Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, net sales grew by 7% year-over-year, and core operating income also increased by 7%, with a core margin of 39.3% [4][26] - Excluding negative adjustments, underlying growth would have been 9% for net sales and 11% for core operating income, driven by priority brands and new launches [26][27] - Core EPS reached $2.25, reflecting a 10% increase, and free cash flow totaled $6.2 billion [27][28] - For the first nine months, net sales grew by 11%, core operating income increased by 18%, and core EPS was up 21% at $6.94 [27][28] Business Line Performance - Kisqali experienced a 68% growth in Q3, with U.S. growth at 91%, making it a leader in both metastatic and early breast cancer markets [5][6] - Pluvicto grew by 45% in constant currency, with U.S. sales up 53%, driven by new patient starts [10][11] - Leqvio sales increased by 54%, on track for over $1 billion in annual sales, with strong performance in both the U.S. and international markets [13][14] - Scemblix grew by 95% in constant currency, becoming the most prescribed TKI by NBRx in the U.S. [15] - Cosentyx had a mixed quarter, with a slight decline in growth due to one-time effects, but remains on track for mid-single-digit growth for the full year [16][17] Market Performance - Kisqali's early breast cancer indication is approved in 56 countries, with significant growth potential outside the U.S. [6][10] - Pluvicto is expected to reach peak sales potential with ongoing approvals in Japan and China [12] - Leqvio shows strong uptake in various international markets, particularly in China and the Middle East [14] - Scemblix is gaining traction in both first-line and second-line settings, with a strong launch momentum in Japan [15] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on driving growth through its priority brands while managing the impact of generic erosion from key products [4][5] - The proposed acquisition of Avidity Biosciences is expected to enhance long-term growth prospects and support mid-single-digit growth over the long term [33][34] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong pipeline and investing in R&D to support future growth [28][29] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating generic headwinds and reaffirmed guidance for high single-digit growth in net sales and low teens growth in core operating income for the full year [29][30] - The company anticipates a challenging first half of 2026 due to the impact of generics but expects to emerge stronger in the second half [31][32] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing pricing and reimbursement challenges in the current regulatory environment [38][61] Other Important Information - The company achieved significant pipeline milestones, including FDA approvals and positive phase 3 results for several key products [4][20] - Management emphasized the importance of cash flow for reinvestment and shareholder returns, with a new $10 billion share buyback program announced [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Industry response to Medicaid and tariffs - Management noted ongoing discussions with the administration and emphasized the need for solutions that address underlying industry issues [38] Question: CapEx over the next five years - Management clarified that the majority of the $23 billion commitment is for R&D OpEx, with no significant increase in CapEx expected [39][40] Question: Market reaction to ATR abstract - Management expressed confidence that detailed data presentation would improve market appreciation of the product [43][44] Question: Impact of Ocrevus subcutaneous launch on Cosentyx - Management indicated no significant impact from Ocrevus, with Cosentyx maintaining its market share [69][70] Question: Pluvicto launch curve and peak sales ambition - Management stated that Pluvicto is on a strong growth trajectory, with expectations of reaching $5 billion in peak sales [52][56]

Core Insights - Novartis has successfully completed the acquisition of Tourmaline Bio, Inc., making it an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis [1][2] - The acquisition aligns with Novartis's strategy to enhance its expertise in cardiovascular innovation, particularly through the promising asset Pacibekitug, which targets residual inflammation linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [2][3] - The tender offer for Tourmaline's shares was completed with approximately 24,030,382 shares validly tendered, representing about 92.94% of the outstanding shares, at a price of $48.00 per share [2][3] Company Strategy - The acquisition is part of Novartis's broader strategy to lead in areas where it can add significant value, particularly in the field of cardiovascular therapies [2] - Novartis aims to collaborate with Tourmaline's team to advance the development of its innovative therapies for diseases with high unmet medical needs [2] Transaction Details - The acquisition was finalized through a merger of Novartis's subsidiary with Tourmaline, resulting in the cancellation of shares not tendered in the offer, which were converted into the same cash consideration [3] - The tender offer expired on October 27, 2025, and all validly tendered shares were accepted for payment [2][3]

Financial Performance - Novartis Q3 2025 net sales reached USD 13909 million, a 7% increase in constant currencies compared to Q3 2024[19, 108] - Core operating income also grew by 7% in constant currencies, reaching USD 5460 million in Q3 2025[19, 108] - The core margin was 393% in Q3 2025[19, 108] - Free cash flow for 9M 2025 was USD 15941 million, a 26% increase compared to 9M 2024[108, 112] - The company reaffirms its 2025 full-year guidance, expecting high single-digit sales growth and low-teens core operating income growth in constant currencies[20, 119, 120] Key Products Growth - Kisqali experienced a 68% growth in constant currencies during Q3[25, 27] - Kesimpta sales increased by 44% in constant currencies in Q3[25, 40, 41] - Pluvicto sales grew by 45% in constant currencies in Q3[25, 47, 48] - Scemblix sales increased by 95% in constant currencies in Q3[25, 67, 68] - Leqvio sales grew +54% cc in Q3[60, 61] Pipeline and Innovation - Rhapsido received FDA approval for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)[22, 88] - Ianalumab showed positive Phase III results in Sjögren's Disease (SjD)[22, 93] - Pluvicto's PSMAddition trial demonstrated a 28% reduction in risk of progression or death in PSMA+ mHSPC patients[54, 59]

Core Viewpoint - The company has shown consistent performance over the last 10 quarters, beating expectations but has become more cautious due to generic expiries impacting sales, particularly for its heart failure drug Inresto, while other drugs in its portfolio continue to perform well and drive future growth [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported a narrow beat in its latest quarter but did not raise its guidance, marking a shift in outlook due to the loss of exclusivity for Inresto [1][2]. - The full impact of Inresto's loss of exclusivity is expected to be felt in Q4, with continued strong performance from other growth drivers anticipated to support recovery [4]. Product Pipeline and Approvals - The company is optimistic about upcoming drug approvals, including Rapsido for chronic spontaneous urticaria, which could be a multi-billion dollar asset, and additional indications for its prostate cancer drug [6][7]. - Three significant approvals are expected next year, which are anticipated to drive future growth [8]. M&A Activity - The company recently completed a $12 billion acquisition of Aidity, aimed at enhancing its neuromuscular pipeline, which is seen as a strategic fit for long-term growth [8][9][11]. - This acquisition is part of a broader strategy, with over 35 deals made in the past year, focusing on scientific and technological alignment [12][13]. Regulatory Environment - The company is actively engaged in discussions with the White House regarding drug pricing and tariffs, aiming to find solutions that will not adversely affect profits [16][19]. - The administration's focus is on ensuring that international markets reward innovation appropriately, which could impact future product launches [20][21]. Investment in US Facilities - The company plans to invest $23 billion in US facilities, which is expected to help mitigate tariff impacts and support domestic production [23][24][25].

Market Overview - US stock index futures are all up before the market opens, with Dow futures rising by 0.27%, S&P 500 futures up by 0.03%, and Nasdaq futures increasing by 0.12% [1] - European indices show mixed results, with Germany's DAX up by 0.16%, UK's FTSE 100 down by 0.07%, France's CAC40 up by 0.14%, and Europe's Stoxx 50 up by 0.16% [2] - WTI crude oil prices fell by 1.24% to $60.55 per barrel, while Brent crude oil dropped by 1.17% to $64.14 per barrel [3] Key Market Events - President Trump is hosting a dinner in Tokyo with business leaders, including OpenAI and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, to celebrate Japan's significant investment in the US, amounting to $550 billion [4] - Japan's government has unveiled a $550 billion investment plan targeting sectors such as nuclear energy, AI, and semiconductors, which is expected to act as a major catalyst for the ongoing US stock market bull run [5] Company News - PayPal has signed an agreement with OpenAI to integrate its digital wallet into ChatGPT, allowing users to make payments directly through the AI tool. PayPal's Q3 revenue reached $8.417 billion, exceeding expectations [7] - NXP Semiconductors reported a 2% year-over-year decline in Q3 revenue to $3.17 billion but provided positive guidance for Q4, indicating a potential return to revenue growth [7] - Nomura's net profit fell by 6% in Q2, but strong performance in stock trading revenue is seen as a positive catalyst for the Japanese brokerage [8] - Novartis reported a 6% increase in operating profit for Q3, driven by new drug sales that offset the impact of the patent expiration of its heart drug Entresto [9] - Shengda Technology announced a core operating profit of $2.5 million for H1 2025, with its new energy vehicle insurance business growing by 111% [10] - UnitedHealth exceeded Q3 expectations and raised its full-year profit guidance, with a Q3 medical loss ratio of 89.9% [11] - Amazon plans to cut approximately 14,000 corporate jobs as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts influenced by AI advancements [12][13] Economic Data and Events - Upcoming economic data includes the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index for October, scheduled for release at 22:00 Beijing time [14] - API crude oil inventory changes for the week ending October 24 will be reported at 04:30 Beijing time [15]

Core Viewpoint - Novartis reported third-quarter profitability that fell below market expectations, leading to a 3.3% decline in shares during pre-market trading [1] Financial Performance - The company experienced higher sales from key medications, but overall profitability did not meet market forecasts [1]

Group 1: Corporate Earnings and Performance - Nevada is on track to meet its annual guidance with Q3 operating income increasing by 25%, despite challenges from generic drug competition in the U.S. [2] - BNP Paribas maintains its full-year forecast even though Q3 revenue and net income fell short of expectations, citing confidence in its legal position regarding a U.S. court ruling on Sudan sanctions [3] - HSBC's Q3 profit dropped by 14% primarily due to legal provisions related to a long-standing lawsuit, yet it exceeded expectations and raised its net interest income forecast for the year [4] - Novartis reported a 7% increase in net sales in Q3, narrowly beating expectations despite facing generic competition [37] Group 2: Market Trends and Investment Insights - The market is experiencing a late-cycle rally driven by corporate earnings and significant investments in AI, with major stocks like Qualcomm seeing a 20% increase due to its entry into the data center business [6][7] - Kathy Wood's ARK ETFs made notable portfolio changes, selling AMD and Shopify while investing in Chinese stocks, indicating a trend towards innovation-focused investments [10][11] - The NASDAQ gained 1.9% and the S&P 500 rose by 1.2%, with communication services leading the sectors with a 2.3% increase [8] Group 3: Future Outlook and Strategic Moves - Novartis is optimistic about future growth drivers, including new drug approvals and a recent $12 billion acquisition aimed at enhancing its neuromuscular pipeline [46][45] - Kathy Wood emphasizes a long-term investment horizon, focusing on sectors like robotics, energy storage, AI, and blockchain technology, which are expected to drive explosive growth [22] - The U.S. economy is anticipated to enter a productivity-driven boom, with significant tax changes expected to stimulate innovation and investment [25][26]

Core Insights - Swiss drugmaker Novartis is planning to enhance its direct-to-patient platform by adding more medicines, with the platform set to launch in the U.S. next month [1] Company Developments - CEO Vas Narasimhan indicated that the company is actively exploring options for expanding its medicine offerings on the new platform [1]

Core Viewpoint - Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis (NVS.US) experienced a pre-market decline of 3%, trading at $125.27, following the release of its third-quarter financial results which showed mixed performance against market expectations [1] Financial Performance - Novartis reported third-quarter net sales of $13.91 billion, slightly above the forecast of $13.88 billion [1] - The core earnings per share were $2.25, just below the expected $2.26 [1] - Core net profit reached $4.33 billion, missing the forecast of $4.42 billion [1] Future Guidance - The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance for 2025, maintaining expectations for high single-digit sales growth and low double-digit core operating profit growth [1]

Core Insights - Novartis is acquiring Avidity Biosciences for approximately $12 billion, marking its largest deal in a decade, to enhance its drug pipeline and offset competition from generics [2] - The company reported a 7% increase in third-quarter net sales to $13.9 billion, with operating income rising 27% to $5.46 billion, slightly exceeding analyst expectations [3] - Novartis has maintained its sales growth guidance at a "high single digit" percentage and adjusted operating income growth at a "low teens" percentage despite market pressures [5] Financial Performance - The third-quarter net sales reached $13.9 billion, reflecting a 7% increase [3] - Operating income for the quarter increased by 27% to $5.46 billion, surpassing analyst expectations [3] - Key drugs such as Kisqali, Pluvicto, Scemblix, and Kesimpta contributed to high double-digit revenue growth [4] Strategic Moves - Novartis has been actively acquiring companies, with over 35 acquisitions in the past year to strengthen its market position [2] - The acquisition of Avidity is expected to provide access to promising experimental drugs, with two of Avidity's leading drugs projected to generate billions in sales by 2030 [1] - The company is focused on continuous acquisition to find the next "great asset" in the pharmaceutical sector [2] Market Challenges - Novartis faces challenges from generics competition, which has negatively impacted revenue by 7 percentage points due to loss of exclusivity for key drugs [6] - Revenue deductions in the U.S. due to pricing adjustments contributed an additional negative impact of 2 percentage points [6] - The company is closely monitoring global tariff updates and U.S. drug pricing policies that could affect its operations [6][7] Future Outlook - Analysts expect Novartis to potentially enter similar "most favoured nation" agreements as Pfizer and AstraZeneca, which could impact earnings from 2026 onwards [8] - Novartis has committed to eliminating price differentials between U.S. and other industrialized nations for its drugs [8] - The company is not expected to be affected by a 100% tariff on branded pharmaceuticals due to its significant investment in U.S. infrastructure [9]