On Alcon, where sales rose 7 percent in constant currencies, Novartis said on Tuesday a final decision on the unit’s future hinged on continued sales growth and margin improvement over multiple quarters, making potential action “not likely before the first half of 2019”.
“The strategic review also indicates that creating a stand-alone company via a capital markets exit could create additional shareholder value,” Novartis said in a statement.
“We have also made significant progress on developing a potential capital markets solution, including financial carve-outs, tax and legal entity structuring, and identifying listing and incorporation locations.”
Psoriasis drug Cosentyx generated quarterly sales of $556 million, beating market estimates. Sales of heart drug Entresto more than doubled to $128 million but missed market expectations.
