Group 1: Financial Performance - Novartis reported Q1 net sales of $13.2 billion, a 15% year-over-year increase, exceeding analyst expectations of $13.12 billion [1] - Adjusted core operating profit reached $5.58 billion, a 27% increase, significantly above the market expectation of $5.07 billion [1] - The company raised its 2025 full-year net sales growth forecast from mid-single digits to high-single digits, and core operating profit growth from high-single digits to low double digits [1] Group 2: Product Performance - The growth in sales was primarily driven by the heart failure treatment drug Entresto and the arthritis drug Cosentyx [1] - There is a notable increase in market demand for breast cancer treatment drug Kisqali, multiple sclerosis drug Kesimpta, and cholesterol-lowering drug Leqvio [1][2] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Facing pressure from generic drug competition, Novartis is accelerating its focus on innovative therapies [2] - The company plans to invest $23 billion in the U.S. over the next five years to establish and expand 10 production sites, ensuring local production of key drugs for the U.S. market [3] - Novartis emphasizes its strategic focus on key markets including the U.S., China, Germany, and Japan [3]

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR Net sales grew +15% (cc1, +12% USD) with core operating income1 up +27% (cc, +23% USD) Sales growth driven by continued strong performance from Entresto (+22% cc), Kisqali (+56% cc), Kesimpta (+43% cc), Cosentyx (+18% cc), Leqvio (+72% cc) and Scemblix (+76% cc) Core operating income margin1 reached 42.1%, +400 basis points (cc), mainly driven by higher net sales Operating income grew +44% (cc, +38% USD); net income up +37% (cc, +34% USD)Core EPS1 grew +31% (cc, ...

Group 1: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson plans to increase its U.S. manufacturing investments to over $55 billion over the next four years, which is 25% more than the previous four years [2] - The company is facing challenges such as thousands of talc-related lawsuits and potential revenue loss due to the Inflation Reduction Act, which allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices [3] - Despite these challenges, Johnson & Johnson has a strong business model, significant adaptability, and has generated consistent revenue, making it a reliable investment option [4][5] - The company has maintained a AAA credit rating from Standard & Poor's and has increased its dividends for 63 consecutive years, establishing itself as a Dividend King [5][6] Group 2: Novartis - Novartis is investing $23 billion over five years to enhance its U.S. manufacturing capabilities, aiming to locally produce 100% of the medicines sold in the U.S. [7] - The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5% in revenue through 2029, despite losing U.S. patent exclusivity for its heart failure medicine Entresto, which generated $7.8 billion in sales last year [8] - New products, such as Fabhalta, are expected to help fill the revenue gap from off-patent drugs, supporting Novartis's growth trajectory [9] - Novartis has increased its dividends for 28 consecutive years, making it appealing to income-focused investors [10]