0649 GMT - Novartis's second-quarter results were clearly above expectations, but it is surprising that its solid performance didn't trigger a guidance upgrade, Vontobel's Stefan Schneider says in a research note. The Swiss drugmaker reported better-than-expected sales despite a hit from generic competition that was bigger than anticipated, Schneider says. Core operating profit exceeded consensus forecasts by a wider margin, which is surprising given the faster-than-expected generic erosion, he adds. Novartis had guided at the start of the year for a better performance in the second half than in the first, but it left its guidance unchanged despite a good second-quarter result, Vontobel says. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
July 21, 2026 02:49 ET (06:49 GMT)
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