Novartis Earnings Beat Expectations Despite Slight Forecast Downgrade

Zacks Research has revised its earnings forecast for Novartis, lowering the projected Q1 2026 EPS from $2.28 to $2.26 amid broader adjustments in earnings outlooks. In its recent quarterly report, Novartis surpassed analyst expectations with a earnings per share of $2.42 and generated $14.05 billion in revenue, marking a 12.3% increase compared to the previous year. Despite mixed analyst ratings, BNP Paribas upgraded the stock to a "strong-buy" with an average target price of $123.67. The company’s latest earnings reflect robust performance, with net margins at 25.64% and a return on equity of 41.08%. Market analysts currently rate Novartis as a "Hold," with some experts suggesting alternative investment options in the pharmaceutical sector. Institutional investors have increased their holdings, with several hedge funds acquiring additional shares during the recent quarter. Novartis continues to focus on developing and marketing healthcare products across various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, immunology, neuroscience, oncology, and ophthalmology. Investors are advised to consider the company's growth prospects and recent financial data when evaluating potential inves...