Serono 6-K 2-1-2005


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

For the month of February, 2005


 
Serono S.A.
 
 
(Registrant’s Name)
 
     
 
15 bis, Chemin des Mines
 
 
Case Postale 54
 
 
CH-1211 Geneva 20
 
 
Switzerland
 
 
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
     
 
1-15096
 
 
(Commission File No.)
 

(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  Ö Form 40-F ____

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b)(1).) ______

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101 (b)(7).) ______

(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 Ö

(If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-______)
 


Media Release   

FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 1, 2005, 4:01 PM EST




 
  SERONO REPORTS STRONG FULL YEAR 2004 RESULTS
 
 - Total revenues grew 21.8% and EPS increased 31.3% -
 


 
Rockland, MA, February 1, 2005 - 04:01 pm EST - Serono (virt-x: SEO and NYSE: SRA), the world’s third largest biotechnology company, today reported its fourth quarter and full year results for the period ended December 31, 2004.


Key Points for Full Year 2004
 
 
Ø
Total revenues up 21.8% to $2,458.1m (+16.1% in local currencies)
 
 
Ø
Product sales up 17.2% to $2,177.9m (+11.5% in local currencies)
 
 
Ø
Rebif® sales up 33.1% to $1,090.6m (+25.4% in local currencies)
 
 
Ø
Reported net income up 26.7% to $494.2m (+21.7% in local currencies)
 
 
Ø
Reported EPS up 31.3% to $32.35 per bearer share and $0.81 per ADS
 
 
Ø
Raptiva® registered in key markets and now available in 15 countries
 
 
Ø
New R&D collaborations with CancerVax and Micromet for novel anti-cancer drug candidates
 
 
Ø
Significant steps forward in R&D with 6 late-stage clinical development programs on-going (5 Phase III, 1 post-registration head-to-head study)
 
 
Ø
2005 outlook for product sales growth between 10% and 15%, total revenues of at least $2.6 billion and net income between $520m and $540m
 
 
“We had excellent growth in 2004 and made significant investments for our future,” said Ernesto Bertarelli, Chief Executive Officer of Serono. “Going forward we have a number of exciting late-stage development projects to drive our future growth and we will continue to invest in both internal R&D programs and external collaborations to sustain that growth over the longer-term.”
 
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Fourth Quarter And Full Year Financial Performance

Total revenues increased by 21.8% (+16.1% in local currencies) to $2,458.1m in the full year 2004 (2003: $2,018.6m), and by 20.3% (+15.7% in local currencies) to $679.7m in the fourth quarter (2003: $565.1m).

Worldwide product sales were $2,177.9m in 2004, up 17.2% (2003: $1,858.0m), and up 16.4% to $604.5m in the fourth quarter (2003: $519.3m). Product sales in local currencies grew by 11.5% in 2004 and 11.7% in the fourth quarter.

Royalty and licensing income increased by 74.4% to $280.1m in 2004, representing 11.4% of total revenues (2003: $160.6m), and was up 64.4% to $75.3m (2003: $45.8m) in the fourth quarter due to Serono’s strong intellectual property rights. In the third quarter exceptional license income of $67m was reported and in the fourth quarter Serono received additional license income totaling $11m for the grant of technology licenses to third parties.

Gross margin increased to 86.0% of product sales in 2004 (2003: 85.0%), as a result of a more favorable product mix and continuing manufacturing improvements. In the fourth quarter of 2004, gross margin reached 87.9% (2003: 84.5%).

Selling, General and Administrative expenses were $807.9m or 32.9% of total revenues in 2004 (2003: $636.8m or 31.5% of total revenues), and $234.3m or 34.5% of total revenues in the fourth quarter (2003: $178.9m or 31.7% of revenues). The increase in SG&A as a percentage of revenues in 2004 reflects expenditures related to the launch of Raptiva®, the launch of the Gonal-f® pre-filled pen and the continued investment to drive Rebif® to worldwide market leadership.

Research and Development expenses were $594.8m or 24.2% of total revenues (2003: $467.8m or 23.2% of total revenues) for the full year, and $221.3m or 32.6% of total revenues in the fourth quarter (2003: $124.2m or 22.0% of total revenues). The increase in R&D as a percentage of revenues in 2004, particularly in the fourth quarter, results from the commencement of several external R&D collaborations (e.g. ZymoGenetics, Micromet and CancerVax), as well as significant progress made in R&D. Six late-stage clinical development programs are currently on-going, involving up to 6,500 patients (five Phase III, one post-registration head-to-head study).

Other operating expenses in 2004 were $227.1m (2003: $199.5m), and $66.4m (2003: $49.2m) in the fourth quarter. The increase in other operating expenses results from payments made to third parties related to licensing agreements.

Full year 2004 operating income increased by 20.5% to $524.1m or 21.3% of total revenues (2003: $434.9m or 21.5% of total revenues). In the fourth quarter, operating income was $84.8m or 12.5% of total revenues (2003: $132.4m or 23.4% of total revenues).

-more-


Net financial income was $63.3m in 2004 (2003: $44.0m) and $20.7m in the fourth quarter (2003: $15.2m) as a result of higher returns on our financial assets and foreign exchange gains.

Total taxes in 2004 were $90.9m, representing an overall tax rate of 15.5% of profit before tax (2003: $68.9m, or 15.0% of profit before tax). In the fourth quarter, taxes were $13.9m, or 13.2% of profit before tax (2003: $19.7m or 15.0% of profit before tax).

Reported net income in the full year 2004 was up 26.7% to $494.2m (2003: $390.0m), or 21.7% in local currencies. In the fourth quarter, reported net income decreased 19.6%, or 19.8% in local currencies, to $89.7m (2003: $111.6m) as a result of significant R&D expenses resulting from the commencement of three external R&D collaborations and progress in several late-stage programs.

Basic earnings per share (EPS) were up 31.3% to $32.35 per bearer share (2003: $24.63) and $0.81 per American Depositary Share (ADS) (2003: $0.62). The average number of equivalent bearer shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2004 was 15,276,403.

On April 26, 2005, the Board of Directors will propose to the Annual General Meeting a cash dividend of CHF9.0 per bearer share, CHF3.6 per registered share, and CHF0.23 per ADS, representing an increase of 12.5% over the 2003 dividend.

For the full year ended 2004, net cash flow from operating activities was $471.7m (2003: $542.9m).

In 2004, share repurchases were CHF1,017.4m ($833.1m) representing 1,313,644 bearer shares. As of December 31, 2004, there were 14,531,957 outstanding equivalent bearer shares of Serono S.A. The company’s liquid financial assets were $1.8 billion at the end of 2004 providing significant flexibility for non-organic growth.

In 2005, Serono expects product sales to grow between 10% and 15% leading to total revenues of at least $2.6 billion and net income between $520m and $540m based on prevailing currency exchange rates. This outlook does not include expenses related to any new business development transactions or other extraordinary items in 2005.

Neurology

Neurology sales were up 32.1% to $1,123.0m for the full year 2004, and fourth quarter sales were $319.1m. Rebif® reached blockbuster status in 2004 with full year sales up 33.1% (25.4% in local currencies) to $1,090.6m (2003: $819.4m). In the fourth quarter, worldwide sales of Rebif® increased by 32.9% (26.6% in local currencies) to $310.0m (2003: $233.2m). Given the strong performance of Rebif® in 2004, the company is on track to achieve its goal of worldwide market leadership in 2006.

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In 2004, Rebif® was the fastest growing multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy in the US with $295.6m sales for the full year, representing an increase of 56.8% (2003: $188.5m). In the fourth quarter, sales of Rebif® in the US were up 54.5% to $86.0m (2003: $55.7m).

Rebif® continues its market leadership outside the US with 2004 sales increasing by 26.0% to $795.0m (2003: $630.8m). Sales ex-US were up by 26.2% to $224.0m in the fourth quarter (2003: $177.5m).

On January 5th 2005, Serono announced that patient enrolment for a head-to-head study comparing Rebif® with Copaxone® in relapsing remitting MS had been completed. This trial will provide comparative data that will support an evidence-based approach for rational treatment decisions in multiple sclerosis, and Serono expects the data to support Rebif® as a foundation therapy for treatment of multiple sclerosis.

On January 11th 2005, Serono announced that it will initiate a large Phase III study with Mylinax® (oral formulation of cladribine) in Q1 2005. Mylinax® could be the first oral disease modifying treatment for MS to reach the market. This multi-center, multi-national study is designed to assess the effectiveness of Mylinax® in patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. It will be a two-year, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving over 1,200 patients.

In 2004, Serono introduced Rebiject II, a new auto-injection device, and an ultra-thin needle for the Rebif® pre-filled syringe. A titration pack has also recently been approved by the FDA simplifying initiation of therapy for new patients.

Reproductive Health

In 2004, sales of Gonal-f® increased by 8.7% (3.6% in local currencies) to $572.7m (2003: $526.9m) and by 2.2% (-1.7% in local currencies) to $151.1m (2003: $147.9m) in the fourth quarter. Excluding Germany which was impacted by government and reimbursement issues, Gonal-f® worldwide sales grew by 17.5% (12.3% in local currencies) in 2004 reflecting the availability of the newly launched Gonal-f® pre-filled pen.

Serono’s core reproductive health portfolio consisting of three recombinant hormones (Gonal-f®, Ovidrel®/Ovitrelle®, Luveris®) and two complementary products (Cetrotide®, Crinone®) grew by 8.5% (3.4% in local currencies) to $645.6m representing 93.3% of total reproductive health sales in 2004. With the approval of Luveris® in the US, the complete portfolio of infertility products is now globally available with the exception of Japan.

New initiatives have been undertaken to raise disease and treatment awareness, such as www.fertility.com and Fertility Lifelines (www.fertilitylifelines.com), educational services that offer customized information and support to people with fertility concerns.

-more-


Growth and Metabolism

Total growth hormone sales increased by 12.3% (8.2% in local currencies) to $269.8m (2003: $240.2m) in 2004 and by 17.3% (13.8% in local currencies) to $76.4m (2003: $65.1m) in the fourth quarter driven by a strong performance of Saizen®.

Saizen® sales increased by 20.2% (13.6% in local currencies) to $182.1m (2003: $151.5m) in 2004, and were up 25.8% (20.4% in local currencies) to $53.2m (2003: $42.3m) during the fourth quarter. Our investment in innovative devices and support tools to improve the management of growth disorders contributed to making Saizen® a popular choice with patients. Saizen® was recently approved by the FDA in Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency (AGHD).

Serostim® sales were $86.8m for the full year (2003: $88.8m), and $22.6m (2003: $22.8m) in the fourth quarter. A Phase III trial of Serostim in HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome (HARS) completed recruitment at the end of 2004.

Dermatology

In late September 2004, Raptiva® was approved by the European Commission for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis for whom other systemic treatments or phototherapy have been inadequate or are inappropriate. Raptiva® was the first biological treatment for psoriasis to be authorized for marketing in the 25 countries of the European Union.

Raptiva® is also approved in Switzerland and Australia, as well as Argentina, Mexico and Brazil and is now available in 15 countries. Sales of Raptiva® were $4.9m for the full year, and $3.7m in the fourth quarter. The roll-out of Raptiva® will continue throughout 2005.

Regional Sales

North American sales grew by 20.7% to $837.9m in 2004 (2003: $694.3m). European sales increased by 12.3% to $895.2m (2003: $796.8m). In the rest of the world, sales grew by 21.2% to $444.9m (2003: $367.0m).

In the fourth quarter, North American sales were up 20.8% to $232.7m (Q4 2003: $192.7m) while European sales grew by 8.2% to $247.8m (Q4 2003: $229.0m) and sales in the rest of the world increased by 27.1% to $124.0m (Q4 2003: $97.5m).

-more-


R&D News

Significant steps forward in R&D were made in the last twelve months. Serono now has six late-stage clinical development programs on-going, consisting of five Phase III programs (onercept in psoriasis; interferon-beta in chronic hepatitis C in Asian patients; Serostim® in HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome; Canvaxin™ in stage III and IV melanoma and Mylinax® in relapsing forms of MS) and one post-registration head-to-head study comparing Rebif® with Copaxone® in relapsing remitting MS.

In December 2004, Serono announced two significant agreements strengthening its R&D presence in oncology. One collaboration is with CancerVax for the global development and commercialization of Canvaxin™, currently in two Phase III trials for respectively stage III and IV melanoma involving over 1,800 patients. The second collaboration is a partnership with Micromet for the global development and commercialization of adecatumumab (MT201). This monoclonal antibody is currently in Phase II trials for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Conference Call and Webcast

Serono will hold a conference call on February 2nd, 2005, starting at 11:00 am Eastern Time (5:00 pm Central European Time) during which Serono Management will present the Company's Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2004 Results.

The event will also be relayed by live audio webcast which interested parties may access via Serono's Corporate home page, www.serono.com. A link to the webcast will be provided immediately prior to the event. Additionally, the webcast will be available for replay until close of business on February 20th, 2005.

###
Some of the statements in this press release are forward looking. Such statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of Serono S.A. and affiliates to be materially different from those expected or anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on Serono’s current expectations and assumptions, which may be affected by a number of factors, including those discussed in this press release and more fully described in Serono’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 25, 2004. These factors include any failure or delay in Serono’s ability to develop new products, any failure to receive anticipated regulatory approvals, any problems in commercializing current products as a result of competition or other factors, our ability to obtain reimbursement coverage for our products, and government regulations limiting our ability to sell our products. Serono has no responsibility to update the forward-looking statements contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
###

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About Serono

Serono is a global biotechnology leader. The Company has eight biotechnology products, Rebif®, Gonal-f®, Luveris®, Ovidrel®/Ovitrelle®, Serostim®, Saizen®, Zorbtive™ and Raptiva®. In addition to being the world leader in reproductive health, Serono has strong market positions in neurology, metabolism and growth and has recently entered the psoriasis area. The Company's research programs are focused on growing these businesses and on establishing new therapeutic areas, including oncology. Currently, there are approximately 30 ongoing development projects.

In 2004, Serono achieved worldwide revenues of US$2,458.1 million, and a net income of US$494.2 million, making it the third largest biotech company in the world. Its products are sold in over 90 countries. Bearer shares of Serono S.A., the holding company, are traded on the virt-x (SEO) and its American Depositary Shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (SRA).

For more information, please contact:

Serono in Geneva, Switzerland:
Media Relations:
Investor Relations:
Tel: +41-22-739 36 00
Tel: +41-22-739 36 01
Fax: +41-22-739 30 85
Fax: +41-22-739 30 22
http://www.serono.com
Reuters: SEO.VX / SRA.N
 
Bloomberg: SEO VX / SRA US
Serono, Inc., Rockland, MA
 
Media Relations:
Investor Relations:
Tel. +1 781 681 2340
Tel. +1 781 681 2552
Fax: +1 781 681 2935
Fax: +1 781 681 2912
http://www.seronousa.com
 

 
On the following pages, there are:

 
·
Tables detailing sales in dollars by therapeutic area, geographic region and the top 10 products for the 3 and 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.

 
·
Consolidated income statements for the 3 and 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the consolidated statement of changes in equity as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, as well as the consolidated cash flow statements for the 12 months ended December 31, 2004 and 2003. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of International Financial Reporting Standards. The accompanying notes to these 2004 full-year consolidated financial statements will be available upon the release of Serono’s 2004 Annual Report.
 
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Sales by therapeutic area
 
   
Three Months Ended
     
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2004
     
December 31, 2003
 
                       
 
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
% change $
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
Neurology
   
319.1
   
52.8
%
 
31.9
%
 
241.9
   
46.6
%
Reproductive Health
   
181.9
   
30.1
%
 
(4.8
%)
 
191.0
   
36.8
%
Growth & Metabolism
   
76.4
   
12.6
%
 
17.3
%
 
65.1
   
12.5
%
Dermatology
   
3.7
   
0.6
%
 
n/a
             
Others
   
23.4
   
3.9
%
 
10.1
%
 
21.3
   
4.1
%
 
   
  
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total sales (US$ million)
 
$
604.5
   
100
%
 
16.4
%
$
519.3
   
100
%
 
Sales by geographic region
 
   
Three Months Ended
     
Three Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2004
     
December 31, 2003
 
                       
 
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
% change $
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
Europe
   
247.8
   
41.0
%
 
8.2
%
 
229.0
   
44.1
%
North America
   
232.7
   
38.5
%
 
20.8
%
 
192.7
   
37.1
%
Latin America
   
30.6
   
5.1
%
 
4.2
%
 
29.4
   
5.7
%
Others
   
93.4
   
15.4
%
 
37.0
%
 
68.2
   
13.1
%
 
   
  
   
 
          
 
   
 
 
Total sales (US$ million)
 
$
604.5
   
100
%
 
16.4
%
$
519.3
   
100
%
 
Sales by therapeutic area
 
   
Twelve Months Ended
     
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2004
     
December 31, 2003
 
                       
 
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
% change $
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
Neurology
   
1,123.0
   
51.6
%
 
32.1
%
 
850.2
   
45.8
%
Reproductive Health
   
692.3
   
31.8
%
 
(0.1
%)
 
692.9
   
37.3
%
Growth & Metabolism
   
269.8
   
12.4
%
 
12.3
%
 
240.2
   
12.9
%
Dermatology
   
4.9
   
0.2
%
 
n/a
             
Others
   
87.9
   
4.0
%
 
17.7
%
 
74.7
   
4.0
%
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
Total sales (US$ million)
 
$
2,177.9
   
100
%
 
17.2
%
$
1,858.0
   
100
%


Sales by geographic region
 
   
Twelve Months Ended
     
Twelve Months Ended
 
   
December 31, 2004
     
December 31, 2003
 
                       
 
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
% change $
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
Europe
   
895.2
   
41.1
%
 
12.3
%
 
796.8
   
42.9
%
North America
   
837.9
   
38.5
%
 
20.7
%
 
694.3
   
37.4
%
Latin America
   
111.1
   
5.1
%
 
12.4
%
 
98.8
   
5.3
%
Others
   
333.7
   
15.3
%
 
24.5
%
 
268.1
   
14.4
%
 
   
  
   
  
           
  
   
  
 
Total sales (US$ million)
 
$
2,177.9
   
100
%
 
17.2
%
$
1,858.0
   
100
%
 
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TOP TEN PRODUCTS
 
                           
                           
                           
                           
       
Three Months Ended
     
Three Months Ended
 
       
December 31, 2004
 
 
 
December 31, 2003
 
                           
   
* TA
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
% change $
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
                           
Rebif®
   
MS
   
310.0
   
51.3
%
 
32.9
%
 
233.2
   
44.9
%
Gonal-f®
   
RH
   
151.1
   
25.0
%
 
2.2
%
 
147.9
   
28.5
%
Saizen®
   
Growth
   
53.2
   
8.8
%
 
25.8
%
 
42.3
   
8.1
%
Novantrone®
   
MS/Oncology
   
23.5
   
3.9
%
 
5.0
%
 
22.4
   
4.3
%
Serostim®
   
Wasting
   
22.6
   
3.7
%
 
(0.8
%)
 
22.8
   
4.4
%
Cetrotide®
   
RH
   
6.7
   
1.1
%
 
(13.5
%)
 
7.7
   
1.5
%
Crinone®
   
RH
   
6.2
   
1.0
%
 
(3.4
%)
 
6.4
   
1.2
%
Ovidrel®
   
RH
   
5.5
   
0.9
%
 
50.7
%
 
3.6
   
0.7
%
Metrodin-HP®
   
RH
   
4.4
   
0.7
%
 
(16.6
%)
 
5.3
   
1.0
%
Stilamin®
   
Other
   
4.2
   
0.7
%
 
9.3
%
 
3.9
   
0.7
%
 
                           
       
Twelve Months Ended
     
Twelve Months Ended
 
       
December 31, 2004
 
 
 
December 31, 2003
 
                           
   
* TA
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
% change $
 
$ million
 
% of sales
 
                           
Rebif®
   
MS
   
1,090.6
   
50.1
%
 
33.1
%
 
819.4
   
44.1
%
Gonal-f®
   
RH
   
572.7
   
26.3
%
 
8.7
%
 
526.9
   
28.4
%
Saizen®
   
Growth
   
182.1
   
8.4
%
 
20.2
%
 
151.5
   
8.2
%
Serostim®
   
Wasting
   
86.8
   
4.0
%
 
(2.2
%)
 
88.8
   
4.8
%
Novantrone®
   
MS/Oncology
   
83.9
   
3.9
%
 
8.8
%
 
77.1
   
4.1
%
Cetrotide®
   
RH
   
24.8
   
1.1
%
 
(0.2
%)
 
24.8
   
1.3
%
Crinone®
   
RH
   
19.8
   
0.9
%
 
(4.6
%)
 
20.8
   
1.1
%
Ovidrel®
   
RH
   
17.7
   
0.8
%
 
43.3
%
 
12.3
   
0.7
%
Metrodin-HP®
   
RH
   
15.9
   
0.7
%
 
(36.0
%)
 
24.8
   
1.3
%
Stilamin®
   
Other
   
15.8
   
0.7
%
 
3.6
%
 
15.3
   
0.8
%
                                       
 
 
* Therapeutic Areas
 
 
RH
= Reproductive Health
Wasting
= AIDS Wasting
 
MS
= Multiple Sclerosis
Growth
= Growth Retardation
 
Oncology
= Oncology
       
 
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Consolidated Income Statements
         
                       
                       
                       
Three months ended December 31
 
2004
 
% of
     
2003
 
% of
 
   
US$'000
 
Revenues
 
% change
 
US$'000
 
Revenues
 
                       
Revenues
                     
Product sales
   
604,467
         
16.4
%
 
519,276
       
Royalty and license income
   
75,259
         
64.4
%
 
45,788
       
Total Revenues
   
679,726
   
100.0
%
 
20.3
%
 
565,064
   
100.0
%
Operating Expenses
                               
Cost of product sales
   
73,017
         
(9.2
%)
 
80,418
       
% of Sales
   
12.1
%
             
15.5
%
     
Selling, general and administrative
   
234,302
   
34.5
%
 
31.0
%
 
178,865
   
31.7
%
Research and development
   
221,264
   
32.6
%
 
78.1
%
 
124,208
   
22.0
%
Other operating expense, net
   
66,350
   
9.8
%
 
35.0
%
 
49,156
   
8.7
%
Total Operating Expenses
   
594,933
   
87.5
%
 
37.5
%
 
432,647
   
76.6
%
Operating Income
   
84,793
   
12.5
%
 
(36.0
%)
 
132,417
   
23.4
%
Financial income, net
   
20,667
         
36.4
%
 
15,154
        
Other income / (expense), net
   
16
   
 
   
 
   
(16,124
)
 
 
 
Total Non Operating Income/(expense), net
   
20,683
   
 
   
 
   
(970
)
 
 
 
Income Before Taxes and Minority Interests
   
105,476
   
15.5
%
 
(19.8
%)
 
131,447
   
23.3
%
Taxes
   
13,943
   
 
   
 
   
19,742
   
 
 
Income Before Minority Interests
   
91,533
               
111,705
       
Minority interests
   
1,835
   
 
   
 
   
92
   
 
 
Net Income
   
89,698
   
13.2
%
 
(19.6
%)
 
111,613
   
19.8
%
 
 

   
2004
 
2003
 
% Change
 
               
               
Basic Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
         
 
 
- Bearer shares
   
6.10
   
7.05
   
(13.6
%)
- Registered shares
   
2.44
   
2.82
   
(13.6
%)
- American depositary shares
   
0.15
   
0.18
   
(13.6
%)
                     
Diluted Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
                  
 
 
- Bearer shares
   
6.09
   
7.04
   
(13.5
%)
- Registered shares
   
2.44
   
2.81
   
(13.5
%)
- American depositary shares
   
0.15
   
0.18
   
(13.5
%)
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated in accordance with IAS 33 (Earnings per Share) by dividing the net income of the group,
 
US$89.7 million (2003 US$111.6 million), by an appropriate number of shares. This is 10,307,628 bearer shares (2003 11,421,622)
and 11,013,040 registered shares (2003 11,013,040). The total weighted average equivalent number of bearer shares is 14,712,844
(2003 15,826,838) for the three months ended December 31, 2004. As each American depositary share represents ownership interest
in one fortieth of a bearer share, basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share is calculated as one fortieth of the
 
earnings per bearer share.
                 
                   
For diluted earnings per share, the total number of bearer shares is adjusted to assume conversion of all in the money share options
granted to employees and directors. The convertible bond is antidilutive and therefore has not been included in the calculation of
diluted earnings per share. The number of bearer shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share is 10,327,107 (2003 11,459,708).

 
Consolidated Income Statements
                 
                       
                       
                       
Twelve months ended December 31
 
2004 *
 
% of
     
2003 *
 
% of
 
   
US$'000
 
Revenues
 
% change
 
US$'000
 
Revenues
 
                       
Revenues
                     
Product sales
   
2,177,949
         
17.2
%
 
1,858,009
       
Royalty and license income
   
280,101
          
74.4
%
 
160,608
        
Total Revenues
   
2,458,050
   
100.0
%
 
21.8
%
 
2,018,617
   
100.0
%
Operating Expenses
                               
Cost of product sales
   
304,111
         
8.8
%
 
279,619
       
% of Sales
   
14.0
%
             
15.0
%
     
Selling, general and administrative
   
807,940
   
32.9
%
 
26.9
%
 
636,823
   
31.5
%
Research and development
   
594,802
   
24.2
%
 
27.2
%
 
467,779
   
23.2
%
Other operating expense, net
   
227,096
   
9.2
%
 
13.8
%
 
199,476
   
9.9
%
Total Operating Expenses
   
1,933,949
   
78.7
%
 
22.1
%
 
1,583,697
   
78.5
%
Operating Income
   
524,101
   
21.3
%
 
20.5
%
 
434,920
   
21.5
%
Financial income, net
   
63,281
         
43.8
%
 
44,018
       
Other expense, net
   
629
   
 
   
 
   
19,743
   
  
 
Total Non Operating Income, net
   
62,652
   
 
   
  
   
24,275
   
 
 
Income Before Taxes and Minority Interests
   
586,753
   
23.9
%
 
27.8
%
 
459,195
   
22.7
%
Taxes
   
90,947
   
  
   
 
   
68,905
   
 
 
Income Before Minority Interests
   
495,806
               
390,290
       
Minority interests
   
1,653
   
 
   
 
   
327
   
   
 
Net Income
   
494,153
   
20.1
%
 
26.7
%
 
389,963
   
19.3
%
     
         
   
       
* Extracted from the audited consolidated financial statements
                       
 
 

   
2004
 
2003
 
% Change
 
               
               
Basic Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
         
 
 
- Bearer shares
   
32.35
   
24.63
   
31.3
%
- Registered shares
   
12.94
   
9.85
   
31.3
%
- American depositary shares
   
0.81
   
0.62
   
31.3
%
                     
Diluted Earnings per Share (in U.S. dollars)
               
  
 
- Bearer shares
   
32.29
   
24.59
   
31.3
%
- Registered shares
   
12.92
   
9.84
   
31.3
%
- American depositary shares
   
0.81
   
0.61
   
31.3
%
 
Basic earnings per share is calculated in accordance with IAS 33 (Earnings per Share) by dividing the net income of the group,
 
US$494.2 million (2003 US$390.0 million), by an appropriate number of shares. This is 10,871,187 bearer shares (2003 11,427,194)
and 11,013,040 registered shares (2003 11,013,040). The total weighted average equivalent number of bearer shares is 15,276,403
(2003 15,832,410) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004. As each American depositary share represents ownership interest
in one fortieth of a bearer share, basic and diluted earnings per American depositary share is calculated as one fortieth of the
 
earnings per bearer share.
         
           
For diluted earnings per share, the total number of bearer shares is adjusted to assume conversion of all in the money share options
granted to employees and directors. The convertible bond is antidilutive and therefore has not been included in the calculation of
 
diluted earnings per share. The number of bearer shares used to calculate diluted earnings per share is 10,896,618 (2003 11,452,890).
-more-
 


Consolidated Balance Sheets
         
           
As of
 
December 31, 2004 *
 
December 31, 2003 *
 
   
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
Assets
         
Current Assets
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 275,979
 
 1,003,972
 
Short-term financial assets
 
 784,999
 
 434,810
 
Trade accounts receivable
 
 427,935
 
 318,388
 
Inventories
 
 326,937
 
 319,820
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
 237,205
 
 220,334
 
Total Current Assets
 
 2,053,055
 
 2,297,324
 
             
Non-Current Assets
           
Tangible fixed assets
 
 799,878
 
 701,453
 
Intangible assets
 
 290,558
 
 259,626
 
Deferred tax assets
 
 198,467
 
 169,693
 
Long-term financial assets
 
 929,030
 
 1,104,333
 
Other long-term assets
 
 133,302
 
 39,174
 
Total Non-Current Assets
 
 2,351,235
 
 2,274,279
 
Total Assets
 
 4,404,290
 
 4,571,603
 
             
Liabilities
           
Current Liabilities
           
Trade and other payables
 
 426,616
 
 338,862
 
Short-term financial debts
 
 34,527
 
 51,224
 
Income taxes
 
 166,861
 
 146,086
 
Deferred income - current
 
 33,128
 
 47,200
 
Other current liabilities
 
 208,071
 
 170,019
 
Total Current Liabilities
 
 869,203
 
 753,391
 
             
Non-Current Liabilities
           
Long-term financial debts
 
 640,892
 
 532,022
 
Deferred tax liabilities
 
 24,242
 
 15,919
 
Deferred income - non current
 
 157,004
 
 174,911
 
Provisions and other long-term liabilities
 
 261,728
 
 213,556
 
Total Non-Current Liabilities
 
 1,083,866
 
 936,408
 
Total Liabilities
 
 1,953,069
 
 1,689,799
 
   
 
 
 
 
Minority Interests
 
 3,343
 
 1,614
 
             
Shareholders' Equity
           
Share capital
 
 254,420
 
 253,895
 
Share premium
 
 1,023,125
 
 1,002,991
 
Treasury shares
 
 (987,489)
 
 (157,642)
 
Retained earnings
 
 2,064,499
 
 1,669,700
 
Fair value and other reserves
 
 23,482
 
 22,711
 
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments
 
 69,841
 
 88,535
 
Total Shareholders' Equity
 
 2,447,878
 
 2,880,190
 
   
 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities, Minority Interests and Shareholders' Equity
 
 4,404,290
 
 4,571,603
 
               
* Extracted from the audited consolidated financial statements
     

-more-

 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
                             
                       
Cumulative
     
                       
foreign
     
                   
Fair value
 
currency
     
   
Share
 
Share
 
Treasury
 
Retained
 
and other
 
translation
     
   
capital
 
premium
 
shares
 
earnings
 
reserves
 
adjustments
 
Total
 
   
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
                               
Balance as of January 1, 2003
   
253,416
   
989,141
   
(126,460
)
 
1,364,626
   
(44,807
)
 
25,282
   
2,461,198
 
Acquisition of treasury shares
               
(42,026
)
                   
(42,026
)
Issue of share capital
   
479
   
13,725
   
10,844
                     
25,048
 
Issue of call options on Serono shares
         
125
         
820
               
945
 
Issue of convertible debt
                           
24,605
         
24,605
 
Net income
                     
389,963
               
389,963
 
Dividend - bearer shares
                     
(61,849
)
             
(61,849
)
Dividend - registered shares
                     
(23,860
)
             
(23,860
)
Fair value adjustments on available-for sales investments
                           
25,903
         
25,903
 
Recognition of unrealized loss on available-for-sale investments
                           
11,265
         
11,265
 
Sale of available-for-sale investments
                           
5,745
         
5,745
 
Translation effects
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
   
 
   
63,253
   
63,253
 
Balance as of December 31, 2003 *
   
253,895
   
1,002,991
   
(157,642
)
 
1,669,700
   
22,711
   
88,535
   
2,880,190
 
                                             
                                             
Balance as of January 1, 2004
   
253,895
   
1,002,991
   
(157,642
)
 
1,669,700
   
22,711
   
88,535
   
2,880,190
 
Acquisition of treasury shares
               
(833,148
)
                   
(833,148
)
Issue of share capital
   
525
   
20,134
   
3,301
                     
23,960
 
Net income
                     
494,153
               
494,153
 
Dividend - bearer shares
                     
(71,096
)
             
(71,096
)
Dividend - registered shares
                     
(28,258
)
             
(28,258
)
Fair value adjustments on available-for sales investments
                           
14,488
         
14,488
 
Fair value adjustments on financial instruments
                           
(13,717
)
       
(13,717
)
Translation effects
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
(18,694
)
 
(18,694
)
Balance as of December 31, 2004 *
   
254,420
   
1,023,125
   
(987,489
)
 
2,064,499
   
23,482
   
69,841
   
2,447,878
 
* Extracted from the audited consolidated financial statements
                                           
-more-

 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
         
           
           
           
Twelve months ended December 31
 
2004 *
 
2003 *
 
   
US$'000
 
US$'000
 
           
Income before taxes and minority interests
   
586,753
   
459,195
 
Reversal of non-cash items
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
145,221
   
135,607
 
Financial income
   
(68,174
)
 
(49,815
)
Unrealized foreign exchange result
   
(39,137
)
 
(14,671
)
Financial expense
   
17,440
   
4,884
 
Loss on sale of available-for-sale investments
   
--
   
20,149
 
Other non-cash items
   
(52,248
)
 
(16,647
)
Cash Flow From Operating Activities Before Working Capital Changes
   
589,855
   
538,702
 
               
Working Capital Changes
             
Trade accounts payable, other current liabilities and deferred income
   
127,946
   
104,497
 
Trade accounts receivable and other receivables
   
(141,160
)
 
(34,245
)
Inventories
   
24,216
   
(7,265
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
(28,253
)
 
30,818
 
Taxes paid
   
(100,895
)
 
(89,648
)
Total working capital changes
   
(118,146
)
 
4,157
 
Net Cash Flow From Operating Activities
   
471,709
   
542,859
 
               
Purchase of a subsidiary
   
--
   
(9,651
)
Investment in tangible fixed assets
   
(178,919
)
 
(162,527
)
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
   
5,569
   
11,081
 
Purchase of intangible and other long-term assets
   
(54,932
)
 
(30,813
)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments
   
(849,066
)
 
(439,669
)
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments
   
654,628
   
8,058
 
Interest received
   
100,596
   
67,324
 
Net Cash Flow From Investing Activities
   
(322,124
)
 
(556,197
)
               
Acquisition of treasury shares
   
(811,677
)
 
(42,026
)
Proceeds from issue of Serono shares
   
10,333
   
13,105
 
Proceeds from exercise of options on Serono shares
   
2,163
   
7,536
 
Proceeds from issue of options on Serono shares
   
--
   
945
 
Proceeds from issue of convertible bond
   
--
   
444,820
 
Increase in long-term financial debts
   
48,661
   
53,948
 
Repayment of long-term financial debts
   
(5,214
)
 
(23,086
)
Change in short-term financial debts
   
(12,312
)
 
(27,096
)
Other non-current liabilities
   
(6,699
)
 
(15,717
)
Interest paid
   
(4,215
)
 
(4,361
)
Dividends paid
   
(99,354
)
 
(85,709
)
Net Cash Flow From Financing Activities
   
(878,314
)
 
322,359
 
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
736
   
8,918
 
Net change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
   
(727,993
)
 
317,939
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period
   
1,003,972
   
686,033
 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period
   
275,979
   
1,003,972
 
               
* Extracted from the audited consolidated financial statements
             
-more-


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.

 
   
SERONO S.A.
   
a Swiss corporation
   
(Registrant)
     
     
     
February 1, 2005
 
By:      /s/ Stuart Grant                    
   
Name: Stuart Grant
   
Title:   Chief Financial Officer