07:52 AM EDT, 07/21/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Novartis (NOVN.SW) delivered better-than-expected sales in the three months ended June 30, with BofA Global Research highlighting the Swiss pharmaceutical major's unchanged full-year 2026 guidance and growth trajectory in the second half. The company reported a 3% annual growth in sales to $14.4 billion for the second quarter, 3% ahead of consensus, according to a Tuesday note. Core EPS was flat year over year but came in 12% higher than market forecasts. The research firm identified five upcoming readouts as key catalysts in the second half, including phase 3 data for remibrutinib in multiple sclerosis and hidradenitis suppurativa. "On newsflow: Del-brax FSHD - unchanged on plan to engage global authorities on positive PI/II data in 2H26 with case submission with PIII in 28E. 2H busy catalyst path confirmed (Pela, Remi MS, Del-des DM1, Remi HS)," analysts said, maintaining the buy rating on the stock, with a price objective of 140 francs. "While long-standing overhang for investors has been substantial [loss of exclusivity] cliffs to the end of the decade, NOVN sits above our regression analysis as we predict mid- to late-stage pipeline shifting balance of new product launches vs key off-patent exposure," BofA added.

Disclaimer:This article represents the opinion of the author only. It does not represent the opinion of Webull, nor should it be viewed as an indication that Webull either agrees with or confirms the truthfulness or accuracy of the information. It should not be considered as investment advice from Webull or anyone else, nor should it be used as the basis of any investment decision.