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Discontinued operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |  | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Apr. 08, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018
Statement [line items] |  |  |  |
Net sales to third parties of discontinued operations |  | $ 48,659 | $ 47,445 | $ 44,751
Sales to continuing and discontinued segments |  |  | 53 | 82
Net sales |  | 48,659 | 47,498 | 44,833
Cost of goods sold |  | (15,121) | (14,425) | (14,510)
Gross profit |  | 34,777 | 34,252 | 31,589
Selling, general and administration |  | (14,197) | (14,369) | (13,717)
Research and development |  | (8,980) | (9,402) | (8,489)
Other income |  | 1,742 | 2,031 | 1,629
Other expense |  | (3,190) | (3,426) | (2,609)
Operating income of discontinued operations |  | 10,152 | 9,086 | 8,403
Interest expense |  | (869) | (850) | (932)
Other financial income and expense |  | (78) | 45 | 186
Income before taxes |  | 9,878 | 8,940 | 14,095
Taxes |  | (1,807) | (1,793) | (1,295)
Net income/loss from discontinued operations before gain on distribution |  |  | (101) | (186)
Gain on distribution of Alcon Inc. to Novartis AG shareholders | $ 4,691 |  | 4,691 |
Net income/loss from discontinued operations |  |  | 4,590 | (186)
Continuing operations |  |  |  |
Statement [line items] |  |  |  |
Income before taxes |  | 9,878 | 8,940 | 14,095
Taxes |  | $ (1,807) | (1,793) | (1,295)
Discontinued operations |  |  |  |
Statement [line items] |  |  |  |
Net sales to third parties of discontinued operations |  |  | 1,777 | 7,149
Sales to continuing and discontinued segments |  |  | 32 | 4
Net sales |  |  | 1,809 | 7,153
Cost of goods sold |  |  | (860) | (3,983)
Gross profit |  |  | 949 | 3,170
Selling, general and administration |  |  | (638) | (2,754)
Research and development |  |  | (142) | (585)
Other income |  |  | 15 | 61
Other expense |  |  | (113) | (126)
Operating income of discontinued operations |  |  | 71 | (234)
Interest expense |  |  | (10) | (25)
Other financial income and expense |  |  | (3) | (1)
Income before taxes |  |  | 58 | (260)
Taxes |  |  | (159) | 74
Net income/loss from discontinued operations before gain on distribution |  |  | (101) | (186)
Gain on distribution of Alcon Inc. to Novartis AG shareholders |  |  | 4,691 |
Net income/loss from discontinued operations |  |  | $ 4,590 | $ (186)

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