Core Insights - Novartis has initiated a wave of acquisitions this year, with a focus on enhancing its drug pipeline and compensating for revenue declines from key therapies due to patent expirations [1][2] - The company reported a 6% increase in operating profit, reaching $5.46 billion in Q3, slightly above analyst expectations of $5.4 billion [1] - Q3 revenue was $13.91 billion, representing an 8.4% year-over-year growth, exceeding forecasts, while adjusted EPS was $2.25, falling short of expectations by $0.06 [1] Financial Performance - Novartis' Q3 operating profit adjusted for special items increased to $5.46 billion, surpassing analyst expectations [1] - The company has raised its annual performance outlook twice this year, maintaining its 2025 financial guidance with projected sales growth in the "mid-high single digits" and adjusted operating profit growth in the "low double digits" [1] Product Performance - The heart drug Entresto, which lost patent protection this year, generated $1.88 billion in sales during Q3, with total sales expected to reach $7.82 billion globally in 2024 [1] - Analysts had anticipated Q3 sales for Entresto to be $1.77 billion [1] - The psoriasis treatment drug Cosentyx faced competition from AbbVie's Bimzelx, with sales remaining flat at $1.7 billion year-over-year [2] - The breast cancer drug Kisqali, launched last year, achieved sales of $1.33 billion [2] Acquisition Strategy - Novartis is actively pursuing acquisitions and licensing deals valued at $30 billion, including a $12 billion acquisition of U.S. biotech company Avidity [1]