ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for 2023 as compared to 2022 are discussed below. For a discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for 2022 as compared to 2021, please refer to Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except as set forth below.
OVERVIEW
We are a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases, with a focus on specialty markets. We have four approved medicines that treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (“CF”), a life-threatening genetic disease, and one approved therapy that treats severe sickle cell disease (“SCD”) and transfusion dependent beta thalassemia (“TDT”), life shortening inherited blood disorders. Our pipeline includes clinical-stage programs in CF, sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Our triple combination regimen, TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor), was approved in 2019 in the United States (“U.S.”) and in 2020 in the European Union (“E.U.”). Collectively, our four medicines are being used to treat nearly three quarters of the approximately 92,000 people with CF in North America, Europe, and Australia. We are evaluating our CF medicines in additional patient populations, including younger children, with the goal of having small molecule treatments for all people who have at least one mutation in their cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (“CFTR”) gene that is responsive to our CFTR modulators. We also are pursuing messenger ribonucleic acid (“mRNA”) and genetic therapies for people with CF who do not make full-length CFTR protein and, as a result, cannot benefit from our current CF medicines.
CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel or “exa-cel”), an ex-vivo, non-viral CRISPR/Cas9 gene-edited cell therapy, was recently approved in the U.S., the E.U., the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“Saudi Arabia”), and the Kingdom of Bahrain (“Bahrain”) for the treatment of people 12 years of age and older with SCD and TDT. We estimate approximately 35,000 people with severe SCD or TDT could be eligible for CASGEVY in the U.S. and Europe, with additional people in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. In addition, we are preparing for near-term launches of potential new products in CF and acute pain.
Financial Highlights
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Note: Charts above may not add due to rounding.
Business Updates
Marketed Products
Cystic Fibrosis
We expect to grow our CF business with (i) continued uptake by patients in countries where we are early in our launch, such as those with recently achieved reimbursement agreements, (ii) label expansions, including into younger patient groups, and (iii) growth in the number of people living with CF. Recent progress in activities supporting continued uptake and label expansions is included below:
•The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the European Commission, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (“MHRA”), and Health Canada approved TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO for the treatment of children with CF 2 to 5 years of age who have at least one F508del mutation in the CFTR gene.
•The European Medicines Agency (“EMA”) validated the Marketing Authorization Application (“MAA”) extension for KAFTRIO in combination with ivacaftor to include people with CF who have a rare mutation in the CFTR gene that is responsive based on clinical and/or in vitro data, including the N1303K mutation. We plan to submit regulatory filings for these mutations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and Switzerland, and we plan to submit for regulatory approval of a subset of these mutations not currently included in the U.S. TRIKAFTA label to the FDA.
•The FDA and the European Commission approved the use of ORKAMBI for children with CF 12 to less than 24 months of age who are homozygous for the F508del mutation in the CFTR gene.
•The FDA and MHRA approved KALYDECO in children with CF from 1 month to less than 4 months of age.
Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia
•CASGEVY is now approved in the U.S., the E.U., the U.K., Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain for people 12 years of age and older with SCD or TDT.
•The French National Authority for Health (“HAS”) approved our request for the implementation of an early access program (“EAP”) for the use of CASGEVY to treat eligible people with TDT from 12 to 35 years of age. We are also pursuing an EAP submission for SCD in France and we expect to receive the outcome of this decision in the coming months.
•Our regulatory submission for CASGEVY in both SCD and TDT is currently under review in Switzerland. We expect to submit for regulatory approval of CASGEVY in Canada in the first half of 2024.
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•We have activated 12 authorized treatment centers (“ATCs”) in the U.S. and three ATCs in Europe. We are aiming to activate approximately 50 ATCs in the U.S. and 25 in Europe. We also have activated one of two planned ATCs in Saudi Arabia.
•We entered into an agreement with Synergie Medication Collective, a medication contracting organization, which covers approximately 100 million people, to provide access to CASGEVY.
Potential Near-Term Launch Opportunities
We are preparing for the following near-term launches of potential new products:
Vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor in CF
•We completed the pivotal SKYLINE 102 and SKYLINE 103 clinical trials, which evaluate the efficacy and safety of our new once-daily investigational triple combination vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor relative to TRIKAFTA in people with CF 12 years of age and older, and the RIDGELINE clinical trial of vanzacaftor/tezacaftor/deutivacaftor in children with CF 6 to 11 years of age, at the end of 2023.
•In February 2024, we announced positive data from this Phase 3 program evaluating the new triple combination regimen. We expect to submit global regulatory filings by mid-2024, including a New Drug Application (“NDA”) to the FDA, using a priority review voucher, and MAAs to the EMA and Health Canada.
VX-548 in Acute Pain
•We completed the pivotal program evaluating our lead compound, VX-548, for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain, which included one randomized controlled Phase 3 pivotal trial in abdominoplasty, one randomized, controlled Phase 3 clinical trial in bunionectomy, and one single-arm safety and effectiveness clinical trial. In January 2024, we announced positive results from these clinical trials and we announced our plans to submit an NDA to the FDA for VX-548 in moderate-to-severe acute pain by mid-2024.
•In the U.S., VX-548 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy and Fast Track designations for moderate-to-severe acute pain.
Pipeline
We continue to advance a diversified pipeline of potentially transformative medicines for serious diseases utilizing a range of modalities. Recent and anticipated progress in activities supporting these efforts is included below:
Cystic Fibrosis
•In collaboration with Moderna, we are developing VX-522, a CFTR mRNA therapeutic for the treatment of people with CF who do not produce full-length CFTR protein. We completed dosing in the single ascending dose part of the clinical trial for VX-522 and initiated the multiple ascending dose part of the clinical trial in late 2023. We expect to share data from this clinical trial in late 2024 or early 2025. In the U.S., the FDA has granted Fast Track designation for VX-522.
•We are investigating a portfolio of other small molecules targeting the underlying cause of CF with the aim of achieving carrier levels of CFTR function. We also are investigating additional potential treatments for people with CF who do not make full-length CFTR protein and cannot benefit from CFTR modulators.
Sickle Cell Disease and Beta Thalassemia
•We have completed enrollment in two global Phase 3 clinical trials evaluating CASGEVY in children 5 to 11 years of age with SCD or TDT.
•We continue to work on preclinical assets for myeloablative conditioning agents that would have milder side-effects and could be used in connection with CASGEVY, which could broaden the eligible patient population.
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Peripheral Neuropathic Pain
•We have completed the Phase 2 dose-ranging clinical trial evaluating VX-548 in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, a common form of chronic peripheral neuropathic pain, and announced positive results from this clinical trial. We plan to meet with regulators in the first quarter of 2024 and then we expect to advance VX-548 for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy into pivotal development.
•We initiated a second Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating VX-548 in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain in December 2023. This clinical trial will evaluate VX-548 in patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy, a second type of peripheral neuropathic pain. Screening, enrollment and dosing are underway in this clinical trial.
•We expect to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the oral formulation of VX-993, a next generation NaV1.8 inhibitor, for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in 2024.
Acute Pain
•We have completed a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating an oral formulation of VX-993, a next generation NaV1.8 inhibitor. We expect to initiate a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the oral formulation of VX-993 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in the second half of 2024.
•We anticipate completing IND-enabling studies and filing an Investigational New Drug Application (“IND”) for an intravenous formulation of VX-993 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain in 2024.
•We are advancing multiple NaV1.7 inhibitors, including in combination with NaV1.8 inhibitors, through research and earlier stages of development for both acute and peripheral neuropathic pain.
APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease
•Inaxaplin is our small molecule for the treatment of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (“AMKD”), including APOL1-mediated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (“FSGS”). We completed enrollment in the Phase 2B dose-ranging portion of the pivotal program for inaxaplin, a single Phase 2/3 clinical trial in patients with AMKD. We expect to select a dose and begin the Phase 3 portion of the clinical trial in the first quarter of 2024.
•The FDA grantedBreakthrough Therapy designation to inaxaplin for APOL1-mediated FSGS and the EMA granted Orphan Drug and PRIME designations to inaxaplin for AMKD.
Type 1 Diabetes
•VX-880 is an allogeneic stem cell-derived, fully differentiated, insulin-producing islet cell replacement therapy, using standard immunosuppression to protect the implanted cells. We are evaluating VX-880 as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes (“T1D”) in a sequential, three-part Phase 1/2 clinical trial. We have completed enrollment in Part C of the clinical trial. We have placed the clinical trial on a protocol-specified pause, pending review of the totality of the data by an independent data monitoring committee and global regulators, following two patient deaths, both unrelated to VX-880.
•Our second Phase 1/2 program in T1D evaluates VX-264, which encapsulates the same VX-880 cells in a novel device designed to eliminate the need for immunosuppression. This trial is a sequential, multi-part study to evaluate the safety, tolerability and efficacy of VX-264. We have completed Part A of the clinical trial and Part B has been initiated in multiple centers and countries.
•Our hypoimmune islet cell program uses CRISPR/Cas9 technology to gene-edit the same allogeneic stem cell-derived, fully differentiated islets used in the VX-880 and VX-264 programs. The goal is to cloak the cells from the immune system to explore another possible path to eliminate the need for immunosuppressive therapy. This program continues to progress through the research stage.
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Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1
•We have established a collaboration with Entrada Therapeutics, Inc. (“Entrada”) to address the functional impact of the causal mutation in the gene that causes myotonic dystrophy type 1 (“DM1”), which includes VX-670. VX-670 is designed to enable efficient intracellular delivery of an oligonucleotide, which we believe will address the underlying pathophysiology and restore normal cell function.
•We initiated a Phase 1/2 clinical trial evaluating VX-670 in patients with DM1. The clinical trial is active and enrolling in Canada and will initiate in the U.K. in the near term.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
•We are working to address the underlying genetic cause of alpha-1 antitrypsin (“AAT”) deficiency (“AATD”). We are developing novel small molecule correctors of Z-AAT protein folding, with the goal of enabling the secretion of functional AAT into the blood and addressing both the lung and the liver aspects of AATD. We continue to enroll and dose healthy volunteers in Phase 1 clinical trials evaluating VX-634 and VX-668, our next-wave investigational molecule AAT correctors with significantly improved potency and drug-like properties as compared to the first-generation AATD correctors.
Our Business Environment
In 2023, our net product revenues came from the sale of our medicines for the treatment of CF. Our CF strategy involves continuing to develop and obtain approval and reimbursement for treatment regimens that will provide benefits to all people with CF and increasing the number of people with CF eligible and able to receive our medicines, including through label expansions, expanded reimbursement, and the development of new medicines. We are advancing our pipeline of product candidates for the treatment of serious diseases outside of CF, including CASGEVY, which recently received marketing approvals in the U.S., the E.U., the U.K., Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain for the treatment of SCD and TDT. We anticipate broad access with government and commercial payors for CASGEVY in the U.S., and we anticipate early access programs initially, such as the recently approved early access program for TDT in France, and are pursuing long-term reimbursement agreements outside of the U.S.
Our strategy is to combine transformative advances in the understanding of causal human biology and the science of therapeutics to discover and develop innovative medicines. This approach includes advancing multiple compounds or therapies from each program, spanning multiple modalities, into early clinical trials to obtain patient data that can inform selection of the most promising therapies for later-stage development, as well as to inform discovery and development efforts. We aim to rapidly follow our first-in-class therapies that achieve proof-of-concept with potential best-in-class candidates to provide durable clinical and commercial success.
In pursuit of new product candidates and therapies in specialty markets, we invest in research and development. We believe that pursuing research in diverse areas allows us to balance the risks inherent in product development and may provide product candidates that will form our pipeline in future years. To supplement our internal research programs, we acquire technologies and programs and collaborate with biopharmaceutical and technology companies, leading academic research institutions, government laboratories, foundations and other organizations, as needed, to advance research in our areas of therapeutic interest and to access technologies needed to execute on our strategy.
Discovery and development of a new pharmaceutical or biological product is a difficult and lengthy process that requires significant financial resources along with extensive technical and regulatory expertise. Across the industry, most potential drug or biological products never progress into development, and most products that do advance into development never receive marketing approval. Our investments in product candidates are subject to considerable risks. We closely monitor the results of our discovery, research, clinical trials and nonclinical studies and frequently evaluate our product development programs in light of new data and scientific, business and commercial insights, with the objective of balancing risk and potential. This process can result in rapid changes in focus and priorities as new information becomes available and as we gain additional understanding of our ongoing programs and potential new programs, as well as those of our competitors.
Our business also requires ensuring appropriate manufacturing and reimbursement of our products. As we advance our product candidates through clinical development toward commercialization and market and sell our approved products, we build and maintain our supply chain and quality assurance resources. We rely on a global network of third parties and our internal capabilities to manufacture and distribute our products for commercial sale and post-approval clinical trials and to
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manufacture and distribute our product candidates for clinical trials. In addition to establishing supply chains for each new approved product, we adapt our supply chain for existing products to include additional formulations or to increase scale of production for existing products as needed. The processes for cell and genetic therapies can be more complex than those required for small molecule drugs and require additional investments in different systems, equipment, facilities and expertise. We are focused on ensuring the stability of the supply chains for our current products, as well as for our pipeline programs.
Sales of our products depend, to a large degree, on the extent to which our products are reimbursed by third-party payors, such as government health programs, commercial insurance and managed health care organizations. Reimbursement for our products, including our potential pipeline therapies, cannot be assured and may take significant periods of time to obtain. We dedicate substantial management and other resources to obtain and maintain appropriate levels of reimbursement for our products from third-party payors, including governmental organizations in the U.S. and ex-U.S. markets.
In the U.S., we have worked successfully with third-party payors to promptly obtain appropriate levels of reimbursement for our CF medicines and are currently working with U.S. government and commercial payors with respect to CASGEVY. We plan to continue to engage in discussions with numerous commercial insurers and managed health care organizations, along with government health programs that are typically managed by authorities in the individual states, to ensure that payors recognize the significant benefits that our therapies provide and provide patients with appropriate levels of access to our medicines and therapies now and in the future. We cannot, however, predict how recent changes in the law, including through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and passage of state laws (e.g., transparency laws and prescription drug affordability boards), will affect our ability to negotiate successfully with third-party payors and distribute our products. Similarly, in ex-U.S. markets, we seek government reimbursement for our medicines on a country-by-country or region-by-region basis, as required. This is necessary for each new medicine, as well as for label expansions for our current medicines. We are beginning to work with ex-U.S. payors with respect to CASGEVY. We expect to continue to focus significant resources to expand and maintain reimbursement for our CF medicines, CASGEVY and, ultimately, pipeline therapies, in U.S. and ex-U.S. markets.
Strategic Transactions
Acquisitions
As part of our business strategy, we seek to acquire technologies, products, product candidates and other businesses that are aligned with our corporate and research and development strategies and complement and advance our ongoing research and development efforts. We have engaged in a number of acquisitions of privately held biotechnology companies over the last several years. In 2019, we acquired Semma Therapeutics, Inc., pursuant to which we established our T1D program, and Exonics Therapeutics, Inc., which enhanced our gene-editing capabilities to repair mutations that cause severe neuromuscular diseases, such as DM1 and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. In 2022, we acquired ViaCyte, Inc. (“ViaCyte”), which had intellectual property, tools, technologies and assets with the potential to accelerate development of our T1D programs. Our acquisition of ViaCyte, for $315.0 million, was accounted for as a business combination. As of the acquisition date, the cash payment was allocated primarily to goodwill and the fair value of an in-process research and development asset.
In 2023 and 2022, we also acquired programs that were accounted for as asset acquisitions resulting in $47.5 million and $60.0 million of AIPR&D, respectively.
Please refer to our critical accounting policies, “Acquisitions,” for further information regarding the significant judgments and estimates related to our acquisitions.
Collaboration and In-Licensing Arrangements
We enter into arrangements with third parties, including collaboration and licensing arrangements, for the development, manufacture and commercialization of products, product candidates, and other technologies that have the potential to complement our ongoing research and development efforts.
Over the last several years, we entered into collaboration agreements with a number of companies, including CRISPR, Entrada, and Moderna, Inc. Generally, when we in-license a technology or product candidate, we make upfront payments to the collaborator, assume the costs of the program and/or agree to make contingent payments, which could consist of milestone, royalty and option payments. Most of these collaboration payments are expensed as AIPR&D, including, in 2023, our total payments of $242.6 million to Entrada and our total upfront and milestone payments of $170.0 million to CRISPR related to T1D, because they are primarily attributable to acquired in-process research and development for which there is no
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alternative future use. However, depending on many factors, including the structure of the collaboration, the stage of development of the acquired technology, the significance of the in-licensed product candidate to the collaborator’s operations and the other activities in which our collaborators are engaged, the accounting for these transactions can vary significantly. We expect to continue to identify and evaluate collaboration and licensing opportunities that may be similar to or different from the collaborations and licenses that we have engaged in previously.
Joint Development and Commercialization Agreement with CRISPR
In 2017, we entered into a joint development and commercialization agreement (the “Original JDCA”) with CRISPR, pursuant to which we are developing and commercializing CASGEVY for SCD and TDT. The Original JDCA was entered into following our exercise of an option to co-develop and co-commercialize the hemoglobinopathies program that was contained in a collaboration agreement that we entered into with CRISPR in 2015.
In April 2021, we and CRISPR entered into an amendment and restatement of the Original JDCA (the “A&R JDCA”). In June 2021, we made a $900.0 million upfront payment to CRISPR in connection with the closing of the transactions contemplated by the A&R JDCA. We concluded that we did not have any alternative future use for the acquired in-process research and development and recorded this upfront payment to AIPR&D. Under the terms of the A&R JDCA, we lead worldwide development, manufacturing, and commercialization of CASGEVY. As of July 1, 2021, 60% of the net profits and net losses for CASGEVY are allocated to us and 40% of the net profits and net losses for CASGEVY are allocated to CRISPR, subject to certain adjustments. We concluded that the Original JDCA and the A&R JDCA are cost-sharing arrangements, which result in the net impact of the arrangements, excluding amounts recorded to AIPR&D, being recorded in “Research and development expenses” or “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” in our consolidated statements of income.
CASGEVY was approved by the FDA in December 2023 for the treatment of SCD. Upon this approval, we made a $200.0 million milestone payment to CRISPR, which we recorded within “Other intangible assets, net” on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. We also recorded an immaterial amount of intangible asset amortization expense to “Cost of sales” in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to this intangible asset. Subsequent to receiving marketing approval for CASGEVY, we continue to lead the research and development activities under the A&R JDCA, subject to CRISPR’s reserved right to conduct certain activities. We are reimbursed by CRISPR for its 40% share of these research and development activities, subject to certain adjustments, and we continue to record this reimbursement from CRISPR within “Research and development expenses.” We also share with CRISPR 40% of the net commercial profits or losses incurred with respect to CASGEVY, subject to certain adjustments. In 2023, the net commercial loss incurred with respect to CASGEVY was not material to our consolidated statement of income.
Acquired In-Process Research and Development Expenses
In 2023 and 2022, our AIPR&D included $527.1 million and $115.5 million, respectively, related to upfront, contingent milestone, or other payments pursuant to our business development transactions, including the collaborations, licenses of third-party technologies, and asset acquisitions described above. Please refer to Note B, “Collaboration, License and Other Arrangements,” for further information regarding our collaboration, in-license agreements and asset acquisitions.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except percentages and per share amounts)
Other non-operating income (expense), net 547.8 ** (75.0) 45% (51.7)
Net income per diluted common share $ 13.89 $ 12.82 $ 9.01
Diluted shares used in per share calculations 260.5 259.1 259.9
** Not meaningful
Revenues
(in millions, except percentages)
Other revenues — ** — ** 1.0
** Not meaningful
Product Revenues, Net
In 2023, our net product revenues increased by $938.5 million, or 11%, as compared to 2022. The increase was primarily due to the continued strong uptake of TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO in ex-U.S. markets and label extensions in younger age groups, and the continued performance of TRIKAFTA in the U.S., following the launch of TRIKAFTA in children with CF 2 to 5 years of age. Decreases in revenues for our products other than TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO were primarily the result of patients switching from these medicines to TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO.
Our net product revenues from the U.S. and from ex-U.S. markets were as follows:
(in millions, except percentages)
We expect that our CF net product revenues will increase in 2024 as a result of the continued performance of TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO, label expansions into younger age groups for our previously approved products, and expanded access to our medicines. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2023, we have received approval for CASGEVY in the U.S., the E.U., the U.K., Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain for the treatment of SCD and TDT. We expect 2024 to be a foundational year for CASGEVY, as we lay the groundwork for the first patients to initiate this multi-month treatment.
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Operating Costs and Expenses
(in millions, except percentages)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration (51.6) ** (57.5) ** (3.1)
** Not meaningful
Beginning in 2022, we separately classify upfront, contingent milestone, or other payments pursuant to our business development transactions, including collaborations, licenses of third-party technologies, and asset acquisitions as “Acquired in-process research and development expenses,” in our consolidated statements of income in cases where such acquired assets do not have an alternative future use. To conform prior periods to our current presentation, we have reclassified $1.1 billion from “Research and development expenses” to AIPR&D for 2021.
Cost of Sales
Our cost of sales primarily consists of third-party royalties payable on net sales of our products as well as the cost of producing inventories. Pursuant to our agreement with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, our tiered third-party royalties on sales of TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO, SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI, KALYDECO, and ORKAMBI, calculated as a percentage of net sales, range from the single digits to the sub-teens, with lower royalties on sales of TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO than for our other products. Over the last several years, our cost of sales has been increasing due to increased net product revenues. Our cost of sales as a percentage of our net product revenues was 13% and 12% in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2024, we expect our total cost of sales, including as a percentage of our net product revenues, will increase due to expected increases in our CF net product revenues and costs associated with CASGEVY.
Research and Development Expenses
(in millions, except percentages)
Our research and development expenses include internal and external costs incurred for research and development of our products and product candidates. We do not assign our internal costs, such as salary and benefits, stock-based compensation expense, laboratory supplies and other direct expenses and infrastructure costs, to individual products or product candidates, because the employees within our research and development groups typically are deployed across multiple research and development programs. We assign external costs of services provided to us by clinical research organizations and other outsourced research by individual program. Our internal costs are greater than our external costs. All research and development costs for our products and product candidates are expensed as incurred.
Over the past three years, we have incurred $9.4 billion in total research and development and AIPR&D expenses associated with product discovery and development. The successful development of our product candidates is highly uncertain and subject to a number of risks. In addition, the duration of clinical trials may vary substantially according to the type, complexity and novelty of the product candidate and the disease indication being targeted. The FDA and comparable agencies in foreign countries impose substantial requirements on the introduction of therapeutic pharmaceutical products, typically requiring lengthy and detailed laboratory and clinical testing procedures, sampling activities and other costly and time-consuming procedures. Data obtained from nonclinical and clinical activities at any step in the testing process may be adverse and lead to discontinuation or redirection of development activities. Data obtained from these activities also are susceptible to varying interpretations, which could delay, limit or prevent regulatory approval. The duration and cost of
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discovery, nonclinical studies and clinical trials may vary significantly over the life of a project and are difficult to predict. Therefore, accurate and meaningful estimates of the ultimate costs to bring our product candidates to market are not available.
Any estimates regarding development and regulatory timelines for our product candidates are highly subjective and subject to change. Until we have data from Phase 3 clinical trials, we cannot make a meaningful estimate regarding when, or if, a clinical development program will generate revenues and cash flows.
Research Expenses
(in millions, except percentages)
Research Expenses:
Intangible asset impairment charge — ** 13.0 ** —
** Not meaningful
Our research expenses have been increasing over the last several years as we have invested in our pipeline and expanded our cell and genetic therapy capabilities, resulting in increased headcount, outside services and other direct expenses, and infrastructure costs associated with our research facilities. We expect to continue to invest in our research programs with a focus on creating transformative medicines for serious diseases.
Development Expenses
(in millions, except percentages)
Development Expenses:
Our development expenses increased by $543.7 million, or 28%, in 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to increased costs to support clinical trials and drug supply associated with our advancing pipeline programs, including pain and T1D, and our stock-based compensation expense. We are investing significantly in headcount, leveraging outsourced services, and in infrastructure to support these programs. Our stock-based compensation expense increased in 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due increased headcount eligible for our employee stock programs and the timing of expense recognition related to certain performance-based restricted stock units. We expect our development expenses to continue to increase in 2024 due to our advancing pipeline programs, including our T1D program.
Acquired In-process Research and Development Expenses
(in millions, except percentages)
AIPR&D in 2023 was primarily related to our $225.1 million upfront payment to Entrada, $100.0 million upfront
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payment and $70.0 million T1D research milestone to CRISPR, $47.5 million acquisition of a novel GPCR program from Septerna, and various other payments. AIPR&D in 2022 was primarily related to the $60.0 million payment to acquire Catalyst’s complement portfolio, a $25.0 million upfront payment pursuant to our license agreement with Verve, and various other payments. Our AIPR&D has historically fluctuated, and is expected to continue to fluctuate, from one period to another due to upfront, contingent milestone, and other payments pursuant to our existing and future business development transactions, including collaborations, licenses of third-party technologies, and asset acquisitions.
AIPR&D in 2021 primarily related to the $900.0 million upfront payment we made to CRISPR in connection with the A&R JDCA.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
(in millions, except percentages)
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 20% in 2023 as compared to 2022, primarily due to the continued investment to support the commercialization of our medicines, including increased commercial headcount, outsourced services to support our pipeline product candidates and stock-based compensation expense. We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses to continue to increase in 2024 as we progress our efforts in preparation for the potential commercialization of VX-548 and launch CASGEVY.
Contingent Consideration
In 2023, the fair value of our contingent consideration decreased by $51.6 million primarily due to our determination that additional pre-clinical studies of the delivery system for our gene-editing components for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (“DMD”) will be required. In 2022, the fair value of our contingent consideration decreased by $57.5 million, primarily as a result of a revision to the scope of certain gene-editing programs in the second quarter of 2022. In future periods, we expect the fair value of contingent consideration to increase or decrease based on, among other things, our estimates of the probability of achieving and the timing of these contingent development and regulatory milestone payments, as well as the time value of money and changes in market interest rates.
Other Non-Operating Income (Expense), Net
Interest Income
Interest income increased to $614.7 million in 2023, as compared to $144.6 million in 2022, primarily due to increased market interest rates and increased cash equivalents and available-for-sale debt securities. Our future interest income is dependent on the amount of, and prevailing market interest rates on, our outstanding cash equivalents and available-for-sale debt securities.
Interest Expense
Interest expense was $44.1 million in 2023, as compared to $54.8 million in 2022. The majority of our interest expense in these periods was related to imputed interest expense associated with our leased corporate headquarters in Boston.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net was expenses of $22.8 million and $164.8 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts related primarily to net unrealized gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value or sales of certain of our strategic equity investments, which consist of investments in our collaborators that may be public or private companies. To the extent that we continue to hold strategic equity investments in publicly traded companies, we expect that due to the volatility of the stock price of biotechnology companies, our other income (expense), net will fluctuate in future periods based on increases or decreases in the fair value of our strategic equity investments. As of December 31, 2023, these investments had a fair value of $46.0 million. We discuss these potential future fluctuations further in Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
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Income Taxes
Our effective tax rate fluctuates from year to year due to the global nature of our operations. The factors that most significantly impact our effective tax rate include changes in tax laws, variability in the allocation of our taxable earnings among multiple jurisdictions, the amount and characterization of our research and development expenses, the levels of certain deductions and credits, adjustments to the value of our uncertain tax positions, acquisitions and third-party collaboration and licensing transactions.
Our provision for income taxes was $760.2 million for 2023 and $910.4 million for 2022. Our effective tax rate of 17.4% for 2023 was lower than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to a benefit from a research and development tax credit study that was completed in 2023 and excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation, partially offset by changes in uncertain tax positions.
Our effective tax rate of 21.5% for 2022 was higher than the U.S. statutory rate primarily due to an increase in our uncertain tax positions associated with intercompany transfer pricing matters partially offset by excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation, tax credits, and changes in our estimated prior-year tax liabilities.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes the components of our financial condition as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(in millions, except percentages)
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities:
Total cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities $ 13,716.1 $ 10,890.7 26%
Working Capital:
Working Capital
Our total working capital of $10.6 billion as of December 31, 2023 was similar to our total working capital of $10.5 billion as of December 31, 2022 primarily due to $3.8 billion of income from operations mostly offset by net purchases of long-term marketable securities of $2.4 billion, income tax payments and repurchases of our common stock of $427.6 million.
Cash Flows
(in millions)
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating Activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $3.5 billion in 2023 as compared to $4.1 billion in 2022. The largest driver of
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the decrease in cash provided by operating activities in 2023 as compared to 2022 was an increase in cash paid for income taxes.
Investing Activities
Cash used in investing activities was $3.1 billion and $321.1 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, our investing activities primarily related to net purchases of available-for-sale debt securities of $2.9 billion. In 2022, our investing activities included a net payment of $295.9 million to acquire ViaCyte and $204.7 million in purchases of property and equipment, partially offset by net sales and maturities of available-for-sale debt securities of $227.3 million.
Financing Activities
Cash used in financing activities was $562.2 million and $67.7 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. In 2023, our financing activities primarily related to repurchases of our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program and payments related to our employee stock benefit plans. In 2022, the largest portions of our financing activities were payments related to our employee stock benefit plans and payments on finance leases.
Sources and Uses of Liquidity
As of December 31, 2023, we had current cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $11.2 billion, which represented an increase of $439.8 million from $10.8 billion as of December 31, 2022. We intend to rely on our existing cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities together with cash flows from product sales as our primary source of liquidity.
We expect that cash flows from our product sales together with our cash, cash equivalents and current marketable securities will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next twelve months. The adequacy of our available funds to meet our future operating and capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our future product sales, and the potential introduction of one or more of our other product candidates to the market, our business development activities and the number, breadth, cost and prospects of our research and development programs.
Credit Facilities & Financing Strategy
We may borrow up to a total of $500.0 million pursuant to a revolving credit facility that we entered into in July 2022 and could repay and reborrow amounts under this revolving credit agreement without penalty. Subject to certain conditions, we could request that the borrowing capacity be increased by an additional $500.0 million, for a total of $1.0 billion. Negative covenants in our credit agreement could prohibit or limit our ability to access this source of liquidity. As of December 31, 2023, the facility was undrawn, and we were in compliance with these covenants.
We may also raise additional capital by borrowing under credit agreements, through public offerings or private placements of our securities, or securing new collaborative agreements or other methods of financing. We will continue to manage our capital structure and will consider all financing opportunities, whenever they may occur, that could strengthen our long-term liquidity profile. There can be no assurance that any such financing opportunities will be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
Future Capital Requirements
We have significant future capital requirements, including:
•Expected operating expenses to conduct research and development activities, manufacture and commercialize our existing and future products, and to operate our organization.
•Cash that we pay for income taxes.
•Royalties we pay related to sales of our CF products.
•Facility, operating and finance lease obligations as described below.
•Firm purchase obligations related to our supply and manufacturing processes.
In addition, other potential significant future capital requirements may include:
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•We have entered into certain business development-related and strategic agreements with third parties that include the funding of certain research, development, manufacturing and commercialization efforts. Certain of our transactions, including collaborations, licensing arrangements, and asset acquisitions, include the potential for future milestone and royalty payments by us upon the achievement of pre-established developmental and regulatory targets and/or commercial targets. Other transactions include the potential for future lease-related expenses and other costs. Our obligation to fund these research and development and commercialization efforts and to pay these potential milestones, expenses and royalties is contingent upon continued involvement in the programs and/or the lack of any adverse events that could cause their discontinuance. We may enter into additional business development transactions and strategic agreements, including acquisitions, collaborations, licensing arrangements and equity investments, which require additional capital.
•To the extent we borrow amounts under our existing credit agreement, we would be required to repay any outstanding principal amounts in 2027.
•As of December 31, 2023, we had $2.6 billion remaining authorization available under our $3.0 billion Share Repurchase Program that our Board of Directors approved in February 2023. We expect to fund repurchases of our common stock through a combination of cash on hand and cash generated by operations. This program does not have an expiration date and can be discontinued at any time.
Additional information on several of our future capital requirements is provided below.
Research and Development Costs
At any point in time, we have several ongoing clinical trials at various stages of clinical development. Our clinical trial costs are dependent on, among other things, our research activities advancing to later-stage clinical development as well as the size, number, and length of our clinical trials.
Leases
Finance Leases
Our corporate headquarters is in two buildings that we lease at Fan Pier in Boston, Massachusetts. We commenced lease payments on these buildings in 2013 and the initial lease periods end in December 2028. We also lease office and laboratory space in San Diego, California. We commenced lease payments for this building in 2019 pursuant to an initial 16-year lease term. We account for each of these buildings as finance leases.
Operating Leases
We account for our remaining real estate leases as operating leases, including office and laboratory space at the Jeffrey Leiden Center for Cell and Genetic Therapies near our corporate headquarters. Base rent payments commenced in 2021 pursuant to an initial 15-year lease term for this building.
Our total future minimum lease payments for our finance and operating leases for each of the next five years and in total are included in Note L, “Leases.” The total future undiscounted minimum lease payments were $583.0 million and $436.1 million related to our finance and operating leases, respectively, as of December 31, 2023.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. These items are monitored and analyzed by management for changes in facts and circumstances, and material changes in these estimates could occur in the future. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results for the period in which the change occurs. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from our estimates if past experience or other assumptions do not turn out to be substantially accurate.
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We believe that our application of the following accounting policies, each of which requires significant judgments and estimates on the part of management, are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results:
•revenue recognition;
•acquisitions, including intangible assets, goodwill and contingent consideration; and
•income taxes.
Our accounting policies, including the ones discussed below, are more fully described in Note A, “Nature of Business and Accounting Policies.”
Revenue Recognition
CF Product Revenues, Net
We generate CF product revenues from sales in the U.S. and in international markets. We sell our CF products principally to a limited number of specialty pharmacy and specialty distributors in the U.S., which account for the largest portion of our total revenues. Our customers in the U.S. subsequently resell our products to patients and health care providers. We contract with government agencies so that our products will be eligible for purchase by, or partial or full reimbursement from, such third-party payors. We make international sales primarily through distributor arrangements and to retail pharmacies, as well as to hospitals and clinics, many of which are government-owned or supported customers. We recognize net CF product revenues from sales of our products when our customers obtain control of our products, which typically occurs upon delivery to our customers. Revenues from our CF product sales are recorded at the net sales price, or transaction price, which requires us to make several significant estimates regarding the net sales price.
The most significant estimate we are required to make for our CF product revenues is related to government and private payor rebates, chargebacks, discounts and fees, collectively rebates. The values of the rebates provided to third-party payors per course of treatment vary significantly and are based on government-mandated discounts and our arrangements with other third-party payors. To estimate our total rebates, we estimate the percentage of prescriptions that will be covered by each third-party payor, which is referred to as the payor mix. We track available information regarding changes, if any, to the payor mix for our products, to our contractual terms with third-party payors and to applicable governmental programs and regulations and levels of our products in the distribution channel. We adjust our estimated rebates based upon new information as it becomes available, including information regarding actual rebates for our products. Claims by third-party payors for rebates are submitted to us significantly after the related sales, potentially resulting in adjustments in the period in which the new information becomes known.
The following table summarizes activity related to our CF product revenue accruals for rebates for 2023, 2022 and 2021:
(in millions)
Adjustments related to prior year(s) sales (27.6)
Credits/payments made (2,035.5)
Adjustments related to prior year(s) sales (10.4)
Credits/payments made (2,514.0)
Adjustments related to prior year(s) sales (6.5)
Credits/payments made (3,064.7)
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We have also entered into annual contracts with government-owned and supported customers in international markets that limit the amount of annual reimbursement we can receive for our CF products. Upon exceeding the annual reimbursement amount provided by the customer’s contract with us, products are provided free of charge, which is a material right. If we estimate that the annual reimbursement amount under a contract will be exceeded for an annual period, we defer a portion of the consideration received, which includes upfront payments and fees, for shipments made up to the annual reimbursement limit as “Other current liabilities.” Once the annual reimbursement limit has been reached, we recognize the deferred amount as revenue when we ship the free products. To estimate the portion of the consideration received to be recognized as revenue and the portion of the amount to be deferred, we rely on our forecast of the number of units we will distribute during the applicable annual period in each international market in which our contracts with government-owned and supported customers limit the amount of annual reimbursement we can receive. Our forecasts are based on, among other things, our historical experience.
The preceding estimates and judgments materially affect our recognition of net CF product revenues. Changes in our estimates of net CF product revenues could have a material effect on net CF product revenues recorded in the period in which we determine that change occurs.
Acquisitions
As part of our business strategy, we seek to acquire products, product candidates and other technologies and businesses that are aligned with our corporate and research and development strategies and complement and advance our ongoing research and development efforts. If we determine that substantially all the fair value associated with an acquisition is concentrated in a single asset, and the acquisition does not constitute a business, we account for it as an asset acquisition. For an asset acquisition involving rights to intellectual property related to in-process research and development that is not yet associated with a product that has achieved regulatory approval, we generally record our upfront payment to AIPR&D, because there is no alternative future use for the asset that was acquired. For example, we accounted for our A&R JDCA with CRISPR in 2021 as an asset acquisition of rights to in-process research and development for which we did not have any alternative future use and recorded the associated $900.0 million upfront payment to AIPR&D.
If the fair value that we acquired in an acquisition is distributed among more than one asset, and the acquisition constitutes a business, we account for it as a business combination.
We are required to make several significant judgments and estimates to calculate the purchase price for our business combinations and then allocate it to the assets that we have acquired and the liabilities that we have assumed on our consolidated balance sheet. The most significant judgments and estimates relate to the fair value of the in-process research and development assets and contingent consideration liabilities related to these business combinations. Based on these judgments and estimates, the fair value of the goodwill that we record as a result of these business combinations may be material.
In-process Research and Development Intangible Assets
As of each of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $603.6 million of in-process research and development assets on our consolidated balance sheet within “Other intangible assets, net.” Most recently, we recorded a $216.6 million in-process research and development intangible asset related to our acquisition of ViaCyte on our consolidated balance sheet in 2022. We characterize in-process research and development assets on our consolidated balance sheets as indefinite-lived intangible assets until either the project underlying it is completed or the asset becomes impaired and is subsequently written-off. We test our in-process research and development intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, and more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. When we determine that an indefinite-lived intangible asset has become impaired or we abandon the associated research and development project, we write down the carrying value to its fair value and record an impairment charge in the period in which the impairment occurs. For example, we recorded a $13.0 million impairment of an in-process research and development intangible asset to “Research and development expenses” in 2022 due to a decision to revise the scope of certain acquired gene-editing programs. If one of our product candidates achieves regulatory approval, the in-process research and development intangible assets associated with the product candidate become finite-lived intangible assets as described below.
To determine the fair value of our in-process research and development assets, we have utilized either the multi-period excess earnings or the relief from royalty methods of the income approach. Each method requires us to estimate the probability of technical and regulatory success, revenue projections and growth rates, and appropriate discount and tax rates.
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The multi-period excess earnings method also requires us to estimate development and commercial costs. The relief from royalty method also requires us to estimate the after-tax royalty savings expected from ownership of the asset that we acquired.
Contingent Consideration
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $77.4 million and $129.0 million, respectively, of liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets attributable to the fair value of the contingent development and regulatory payments that we may owe to Exonics’ former equity holders upon the achievement of certain events associated with research programs focused on DMD and other severe neuromuscular diseases, including DM1.
We record an increase or a decrease in the fair value of the contingent consideration liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet and in our consolidated statement of income on a quarterly basis. We determine the fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities using a probability weighted discounted cash flow method of the income approach, which requires us to make estimates of the timing of regulatory and commercial milestone achievement and the corresponding estimated probability of technical and regulatory success rates. We use significant judgment in determining the appropriateness of these assumptions during each reporting period. Reasonable changes in these assumptions can cause material changes to the fair value of our contingent consideration liabilities. Due to the early stage of Exonics’ programs, these significant assumptions could be affected by future economic and market conditions.
In November 2023, we determined that additional pre-clinical studies of the delivery system for our gene-editing components for DMD will be required. As a result, we revised our estimates regarding the timing of the development and regulatory milestones and the probability of achieving those milestones, which reduced the estimated fair value of our contingent consideration as of December 31, 2023.
Goodwill
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had goodwill of $1.1 billion on our consolidated balance sheets. During 2023, we did not have any business combinations. In 2022, we recorded $85.8 million of goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet related to our acquisition of ViaCyte. Goodwill reflects the difference between the fair value of the consideration transferred and the fair value of the net assets acquired. Thus, the goodwill that we record is dependent on the significant judgments and estimates inherent in these fair values. We have one reporting unit for goodwill reporting purposes. We evaluate our goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, and more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. We have not identified any goodwill impairment to date.
Finite-lived Intangible Assets
As of December 31, 2023, we had $236.3 million of finite-lived intangible assets on our consolidated balance sheet within “Other intangible assets, net.” These finite-lived intangible assets, which were recorded during 2023, relate to $208.0 million of CASGEVY regulatory approval milestones, including $200.0 million we paid to CRISPR pursuant to the A&R JDCA, and $30.0 million for a non-exclusive sublicense of developed technology related to CASGEVY.
We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets using the straight-line method within “Cost of sales” over the remaining estimated life of the assets beginning in the period in which regulatory approval is achieved or the assets are acquired and continuing through the period that we no longer have either exclusive rights to market the products associated with the assets or in-license rights to the intellectual property underlying the assets. We test finite-lived intangible assets for impairment if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. If we determine that the carrying value of a finite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable, we compare the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted cash flows that we expect the asset to generate. When we determine that a finite-lived intangible asset has become impaired, we write down the carrying value of the asset to its fair value and record an impairment charge in the period in which the impairment occurs.
Income Taxes
We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. If our estimate of the tax effect of reversing temporary differences is (i) not reflective of actual outcomes, (ii) modified to reflect new
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developments or interpretations of the tax law, or (iii) revised to incorporate new accounting principles, or changes in the expected timing or manner of the reversal, our results of operations could be materially impacted.
We provide a valuation allowance when it is more likely than not that deferred tax assets will not be realized. On a periodic basis, we reassess our valuation allowances on our deferred tax assets, weighing positive and negative evidence to assess the recoverability of the deferred tax assets. Significant judgment is required in making these assessments to maintain or adjust our valuation allowances and, to the extent our future expectations change we would have to assess the recoverability of these deferred tax assets at that time. As of December 31, 2023, we maintained a valuation allowance of $266.6 million related primarily to U.S. state tax attributes.
We record liabilities related to uncertain tax positions by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We adjust our liability to reflect any subsequent changes in the relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the uncertain positions. We are subject to tax laws and audits in multiple jurisdictions and significant judgment is required in making this assessment. Consequently, we regularly re-evaluate uncertain tax positions and consider various factors, including changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in tax returns, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. As of December 31, 2023, our liability for uncertain tax positions was $615.9 million.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Refer to Note A, “Nature of Business and Accounting Policies,” in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and new accounting pronouncements adopted during 2023.
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ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
Financial Instruments
As part of our investment portfolio, we own financial instruments that are sensitive to market risks. The investment portfolio is used to preserve our capital, provide adequate liquidity and earn returns commensurate with our risk appetite. We invest in instruments that meet the credit quality standards outlined in our investment policy, which also limits the amount of credit exposure to any one issue or type of instrument. These instruments primarily include securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies, investment-grade corporate bonds and commercial paper, and money market funds. These investments are denominated in U.S. Dollars and none are held for trading purposes.
All of our interest-bearing securities are subject to interest rate risk and could change in value if interest rates fluctuate. Substantially all of our investment portfolio consists of marketable securities with active secondary or resale markets to help ensure portfolio liquidity, and we have implemented guidelines limiting the term-to-maturity of our investment instruments. Since we account for these securities as available-for-sale, no gains or losses are realized due to changes in the fair value of our investments unless we sell our investments prior to maturity or incur a credit loss. Due to the conservative nature of these instruments, we do not believe that the fair value of our investments has a material exposure to interest rate risk.
While we are exposed to global interest rate fluctuations, our investment portfolio is most affected by fluctuations in U.S. interest rates, which affect the interest earned on our cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.
Credit Agreement
In 2022, we entered into a $500.0 million unsecured revolving credit facility (“credit agreement”). Loans under this credit agreement bear interest, at our option, at a base rate or a Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), plus an applicable margin based on our consolidated leverage ratio (the ratio of our total consolidated funded indebtedness to our consolidated EBITDA for the most recently completed four fiscal quarter period). Pursuant to our credit agreement, the applicable margin on base rate loans ranges from 0.000% to 0.500% and the applicable margin on SOFR loans ranges from 1.000% to 1.500%. We do not believe that changes in interest rates related to our credit agreement would have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2023, we had no principal or interest outstanding under our credit facility. A portion of our “Interest expense” in 2024 will be dependent on whether, and to what extent, we borrow amounts under this facility.
Foreign Exchange Market Risk
As a result of our foreign operations, we face significant exposure to movements in foreign currency exchange rates, primarily the Euro and British Pound against the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in the amounts of our foreign revenues and fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, may have a positive or negative effect on our foreign exchange rate exposure. The current exposures arise primarily from cash, accounts receivable, intercompany receivables and payables, payables, and accruals, and inventories.
We have a foreign currency management program, which is separate from our investment policy and portfolio, with the objective of reducing the effect of exchange rate fluctuations on our operating results and forecasted revenues denominated in foreign currencies. We currently have cash flow hedges for the Euro, British Pound, Canadian Dollar, Swiss Franc and Australian Dollar related to a portion of our forecasted product revenues that qualify for hedge accounting treatment under U.S. GAAP. We do not seek hedge accounting treatment for our foreign currency forward contracts related to monetary assets and liabilities that impact our operating results. As of December 31, 2023, we held foreign exchange forward contracts that were designated as cash flow hedges with notional amounts totaling $2.4 billion representing a net liability of $31.9 million on our consolidated balance sheet.
Although not predictive in nature, we believe a hypothetical 10% threshold reflects a reasonably possible near-term change in exchange rates. If the December 31, 2023 exchange rates were to change by a hypothetical 10%, the fair value recorded on our consolidated balance sheet related to our foreign exchange forward contracts that were designated as cash flow hedges as of December 31, 2023 would change by approximately $239.2 million. However, since these contracts hedge a specific portion of our forecasted product revenues denominated in certain foreign currencies, any change in the fair value of these contracts is recorded in “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income” on our consolidated balance sheets and is
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reclassified to earnings in the same periods during which the underlying product revenues affect earnings. Therefore, any change in the fair value of these contracts that would result from a hypothetical 10% change in exchange rates would be entirely offset by the change in value associated with the underlying hedged product revenues resulting in no impact on our future anticipated earnings and cash flows with respect to the hedged portion of our forecasted product revenues.
Equity Price Risk
We hold strategic equity investments in certain public and private companies, and we expect to make additional strategic equity investments in the future. In 2023 and 2022, we recorded net losses of $0.6 million and $149.1 million, respectively, to “Other Income (Expense), Net” in our consolidated statements of income to reflect changes in the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values (including publicly traded securities). The fair value of our equity investments in publicly traded companies was less than $50.0 million as of December 31, 2023.
To the extent that we continue to hold strategic equity investments in publicly traded companies, we expect that due to the volatility of the stock price of biotechnology companies, our “Other Income (Expense), Net” will fluctuate in future periods based on increases or decreases in the fair value of our strategic equity investments.
ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The information required by this Item 8 is contained on pages F-1 through F-46 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(1) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K, have concluded that, based on such evaluation, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply our judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
(2) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our board of directors, management and other personnel, 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. Our internal control over financial reporting include those policies and procedures that:
• pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
• provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and our directors; and
• provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our 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.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting. See Section 4 below.
(3) Changes in Internal Controls. During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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(4)
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2023 consolidated financial statements of the Company and our report dated February 15, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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 (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 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 (3) 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.
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.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 15, 2024
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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
Our policy governing transactions in our securities by our directors, officers, and employees permits our officers, directors and employees to enter into trading plans complying with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which plans are intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1 (each, a “Trading Plan”). None of our executive officers or directors entered into a Trading Plan in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Other Information
Dr. Bastiano Sanna has stepped down from his role as Executive Vice President and Chief of Cell and Genetic Therapies for personal reasons. Dr. Sanna will continue to provide advisory services in his new role as a consultant to the company.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.
None.
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PART III
Portions of our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“2024 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into this Part III of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information regarding directors required by this Item 10 will be included in our 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. We expect this information to be provided under “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance and Risk Management,” “Shareholder Proposals for the 2025 Annual Meeting and Nominations for Director,” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” and “Code of Conduct.” The information regarding executive officers required by this Item 10 is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item 11 will be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. We expect this information to be provided under “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation and Equity Tables,” “Director Compensation,” “Management Development and Compensation Committee Report” and/or “Corporate Governance and Risk Management.”
ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item 12 will be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. We expect this information to be provided under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”
ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item 13 will be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. We expect this information to be provided under “Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance and Risk Management,” and “Audit and Finance Committee.”
ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item 14 will be included in the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. We expect this information to be provided under “Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”
89
PART IV
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) The Financial Statements required to be filed by Items 8 and 15(c) of Form 10-K, and filed herewith, are as follows:
Page Number in this Form 10-K
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42) F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 F-5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules have been omitted because they are either not applicable or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto listed in (a)(1) above.
(a)(3) Exhibits.
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Plan of Acquisition
Governance Documents
Stock Certificate
Collaboration Agreement
90
Leases
Financing Agreements
Equity Plans
Agreements with Executive Officers and Directors
91
10.36 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Employee Compensation Plan.* X
Subsidiaries
21.1 Subsidiaries of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. X
Consent
Certifications
Clawback Policy
97.1 Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously Awarded Compensation X
101.INS XBRL Instance X
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema X
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation X
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels X
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation X
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition X
* Management contract, compensatory plan or agreement.
ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable.
92
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
February 15, 2024 By: /s/ Reshma Kewalramani
Reshma KewalramaniChief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name Title Date
/s/ Reshma Kewalramani
/s/ Charles F. Wagner, Jr.
/s/ Kristen C. Ambrose
/s/Jeffrey M. Leiden
Jeffrey M. Leiden Executive Chairman February 15, 2024
/s/ Sangeeta N. Bhatia
Sangeeta N. Bhatia Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Lloyd Carney
Lloyd Carney Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Alan Garber
Alan Garber Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Terrence C. Kearney
Terrence C. Kearney Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Michel Lagarde
Michel Lagarde Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Diana McKenzie
Diana McKenzie Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Nancy A. Thornberry
Nancy A. Thornberry Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Bruce I. Sachs
Bruce I. Sachs Director February 15, 2024
/s/ Suketu Upadhyay
Suketu Upadhyay Director February 15, 2024
93
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (the Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at 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 U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated February 15, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 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 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 financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter 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 matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
F-1
Medicaid Drug Rebate Program in the U.S.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.
Boston, Massachusetts
February 15, 2024
F-2
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
Revenues:
Other revenues — — 1.0
Costs and expenses:
Acquired in-process research and development expenses 527.1 115.5 1,113.3
Change in fair value of contingent consideration (51.6) (57.5) (3.1)
Other (expense) income, net (22.8) (164.8) 4.9
Net income per common share:
Shares used in per share calculations:
Please refer to Note A, “Nature of Business and Accounting Policies,” for an explanation of amounts reclassified from “Research and development expenses” to “Acquired in-process research and development expenses” for 2021.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-3
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in millions)
Year ended December 31,
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustment 26.1 (11.4) 2.0
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (15.1) (15.1) 84.4
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in millions, except share data)
December 31,
Assets
Current assets:
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 623.7 553.5
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Long-term finance lease liabilities 376.1 430.8
Long-term operating lease liabilities 348.6 379.5
Commitments and contingencies — —
Shareholders’ equity:
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (14.3) 0.8
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 22,730.2 $ 18,150.9
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
(in millions)
Shares Amount
Other comprehensive income, net of tax — — — 84.4 — 84.4
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans 2.5 0.0 102.5 — — 102.5
Stock-based compensation expense — — 445.5 — — 445.5
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — — — (15.1) — (15.1)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans 3.2 0.1 187.3 — — 187.4
Stock-based compensation expense — — 490.4 — — 490.4
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — — — (15.1) — (15.1)
Issuance of common stock under benefit plans 2.7 0.0 133.4 — — 133.4
Stock-based compensation expense — — 583.5 — — 583.5
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in millions)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Losses (gains) on equity securities 0.6 149.1 (17.1)
Decrease in fair value of contingent consideration (51.6) (57.5) (3.1)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Prepaid expenses and other assets (545.7) (326.4) (91.8)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available-for-sale debt securities (3,786.5) (692.7) (528.2)
Sales and maturities of available-for-sale debt securities 839.1 920.0 499.3
Sale of equity securities 95.1 — —
Investment in equity securities and notes receivable (31.0) (47.8) (77.0)
Payments related to finite-lived intangible assets (58.0) — —
Payment to acquire ViaCyte, net of cash acquired — (295.9) —
Cash flows from financing activities:
Issuances of common stock under benefit plans 134.6 186.3 102.0
Repurchases of common stock (427.6) — (1,425.4)
Payments on finance leases (44.9) (85.5) (47.0)
Proceeds from finance leases and other financing activities 1.8 3.5 28.3
Net cash used in financing activities (562.2) (67.7) (1,478.0)
Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash 26.9 (29.2) (13.4)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-7
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
A.Nature of Business and Accounting Policies
Business
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (“Vertex,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is a global biotechnology company that invests in scientific innovation to create transformative medicines for people with serious diseases, with a focus on specialty markets. We havefour approved medicines that treat the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis (“CF”), a life-threatening genetic disease, and one approved therapy that treats severe sickle cell disease (“SCD”) and transfusion dependent beta thalassemia (“TDT”), life shortening inherited blood disorders. Our pipeline includes clinical-stage programs in CF, sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, acute and neuropathic pain, APOL1-mediated kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, myotonic dystrophy type 1 and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
Our marketed CF medicines are TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor), SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI (tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor), ORKAMBI (lumacaftor/ivacaftor) and KALYDECO (ivacaftor).
Starting in the fourth quarter of 2023, we have received approval to market CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel or “exa-cel”) for the treatment of SCD and TDT in the United States (“U.S.”), the European Union, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”), reflect the operations of Vertex and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. We operate in one segment, pharmaceuticals. Please refer to Note Q, “Segment Information,” for enterprise-wide disclosures regarding our revenues, major customers and long-lived assets by geographic area.
In 2022, we began to separately classify upfront, contingent milestone, and other payments pursuant to our business development transactions, including collaborations, licenses of third-party technologies, and asset acquisitions as “Acquired in-process research and development expenses” in our consolidated statements of income in cases where such acquired assets do not have an alternative future use. To conform prior periods to current presentation, we reclassified $1.1 billion from “Research and development expenses” to “Acquired in-process research and development expenses” for 2021. Please refer to Note B, “Collaboration, License and Other Arrangements,” for further information on these transactions.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our consolidated financial statements, and the amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. We base our estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions, including in certain circumstances future projections that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Changes in estimates are reflected in reported results in the period in which they become known.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize revenue when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services. We record the amount of revenue that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We apply the following five-step model to determine this amount: (i) identification of the promised goods or services in the contract; (ii) determination of whether the promised goods or services are performance obligations, including whether they are distinct in the context of the contract; (iii) measurement of the transaction price, including the constraint on variable consideration; (iv) allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (v) recognition of revenue when (or as) we satisfy each performance obligation.
We only apply the five-step model to contracts when it is probable that we will collect the consideration to which we are entitled in exchange for the goods or services that we transfer to the customer. Once a contract is determined to be within the
F-8
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
scope of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers at contract inception, we review the contract to determine which performance obligations we must deliver and which of these performance obligations are distinct. We recognize as revenue the amount of the transaction price that is allocated to each performance obligation when that performance obligation is satisfied or as it is satisfied. Generally, our performance obligations are transferred to customers at a point in time, typically upon delivery.
Product Revenues, Net
Revenues from product sales are recorded at the net sales price, or “transaction price,” which includes estimates of variable consideration that result from (a) invoice discounts for prompt payment and distribution fees, (b) government and private payor rebates, chargebacks, discounts and fees and (c) other incentives for certain indirect customers, including costs of co-pay assistance programs for patients. Reserves are established for the estimates of variable consideration based on the amounts earned or to be claimed on the related sales. The reserves are classified as reductions to “Accounts receivable, net” if payable to a customer or “Accrued expenses” if payable to a third-party. Where appropriate, we utilize the expected value method to determine the appropriate amount for estimates of variable consideration based on factors such as our historical experience, current contractual and statutory requirements, specific known market events and trends, industry data and forecasted customer buying and payment patterns. The amount of variable consideration that is included in the transaction price may be constrained and is included in our net product revenues only to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of the cumulative revenue recognized will not occur in a future period. Actual amounts of consideration ultimately received may differ from our estimates. If actual results vary from our estimates, we adjust these estimates, which would affect net product revenue and earnings in the period such variances become known.
Invoice Discounts and Distribution Fees: In the U.S., we may provide invoice discounts on product sales to our customers for prompt payment and pay fees for distribution services, such as fees for certain data that customers provide to us. We estimate that, based on our experience, our customers will earn these discounts and fees, and deduct the full amount of these discounts and fees from our gross product revenues and accounts receivable at the time such revenues are recognized.
Rebates, Chargebacks, Discounts and Fees: We contract with government agencies (our “Third-party Payors”) so that products will be eligible for purchase by, or partial or full reimbursement from, such Third-party Payors. We estimate the rebates, chargebacks, discounts and fees we will provide to Third-party Payors and deduct these estimated amounts from our gross product revenues at the time the revenues are recognized. For each product, we estimate the aggregate rebates, chargebacks and discounts that we will provide to Third-party Payors based upon (i) our contracts with these Third-party Payors, (ii) the government-mandated discounts and fees applicable to government-funded programs, (iii) information obtained from our customers and other third-party data regarding the payor mix for such product and (iv) historical experience.
Other Incentives: Other incentives that we offer include co-pay mitigation rebates that we provide in the U.S. to commercially insured patients who have coverage and who reside in states that permit co-pay mitigation programs. Based upon the terms of our co-pay mitigation programs, we estimate average co-pay mitigation amounts for each of our products to establish appropriate accruals.
We make significant estimates and judgments that materially affect our recognition of net product revenues. We adjust our estimated rebates, chargebacks and discounts based on new information, including information regarding actual rebates, chargebacks and discounts for our products, as it becomes available. Claims by third-party payors for rebates, chargebacks and discounts frequently are submitted to us significantly after the related sales, potentially resulting in adjustments in the period in which the new information becomes known. Our credits to product revenue related to prior period sales have not been significant and primarily related to rebates and discounts.
We exclude taxes collected from customers relating to product sales and remitted to governmental authorities from revenues.
CF Product Revenues
We sell our CF products principally to a limited number of specialty pharmacy and specialty distributors in the U.S.,
F-9
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
which account for the largest portion of our total revenues. Our customers in the U.S. subsequently resell the products to patients and health care providers. We make international sales primarily to specialty distributors and retail pharmacies, as well as hospitals and clinics, many of which are government-owned or supported. As noted above, we recognize net product revenues from sales when our customers obtain control of our products, which typically occurs upon delivery to our CF customers. Our payment terms are approximately 30 days in the U.S. and consistent with prevailing practice in international markets.
CASGEVY Product Revenues
We expect to sell CASGEVY principally to a limited number of specialty distributors or directly to authorized hospitals and clinics in markets where a specialty distributor is not utilized. Control is expected to transfer to our CASGEVY customers, resulting in revenue recognition, upon infusion of this gene-editing therapy into our patients.
Contract Liabilities
We had contract liabilities of $170.3 million and $159.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to annual contracts with government-owned and supported customers in international markets that limit the amount of annual reimbursement we can receive for our CF products. Upon exceeding the annual reimbursement amount provided by the customer’s contract with us, our CF products are provided free of charge, which is a material right. These contracts include upfront payments and fees. If we estimate that we will exceed the annual reimbursement amount under a contract, we defer a portion of the consideration received for shipments made up to the annual reimbursement limit as a portion of “Other current liabilities.” Once the reimbursement limit has been reached, we recognize the deferred amount as revenue when we ship the free products. Our CF product revenue contracts include performance obligations that are one year or less.
Our contract liabilities at the end of each fiscal year relate to contracts with CF annual reimbursement limits in international markets in which the annual period associated with the contract is not the same as our fiscal year. In these markets we recognize revenues related to performance obligations satisfied in previous years; however, these revenues do not relate to any performance obligations that were satisfied more than 12 months prior to the beginning of the current year. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, we recorded $159.6 million, $171.7 million and $191.5 million, respectively, of CF product revenues that were recorded as contract liabilities at the beginning of the year.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents and marketable securities. We place these investments with highly rated financial institutions, and, by policy, limit the amount of credit exposure to any one financial institution. We also maintain a foreign currency hedging program that includes foreign currency forward contracts with several counterparties. We have not experienced any credit losses related to these financial instruments and do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk related to these instruments.
We are also subject to credit risk from our accounts receivable related to our product sales and collaborators. We evaluate the creditworthiness of each of our customers and have determined that all our material customers are creditworthy. To date, we have not experienced significant losses with respect to the collection of our accounts receivable. We believe that our allowances, which are not significant to our consolidated financial statements, are adequate at December 31, 2023. Please refer to Note Q, “Segment Information,” for further information.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities
As of December 31, 2023, our marketable securities consisted of investments in available-for-sale debt securities and corporate equity securities with readily determinable fair values. We classify marketable securities with current maturities of less than one year as current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The remainder of our marketable securities are classified as long-term assets within “Long-term marketable securities” on our consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of
F-10
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
these securities is based on quoted prices for identical or similar assets.
We record unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale debt securities as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income,” which is a separate component of shareholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheets, until such gains and losses are realized. Realized gains and losses, if any, are determined using the specific identification method.
For available-for-sale debt securities in unrealized loss positions, we are required to assess whether to record an allowance for credit losses using an expected loss model. A credit loss is limited to the amount by which the amortized cost of an investment exceeds its fair value. A previously recognized credit loss may be decreased in subsequent periods if our estimate of fair value for the investment increases. To determine whether to record a credit loss, we consider issuer specific credit ratings and historical losses as well as current economic conditions and our expectations for future economic conditions.
We record changes in the fair value of our investments in corporate equity securities to “Other (expense) income, net” in our consolidated statements of income. Realized gains and losses, which are also included in “Other (expense) income, net,” are determined on an original weighted-average cost basis.
Accounts Receivable
We deduct invoice discounts for prompt payment and fees for distribution services from our accounts receivable based on our experience that our customers will earn these discounts and fees. Our estimates for our allowance for credit losses, which has not been significant to date, is determined based on existing contractual payment terms, historical payment patterns, current economic conditions and our expectation for future economic conditions.
Stock-based Compensation Expense
We expense the fair value of employee restricted stock units and other forms of stock-based employee compensation over the associated employee service period on a straight-line basis. Stock-based compensation expense is determined based on the fair value of the award at the grant date and is adjusted each period to reflect actual forfeitures and the outcomes of certain performance conditions.
For awards with performance conditions in which the award does not vest unless the performance condition is met, we recognize expense if, and to the extent that, we estimate that achievement of the performance condition is probable. If we conclude that vesting is probable, we recognize expense from the date we reach this conclusion through the estimated vesting date.
We provide to employees who have rendered a certain number of years of service to Vertex and meet certain age requirements, partial or full acceleration of vesting of these equity awards, subject to certain conditions including a notification period, upon a termination of employment other than for cause. Approximately 5% of our employees were eligible for partial or full acceleration of any of their equity awards as of December 31, 2023. We recognize stock-based compensation expense related to these awards over a service period reflecting qualified employees’ eligibility for partial or full acceleration of vesting.
Please refer to Note N, “Stock-based Compensation Expense,” for tables displaying our stock-based compensation expense by type of award and by line item within our consolidated statements of income.
Research and Development Expenses
Research and development expenses are comprised of costs we incur in performing research and development activities, including salary and benefits; stock-based compensation expense; outsourced services and other direct expenses, including clinical trial, pharmaceutical development and drug supply costs; intangible asset impairment charges; and infrastructure costs, including facilities costs and depreciation expense. We recognize research and development expenses as incurred. We capitalize nonrefundable advance payments we make for research and development activities and expense the payments as the related goods are delivered or the related services are performed.
F-11
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Acquired In-process Research and Development Expenses
Our research and development activities include upfront, contingent milestone, and other payments pursuant to our business development transactions, including collaborations, licenses of third-party technologies, and asset acquisitions. In-process research and development that is acquired in a transaction that does not qualify as a business combination under U.S. GAAP and that does not have an alternative future use is recorded to “Acquired in-process research and development expenses” in our consolidated statements of income in the period in which it is acquired.
Inventories
We value our inventories at the lower-of-cost or net realizable value. We determine the cost of our inventories, which include amounts related to materials and manufacturing overhead, on a first-in, first-out basis. We perform an assessment of the recoverability of our capitalized inventory during each reporting period and write down any excess and obsolete inventories to their net realizable value in the period in which the impairment is first identified. Shipping and handling costs incurred for inventory purchases are capitalized and recorded upon sale in “Cost of sales” in our consolidated statements of income. Shipping and handling costs incurred for product shipments are recorded as incurred in “Cost of sales” in our consolidated statements of income.
We capitalize inventories produced in preparation for initiating sales of a product candidate when the related product candidate is considered to have a high likelihood of regulatory approval and the related costs are expected to be recoverable through sales of the inventories. In determining whether to capitalize such inventories, we evaluate, among other factors, information regarding the product candidate’s safety and efficacy, the status of regulatory submissions and communications with regulatory authorities and the outlook for commercial sales, including the existence of current or anticipated competitive drugs and the availability of reimbursement. In addition, we evaluate risks associated with manufacturing the product candidate and the remaining shelf-life of the inventories.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the related asset generally as follows:
Description Estimated Useful Life
Buildings and improvements 15 to 40 years
Laboratory equipment, other equipment and furniture 7 to 10 years
Computers and software 3 to 5 years
Maintenance and repairs to an asset that do not improve or extend its life are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the assets and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in our consolidated statements of income. We perform an assessment of the fair value of the assets if indicators of impairment are identified during a reporting period and record the assets at the lower of the net book value or the fair value of the assets.
We capitalize costs incurred to develop software for internal use during the application development stage, which are depreciated over the useful life of the related asset.
Cloud Computing Service Contracts
We classify costs incurred to implement cloud computing service contracts as “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. Amortization is recorded over the noncancellable term of the cloud computing service contract, plus any optional renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised.
F-12
VERTEX PHARMACEUTICALS INCORPORATED
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Leases
We determine whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception. If a lease is identified in an arrangement, we recognize a right-of-use asset and liability on our consolidated balance sheet and determine whether the lease should be classified as a finance or operating lease. We do not recognize assets or liabilities for leases with lease terms of less than 12 months.
A lease qualifies as a finance lease if any of the following criteria are met at the inception of the lease: (i) there is a transfer of ownership of the leased asset to Vertex by the end of the lease term, (ii) we hold an option to purchase the leased asset that we are reasonably certain to exercise, (iii) the lease term is for a major part of the remaining economic life of the leased asset, (iv) the present value of the sum of lease payments equals or exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the leased asset, or (v) the nature of the leased asset is specialized to the point that it is expected to provide the lessor no alternative use at the end of the lease term. All other leases are recorded as operating leases.
Finance and operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term using the discount rate implicit in the lease. If the rate implicit is not readily determinable, we utilize our incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date. Operating lease assets are further adjusted for prepaid or accrued lease payments. Operating lease payments are expensed using the straight-line method as an operating expense over the lease term. Finance lease assets are amortized to depreciation expense using the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the related asset or the lease term. Finance lease payments are bifurcated into (i) a portion that is recorded as imputed interest expense and (ii) a portion that reduces the finance liability associated with the lease.
We do not separate lease and non-lease components for our real estate leases when determining which lease payments to include in the calculation of our lease assets and liabilities. Variable lease payments are expensed as incurred. If a lease includes an option to extend or terminate the lease, we reflect the option in the lease term if it is reasonably certain we will exercise the option.
Finance leases are recorded in “Property and equipment, net,” “Other current liabilities” and “Long-term finance lease liabilities,” and operating leases are recorded in “Operating lease assets,” “Other current liabilities” and “Long-term operating lease liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets.
Income Taxes
Our provision for income taxes is accounted for under the asset and liability method and includes federal, state, local and foreign taxes.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the income tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance is applied against any net deferred tax asset if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. On a periodic basis, we reassess the valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets weighing positive and negative evidence to assess the recoverability of our deferred tax assets. We include, among other things, our recent financial performance and our future projections in this periodic assessment.
We record liabilities related to uncertain tax positions by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We evaluate our uncertain tax positions on a quarterly basis and consider various factors, including, but not limited to, changes in tax law, the measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns, and changes in facts or circumstances related to a tax position. We adjust our liabilities to reflect any subsequent changes in the relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the uncertain positions. We accrue interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of our “Provision for income taxes.”
As part of the U.S. Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017, we are subject to a territorial tax system, under which we must
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
establish an accounting policy to provide for tax on Global Intangible Low Taxed Income (“GILTI”) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. We have elected to treat the impact of GILTI as a current tax expense in our “Provision for income taxes.”
Variable Interest Entities
We review each agreement pursuant to which we license technologies owned by a third party to determine whether or not we have a variable interest via the license agreement with the third party and if the variable interest is a variable interest in the third party as a whole and whether or not we are the primary beneficiary of that variable interest entity (“VIE”). If we determine we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE at the onset of a license agreement, it is treated as a business combination and we consolidate the financial statements of the VIE into our consolidated financial statements until we are no longer the primary beneficiary of the consolidated VIE, or no longer have a variable interest in the VIE. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we did not have any consolidated VIEs.
Fair Value of Contingent Consideration
We base our estimates of the probability of achieving the milestones relevant to the fair value of contingent payments on industry data and our knowledge of the programs and viability of the programs. Estimates included in the discounted cash flow models pertaining to contingent payments also include: (i) estimates regarding the timing of the relevant development and commercial milestones and royalties, and (ii) and appropriate discount rates. We record any increases or decreases in the fair value of our contingent payments to “Change in fair value of contingent consideration” in our consolidated statements of income. We record our contingent consideration liabilities at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets as “Other current liabilities” or “Other long-term liabilities” depending on when we estimate we will pay them. Please refer to Note D, “Fair Value Measurements,” for further information.
In-process Research and Development Assets
We record the fair value of in-process research and development assets as of the transaction date of a business combination on our consolidated balance sheets as “Other intangible assets, net.” These assets are used in research and development activities but have not yet reached technological feasibility, which occurs when we complete the research and development efforts by obtaining regulatory approval to market an underlying product candidate. We characterize in-process research and development assets on our consolidated balance sheets as indefinite-lived intangible assets until either they achieve regulatory approval and become finite-lived intangible assets, or the assets are impaired. Upon completion of the associated research and development efforts, we will determine the remaining estimated life of the marketed product and begin amortizing the carrying value of the assets over this period. If the assets become impaired or are abandoned, the carrying value is written down to fair value, and we record an impairment charge in the period in which the impairment occurs. We test in-process research and development assets for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1, and more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist.
The fair value of our in-process research and development assets is determined using either the multi-period excess earnings or the relief from royalty methods of the income approach. Each method requires us to make: (i) assumptions regarding the probability of obtaining marketing approval for a product candidate; (ii) estimates of future cash flows from potential product sales with respect to a product candidate; and (iii) appropriate discount and tax rates. The multi-period excess earnings method also requires us to estimate the timing of and the expected costs to develop and commercialize a product candidate. The relief from royalty method also requires us to estimate the after-tax royalty savings expected from ownership of a product candidate that we acquired.
Finite-lived Intangible Assets
We record finite-lived intangible assets at cost, net of accumulated amortization, on our consolidated balance sheets as “Other intangible assets, net.” Each of these assets relates to our marketed products and may include, among other things, completed research and development projects that were previously reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as in-process research and development assets, or rights to developed technology associated with in-licenses, regulatory approval milestones due to our collaborators, or other payments. We amortize our finite-lived intangible assets using the straight-line method within “Cost of sales” over the remaining estimated life of the assets beginning in the period in which regulatory
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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
approval is achieved or the assets are acquired and continuing through the period that we no longer have either exclusive rights to market the products associated with the assets or in-license rights to the intellectual property underlying the assets. We test our finite-lived intangible assets for impairment if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. If we determine that the carrying value of a finite-lived intangible asset may not be recoverable, we compare the carrying value of the asset to the undiscounted cash flows that we expect the asset to generate. When we determine that a finite-lived intangible asset has become impaired, we write down the carrying value of the asset to its fair value and record an impairment charge in the period in which the impairment occurs.
Goodwill
The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination is allocated to goodwill. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1, and more frequently if indicators are present or changes in circumstances suggest that impairment may exist. As noted in Basis of Presentation above, we have one operating segment, pharmaceuticals, which is our only reporting unit.
Hedging Activities
We recognize the fair value of hedging instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments pursuant to U.S. GAAP, foreign currency forward contracts, as either assets or liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of these instruments are recorded each period in “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income” as unrealized gains and losses until the forecasted underlying transaction occurs. Unrealized gains and losses on these foreign currency forward contracts are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” or “Other assets,” and “Other current liabilities” or “Other long-term liabilities,” respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets depending on the remaining period until their contractual maturity. Realized gains and losses for the effective portion of such contracts are recognized in “Product revenues, net” in our consolidated statement of income in the same period that we recognize the product revenues that were impacted by the hedged foreign exchange rate changes. We classify the cash flows from hedging instruments in the same category as the cash flows from the hedged items.
Certain of our hedging instruments are subject to master netting arrangements to reduce the risk arising from such transactions with our counterparties. We present unrealized gains and losses on our foreign currency forward contracts on a gross basis within our consolidated balance sheets.