Management's ability to "raise guidance" can often be a catalyst for market-beating returns in the quarters ahead. The first-quarter earnings season has crossed the 90% mark and is wrapping up, with blended earnings (actual results and the consensus for those still to report) showing a year-over-year gain of almost 7%, according to Refinitiv. That is considerably better than the 4%-7% advance expected at the start of the earnings period. Leading the outperformance were strong gains in Communication Services earnings, up 43%, and Consumer Discretionary, up 26%. On the flipside, Healthcare and Energy, both down 24%, are performing the worst. Our analysts are always on the lookout for companies that boost outlooks during earnings season, as this is often a signal for momentum in the months ahead. Here is an initial list of BUY-rated companies in the Argus Fundamental Universe of Coverage at which management raised guidance or increased its outlook during the 1Q24 EPS reporting season.

Novartis is a pharmaceutical company based in Switzerland. Its portfolio is focused primarily on the areas of Immunology, Neuroscience, Oncology, Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic therapies. The company employs more than 78,000 people and its medicines reach more than 280 million people worldwide.

With earnings season in full swing, the volume of insider transactions has fallen to seasonal lows, with only 615 transactions meeting the criteria for inclusion in Vickers Weekly Insider Report. While that is down from the recent weekly high of 2,284 transactions, there is still noteworthy data to consider.

Novartis develops and manufactures innovative drugs. The firm's key areas of drug development include oncology, rare diseases, neuroscience, immunology, respiratory, cardio-metabolic, and established medicines. The company sells its products globally, with the United States representing close to one third of total revenue.