Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
We make statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we may from time to time make other written reports and oral statements, regarding our outlook or expectations for financial, business or strategic matters regarding or affecting us that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, all of which are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which change over time and may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. One can identify these forward-looking statements by their use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "will," "estimates," "forecasts," "projects," "believes," "would," "potentially," "intends," "seeks," and other words of similar meaning, or negative variations of any of the foregoing. One can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our growth and acquisition strategies, financial results, product development, product approvals, product potential and development programs. One must carefully consider any such statement and should understand that many factors could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements. These factors may be based on inaccurate assumptions and are subject to a broad variety of other risks and uncertainties. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. The factors described in Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report or otherwise described in our filings with the SEC, provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to:
•expanded brand and class competition in the markets in which we operate;
•difficulties with performance of third parties we rely on for our business growth;
•the failure of any supplier to provide substances, materials, or services as agreed;
•the increased cost of supply, manufacturing, packaging, and operations;
•difficulties developing and sustaining relationships with commercial counterparties;
•competition from generic products as our products lose patent protection;
•any failure by us to obtain an additional period of market exclusivity in the United States for Nexplanon subsequent to the expiration of certain key patents in 2027;
•difficulties and uncertainties inherent in the implementation of our acquisition strategy or failure to recognize the benefits of such acquisitions;
•pricing pressures globally, including rules and practices of managed care groups, judicial decisions and governmental laws and regulations related to Medicare, Medicaid and health care reform, pharmaceutical reimbursement and pricing in general;
•the impact of higher selling and promotional costs;
•changes in government laws and regulations in the United States and other jurisdictions, including laws and regulations governing the research, development, approval, clearance, manufacturing, supply, distribution, and/or marketing of our products and related intellectual property, environmental regulations, and the enforcement thereof affecting our business;
•efficacy, safety or other quality concerns with respect to our marketed products, whether or not scientifically justified, leading to product recalls, withdrawals or declining sales;
•delays or failures to demonstrate adequate efficacy and safety of our product candidates in pre-clinical and clinical trials, which may prevent or delay the development, approval, clearance, or commercialization of our product candidates;
•future actions of third-parties, including significant changes in customer relationships or changes in the behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services, including delaying medical procedures, rationing prescription medications, reducing the frequency of physician visits and forgoing health care insurance coverage;
•legal factors, including product liability claims, antitrust litigation and governmental investigations, including tax disputes, environmental claims and patent disputes with branded and generic competitors, any of which could preclude commercialization of products or negatively affect the profitability of existing products;
•lost market opportunity resulting from delays and uncertainties in clinical trials and the approval or clearance process of the U.S. FDA and other regulatory authorities;
•cyberattacks on, or other failures, accidents, or security breaches of, our or third-party providers' information technology systems, which could disrupt our operations;
•increased focus on privacy issues in countries around the world, including the United States, the EU, and China, and a more difficult legislative and regulatory landscape for privacy and data protection that continues to evolve with the potential to directly affect our business, including recently enacted laws in a majority of states in the United States requiring security breach notification;
•changes in tax laws including changes related to the taxation of foreign earnings;
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•the impact of any future pandemic, epidemic, or similar public health threat on our business, operations and financial performance;
•loss of key employees or inability to identify and recruit new employees;
•changes in accounting pronouncements promulgated by standard-setting or regulatory bodies, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the SEC, that are adverse to us; and
•economic factors over which we have no control, including changes in inflation, interest rates, recessionary pressures, and foreign currency exchange rates.
It is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, one should not consider the above list or any other such list to be a complete statement of all potential risks or uncertainties. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise may be required by law.
General
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is intended to assist the reader in understanding our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K to enhance the understanding of our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, this section should be read in connection with Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, which includes a discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
We are a global health care company with a focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. We develop and deliver innovative health solutions through a portfolio of prescription therapies and medical devices within women's health, biosimilars and established brands. We have a portfolio of more than 60 medicines and products across a range of therapeutic areas. We sell these products through various channels including drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. We operate six manufacturing facilities, which are located in Belgium, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Unless otherwise indicated, trademarks appearing in italics throughout this document are trademarks of, or are used under license by our companies.
Key Trends Affecting Our Results of Operations
•Generic Competition: The majority of our established brands products are beyond market exclusivity. However, these products continue to represent a valuable opportunity arising from long-term sustainable revenue streams and well-established supply chains that together generate significant operating profit relative to low promotional and development expenses. In addition, Nexplanon may be eligible for an additional three years of market exclusivity in the United States subsequent to the expiration of certain key patents in 2027, although there can be no assurance that such an additional term will be granted.
•Historical Shift Towards Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives: Daily contraceptive pills are by far the largest contraception market segment, with almost half of all women choosing a hormonal contraceptive electing this particular method. However, the Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives ("LARC") market segment, which includes Nexplanon, has experienced significant growth in the decade from 2010 through to 2019, driven by a significant shift away from daily oral contraception to LARC. This was driven by payors, providers and patients looking for options beyond commonly used daily contraceptive pills. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the LARC segment during 2020 and 2021 due to clinic closures and the postponement of non-essential medical procedures during country lockdowns. The LARC segment began to rebound in 2021 and 2022, during months when clinic restrictions were removed. The LARC market is expected to continue to be an important and large segment of the overall contraception market as payors, providers and patients consider the benefits of long acting and highly effective options including Nexplanon.
•Increased Access to Fertility Solutions: With the global trend toward declining birthrates, governments and payors are implementing favorable policies across major markets that, in turn, improve access to care and drives growth for infertility therapies.
•Growing Acceptance of Biosimilars: Biologics continue to experience strong growth trends. Given the high cost of many of these biologics treatments, biosimilars are a more affordable alternative and represent a significant opportunity for patients, providers, and payors once a biologics product loses patent protection. Moreover, a
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significant number of biologics are expected to lose exclusivity over the next decade, representing a large opportunity for more biosimilar approvals.
•Increased Competitive Pressures: The markets in which we conduct our business and the pharmaceutical industry in general are highly competitive and highly regulated. Our competitors include other worldwide research-based pharmaceutical companies, smaller research companies with more limited therapeutic focus and generic drug manufacturers.
Recent Developments
Business Development
Eli Lilly ("Lilly")
In December 2023, we announced an agreement with Lilly to become the sole distributor and promoter of the migraine medicines Emgality and Rayvow in Europe. Lilly will remain the marketing authorization holder and will manufacture the products for sale. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid an upfront payment of $50 million, upon closing of the transaction in January 2024, and will pay sales-based milestone payments. The upfront payment and certain sales-based milestone payments, which were deemed probable of being achieved, are recognized as an intangible asset in the first quarter of 2024.
Claria Medical, Inc. ("Claria")
In January 2023, we made a strategic investment in Claria, a privately-held company developing an investigational medical device being studied for use during minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy. Under the terms of the agreement, we paid $8 million upfront and have the option to acquire Claria for an additional $47 million, payable if and when the option is exercised. The $8 million was expensed as Acquired in-process research and development and milestones in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 related disruptions, including patients' inability to access health care providers, negatively affected our results during 2022 and the first half of 2023, specifically, in China. The China economy has had a slower recovery from COVID-19 and this, coupled with healthcare budget deficits, has created cost containment measures post-COVID that have primarily impacted our retail business, and to a lesser extent has impacted the hospital side.
Operating Results
Sales Overview
Worldwide sales were $6.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of 1% compared with 2022. Worldwide sales were negatively impacted by approximately 2%, or $117 million, due to unfavorable foreign exchange. Excluding foreign exchange, sales increases primarily reflect the performance of; Atozet due to increased demand in various international markets; Renflexis driven primarily by continued patient growth in the United States and Canada; Follistim AQ due to a one-time buy-in as a result of the exit of the IOM in the United States, increased patient demand in the United States and volume recovery in China related to the COVID-19 negative impact during the first half of the year; Ontruzant driven by the timing of tenders and increased demand; Jada due to continued uptake in the United States following the launch; and Marvelon and Mercilon, resulting from the transaction with Bayer Healthcare where we gained rights in China during the second quarter of 2022 and in Vietnam during the third quarter of 2022. This performance was offset by: decreased sales of Zetia and Vytorin driven by the negative impact of VBP in China; the impact of the Diprospan regulatory inspection finding at the Heist manufacturing location
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that impacted the manufacturing of selected injectable steroid brands in the first quarter of 2023 (the "Market Action"); and decreased sales of Cozaar and Hyzaar (a combination of losartan potassium and hydrochlorothiazide that is marketed in Japan as PreminentTM), primarily due to ongoing generic competition.
The loss of exclusivity negatively impacted sales of certain of our products by approximately $18 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, due to the decrease in volume period over period, which mainly impacted NuvaRing in the United States. VBP in China had a $95 million negative impact on our sales during the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the year ended December 31, 2022. We expect VBP to impact our established brands product portfolio for the next several quarters.
Our operations include a portfolio of products. Highlights of the sales of our products for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are provided below. See Note 6 "Product and Geographic Information"to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on sales of our products.
Women's Health
Contraception
Worldwide sales of Nexplanon, a single-rod subdermal contraceptive implant, declined 1% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to the impact of foreign exchange, unfavorable discount rates, the result of distributor purchasing patterns associated with the timing of the increase in Nexplanon list price in the United States and the impact of the limited participation of a tender in Mexico. This was partially offset by price increases.
Worldwide sales of NuvaRing, a vaginal contraceptive product, declined 12% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, due to ongoing generic competition in the United States. We expect a continued decline in NuvaRing sales as a result of generic competition.
Worldwide sales of Marvelon and Mercilon, combined oral hormonal daily contraceptive pills not approved or marketed in the United States but available in certain countries outside the United States, increased 22% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, as a result of the transaction with Bayer Healthcare where we gained rights in China during the second quarter of 2022 and in Vietnam during the third quarter of 2022.
Fertility
Worldwide sales of FollistimAQ, a fertility treatment, increased 14% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, due to a one-time buy-in as a result of the exit of the IOM in the United States, increased patient demand in the United States and volume recovery in China related to the COVID-19 negative impact during the first half of the year. This was partially offset by the negative impact of unfavorable discount rates in the United States.
Worldwide sales of ganirelix acetate injection, a fertility treatment, declined 10% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to unfavorable discount rates in the United States and increased generic competition in Europe.
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Other Women's Health
Worldwide sales of Jada, a device intended to provide control and treatment of abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding or hemorrhage when conservative management is warranted, increased 113% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022. The sales increase is due to continued uptake in the United States following the Jadalaunch in early 2022.
Biosimilars
Renflexis is a biosimilar to Remicade (infliximab) for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. Sales increased 23% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, driven primarily by continued demand growth in the United States and Canada. We have commercialization rights to Renflexis in countries outside Europe, Korea, China, Turkey, and Russia.
Ontruzant is a biosimilar to Herceptin (trastuzumab) for the treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer and HER2-overexpressing metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. Sales for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, increased 28% driven by the timing of tenders in Brazil and increased demand partially offset by the competitive pressures in Europe. We have commercialization rights to Ontruzant in countries outside of Korea and China.
Brenzys is a biosimilar to Enbrel (etanercept) for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. Sales in the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, remained substantially consistent. We have commercialization rights to Brenzys in countries outside of the United States, Europe, Korea, China, and Japan.
Hadlima is a biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab) for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. We have commercialization rights to Hadlima in countries outside of the EU, Korea, China, Turkey, and Russia. We recorded sales of $44 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, reflecting an increase from modest sales during 2022 in markets outside of the United States and the launch in the United States in July 2023. Hadlima is currently approved in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Israel.
Established Brands
Established brands represents a broad portfolio of well-known brands, which generally are beyond market exclusivity, including leading brands in cardiovascular, respiratory, dermatology and non-opioid pain management, for which generic competition varies by market.
Cardiovascular
Combined global sales of Zetia and Vytorin, medicines for lowering LDL cholesterol, declined 11% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily driven by the negative impact of VBP in China.
Sales of Atozet, a medicine for lowering LDL cholesterol, increased 14% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to increased demand in various international markets.
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Combined global sales of Cozaar and Hyzaar, medicines for the treatment of hypertension, declined 13% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to ongoing generic competition.
Respiratory
Worldwide sales of Singulair, a once-a-day oral medicine for the chronic treatment of asthma and for the relief of symptoms of allergic rhinitis,declined2% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, due to the impact of foreign exchange partially offset by increased demand due to higher incidences of respiratory conditions across many international markets during the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to 2022.
Global sales of Nasonex, an inhaled nasal corticosteroid for the treatment of nasal allergy symptoms, increased 6% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, due to increased demand across several markets partially offset by a $10 million milestone related to a regulatory approval received during the first quarter of 2022.
Global sales of Dulera, a combination medicine for the treatment of asthma, increased 8% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to the favorable impact from price and increased demand in the United States.
Non-Opioid Pain, Bone and Dermatology
Sales of Arcoxia, a medicine for the treatment of arthritis and pain, increased 7% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to customers buying patterns and higher demand in various international markets.
Sales of Diprospan, a corticosteroid approved for treatment of a wide range of inflammatory conditions, declined 25% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, due to manufacturing issues resulting from theMarket Action. In the first quarter of 2023, we resolved the regulatory inspection findings. Sales have not yet recovered. We expect the sales recovery to continue over the next twelve months.
Other
Worldwide sales of Proscar, a medicine for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostate enlargement, for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022 were substantially consistent.
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Costs, Expenses and Other
Year Ended December 31, % Change
Acquired in-process research and development and milestones 8 107 104 (93) 3
Restructuring costs 62 28 3 * *
Exchange losses 42 11 4 * *
* Calculation not meaningful.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales increased 10% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to foreign exchange translation, higher employee-related and material and distribution related costs, which increased as a result of inflationary pressures, and product mix. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we recorded a $36 million inventory charge relating to the Market Action and an impairment charge of $9 million related to a product right for a biosimilar product. Cost of sales includes amortization of intangible assets which totaled $116 million in 2023, $116 million in 2022 and $103 million in 2021.
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 11% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, due to higher employee-related costs, costs incurred in connection with the separation from Merck, which includes the implementation of the enterprise resource planning system, and the $80 million charge related to the Microspherix legal matter as discussed in Note 20. "Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements. This was partially offset by lower promotional expenses.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses increased 12% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, primarily due to higher costs associated with our acquisitions of clinical stage assets, increased clinical study activity and higher employee-related costs.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development and Milestones
For the year ended December 31, 2023, acquired in-process research and development and milestones of $8 million related to the Claria transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2022 acquired in-process research and development and milestones represents the upfront and development milestones related to our research collaboration and license agreement with Cirqle and our agreement with Henlius for the license of certain biosimilar candidates.
Restructuring Costs
For the year ended December 31, 2023, we incurred $62 million of headcount-related restructuring expense, of which $58 million is due to activities initiated in the fourth quarter related to the ongoing optimization of our internal operations.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased 25% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022, due to increased interest rates, and debt fees and discounts expensed as part of the prepayment on the U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan and the impact of exchange rates.
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Exchange Losses
For the year ended December 31, 2023, the change in exchange losses was driven by foreign currency exchange translation losses and the impact of the portion of Euro-denominated debt not designated as a net investment hedge in the prior year period.
Other Expense, net
For the year ended December 31, 2023, other expense, net, remained relatively consistent with the prior year.
Taxes on Income
The effective income tax rates were (52.2)% and 18.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These effective income tax rates reflect the beneficial impact of foreign earnings, offset by the impact of U.S. inclusions under the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income regime and a partial valuation allowance recorded against non-deductible U.S. interest expense. In the fourth quarter of 2023, we recorded a $476 million tax benefit comprised of a gross benefit of $686 million, net of a $210 million valuation allowance, resulting from the termination of a Swiss tax arrangement. Our valuation allowance was determined based on expected future income and the terms of the remaining tax arrangement.
On August 16, 2022, the United States enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Provisions of the bill that relate to tax include the minimum tax on book income, a 1% excise tax on stock buybacks and certain tax incentives to promote clean energy. There are no impacts of the legislation to the 2023 results. We will continue to assess future impacts of this legislation.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $693 million. We have historically generated and expect to continue to generate positive cash flow from operations. Our ability to fund our operations and anticipated capital needs is reliant upon the generation of cash from operations, supplemented as necessary by periodic utilization of our Revolving Credit Facility. Our principal uses of cash in the future will be primarily to fund our operations, working capital needs, capital expenditures, repayment of borrowings, payment of dividends and strategic business development transactions. We believe that our financing arrangements, future cash from operations, and access to capital markets will provide adequate resources to fund our future cash flow needs.
Working capital was $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase in working capital was primarily driven by an increase in inventory and the timing of collection of receivables.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $799 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $858 million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to the changes in working capital balances, offset by an increase in net income.
Net cash used in investing activities was $260 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $420 million for the same period in the prior year, primarily reflecting lower investment in business development transactions in the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures.
Net cash used in financing activities was $569 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $433 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in cash used in financing activities was driven by the $250 million voluntary prepayment on the U.S. Dollar-denominated term loan in 2023 compared to the $100 million voluntary prepayment in 2022.
Capital expenditures were $251 million and $196 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Capital expenditures in 2023 and 2022 reflect investments in new capital projects focused primarily on establishing us as an independent Company. We estimate that we will continue to invest in new capital projects in 2024, for ongoing projects to stand up Organon, principally related to investments in information technology.
As part of our post-spinoff plan, we have approved an initiative to further optimize our manufacturing and supply network. As part of this initiative, we will continue to separate our supply chain through planned exits from supply agreements from Merck through 2031. This will enable us to redefine our appropriate sourcing strategy, and move to fit-for-purpose supply chains, while focusing on delivering efficiencies. We anticipate we will incur costs associated with this separation, including but not limited to accelerated depreciation, exit premiums and fees, technology transfer costs, stability and qualification batch costs, one-time resourcing costs, regulatory and filing costs, capital investment, and inventory stock bridges.
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For the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, our combined revenues from Ukraine, Russia and Israel were approximately 2% of total revenues. While we will continue to monitor the impacts of the Ukraine-Russia war and the Hamas-Israel war, as of December 31, 2023, our assets in Ukraine, Russia and Israel are not material.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023, which require material cash requirements in the future, consist of contractual milestones, purchase obligations, lease obligations and the settlement of certain tax matters.
Contractual milestones are potential payments based upon the achievement of specified milestones associated with business development transactions. Such milestone payments will only be payable in the event that our collaborative partners achieve contractually defined success-based milestones such as the advancement of the specified research and development programs or the receipt of regulatory approval for the specified compounds or products and/or we reach a sales threshold of the specified compounds or products. The timing of the payments of the contractual milestones cannot be estimated and the likelihood of achieving the milestones cannot be determined. As of December 31, 2023, total potential payments due for contractual milestones are $1.9 billion. Potential amounts due within the next twelve months are $98 million.
Purchase obligations are enforceable and legally binding obligations for purchases of goods and services which include inventory purchase commitments. As of December 31, 2023, total payments due for purchase obligations are $1.2 billion and extend through 2031. Amounts due within the next twelve months are $376 million.
Long-term debt consists of both fixed and variable-rate instruments. As of December 31, 2023, total payments due for debt obligations are $8.8 billion and extend through 2031. Amounts due within the next twelve months are $9 million.
Lease obligations exclude reasonably certain lease renewals that have not yet been executed. As of December 31, 2023, total payments due for lease obligations are $189 million and extend through 2041. Amounts due within the next twelve months are $52 million.
During the 2024 fiscal year, we anticipate paying higher cash taxes than the 2023 fiscal year. In addition, we are responsible for settlement of certain tax matters, of which we expect to pay approximately $56 million within the next year.
During 2023, we paid cash dividends of $1.12 per share. On February 15, 2024, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.28 for each issued and outstanding share of our common stock. The dividend is payable on March 14, 2024, to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 26, 2024.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The audited annual consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP and, accordingly, include certain amounts that are based on management's best estimates and judgments. A discussion of accounting estimates considered critical because of the potential for a significant impact on the financial statements due to the inherent uncertainty in such estimates are disclosed below. Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
Our accounting policy for revenue recognition has a substantial impact on reported results and relies on certain estimates. Revenue is recognized following a five-step model: (i) identify the customer contract; (ii) identify the contract's performance obligation; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation; and (v) recognize revenue when or as a performance obligation is satisfied. Revenue is reduced for gross-to-net sales adjustments discussed below, all of which involve significant estimates and judgment after considering applicable laws and regulations and definitive contractual agreements with private sector and public sector benefit providers. These types of variable consideration are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is used for prompt pay discounts. In addition, revenues are recorded net of time value of money discounts if collection of accounts receivable is expected to be in excess of one year. Estimates are assessed each period and adjusted as required to revise information or actual experience.
In the United States, revenue is reduced by sales discounts issued to customers at the point-of-sale, through an intermediary wholesaler (known as chargebacks), or in the form of rebate amounts owed based upon definitive contractual agreements or
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legal requirements with private sector (Managed Care) and public sector (Medicaid and Medicare Part D) customers. Additionally, sales are generally made with a limited right of return under certain conditions.
The provision for aggregate customer discounts in the United States covers chargebacks and rebates. We determine the provision for chargebacks based on expected sell-through levels by our wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory levels. The provision for rebates is based on expected patient usage, as well as inventory levels in the distribution channel to determine the contractual obligation to the benefit providers. We use historical customer segment utilization mix, sales, changes to product mix and price, inventory levels in the distribution channel, government pricing calculations and prior payment history in order to estimate the expected provision. Amounts accrued for aggregate customer discounts are evaluated on a quarterly basis through comparison of information provided by the wholesalers, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and other customers to the amounts accrued.
We continually monitor our provision for aggregate customer discounts. There were no material adjustments to estimates associated with the aggregate customer discount provision in 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Summarized information about changes in the aggregate customer discount accrual related to sales in the United States is as follows:
Year EndedDecember 31,
(1) Includes 2021 payments made by Merck on behalf of us for the period prior to the Separation date.
Accruals for chargebacks are reflected as a direct reduction to accounts receivable and accruals for rebates as current liabilities. The accrued balances relative to these provisions included in accounts receivable and accrued and other current liabilities were $87 million and $417 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023, $78 million and $307 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022 and $54 million and $275 million, respectively, at December 31, 2021. The increase in accrued rebates in 2023 is attributable to a wholesaler buy-in in conjunction with the exit of the IOM with Merck for the Follistim product.
Outside of the United States, variable consideration in the form of discounts and rebates is a combination of commercially-driven discounts in highly competitive product classes, discounts required to gain or maintain reimbursement, or legislatively mandated rebates. In certain European countries, legislatively mandated rebates are calculated based on an estimate of the government's total unbudgeted spending and our specific payback obligation. Rebates may also be required based on specific product sales thresholds. We apply an estimated factor against our actual invoiced sales to represent the expected level of future discount or rebate obligations associated with the sale.
We maintain a returns policy that allows our customers in certain countries to return product within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the expiration date (generally, three to six months before and 12 months after product expiration). The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon historical experience with actual returns. Additionally, we consider factors such as levels of inventory in the distribution channel, product dating and expiration period, whether products have been discontinued, entrance in the market of generic competition, changes in formularies or launch of over-the-counter products, among others.
See Note 3 "Summary of Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for additional details on our revenue recognition policy.
Contingencies and Environmental Liabilities
We are involved in various claims and legal proceedings of a nature considered normal to our business, including product liability, intellectual property, and commercial litigation, as well as certain additional matters including governmental and environmental matters. See Note 20 "Contingencies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. We record accruals for contingencies when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
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Legal defense costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency are accrued when probable and reasonably estimable.
We believe that there are no compliance issues associated with applicable environmental laws and regulations that would have a material adverse effect on us. Expenditures for remediation and environmental liabilities were $2 million in 2023, and are estimated at $15 million in the aggregate for the years 2024 through 2028. Liabilities for all environmental matters that are probable and reasonably estimable have been accrued and totaled $19 million and $20 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These liabilities are undiscounted, do not consider potential recoveries from other parties and will be paid out over the periods of remediation for the applicable sites, which are expected to occur primarily over the next 15 years. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the outcome of these matters, or the ultimate costs of remediation, we do not believe that any reasonably possible expenditures that may be incurred in excess of the liabilities accrued should exceed $24 million in the aggregate. We also do not believe that these expenditures should result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity for any year.
Impairments of Long-Lived Assets
We assess changes in economic, regulatory and legal conditions and make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows in evaluating the value of our property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets. The judgments made in evaluating impairment of long-lived intangibles can materially affect our results of operations.
We periodically evaluate whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of our long-lived assets to be held and used may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows of these assets, or appropriate asset groupings, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the asset's fair value and its carrying value. If quoted market prices are not available, we estimate fair value using a discounted value of estimated future cash flows approach.
Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment as of October 1 each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value. Some of the factors considered in the assessment include general macroeconomic conditions, conditions specific to the industry and market, cost factors which could have a significant effect on earnings or cash flows, and overall financial performance. If we conclude it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value, a quantitative fair value test is performed. If carrying value is greater than fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recorded for the difference (up to the carrying value of goodwill). We completed the annual qualitative goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2023 and concluded that there was no impairment to goodwill as the fair value of the reporting unit was significantly in excess of the carrying value.
Acquired intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value, assigned an estimated useful life, and amortized primarily on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. When events or circumstances warrant a review, we will assess recoverability from future operations using pretax undiscounted cash flows derived from the lowest appropriate asset groupings. Potential risks leading to impairment could include loss of exclusivity occurring earlier than expected, competition, pricing reductions, and other macroeconomic changes. Impairments are recognized in operating results to the extent that the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, which is determined based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows. We did not have impairment charges as of December 31, 2023. We recorded impairment charges of $9 million and $7 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 respectively. See Note 13 "Intangibles" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for additional details on Intangibles.
Taxes on Income
Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. We establish valuation allowances for our deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. We evaluate tax positions to determine whether the benefits of tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, we recognize the largest amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. For tax positions that are not more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, we do not recognize any portion of the benefit in the financial statements. We recognize interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of Taxes on Income in the consolidated statement of income.
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Prior to the Separation, income tax expense and deferred tax balances in the consolidated financial statements were calculated on a separate tax return basis. We relied on certain assumptions, one of them that on a standalone basis we would not benefit from certain tax incentives that historically benefited Merck. We believe the assumptions supporting the allocation and presentation of income taxes on a separate return basis were reasonable.
InventoryValuation
Inventories consist of currently marketed products and are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventories are assessed regularly for impairment and valuation reserves are established when necessary based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, product obsolescence and changes in estimates of future product demand and expiry. The determination of events and the assumptions utilized in our quantification of valuation reserves may require judgment. No material adjustments have been required to our inventory reserve estimates for the periods presented. Adverse changes in assumptions utilized in our inventory reserve calculations could result in an increase to our inventory valuation reserves and higher cost of sales.
Acquisitions
Business combinations are evaluated in order to determine whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions of assets or businesses. We make certain judgments, which include assessment of the inputs, processes, and outputs associated with the acquired set of activities. If we determine that substantially all of the fair value of gross assets included in a transaction is concentrated in a single asset (or a group of similar assets), we account for the transaction as an asset acquisition. In an asset acquisition, acquired IPR&D with no alternative future use is charged to expense and contingent consideration is not recognized at the acquisition date. Product development milestones are recognized upon achievement and sales-based milestones are recognized when the milestone is deemed probable of being achieved.
To be considered a business, the assets in a transaction need to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs. Businesses acquired are consolidated upon obtaining control. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized at the date of acquisition. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination that arise from contingencies are generally recognized at fair value. If fair value cannot be determined, the asset or liability is recognized if probable and reasonably estimable; if these criteria are not met, no asset or liability is recognized. Any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. Business acquisition costs are expensed when incurred.
The fair values of intangible assets are determined utilizing information available near the acquisition date based on expectations and assumptions that we deem reasonable.
Pension
Our pension plans are calculated using actuarial assumptions including a discount rate for plan benefit obligations and an expected rate of return on plan assets. These significant assumptions are reviewed annually and are disclosed in Note 15 "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans" to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
For our pension plans, the discount rate is evaluated on measurement dates to reflect the prevailing market rate of a portfolio of high-quality fixed-income debt instruments that would provide the future cash flows needed to pay the benefits included in the benefit obligation as they come due.
The expected rate of return for the pension plans represents the average rate of return to be earned on plan assets over the period the benefits included in the benefit obligation are to be paid. In developing the expected rate of return, we consider long-term compound annualized returns of historical market data, current market conditions and actual returns on our plan assets. Using this reference information, we develop forward-looking return expectations for each asset category and a weighted-average expected long-term rate of return for a target portfolio allocated across these investment categories. The expected portfolio performance reflects the contribution of active management as appropriate.
Stock-Based Compensation
We expense all stock-based payment awards to employees, including grants of stock options, over the requisite service period based on the grant date fair value of the awards. The fair value of certain stock-based awards is determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which uses both historical and current market data to estimate the fair value. This method
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incorporates various assumptions such as the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected dividend yield and expected life of the options.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a discussion of recently issued accounting standards, see Note 3 "Summary of Accounting Policies" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Foreign Currency Risk
We operate on a global basis and are exposed to the risk that our earnings, cash flows and equity could be adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. We are primarily exposed to foreign exchange risk with respect to forecasted transactions and net assets denominated in the euro, Swiss franc, and Japanese yen. We established a balance sheet risk management program and a net investment hedge to mitigate against volatility of changes in foreign exchange rates. See Note 14 "Financial Instruments" to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report for further information on our risk management.
Interest Rate Risk
Our long-term debt portfolio consists of both fixed and variable-rate instruments. For any variable rate debt, interest rate changes in the underlying index rates will impact future interest expense. We do not hold any derivative contracts that hedge our interest rate risk; however, we may consider entering into such contracts in the future.
We estimate a hypothetical 10% adverse movement in interest rates of our variable rate debt would not materially change annual interest expense.
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Item 8. Financial Statements
Index to the Financial Statements Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 238) 51
Consolidated Statements of Income 54
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 55
Consolidated Balance Sheets 56
Consolidated Statements of Equity 57
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 58
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 59
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Organon & Co.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Organon & Co. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of stockholders' equity (deficit) and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Income Taxes - Valuation of Certain Deferred Tax Assets in Switzerland
As described in Notes 3 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, as of December 31, 2023, the Company has $863 million of net deferred tax assets, inclusive of valuation allowances totaling $309 million, of which $210 million of the valuation allowances relate to certain Switzerland deferred tax assets. In 2023, the Company recorded a $476 million tax benefit comprised of a gross benefit of $686 million, net of a $210 million valuation allowance, resulting from the termination of a tax arrangement in Switzerland. The valuation allowance was determined based on expected future income and the terms of the remaining Switzerland tax arrangement. Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. The Company establishes valuation allowances for its deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. Management assesses all available evidence to estimate whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against existing deferred tax assets.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the valuation of certain deferred tax assets in Switzerland is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when determining whether these deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized in the future; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to management’s significant assumption related to expected future income by year for Switzerland; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to the realizability of the deferred tax assets, including controls over management’s assessment of expected future income for Switzerland. These procedures also included, among others, testing management process by (i) evaluating evidence available to support management’s assessment of the realizability of certain deferred tax assets in Switzerland; (ii) testing the completeness and accuracy of underlying data used in management’s assessment; (iii) evaluating the terms of the Company’s existing tax arrangement in Switzerland and the appropriateness of enacted tax rates; and (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of management’s significant assumption related to expected future income by year for Switzerland. Evaluating the reasonableness of expected future income by year for Switzerland involved considering (i) the current and past performance of the Switzerland entity and (ii) whether the assumption was consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the reasonableness of certain inputs used by management in developing the significant assumption related to expected future income for Switzerland.
U.S. Rebate Accruals – Medicaid and Managed Care Rebates
As described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company records certain variable consideration including discounts, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method. Amounts accrued, included in accrued and other current liabilities, for aggregate customer discounts as of December 31, 2023 in the United States was $417 million, of which the majority related to U.S. rebate accruals for Medicaid and Managed Care. These rebate accruals are evaluated on a quarterly basis through comparison of information provided by the wholesalers, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and other customers to the amounts accrued. Certain of these discounts are in the form of rebates, which are amounts owed based upon definitive contractual agreements or legal requirements with private sector (Managed Care) and public sector (Medicaid and Medicare Part D) benefit providers, after the final dispensing of the product by a pharmacy to a benefit plan participant. The provision for rebates is based on expected patient usage, as well as inventory levels in the distribution channel to determine the contractual obligation to the benefit providers. Management uses historical customer segment utilization mix, sales, changes to product mix and price, inventory
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levels in the distribution channel, government pricing calculations and prior payment history in order to estimate the expected provision.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to U.S. rebate accruals for Medicaid and Managed Care is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when developing these rebate accruals; (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumptions related to pricing information and historical customer segment utilization mix; and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to provisions for U.S. Medicaid and Managed Care rebates. These procedures also included, among others (i) developing an independent estimate of the U.S. rebate accruals for Medicaid and Managed Care by utilizing third-party data on historical customer segment utilization mix in the U.S., pricing information, the terms of the specific rebate programs, and the historical trends of actual rebate claims paid; (ii) comparing the independent estimate to the U.S. rebate accruals for Medicaid and Managed Care recorded by management; and (iii) testing, on a sample basis, actual rebate claims paid for U.S. Medicaid and Managed Care, including evaluating those claims for consistency with the contractual terms of the Company's rebate agreements. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in evaluating the reasonableness of the pricing information used in the Medicaid portion of the accrual.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Florham Park, New Jersey
February 26, 2024
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.
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Organon & Co.
Consolidated Statements of Income
($ in millions except shares in thousands and per share amounts)
Year EndedDecember 31,
Costs, Expenses and Other
Acquired in-process research and development and milestones 8 107 104
Restructuring costs 62 28 3
Loss From Discontinued Operations - Net of Tax — — —
Earnings per Share - Basic:
Discontinued operations — — —
Net Earnings per Share - Basic $ 4.01 $ 3.61 $ 5.33
Earnings per Share - Diluted:
Discontinued operations — — —
Net Earnings per Share - Diluted $ 3.99 $ 3.59 $ 5.31
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Organon & Co.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
($ in millions)
Year EndedDecember 31,
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes:
Cumulative translation adjustment 48 (74) 90
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Organon & Co.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in millions except shares in thousands and per share amounts)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 693 $ 706
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,183 1,018
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 9 $ 8
Accrued and other current liabilities 1,389 1,188
Deferred income taxes 47 19
Other noncurrent liabilities 412 411
Contingencies (Note 20)
Organon & Co. Stockholders' Deficit:
Additional paid-in capital 25 —
Retained earnings and accumulated (deficit) 443 (331)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (541) (564)
Total Stockholders' Deficit (70) (892)
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit $ 12,058 $ 10,955
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Organon & Co.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
($ in millions, except shares in thousands and per share amounts)
Shares Par Value
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes — — — — — 98 98
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.56 per share) — — — (145) — — (145)
Stock-based compensation plans and other 34 — — 38 — — 38
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxes — — — — — (51) (51)
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($1.12 per share) — — — (290) — — (290)
Stock-based compensation plans and other 820 — — 64 — — 64
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes — — — — — 23 23
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($1.12 per share) — — — (295) — — (295)
Stock-based compensation plans and other 1,256 — 25 59 — — 84
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Organon & Co.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
($ in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income from continuing operations $ 1,023 $ 917 $ 1,351
Impairment of assets — 9 7
Acquired in-process research and development and milestones 8 107 104
Unrealized foreign exchange loss (gain) 40 (18) 18
Net changes in assets and liabilities
Accrued and other current liabilities 102 172 329
Due from/due to related party — — (164)
Income taxes payable 16 7 (119)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 1 7 7
Acquired in-process research and development and milestones (8) (107) (104)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payment of long-term debt issuance costs — — (118)
Repayments of short-term borrowings from Merck & Co., Inc., net — — (1,512)
Net transfers to Merck & Co., Inc. — (24) 440
Employee withholding taxes related to stock-based awards (17) (11) —
Discontinued Operations
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities — — 298
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities — — (356)
Net Cash Flows Used in Discontinued Operations — — (58)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (13) (31) 667
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period 706 737 12
Cash and Cash Equivalents of Discontinued Operations, Beginning of Period — — 58
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period 693 706 737
Less: Cash and Cash Equivalents of Discontinued Operations, End of Period — — —
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period $ 693 $ 706 $ 737
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Background and Nature of Operations
Organon & Co. ("Organon" or the "Company") is a global health care company with a focus on improving the health of women throughout their lives. Organon develops and delivers innovative health solutions through a portfolio of prescription therapies and medical devices within women's health, biosimilars and established brands (the "Organon Products"). Organon has a portfolio of more than 60 medicines and products across a range of therapeutic areas. The Company sells these products through various channels including drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies and managed health care providers such as health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers and other institutions. The Company operates six manufacturing facilities, which are located in Belgium, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Unless otherwise indicated, trademarks appearing in italics throughout this document are trademarks of, or are used under license by, the Organon group of companies.
The Company's operations include the following product portfolios:
•Women's Health: Organon's women's health products are sold by prescription primarily in two therapeutic areas, contraception, with key brands such as Nexplanon® (etonogestrel implant) (sold as Implanon NXTTM in some countries outside the United States) and NuvaRing® (etonogestrel / ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring), and fertility, with key brands such as Follistim AQ® (follitropin beta injection) (marketed in most countries outside the United States as PuregonTM). Nexplanon is a long-acting reversible contraceptive, which is a class of contraceptives that is recognized as one of the most effective types of hormonal contraception available to patients with a low long-term average cost. Other women's health products include the Jada® System, which is intended to provide control and treatment of abnormal postpartum uterine bleeding or hemorrhage when conservative management is warranted and a license from Daré Biosciences for the global commercial rights to Xaciato® (clindamycin phosphate vaginal gel, 2%), an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis ("BV") in females 12 years of age and older. In October 2023, Xaciato was launched in the United States.
•Biosimilars: Organon's current portfolio spans across immunology and oncology treatments. Organon's oncology biosimilars; Ontruzant® (trastuzumab-dttb) and AybintioTM 1 (bevacizumab), have been launched in more than 20 countries and Organon's immunology biosimilars; BrenzysTM 1 (etarnarcept), Renflexis® (infliximab-abda) and Hadlima® (adalimumab-bwwd), have been launched in five countries. All five biosimilars in Organon's portfolio have launched in Canada, and three biosimilars; Ontruzant, Renflexis and Hadlima have been launched in the United States.
•Established Brands: Organon has a portfolio of established brands, which generally are beyond market exclusivity, including leading brands in cardiovascular, respiratory, dermatology and non-opioid pain management. A number of Organon's established brands lost exclusivity years ago and have faced generic competition for some time.
2. Basis of Presentation
On June 2, 2021, Organon and Merck & Co. ("Merck") entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement (the "Separation and Distribution Agreement"). Pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Merck agreed to spin off the Organon Products into Organon, a new, publicly-traded company (the "Separation"). On June 2, 2021, the Company became a standalone publicly traded company, and its financial statements are now presented on a consolidated basis. Prior to the Separation on June 2, 2021, the Company's historical combined financial statements were prepared on a standalone basis and were derived from Merck's consolidated financial statements and accounting records. The financial statements for all periods presented, including the historical results of the Company prior to June 2, 2021, are now referred to as "Consolidated Financial Statements," and have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-K.
The historical results prior to Separation included certain Merck non-U.S. legal entities that were conveyed to Organon in connection with the Separation (collectively, the "Transferred Entities" and each, a "Transferred Entity") and included operations related to other Merck products that were retained by Merck ("Merck Retained Products"). The Merck Retained Products business of the Transferred Entities was contributed by the Company to Merck and its affiliates and any remaining assets and liabilities were transferred as of June 2, 2021. Accordingly, the historical results of operations of the Merck Retained Products have been reflected as discontinued operations in these Consolidated Financial Statements.
Periods Prior to Separation
The assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of the Company were reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements on a historical cost basis, as included in the consolidated financial statements of Merck, using the historical accounting policies
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
applied by Merck. The Consolidated Financial Statements did not purport to reflect what the Company's results of operations, comprehensive income, financial position, equity or cash flows would have been had the Company operated as a standalone public company during the periods presented.
The Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared following a legal entity approach, which resulted in the inclusion of the following:
•Certain assets and liabilities, results of operations and cash flows attributable to the sales of Organon Products that were contributed to Organon prior to the consummation of the Separation.
•The Transferred Entities, which have historically included the results from the sales of both Organon Products and the Merck Retained Products. Each Transferred Entity's historical operations, including its results of operations, assets and liabilities, and cash flows have been fully reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
•In contemplation of the Separation, the Merck Retained Products business of the Transferred Entities was distributed to Merck and its affiliates ("MRP Distribution") and, accordingly, the historical results of operations, assets and liabilities, and the cash flows of the Merck Retained Products for such Transferred Entities are reflected as discontinued operations.
The Company's businesses had historically functioned together with the other businesses controlled by Merck. Accordingly, the Company relied on Merck's corporate and other support functions for its business. Therefore, for the period prior to the Separation, certain corporate and shared costs were allocated to the Company based on a specific identification basis or, when specific identification was not practicable, a proportional cost allocation method, including:
(i)expenses related to Merck support functions, including expenses for facilities, executive oversight, treasury, finance, legal, human resources, shared services, compliance, procurement, information technology and other corporate functions.
(ii)certain manufacturing and supply costs incurred by Merck's manufacturing division, including facility management, distribution, logistics, planning and global quality.
(iii)certain costs incurred by Merck's human health division in relation to selling and marketing activities, and related administrative support functions, that are not routinely allocated to therapeutic areas.
(iv)certain costs incurred by Merck's research laboratories for activities related to drug discovery and development, as well as medical and regulatory affairs.
(v)restructuring costs (see Note 8 "Restructuring") and stock-based compensation expenses (see Note 7 "Stock-Based Compensation Plans"); and
(vi)certain compensation expenses maintained on a centralized basis such as certain employee benefit expenses.
Management believes these cost allocations were a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to, or the benefit derived by, the Company during the period prior to the Separation, though the allocations may not be indicative of the actual costs that would have been incurred had the Company operated as a standalone public company. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been a standalone company would depend on a number of factors, including the chosen organizational structure, whether functions were outsourced or performed by Company's employees, and strategic decisions made in areas such as manufacturing, selling and marketing, research and development, information technology and infrastructure.
Merck maintained various employee benefit plans in which the Company's employees participated during periods prior to the Separation, a portion of the costs associated with these plans was included in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain pension assets and obligations were transferred by Merck into legal entities established to operate the Organon Products business (the "Organon Entities") that are the plan sponsor.
Merck utilized a centralized approach to cash management and the financing of its operations. Cash generated by the Company was routinely transferred into accounts managed by Merck's centralized treasury function and cash disbursements for the Company's operations prior to the Separation were funded as needed by Merck. Cash and cash equivalents of the Organon Entities and the Transferred Entities were reflected in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet. Balances held by the Organon Entities and the Transferred Entities with Merck for cash transfers and loans were reflected as Due to related party prior to Separation. All other cash, cash equivalents, short-term investments and related transfers between Merck and the Company were generally held centrally through accounts controlled and maintained by Merck and were not specifically identifiable to the Company. Accordingly, such balances were accounted for through Net investment from Merck & Co., Inc. Merck's third-party debt and related interest expense were not attributed to the Company because the Company was not the legal obligor of the debt and the borrowings were not specifically identifiable to the Company.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For the Organon Entities and the Transferred Entities, transactions with Merck affiliates that were included in the Consolidated Statement of Income and related balances were reflected as Due to related party or Due from related party in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as applicable. Other balances between the Company and Merck were considered to be effectively settled in the Consolidated Financial Statements at the time the transactions were recorded. See Note 19 "Third-Party Arrangements and Related Party Disclosures" for additional details.
As the separate legal entities that made up the Company's business were not historically held by a single legal entity, Net investment from Merck & Co., Inc. was shown in lieu of stockholders' equity in these Consolidated Financial Statements. Net investment from Merck & Co., Inc. represented Merck's interest in the recorded assets of the Company and the cumulative investment by Merck in the Company through the date of Separation, inclusive of operating results.
Income tax expense and tax balances in the Consolidated Financial Statements were calculated on a separate tax return basis. The Company's operations are included in the tax returns of certain Organon Entities, Transferred Entities or the respective Merck entities of which the Company's business was a part.
As of Separation Date
Certain assets and liabilities, including accounts receivables, inventories and trade payables included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet prior to the Separation, have been retained by Merck post-Separation and therefore were transferred to Merck through Net investment from Merck & Co., Inc. in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. As part of the Separation, Net investment from Merck & Co., Inc. was reclassified to Common Stock and Accumulated Deficit.
In connection with the Separation, additional pension assets and obligations were transferred to Organon through Net investment from Merck & Co., Inc., and the Company recorded these in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. See Note 15 "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans" for details. Additionally, stock-based awards were converted in accordance with the employee matters agreement (the "Employee Matters Agreement") entered into between Organon and Merck in connection with the spinoff. See Note 7 "Stock-Based Compensation Plans" for details.
Periods Post Separation
Following the Separation, certain functions continue to be provided by Merck under the Transition Services Agreement or are being performed using the Company's own resources or third-party service providers. Additionally, under manufacturing and supply agreements, the Company manufactures certain products for Merck or its applicable affiliate, and Merck manufactures certain products for the Company or its applicable affiliate. The Company incurred certain costs in its establishment as a standalone public company and expects to incur ongoing additional costs associated with operating as an independent, publicly traded company.
As a standalone entity, the Company files tax returns on its own behalf, and tax balances and effective income tax rate may differ from the amounts reported in the historical periods. As of June 2, 2021 and in connection with the Separation, the Company adjusted its deferred tax balances and computed its related tax provision to reflect operations as a standalone entity.
All intercompany transactions and accounts within Organon have been eliminated.
3. Summary of Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition —Recognition of revenue requires evidence of a contract, probable collection of sales proceeds and completion of substantially all performance obligations. The Company acts as the principal in its customer arrangements and therefore records revenue on a gross basis. The majority of the Company's contracts have a single performance obligation — the promise to transfer goods. Shipping is considered immaterial in the context of the overall customer arrangement and damages or loss of goods in transit are rare. Therefore, shipping is not deemed a separately recognized performance obligation.
Revenues from sales of products, including tenders, are recognized at a point in time when control of the goods is transferred to the customer, which the Company has determined is when title and risks and rewards of ownership transfer to the customer and the Company is entitled to payment.
The nature of the Company's business gives rise to several types of variable consideration including discounts and returns, which are estimated at the time of sale generally using the expected value method, although the most likely amount method is used for prompt pay discounts.
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In the United States, sales discounts are issued to customers at the point-of-sale, through an intermediary wholesaler (known as chargebacks), or in the form of rebates. Additionally, sales are generally made with a limited right of return under certain conditions. Revenues are recorded net of provisions for sales discounts and returns, which are established at the time of sale. In addition, revenues are recorded net of time value of money discounts if collection of accounts receivable is expected to be in excess of one year.
Chargebacks are discounts that occur when a contracted customer purchases through an intermediary wholesaler. The contracted customer generally purchases product from the wholesaler at its contracted price plus a mark-up. The wholesaler, in turn, charges the Company back for the difference between the price initially paid by the wholesaler and the contract price paid to the wholesaler by the customer. The Company estimates the provision for chargebacks based on expected sell-through levels by the Company's wholesale customers to contracted customers, as well as estimated wholesaler inventory levels. Rebates are amounts owed based upon definitive contractual agreements or legal requirements with private sector, (Managed Care), and public sector (Medicaid and Medicare Part D) benefit providers, after the final dispensing of the product by a pharmacy to a benefit plan participant. The provision for rebates is based on expected patient usage, as well as inventory levels in the distribution channel to determine the contractual obligation to the benefit providers. The Company uses historical customer segment utilization mix, sales, changes to product mix and price, inventory levels in the distribution channel, government pricing calculations and prior payment history to estimate the expected provision.
The Company continually monitors the provision for aggregate customer discounts. There were no material adjustments to estimates associated with the aggregate customer discount provision in 2023, 2022, or 2021.
Summarized information about changes in the aggregate customer discount accrual related to sales in the United States is as follows:
Year EndedDecember 31,
(1) Includes 2021 payments made by Merck on behalf of Organon for the period prior to the Separation date.
Amounts accrued for aggregate customer discounts are evaluated on a quarterly basis through comparison of information provided by the wholesalers, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit managers, federal and state agencies, and other customers to the amounts accrued. The accrued balances relative to the provisions for chargebacks and rebates in the United States included in Accounts receivable and Accrued and other current liabilities were $87 million and $417 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023 and $78 million and $307 million, respectively, at December 31, 2022.
Outside of the United States, variable consideration in the form of discounts and rebates is a combination of commercially-driven discounts in highly competitive product classes, discounts required to gain or maintain reimbursement, or legislatively mandated rebates. The accrued balances relative to the provision for chargebacks and rebates, based on the terms and nature of the rebate, are included in Accounts receivable and Accrued and other current liabilities. Rebates may also be required based on specific product sales thresholds. The Company applies an estimated factor against its actual invoiced sales to represent the expected level of future discount or rebate obligations associated with the sale. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the accrued balances related to the provision for rebates and discounts included in other current liabilities were approximately $126 million and $109 million, respectively.
The Company maintains a returns policy that allows customers in certain countries to return product within a specified period prior to and subsequent to the expiration date (generally, three to six months before and 12 months after product expiration). The estimate of the provision for returns is based upon historical experience with actual returns and consideration of other relevant factors.
The Company's payment terms are typically 30 days to 90 days, although certain markets have longer payment terms. See Note 6 "Product and Geographic Information" for disaggregated revenue disclosures.
Cash Equivalents —Cash equivalents are comprised of certain highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
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Inventories — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The cost of a substantial majority of U.S. inventories is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method for both financial reporting and tax purposes. The cost of all other inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.
Value Added Tax —The Company's purchases, sales and intercompany transfers of goods are subject to value added tax (VAT) and VAT receivables are recognized for amounts that represent credits against future VAT obligations. VAT receivables included inOther current assets were $113 million and $110 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. VAT payables included in Accrued and other current liabilities were $18 million and $9 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The related expense is included in the Company's operating expenses.
Depreciation —Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the assets, principally using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives primarily range from 25 to 40 years for buildings, and from 3 to 15 years for machinery, equipment and office furnishings. Depreciation expense was $120 million in 2023, $96 million in 2022, and $92 million in 2021. Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred as they do not extend the economic life of an asset.
Advertising and Promotion Costs —Advertising and promotion costs are expensed as incurred and included in Selling, general and administrative expenses. The Company recorded advertising and promotion expenses of $209 million, $255 million, and $236 million in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Goodwill —Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment as of October 1 each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value. If the Company concludes it is more likely than not that fair value is less than carrying value, a quantitative fair value test is performed. If carrying value is greater than fair value, a goodwill impairment charge will be recorded for the difference (up to the carrying value of goodwill). The Company completed the annual qualitative goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2023 and concluded that there was no impairment to goodwill as the fair value of the reporting unit was significantly in excess of the carrying value.
Acquired Intangibles —Acquired intangibles include products and product rights and licenses, which are initially recorded at fair value, assigned an estimated useful life, and amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. The Company's intangibles also include the products and product rights intangible assets attributed to Organon from Merck. The intangible assets attributable to the Company's operations have been reflected in the consolidated financial statements based on Merck's historical cost. Licenses include milestone payments made to collaborative partners upon or subsequent to regulatory approval. The estimated useful lives of acquired intangibles range from 5 to 15 years. The Company periodically evaluates whether current facts or circumstances indicate that the carrying values of its acquired intangibles may not be recoverable. If such circumstances are determined to exist, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows of these assets, or appropriate asset groupings, is compared to the carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. If the asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured based on the difference between the carrying value of the intangible asset and its fair value, which is determined based on the net present value of estimated future cash flows. See Note 13 "Intangibles" for additional details.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development ("IPR&D") —IPR&D that the Company acquires in conjunction with the acquisition of a business represents the fair value assigned to incomplete research projects which, at the time of acquisition, have not reached technological feasibility. The amounts are capitalized and are accounted for as indefinite-lived intangible assets, subject to impairment testing until completion or abandonment of the projects. Upon successful completion of each project, Organon will make a determination as to the then-useful life of the intangible asset, generally determined by the period in which the substantial majority of the cash flows are expected to be generated, and begin amortization. The Company evaluates IPR&D for impairment as of October 1 each year, or more frequently if impairment indicators exist, by performing a quantitative test that compares the fair value of the IPR&D intangible asset with its carrying value. If the fair value is less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized in operating results. There were no IPR&D intangible assets as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Research and Development —Research and development costs associated with clinical development programs that have not yet received regulatory approval are expensed as incurred.
Acquired in-process research and development and milestones— Acquired IPR&D and milestones includes upfront and milestone payments related to asset acquisitions, licensing or collaborative arrangements that are not considered an acquisition of a business and involve clinical development programs that have not yet received regulatory approval.
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Foreign Currency Translation —The net assets of international operations where the local currencies have been determined to be the functional currencies are translated into U.S. dollars using current exchange rates. The U.S. dollar effects that arise from translating the net assets of these subsidiaries at changing rates are recorded in the foreign currency translation account, which is included inAccumulated other comprehensive loss and reflected as a separate component of equity. For those operations that operate in highly inflationary economies and for those operations where the U.S. dollar has been determined to be the functional currency, non-monetary foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated using historical rates, while monetary assets and liabilities are translated at current rates, with the U.S. dollar effects of rate changes included in Exchange losses.
Organon calculates foreign currency translation on its consolidated assets and liabilities. For periods prior to the Separation, these consolidated financial statements include Merck's foreign currency translation for the Organon Entities.
Stock-Based Compensation —Prior to the Separation, certain of the Company's employees historically participated in Merck's stock-based compensation plans. Stock-based compensation expense was either allocated to the Company based on a proportionate cost allocation method or recorded based on specific identification. Effective June 3, 2021, Organon established the 2021 Incentive Stock Plan (the "Plan"). A total of 35 million shares of Common Stock are authorized under the Plan. The plan provides for the grant of various types of awards, including restricted stock unit awards, stock appreciation rights, stock options, performance-based awards and cash awards. Under the Plan, the exercise price of awards, if any, is set on the grant date and may not be less than the fair market value per share on that date. The Company measures stock-based compensation for equity awards at fair value on the date of grant and records stock-based compensation as a charge to earnings net of the estimated impact of forfeited awards. Accordingly, the Company recognizes stock-based compensation cost only for those stock-based awards that are estimated to ultimately vest over their requisite service period, based on the vesting provisions of the individual grants. The cumulative effect on current and prior periods of a change in the estimated forfeiture rate is recognized as compensation cost in earnings in the period of the change. See Note 7 "Stock-Based Compensation Plans" for additional details.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans —Prior to the Separation, the defined benefit plans in which the Company participated related primarily to plans sponsored by Merck and for which other businesses of Merck also participate ("Shared Plans"). The Company accounted for the Shared Plans as multiemployer plans and therefore the related assets and liabilities were not reflected in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For such periods prior to Separation, the Consolidated Statement of Income reflects a proportional allocation of net periodic benefit cost for the Shared Plans associated with the Company. For certain defined benefit plans attributable to the Organon Entities, the over funded or underfunded status of the plan was recognized as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company's participation in the defined pension and postretirement benefit plans sponsored by Merck concluded upon the completion of the Separation on June 2, 2021. At Separation, Organon became the plan sponsor for certain non-U.S. defined benefit pension plans. See Note 15 "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans" for additional details.
Restructuring Costs —Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are recognized in the period in which they are incurred. Costs for one-time termination benefits in which the employee is required to render service until termination in order to receive the benefits are recognized ratably over the future service period.
Contingencies and Legal Defense Costs —The Company records accruals for contingencies and legal defense costs expected to be incurred in connection with a loss contingency when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.
Taxes on Income —Prior to the Separation, income tax expense and deferred tax balances were calculated on a separate tax return basis. The Company's operations were included in the tax returns of certain Organon Entities, Transferring Entities or the respective Merck entities of which the Company's business was a part.
Deferred taxes are recognized for the future tax effects of temporary differences between financial and income tax reporting based on enacted tax laws and rates. The Company establishes valuation allowances for its deferred tax assets when the amount of expected future income is not likely to support the use of the deduction or credit. The Company assesses all available evidence to estimate whether a valuation allowance should be recorded against existing deferred tax assets. The amounts of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted in future periods if estimates of future income are reduced or increased.
The Company evaluates tax positions to determine whether the benefits of tax positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position. For tax positions that are more likely than not of being
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sustained upon audit, the Company recognizes the largest amount of the benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement in the financial statements. For tax positions that are not more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the Company does not recognize any portion of the benefit in the financial statements.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions as a component of Taxes on Income in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company accounts for the tax effects of the tax on global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") of certain foreign subsidiaries in the income tax provision in the period the tax arises. The Company and Merck entered into the Tax Matters Agreement in connection with the Separation. See Note 19 "Third-Party Arrangements and Related Party Disclosures" for additional details.
Leases — The Company has operating leases primarily for real estate. The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. When evaluating contracts for embedded leases, the Company exercises judgment to determine if there is an explicit or implicit identified asset in the contract and if the Company controls the use of that asset. Embedded leases are immaterial. The lease term includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. The Company has made an accounting policy election not to record short-term leases (leases with an initial term of 12 months or less) on the balance sheet. Lease expense associated with short term leases is not material for all periods presented.
Lease expense for operating lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Since most of the Company's leases do not have a readily determinable implicit discount rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the present value of lease payments. On a quarterly basis, an updated incremental borrowing rate is determined based on the weighted average remaining lease term of each asset class and the Company's pretax cost of debt for that same term. The updated rates for each asset class are applied prospectively to new leases. The Company does not separate lease components (e.g. payments for rent) from non-lease components (e.g. common-area maintenance costs) in the event that the agreement contains both. The Company includes both the lease and fixed non-lease components for purposes of calculating the lease liability and the related right-of-use asset. See Note 16 "Long-Term Debt and Leases" for additional details.
Use of Estimates —The presentation of these Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes in conformity with U.S. GAAP require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. Estimates are used in determining such items as provisions for sales discounts and returns, depreciable and amortizable lives, recoverability of inventories, amounts recorded for contingencies, environmental liabilities, pension and other postretirement benefit plan assumptions, stock-based compensation assumptions, restructuring costs, impairments of long-lived assets (including intangible assets and goodwill), investments, and taxes on income. Additionally, estimates are used in acquisitions, including initial fair value determinations of assets and liabilities (primarily IPR&D, intangible assets and contingent consideration), as well as subsequent fair value measurements.
For periods prior to Separation, estimates were used in determining the allocation of costs and expenses from Merck, and were used in determining such items as provisions for sales discounts and returns, depreciable and amortizable lives, recoverability of inventories, valuation of goodwill and intangibles, amounts recorded for contingencies, environmental liabilities and other reserves, pension and stock-based compensation assumptions, restructuring costs, and taxes on income.
Because of the uncertainty inherent in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Net Investment from Merck & Co., Inc. — Net investment from Merck & Co., Inc. represented Merck's interest in the recorded assets of the Company and the cumulative investment by Merck in the Company through the date of Separation, inclusive of operating results and the net effect of the transactions with and allocations from Merck. See Notes 2 "Basis of Presentation" and 19 "Third-Party Arrangements and Related Party Disclosures" for additional information.
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Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, optional guidance to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting and subsequently issued clarifying amendments. The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The optional guidance is effective upon issuance and can be applied on a prospective basis at any time between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2022; the sunset date was subsequently deferred to December 31, 2024 based on the amendment issued in December 2022 under ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). The Company applied this guidance to the Senior Credit Agreement, as amended on June 30, 2023. The impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements as a result of the application of the reference rate reform guidance is not material. See Note 16 "Long-Term Debt and Leases" for additional details.
In October 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-08, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers, guidance to improve the accounting for contract assets and contract liabilities from acquired revenue contracts with customers in a business combination. The guidance addresses diversity in practice and inconsistency related to the recognition of an acquired contract liability, payment terms and their effect on subsequent revenue recognized by an acquirer. The guidance became effective for the Company on January 1, 2023 and its amendments will be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring on or after the effective date of the guidance. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for prior acquisitions; however, the impact in future periods will be dependent upon the contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in future business combinations.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which requires disaggregated information about a reporting entity's effective tax rate reconciliation as well as information on income taxes paid. The standard is intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that would be useful in making capital allocation decisions. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2025, and should be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. This ASU will have no impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company is currently evaluating the impact to its income tax disclosures.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, which improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit or loss, provide new segment disclosure requirements for entities with a single reportable segment, and contain other disclosure requirements. The purpose of the amendments is to enable investors to better understand an entity's overall performance and assess potential future cash flows. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning on January 1, 2024 and interim periods beginning on January 1, 2025, and should be applied on a retrospective basis for all periods presented. This ASU will have no impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations. The Company is currently evaluating the impact to its segment disclosures.
4. Acquisitions and Licensing Arrangements
2023 Transactions
Claria Medical, Inc. ("Claria")
In January 2023, the Company made a strategic investment in Claria, a privately-held company developing an investigational medical device being studied for use during minimally invasive laparoscopic hysterectomy. Under the terms of the agreement, Organon paid $8 million upfront and has the option to acquire Claria for an additional $47 million, payable if and when the option is exercised. The $8 million was expensed as Acquired in-process research and development and milestones in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2023.
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2022 Transactions
Cirqle Biomedical ("Cirqle")
In July 2022, the Company entered into a research collaboration and license agreement with Cirqle for a novel investigational non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptive candidate. Under the terms of the agreement, Cirqle is responsible for conducting preclinical studies according to the mutually agreed research plan. Organon obtained exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the asset.
Under the terms of the research collaboration and license agreement, Organon recorded a $10 million upfront payment during 2022 as Acquired in-process research and development and milestones. Cirqle is eligible to receive potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to $360 million and tiered royalties based on net sales. The remaining potential milestone payments will be recognized by Organon when achievement of the contractual milestones is probable.
Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc. ("Henlius")
In June 2022, Organon and Henlius, a global biopharmaceutical company, entered into a definitive agreement whereby Organon is licensing commercialization rights for biosimilar candidates HLX11, referencing Perjeta2 (pertuzumab), used for the treatment of certain patients with HER2+ breast cancer in combinations with trastuzumab and chemotherapy and HLX14, referencing Prolia2/Xgeva2 (denosumab), used for the treatment of certain patients with osteoporosis with high risk of fracture and for the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with multiple myeloma and in patients with bone metastasis from solid tumors. Organon obtained exclusive worldwide commercialization rights, except for China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). The agreement includes an option to negotiate an exclusive license for global commercialization rights for biosimilar candidate HLX13 referencing Yervoy2 (ipilimumab) used for the treatment of certain patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, as adjuvant treatment of certain patients with cutaneous melanoma, certain patients with renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma and esophageal cancer.
Under the terms of the license agreement, Organon paid a $73 million upfront payment during 2022, of which $3 million was reflected in Other current assets and the remainder was recognized as Acquired in-process research and development and milestones. Henlius is eligible to receive potential developmental, regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to $468 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company paid an additional $27 million related to certain development milestones which were recognized as Acquired in-process research and development and milestones. The remaining potential milestone payments will be recognized by Organon when achievement of the contractual milestones is probable. Henlius will be responsible for development and, if approved, will supply the products to Organon.
Daré Bioscience, Inc. ("Daré")
In March 2022, Organon and Daré, a leader in women's health innovation, entered into an agreement whereby Organon licensed the global commercial rights to Xaciato. Xaciato is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis ("BV") in females 12 years of age and older. Xaciato received both Qualified Infectious Disease Product ("QIDP") and Fast Track designations from the FDA for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.
Under the terms of the license agreement, Organon paid a $10 million upfront payment during 2022. Daré is eligible to receive potential regulatory and commercial milestone payments of up to $182.5 million and tiered double-digit royalties based on net sales. During the year ended December 31, 2022 management determined that the first commercial milestone was deemed probable of occurring, and recognized an intangible asset of $12.5 million reflecting the $10 million upfront payment and $2.5 million commercial milestone. The intangible asset will be amortized over its useful life of 12 years. The remaining potential milestone payments will be recognized by Organon when achievement of the contractual milestones is probable. In October 2023, Xaciato was launched in the United States.
Bayer Healthcare
In February 2022, Organon acquired the product rights and related inventory from Bayer Healthcare to MarvelonTM 1 (ethinylestradiol, desogestrel) and MercilonTM 1 (ethinylestradiol, desogestrel), combined oral hormonal daily contraceptive pills, in China (including Hong Kong and Macau). In August 2022, Organon acquired the rights to these products in Vietnam. Marvelon and Mercilon are already owned, manufactured, and marketed by Organon as prescription oral contraceptives in 20 other markets. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition. In 2022, Organon paid $95 million to acquire the
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product rights and inventory in China and Vietnam.This resulted in Organon recognizing an intangible asset of $72 million in total related to the product rights with the remainder of the consideration recorded to Inventories for the fair value of acquired inventory during 2022. The intangible assets related to currently marketed products will be amortized over their estimated useful lives of 10 years.
5. Earnings per Share ("EPS")
On June 2, 2021, the date of the Separation, 253,516,000 shares of the Common Stock were distributed to Merck stockholders of record as of the Record Date. For the year ended December 31, 2021 these shares are treated as issued and outstanding as of January 1, 2021 for purposes of calculating historical basic and diluted earnings per share.
The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per common share are as follows:
Year EndedDecember 31,
($ in millions and shares in thousands, except per share amounts) 2023 2022 2021
Net income:
Income from discontinued operations — — —
Stock awards and equity units (share equivalent) 1,031 1,087 655
EPS:
Discontinued operations — — —
Net Earnings per Share - Basic $ 4.01 $ 3.61 $ 5.33
Earnings per Share - Diluted:
Discontinued operations — — —
Net Earnings per Share - Diluted $ 3.99 $ 3.59 $ 5.31
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation of EPS 9,025 4,375 4,871
For periods prior to the Separation, it is assumed that there were no dilutive equity instruments as there were no equity awards of Organon outstanding prior to the Separation.
For periods subsequent to the Separation, diluted EPS was computed using the treasury stock method for stock option awards, performance share units and restricted share units. The computation of diluted EPS excludes the effect of the potential exercise of stock-based awards when the effect of the potential exercise would be anti-dilutive.
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6. Product and Geographic Information
The Company's operations include the following product portfolios, which constitute one operating segment engaged in developing and delivering innovative health solutions through its portfolio of prescription therapies and medical devices within women's health, biosimilars and established brands.
Revenues of the Company's products were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
($ in millions) U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total
Women's Health
Biosimilars
Established Brands
Cardiovascular
Respiratory
Non-Opioid Pain, Bone and Dermatology
Other
Totals may not foot due to rounding. Trademarks appearing above in italics are trademarks of, or are used under license by, the Organon group of companies.
(1) Includes sales of products not listed separately. Revenues from Jada were previously reported as part of Other Women's Health. Revenue from an arrangement for the sale of generic etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring is included in Other Women's Health.
(2)Includes manufacturing sales to Merck & Co., Inc. ("Merck") and third parties for current and prior periods.
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Revenues by geographic area where derived are as follows:
Year EndedDecember 31,
Latin America, Middle East, Russia, and Africa 965 895 841
(1) Primarily reflects manufacturing sales to Merck and third parties for current and prior periods.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately 71% of the Company's long-lived fixed assets are located in Europe and Canada, and 18% are in the United States. The Company does not disaggregate assets on a products and services basis for internal management reporting and, therefore, such information is not presented.
7. Stock-Based Compensation Plans
In connection with the Separation, and in accordance with the Employee Matters Agreement, Organon's employees with outstanding former Merck stock-based awards received replacement stock-based awards under the 2021 Incentive Stock Plan at Separation. The ratio used to convert the Merck stock-based awards was designed to preserve the aggregate intrinsic value of the award immediately after the Separation when compared to the aggregate intrinsic value of the award immediately prior to Separation. Due to the conversion, Organon incurred $17 million of incremental stock-based compensation expense in 2021. Of this amount, $4 million was related to vested option awards and was recognized immediately into earnings in connection with the Separation, and the remainder is recognized ratably over the option awards' remaining weighted average vesting period.
The Company grants stock option awards, performance share units ("PSUs") and restricted share units ("RSUs") pursuant to its 2021 Incentive Stock Plan.
Employee stock options are granted to purchase shares of Company stock at the fair market value at the time of grant. Generally, stock options have a contractual term of ten years and vest one-third each year over a three-year period, subject to limited exceptions.
RSUs are stock awards that are granted to employees and entitle the holder to shares of common stock as the awards vest. RSU awards generally vest one-third each year over a three-year period. The fair value of the stock option and RSU awards is determined and fixed on the grant date based on the Company's stock price.
The terms of the Company's PSU awards allow the recipients of such awards to earn a variable number of common shares based on the cumulative results of specified performance factors.
The PSU awards are based on the following performance factors:
•total stockholder return of the Company relative to an index of peer companies ("relative TSR") specified in the awards; and
•the results of the cumulative free cash flow ("FCF") of the Company over a three-year period.
For FCF and relative TSR awards, the Company recognizes compensation costs ratably over the performance period. The PSU awards will generally vest at the end of the three year performance period, however, the number of shares delivered will vary based upon the attained level of performance. For PSUs with a performance-based FCF goal, stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the probability of the achievement of the financial performance metric for the respective vesting period and is assessed at each reporting date. For PSUs with a market-based relative TSR goal, stock-based compensation expense is recognized based on the estimated fair value of the award at the grant date regardless of the actual number of shares earned. PSU awards generally vest after three years. The Company uses the Monte Carlo simulation to determine the fair value of the relative TSR awards as of the grant date.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For RSUs and PSUs, dividends declared during the vesting period are payable to the employees only upon vesting. RSU and PSU distributions will be in shares of Company stock after the end of the vesting or performance period, subject to the terms applicable to such awards.
Stock-based compensation expenses incurred by the Company were as follows:
Year EndedDecember 31,
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in:
Selling, general and administrative 68 51 36
Research and development 16 11 12
Income tax benefits $ 21 $ 16 $ 12
In connection with the Separation, in 2021, Merck's PSUs and RSUs were converted into 3.3 million Organon RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $36.77 and Merck's stock options were converted into 4.1 million Organon stock options at a weighted average grant date fair value of $8.55. Stock options at Separation were valued using a combination of option models. The Company used the Black-Scholes model as the basis for the original fair value of the options, and the Hull-White I Lattice option pricing model calculated the incremental fair value. In applying these models, the Company used both historical data and current market data to estimate the fair value of its options. The Black-Scholes model assumptions include expected dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, volatility, and term of the options. The Hull-White I Lattice model requires several assumptions including expected exercise barrier, dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, remaining vesting life and remaining contractual life. These fair value assumptions were based on the awards and terms previously granted under the Merck incentive compensation plans to Organon employees. At December 31, 2023, the unrecognized portion of the incremental stock-based expense was $1 million.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to determine the fair value of the stock options as of the grant date. In applying this model, the Company uses both historical data and current market data to estimate the fair value of its options. The expected dividend yield is based on forecasted patterns of dividend payments. The risk-free interest rate is based on the rate at grant date of zero-coupon U.S. Treasury Notes with a term equal to the expected term of the option. Expected volatility is estimated using historical volatility. Due to the lack of trading history of Organon's stock at the time of valuation efforts, the historical component of expected volatility is based on historical monthly price changes of the peer group within the industry. In 2023, the historical component of expected volatility is based on historical monthly price changes of a combination of the peer group within the industry and Organon's historical monthly price changes. In 2022 and 2021, the historical component of expected volatility is based only on historical monthly price changes of a combination of the peer group within the industry. Merck's historical data for Organon employees was used to estimate equity award exercise and employee termination behavior within the valuation model. The expected term represents the amount of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding based on historical and forecasted exercise behavior.
The weighted average fair value of options granted was determined using the following assumptions:
Year Ended December 31,
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A summary of the equity award transactions for the year ended December 31, 2023 is as follows:
Stock Options Restricted Share Units Performance Share Units
The following table summarizes information about equity awards outstanding that are vested and expected to vest and equity awards outstanding that are exercisable as of December 31, 2023:
Equity Awards Vested and Expected to Vest Equity Awards That are Exercisable
The amount of unrecognized compensation costs as of December 31, 2023 was $153 million, which will be recognized in operating expense ratably over the weighted average vesting period of 1.86 years.
8. Restructuring
In 2022, Organon initiated restructuring activities to optimize its internal operations by reducing headcount through selected markets and functions. As a result of this program, the Company restructured approximately 130 positions, with the majority of the position eliminations occurring in selected markets outside of the United States in the commercial organizations.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Organon implemented additional restructuring activities related to the ongoing optimization of its internal operations by reducing headcount in certain markets and functions. As a result of these activities, the Company's headcount will be reduced by approximately 3% over the next twelve months.
Organon expects the remaining severance payments associated with the restructuring activities to be paid by the end of 2024.
The following is a summary of changes in severance liabilities related to the restructuring activities included within Accrued and other current liabilities:
Beginning balance 20 —
Severance & severance related costs 62 28
Cash payments and other (21) (8)
9. Discontinued Operations
In contemplation of the Separation, the Merck Retained Products business in the Transferred Entities was distributed to Merck affiliates and, accordingly, the historical results of operations, assets and liabilities, and the cash flows of the Merck Retained Products for such Transferred Entities are reflected as discontinued operations.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The components of Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax for the Merck Retained Products business are as follows:
Year EndedDecember 31,
Costs, Expenses and Other
Cost of Sales 65
Selling, general and administrative 15
Research and development 4
Restructuring Costs —
Other expense, net 4
Loss from discontinued operations before taxes $ 5
Taxes on income 5
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes $ —
Discontinued operations include related party sales of $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Costs for inventory purchases from related parties were $53 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
10. Taxes on Income
A reconciliation between the effective tax rate and the U.S. statutory rate is as follows:
Year EndedDecember 31,
($ in millions) Amount Tax Rate Amount Tax Rate Amount Tax Rate
Differential arising from:
Amortization of intangible assets (686) (102.0) — — (75) (4.9)
Interest expense disallowance 46 6.8 13 1.2 — —
Prior to the Separation, income taxes were calculated as if the Company filed income tax returns on a separate return basis. For those years, the Company believes the assumptions supporting its allocation and presentation of income taxes on a separate return basis are reasonable.
The Company has no remaining transition tax liability as of December 31, 2021 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") that was enacted in 2017. As a result of the TCJA, the Company has made a determination it is no longer indefinitely reinvested with respect to a majority of its previously taxed undistributed earnings from foreign subsidiaries and provided for a deferred tax liability for withholding taxes due upon future remittances, net of certain foreign income tax credits. At December 31, 2023, the deferred income tax liabilities on undistributed earnings for certain subsidiaries that are deemed indefinitely reinvested was $4 million. At December 31, 2022 the deferred tax balance was immaterial.
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The tax effects of foreign earnings in the tax rate reconciliation above primarily reflect the effects of operations in jurisdictions with different tax rates than the United States thereby yielding a favorable impact on the effective tax rate compared with the U.S. statutory rate of 21%. The favorable impact is primarily attributable to a reduced tax rate arrangement that was agreed to in Switzerland for an active legal entity.
The effective income tax rates were (52.2)%, 18.3% and 11.7% for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These effective income tax rates reflect the beneficial impact of foreign earnings, offset by the impact of U.S. inclusions under the Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income regime and a partial valuation allowance recorded against non-deductible U.S. interest expense, as well as a $476 million tax benefit comprised of a gross benefit of $686 million, net of a $210 million valuation allowance, resulting from the termination of a tax arrangement in Switzerland recorded in the fourth quarter 2023. The valuation allowance was determined based on expected future income and the terms of the remaining Swiss tax arrangement. During 2021, the Company recorded a $75 million tax benefit relating to a portion of the non-U.S. step-up of tax basis associated with the Company's Separation from Merck. The effective income tax rate for 2021 also reflects the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") conclusion of its examinations of Merck's 2015-2016 U.S. federal income tax returns as further detailed below.
Income before taxes consisted of:
Year EndedDecember 31,
Taxes on income consisted of:
Year EndedDecember 31,
Current provision
Deferred provision
State (5) (2) (4)
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Deferred income taxes at December 31 consisted of:
December 31,
($ in millions) Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities
Product intangibles and licenses $ 927 $ — $ 164 $ —
Inventory related 3 — — 10
Reserves and allowances 38 — 51 —
Accrued expenses 5 — 22 —