio is currently the fastest growing oral disease modifying therapy in the Multiple Sclerosis market with patient market share of 9.0% in the U.S. (IMS NSP TRX – second week of October). Year-to-date sales of Aubagio increased 56.8% to €928 million.
In the third quarter, sales of Lemtrada increased 69.1% to €112 million, including €64 million in the U.S. (up 66.7%) and €37 million in Europe (up 81.8%), mainly generated in the UK. Year-to-date sales of Lemtrada were up 95.1% to €308 million.
In the Third quarter, Oncology sales decreased 2.4% to €363 million, reflecting lower sales of Taxotere and Eloxatin. Year-to-date sales of Oncology were €1,084 million, down 1.6%.
Sales of Jevtana increased 12.8% to €88 million in the third quarter led by the U.S. (up 21.9% to €38 million) and Japan. Year-to-date sales of Jevtana® were up 12.7% to €266 million.
Third-quarter Thymoglobulin sales increased 12.7% to €70 million supported by sales in China. Year-to-date sales of Thymoglobulin were up 11.2% to €204 million.
Third-quarter sales of Eloxatin were down 24.1% to €43 million reflecting generic competition in Canada. Over the same period, sales of Taxotere (docetaxel) decreased 22.4% (to €45 million) due to generic competition in Japan. Year-to-date sales of Taxotere and Eloxatin were down 18.5% (€137 million) and down 19.5% (€129 million), respectively.
In the third quarter, Diabetes franchise sales were down 1.5% to €1,805 million, reflecting lower sales of Lantus in the U.S. Third-quarter U.S. Diabetes sales were down 5.4% to €1,013 million. Outside the U.S., sales were €792 million, an increase of 3.9% driven by Emerging Markets (up 13.6% to €341 million). Sales in Europe were €325 million, a decrease of 0.6%. In Europe, sales of Toujeo offset lower sales of Lantus. Year-to-date sales for the Diabetes franchise were €5,396 million, down 3.0%.
Third-quarter sales of Sanofi’s glargine (Lantus and Toujeo) were €1,558 million, down 1.9%. In the U.S., Sanofi’s glargine sales of €980 million were down 5.1%. In Europe, sales of Sanofi’s glargine increased 0.4% to €248 million despite the launch of a biosimilar glargine in several European markets. Year-to-date sales of Sanofi’s glargine were €4,662 million, down 3.5%.
Over the quarter, sales of Lantus were €1,391 million down 9.8%. In the U.S., as anticipated, sales of Lantus decreased 13.5% to €858 million mainly reflecting lower average net price and patients switching to Toujeo. In Europe, third-quarter Lantus sales were €215 million (down 11.0%) while in Emerging Markets, sales were €232 million (up 13.4%) driven by China and Russia. Year-to-date sales of Lantus were €4,251 million, down 10.7%.
Third-quarter sales of Toujeo were €167 million of which €122 million were recorded in the U.S. and €33 million were from Europe. The global roll-out of this product continues and Sanofi expects Toujeo to be available in over 40 countries by the end of 2016. In Japan, the two-week prescription limit was lifted in September 2016, resulting in a significant increase in market share (9.2% the second week of October- IMS Market Share of the Basal insulin market in International Units). Year-to-date sales of Toujeo were €411 million.
Sales of Amaryl were €92 million, up 1.1% in the third quarter, of which €74 million were generated in Emerging Markets (up 6.8%). Year-to-date sales of Amaryl were €273 million, down 4.7%.
Third-quarter sales of Apidra were up 6.8% to €94 million, reflecting lower sales in the U.S. (down 8.8% to €31 million), which were more than offset by the performance in Emerging Markets (up 33.3% to €19 million) and Europe (up 10.0% to €32 million). Year-to-date sales of Apidra increased 2.2% to €272 million.
Sanofi has recently been informed by U.S. payers of the 2017 formulary status for its products. Despite the anticipated introduction of biosimilar glargine, Lantus and Toujeo remain competitively positioned on the vast majority of formularies in the U.S. Given the recent performance of our diabetes franchise in the EU and Emerging Markets, as well as the aforementioned coverage in the U.S., Sanofi continues to expect global diabetes sales over the period from 2015 to 2018 to decline at an average annualized rate of between 4% and 8% at CER.
Cardiovascular franchise
Praluent (alirocumab, collaboration with Regeneron) was launched in the U.S. and in a number of European markets in 2015 and 2016. Third-quarter sales of Praluent were €35 million of which €28 million were in the U.S. and €6 million in Europe. Praluent® was launched in Japan in July. Year-to-date sales of Praluent were €68 million reflecting significant payer utilization management restrictions in the U.S. and limited market access in Europe.
Third-quarter sales and first nine-month sales of Multaq were €89 million (up 3.5%) and €259 million (up 1.6%), respectively. In August 2016, the District Court of Delaware ruled in favor of Sanofi in the Multaq patent litigation holding that the defendants infringe both of the patents at suit; the ‘800 Formulation patent and the 167 Method of Use patent, expiring in 2018 and 2029, respectively. Both defendants appealed that ruling in September.
Third-quarter sales of Established Rx Products decreased 7.4% to €2,535 million, reflecting generic competition to Plavix in Japan, the impact of the termination of Auvi-Q commercialization in the U.S. and lower sales in Venezuela. Excluding Venezuela and Auvi-Q, sales of Established Rx Products were down 4.8%. In Emerging Markets, sales of Established Rx Products were €948 million, up 1.7% (up 3.4% excluding Venezuela). In the U.S., sales of Established Rx Products were down 13.2% (to €375 million). Excluding Auvi-Q, sales of Established Rx Products were down 0.5% in the U.S. In Europe, sales of Established Rx Products decreased 7.6% to €856 million. Year-to-date sales of Established Rx Products decreased 8.5% to €7,743 million and 6.1% excluding Venezuela.
In the third quarter, sales of Lovenox decreased 4.0% to €404 million reflecting generic competition in the U.S. (down 25.0% to € 12 million) and lower sales in Europe (down 2.3% to €248 million) and in Emerging Markets (down 3.1% to €120 million). In September, two enoxaparin biosimilars were approved in the European Union. Year-to-date sales of Lovenox were €1,222 million down 2.5%.
Third-quarter sales of Plavix decreased 9.9% to €401 million due to generic competition in Japan that started in June 2015 (sales in Japan were down 48.3% to €88 million), which was partially offset by the growth in China (up 18.1% to €190 million). Year-to-date sales of Plavix decreased 18.5% to €1,181 million (16.3% excluding Venezuela).
Sales of Renvela/Renagel were up 2.9% to €245 million in the third quarter driven by the U.S. (€206 million, up 8.4%). In Europe, sales of Renvela®/Renagel were down 27.6% to €20 million due to generics competition. Sanofi now expects generic competition in the U.S. in the first half of 2017. Year-to-date sales of Renvela/Renagel decreased 0.6% to €687 million.
Sales of Aprovel/Avapro increased 7.2% to €174 million in the third quarter. Year-to-date sales of Aprovel/Avapro decreased 8.4% to €518 million (stable excluding Venezuela).
In the third quarter and the first nine months of 2015, sales of Auvi-Q and Allerject were €61 million and €113 million, respectively. Sanofi no longer commercializes this product and no sales were recorded in 2016.
In the third-quarter, Consumer Healthcare (CHC) sales were €791 million, down 1.2%. Excluding Venezuela and the divestiture of smaller products, CHC sales decreased 0.1% impacted by Russia. Third-quarter sales of CHC in the U.S. increased 3.3% to €216 million. This was driven by a solid performance across the portfolio partially offset by Allegra (up 1.9% to €54 million) and Nasacort (down 20.8% to €19 million), which were both impacted by a mild U.S. allergy season. In addition, Nasacort is facing an increasingly competitive environment.
In Emerging Markets, sales were down 4.7% to €312 million (down 4.1% excluding Venezuela) reflecting lower sales in Russia. In Russia, sales were significantly impacted by the challenging local economic situation. In the quarter, sales in Europe decreased 1.5% to €195 million reflecting the divestitures of small products and the solid performance of Doliprane (up 9.4% to €58 million). Year-to-date sales of CHC reached €2,496 million, down 2.9% (up 2.3% excluding Venezuela and the divestiture of several small products).
Sanofi continues to expect the exchange of Sanofi’s animal health business with Boehringer Ingelheim’s consumer healthcare business (initiated in December 2015 and signed in June 2016) to close around year-end 2016, subject to approval by regulatory authorities in different territories.
Generics
Third-quarter sales of Generics increased 1.3% to €453 million (up 2.2% excluding Venezuela) driven by the U.S. (up 8.3% to €38 million) and Europe (up 2.0% to €197 million), which more than offset the slight decrease in Emerging Markets (down 0.5% to €196 million). Year-to-date sales of Generics were up 0.8% to €1,386 million (up 3.0% excluding Venezuela).
As announced in our 2020 strategic roadmap, Sanofi has carefully reviewed all options and has decided to initiate a carve-out process in order to divest its Generics business in Europe. Sanofi will be looking for a potential acquirer that will leverage the mid and long-term sustainable growth opportunities for this business. Sanofi confirms its commitment to its Generics business in other parts of the world and will further focus on the Emerging Markets in order to develop its business in those countries.
VaxServe sales
VaxServe is a U.S. entity of the Vaccines segment. VaxServe activities include products distribution in the U.S. in channels that are not the primary focus of Sanofi Pasteur. VaxServe complements its Sanofi Pasteur products offering by distributing vaccines and other products from third party manufacturers. All VaxServe sales were reported on the line Net sales in the past.
In order to provide more relevant published information, VaxServe sales of non-Sanofi products are reported in the line Other revenues in the income statement from January 1, 2016. Accordingly, prior period comparative net sales have been reclassified to the line Other revenues.
The 2015 quarterly and full-year 2015 business P&L as well as sales of GBUs and franchises by geographic region reflecting this reclassification are available on the Investors section of Sanofi’s website.
In the third quarter of 2015 and in full-year 2015, sales of VaxServe(8) of non-Sanofi products were €136 million and €482 million, respectively.
Vaccines
In the third quarter, consolidated Vaccines sales increased 14.4% to €1,803 million driven by the U.S (up 19.1% to €1,261 million) supported by the flu vaccines franchise. In Emerging Markets sales of vaccines increased 6.6% driven by the solid performance of our AcXim family (excluding China) and the launch of Dengvaxia® partially offset by a local market disruption in China. Year-to-date sales of Sanofi Pasteur were up 11.0% to €3,225 million.
Third quarter sales of Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines were down slightly (0.3%) to €324 million. In Emerging Markets, sales of the franchise decreased 2.2% to €170 million impacted by the local market disruption in China resulting in lower sales of Pentaxim® and Polio vaccines and offsetting the growth of Pentaxim® and Hexaxim® in other regions. In the U.S., sales of Polio/Pertussis/Hib Vaccines decreased 8.0% to €91 million reflecting lower sales of Pentacel® (down 18.9% to €61 million). As previously communicated, Sanofi Pasteur is experiencing Pentacel® manufacturing delays and supply is expected to improve by late fourth quarter 2016. Year-to-date sales of Polio/Pertussis/Hib vaccines were up 10.7% to €951 million.
Dengvaxia®, the world’s first dengue vaccine is now approved in 13 countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore). In the third quarter of 2016, sales of Dengvaxia® were €30 million reflecting the second shipment for the public dengue immunization program in the Philippines, the first dose of the public vaccination program in Paraná State in Brazil, as well as sales on the private market. Year-to-date sales of Dengvaxia® were €50 million.
Sales of Influenza vaccines increased 34.6% to €989 million in the third quarter, driven by the U.S. (up 45.0% to €834 million) reflecting favorable phasing as well as Sanofi Pasteur’s strategy to offer differentiated influenza vaccines. Year-to-date sales of Influenza vaccines were up 28.0% to €1,105 million.
Third-quarter Menactra sales were up 1.7% to €242 million, of which €219 million was generated in the U.S (down 1.3%). Year-to-date sales of Menactra increased 5.7% to €479 million.
Adult Booster vaccines sales decreased 21.1% to €104 million in the third quarter, impacted by increased competitive pressure in the U.S. towards Adacel and a contraction of the U.S. Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, acellular Pertussis) market. Year-to-date sales of Adult Booster vaccines decreased 15.6% to €288 million.
Sales of VaxServe in Q3 2016 and in the first nine month of 2016 are provided in the Financial Results
Third-quarter sales of Travel and other endemic vaccines were €77 million, down 18.8% due to a supply constraint for rabies and hepatitis A vaccines. Year-to-date sales of Travel and other endemic vaccines decreased 2.5% to €261 million.
Sales of Sanofi Pasteur MSD (not consolidated), the joint venture with Merck & Co. in Europe, increased 5.2% (on a reported basis) to €299 million driven by Hexyon (pediatric hexavalent vaccine) and Gardasil. Year-to-date sales of Sanofi Pasteur MSD were up 9.4% (on a reported basis) to €639 million. In March, Sanofi Pasteur and Merck announced their intent to end their joint vaccines operations in Europe, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, to pursue their own distinct growth strategies in Europe. Sanofi Pasteur and Merck expect the separation to be completed by the end of 2016, subject to local labor laws and regulations as well as regulatory approvals.
In the third quarter, Animal Health sales increased 4.0% to €624 million driven by strong performance of Ruminant business in the U.S. and NexGard®. Year-to-date sales of Animal Health were up 10.3% to €2,109 million.
Third-quarter sales of the Companion Animals segment were up 0.7% to €400 million reflecting the strong performance of NexGard® (Merial’s next generation flea and tick products for dogs in the U.S.) and NexGard® Spectra as well as lower sales of the Frontline® family of products and HeartGard® mostly linked to phasing of promotional activities. Year-to-date sales of the Companion Animals segment were up 10.1% to €1,422 million.
Sales of the Production Animals segment were up 10.2% to €224 million in the third quarter due to strong performance of Ruminant business in the U.S. Year-to-date sales of the Production Animals segment were up 10.8% to €687 million.
Third-quarter Aggregate sales in the U.S. grew 7.0% to €4,001 million driven mainly by double digit growth of the multiple sclerosis franchise (up 54.0%), rare disease franchise (up 10.7%) and Vaccines (up 19.1%). The U.S. sales performance also included lower sales of the diabetes franchise (down 5.4%), and the withdrawal of Auvi-Q® from the market in the fourth quarter of 2015. Year-to-date sales in the U.S. increased 3.5% to €10,085 million.
Aggregate sales in Emerging Markets increased 5.6% to €2,548 million in the third quarter (up 6.6% excluding Venezuela) driven by Rare Disease (up 41.5%), Diabetes (up 13.6%) and Animal Health (up 13.3%). In the Asia region, Aggregate sales grew 4.0% to €853 million in the third quarter reflecting lower sales in China (down 1.5% to €551 million), where the local vaccines market disruption offset the strong performance of Pharmaceuticals (up 13.6%). In Latin America, third-quarter Aggregate sales increased 8.5% to €714 million (up 12.3% excluding Venezuela) driven by sales in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil. Aggregate sales in Brazil increased 4.4% to €302 million driven by the strong performance of rare diseases and the contribution of Dengvaxia. Aggregate sales in the Eurasia region were down 1.1% to €251 million reflecting lower sales in Russia (down 18.2% to €110 million) despite strong performance in Turkey. Sales in Russia were impacted by lower CHC sales which more than offset the strong performance of diabetes and Established products. In Africa, the Middle-East and South Asia, Aggregate sales were up 8.1% to €699 million sustained by Middle-East (up 10.1%) and India. Year-to-date sales in Emerging Markets increased 3.0% to €7,455 million. Excluding Venezuela, Aggregate year-to-date sales in Emerging Markets grew 8.7%.
Third-quarter Aggregate sales in Europe decreased 0.5% to €2,264 million. The performance of Multiple Sclerosis (up 53.3%) and Rare Disease (up 8.3%) were offset by lower sales of Established products (-7.6%). In Europe, year-to-date sales increased 1.5% to €6,996 million.
Aggregate third-quarter sales in Japan decreased 21.4% to €421 million, impacted by generic Plavix® competition (down 48.3%). In Japan, year-to-date sales decreased 23.9% to €1,314 million.
Regulatory update
Regulatory updates since the publication of the second quarter results on July 29, 2016 include the following:
In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted for priority review the Biologics License Application (BLA) for Dupixent® (dupilumab) for the treatment of adult patients with inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The application has been given a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of March 29, 2017. Furthermore, in October the FDA granted breakthrough designation status for Dupilumab in atopic dermatitis ages 12-18 moderate to severe patients and ages 6-11 for severe patients.
In September, the Marketing Authorization Application of SAR342434 (insulin lispro) was accepted for review in the European Union for the treatment of diabetes.
In August, Sanofi submitted updated information on the pen delivery device as part of the New Drug Application (NDA) for iGlarLixi (also known as LixiLan, the investigational once-daily fixed-ratio combination of basal insulin glargine and GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide) for the treatment of adults with type 2 diabetes. The additional information, submitted at FDA’s request, constitutes a Major Amendment to the NDA, resulting in an extension of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act goal date by three months, to late November 2016.
In July, the sarilumab Marketing Authorization Application was accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency.
Manufacturing deficiencies have been raised by the FDA during a routine Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) inspection of a Sanofi manufacturing facility, which conducts “fill and finish” activities. Sanofi has provided comprehensive responses to the FDA for the cited deficiencies. Given that the CGMP status of this facility is still under review by the FDA, it is unclear whether this situation will impact the approval for sarilumab on its PDUFA date of October 30, 2016.
At the end of October 2016, the R&D pipeline contained 43 pharmaceutical new molecular entities (excluding Life Cycle Management) and vaccine candidates in clinical development of which 12 are in Phase III or have been submitted to the regulatory authorities for approval.
Portfolio update
Phase III:
In October, detailed results from LIBERTY AD SOLO 1 and SOLO 2, two placebo-controlled Phase 3 studies evaluating Dupixent® (dupilumab) in adult patients with inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis were presented at the Annual European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) Congress and published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM).
Positive new six-year investigational data from the extension study of Lemtrada® (alemtuzumab) in patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) were presented in September at the Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS).
A new post-hoc analysis of data from the LixiLan-L pivotal Phase III clinical trial was presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) and found that more patients who received iGlarLixi (the fixed-ratio combination of insulin glargine and GLP-1 receptor agonist lixisenatide) reached their daily post-prandial glucose target than those who received only insulin glargine. IGlarLixi is currently under review in the United States and Europe.
Detailed positive results from ODYSSEY ESCAPE, a Phase III trial which evaluated Praluent® (alirocumab) injection in patients with an inherited form of high cholesterol known as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) who require regular apheresis treatment were presented at the ESC Congress.
In October, Alnylam announced the development discontinuation of revusiran, an investigational RNA interference therapeutic that was being developed for the treatment of hereditary ATTR amyloidosis with cardiomyopathy.
Phase II:
GZ389988, a TRKA antagonist, entered Phase IIa in osteoarthritis.
Phase I:
SAR440340, a monoclonal antibody (alliance with Regeneron), entered Phase I in immuno-inflammation therapeutic area.
SAR247799, a S1P1 agonist entered Phase I in the cardiovascular portfolio.
It has been decided not to pursue the development of SAR366234, an EP2 receptor agonist.
Collaboration
In September, Sanofi and Verily Life Sciences LLC, (formerly Google Life Sciences), an Alphabet company, announced the launch of Onduo, a joint venture created through Sanofi and Verily’s diabetes-focused collaboration. Onduo’s mission is to help people with diabetes live full, healthy lives by developing comprehensive solutions that combine devices, software, medicine, and professional care to enable simple and intelligent disease management.
2016 third-quarter and first nine months Aggregate financial results
Business Net Income
In the third quarter of 2016, Sanofi generated Aggregate sales of €9,652 million, an increase of 2.1% (up 3.0% at CER). Year-to-date Aggregate sales were €27,063 million, down 1.3% (up 1.2% at CER).
Aggregate other revenues increased 22.7% to €276 million and include VaxServe sales of non-Sanofi products (up 38.2% to €188 million) following the change in presentation as of January 1, 2016(11). Year-to-date Aggregate other revenues increased 1.0% to €604 million of which €360 million were generated by VaxServe (up 4.0%)
Third-quarter Aggregate gross profit increased 3.8% to €6,933 million and 4.6% at CER. The Aggregate gross margin ratio improved by 1.1 percentage points to 71.8% versus the third quarter of 2015. The positive impact from the multiple sclerosis and rare disease franchises, pharmaceuticals in China and industrial productivity largely offset the negative impact of U.S. Diabetes, and Plavix generic competition in Japan. Sanofi now expects its 2016 Aggregate gross margin ratio to be around 70% at CER. Year-to-date Aggregate gross margin ratio improved by 0.6 percentage points to 71.0% versus the first nine months of 2015.
Aggregate Research and Development expenses decreased 6.5% to €1,267 million, (down 6.4% at CER) in the third quarter. This decrease reflected lower spend on Praluent and dupilumab combined with cost containment actions. In the first nine months of 2016, the ratio of Aggregate R&D to Aggregate sales was 0.3 percentage points higher at 14.3% compared to the same period of 2015.
Aggregate selling general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased 1.1% to €2,489 million in the third quarter. At CER, Aggregate SG&A was up 1.8% mainly reflecting pre-launch costs for sarilumab and dupilumab and the costs related to an earlier Flu campaign in the U.S. General & Administrative expenses decreased 2.4% at CER largely due to cost savings initiatives. The ratio of Aggregate SG&A to Aggregate sales decreased 0.2 percentage points to 25.8% compared with the third quarter of 2015. In the first nine months of 2016, the ratio of Aggregate selling and general expenses to Aggregate sales was 0.4 percentage points higher at 27.9% compared with the first nine months of 2015.
Third-quarter Aggregate other current operating income net of expenses was -€121 million versus -€136 million for the same period of 2015. In the third quarter of 2016, this line included a charge of €90 million related to a settlement of a litigation related to Cipro generic. In the first nine months of 2016, other current operating income net of expenses was -€65 million versus -€223 million for the same period of 2015.
The Aggregate share of profits from associates was €72 million in the third quarter. The Aggregate share of profits from associates included Sanofi’s share in Regeneron profit as well as Sanofi’s share of profit in Sanofi Pasteur MSD (the Vaccines joint venture with Merck & Co. in Europe). In the first nine months of 2016, the share of profits from associates was €125 million versus €139 million for the same period of 2015.
Aggregate non-controlling interests were -€31 million in the third quarter versus -€25 million in the third quarter of 2015. In the first nine months of 2016, non-controlling interests were -€81 million versus -€87 million for the same period of 2015.
Third-quarter Aggregate business operating income was up 11.3% to €3,097 million. At CER, Aggregate business operating income increased 12.8%. The ratio of Aggregate business operating income to Aggregate net sales increased 2.7 percentage points to 32.1% versus the same period of 2015. Year-to-date Aggregate business operating income increased 0.2% to €7,766 million (or up 3.6% at CER). In the first nine months of 2016, the ratio of Aggregate business operating income to Aggregate sales increased 0.5 percentage points to 28.7%.
Net Aggregate financial expenses were €84 million in the third quarter versus €105 million in the third quarter of 2015 reflecting lower cost of debt. Year-to-date net financial expenses were €278 million versus €314 million for the same period of 2015.
Third-quarter effective tax rate (including Animal Health) was 24.0% compared with 22.2% in the same periods of 2015. Year-to-date effective tax rate was 24.0% stable versus the same period of 2015.
Third-quarter business net income(10) increased 9.7% to €2,300 million (up 11.1% at CER). The ratio of business net income to Aggregate sales was 23.8%, an increase of 1.6 percentage points compared with the third quarter of 2015. Year-to-date business net income increased 0.7% to €5,702 million, (up 4.1% at CER). The ratio of business net income to net sales increased 0.5 percentage points to 21.1% compared to the first nine months of 2015.
2016 guidance
Given the performance in the first nine months, Sanofi now expects 2016 Business EPS(2) to grow between 3% and 5% at CER, barring unforeseen major adverse events. In addition, the currency impact on 2016 full-year business EPS is estimated to be around -4%, applying September 2016 average rates to the fourth quarter of 2016.
From business net income to IFRS net income reported
In the first nine months of 2016, the main reconciling items between business net income and IFRS net income reported were:
A €1,280 million amortization charge related to fair value remeasurement on intangible assets of acquired companies (primarily Aventis: €379 million and Genzyme: €647 million) and to acquired intangible assets (licenses/products: €104 million). A €403 million amortization charge on intangible assets related to fair value remeasurement of acquired companies (primarily Aventis: €103 million and, Genzyme: €216 million), and to acquired intangible assets (licenses/products: €36 million) was booked in the third quarter. These items have no cash impact on the Company.
An impairment of intangible assets of €73 million (of which €22 recorded in the third quarter linked to revusiran). This item has no cash impact on the Company.
An impairment of €161 million related to Alnylam investment for the difference between historical cost and market value based on the stock price as of September 30, 2016. On October 5, 2016, Alnylam announced the decision to end revusiran development program. As a consequence, the Alnylam stock price dropped by 48% on October 6, 2016.
A charge of €94 million (of which €27 million in the third quarter) reflecting an increase of Bayer contingent considerations linked to Lemtrada® (charge of €61 million, of which €20 million on the third quarter) and CVR fair value adjustment (charge of €34 million, of which €7 million on the third quarter).
Restructuring costs and similar items of €690 million (including €63 million in the third quarter) mainly related to transformation in Europe and North America.
A €746 million tax effect arising from the items listed above, comprising €450 million of deferred taxes generated by amortization charged against intangible assets, €234 million associated with restructuring costs (and similar items), €23 million associated with impairment of intangible assets and €23 million associated with fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities. The third quarter tax effect was €198 million, including €143 million of deferred taxes generated by amortization charged against intangible assets, €24 million associated with restructuring costs (and similar items), a charge of €7 million associated with impairment of intangible asset and €8 million associated with fair value remeasurement of contingent consideration liabilities (see Appendix 3).
In “Share of profits/losses from associates and joint-ventures”, an income of €18 million net of tax (which included a charge of €36 million related to third quarter of 2016), mainly relating to the share of fair-value re-measurement on assets and liabilities of associates and the share of amortization of intangible assets of acquired associates and joint-ventures. This item has no cash impact on the Company.
A tax of €113 million on dividends paid to shareholders of Sanofi.
Capital Allocation
In the first nine months of 2016, net cash generated by operating activities decreased 4.9% to €4,761 million after capital expenditures of €1,072 million and an increase in working capital of €862 million. This net cash flow has contributed to finance a share repurchase (€1,403 million), dividend paid by Sanofi (€3,759 million), acquisitions and partnerships net of disposals (€724 million) and restructuring costs and similar items (€513 million). As a consequence, net debt increased from €7,254 million at December 31, 2015 to €8,905 million at the end of September 2016 (amount net of €11,995 million cash and cash equivalents).
Taking into account the future cash flow outlook and expected closing of the asset swap with Boehringer Ingelheim around the end of 2016, the Company announced a share repurchase program of €3.5 billion that it will initiate in 2016 and complete by the end of 2017.
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