Logitech International SA (LOGI) Thursday reported a 41% rise in third-quarter net profit on the back of cost cuts and improving sales that are expected to help boost fourth-quarter earnings of the Swiss computer peripheral maker.

Active in pharmaceuticals (79% of sales) and diagnostics, Roche specializes in oncology and virology. The Diagnostics division focuses on immunochemicals, blood tests and diabetes care. Roche also owns 100% of Genentech and has unrestricted access to its product pipeline.

Actelion was founded in 1997 (IPO in 2000) by former Roche researchers (J.-P. And Martine Clozel). After a difficult start, Actelion successfully developed and commercialised Tracleer (pulmonary arterial hypertension) in 2002. Other medicines
round off the portfolio but are less important. Actelion has a dense network of collaborative ventures.

Goldman Sachs keeps Swisscom at neutral to account for a limited impact from competitors Orange and Sunrise merging their Swiss operations. "We view the Orange/Sunrise combination as a marginal positive, as we believe a two-player market carries less risk of irrational competition," analyst Stefan Kuppen says. He lowers his '09 dividend forecast to CHF21 from CHF25 following changed wording from Swisscom to account for creating reserves for potential future acquisitions. Target price is CHF443.

Nestlé is a safe investment in the Food & Beverages sector. Its ability to deliver a robust performance in a depressed economic environment in 2009 proves it: organic growth target of +4% with an improved operating margin. The sale of Alcon will help the group to reduce its debt, finalize its large share buyback program (CHF 25 bn) and target growth relays (acquisitions) for 2010 and beyond.