Goldman Sachs Lowers Novartis Rating to Sell and Reduces Price Target to $118
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Sep 12 2025
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Source: Benzinga
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Analyst Views on NVS
Wall Street analysts forecast NVS stock price to fall
6 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
4 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 157.030
Low
112.00
Averages
127.75
High
143.00
Current: 157.030
Low
112.00
Averages
127.75
High
143.00
About NVS
Novartis AG is a Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company. The Company develops, manufactures, and markets branded and generic prescription drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), biosimilars and ophthalmic products. The Company uses science and digital technologies for treatments in the disease areas of immunology, dermatology, cancer, ophthalmology, neuroscience, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism. The business activities of the Company are divided into two segments: Innovative Medicines, which includes innovative patent-protected prescription medicines for blood pressure, cancer and other ailments, and Sandoz, which includes generic pharmaceuticals and biosimilars.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Novartis Acquires Myricx Bio for Up to $1.5 Billion
- Acquisition Scale: Novartis has agreed to acquire UK-based Myricx Bio for up to $1.5 billion, with approximately $1.1 billion paid upfront and additional milestone payments of up to $400 million, indicating a strategic expansion in oncology.
- Technology Integration: The acquisition will provide Novartis with Myricx's N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTi) payload platform and two lead ADC assets targeting B7-H3 and HER2, thereby enhancing its innovative capabilities in treating various solid tumors.
- Market Outlook: The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, and its success will further solidify Novartis's competitive edge in oncology drug development, particularly in next-generation ADC innovations.
- Stock Market Reaction: Novartis shares have traded between $112.34 and $170.46 over the past year, closing at $159.90 with a 3.74% increase, reflecting positive market expectations regarding the acquisition.
See More
Incyte and TG Therapeutics Show Strong Growth Potential
- Incyte's Financial Health: Incyte's JAK inhibitor Jakafi generated $758 million in sales for rare blood cancers, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, while its dermatology cream Opzelura achieved $143 million in sales, up 20%, leading to an overall revenue of $1.27 billion, a 21% increase, showcasing the company's robust cash flow and operational efficiency.
- Pipeline Diversification: Incyte's strategic $1.25 billion acquisition of Vega Therapeutics enhances its hematology portfolio, particularly with a promising phase 3 asset for bleeding disorders, thereby enriching its late-stage pipeline and positioning the company for future revenue growth.
- TG Therapeutics Growth Momentum: TG Therapeutics' Briumvi drug generated $194.8 million in sales in Q1 2026, prompting the company to raise its full-year revenue guidance to $925 million, indicating strong market demand in the multiple sclerosis treatment sector.
- Significant Acquisition Potential: With an impressive gross margin of 83% and a 69.5% year-over-year revenue increase to $204.9 million in Q1, TG Therapeutics, alongside a 300% EPS growth, emerges as a prime acquisition target for major pharmaceutical companies looking to expand their neurology franchises amid a competitive landscape.
See More
Incyte Expands Pipeline Through Acquisitions, Anticipates New Drug Approvals
- Pipeline Expansion: Incyte has successfully expanded its pipeline through the acquisition of Vega Therapeutics, anticipating four new drug approvals by 2027, which will further enhance its competitive position in oncology and immunology markets.
- Strong Financial Performance: Incyte reported total revenue of $1.27 billion in Q1, a 21% year-over-year increase, with Jakafi sales reaching $758 million and Opzelura at $143 million, demonstrating robust market demand in rare blood cancers and dermatological treatments.
- Improved Profitability: Incyte's adjusted EPS was $1.81, exceeding analysts' expectations of $1.34, reflecting the management team's efficiency in capital utilization, with a return on equity exceeding 30%.
- Growth Potential for TG Therapeutics: TG Therapeutics' Briumvi drug generated $194.8 million in sales in Q1, prompting management to raise full-year revenue guidance to $925 million, indicating strong growth potential in the multiple sclerosis treatment market.
See More
Belgium Football Team Advances to Quarter-Finals
- Belgium Victory: Belgium triumphed over the U.S. with a 4-1 win in the World Cup Round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals, which not only boosts team morale but also brings hope to the nation despite ongoing political tensions.
- FIFA Controversy: President Trump called FIFA President Infantino before the match to challenge a red card against player Balogun, leading to FIFA lifting the sanction, which sparked a scandal that could have long-lasting effects on FIFA's reputation.
- Ukraine Situation: Ukraine is facing a new wave of attacks from Russia, with Kyiv experiencing some of the deadliest strikes since the war began in 2022; President Zelenskyy believes Trump's attitude towards the war has shifted in Ukraine's favor, which could be beneficial.
- Market Dynamics: The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 53,000 for the first time, while the Asia-Pacific market showed a negative trend, with South Korea's KOSPI temporarily halted after an over 8% drop, and Samsung's declining shares dragging down overall market performance.
See More
Novartis Acquires Myricx Bio for Up to $1.5B to Enhance Oncology Pipeline
- Acquisition Scale: Novartis will acquire UK-based Myricx Bio for up to $1.5 billion, with $1.1 billion paid upfront and an additional $400 million contingent on achieving specific development and regulatory milestones, highlighting Novartis's strategic focus in oncology.
- Integration of Innovative Platforms: Myricx Bio's NMTi payload platform features a differentiated mechanism that could broaden the application of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) across various tumor settings, thereby enhancing Novartis's competitive edge in cancer treatment.
- Clear Strategic Objectives: Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, stated that this acquisition reflects the company's strategy to scale innovative platforms, aiming to deliver more durable and transformative treatment options, aligning with its long-term growth objectives.
- Transaction Timeline: The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, at which point Myricx Bio will become part of Novartis's global research organization, further advancing Novartis's efforts in oncology drug development.
See More
Trump Awarded Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize Amid World Cup Drama
- Trump's FIFA Intervention: President Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw, thanking FIFA for overturning the red card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, which allows him to play against Belgium, showcasing Trump's influence in sports governance.
- UEFA's Response: While Trump's intervention benefits Balogun, UEFA is reportedly considering supporting Belgium's challenge against FIFA's ruling, indicating potential tensions in international football governance that could affect future match regulations.
- Surge in World Cup Market Trading: Kalshi saw over $31 billion in notional trading in June, a more than 70% increase from May's $17.9 billion, reflecting heightened investor engagement and interest in the outcomes of the World Cup.
- Active M&A Transactions: In the U.S. market, Lockheed Martin is set to acquire Ultra Maritime for $3.5 billion, easyJet has accepted a $7.3 billion takeover bid from Castlelake at a 73% premium, and Novartis is buying Myrixc Bio for $1.5 billion, indicating robust M&A activity that may influence stock prices.
See More
Novartis Acquires Myricx Bio for Up to $1.5 Billion
- Acquisition Scale: Novartis has agreed to acquire UK-based Myricx Bio for up to $1.5 billion, with approximately $1.1 billion paid upfront and additional milestone payments of up to $400 million, indicating a strategic expansion in oncology.
- Technology Integration: The acquisition will provide Novartis with Myricx's N-myristoyltransferase inhibitors (NMTi) payload platform and two lead ADC assets targeting B7-H3 and HER2, thereby enhancing its innovative capabilities in treating various solid tumors.
- Market Outlook: The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, and its success will further solidify Novartis's competitive edge in oncology drug development, particularly in next-generation ADC innovations.
- Stock Market Reaction: Novartis shares have traded between $112.34 and $170.46 over the past year, closing at $159.90 with a 3.74% increase, reflecting positive market expectations regarding the acquisition.
See More
Incyte and TG Therapeutics Show Strong Growth Potential
- Incyte's Financial Health: Incyte's JAK inhibitor Jakafi generated $758 million in sales for rare blood cancers, reflecting a 7% year-over-year increase, while its dermatology cream Opzelura achieved $143 million in sales, up 20%, leading to an overall revenue of $1.27 billion, a 21% increase, showcasing the company's robust cash flow and operational efficiency.
- Pipeline Diversification: Incyte's strategic $1.25 billion acquisition of Vega Therapeutics enhances its hematology portfolio, particularly with a promising phase 3 asset for bleeding disorders, thereby enriching its late-stage pipeline and positioning the company for future revenue growth.
- TG Therapeutics Growth Momentum: TG Therapeutics' Briumvi drug generated $194.8 million in sales in Q1 2026, prompting the company to raise its full-year revenue guidance to $925 million, indicating strong market demand in the multiple sclerosis treatment sector.
- Significant Acquisition Potential: With an impressive gross margin of 83% and a 69.5% year-over-year revenue increase to $204.9 million in Q1, TG Therapeutics, alongside a 300% EPS growth, emerges as a prime acquisition target for major pharmaceutical companies looking to expand their neurology franchises amid a competitive landscape.
See More
Incyte Expands Pipeline Through Acquisitions, Anticipates New Drug Approvals
- Pipeline Expansion: Incyte has successfully expanded its pipeline through the acquisition of Vega Therapeutics, anticipating four new drug approvals by 2027, which will further enhance its competitive position in oncology and immunology markets.
- Strong Financial Performance: Incyte reported total revenue of $1.27 billion in Q1, a 21% year-over-year increase, with Jakafi sales reaching $758 million and Opzelura at $143 million, demonstrating robust market demand in rare blood cancers and dermatological treatments.
- Improved Profitability: Incyte's adjusted EPS was $1.81, exceeding analysts' expectations of $1.34, reflecting the management team's efficiency in capital utilization, with a return on equity exceeding 30%.
- Growth Potential for TG Therapeutics: TG Therapeutics' Briumvi drug generated $194.8 million in sales in Q1, prompting management to raise full-year revenue guidance to $925 million, indicating strong growth potential in the multiple sclerosis treatment market.
See More
Belgium Football Team Advances to Quarter-Finals
- Belgium Victory: Belgium triumphed over the U.S. with a 4-1 win in the World Cup Round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals, which not only boosts team morale but also brings hope to the nation despite ongoing political tensions.
- FIFA Controversy: President Trump called FIFA President Infantino before the match to challenge a red card against player Balogun, leading to FIFA lifting the sanction, which sparked a scandal that could have long-lasting effects on FIFA's reputation.
- Ukraine Situation: Ukraine is facing a new wave of attacks from Russia, with Kyiv experiencing some of the deadliest strikes since the war began in 2022; President Zelenskyy believes Trump's attitude towards the war has shifted in Ukraine's favor, which could be beneficial.
- Market Dynamics: The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit 53,000 for the first time, while the Asia-Pacific market showed a negative trend, with South Korea's KOSPI temporarily halted after an over 8% drop, and Samsung's declining shares dragging down overall market performance.
See More
Novartis Acquires Myricx Bio for Up to $1.5B to Enhance Oncology Pipeline
- Acquisition Scale: Novartis will acquire UK-based Myricx Bio for up to $1.5 billion, with $1.1 billion paid upfront and an additional $400 million contingent on achieving specific development and regulatory milestones, highlighting Novartis's strategic focus in oncology.
- Integration of Innovative Platforms: Myricx Bio's NMTi payload platform features a differentiated mechanism that could broaden the application of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) across various tumor settings, thereby enhancing Novartis's competitive edge in cancer treatment.
- Clear Strategic Objectives: Fiona Marshall, President of Biomedical Research at Novartis, stated that this acquisition reflects the company's strategy to scale innovative platforms, aiming to deliver more durable and transformative treatment options, aligning with its long-term growth objectives.
- Transaction Timeline: The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, at which point Myricx Bio will become part of Novartis's global research organization, further advancing Novartis's efforts in oncology drug development.
See More
Trump Awarded Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize Amid World Cup Drama
- Trump's FIFA Intervention: President Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw, thanking FIFA for overturning the red card suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, which allows him to play against Belgium, showcasing Trump's influence in sports governance.
- UEFA's Response: While Trump's intervention benefits Balogun, UEFA is reportedly considering supporting Belgium's challenge against FIFA's ruling, indicating potential tensions in international football governance that could affect future match regulations.
- Surge in World Cup Market Trading: Kalshi saw over $31 billion in notional trading in June, a more than 70% increase from May's $17.9 billion, reflecting heightened investor engagement and interest in the outcomes of the World Cup.
- Active M&A Transactions: In the U.S. market, Lockheed Martin is set to acquire Ultra Maritime for $3.5 billion, easyJet has accepted a $7.3 billion takeover bid from Castlelake at a 73% premium, and Novartis is buying Myrixc Bio for $1.5 billion, indicating robust M&A activity that may influence stock prices.
See More
