Group first-half net sales advance 14% (+11% in local currencies) to USD 19.9 billion on solid contributions from all divisions
Net income up 14% to USD 4.2 billion and EPS rises 14% to USD 1.78 per share
Operating income from continuing operations up 13% and net income from continuing operations advances 17%
New pharmaceutical brands - particularly Tekturna, Lucentis, Exjade and Exforge - performing dynamically; seven major regulatory approvals achieved to date in 2007
Proceeds from non-core divestments to fund targeted acquisitions and repurchase of up to approximately USD 4 billion of Novartis shares by February 2008
Outlook maintained for record 2007 operating and net income for continuing operations; Group net sales growth revised to mid-single-digits in local currencies
Pharmaceuticals net sales growth expected to slow in second half of 2007, mainly from US generic competition for Lotrel and Lamisil and the Zelnorm suspension
