A strong pipeline and top-notch generics portfolio make the Swiss drug maker an industry leader. Unlike many other drug giants and biotechs, Novartis has spread its bets across three areas of business - pharmaceuticals, generics and biotechs - that typically fight tooth and nail.
If the pharma industry takes a dive, the company can rely on generics in tough times. If generics slow down, Novartis can fall back on pharma.
The company also maintains partnerships with Genentech, the world's No. 2 biotech. And it produces vaccines, a traditionally slow industry that is now producing blockbusters.
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