Market Overview - All three major U.S. stock market indices fell by more than 1% on June 13 due to missile strikes between Israel and Iran, impacting global stock markets negatively [1] - Investors are concerned that these geopolitical tensions could lead to increased oil prices and upward pressure on global commodity prices [1] Investment Recommendations - Suggested low-leverage stocks for safeguarding portfolios during market turmoil include Novartis (NVS), The Ensign Group (ENSG), MasTec (MTZ), Bilibili (BILI), and Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. (STRL) [2][10] - These stocks are characterized by low leverage, making them potentially safer options for investors [2][10] Understanding Leverage - Leverage refers to the practice of borrowing capital for operations and expansion, typically through debt financing [4] - Excessive debt financing can lead to significant losses, hence the importance of selecting companies with low debt levels [5][6] Debt-to-Equity Ratio Analysis - The debt-to-equity ratio is a key metric indicating a company's financial risk, with a lower ratio reflecting better solvency [7] - High debt-to-equity ratios can turn favorable earnings into losses during economic downturns [8] Stock Selection Strategy - A prudent investment strategy involves choosing stocks with low debt-to-equity ratios to ensure steady returns [9] - Additional screening criteria include being less leveraged than industry peers, trading at a minimum price of $10, having substantial trading volume, and showing positive earnings growth expectations [12][13] Company Highlights - **Novartis (NVS)**: Reported a 7.1% improvement in 2025 sales estimates and has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.9%, currently holding a Zacks Rank 2 [15][16] - **The Ensign Group (ENSG)**: Anticipates a 15% year-over-year sales improvement in 2025, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15% and a Zacks Rank 2 [17][18] - **MasTec (MTZ)**: Achieved a 6% year-over-year revenue increase and expects an 11% sales improvement in 2025, with a significant earnings growth estimate of 53.7% [19] - **Bilibili (BILI)**: Experienced a 24% revenue increase year-over-year and anticipates an 11.3% sales improvement in 2025, with a Zacks Rank 2 [20] - **Sterling Infrastructure (STRL)**: Reported a 7% revenue increase and a 29% surge in adjusted earnings per share, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 15% [21][22]

Novartis AG NVS on Thursday released results from APPULSE-PNH, a Phase 3B study evaluating the efficacy and safety of twice-daily oral monotherapy Fabhalta (iptacopan) in adult patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) with Hb levels ≥10g/dL who switched from anti-C5 therapies (eculizumab or ravulizumab).The company released topline data in December 2024.What Happened: PNH is a rare complement-mediated blood disorder. People with PNH have an acquired mutation in some of their hematopoietic ste ...

It is estimated that approximately 10-20 people per million worldwide live with PNH. Although PNH can develop at any age, it is often diagnosed in people between 30-40 years old. In the Phase IIIB APPULSE-PNH study, adult patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) who switched to Fabhalta experienced clinically meaningful improvements in hemoglobin (Hb) levels of 2.01 g/dL on average APPULSE-PNH evaluated Fabhalta in a population with higher baseline hemoglobin (Hb) levels than those enrolled i ...

NATALEE subanalysis evaluates Kisqali in pre-menopausal early breast cancer patients, amid rising diagnosis rates in younger patients Pluvicto analysis and Scemblix ASC4START primary endpoint results provide insights into use in earlier settingsFabhalta APPULSE-PNH full results build on Phase III program, reporting new data from expanded PNH population in adults switching from anti-C5Ianalumab Phase II data in immune thrombocytopenia and longer-term pelabresib Phase III data in myelofibrosis show breadth of ...

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]