Stock Markets January 29, 2026

Sanofi Sees High Single-Digit Sales Growth in 2026, Announces 1 Billion Euro Buyback

Company expects operating income to outpace sales this year as Dupixent and recent acquisitions support revenue

By Derek Hwang
Sanofi Sees High Single-Digit Sales Growth in 2026, Announces 1 Billion Euro Buyback

Sanofi reported guidance for 2026 sales to rise by a high-single-digit percentage, underpinned by continued strength in its Dupixent asthma franchise and several newly added medicines. The company also indicated business operating income will increase marginally faster than sales this year and unveiled a 1 billion euro share repurchase plan, following a 5 billion euro buyback completed in 2025.

Key Points

  • Sanofi projects sales growth of a high-single-digit percentage in 2026, supported by Dupixent and newer medicines - impacts pharma sector and equity markets.
  • Business operating income is expected to rise slightly faster than sales this year, indicating margin or operational leverage expectations - relevant to corporate earnings analysis.
  • Sanofi plans a 1 billion euro share buyback, following a 5 billion euro programme completed in 2025, showing active capital return to shareholders - relevant to investors and markets.

On Jan 29 in London, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi outlined expectations for its revenue trajectory into 2026 and disclosed a new share repurchase plan.

Sanofi said it anticipates sales to grow by a high-single-digit percentage in 2026, citing robust demand for Dupixent - its leading asthma treatment developed with partner Regeneron - along with contributions from several more recently introduced medicines. The company additionally expects business operating income to expand slightly faster than sales in the current year.

As part of its capital allocation moves, Sanofi announced a plan to repurchase 1 billion euros of its own shares. This follows the firm completing a 5 billion euro buyback programme during 2025.

Management has been pursuing new sources of revenue to prepare for the eventual loss of exclusivity for Dupixent in 2031, and has signalled a more active stance on mergers and acquisitions.

Among the transactions closed in 2025, Sanofi completed a purchase of Blueprint Medicines for $9.5 billion, acquiring an approved therapy for a rare blood disorder. The company also agreed in December to acquire adult vaccine maker Dynavax Technologies for $2.2 billion, and in July finalised a $1.5 billion acquisition of British private vaccine developer Vicebio.

For the fourth quarter, Sanofi reported business operating income of 2.34 billion euros. That figure compared with an average analyst expectation of 2.37 billion euros in a company-provided poll.

Quarterly sales for Dupixent reached 4.25 billion euros, exceeding the average analyst forecast of 4.05 billion euros.

The company provided a currency conversion note in its report, stating that $1 = 0.8345 euros.


Summary

Sanofi expects 2026 sales growth in the high single digits, with business operating income projected to grow slightly faster than sales this year. The company will repurchase 1 billion euros of shares after completing a 5 billion euro programme in 2025, and has pursued acquisitions including Blueprint Medicines, Dynavax Technologies, and Vicebio. Dupixent continues to drive strong quarterly sales.

Risks

  • Dupixent is a major revenue driver and faces loss of exclusivity in 2031, which creates revenue replacement risk for Sanofi - impacts the pharmaceuticals sector and company valuations.
  • Fourth-quarter business operating income of 2.34 billion euros slightly missed the company-provided analyst average of 2.37 billion euros, indicating potential near-term performance variability - relevant to earnings expectations in the market.

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