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    ZTS
    Earnings call· Dec 2024(Q4 FY24)

    Zoetis Inc. ZTS

    Feb 13, 2025 Source

    Executive summary

    Zoetis Q4 FY24 — Strong Growth Across Key Franchises and Record Librela Launch

    Zoetis delivered robust Q4 and full-year 2024 results, driven by strong performance in its Companion Animal portfolio, particularly the Simparica franchise and OA Pain mAbs. The company's diversified business model and strategic investments in innovation are expected to sustain above-market growth, despite anticipated competitive entries and foreign exchange headwinds in 2025.

    Highlights

    5
    • Full year operational revenue grew 11%, reaching $9.3 billion.

    • Companion Animal portfolio grew 14% operationally for the full year.

    • Librela's U.S. launch became the most successful in company history, reaching blockbuster status in less than 4 quarters with $201 million in sales.

    • Global Simparica franchise grew 28% operationally to $1.4 billion in revenue for the full year.

    • Adjusted net income grew 15% operationally for the full year, reaching $2.7 billion.

    Concerns

    3
    • Divestiture of Medicated Feed Additive product portfolio in Q4 led to a 1% decline in U.S. Livestock revenue for the full year.

    • Foreign exchange headwinds are projected to impact 2025 revenue by approximately $250 million and adjusted net income by $50 million.

    • The adjusted effective tax rate for 2025 is expected at the higher end of the historical range (~21%) due to increased taxes on foreign earnings.

    Guidance & targets

    14
    CategoryTargetConfidence
    Full-year 2025 revenue
    $9.225 billion to $9.375 billion
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 organic operational revenue growth
    6% to 8%
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 adjusted net income
    $2.7 billion to $2.75 billion
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 organic operational adjusted net income growth
    6% to 8%
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 bottom-line growth (excluding interest and taxes)
    8% to 10%
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 adjusted diluted EPS
    $6.00 to $6.10
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 reported diluted EPS
    $5.70 to $5.80
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 adjusted cost of sales as a percentage of revenue
    approximately 28%
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 adjusted SG&A expenses
    $2.3 billion and $2.35 billion
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 adjusted R&D expenses
    $680 million and $690 million
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 adjusted interest expense and other income deductions
    approximately $200 million
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 adjusted effective tax rate
    approximately 21%
    medium materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 Companion Animal innovative franchises growth
    double digits
    high materiality
    High
    Full-year 2025 Livestock organic operational growth
    in line with the livestock industry growth
    medium materiality
    High

    Segment performance

    13
    SegmentRevenueYoYQoQMargin
    U.S. Total
    Full year 2024 revenue growth.
    $5.1 billion11%
    U.S. Companion Animal
    Full year 2024 performance, driven by Simparica franchise, OA Pain mAbs, and market expansion in key dermatology.
    Simparica franchise revenue: $1 billionSimparica franchise growth: 26%Simparica Trio sales: $918 millionSimparica Trio growth: 30%OA Pain mAbs sales: $271 millionOA Pain mAbs growth: 197%Librela sales: $201 millionSolensia sales: $70 millionSolensia growth: 58%Key Dermatology sales: $1.1 billionKey Dermatology growth: 16%
    15%
    U.S. Livestock
    Full year 2024 decline due to MFA divestiture, offset by organic growth from improved ceftiofur supply.
    Organic operational growth (ex-MFA divestiture): 6%
    -1%
    International Total
    Full year 2024 operational revenue growth, favorably impacted by price increases in high inflationary markets.
    $4.1 billion10% operational
    International Companion Animal
    Full year 2024 performance driven by Simparica, Key Dermatology, and OA Pain mAbs franchises.
    Simparica franchise growth: 32% operationalSimparica franchise sales: $357 millionSimparica growth: 29% operationalSimparica sales: $212 millionSimparica Trio growth: 39% operationalSimparica Trio sales: $145 millionKey Dermatology sales: $551 millionKey Dermatology growth: 18% operationalOA Pain mAbs growth: 34% operationalOA Pain mAbs sales: $310 millionLibrela sales: $246 millionLibrela growth: 33% operationalSolensia sales: $64 millionSolensia growth: 39% operational
    International Livestock
    Full year 2024 operational growth driven by price and strong performance in fish, partially offset by swine volumes in China.
    $1.9 billion8% operational
    Q4 2024 U.S. Total
    Q4 2024 revenue growth.
    Organic operational growth (ex-MFA divestiture): 8%
    4%
    Q4 2024 U.S. Companion Animal
    Q4 2024 performance driven by Simparica, Key Dermatology, and OA Pain franchises, with pet owners seeking higher standards of care.
    Simparica franchise sales: $240 millionSimparica franchise growth: 17%Key Dermatology sales: $270 millionKey Dermatology growth: 7%OA Pain mAbs sales: $71 millionOA Pain mAbs growth: 22%Librela sales: $53 millionLibrela growth: 21%
    7%
    Q4 2024 U.S. Livestock
    Q4 2024 decline due to MFA divestiture, with organic operational growth driven by timing of ceftiofur supply and Draxxin volume.
    Organic operational growth: 12%
    -8%
    Q4 2024 International Total
    Q4 2024 operational revenue growth.
    10% operational
    Q4 2024 International Companion Animal
    Q4 2024 performance driven by Key Dermatology, Simparica franchise, and OA Pain mAbs.
    Key Dermatology sales: $147 millionKey Dermatology growth: 19% operationalSimparica franchise sales: $84 millionSimparica franchise growth: 32% operationalSimparica sales: $53 millionSimparica growth: 33% operationalSimparica Trio sales: $31 millionSimparica Trio growth: 30% operationalOA Pain mAbs sales: $79 millionOA Pain mAbs growth: 18% operationalLibrela sales: $62 millionLibrela growth: 15% operationalSolensia sales: $17 millionSolensia growth: 28% operational
    13% operational
    Q4 2024 International Livestock
    Q4 2024 operational growth primarily from price in hyperinflationary markets and cattle.
    $477 million6% operational
    Global Companion Animal Diagnostics
    Q4 2024 operational revenue growth.
    $96 million10% operational

    Operational metrics

    22
    Full Year 2024 Adjusted Net Income
    $2.7 billion15% operational growth
    FY24

    Adjusted net income for the full year 2024.

    Full Year 2024 Adjusted Gross Margin
    70.7%up 50 bps reported
    FY24

    Adjusted gross margin for the full year 2024, with reported increase and FX impact.

    Full Year 2024 Adjusted Operating Expenses
    10%
    FY24

    Operational increase in adjusted operating expenses for the full year 2024.

    Full Year 2024 SG&A
    9%
    FY24

    Operational increase in SG&A for the full year 2024, including Q4 acceleration of demand-generating activities.

    Full Year 2024 R&D Spend
    12%
    FY24

    Operational increase in R&D spend for the full year 2024, due to higher compensation and project advancement.

    Full Year 2024 Share Repurchases
    $1.9 billion
    FY24

    Amount of Zoetis shares repurchased in 2024.

    Full Year 2024 Dividends Distributed
    $786 million
    FY24

    Total dividends distributed to shareholders in 2024.

    Full Year 2024 Total Capital Returned to Shareholders
    $2.6 billionincrease of over $800 million vs prior year
    FY24

    Total capital returned to shareholders in 2024, combining share repurchases and dividends.

    Q4 2024 Adjusted Net Income
    $632 million11% reported growth, 9% operational growth
    Q4 2024

    Adjusted net income for the fourth quarter 2024.

    Q4 2024 Organic Operational Growth (ex-MFA divestiture)
    9%
    Q4 2024

    Organic operational growth in Q4 2024, excluding the impact of the MFA divestiture.

    Triple Combination Market Size
    $2 billiongrowing over 40% in past 12 months
    current

    Current global market size for triple combination treatments, with projected growth.

    Puppies on Triple Combination
    >50%
    current

    Percentage of puppies in the U.S. currently on triple combination treatments.

    OA Pain mAbs Doses Distributed
    ~25 million
    cumulative

    Cumulative number of Librela and Solensia doses distributed globally.

    Dermatology Total Addressable Market (TAM)
    $2.5 billion11% CAGR
    2028

    Projected global TAM for dermatology by 2028, with an 11% compound annual growth rate.

    Dogs Untreated/Under-treated for Derm
    20 million
    current

    Number of dogs worldwide that remain untreated or under-treated for dermatology conditions.

    U.S. Pet Care Portfolio through Alternative Channels
    ~20%
    current

    Portion of U.S. pet care portfolio flowing through alternative channels, driving growth and compliance.

    Vet Clinic Revenue Growth per Visit
    7%
    Q4 2024

    Growth in average spend per visit in U.S. vet clinics, despite declining overall visits.

    Pain-related Vet Visits
    15%increase
    Q4 2024

    Increase in pain-related vet visits in the U.S., highlighting demand for products like Librela.

    Librela Patients Treated
    >1.2 million
    Q4 2024

    Number of patients treated with Librela in the U.S. since launch.

    Apoquel Chewable Conversion
    50%
    current

    Conversion rate to Apoquel Chewable in Europe, indicating increasing preference for chewables.

    Share Repurchase Program Authorization
    $6 billion
    multi-year

    New multi-year share repurchase program approved by the Board.

    Dividend Rate Increase
    15%
    FY24

    Increase in dividend rate during 2024.

    Industry KPIs

    9
    MetricValueDetails
    EPS$6.00 to $6.10USD
    Gross margin70.7%%
    Revenue net sales$9.3 billionUSD
    Effective tax rateapproximately 21%%
    Pricing price realization6%%
    Regulatory approvals filingsat least one major approval
    Therapeutic drug market sharenumber one
    Geographic regional revenue growth11%%
    Clinical trial efficacy safety datano contraindications, no warnings, no precautions

    Deals & partnerships

    1
    not statedDivestiture of Medicated Feed Additive product portfolio and certain water-soluble products and related assets.

    The divestiture was a strategic move to streamline the portfolio, enhance operational focus, and prioritize high-growth, high-value areas that align with long-term strategy. Closed on October 31, 2024.

    Risks & headwinds

    5
    Competition in key franchisesSecond half of 2025 for derm competition

    Not explicitly quantified for specific products, but factored into 2025 guidance.

    Mitigation: Leveraging first-mover advantage (Simparica Trio), market expansion (derm), continued innovation (long-acting formulations), and omnichannel strategy.

    Foreign exchange headwindsFull year 2025

    Approximately $250 million to 2025 revenue, $50 million to 2025 adjusted net income.

    Mitigation: Guidance reflects current spot rates; no specific mitigation strategy stated.

    Normalization of hyperinflationary market tailwindsFull year 2025

    Contributed >1.5% to total company growth in 2024.

    Mitigation: Factored into Livestock guidance; no specific mitigation strategy stated.

    Higher taxes on foreign earningsFull year 2025

    2025 adjusted effective tax rate expected at ~21%, higher end of historical range.

    Mitigation: None stated.

    Net interest headwindsFull year 2025

    Impacts adjusted net income growth.

    Mitigation: None stated, due to lowering rates on invested cash.

    What to watch in Q1 FY25

    5

    Librela U.S. patient mix

    Next quarter
    CurrentMoving from severe to moderate OA patients
    TargetContinued shift towards moderate OA patients

    Why it matters

    Indicates market expansion beyond initial severe cases, crucial for long-term growth of the most successful launch product.

    In the U.S., the beginning part of the launch, we were seeing more severe. They are moving more into moderate again, as you get to know the product better. So that will be a key focus of the growth in the U.S., as we move more into the moderate patients.

    Q&A highlights

    6

    How is Zoetis factoring new market entrants and competition, especially in derm and combo parasiticides, into its 2025 guidance, and what incremental investments are being made to support key brands?

    Management is factoring in various competitive scenarios, particularly for the second half of 2025. They expect double-digit growth for the three major franchises (Simparica, Derm, OA Pain) despite competition, citing large untreated/under-treated populations. Ongoing investments in direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing and veterinarian education are yielding good returns.

    Clearly, as we usually do with our guidance as we start the year, we take into consideration a number of factors. We have multiple sources of growth. And while we're not providing individual product guidance, what we're saying is these 3 major franchise areas, we expect to drive double-digit growth for us in 2025, and we see the underlying trends that drove our performance in 2024 carry us into 2025 with momentum.

    asked by Michael Ryskin · answered by Wetteny Joseph

    2 min read6 chapters

    Detailed Narrative

    01

    Strategic Growth Drivers

    Zoetis's strategy focuses on scientific innovation and commercial excellence, driving long-term growth in key franchises like Simparica, Librela, Solensia, and Dermatology. The company leverages its global scale and omnichannel strategy to meet evolving customer preferences and ensure broad access to treatments, while championing the role of veterinarians. This approach ensures market leadership and sustained above-market growth.

    02

    Companion Animal Portfolio Strength

    The Companion Animal portfolio achieved 14% operational revenue growth for the full year, led by the Simparica franchise, which generated $1.4 billion in revenue with 28% operational growth. OA Pain mAbs Librela and Solensia combined for $581 million in revenue, growing 80% operationally. Librela's U.S. launch was the most successful in company history, reaching blockbuster status rapidly and becoming the fourth largest product in the U.S. pet care portfolio.

    03

    Livestock Portfolio Performance

    The Livestock portfolio delivered strong 5% operational revenue growth for the full year, exceeding initial expectations and reaching $2.9 billion in sales. This was achieved despite the strategic divestiture of the Medicated Feed Additive (MFA) product portfolio and related assets in Q4. The divestiture aims to streamline focus on high-growth, high-value areas like innovative vaccines and antibiotic alternatives, aligning with long-term strategy.

    04

    Market Expansion Opportunities

    Significant market expansion opportunities exist across key therapeutic areas. The global triple combination market, led by Simparica Trio, is projected to more than double from $2 billion to $4.5 billion by 2028. In dermatology, with 20 million untreated or under-treated dogs globally, the total addressable market is projected to grow to $2.5 billion by 2028. OA pain management also presents substantial growth, with nearly 40% of dogs suffering from OA.

    05

    Pipeline and Future Innovation

    Zoetis expects at least one major approval annually over the next several years, with multiple potential blockbusters in its pipeline. This includes therapies for chronic kidney disease, a $3 billion to $4 billion market, and oncology, a $1.2 billion to $1.7 billion market. The development of long-acting formulations is also anticipated to significantly improve compliance and market penetration for existing and future treatments.

    06

    Capital Allocation and Shareholder Returns

    In 2024, Zoetis demonstrated its commitment to shareholder returns by repurchasing $1.9 billion of shares, the most in its history, and approving a new multi-year $6 billion share repurchase program. The company also increased its dividend rate by 15%, distributing $786 million to shareholders. In total, over $2.6 billion was returned to shareholders in 2024, an increase of over $800 million versus the prior year.

    AI-generated summary of the company’s earnings call. Not investment advice.