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Novartis (SWX:NOVN) is back in focus after the US Food and Drug Administration granted traditional approval for Fabhalta to slow kidney function decline in adults with primary IgA nephropathy who are at risk of progression.
See our latest analysis for Novartis.
Recent trading reflects that this Fabhalta approval lands at a time when momentum in Novartis has been building. The 30 day share price return is 3.31% and the year to date share price return is 15.21%, while the 1 year total shareholder return of 39.56% and 5 year total shareholder return of 87.59% highlight how shorter term strength sits within a solid longer term track record.
If this kind of healthcare breakthrough has your attention, it could be a good moment to broaden your watchlist with other potential treatments and platforms across 126 healthcare AI stocks.
After a run that has pushed Novartis shares higher on Fabhalta and gene therapy momentum, the key issue now is whether the valuation still leaves meaningful upside on the table, or if most of the easy gains are already behind the stock.
Most Popular Narrative: 1% Overvalued
At a last close of CHF125, compared with a most followed fair value estimate of CHF123.55, the current Novartis share price sits slightly above that narrative anchor, which is built on detailed assumptions for growth, margins and discount rate.
Novartis’ robust pipeline and rapid regulatory progress in advanced therapies (including biologics, gene, and cell therapies) positions the company to benefit from emerging healthcare technologies, potentially accelerating future earnings and margin growth as new high-value products launch.
Operational efficiency gains from portfolio streamlining (e.g., previous spin offs and exiting non-core lines) and productivity improvements are driving core margin expansion and higher free cash flow, which can be reinvested in R&D and shareholder returns, supporting long-term earnings and net margin growth.
Curious what kind of revenue path, margin uplift and earnings multiple are built into that CHF123.55 fair value for Novartis? The narrative stitches together steady top line expansion, higher profitability and a future valuation multiple that sits below a key industry benchmark. Want to see how those moving parts combine into one coherent price map?
Result: Fair Value of CHF123.55 (OVERVALUED)
Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what’s behind the forecasts.
However, that story for Novartis can change quickly if loss of exclusivity on key drugs hits revenue harder than expected, or if pricing pressure compresses margins.
Find out about the key risks to this Novartis narrative.
Another View: What Novartis’ P/E Says About Value
While the narrative fair value for Novartis suggests the stock is 1% overvalued at CHF125 versus CHF123.55, the P/E picture looks very different. The current P/E of 20.9x is described as good value versus a fair ratio of 37.6x, even though it sits slightly above the European pharmaceuticals average of 20.8x and well below the peer average of 44.1x. That gap hints at either a margin of safety or a reason the market is cautious. Which side do you think it is?
See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.
SWX:NOVN P/E Ratio as at Jul 2026 Next Steps
Given the mixed sentiment around Novartis in this article, now is the time to review the key data, pressure test the assumptions, and see how the balance of risk and reward stacks up for you personally with 3 key rewards and 1 important warning sign.
Looking for more investment ideas beyond Novartis?
If Novartis has sharpened your focus, do not stop here. Broaden your opportunity set with fresh stock ideas filtered by fundamentals, quality and risk.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Companies discussed in this article include NOVN.SW.
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