Notes to the consolidated financial statements
1. The Company and its principal activity
BB Biotech AG (the Company) is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange as well as in the «Prime Standard Segment» of the German Exchange and has its registered office in Schaffhausen, Schwertstrasse 6. Its principal activity is to invest in companies active in the biotechnology industry for the purpose of capital appreciation. The investments are held through its wholly owned subsidiaries.
Company | Capital in CHF 1 000 | Capital and voting interest in % | ||
Biotech Focus N.V., Curaçao | 11 | 100 | ||
Biotech Growth N.V., Curaçao | 11 | 100 | ||
Biotech Invest N.V., Curaçao | 11 | 100 | ||
Biotech Target N.V., Curaçao | 11 | 100 |
2. Accounting policies
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary companies (the Group) have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS) 34 «Interim Financial Reporting», as well as the provisions of the rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange for Investment Companies and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated annual financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. The preparation of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements requires management to make assumptions and estimates that have an impact on the balance sheet values and items of the statement of comprehensive income in the current financial period. In certain circumstances, the actual values may diverge from these estimates.
The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the consolidated annual financial statements.
The following amended standard, valid since January 1, 2025, has been applied in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements:
- IAS 21 (amended, effective January 1, 2025) – Lack of Exchangeability
The following new and amended standards were approved, but will only be applicable for the Group prospectively and were not early adopted in these condensed consolidated interim financial statements:
- IFRS 9/IFRS 7 (amended, effective January 1, 2026) – Classification and Measurement of Financial Instruments
- IFRS 18 (effective January 1, 2027) – Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements
- IFRS 19 (effective January 1, 2027) – Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: Disclosures
The Group assessed the potential impact of the above-mentioned new and amended standards. Based on the analysis, the Group concludes that these new and amended standards have no material impact on the Group’s accounting policies and overall results and financial position.
The following exchange rates have been used for the preparation of these condensed consolidated interim financial statements:
Currency | 30.09.2025 | 31.12.2024 | ||
USD | 0.79640 | 0.90740 | ||
XCG 1) | 0.44742 | 0.50978 | ||
EUR | 0.93450 | 0.94008 | ||
GBP | 1.07090 | 1.13560 |
1since April 1, 2025, Caribbean Guilder, before ANG (Antillean Guilder)
3. Financial assets
Fair Values
The following table presents the Group’s assets that are measured at fair value (in CHF 1 000):
30.09.2025 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | ||||
Assets | ||||||||
Securities | ||||||||
- Shares | 2 185 004 | – | 43 422 | 2 228 426 | ||||
- Derivative instruments | – | 104 | – | 104 | ||||
Total assets | 2 185 004 | 104 | 43 422 | 2 228 530 | ||||
31.12.2024 | ||||||||
Assets | ||||||||
Securities | ||||||||
- Shares | 2 369 436 | – | 37 444 | 2 406 881 | ||||
- Derivative instruments | – | – | – | – | ||||
Total assets | 2 369 436 | – | 37 444 | 2 406 881 |
The table below summarizes the transactions in level 3 instruments (in CHF 1 000):
01.01.–30.09.2025 | 01.01.–30.09.2024 | |||
Opening balance | 37 444 | 14 725 | ||
Purchases | 12 079 | 15 139 | ||
Unrealized gains/(losses) included in gains/losses from securities | (6 101) | 5 030 | ||
Closing balance | 43 422 | 34 894 | ||
Gains/(losses) on level 3 instruments included in gains/losses from securities | (6 101) | 5 030 |
There were no transfers between level 1, 2 and 3 during the reporting period.
The fair value of level 3 instruments at initial recognition represents the transaction price (purchase of preferred stocks of Rivus Pharmaceuticals in August 2022 for TCHF 16 875, August 2024 for TCHF 15 139 and January 2025 for TCHF 12 079), which was paid in financing rounds together with other investors. For the valuation as at September 30, 2025, it is deemed to be appropriate to use the latest transaction price in USD, as it is a reasonable approximation of fair value at the valuation date, based on the information available and in the absence of developments that would reasonably be expected to materially affect fair value.
In August 2022, 8 733 538 Radius Health – Contingent Value Rights were allocated from a corporate action. In February 2025 BB Biotech received USD 1 per Right.
For assets and liabilities carried at amortised cost, their carrying values are a reasonable approximation of fair value.
Securities
The changes in value of securities at fair value through profit or loss by investment category are as follows (in CHF 1 000):
Listed shares | Unlisted shares | Derivative instruments | Total | |||||
Opening balance as at 01.01.2024 at fair values | 2 619 989 | 14 725 | – | 2 634 714 | ||||
Purchases | 206 303 | 15 139 | 316 | 221 758 | ||||
Sales | (561 097) | – | (42) | (561 139) | ||||
Gains/(losses) from securities | 104 241 | 7 581 | (274) | 111 548 | ||||
Realized gains | 107 900 | – | – | 107 900 | ||||
Realized losses | (46 182) | – | (274) | (46 456) | ||||
Unrealized gains | 480 172 | 7 581 | – | 487 753 | ||||
Unrealized losses | (437 649) | – | – | (437 649) | ||||
Closing balance as at 31.12.2024 at fair values | 2 369 436 | 37 444 | – | 2 406 881 | ||||
Opening balance as at 01.01.2025 at fair values | 2 369 436 | 37 444 | – | 2 406 881 | ||||
Purchases | 399 037 | 12 079 | – | 411 116 | ||||
Sales | (714 941) | – | (7 900) | (722 841) | ||||
Gains/(losses) from securities | 131 471 | (6 101) | 8 004 | 133 375 | ||||
Realized gains | 162 350 | – | 7 900 | 170 250 | ||||
Realized losses | (76 110) | – | – | (76 110) | ||||
Unrealized gains | 240 414 | – | 104 | 240 518 | ||||
Unrealized losses | (195 183) | (6 101) | – | (201 284) | ||||
Closing balance as at 30.09.2025 at fair values | 2 185 004 | 43 422 | 104 | 2 228 530 |
Securities comprise the following:
Company | Number 31.12.2024 | Change | Number 30.09.2025 | Market price in original currency 30.09.2025 | Valuation CHF mn 30.09.2025 | Valuation CHF mn 31.12.2024 | ||||||||
Ionis Pharmaceuticals | 7 850 000 | (1 625 162) | 6 224 838 | USD | 65.42 | 324.3 | 249.0 | |||||||
Argenx SE | 591 000 | (55 678) | 535 322 | USD | 737.56 | 314.4 | 329.8 | |||||||
Revolution Medicines | 4 374 300 | 1 192 700 | 5 567 000 | USD | 46.70 | 207.0 | 173.6 | |||||||
Neurocrine Biosciences | 1 820 000 | (60 000) | 1 760 000 | USD | 140.38 | 196.8 | 225.4 | |||||||
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals | 760 000 | (321 321) | 438 679 | USD | 456.00 | 159.3 | 162.3 | |||||||
Vertex Pharmaceuticals | 475 000 | (17 200) | 457 800 | USD | 391.64 | 142.8 | 173.6 | |||||||
Agios Pharmaceuticals | 3 515 150 | 199 586 | 3 714 736 | USD | 40.14 | 118.8 | 104.8 | |||||||
Incyte | 2 150 000 | (714 145) | 1 435 855 | USD | 84.81 | 97.0 | 134.7 | |||||||
Scholar Rock Holding | 2 486 707 | 750 670 | 3 237 377 | USD | 37.24 | 96.0 | 97.5 | |||||||
Akero Therapeutics | – | 2 382 755 | 2 382 755 | USD | 47.48 | 90.1 | – | |||||||
Immunocore | 1 205 464 | 1 591 339 | 2 796 803 | USD | 36.33 | 80.9 | 32.3 | |||||||
Avidity Biosciences | – | 2 152 862 | 2 152 862 | USD | 43.57 | 74.7 | – | |||||||
Celldex Therapeutics | 3 071 615 | 486 054 | 3 557 669 | USD | 25.87 | 73.3 | 70.4 | |||||||
Beam Therapeutics | 1 518 121 | 1 371 167 | 2 889 288 | USD | 24.27 | 55.8 | 34.2 | |||||||
Edgewise Therapeutics | 1 428 929 | 1 347 068 | 2 775 997 | USD | 16.22 | 35.9 | 34.6 | |||||||
Relay Therapeutics | 7 375 000 | 968 318 | 8 343 318 | USD | 5.22 | 34.7 | 27.6 | |||||||
Biohaven | 2 040 853 | 762 000 | 2 802 853 | USD | 15.01 | 33.5 | 69.2 | |||||||
Wave Life Sciences | 4 094 458 | – | 4 094 458 | USD | 7.32 | 23.9 | 46.0 | |||||||
Macrogenics | 9 929 963 | (9 971) | 9 919 992 | USD | 1.68 | 13.3 | 29.3 | |||||||
Annexon | 5 157 290 | – | 5 157 290 | USD | 3.05 | 12.5 | 24.0 | |||||||
Intra-Cellular Therapies | 2 425 000 | (2 425 000) | – | USD | n.a. | – | 183.8 | |||||||
Moderna | 1 600 000 | (1 600 000) | – | USD | 25.83 | – | 60.4 | |||||||
Arvinas | 2 380 000 | (2 380 000) | – | USD | 8.52 | – | 41.4 | |||||||
Sage Therapeutics | 4 460 693 | (4 460 693) | – | USD | n.a. | – | 22.0 | |||||||
Esperion Therapeutics | 9 944 064 | (9 944 064) | – | USD | 2.65 | – | 19.9 | |||||||
Black Diamond Therapeutics | 8 517 839 | (8 517 839) | – | USD | 3.79 | – | 16.5 | |||||||
Fate Therapeutics | 4 839 779 | (4 839 779) | – | USD | 1.26 | – | 7.2 | |||||||
Blueprint Medicines | – | – | – | USD | n.a. | – | – | |||||||
Listed shares | 2 185.0 | 2 369.5 | ||||||||||||
Rivus Pharmaceuticals | USD | 43.4 | 37.4 | |||||||||||
Unlisted shares | 43.4 | 37.4 | ||||||||||||
Total shares | 2 228.4 | 2 406.9 | ||||||||||||
Blueprint Medicines – Contingent Value Right | – | 284 900 | 284 900 | USD | 0.46 | 0.1 | – | |||||||
Molecular Templates – Warrants, 2.4.29 | 769 334 | (769 334) | – | USD | n.a. | – | – | |||||||
Radius Health – Contingent Value Right | 8 733 538 | (8 733 538) | – | USD | n.a. | – | – | |||||||
Total derivative instruments | 0.1 | – | ||||||||||||
Total securities | 2 228.5 | 2 406.9 | ||||||||||||
4. Short-term borrowings from banks
At September 30, 2025, there is no short-term loan outstanding (December 31, 2024: CHF 117.5 mn at 0.90% p.a.).
5. Shareholders’ equity
The share capital of the Company consists of 55.4 mn fully paid registered shares (December 31, 2024: 55.4 mn) with a par value of CHF 0.20 each (December 31, 2024: CHF 0.20).
Treasury shares
The Company can buy and sell treasury shares in accordance with the Company’s articles of association and Swiss company law and in compliance with the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. During the period from January 1, 2025, to September 30, 2025, the Company has bought 166 750 treasury shares and has sold 554 000 treasury shares (01.01.–30.09.2024: Purchase of 20 000 treasury shares, no sales). As at September 30, 2025, the Company holds 250 750 treasury shares (December 31, 2024: 638 000 shares). The treasury shares as at September 30, 2025, were treated as a deduction from the consolidated shareholders’ equity using cost values of TCHF 8 169 (December 31, 2024: TCHF 39 640).
Share buyback 2nd line (bought for cancellation)
The Board of Directors has approved the repurchase of a maximum of 5 540 000 own registered shares with a nominal value of CHF 0.20 each. Until the end of the program at April 11, 2025, 250 750 registered shares were repurchased via a second trading line for the purpose of capital reduction (December 31, 2024: 84 000 shares).
6. Administrative expenses
Administrative expenses comprise the following:
in CHF 1 000 | 01.01.–30.09.2025 | 01.01.–30.09.2024 | ||
Investment manager | ||||
– Management fees | 15 005 | 19 295 | ||
Personnel | ||||
– Board of Directors remuneration | 1 245 | 1 250 | ||
– Wages and salaries | 274 | 251 | ||
– Social insurance contributions and duties | 105 | 100 | ||
16 629 | 20 896 |
The remuneration model of BB Biotech AG is determined by the Board of Directors.
Since 2014 the remuneration paid to the investment manager is based upon a 1.1% p.a. all-in fee on the average market capitalization without any additional fixed or performance-based elements of compensation. The compensation of the Board of Directors consists since 2014 of a fixed compensation.
7. Segment reporting
The sole operating segment of the Group reflects the internal management structure and is evaluated on an overall basis. Revenue is derived by investing in a portfolio of companies active in the biotechnology industry for the purpose of capital appreciation. The following results correspond to the sole operating segment of investing in companies active in the biotechnology industry.
The geographical analysis of the profit/(loss) before tax is as follows – all income from financial assets are attributed to a country based on the domiciliation of the issuer of the instrument.
Profit/(loss) before tax in CHF 1 000 | 01.01.–30.09.2025 | 01.01.–30.09.2024 | ||
USA | 182 777 | (35 702) | ||
Netherlands | 14 470 | 97 442 | ||
Great Britain | 5 710 | (32 457) | ||
Canada | – | (3 380) | ||
Switzerland | (12 102) | (9 726) | ||
Curaçao | (16 054) | (24 613) | ||
Singapore | (22 089) | 11 727 | ||
British Virgin Islands | (46 219) | 13 009 | ||
106 493 | 16 300 |
8. Earnings per share
01.01.–30.09.2025 | 01.01.–30.09.2024 | |||
Total comprehensive profit/(loss) for the period (in CHF 1 000) | 106 448 | 16 243 | ||
Weighted average number of shares in issue | 54 753 976 | 54 842 000 | ||
Earnings per share in CHF | 1.94 | 0.30 | ||
Income used to determine diluted earnings per share (in CHF 1 000) | 106 448 | 16 243 | ||
Weighted average number of shares in issue following the dilution | 54 753 976 | 54 842 000 | ||
Diluted earnings per share in CHF | 1.94 | 0.30 |
9. Assets pledged
At September 30, 2025, securities in the amount of CHF 2 228.5 mn (December 31, 2024: CHF 2 406.9 mn) are collateral for a credit line of CHF 700 mn (December 31, 2024: CHF 700 mn). At September 30, 2025, there is no short-term loan outstanding (December 31, 2024: CHF 117.5 mn).
10. Transactions with the Investment Manager and related party transactions
Detailed information regarding the remuneration model for the Board of Directors and the investment manager are mentioned under note «6. Administrative Expenses».
11. Commitments, contingencies and other off-balance sheet transactions
The Group had no commitments or other off-balance sheet transactions open at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
The operations of the Group are affected by legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments for which provisions are made where deemed necessary. The Board of Directors concludes that as at September 30, 2025, no proceedings existed which could have any material effect on the financial position of the Group (December 31, 2024: none).
12. Subsequent events
There have been no events subsequent to September 30, 2025, which would affect the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.