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Novartis AG
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Novartis AG
XMUN:NOT
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Price: 123.58 EUR -0.53% Market Closed
Market Cap: €254B

Novartis AG
Investor Relations

Novartis AG is a global drugmaker that discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells prescription medicines. Its main products are branded treatments for serious illnesses, including cancer, immune diseases, heart and kidney conditions, eye disease, and some rare disorders. It does not sell everyday consumer health products; its business is centered on medicines that doctors prescribe to patients. The company makes money mainly by selling these medicines to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and health systems, which then dispense them to patients. In some markets it also earns from licensing and related pharmaceutical agreements. Novartis spends heavily on research and clinical development because its products must be proven safe and effective before they can reach the market. What makes Novartis different is its role near the top of the drug value chain. It is not just a manufacturer; it is a research-driven company that creates patented medicines and then handles the path from lab discovery to commercial sale. That gives it a business model built around specialized science, long product development cycles, and close ties to the medical system rather than mass-market retail.

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Last Earnings Call
Fiscal Period
Q1 2026
Call Date
Apr 28, 2026
AI Summary
Q1 2026

Strong start: Novartis said Q1 was a strong start to 2026, with its priority brands and launches up 34% in constant currency, even as U.S. generic erosion weighed on the base business.

Guidance reaffirmed: Management left full-year 2026 guidance unchanged, still expecting low single-digit sales growth and a low single-digit decline in core operating income.

Launch momentum: Kisqali, Pluvicto, Kesimpta, Leqvio and Scemblix were all highlighted as major growth drivers, with especially strong momentum in China, Europe and Japan for several products.

Pipeline depth: The company pointed to a busy second half of 2026, including key readouts for remibrutinib, pelacarsen, del-desiran, ianalumab and others that could support a higher long-term growth outlook.

R&D and M&A: Core operating income fell as Novartis increased R&D spending and completed the Avidity acquisition, while still generating solid free cash flow and continuing buybacks and dividends.

Market risks: Management said it has fully factored in MFN, tariffs and U.S. LOEs into its planning, and emphasized that China growth is stabilizing but no longer likely to return to prior peak rates.

Key Financials
Priority brands and launches growth
34%
Core operating income
down 14%
Sales
down 5%
Core margin
down 4.1%
Kisqali sales growth
55%
Kisqali U.S. early breast cancer NBRx share
65% plus 2%
Kisqali U.S. metastatic breast cancer NBRx share
47%
Kisqali U.S. metastatic breast cancer TRx share
41%
Kisqali ex-U.S. growth
50%
Kesimpta growth
26%
Kesimpta U.S. TRx growth
21%
Pluvicto U.S. sales growth
76%
Pluvicto ex-U.S. growth
48%
Leqvio U.S. growth
31%
Leqvio ex-U.S. growth
106%
Scemblix growth
79%
Scemblix U.S. first-line NBRx share
31%
Cosentyx sales growth
about 2%
Fabhalta sales growth
103%
Vanrafia U.S. NBRx share
11%
Rhapsido U.S. NBRx share
24%
Rhapsido prescribers
3,000
Rhapsido patient starts
6,000
Free cash flow
broadly in line with previous year Q1
Dividend
$9.1 billion
Share buyback remaining
$6.1 billion
Share buyback program
up to $10 billion
Full-year 2026 sales guidance
low single-digit growth
Full-year 2026 core operating income guidance
low single-digit decline
Core net financial expense guidance
around $1.7 billion
Core tax rate guidance
about 16.5%
FX impact on full-year sales
+2%
FX impact on full-year core operating income
+1%
U.S. Cosentyx LOE
2029
IRA event for Cosentyx
2028
Pluvicto peak sales
$5 billion plus
Earnings Call Recording
Other Earnings Calls

Management

Dr. Vasant Narasimhan M.D.
Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Vasant Narasimhan, M.D., is an accomplished physician and business executive, known for his leadership as the CEO of Novartis AG since February 2018. Born in 1976 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Narasimhan has had a significant impact on the global healthcare landscape. He obtained his bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of Chicago, later earning his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a master’s degree in public policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard. Before joining Novartis in 2005, he worked at McKinsey & Company, focusing on advising healthcare systems and pharmaceutical companies. Within Novartis, Narasimhan has held several key positions, notably as Global Head of Development for Novartis Pharmaceuticals and the Global Head of Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer before being appointed CEO. During his tenure, he has focused on transforming Novartis into a leading medicines company, emphasizing innovation, data science, and digital technology to advance drug discovery and patient care. Under his leadership, Novartis has advanced its portfolio with significant developments in areas such as gene therapy and oncology. Dr. Narasimhan is also known for his commitment to addressing global health issues, improving access to medicines, and promoting sustainability within the pharmaceutical industry. Dr. Narasimhan’s leadership style is marked by a forward-thinking approach and a dedication to fostering a collaborative and inclusive corporate culture. His efforts to drive strategic growth have positioned Novartis as a key player in shaping the future of healthcare.

Mr. Harry Kirsch
Chief Financial Officer

Harry Kirsch served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Novartis AG, one of the leading global pharmaceutical companies. Kirsch joined Novartis in 2003 and was appointed CFO in 2013. He played a vital role in the financial management of the company, contributing to strategic financial planning and steering Novartis through various business transformations and economic challenges. Before becoming the CFO, Kirsch held several other significant positions within the organization. He was the CFO of the company's Pharmaceuticals Division and also led the company's Business Planning & Analysis function. Kirsch is known for his deep understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and for driving financial strategy that aligns with Novartis's long-term business objectives. His experience extends from financial controlling to commercial operations, and he has been instrumental in negotiable pivotal financial deals and fostering strong financial discipline within the company. Before joining Novartis, Harry Kirsch held various roles in the financial sector, adding valuable experiences that contributed to his tenure at Novartis. His academic background includes a degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from the University of Karlsruhe in Germany.

Mr. Victor Bulto
President of US

Victor Bulto is a prominent executive at Novartis AG, a leading global healthcare company. He serves as the President of Novartis Pharmaceuticals in the United States, a role that involves overseeing the pharmaceutical business operations in this critical market. Bulto has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, having held various leadership positions within Novartis that have contributed to advancing patient care and the company's strategic objectives. Victor Bulto's leadership is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, customer engagement, and access to healthcare. He plays a significant role in driving the company's efforts to provide groundbreaking treatments and improve patient outcomes. Under his leadership, Novartis Pharmaceuticals US continues to collaborate with various stakeholders to address the changing healthcare landscape and meet the needs of patients and healthcare providers. His educational background and professional expertise empower him to tackle complex challenges in the pharmaceutical field, contributing to the strategic growth and success of Novartis AG.

Dr. Patrick Horber M.D.
President of International

Dr. Patrick Horber M.D. is a distinguished professional within the pharmaceutical industry, known for his contributions to Novartis AG, a leading global healthcare company. He has held significant leadership positions and has been associated with various strategic initiatives within the company. Dr. Horber brings a wealth of experience in both medical and business aspects of the pharmaceutical sector, having played key roles in shaping strategies for drug development, market access, and commercialization. His medical background, coupled with his industry expertise, has been instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring the delivery of effective healthcare solutions to patients worldwide. Throughout his career at Novartis AG, Dr. Horber has been recognized for his leadership skills, his ability to manage complex projects, and his commitment to improving patient outcomes. His work often involves collaboration across different functions within the company to leverage scientific advancements and enhance Novartis's pipeline of pharmaceutical products. In addition to his professional role, Dr. Patrick Horber is often involved in speaking engagements and panels where he shares insights on industry trends, drug development, and the future of healthcare, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the pharmaceutical field.

Dr. Steffen Lang Ph.D.
President of Operations

Dr. Steffen Lang is a prominent figure at Novartis AG, serving a pivotal role in the pharmaceutical company's global operations and production management. With an extensive background in pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Lang has been instrumental in overseeing and enhancing the manufacturing and technical operations at Novartis. As a seasoned leader, Dr. Lang is recognized for his expertise in scaling production processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving innovation across the company's manufacturing network. His leadership is crucial in optimizing production efficiency and ensuring the high standards of quality and safety that Novartis is known for. Dr. Lang holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, which adds to his credibility and understanding of the intricate processes involved in drug development and manufacturing. His work involves collaboration with various departments within Novartis to integrate advanced technologies and streamline operations, contributing significantly to the company's ability to deliver life-saving medications globally.

Paul Penepent
Head of Group Financial Reporting and Accounting
No Bio Available
Ms. Sloan Simpson
Global Head of Investor Relations

Sloane Simpson is a recognized executive in the pharmaceutical industry, serving as the Chief Ethics, Risk & Compliance Officer at Novartis AG. In this capacity, she oversees the company's efforts to maintain high ethical standards and manage risks effectively across its global operations. Sloane Simpson is responsible for ensuring compliance with international regulations and fostering a corporate culture rooted in integrity and ethical behavior. Her leadership plays a critical role in guiding Novartis through complex regulatory landscapes while ensuring that patient safety and corporate responsibility remain at the forefront of the company's objectives. Her extensive experience and commitment to ethical practices have solidified her reputation as a key figure in maintaining transparency and trust within the healthcare sector.

Dr. Klaus Moosmayer Ph.D.
Chief Ethics, Risk & Compliance Officer

Dr. Klaus Moosmayer is a prominent figure in the field of compliance and legal affairs. He is currently serving as the Chief Ethics, Risk & Compliance Officer at Novartis AG, a leading global healthcare company. In his role, Dr. Moosmayer is responsible for overseeing the company's efforts to maintain the highest standards of ethical business conduct, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Before joining Novartis, Dr. Moosmayer held the position of Chief Compliance Officer at Siemens AG, where he gained substantial experience and recognition in corporate compliance. He has been actively involved in international compliance initiatives and has contributed to the development of global standards in the field. Dr. Moosmayer holds a Ph.D. in Law, which has provided him with a strong foundation for his career in compliance and ethics. His leadership at Novartis continues to reflect his commitment to fostering a corporate culture of integrity and transparency. As one of the leading voices in compliance, he frequently participates in global forums and conferences, sharing insights on how businesses can effectively manage compliance risks and ethical challenges.

Ms. Karen L. Hale
Chief Legal Officer

Karen L. Hale is a notable executive at Novartis AG, where she serves as Chief Legal Officer. With a distinguished career in legal and compliance fields, she has been instrumental in shaping the legal strategy of Novartis at the global level. Her role involves overseeing all aspects of the company's legal affairs, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and guiding the company through complex legal landscapes. Before joining Novartis, Ms. Hale amassed extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. She has held various leadership positions where she developed a deep understanding of legal and compliance issues, as well as governance practices related to the life sciences sector. Her legal expertise, combined with strategic business acumen, has established her as a key leader in navigating Novartis through the regulatory challenges of the global healthcare environment. Known for her commitment to ethical business practices and corporate responsibility, she continues to play a vital role in the company's pursuit of innovation and excellence in the healthcare industry.

Dr. Robert Kowalski Pharm.D.
Chief People & Organization Officer
No Bio Available

Contacts

Address
BASEL-STADT
Basel
Lichtstrasse 35
Contacts
+41613241111.0
www.novartis.com
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