Novartis (NYSE: NVS) Q1 2026 earnings dip as key drugs surge, Avidity deal closes

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Novartis reported softer Q1 2026 earnings despite solid growth from key drugs. Net sales were USD 13.1 billion, down 1% reported and 5% at constant currency, as strong volume growth was more than offset by US generic competition and lower pricing.

Operating income fell 9% to USD 4.2 billion and net income declined 13% to USD 3.2 billion, with EPS at USD 1.65. Core EPS was USD 1.99, down 13%. Free cash flow remained resilient at USD 3.3 billion, broadly in line with last year.

Growth was driven by priority brands including Kisqali (+55% cc to USD 1.5 billion), Pluvicto, Kesimpta, Scemblix and Leqvio, while Entresto, Promacta and Tasigna declined sharply from generics. Novartis completed the roughly USD 12 billion Avidity Biosciences acquisition, lifting net debt to USD 38.1 billion, but reaffirmed 2026 guidance for low single-digit net sales growth and a low single-digit decline in core operating income at constant currency.

Insights

Equity research analyst

Q1 shows pressure from US generics, offset by strong oncology and neurology growth and a large pipeline-focused acquisition.

Novartis generated USD 13.1 billion of net sales in Q1 2026, down modestly, but profits declined faster as operating income fell 9% and core operating income 12%. The main drag was steep generic erosion in Entresto, Promacta and Tasigna, particularly in the US.

At the same time, key growth brands delivered robust constant-currency gains: Kisqali grew 55% to USD 1.5 billion, while Pluvicto, Kesimpta, Scemblix, Leqvio and Fabhalta all posted strong double‑digit increases. This mix shift supports the strategy of focusing on oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular and immunology franchises.

Strategically, the USD 12.0 billion Avidity Biosciences deal and other early-stage agreements expand the xRNA and neuroscience pipeline but pushed net debt to USD 38.1 billion from USD 21.9 billion. Management maintained 2026 guidance for low single‑digit net sales growth and a low single‑digit core operating income decline in constant currency, so future quarters will show how quickly new launches can offset ongoing generic headwinds.

Key Figures

Net sales: USD 13,113 million Operating income: USD 4,235 million Net income: USD 3,156 million +5 more

8 metrics

Net sales USD 13,113 million Q1 2026, down 1% reported and 5% constant currency vs Q1 2025

Operating income USD 4,235 million Q1 2026, down 9% vs Q1 2025

Net income USD 3,156 million Q1 2026, down 13% vs Q1 2025

Core EPS USD 1.99 Q1 2026, down 13% vs USD 2.28 in Q1 2025

Free cash flow USD 3,330 million Q1 2026, broadly in line with USD 3,391 million in Q1 2025

Kisqali sales USD 1,516 million Q1 2026, up 55% at constant currency vs Q1 2025

Entresto sales USD 1,305 million Q1 2026, down 46% at constant currency due to US generics

Net debt USD 38.1 billion As of March 31, 2026, up from USD 21.9 billion at December 31, 2025

Key Terms

constant currencies (cc), core operating income, free cash flow, Breakthrough Therapy designation, +2 more

6 terms

constant currencies (cc) financial

"Constant currencies (cc), core results and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures."

core operating income financial

"Core operating income was USD 4.9 billion (-12%, -14% cc), declining due to lower net sales and higher R&D investments."

Core operating income is the profit a company generates from its regular, day-to-day business activities after paying the normal costs of running those operations, excluding one‑time gains, losses, or unusual items. Investors care because it reveals the steady earnings power of the business—like measuring how well a store makes money from selling goods each month rather than from a one-off sale of property—and helps compare performance across periods and companies.

free cash flow financial

"Free cash flow amounted to USD 3.3 billion, broadly in line with the prior-year quarter."

Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.

Breakthrough Therapy designation regulatory

"FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation and priority review to ianalumab for the treatment of Sjögren’s disease."

A breakthrough therapy designation is a regulatory fast-track given to a drug or treatment that shows early signs of providing a major improvement over existing options for a serious condition. Think of it as a VIP lane that can speed up development and more intensive guidance from regulators, which matters to investors because it can shorten time to market, reduce development risk and potentially increase a company’s value — though it does not guarantee approval.

priority review regulatory

"Fabhalta was granted priority review by FDA for traditional approval."

Priority review is a regulatory fast-track that shortens the time an agency spends evaluating a drug, vaccine or medical device application so a decision comes sooner than normal. For investors, it matters because a faster review is like an express lane to market: it can speed revenue potential and reduce regulatory uncertainty, but it does not guarantee approval and still requires the product to meet safety and effectiveness standards.

in-process research and development (IPR&D) financial

"These comprised identifiable intangible assets, including IPR&D, of USD 11.3 billion..."

In-process research and development (IPR&D) is the value assigned to research projects a company buys from another firm that are not yet finished or approved. Think of it as purchasing a half-completed recipe that might become a bestseller or never work out; investors care because it represents future potential products and revenue but also carries risk of failure or one-time write-offs that can affect a company’s reported profits and valuation.

Form 6-K: How Foreign Companies Report to the SEC →

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 or 15d-16 OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Report on Form 6-K dated April 28, 2026

(Commission File No. 1-15024)

Novartis AG

(Name of Registrant)

Lichtstrasse 35

4056 Basel

Switzerland

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:

Form 20-F: x Form 40-F: o

Incorporation by Reference:

This Report on Form 6-K (only with respect to (i) information under “R&D update - key developments from the first quarter” in Exhibit 99.1 hereto, and (ii) Exhibit 99.2 hereto to this Report on Form 6-K) shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the registration statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-171739, 333-198706, 333-250207, 333-258081 and 333-293197) and to be a part thereof from the date on which this report is filed to the extent not superseded by documents or reports subsequently filed or furnished.

Exhibits:

99.1 Financial Report Q1 2026
99.2 Condensed Financial Report

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	Novartis AG
Date: April 28, 2026	By:	/s/ PAUL PENEPENT
	Name:		Paul Penepent
	Title:		Head Financial Reporting and Accounting

  Novartis International AG CH-4002 Basel Switzerland   https://www.novartis.com https://x.com/novartisnews

FINANCIAL RESULTS | FINANZERGEBNISSE

Novartis delivered strong growth in priority brands and launches in Q1; FY 2026 guidance reaffirmed

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

First quarter

· Net sales declined -5% (cc¹, -1% USD), as growth drivers were more than offset by US generic erosion

o Continued strong performance from priority brands including Kisqali (+55% cc), Pluvicto (+70% cc), Kesimpta (+26% cc), Scemblix (+79% cc) and Leqvio (+69% cc)

· Core operating income¹ down -14% (cc, -12% USD), due to lower net sales and higher R&D investment

o Core operating income margin¹ was 37.3%

· Operating income declined -11% (cc, -9% USD); net income down -13% (cc, -13% USD)

· Core EPS¹ declined -15% (cc, -13% USD) to USD 1.99

· Free cash flow¹ was USD 3.3 billion, broadly in line with the prior-year quarter

· Q1 selected innovation milestones:

o Remibrutinib positive CHMP opinion for CSU, positive Phase III readout in CIndU and Phase II data in food allergy

o Ianalumab FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation and priority review in SjD

o Cosentyx FDA approval for pediatric HS patients, regulatory submissions for PMR

o Fabhalta positive Phase III eGFR results in IgAN, FDA priority review for traditional approval

o Completed acquisition of Avidity, adding three late-stage medicines addressing neuromuscular disease

· Full year 2026 guidance² reaffirmed

o Net sales expected to grow low single-digit and core operating income expected to decline low single-digit

Basel, April 28, 2026 – Commenting on Q1 2026 results, Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, said:

“Novartis delivered a strong start to 2026 across our priority brands and launches, while US generic erosion weighed on results in Q1 as expected. We continued to advance our pipeline, with compelling Phase III results for remibrutinib in chronic inducible urticaria and Phase II data in food allergy, reinforcing the medicine’s pipeline-in-a-pill potential. We also completed the acquisition of Avidity and announced early-stage deals to support our breast cancer and allergic disease franchises. With the momentum we are seeing across the business, we remain on track to deliver our full year guidance and look forward to multiple readouts in the second half that could raise our mid- to long-term growth outlook.”

Key figures
	Q1 2026	Q1 2025	% change
	USD m3	USD m3	USD	cc
Net sales	13 113	13 233	-1	-5
Operating income	4 235	4 663	-9	-11
Net income	3 156	3 609	-13	-13
EPS (USD)	1.65	1.83	-10	-11
Free cash flow	3 330	3 391	-2
Core operating income	4 897	5 575	-12	-14
Core net income	3 794	4 482	-15	-17
Core EPS (USD)	1.99	2.28	-13	-15

1. Constant currencies (cc), core results and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found on page 32 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year. 2. Please see detailed guidance assumptions on page 6. 3. USD millions unless indicated otherwise.

Strategy

Our focus

Novartis is a “pure-play” innovative medicines company. We have a clear focus on four core therapeutic areas (cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience and oncology), with multiple significant in-market and pipeline assets in each of these areas, that address high disease burden and have substantial growth potential. In addition to two established technology platforms (chemistry and biotherapeutics), three emerging platforms (gene & cell therapy, radioligand therapy and xRNA) are being prioritized for continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing scale. Geographically, we are focused on growing in our priority geographies – the US, China, Germany and Japan.

Our priorities

1. Accelerate growth: Renewed attention to deliver high-value medicines (NMEs) and focus on launch excellence, with a rich pipeline across our core therapeutic areas.

2. Deliver returns: Continuing to embed operational excellence and deliver improved financials. Novartis remains disciplined and shareholder-focused in our approach to capital allocation, with substantial cash generation and a strong capital structure supporting continued flexibility.

3. Strengthen foundations: Unleashing the power of our people, scaling data science and technology and continuing to build trust with society.

Financials

First quarter

Net sales were USD 13.1 billion (-1%, -5% cc), with volume contributing 13 percentage points to growth, more than offset by 14 percentage points of generic competition. Pricing had a negative impact of 4 percentage points, including net 1 percentage point from revenue deduction adjustments in the US, and currency had a positive impact of 4 percentage points.

Operating income was USD 4.2 billion (-9%, -11% cc), declining due to lower net sales and higher R&D investments, partly offset by higher divestment gains.

Net income was USD 3.2 billion (-13%, -13% cc), mainly due to lower operating income. EPS was USD 1.65 (-10%, -11% cc), due to lower net income, partly offset by the benefit of the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Core operating income was USD 4.9 billion (-12%, -14% cc), declining due to lower net sales and higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 37.3% of net sales, decreasing 4.8 percentage points (4.1 percentage points in cc).

Core net income was USD 3.8 billion (-15%, -17% cc), mainly due to lower core operating income. Core EPS was USD 1.99 (-13%, -15% cc), due to lower core net income, partly offset by the benefit of the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Free cash flow amounted to USD 3.3 billion, broadly in line with the prior-year quarter.

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Q1 priority brands

Underpinning our financial results in the quarter is a continued focus on key growth drivers (ranked in order of contribution to Q1 growth) including:

Kisqali	(USD 1 516 million, +55% cc) sales grew strongly across all regions, with continued momentum in the early breast cancer indication as well as leadership in metastatic breast cancer.
Pluvicto	(USD 642 million, +70% cc) sales showed continued strong demand in the pre-taxane metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) setting in the US, as well as access expansion ex-US.
Kesimpta	(USD 1 164 million, +26% cc) sales grew across all regions, driven by increased demand and strong access.
Leqvio	(USD 452 million, +69% cc) accelerated growth ex-US, driven by strong uptake in China following NRDL-listing.
Scemblix	(USD 433 million, +79% cc) sales grew across all regions, with continued strong momentum from the early-line indication in the US, Japan and Germany.
Fabhalta	(USD 169 million, +103% cc) sales more than doubled in Q1, reflecting continued expansion in PNH and renal indications.
Rhapsido	(USD 37 million) continued to show strong early uptake in the US, supported by a free drug program to facilitate patient access and increasing coverage.
Cosentyx	(USD 1 566 million, -2% cc) sales were broadly stable. US sales declined, as demand growth was offset by positive revenue deduction adjustments in the prior-year quarter. Ex-US, sales continued to grow. Underlying sales growth globally was +2% cc.
Zolgensma Group	(USD 302 million, -12% cc) sales declined, reflecting a lower incidence of SMA, despite continued strong share in the incident population, as well as treatment phasing.

Net sales of the top 20 brands in the first quarter

	Q1 2026	% change
	USD m	USD	cc
Cosentyx - excluding revenue deduction adjustments*	1 566	2 5	-2 2
Kisqali	1 516	59	55
Entresto	1 305	-42	-46
Kesimpta	1 164	29	26
Pluvicto	642	73	70
Jakavi	557	13	5
Tafinlar + Mekinist	493	-11	-14
Ilaris	475	13	10
Leqvio	452	76	69
Scemblix	433	82	79
Xolair	388	-15	-20
Zolgensma Group	302	-8	-12

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Sandostatin Group	287	-9	-12
Lutathera	211	9	7
Exforge Group	203	13	7
Promacta/Revolade	184	-66	-68
Fabhalta	169	109	103
Tasigna	155	-59	-61
Diovan Group	150	0	-4
Myfortic	111	12	9
Top 20 brands total	10 763	1	-3

*Q1 sales growth impacted by US revenue deduction adjustments in the current and prior year.

R&D update – key developments from the first quarter

New approvals

Cosentyx (secukinumab) FDA approved Cosentyx for the treatment of moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older, making it the only IL-17A inhibitor approved for this population.

Regulatory updates

Rhapsido (remibrutinib)	EMA’s CHMP adopted a positive opinion recommending marketing authorization for remibrutinib as an oral treatment for chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in adults with an inadequate response to H1-antihistamine therapy.
Ianalumab (VAY736)	FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation and priority review to ianalumab for the treatment of Sjögren’s disease, following the first global Phase III trials to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in disease activity. Regulatory submissions were completed for ianalumab in the US, Europe, China and Japan.
Cosentyx (secukinumab)	Regulatory submissions were completed for Cosentyx in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) in the US, Europe and Japan.
Pluvicto (lutetium Lu177 vipivotide tetraxetan)	Novartis withdrew its EMA type II variation application for Pluvicto to treat adult patients with PSMA+ mCRPC pre-chemotherapy, following CHMP feedback that they would not support the application. The withdrawal is not related to the quality, efficacy or safety of Pluvicto and does not impact ongoing clinical trials, approved indications or pending regulatory submissions inside or outside the EU. Importantly, the PSMAfore study, which supported the application, was the basis for the successful approval of Pluvicto in the pre-chemotherapy setting in the US, Japan and China. Pluvicto’s value in this population is also reflected in evidence-based recommendations from leading professional guidelines, including ESMO, EAU, ASCO and NCCN Guidelines.

Results from ongoing trials and other highlights

Remibrutinib Positive topline results from the pivotal Phase III RemIND trial showed oral remibrutinib met its primary endpoint in chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), achieving statistically significant and clinically meaningful complete response rates versus placebo at Week 12 across the three most prevalent CIndU types: symptomatic

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	dermographism, cold urticaria and cholinergic urticaria. Remibrutinib was well tolerated and demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no liver safety concerns reported. Based on these results, an sNDA for the treatment of symptomatic dermographism has been submitted to the FDA. Full data will be presented at an upcoming medical congress and submitted to health authorities globally. In a Phase II study in adults with IgE-mediated peanut allergy, remibrutinib demonstrated superior efficacy versus placebo, with dose-dependent effects and a rapid onset of action, and was well tolerated. Data were presented at the AAAAI Annual Meeting. A Phase III program in food allergy is on track to start in H2 2026.
Fabhalta (iptacopan)	In the Phase III APPLAUSE-IgAN study, final two-year results published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that Fabhalta slowed kidney function decline by 49.3% versus placebo and reduced the risk of composite kidney failure events in adult patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The safety profile was consistent with previous findings. Fabhalta was granted priority review by FDA for traditional approval.
Vanrafia (atrasentan)	Final results from the Phase III ALIGN study showed a slowing in kidney function decline in IgAN patients treated with Vanrafia, with a positive difference in eGFR change from baseline vs. placebo at Week 136 (4 weeks after the end of study treatment, p = 0.057) and at Week 132 (at the end of treatment, nominal p = 0.039). Safety was consistent with previous findings. Novartis plans to submit these data for traditional approval in H1 2026.
Pluvicto (lutetium Lu177 vipivotide tetraxetan)	Real-world analyses from the Novartis PRECISION platform showed that Pluvicto achieved a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 13.5 months in men with PSMA+ mCRPC who were taxane-naïve and had received at least one androgen receptor pathway inhibitor (ARPI). Longer median PFS was observed when Pluvicto was initiated after one prior ARPI compared with use after multiple ARPIs. Data were presented at the ASCO-GU Symposium.
Cosentyx (secukinumab)	In a matched adjusted indirect comparison analysis of efficacy and safety from Phase III trials in HS, including SUNSHINE and SUNRISE, Cosentyx showed greater flare prevention and a lower risk of Candida infections compared with bimekizumab through Week 48, while maintaining similar HiSCR50 responses. Data were presented at AAD.
Del-zota	One-year data from the Phase I/II EXPLORE44 and EXPLORE44-OLE studies evaluating del-zota in individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy amenable to exon 44 skipping (DMD44) showed sustained reductions in serum creatine kinase levels, significant increases in dystrophin, and improvements in multiple functional measures. Safety profile observed to date is consistent with earlier findings. Data were presented at MDA.
Del-desiran	Final results from the Phase I/II MARINA study of del-desiran in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), published in The New England Journal of Medicine, showed effective delivery to muscle and a reduction in DMPK mRNA, and improvements across multiple functional measures. Safety profile observed to date is consistent with earlier findings. Del-desiran is currently being evaluated in the Phase III HARBOR study in DM1, with readout anticipated in H2 2026.
Selected transactions	Novartis successfully completed the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, strengthening its late-stage neuroscience pipeline and advancing its xRNA strategy. Novartis entered into an agreement with Synnovation Therapeutics to acquire SNV4818, a pan-mutant selective PI3Kα inhibitor currently in Phase I/II for patients with HR+/HER2- breast cancer and other advanced solid tumors. The program aligns

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with Novartis’ strategy in breast cancer, and fits naturally alongside CDK inhibitors as well as endocrine (hormonal) therapies as part of a potential combination regimen. The transaction is expected to close in H1 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Novartis entered into an agreement to acquire Excellergy, including Exl-111, a half-life extended, high-affinity anti-IgE antibody in Phase I, with a differentiated mechanism designed to dissociate receptor-bound IgE and drive faster and deeper FcεRIα downregulation. This acquisition builds on deep Novartis expertise in IgE biology and allergic disease, with the potential to offer earlier symptom relief, stronger disease control and more convenient dosing. The transaction is expected to close in H2 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Capital structure and net debt

Retaining a good balance between investment in the business, a strong capital structure, and attractive shareholder returns remains a priority.

In Q1 2026, Novartis repurchased a total of 10.4 million shares for USD 1.6 billion on the SIX Swiss Exchange second trading line under the up-to USD 10 billion share buyback announced in July 2025 (with up to USD 6.1 billion still to be executed). In addition, 2.0 million shares (equity value of USD 0.3 billion) were repurchased from employees. In the same period, 12.3 million shares (equity value of USD 0.3 billion) were delivered to employees related to equity-based compensation plans. Novartis aims to offset the 2026 dilution related to equity-based compensation plans of employees over the remainder of the year, in addition to the share repurchases under the up-to USD 10 billion share buyback. Consequently, the total number of shares outstanding decreased by 0.1 million versus December 31, 2025. These treasury share transactions resulted in an equity decrease of USD 1.6 billion and a cash outflow of USD 1.9 billion.

Net debt increased to USD 38.1 billion at March 31, 2026, compared to USD 21.9 billion at December 31, 2025. The increase was mainly due to the free cash flow of USD 3.3 billion being more than offset by the net cash outflow for M&A and intangible asset transactions of USD 12.5 billion, the USD 6.2 billion annual net dividend payment in March (which is the gross dividend of USD 9.1 billion reduced by the USD 2.9 billion Swiss withholding tax paid in April 2026, according to its due date), and cash outflows for treasury share transactions of USD 1.9 billion.

As of Q1 2026, the long-term credit rating for the company is Aa3 with Moody’s Ratings and AA- with S&P Global Ratings.

2026 outlook

Barring unforeseen events; growth vs. prior year in cc
Net sales	Expected to grow low single-digit
Core operating income	Expected to decline low single-digit

Foreign exchange impact

If late-April exchange rates prevail for the remainder of 2026, the foreign exchange impact for the year would be positive 2 percentage points on net sales and positive 1 percentage point on core operating income. The estimated impact of exchange rates on our results is provided monthly on our website.

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Key figures¹

	Q1 2026	Q1 2025	% change
	USD m2	USD m2	USD	cc
Net sales	13 113	13 233	-1	-5
Operating income	4 235	4 663	-9	-11
As a % of sales	32.3	35.2
Net income	3 156	3 609	-13	-13
EPS (USD)	1.65	1.83	-10	-11
Net cash flows from operating activities	3 676	3 645	1
Non-IFRS measures
Free cash flow	3 330	3 391	-2
Core operating income	4 897	5 575	-12	-14
As a % of sales	37.3	42.1
Core net income	3 794	4 482	-15	-17
Core EPS (USD)	1.99	2.28	-13	-15

1. Constant currencies (cc), core results and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found on page 32 of the Condensed Interim Financial Report. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this Release refer to same period in prior year. 2. USD millions unless indicated otherwise.

Detailed financial results accompanying this press release are included in the Condensed Interim Financial Report at the link below:

https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/resource/download/7a686324-051d-4316-adeb-1161ff818fc8/

Disclaimer

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that can generally be identified by words such as “expected,” “anticipated,” “can,” “will,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “growth,” “launch,” “expanded,” “deliver,” “accelerate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “priority,” “potential,” “momentum,” “on track,” “look forward,” or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding: potential new products, potential new indications for existing products, potential product launches or potential future revenues from any such products; or results of ongoing clinical trials; potential future, pending or announced transactions; potential future sales or earnings; strategy, plans, expectations or intentions, including discussions regarding our continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing; our capital structure. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this communication will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. Neither can there be any guarantee that the expected benefits or synergies from the transactions described in this communication will be achieved in the expected timeframe, or at all. In particular, our expectations could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties concerning: global healthcare cost containment, including ongoing government, payer and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; the success of key products, commercial priorities and strategy; the research and development of new products, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection, including the ultimate extent of the impact on Novartis of the loss of patent protection and exclusivity on key products; our ability to realize the strategic benefits, operational efficiencies or opportunities expected from our external business opportunities; the development or adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and new business models; the implementation of our new IT projects and systems; potential significant breaches of information security or disruptions of our information technology systems; actual or potential legal proceedings, including regulatory actions or delays or government regulation related to the products and pipeline products described in this communication; safety, quality, data integrity, or manufacturing issues; our performance on and ability to comply with environmental, social and governance measures and requirements; major macroeconomic and geo- and socio-political developments, including the impact of any potential tariffs on our products or the impact of war

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in certain parts of the world; future global exchange rates; future demand for our products; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s most recently filed Form 20-F and in subsequent reports filed with, or furnished to, the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this communication as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All product names appearing in italics are trademarks owned by or licensed to Novartis.

About Novartis

Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X/Twitter and Instagram.

Novartis will conduct a conference call with investors to discuss this news release today at 14:00 Central European time and 8:00 Eastern Time. A simultaneous webcast of the call for investors and other interested parties may be accessed by visiting the Novartis website. A replay will be available after the live webcast by visiting https://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar.

Detailed financial results accompanying this press release are included in the Condensed Interim Financial Report at the link below. Additional information is provided on our business and pipeline of selected compounds in late-stage development. A copy of today's earnings call presentation can be found at https://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar.

Important dates

July 21, 2026	Second quarter & half year 2026 results
October 27, 2026	Third quarter & nine months 2026 results
November 18-19, 2026	Meet Novartis Management 2026 (London, UK)

# # #

Novartis Media Relations

E-mail: media.relations@novartis.com

Novartis Investor Relations

Central investor relations line: +41 61 324 7944

E-mail: investor.relations@novartis.com

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Novartis First Quarter 2026 Condensed Interim Financial Report – Supplementary Data

INDEX

Page

OPERATING PERFORMANCE REVIEW

3

CASH FLOW AND BALANCE SHEET

9

INNOVATION REVIEW

12

CONDENSED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated income statements

14

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

15

Consolidated balance sheets

16

Consolidated statements of changes in equity

17

Consolidated statements of cash flows

18

Notes to condensed interim consolidated financial statements

19

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

32

CORE RESULTS - Reconciliation from IFRS^® Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results

34

NON-IFRS MEASURE FREE CASH FLOW

36

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Net debt

37

Share information

37

Effects of currency fluctuations

38

DISCLAIMER

39

2

Operating performance review

Key figures

First quarter

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)		Q1 2026 USD m		Q1 2025 USD m		% change USD		% change cc 1
Net sales to third parties		13 113		13 233		-1		-5
Other revenues		411		387		6		5
Cost of goods sold		-3 459		-3 227		-7		-1
Gross profit		10 065		10 393		-3		-7
Selling, general and administration		-3 140		-3 058		-3		2
Research and development		-2 740		-2 366		-16		-9
Other income		478		226		112		94
Other expense		-428		-532		20		26
Operating income		4 235		4 663		-9		-11
% of net sales		32.3		35.2
Loss from associated companies		-3		-3		0		-2
Interest expense		-343		-270		-27		-27
Other financial income and expense		-50		17		nm		nm
Income before taxes		3 839		4 407		-13		-14
Income taxes		-683		-798		14		15
Net income		3 156		3 609		-13		-13
Basic earnings per share (USD)		1.65		1.83		-10		-11
Net cash flows from operating activities		3 676		3 645		1
Non-IFRS measures 1
Free cash flow		3 330		3 391		-2
Core operating income		4 897		5 575		-12		-14
% of net sales		37.3		42.1
Core net income		3 794		4 482		-15		-17
Core basic earnings per share (USD)		1.99		2.28		-13		-15
1  Constant currencies (cc), core results and free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. An explanation of non-IFRS measures can be found on page 32. Unless otherwise noted, all growth rates in this release refer to same period in prior-year.
nm = not meaningful

3

Strategy

Our focus

Novartis is a “pure-play” innovative medicines company. We have a clear focus on four core therapeutic areas (cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience and oncology), with multiple significant in-market and pipeline assets in each of these areas, that address high disease burden and have substantial growth potential. In addition to two established technology platforms (chemistry and biotherapeutics), three emerging platforms (gene & cell therapy, radioligand therapy and xRNA) are being prioritized for continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing scale. Geographically, we are focused on growing in our priority geographies – the US, China, Germany and Japan.

Our priorities

1. Accelerate growth: Renewed attention to deliver high-value medicines (NMEs) and focus on launch excellence, with a rich pipeline across our core therapeutic areas.

2. Deliver returns: Continuing to embed operational excellence and deliver improved financials. Novartis remains disciplined and shareholder-focused in our approach to capital allocation, with substantial cash generation and a strong capital structure supporting continued flexibility.

3. Strengthen foundations: Unleashing the power of our people, scaling data science and technology and continuing to build trust with society.

Financials

Net sales

Net sales were USD 13.1 billion (-1%, -5% cc), with volume contributing 13 percentage points to growth, more than offset by 14 percentage points of generic competition. Pricing had a negative impact of 4 percentage points, including net 1 percentage point from revenue deduction adjustments in the US, and currency had a positive impact of 4 percentage points. By region, sales in the US were USD 5.0 billion (-13%) and sales in the rest of the world were USD 8.2 billion (+8%, +1% cc).

Generic competition negatively impacted sales performance for Entresto (USD 1.3 billion, -42%, -46% cc), Promacta (USD 184 million, -66%, -68% cc) and Tasigna (USD 155 million, -59%, -61% cc), partly offset by continued strong growth from Kisqali (USD 1.5 billion, +59%, +55% cc), Pluvicto (USD 642 million, +73%, +70% cc), Kesimpta (USD 1.2 billion, +29%, +26% cc), Scemblix (USD 433 million, +82%, +79% cc) and Leqvio (USD 452 million, +76%, +69% cc).

In the US (USD 5.0 billion, -13%), the sales decline was due to generic competition, mainly Entresto, Promacta and Tasigna, partly offset by strong growth from Kisqali, Pluvicto, Kesimpta and Scemblix. In Europe (USD 4.2 billion, +7%, -3% cc), sales increased in USD but declined in cc, mainly due to generic competition, including Promacta and Xolair, offset by strong performance from Kisqali and Kesimpta. Sales in emerging growth markets were USD 3.9 billion (+8%, +3% cc), including USD 1.3 billion of sales from China (+13%, +8% cc).

Operating income

Gross profit was USD 10.1 billion (-3%, -7% cc), declining broadly in line with net sales.

SG&A expenses were USD 3.1 billion (-3%, +2% cc)¹, increasing in USD but decreasing in cc, mainly driven by marketing and sales productivity.

R&D expenses were USD 2.7 billion (-16%, -9% cc), mainly due to investments in recently acquired assets.

Other income was USD 0.5 billion (+112%, +94% cc), increasing mainly driven by higher divestment gains.

Other expense was USD 0.4 billion (+20%, +26% cc), decreasing mainly due to lower restructuring costs and lower negative impact from revaluation of financial assets.

¹ For ease of understanding, Novartis uses a sign convention for its growth rates such that a reduction in operating expenses or losses compared with the prior year is shown as a positive growth.

4

Operating income was USD 4.2 billion (-9%, -11% cc), declining due to lower net sales and higher R&D investments, partly offset by higher divestment gains. Operating income margin was 32.3% of net sales, decreasing 2.9 percentage points (2.1 percentage points in cc).

Core adjustments were USD 0.7 billion, mainly due to amortization, compared with USD 0.9 billion in the prior-year quarter. Core adjustments decreased mainly due to higher divestments gains.

Core gross profit was USD 10.8 billion (-3%, -6% cc), declining broadly in line with net sales.

Core SG&A expenses were USD 3.1 billion (-3%, +2% cc), increasing in USD but decreasing in cc, mainly driven by marketing and sales productivity.

Core R&D expenses were USD 2.7 billion (-17%, -11% cc), mainly due to investments in recently acquired assets.

Core other income was USD 0.1 billion (+43%, +11% cc) and core other expense was USD 0.2 billion (+32%, +40% cc).

Core operating income was USD 4.9 billion (-12%, -14% cc), declining due to lower net sales and higher R&D investments. Core operating income margin was 37.3% of net sales, decreasing 4.8 percentage points (4.1 percentage points in cc).

Interest expense and other financial income and expense

Interest expense amounted to USD 343 million compared with USD 270 million in the prior-year quarter, mainly due to the increase in financial debt.

Other financial income and expense amounted to an expense of USD 50 million compared with an income of USD 17 million in the prior-year quarter, mainly due to higher monetary losses from hyperinflation accounting.

Core interest expense amounted to USD 343 million compared with USD 270 million in the prior-year quarter.

Core other financial income and expense amounted to an income of USD 4 million, broadly in line with the prior-year quarter.

Income taxes

The tax rate in the first quarter was 17.8% compared to 18.1% in the prior-year quarter. The prior-year tax rate was negatively impacted by the effect of remeasuring deferred tax balances following a tax rate change in Switzerland, which was effective from January 1, 2026, and prior-year items. Excluding these impacts, the prior-year tax rate would have been 16.7%. The increase from the prior-year quarter was mainly the result of a change in profit mix.

The core tax rate (core taxes as a percentage of core income before tax) was 16.7% compared to 16.2% in the prior-year quarter. The increase from the prior year was mainly the result of a change in profit mix.

Net income, EPS, cash flows from operating activities and free cash flow

Net income was USD 3.2 billion (-13%, -13% cc), mainly due to lower operating income. EPS was USD 1.65 (-10%, -11% cc), due to lower net income, partly offset by the benefit of the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Core net income was USD 3.8 billion (-15%, -17% cc), mainly due to lower core operating income. Core EPS was USD 1.99 (-13%, -15% cc), due to lower core net income, partly offset by the benefit of the lower weighted average number of shares outstanding.

Net cash flows from operating activities amounted to USD 3.7 billion, in line with the prior-year quarter, as lower net income, adjusted for non-cash items and other adjustments, and higher income taxes paid were offset by favorable changes in working capital.

Free cash flow amounted to USD 3.3 billion, broadly in line with the prior-year quarter.

5

Product commentary (relating to Q1 performance)

Cardiovascular, RENAL and METABOLIC

		Q1 2026		Q1 2025		% change		% change
		USD m		USD m		USD		cc
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Entresto		1 305		2 261		-42		-46
Leqvio		452		257		76		69
Vanrafia		16				nm		nm
Total cardiovascular, renal and metabolic		1 773		2 518		-30		-33
nm = not meaningful

Entresto (USD 1 305 million, -42%, -46% cc) sales declined due to generic competition in the US. Entresto continued to grow ex-US, where the product is approved for heart failure globally as well as hypertension in China and Japan.

Leqvio (USD 452 million, +76%, +69% cc) sales grew across all regions, with an acceleration ex-US driven by China, following inclusion in the National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) in January. Leqvio is registered in 108 countries worldwide and commercially available in 89 countries. Novartis obtained global rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize Leqvio under a license and collaboration agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Novartis is in US ANDA litigation with a generic manufacturer.

Vanrafia (USD 16 million) sales reflect continued launch execution following 2025 approvals in the US and China, as the first and only selective endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonist for proteinuria reduction in primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN).

Immunology

		Q1 2026		Q1 2025		% change		% change
		USD m		USD m		USD		cc
Immunology
Cosentyx		1 566		1 534		2		-2
- excluding revenue deduction adjustments 1						5		2
Ilaris		475		419		13		10
Xolair 2		388		456		-15		-20
Rhapsido		37				nm		nm
Total immunology		2 466		2 409		2		-1
1  Q1 sales growth impacted by US revenue deduction adjustments in the current and prior year.
2  Net sales to third parties reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
nm = not meaningful

Cosentyx (USD 1 566 million, +2%, -2% cc) sales were broadly stable. US sales declined, as demand growth was offset by positive revenue deduction adjustments in the prior-year quarter. Ex-US, sales grew in Europe and most emerging markets, partially offset by a decline in China. Underlying sales growth globally was +2% cc.

Ilaris (USD 475 million, +13%, +10% cc) sales grew across most regions, with continued momentum in the Periodic Fever Syndromes and Still’s disease indications.

Xolair (USD 388 million, -15%, -20% cc) sales declined in Europe and some emerging markets, mainly driven by the launch of a biosimilar in 2025. Novartis co-promotes Xolair with Genentech in the US and shares a portion of revenue as operating income but does not record any US sales.

Rhapsido (USD 37 million) continued to show strong early uptake in the US, supported by a free drug program to facilitate patient access and increasing coverage. Rhapsido also launched in China following Q4 approval in CSU.

6

Neuroscience

		Q1 2026		Q1 2025		% change		% change
		USD m		USD m		USD		cc
Neuroscience
Kesimpta		1 164		899		29		26
Zolgensma Group		302		327		-8		-12
Aimovig		95		76		25		14
Total neuroscience		1 561		1 302		20		16

Kesimpta (USD 1 164 million, +29%, +26% cc) sales grew across all regions, driven by increased demand and strong access, as a high efficacy B-cell therapy with at-home self-administration for a broad population of RMS patients. Kesimpta is now approved in 94 countries with more than 200,000 patients treated since launch.

Zolgensma Group (USD 302 million, -8%, -12% cc) sales declined, reflecting a lower incidence of SMA, despite continued strong share in the incident population, as well as treatment phasing. The intrathecal formulation is now approved in the US, UAE, Qatar and Japan, with first patients treated in the UAE and US.

Aimovig (USD 95 million, +25%, +14% cc) sales grew driven by increased demand for migraine prevention. Novartis commercializes Aimovig ex-US and ex-Japan, while Amgen retains all rights in the US and Japan.

ONCOLOGY

		Q1 2026		Q1 2025		% change		% change
		USD m		USD m		USD		cc
Oncology
Kisqali		1 516		956		59		55
Pluvicto		642		371		73		70
Jakavi		557		492		13		5
Tafinlar + Mekinist 1		493		552		-11		-14
Scemblix		433		238		82		79
Lutathera		211		193		9		7
Fabhalta 2		169		81		109		103
Total oncology		4 021		2 883		39		35
1  Majority of sales for Mekinist and Tafinlar are combination, but both can be used as monotherapy.
2  Net sales to third parties reflect Fabhalta sales for all indications.

Kisqali (USD 1 516 million, +59%, +55% cc) sales grew strongly across all regions, with continued momentum in the early breast cancer indication as well as leadership in metastatic breast cancer. Kisqali performance reflects its consistent overall survival benefit across all Phase III mBC trials, its NCCN Category 1 Preferred status, and its highest ESMO clinical benefit ratings in mBC and eBC.

Pluvicto (USD 642 million, +73%, +70% cc) sales showed continued strong demand in the pre-taxane metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) setting in the US. Access ex-US continued to expand, with the post-taxane mCRPC setting now approved in 51 countries and the pre-taxane setting approved in 9 countries.

Jakavi (USD 557 million, +13%, +5% cc) sales grew across most regions and indications. Incyte retains all rights to ruxolitinib (Jakafi®) in the US.

Tafinlar + Mekinist (USD 493 million, -11%, -14% cc) sales declined in the US due to competitive pressure and ex-US mainly due to shipment phasing. Novartis is in US ANDA litigations with a generic manufacturer.

Scemblix (USD 433 million, +82%, +79% cc) sales grew across all regions, with continued momentum in the early line setting, where 64 markets have secured approvals, including EU in Q4 2025.

Lutathera (USD 211 million, +9%, +7% cc) sales grew mainly in the US and Europe due to increased demand, with continued 2L leadership. Novartis is in patent litigation with manufacturers having FDA applications referencing Lutathera.

Fabhalta (USD 169 million, +109%, +103% cc) sales more than doubled in Q1, reflecting continued expansion in PNH and renal indications.

7

Established BRANDS

		Q1 2026		Q1 2025		% change		% change
		USD m		USD m		USD		cc
Established brands
Sandostatin Group		287		317		-9		-12
Exforge Group		203		179		13		7
Promacta/Revolade		184		546		-66		-68
Tasigna		155		377		-59		-61
Diovan Group		150		150		0		-4
Myfortic		111		99		12		9
Lucentis		104		189		-45		-50
Piqray/Vijoice		81		100		-19		-20
Kymriah		81		100		-19		-22
Contract manufacturing		352		343		3		-5
Other		1 584		1 721		-8		-13
Total established brands		3 292		4 121		-20		-24

Sandostatin Group (USD 287 million, -9%, -12% cc) sales declined due to generic competition.

Exforge Group (USD 203 million, +13%, +7% cc) sales grew, driven by China.

Promacta/Revolade (USD 184 million, -66%, -68% cc) sales continued to decline globally due to generic competition.

Tasigna (USD 155 million, -59%, -61% cc) sales continued to decline globally due to generic competition.

Diovan Group (USD 150 million, 0%, -4% cc) sales declined in most regions except Europe.

Myfortic (USD 111 million, +12%, +9% cc) sales grew, driven by China and other emerging markets.

Lucentis (USD 104 million, –45%, –50% cc) sales declined, mainly due to increased competition. Novartis only commercializes Lucentis in markets ex-US.

Piqray/Vijoice (USD 81 million, -19%, -20% cc) sales declined, driven by increased competition for Piqray.

Kymriah (USD 81 million, –19%, –22% cc) sales declined globally, mainly due to continued competitive pressure.

8

Cash Flow and Balance Sheet

Cash flow

First quarter

Net cash flows from operating activities amounted to USD 3.7 billion, in line with the prior-year quarter, as lower net income, adjusted for non-cash items and other adjustments, and higher income taxes paid were offset by favorable changes in working capital.

Net cash outflows used in investing activities amounted to USD 11.7 billion, compared with USD 0.3 billion net cash inflows in the prior-year quarter.

In the current-year quarter, net cash outflows for investing activities were mainly driven by USD 12.0 billion paid for the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (net of cash acquired of USD 11 million). In addition, cash outflows for purchases of intangible assets amounted to USD 0.5 billion and purchases of property, plant and equipment amounted to USD 0.3 billion. These cash outflows were partly offset by proceeds of USD 1.1 billion from time deposits and from the sale of marketable securities, mainly acquired through the Avidity Biosciences, Inc. acquisition.

In the prior-year quarter, net cash inflows from investing activities were mainly driven by the net proceeds of USD 1.8 billion from marketable securities and time deposits, mainly due to the maturity of time deposits. These cash inflows were partly offset by cash outflows of USD 1.2 billion for purchases of intangible assets and by USD 0.3 billion for purchases of property, plant and equipment.

Net cash inflows from financing activities amounted to USD 3.6 billion, compared with USD 8.5 billion net cash outflows in the prior-year quarter.

In the current-year quarter, net cash inflows from financing activities were mainly driven by cash inflows of USD 10.9 billion from the issuance of US dollar denominated bonds with a notional amount of USD 11.0 billion, which were used to repay a bridge loan of USD 11.0 billion entered into in February 2026 to fund the Avidity Biosciences, Inc. acquisition. In addition, changes in current financial debts resulted in net cash inflows of USD 0.7 billion. These inflows were partly offset by USD 6.2 billion for the annual net dividend payment (which is the gross dividend of USD 9.1 billion reduced by the USD 2.9 billion Swiss withholding tax paid in April 2026, according to its due date) and USD 1.9 billion for treasury share transactions.

In the prior-year quarter, net cash outflows used in financing activities were mainly driven by USD 5.3 billion for the annual net dividend payment (which is the gross dividend of USD 7.8 billion reduced by the USD 2.5 billion Swiss withholding tax paid in April 2025 according to its due date), the USD 2.7 billion payments for treasury share transactions, and the USD 1.0 billion repayment of a US dollar denominated bond at maturity. These cash outflows were partly offset by the net increase in current financial debts of USD 0.6 billion.

Free cash flow amounted to USD 3.3 billion, broadly in line with the prior-year quarter.

9

Balance sheet

Assets

Total non-current assets of USD 91.9 billion increased by USD 11.4 billion compared with December 31, 2025.

Intangible assets other than goodwill increased by USD 10.8 billion, mainly due to the Avidity Biosciences, Inc. acquisition and additions, partially offset by amortization.

Goodwill increased by USD 1.3 billion mainly due to the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, Inc.

Other non-current assets decreased by USD 0.3 billion, mainly due to the decrease in prepaid post-employment benefit plans.

Property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets, deferred tax assets, investments in associated companies, and financial assets were broadly in line with December 31, 2025.

Total current assets of USD 26.6 billion decreased by USD 3.9 billion compared with December 31, 2025.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased by USD 4.6 billion compared with December 31, 2025. Net cash inflows from operating activities of USD 3.7 billion, net proceeds of USD 11.6 billion from financial debts and net proceeds of USD 1.1 billion from the sale of marketable securities and time deposits, were more than offset by cash outflows mainly relating to the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, Inc. of USD 12.0 billion, the annual net dividend payment of USD 6.2 billion (which is the gross dividend of USD 9.1 billion reduced by the USD 2.9 billion Swiss withholding tax paid in April 2026, according to its due date), the purchase of treasury shares of USD 1.9 billion, as well as other net cash outflows from investing and financing activities, and currency effects of USD 0.9 billion.

Trade receivables increased by USD 0.4 billion and other current assets increased by USD 0.3 billion. Inventories, marketable securities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments, and income tax receivables were broadly in line with December 31, 2025.

Liabilities

Total non-current liabilities of USD 48.2 billion increased by USD 11.1 billion compared with December 31, 2025.

Non-current financial debts increased by USD 9.5 billion, mainly due to the issuance of US dollar denominated bonds with a notional amount of USD 11.0 billion, partly offset by the reclassification from non-current to current financial debts of a US dollar denominated bond with a notional amount of USD 1.3 billion maturing in February 2027.

Deferred tax liabilities increased by USD 1.7 billion mainly due to the acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, Inc.

Provisions and other non-current liabilities and non-current lease liabilities were broadly in line with December 31, 2025.

Total current liabilities of USD 31.4 billion increased by USD 4.1 billion compared with December 31, 2025.

Current financial debts and derivative financial instruments increased by USD 2.0 billion compared with December 31, 2025, mainly due to the reclassification from non-current to current financial debts of a US dollar denominated bond with a notional amount of USD 1.3 billion maturing in February 2027, and the issuance of commercial paper notes of USD 0.7 billion, mainly under the US commercial paper program.

Provisions and other current liabilities increased by USD 2.4 billion, mainly driven by USD 2.9 billion of Swiss withholding tax on the annual dividend to Novartis AG shareholders, which was paid in April 2026 according to its due date, and by an increase of USD 0.5 billion in provisions for revenue deductions, partially offset by a decrease of USD 0.8 billion in accruals for compensation and benefits.

Trade payables, current income tax liabilities and current lease liabilities were broadly in line with December 31, 2025.

10

Equity

The Company’s equity decreased by USD 7.6 billion to USD 38.9 billion compared with December 31, 2025. This decrease was mainly driven by the net income of USD 3.2 billion, more than offset by the annual gross dividend to Novartis AG shareholders of USD 9.1 billion, and the purchase of treasury shares of USD 1.9 billion.

Net debt and debt/equity ratio

The Company’s liquidity amounted to USD 7.0 billion as at March 31, 2026, compared with USD 11.6 billion as at December 31, 2025. Total non-current and current financial debts, including derivatives, amounted to USD 45.1 billion as at March 31, 2026, compared with USD 33.5 billion as at December 31, 2025.

The debt/equity ratio increased to 1.16:1 as at March 31, 2026, compared with 0.72:1 as at December 31, 2025. The net debt increased to USD 38.1 billion as at March 31, 2026, compared with USD 21.9 billion as at December 31, 2025.

11

Innovation Review

Novartis continues to focus its R&D portfolio prioritizing high value medicines with transformative potential for patients. We now focus on ~100 projects in clinical development.

Selected innovative medicines approvals in Q1

Product		Active ingredient/ Descriptor		Indication		Region
Cosentyx		secukinumab		Hidradenitis suppurativa, pediatrics aged 12+		US
Leqvio		inclisiran		Hypercholesterolaemia, pediatrics		US
Zolgensma		OAV101		Spinal muscular atrophy (IT formulation)		JP

Selected innovative medicines projects awaiting regulatory decisions

				Completed submissions
Product		Indication		US		EU		Japan		News update
Cosentyx		Polymyalgia rheumatica		Q1 2026		Q1 2026		Q1 2026		– US, EU & JP submissions
		Hidradenitis suppurativa, pediatrics aged 12+		Approved		Q1 2026				– US approval – EU submission
Fabhalta		IgA nephropathy						Q1 2026		– JP submission – Final two-year results from PhIII APPLAUSE-IgAN study published in NEJM – FDA granted priority review for traditional approval
VAY736 (ianalumab)		Sjögren’s disease		Q1 2026		Q1 2026		Q1 2026		– US, EU, JP & CN submissions – FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation – FDA Priority Review designation – Japan Orphan Drug designation
Leqvio		Hypercholesterolaemia, pediatrics		Approved		Q3 2025				– US approval
OAV101		Spinal muscular atrophy (IT formulation)		Approved		Q2 2025		Approved		– JP approval
Pluvicto		Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer pre-taxane		Approved		Withdrawn		Approved		– Withdrew EU type II variation application following CHMP feedback on trial design (not related to product quality, efficacy or safety)
		Metastatic hormone sensitive prostate cancer		Q4 2025				Q4 2025
Rhapsido (remibrutinib)		Chronic spontaneous urticaria		Approved		Q1 2025		Q2 2025		– Received positive EMA CHMP opinion
		Chronic inducible urticaria		Q4 2025						– US submission for symptomatic dermograpahism subtype in Q4 2025 – Primary endpoint met for cold and cholinergic urticaria subtypes (RemIND)

Selected innovative medicines pipeline projects

Compound/ product		Potential indication/ Disease area		First planned submissions		Current Phase		News update
225Ac-PSMA-617		post Lu metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer		2028		3
		Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer 1L		≥2029		3
Aimovig		Migraine, pediatrics		2028		3
DAK539 (pelabresib)		Myelofibrosis		2026		3
DII235		CVRR-Lp(a)		≥2029		2
DWH213 (del-brax)		Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy		2028		3		– Avidity acquisition completed
EWF980 (del-desiran)		Myotonic dystrophy type 1		2027		3		– Avidity acquisition completed – PhI/II MARINA study results published in NEJM
FUB523 (zigakibart)		IgA nephropathy		2027		3
GHZ339		Atopic dermatitis		≥2029		2

12

Compound/ product		Potential indication/ Disease area		First planned submissions		Current Phase		News update
GIA632		Atopic dermatitis		≥2029		2
		Vitiligo		≥2029		2		– PhII achieved FPFV
JSB462		Prostate cancer		≥2029		2
KAE609		Malaria, uncomplicated		≥2029		2
(cipargamin)		Malaria, severe		≥2029		2
Kesimpta		Multiple sclerosis new dosing regimen		2027		3
KLU156 (ganaplacide + lumefantrine)		Malaria, uncomplicated		2026		3
KPE179 (del-zota)		Duchenne muscular dystrophy		2026		2		– Avidity acquisition completed – One-year data from PhI/II studies presented at MDA
Leqvio		Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with elevated LDL-C		2027		3
		Primary prevention CVRR		≥2029		3
LNP023		Myasthenia gravis		2027		3
(iptacopan)		IC-MPGN		≥2029		3
		Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome		≥2029		3
LOU064 (remibrutinib)		Food allergy		≥2029		2		– PhII data presented at AAAAI Annual Meeting
		Hidradenitis suppurativa		2027		3		– Accelerated submission timing from 2028
		Multiple sclerosis, relapsing		2027		3
		Multiple sclerosis, secondary progressive		≥2029		3
		Myasthenia gravis		2028		3
LTP001		Pulmonary arterial hypertension		≥2029		2
Lutathera		GEP-NETs		2028		3
177Lu-NeoB		Multiple solid tumors		≥2029		2
LXE408		Visceral leishmaniasis		≥2029		2
MAA868 (abelacimab)		Atrial fibrillation		2028		3
PAC001 (pacibekitug)		ASCVD		≥2029		2
Pluvicto		Oligometastatic prostate cancer		≥2029		3
QCZ484		Hypertension		≥2029		2
TQJ230 (pelacarsen)		Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a)		2026		3
VAY736 (ianalumab)		Lupus nephritis		2028		3
		Systemic lupus erythematosus		2028		3
		Systemic sclerosis		2028		2
		1L immune thrombocytopenia		2027		3
		2L immune thrombocytopenia		2027		3
		Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia		2027		3		– PhIII trial (VAYHIA) did not meet primary endpoint in April – While not statistically significant, ianalumab showed numerical improvements vs placebo – Safety profile of ianalumab was consistent with prior clinical studies
VHB937		Alzheimer's disease		≥2029		2
		Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis		≥2029		2
Vijoice		Lymphatic malformations		≥2029		3
Votoplam		Huntington's disease		≥2029		3		– PhIII trial (INVEST-HD) achieved FPFV
YTB323		Active refractory lupus nephritis		2028		2
		Active refractory systemic lupus erythematosus		2028		2
		1L high-risk large B-cell lymphoma		≥2029		2
		Systemic sclerosis		≥2029		2
		Myositis		≥2029		2		– EMA Priority Medicines (PRIME) designation in April
		ANCA associated vasculitis		≥2029		2

13

Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated income statements

First quarter (unaudited)

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)		Note		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Net sales to third parties		9		13 113		13 233
Other revenues		9		411		387
Cost of goods sold				-3 459		-3 227
Gross profit				10 065		10 393
Selling, general and administration				-3 140		-3 058
Research and development				-2 740		-2 366
Other income				478		226
Other expense				-428		-532
Operating income				4 235		4 663
Loss from associated companies				-3		-3
Interest expense				-343		-270
Other financial income and expense				-50		17
Income before taxes				3 839		4 407
Income taxes				-683		-798
Net income				3 156		3 609
Attributable to:
Shareholders of Novartis AG				3 156		3 606
Non-controlling interests				0		3
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic (million)				1 909		1 968
Basic earnings per share (USD) 1				1.65		1.83
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Diluted (million)				1 916		1 979
Diluted earnings per share (USD) 1				1.65		1.82
1  Earnings per share (EPS) is calculated on the amount of net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG.
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

14

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income

First quarter (unaudited)

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Net income		3 156		3 609
Other comprehensive income
Items that are or may be recycled into the consolidated income statement
Cash flow hedge, net of taxes		22		1
Net investment hedge, net of taxes		68		-60
Currency translation effects, net of taxes		-129		720
Total of items that are or may be recycled		-39		661
Items that will never be recycled into the consolidated income statement
Actuarial (losses)/gains from defined benefit plans, net of taxes		-252		436
Fair value adjustments on equity securities, net of taxes		129		-56
Total of items that will never be recycled		-123		380
Total other comprehensive income		-162		1 041
Total comprehensive income		2 994		4 650
Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to:
Shareholders of Novartis AG		2 998		4 646
Non-controlling interests		-4		4
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

15

Consolidated balance sheets

(USD millions)		Mar 31, 2026 (unaudited)		Dec 31, 2025 (audited)
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		10 654		10 782
Right-of-use assets		1 584		1 570
Goodwill		26 819		25 567
Intangible assets other than goodwill		40 209		29 411
Investments in associated companies		100		98
Deferred tax assets		5 247		5 438
Financial assets		2 331		2 348
Other non-current assets		4 981		5 275
Total non-current assets		91 925		80 489
Current assets
Inventories		6 286		6 269
Trade receivables		9 386		8 937
Income tax receivables		216		205
Marketable securities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments		100		155
Cash and cash equivalents		6 877		11 435
Other current assets		3 742		3 459
Total current assets		26 607		30 460
Total assets		118 532		110 949
Equity and liabilities
Equity
Share capital		736		766
Treasury shares		-47		-50
Reserves		37 823		45 414
Equity attributable to Novartis AG shareholders		38 512		46 130
Non-controlling interests		415		419
Total equity		38 927		46 549
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Financial debts		37 447		27 935
Lease liabilities		1 663		1 657
Deferred tax liabilities		5 104		3 397
Provisions and other non-current liabilities		4 017		4 133
Total non-current liabilities		48 231		37 122
Current liabilities
Trade payables		4 322		4 456
Financial debts and derivative financial instruments		7 617		5 602
Lease liabilities		271		263
Current income tax liabilities		1 807		1 969
Provisions and other current liabilities		17 357		14 988
Total current liabilities		31 374		27 278
Total liabilities		79 605		64 400
Total equity and liabilities		118 532		110 949
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

16

Consolidated statements of changes in equity

First quarter (unaudited)

								Reserves
(USD millions)		Note		Share capital		Treasury shares		Retained earnings		Total value adjustments		Equity attributable to Novartis AG shareholders		Non- controlling interests		Total equity
Total equity at January 1, 2026				766		-50		44 720		694		46 130		419		46 549
Net income								3 156				3 156		0		3 156
Other comprehensive income										-158		-158		-4		-162
Total comprehensive income								3 156		-158		2 998		-4		2 994
Dividends		4.1						-9 068				-9 068				-9 068
Purchase of treasury shares						-5		-1 884				-1 889				-1 889
Reduction of share capital				-30		30
Equity-based compensation plans						4		293				297				297
Taxes on treasury share transactions								-21				-21				-21
Value adjustments related to financial assets sold and divestments								-35		35
Other movements		4.3				-26		91				65				65
Total of other equity movements				-30		3		-10 624		35		-10 616				-10 616
Total equity at March 31, 2026				736		-47		37 252		571		38 512		415		38 927
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

								Reserves
(USD millions)		Note		Share capital		Treasury shares		Retained earnings		Total value adjustments		Equity attributable to Novartis AG shareholders		Non- controlling interests		Total equity
Total equity at January 1, 2025				793		-53		46 561		-3 255		44 046		80		44 126
Net income								3 606				3 606		3		3 609
Other comprehensive income										1 040		1 040		1		1 041
Total comprehensive income								3 606		1 040		4 646		4		4 650
Dividends		4.1						-7 818				-7 818				-7 818
Purchase of treasury shares						-14		-2 778				-2 792				-2 792
Reduction of share capital				-27		42		-15
Equity-based compensation plans						6		267				273				273
Taxes on treasury share transactions								-31				-31				-31
Changes in non-controlling interests								1				1		-1
Value adjustments related to financial assets sold and divestments								2		-2
Other movements		4.3						44				44				44
Total of other equity movements				-27		34		-10 328		-2		-10 323		-1		-10 324
Total equity at March 31, 2025				766		-19		39 839		-2 217		38 369		83		38 452
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

17

Consolidated statements of cash flows

First quarter (unaudited)

(USD millions)		Note		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Net income				3 156		3 609
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities
Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments		6.1		2 491		2 712
Interest received				83		122
Interest paid				-201		-232
Other financial payments				-12		-21
Income taxes paid				-787		-540
Net cash flows from operating activities before working capital and provision changes				4 730		5 650
Payments out of provisions and other net cash movements in non-current liabilities				-267		-237
Changes in working capital and other operating cash flow items		6.2		-787		-1 768
Net cash flows from operating activities				3 676		3 645
Purchases of property, plant and equipment				-346		-254
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment				5		10
Purchases of intangible assets				-461		-1 240
Purchases of financial assets				-24		-18
Proceeds from sale of financial assets				37		25
Acquisitions of businesses		6.3		-12 041
Divestments of businesses, net		6.4		-2		-4
Investments in time deposits and marketable securities				-30		-37
Proceeds from time deposits and from sale of marketable securities				1 129		1 851
Other investing cash flows, net				-3		-3
Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities				-11 736		330
Dividends paid to shareholders of Novartis AG		4.1		-6 197		-5 333
Purchases of treasury shares				-1 875		-2 716
Proceeds from exercised options and other treasury share transactions, net						1
Proceeds from non-current financial debts		10		10 918
Repayments of the current portion of non-current financial debts				-19		-1 010
Change in current financial debts		10		747		556
Payments of lease liabilities				-73		-69
Other financing cash flows, net				78		23
Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities				3 579		-8 548
Net change in cash and cash equivalents before effect of exchange rate changes				-4 481		-4 573
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents				-77		180
Net change in cash and cash equivalents				-4 558		-4 393
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1				11 435		11 459
Cash and cash equivalents at March 31				6 877		7 066
The accompanying Notes form an integral part of the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

18

Notes to the Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the three month period ended March 31, 2026 (unaudited)

1. Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS^®) Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. They are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention, except for items that are required to be accounted for at fair value.

These Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the three month period ended March 31, 2026, were prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards (IAS®) Standards 34 Interim Financial Reporting and accounting policies set out in the 2025 Annual Report published on February 4, 2026.

2. Accounting policies

The Company’s accounting policies are set out in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2025 Annual Report and conform with IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions, either at the balance sheet date or during the period, which affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, liabilities, and contingent amounts.

Estimates are based on historical experience and other assumptions that are considered reasonable under the given circumstances and are regularly monitored. Actual outcomes and results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. Revisions to estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised.

As disclosed in the 2025 Annual Report, goodwill, and the intangible assets not yet available for use (in-process research and development (IPR&D)) are evaluated for impairment annually, or when facts and circumstances warrant. The intangible assets available for use (currently marketed products and other intangible assets) are evaluated for potential impairment whenever facts and circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be recoverable. The amount of goodwill and intangible assets other than goodwill on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet has risen significantly in recent years, primarily from acquisitions. Impairment testing may lead to potentially significant impairment charges in the future that could have a materially adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition.

The Company’s activities are not subject to significant seasonal fluctuations.

Status of adoption of significant new or amended IFRS standards or interpretations

No new IFRS Accounting Standards were adopted by the Company in 2026. There were no new IFRS Accounting Standards amendments or interpretations that became effective in 2026 and 2025, that had a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In 2024, the following new IFRS Accounting Standard, which is not yet effective, was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board:

IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements

IFRS 18 Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board in April 2024. IFRS 18 will become effective on January 1, 2027, and is required to be applied retrospectively to comparative periods presented, with early adoption permitted. Upon adoption, IFRS 18 replaces International Accounting Standards (IAS®) Standards 1 – Presentation of Financial Statements.

IFRS 18 sets out new requirements focused on improving financial reporting by:

• requiring additional defined structure to the statement of profit or loss (i.e. consolidated statement of income), to reduce diversity in the reporting, by requiring five categories (operating, investing, financing, income taxes and discontinued operations) and defined subtotals and totals (operating income, income before financing, income taxes and net income),

• requiring disclosures in the notes to the financial statements about management-defined performance measures (i.e. certain non-IFRS measures), and

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• adding new principles for aggregation and disaggregation of information in the primary financial statements and notes.

IFRS 18 will not affect the recognition or measurement of items in the financial statements, but it might change what an entity reports as its “operating profit or loss”, due to the classification of certain income and expense items between the five categories of the consolidated income statement. It might also change what an entity reports as operating activities, investing activities and financing activities within the statement of cash flows, due to the change in classification of certain cash flow items between these three categories of the cash flows statement.

The Company’s preliminary assessment of IFRS 18 impacts indicates that certain income and expense amounts are expected to be reclassified within the consolidated income statement. For example, portions of foreign currency results and monetary losses from hyperinflation accounting will move from non-operating to operating income and expense. These expected presentation changes will not affect reported net income. The consolidated statement of cash flows presentation will change. It will start with operating income instead of net income, and certain cash flows are expected to be reclassified among the operating, investing, and financing activities categories. For example, dividends received and interest received are expected to be reclassified from operating activities to investing activities, while interest paid is expected to be reclassified from operating activities to financing activities. These presentation changes will not affect the net change in cash and cash equivalents reported for the period.

Novartis is currently finalizing its assessment of the impact of adopting IFRS 18, which will be effective January 1, 2027.

Based on the Company’s assessment, there were no other IFRS Accounting Standards, amendments or interpretations not yet effective in 2026 that would have been expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

3. Significant acquisitions of businesses

The following are the significant acquisitions of businesses where the Company applied the business combination acquisition method of accounting.

Significant transaction in 2026

Acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, Inc.

On October 25, 2025, Novartis entered into an agreement and plan of merger to acquire Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (“Avidity”), a U.S-based, publicly traded biotechnology company specializing in RNA therapeutics, with a focus on rare neuromuscular genetic disorders such as myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Pursuant to the merger agreement, on February 27, 2026, following the satisfaction of the closing conditions, Novartis, through an indirect wholly owned subsidiary, acquired all outstanding shares of Avidity’s common stock for USD 72.00 per share in cash. The total consideration amounted to approximately USD 12.0 billion in cash on a fully diluted basis. The acquiring subsidiary merged with and into Avidity, resulting in Avidity becoming an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis. Avidity shares admitted to trading on NASDAQ were subsequently delisted. The acquisition was financed through a combination of available cash, and third-party debt financing.

The fair value of the total purchase consideration was approximately USD 12.0 billion. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in net identifiable assets of approximately USD 10.6 billion. These comprised identifiable intangible assets, including IPR&D, of USD 11.3 billion (of which approximately USD 7.5 billion is attributable to the DM1 IPR&D intangible asset), marketable securities of USD 1.1 billion, cash and cash equivalents of USD 11 million, other net assets of USD 0.1 billion, and net deferred tax liabilities of USD 1.9 billion. Goodwill arising from the acquisition amounted to approximately USD 1.4 billion.

The purchase price allocation is preliminary as the detailed valuation of certain acquired assets and liabilities, including identifiable intangible assets and deferred tax balances, has not yet been completed. The finalization of the purchase price allocation may result in changes to the amounts recognized for net identifiable assets and goodwill in subsequent reporting periods.

The results of operations from the date of acquisition were not material.

Significant transaction in 2025

In 2025, there were no acquisitions of businesses where the Company applied the business combination acquisition method of accounting.

Fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through business combinations

The following table presents the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired through business

20

combinations and the total purchase consideration for the first quarter of 2026. In 2025, there were no business combinations.

(USD billions)		Mar 31, 2026
In-process research and development		11.3
Deferred tax assets		0.6
Other non-current assets		0.2
Marketable securities		1.1
Other current assets 1		0.1
Deferred tax liabilities		-2.5
Other non-current liabilities		-0.1
Other current liabilities		-0.1
Net identifiable assets acquired		10.6
Goodwill		1.4
Total purchase consideration for business combinations		12.0
1  Includes cash and cash equivalents of USD 11 million

The business combination in the first quarter of 2026 was Avidity. The goodwill arising out of the Avidity business combination is not tax deductible. It is primarily attributable to the deferred tax effects arising from the recognition of identifiable intangible assets for which no corresponding tax basis exists, expected synergies and the value of the acquired assembled workforce.

The following are the significant acquisitions where Novartis elected to apply the optional concentration test, resulting in the transaction being accounted for as assets separately acquired rather than as a business combination within the meaning of IFRS Accounting Standards.

Significant transaction in 2026

There were no acquisitions in the first quarter of 2026, where the Company elected to apply the optional concentration test to account for the acquisitions as assets separately acquired.

Significant transaction in 2025

Acquisition of Tourmaline Bio, Inc.

On September 8, 2025, Novartis entered into an agreement and plan of merger to acquire Tourmaline Bio, Inc. (“Tourmaline”), a US-based, publicly traded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a treatment option for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Pursuant to the merger agreement, on September 29, 2025, Novartis, through an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, commenced a tender offer (the “Offer”) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Tourmaline in exchange for USD 48.00 in cash per share. The tender offer expired at one minute past 11:59 p.m., New York City time on October 27, 2025 with a payment on October 28, 2025 in the amount of USD 1.4 billion for the tendered outstanding shares to the Tourmaline shareholders. On October 28, 2025, the acquiring subsidiary merged with and into Tourmaline, resulting in Tourmaline becoming an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis. Tourmaline shares admitted to trading on NASDAQ were subsequently delisted.

The cash purchase price consisted of cash consideration of USD 1.4 billion. The optional concentration test was applied as it indicated that substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired was concentrated in an identifiable IPR&D intangible asset.

The cash purchase price was allocated to an IPR&D intangible asset of USD 1.2 billion, and other net assets including cash and cash equivalents of USD 0.2 billion.

Option agreement to acquire a private clinical-stage biotech company

On September 16, 2025, Novartis entered into an agreement granting it an option to acquire all outstanding shares of a private clinical-stage biotech company (the “Biotech company”). The option is subject to pre-defined terms and is exercisable at Novartis sole discretion. Management concluded that the terms of the option agreement conferred substantive control over the Biotech company, in accordance with the principles of IFRS Accounting Standards. Consequently, the Biotech company was consolidated into Novartis consolidated financial statements effective from September 2025.

If Novartis decides to exercise the option to acquire, it would make a payment to the Biotech company’s shareholders, with potential additional payments, which they are eligible to receive upon achievement of specified milestones. The optional concentration test was applied as it indicated that substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets at the consolidation date was concentrated in an identifiable IPR&D intangible asset.

The purchase price as at the option agreement date was USD 0.4 billion. The amount was allocated to the net assets at the consolidation date, including USD 0.4 billion IPR&D intangible assets and USD 18 million in cash and cash equivalents. A non-controlling interest of USD 0.4 billion was recognized in equity. Subsequent milestone-related payments will be recognized as additions to the intangible asset when the specified milestones are achieved.

Acquisition of Regulus Therapeutics Inc.

On April 29, 2025, Novartis entered into an agreement and plan of merger to acquire Regulus Therapeutics Inc. (“Regulus”), a US-based, publicly traded clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing microRNA therapeutics. Regulus lead development phase asset, farabursen, is a potential first-in-class, next-generation oligonucleotide targeting miR-17 for the treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).

Pursuant to the merger agreement, on May 27, 2025, Novartis, through an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, commenced a tender offer (the “Offer”)

21

to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Regulus in exchange for (i) USD 7.00 in cash per Share, plus (ii) one contingent value right (each, a “CVR”) per Share, representing the right to receive one contingent payment of USD 7.00 in cash, upon the achievement of a specified regulatory milestone. The tender offer expired at one minute past 11:59 p.m., New York City time on June 24, 2025 with a payment of USD 0.7 billion for the outstanding shares to the Regulus shareholders for their tendered shares and the issuance of 1 CVR per share. Additionally, the liability related to the Regulus employee share plans amounted to USD 0.1 billion and was paid on July 11, 2025, with the issuance of 1 CVR per share. On June 25, 2025, the acquiring subsidiary merged with and into Regulus, resulting in Regulus becoming an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Novartis. Regulus shares admitted to trading on NASDAQ were subsequently delisted.

The purchase price consisted of cash consideration of USD 0.8 billion and CVRs of up to USD 0.9 billion, which Regulus shareholders are eligible to receive upon the achievement of a specified regulatory milestone. The optional concentration test was applied as it indicated that substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired was concentrated in an identifiable IPR&D intangible asset.

The cash purchase price was allocated to an IPR&D intangible asset of USD 0.8 billion, and other net assets including cash and cash equivalents of USD 23 million. Subsequent payments for the potential CVRs upon achievement of the specified regulatory milestone will be recognized as additions to the intangible asset if the specified regulatory milestone is achieved.

Acquisition of Anthos Therapeutics, Inc.

On February 10, 2025, Novartis entered into an agreement and plan of merger to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Anthos Therapeutics, Inc. (“Anthos”), a US-based, privately held clinical stage biopharmaceutical company with abelacimab, a late-stage medicine in development for the prevention of stroke and systematic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation. The transaction closed on April 3, 2025.

The purchase price consisted of cash consideration of USD 0.9 billion and potential additional milestones of up to USD 2.1 billion, which Anthos shareholders are eligible to receive upon the achievement of specified milestones. The optional concentration test was applied as it indicated that substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired was concentrated in an identifiable IPR&D intangible asset.

The cash purchase price was allocated to an IPR&D intangible asset of USD 0.9 billion, and other net assets including cash and cash equivalents of USD 47 million. Subsequent payments for the potential additional milestones will be recognized as additions to the intangible asset when the specified milestones have been achieved.

Identifiable net assets acquired through acquisitions applying the optional concentration test

In the first quarter of 2026, there were no assets acquired through acquisitions applying the optional concentration test. The following table presents the identifiable net assets acquired through acquisitions applying the optional concentration test for the year ended December 31, 2025:

(USD billions)		Dec 31, 2025
In-process research and development		3.2
Deferred tax assets 1		0.2
Cash and cash equivalents		0.3
Other current and non-current assets		0.1
Current and non-current liabilities		-0.2
Identifiable net assets acquired through acquisitions applying the optional concentration test		3.6
1  Deferred tax assets are attributable to tax loss and tax credit carryforwards.

For significant pending transactions, see Note 10. Other interim disclosures — Commitments — Other commitments.

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4. Summary of equity attributable to Novartis AG shareholders

				Number of outstanding shares (in millions)				Equity attributable to Novartis AG shareholders
		Note		2026		2025		Q1 2026 USD millions		Q1 2025 USD millions
Balance at beginning of year				1 908.2		1 975.1		46 130		44 046
Shares acquired to be canceled				-10.4		-24.8		-1 600		-2 639
Other share purchases				-2.0		-1.5		-289		-153
Equity-based compensation plans				12.2		10.4		297		273
Taxes on treasury share transactions								-21		-31
Dividends		4.1						-9 068		-7 818
Net income of the period attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG								3 156		3 606
Other comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG								-158		1 040
Changes in non-controlling interests										1
Other movements		4.3		0.1		0.1		65		44
Balance at March 31				1 908.1		1 959.3		38 512		38 369

4.1. The annual gross dividend to shareholders of Novartis AG amounted to USD 9.1 billion (2025: USD 7.8 billion). The net dividend payment to Novartis AG shareholders paid in March 2026 amounted to USD 6.2 billion (2025: USD 5.3 billion paid in March 2025). The USD 2.9 billion Swiss withholding tax on the gross dividend was paid at its due date in April 2026 (2025: USD 2.5 billion paid at its due date in April 2025).

4.2. In July 2023, Novartis entered into an irrevocable, non-discretionary arrangement with a bank to repurchase Novartis shares on the second trading line under its up-to USD 15.0 billion share buyback. In June 2024, Novartis amended the arrangement to include the repurchase of an additional 8.7 million Novartis shares on the second trading line to mitigate the impact of share deliveries under the equity-based compensation plans for employees. These additional repurchases of 8.7 million shares concluded in October 2024. In June 2025, Novartis amended the arrangement to include the repurchase of an additional 10.7 million Novartis shares on the second trading line to mitigate the impact of share deliveries under the equity-based compensation plans for employees. These additional repurchases of 10.7 million shares concluded in August 2025.

The repurchases under the USD 15.0 billion share buyback that commenced in July 2023 concluded in July 2025.

In July 2025, Novartis amended and restated its arrangement to repurchase Novartis shares on the second trading line under its new up-to USD 10.0 billion share buyback.

In March 2026, Novartis replaced its July 2025 arrangement with a new irrevocable, non-discretionary arrangement with a bank to continue repurchasing Novartis shares on the second trading line under its up-to USD 10.0 billion share buyback.

Novartis is able to cancel this arrangement at any time but may be subject to a 90 day waiting period. As of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025, these waiting period conditions were not applicable and as a result, there was no requirement to record a liability under this arrangement as of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025.

4.3. Other movements include mainly the impact of the application of IAS Standards 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies,” for subsidiaries in hyperinflationary economies.

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5. Financial instruments

The following table illustrates the three hierarchical levels for valuing financial instruments at fair value as of March 31, 2026, and December 31, 2025. For additional information on the hierarchies and other matters, please refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2025 Annual Report, published on February 4, 2026.

		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total
(USD millions)		Mar 31, 2026		Dec 31, 2025		Mar 31, 2026		Dec 31, 2025		Mar 31, 2026		Dec 31, 2025		Mar 31, 2026		Dec 31, 2025
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents - debt securities		10												10
Derivative financial instruments						85		57						85		57
Current contingent consideration receivables										124		101		124		101
Current debt and equity securities		7		15		1				12		12		20		27
Total current financial assets at fair value		17		15		86		57		136		113		239		185
Non-current debt and equity securities		408		255		6		7		517		529		931		791
Fund investments		19		19						210		183		229		202
Non-current contingent consideration receivables										775		758		775		758
Associated companies at fair value through profit or loss										90		88		90		88
Total non-current financial assets at fair value		427		274		6		7		1 592		1 558		2 025		1 839
Financial liabilities
Current contingent consideration liabilities										-146		-215		-146		-215
Derivative financial instruments						-145		-81						-145		-81
Total current financial liabilities at fair value						-145		-81		-146		-215		-291		-296
Non-current contingent consideration liabilities										-441		-452		-441		-452

In the first quarter of 2026, there was one transfer of equity securities from Level 3 to Level 1 for USD 8 million due to Initial Public Offering of the invested company.

The carrying amount of non-current debt and equity securities, fund investments and non-current contingent consideration receivables totalling USD 1.9 billion at March 31, 2026 (USD 1.8 billion at December 31, 2025) is included in the line “Financial assets” of the consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amount of current contingent consideration liabilities of USD 0.1 billion at March 31, 2026 (USD 0.2 billion at December 31, 2025) is included in the line “Provisions and other current liabilities” of the consolidated balance sheets. The carrying amount of non-current contingent consideration liabilities of USD 0.4 billion at March 31, 2026 (USD 0.5 billion at December 31, 2025) is included in the line “Provisions and other non-current liabilities” of the consolidated balance sheets.

The fair value of straight bonds and floating rate bonds amounted to USD 37.3 billion at March 31, 2026 (USD 26.6 billion at December 31, 2025) compared with the carrying amount of USD 38.7 billion at March 31, 2026 (USD 27.9 billion at December 31, 2025). For all other financial assets and liabilities, the carrying amount is a reasonable approximation of the fair value.

The Company’s exposure to financial risks has not changed significantly during the period and there have been no major changes to the risk management department or in any risk management policies.

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6. Details to the consolidated statements of cash flows

6.1. Non-cash items and other adjustments

The following table shows the reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Depreciation, amortization and impairments on:
Property, plant and equipment		298		217
Right-of-use assets		73		65
Intangible assets		857		872
Financial assets 1		-20		41
Change in provisions and other non-current liabilities		70		182
(Gains)/losses on disposal on property, plant and equipment; intangible assets; other non-current assets; and other adjustments on financial assets and other non-current assets, net		-159		22
Equity-settled compensation plans		303		262
Loss from associated companies		3		3
Income taxes		683		798
Net financial expense		393		253
Other		-10		-3
Total		2 491		2 712
1  Includes fair value changes

6.2. Cash flows from changes in working capital and other operating cash flow items included in the net cash flows from operating activities

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
(Increase)/decrease in inventories		-95		55
Increase in trade receivables		-504		-1 043
Decrease in trade payables		-53		-172
Change in other current and non-current assets		346		-424
Change in provisions and other current liabilities		-481		-184
Total		-787		-1 768

6.3. Cash flows related to acquisitions of businesses

The following table is a summary of the cash flow impact of acquisitions of businesses:

(USD millions)		Note		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Total purchase consideration for business combinations		3		-12 031		0
Acquired cash and cash equivalents				11
Contingent consideration payables, net				-21
Acquisitions of businesses				-12 041		0

Note 3 provides disclosure of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired through business combinations. All considerations paid for acquisitions were in cash.

6.4. Cash flows related to divestments of businesses

Cash flows related to divestments of businesses were not material. All considerations received from divestments were in cash.

25

7. Legal proceedings update

A number of Novartis companies are, and will likely continue to be, subject to various legal proceedings, including litigations, arbitrations and governmental investigations, that arise from time to time. Legal proceedings are inherently unpredictable. As a result, the Company may become subject to substantial liabilities that may not be covered by insurance and may in the future incur judgments or enter into settlements of claims that could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations or cash flow. Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our 2025 Annual Report and 2025 Form 20-F contains a summary as of the date of these reports of significant legal proceedings to which Novartis or its subsidiaries were a party. The following is a summary as of April 27, 2026, of significant developments in those proceedings, as well as any new significant proceedings commenced since the date of the 2025 Annual Report and 2025 Form 20-F.

Investigations and related litigations

Southern District of New York (S.D.N.Y.) Gilenya marketing practices investigation and litigation

In 2013, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC) received a civil investigative demand from the United States Attorney’s Office for the S.D.N.Y. requesting the production of documents and information relating to marketing practices for Gilenya, including the remuneration of healthcare providers in connection therewith. In 2017, the S.D.N.Y. and New York State declined to intervene in claims raised by an individual relator in a qui tam complaint. In 2022, NPC’s motion to dismiss this complaint was granted. In December 2024, the appeals court affirmed in part but remanded in part, sending the case back to the district court for further proceedings. In March 2026, the district court denied Novartis motion to dismiss and the case proceeded to discovery. The claims are being vigorously contested.

In addition to the matters described above, there have been other non-material developments in the other legal matters described in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2025 Annual Report and 2025 Form 20-F.

Novartis believes that its total provisions for investigations, product liability, arbitration and other legal matters are adequate based upon currently available information. However, given the inherent difficulties in estimating liabilities, there can be no assurance that additional liabilities and costs will not be incurred beyond the amounts provided.

8. Operating segment

Novartis operates as a single global operating segment innovative medicines company that is engaged in the research, development, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sale of a broad range of innovative pharmaceuticals medicines, with a focus on the core therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, renal and metabolic; immunology; neuroscience; oncology; and established brands. The Company’s research, development, manufacturing and supply of products and functional activities are managed globally on a vertically integrated basis. Commercial efforts that coordinate marketing, sales and distribution of these products are organized by geographic region, therapeutic area and established brands.

The Executive Committee of Novartis (ECN), chaired by the CEO, is the governance body responsible for allocating resources and assessing the business performance of the operating segment of the Company on a global basis and is the chief operating decision-maker (CODM) for the Company.

The determination of a single operating segment is consistent with the financial information regularly reviewed by the CODM for purposes of assessing performance and allocating resources.

See Note 9 for revenues and geographic information disclosures.

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9. Revenues and geographic information

Net sales to third parties

Net sales to third parties by region1

First quarter

		Q1 2026 USD m		Q1 2025 USD m		% change USD		% change cc 2		Q1 2026 % of total		Q1 2025 % of total
US		4 959		5 712		-13		-13		38		43
Europe		4 186		3 905		7		-3		32		30
Asia/Africa/Australasia		3 020		2 772		9		6		23		21
Canada and Latin America		948		844		12		6		7		6
Total		13 113		13 233		-1		-5		100		100
Of which in established markets		9 262		9 669		-4		-8		71		73
Of which in emerging growth markets		3 851		3 564		8		3		29		27
1  Net sales to third parties by location of customer. Emerging growth markets comprise all markets other than the established markets of the US, Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Novartis definition of Western Europe includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
2  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 32.

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Net sales to third parties by core therapeutic area and established brands

First quarter

		Q1 2026		Q1 2025		% change		% change
		USD m		USD m		USD		cc 1
Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic
Entresto		1 305		2 261		-42		-46
Leqvio		452		257		76		69
Vanrafia		16				nm		nm
Total cardiovascular, renal and metabolic		1 773		2 518		-30		-33
Immunology
Cosentyx		1 566		1 534		2		-2
Ilaris		475		419		13		10
Xolair 2		388		456		-15		-20
Rhapsido		37				nm		nm
Total immunology		2 466		2 409		2		-1
Neuroscience
Kesimpta		1 164		899		29		26
Zolgensma Group		302		327		-8		-12
Aimovig		95		76		25		14
Total neuroscience		1 561		1 302		20		16
Oncology
Kisqali		1 516		956		59		55
Pluvicto		642		371		73		70
Jakavi		557		492		13		5
Tafinlar + Mekinist		493		552		-11		-14
Scemblix		433		238		82		79
Lutathera		211		193		9		7
Fabhalta 3		169		81		109		103
Total oncology 4		4 021		2 883		39		35
Established brands
Sandostatin Group		287		317		-9		-12
Exforge Group		203		179		13		7
Promacta/Revolade 4		184		546		-66		-68
Tasigna 4		155		377		-59		-61
Diovan Group		150		150		0		-4
Myfortic 4		111		99		12		9
Lucentis		104		189		-45		-50
Piqray/Vijoice 4		81		100		-19		-20
Kymriah		81		100		-19		-22
Contract manufacturing		352		343		3		-5
Other 4		1 584		1 721		-8		-13
Total established brands 4		3 292		4 121		-20		-24
Total net sales to third parties		13 113		13 233		-1		-5
1  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 32.
2  Net sales to third parties reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
3  Net sales to third parties reflect Fabhalta sales for all indications.
4  Reclassified to conform with 2026 presentation of brands by therapeutic area and established brands.
nm = not meaningful

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Net sales to third parties1 of the top 20 brands in 2026

First quarter

							US				Rest of world						Total
Brands		Brand classification by therapeutic area or established brands		Key indications			USD m		% change USD/cc 2		USD m		% change USD		% change cc 2		USD m		% change USD		% change cc 2
Cosentyx		Immunology		Psoriasis (PsO), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSPA), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)			770		-6		796		11		3		1 566		2		-2
Kisqali		Oncology		HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer and early breast cancer			925		58		591		60		50		1 516		59		55
Entresto		Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic		Chronic heart failure, hypertension			72		-94		1 233		13		6		1 305		-42		-46
Kesimpta		Neuroscience		Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS)			724		23		440		41		31		1 164		29		26
Pluvicto		Oncology		PSMA-positive mCRPC patients post-ARPI, pre- and post-Taxane			506		76		136		62		48		642		73		70
Jakavi		Oncology		Myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)							557		13		5		557		13		5
Tafinlar + Mekinist		Oncology		BRAF V600+ metastatic and adjuvant melanoma, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), tumor agnostic with BRAF mutation indication, pediatric low grade glioma (pLGG)			170		-18		323		-6		-12		493		-11		-14
Ilaris		Immunology		Auto-inflammatory (CAPS, TRAPS, HIDS/MKD, FMF, SJIA, AOSD, gout)			246		13		229		14		7		475		13		10
Leqvio		Cardiovascular, renal and metabolic		Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)			166		31		286		120		106		452		76		69
Scemblix		Oncology		Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in chronic phase (CP); Ph+ CML in CP with the T315I mutation			286		86		147		75		68		433		82		79
Xolair 3		Immunology		Severe allergic asthma (SAA), chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), nasal polyps, food allergy (FA)							388		-15		-20		388		-15		-20
Zolgensma Group		Neuroscience		Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)			117		-9		185		-7		-14		302		-8		-12
Sandostatin Group		Established brands		Carcinoid tumors, acromegaly			162		-18		125		4		-2		287		-9		-12
Lutathera		Oncology		GEP-NETs gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors			151		9		60		11		5		211		9		7
Exforge Group		Established brands		Hypertension			2		0		201		14		7		203		13		7
Promacta/Revolade		Established brands		Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), severe aplastic anemia (SAA)			25		-91		159		-38		-42		184		-66		-68
Fabhalta 4		Oncology		Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), IgA Nephropathy (IgAN), Adult C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G)			99		90		70		141		127		169		109		103
Tasigna		Established brands		Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)			28		-86		127		-29		-34		155		-59		-61
Diovan Group		Established brands		Hypertension			10		-23		140		2		-3		150		0		-4
Myfortic		Established brands		Prophylaxis of acute  organ rejection in kidney transplantation			4		-20		107		14		11		111		12		9
Top 20 brands total							4 463		-14		6 300		14		7		10 763		1		-3
Rest of portfolio							496		-8		1 854		-7		-14		2 350		-7		-12
Net sales to third parties							4 959		-13		8 154		8		1		13 113		-1		-5
1  Net sales to third parties by location of customer
2  Constant currencies (cc) is a non-IFRS measure. A definition of non-IFRS measures used by Novartis can be found starting on page 32.
3  Net sales to third parties reflect Xolair sales for all indications.
4  Net sales to third parties reflect Fabhalta sales for all indications.

29

Other revenues

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Profit sharing income		332		257
Royalty income		26		8
Milestone income		13		54
Other 1		40		68
Total other revenues		411		387
1  Other includes revenue from activities such as manufacturing or other services rendered, to the extent such revenue is not recorded under net sales to third parties.

10. Other interim disclosures

Property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets

The following table shows additional disclosures related to property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets:

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Property, plant and equipment impairment charges		-39		-2
Property, plant and equipment depreciation charge		-259		-215
Right-of-use assets depreciation charge		-73		-65
Intangible assets impairment charges				-2
Intangible assets amortization charge		-857		-870

In the first quarter of 2026 and 2025, there were no impairment charges on right-of-use assets and no reversals of impairment charges on property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets.

The following table shows the additions to property, plant and equipment, right-of-use assets and intangible assets other than goodwill, excluding the impacts of the first quarter 2026 business combination, which is disclosed in Note 3:

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Additions to property, plant and equipment		275		210
Additions to right-of-use assets		49		56
Additions to intangible assets other than goodwill		444		1 179

Financial debts

The acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, Inc., completed on February 27, 2026, was initially financed through a USD 11.0 billion bridge loan with an interest rate based on compounded Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR). The bridge loan was fully repaid on March 18, 2026, using the proceeds from the straight and floating rate bonds issued in the first quarter of 2026.

30

The following table provides a breakdown of straight and floating rate bonds issued in the first quarter of 2026:

Coupon		Currency		Notional amount (millions)		Issuance year		Maturity year		Issuer		Issue price		USD millions
SOFR + 0.65%		USD		500		2026		2029		Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States		100.000%		499
4.100%		USD		1 250		2026		2029		Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States		99.883%		1 246
4.400%		USD		1 750		2026		2031		Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States		99.960%		1 745
4.600%		USD		2 000		2026		2033		Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States		99.574%		1 986
4.900%		USD		2 250		2026		2036		Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States		99.719%		2 236
5.600%		USD		1 000		2026		2046		Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States		99.536%		990
5.700%		USD		2 250		2026		2056		Novartis Capital Corporation, New York, United States		99.120%		2 216
Total straight and floating rate bonds issued in the first quarter of 2026														10 918
Total straight and floating rate bonds, March 31, 2026														38 688
Total straight and floating rate bonds, December 31, 2025														27 929

Commitments

Other commitments

The Company has entered into various purchase commitments for services and materials as well as for equipment in the ordinary course of business. These commitments are generally entered into at current market prices and reflect normal business operations.

The Company routinely acquires interests in intellectual property focused on key disease areas and indications that the Company expects to be growth drivers in the future.

Pending acquisition commitment to acquire Excellergy, Inc. – On March 26, 2026, Novartis entered into an agreement and plan of merger to acquire all outstanding shares of Excellergy, Inc., a US-based, privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of next-generation anti-IgE therapies for IgE-driven diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment of USD 0.9 billion at closing and up to USD 1.1 billion in additional payments contingent upon the achievement of specified milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Pending acquisition commitment to acquire Pikavation Therapeutics, Inc. – On March 18, 2026, Novartis entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire Pikavation Therapeutics, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Synnovation Therapeutics, LLC, that holds a portfolio of pan-mutant selective PI3Ka inhibitor programs, including SNV4818. Under the terms of the agreement, Novartis will make an upfront payment of USD 2.0 billion at closing and up to USD 1.0 billion in additional payments contingent upon the achievement of specified milestones. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

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Supplementary information (unaudited)

Non-IFRS measures as defined by Novartis

Novartis uses certain non-IFRS Accounting Standards metrics when measuring performance, especially when measuring current-year results against prior periods, including core results, constant currencies and free cash flow. These are referred to by Novartis as non-IFRS measures.

Despite the use of these measures by management in setting goals and measuring the Company’s performance, these are non-IFRS measures that have no standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. As a result, such measures have limits in their usefulness to investors.

Because of their non-standardized definitions, the non-IFRS measures (unlike IFRS Accounting Standards measures) may not be comparable to the calculation of similar measures of other companies. These non-IFRS measures are presented solely to permit investors to more fully understand how the Company’s management assesses underlying performance. These non-IFRS measures are not, and should not be viewed as, a substitute for IFRS Accounting Standards measures and should be viewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.

As an internal measure of Company performance, these non-IFRS measures have limitations, and the Company’s performance management process is not solely restricted to these metrics.

Core results

The Company’s core results – including core operating income, core net income and core earnings per share – exclude fully the amortization and net impairment charges of intangible assets, excluding software, net gains and losses on fund investments and equity securities valued at fair value through profit and loss, impact of IAS Standards 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” to other financial income and expense, and certain acquisition- and divestment-related items. The following items that exceed a threshold of USD 25 million are also excluded: integration- and divestment-related income and expenses; divestment gains and losses; restructuring charges/releases and related items; legal-related items; impairments of property, plant and equipment, software, and financial assets, and income and expense items that management deems exceptional and that are or are expected to accumulate within the year to be over a USD 25 million threshold.

Novartis believes that investor understanding of the Company’s performance is enhanced by disclosing core measures of performance since, core measures exclude items that can vary significantly from year to year, they enable better comparison of business performance across years. For this same reason, Novartis uses these core measures in addition to IFRS Accounting Standards measures and other measures as important factors in assessing the Company’s performance.

The following are examples of how these core measures are used:

• In addition to monthly reports containing financial information prepared under IFRS Accounting Standards, senior management receives a monthly analysis incorporating these non-IFRS core measures.

• Annual budgets are prepared for both IFRS Accounting Standards and non-IFRS core measures.

As an internal measure of Company performance, the core results measures have limitations, and the Company’s performance management process is not solely restricted to these metrics. A limitation of the core results measures is that they provide a view of the Company’s operations without including all events during a period, such as the effects of an acquisition, divestment, or amortization/impairments of intangible assets, impairments to property, plant and equipment and restructurings and related items.

Constant currencies

Changes in the relative values of non-US currencies to the US dollar can affect the Company’s financial results and financial position. To provide additional information that may be useful to investors, including changes in volume, price and generic competition impacts on net sales, we present information about changes in net sales and selected key figures, including operating income and net income, on a basis that excludes the effects of foreign currency fluctuations.

Constant currency calculations have the goal of eliminating two exchange rate effects so that an estimate can be made of underlying changes in the consolidated income statement excluding the impact of fluctuations in exchanges rates:

• The impact of translating the income statements of consolidated entities from their non-USD functional currencies to USD

• The impact of exchange rate movements on the major transactions of consolidated entities performed in currencies other than their functional currency.

We calculate constant currency change measures to present percentage changes by translating the current year’s foreign currency sales and other income statement items into USD using the prior-year average exchange rates (excluding adjustments required under IAS Standards 29 “Financial Reporting

32

in Hyperinflationary Economies” for subsidiaries operating in hyperinflationary economies), and then comparing these translated amounts to prior-year results in USD to derive a constant currency percentage change.

We use constant currency percentage change measures in evaluating the Company’s performance, since they may assist us in evaluating our ongoing performance from year to year. These percentage change measures are considered alongside the corresponding USD percentage change measures that are not adjusted for changes in currency exchange rates.

Free cash flow

Novartis defines free cash flow as net cash flows from operating activities less purchases of property, plant and equipment. Management believes that this definition provides a performance measure that focuses on core operating activities, and also excludes items that can vary significantly from year to year, thereby enabling better comparison of business performance across years.

Free cash flow is a non-IFRS measure, which means it should not be interpreted as a measure determined under IFRS Accounting Standards. Free cash flow is not intended to be a substitute measure for net cash flows from operating activities as determined under IFRS Accounting Standards. Free cash flow is presented as additional information because management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of the Company’s ability to operate without reliance on additional borrowing or use of existing cash. Free cash flow is a measure of the net cash generated that is available for investment in strategic opportunities, returning to shareholders and for debt repayment.

Additional information

Growth rate calculation

For ease of understanding, Novartis uses a sign convention for its growth rates such that a reduction in operating expenses or losses compared with the prior year is shown as a positive growth.

Net debt

Novartis calculates net debt as current financial debts and derivative financial instruments plus non-current financial debts less cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments.

Net debt is presented as additional information because it sets forth how management monitors net debt or liquidity and management believes it is a useful supplemental indicator of the Company’s ability to pay dividends, to meet financial commitments, and to invest in new strategic opportunities, including strengthening its balance sheet.

See page 37 for additional disclosures related to net debt.

33

Reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results

The following table provides an overview of the reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results:

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
IFRS Accounting Standards operating income		4 235		4 663
Amortization of intangible assets		775		789
Impairments
Intangible assets				1
Other property, plant and equipment		34
Total impairment charges		34		1
Acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items
- Income		-129		-111
- Expense		123		103
Total acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items, net		-6		-8
Other items
Divestment gains		-125
Financial assets - fair value adjustments		-19		41
Restructuring and related items
- Income		-14		-16
- Expense		114		145
Additional income		-149		-61
Additional expense		52		21
Total other items		-141		130
Total adjustments		662		912
Core operating income		4 897		5 575
as % of net sales		37.3%		42.1%
Loss from associated companies		-3		-3
Interest expense		-343		-270
Other financial income and expense		-50		17
Core adjustments to other financial income and expense		54		29
Income taxes, adjusted for core adjustment items (core income taxes)		-761		-866
Core net income		3 794		4 482
Core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG		3 794		4 479
Core net income attributable to non-controlling interests		0		3
Core basic EPS (USD) 1		1.99		2.28
1  Core earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG by the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the basic EPS calculation in the reporting period.

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Reconciliation from IFRS Accounting Standards results to non-IFRS measure core results

First quarter

(USD millions unless indicated otherwise)		Q1 2026 IFRS Accounting Standards results		Amortization of intangible assets 1		Impairments 2		Acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items 3		Other items 4		Q1 2026 Core results		Q1 2025 Core results
Gross profit		10 065		694						21		10 780		11 082
Operating income		4 235		775		34		-6		-141		4 897		5 575
Income before taxes		3 839		775		34		-6		-87		4 555		5 348
Income taxes 5		-683		-153		-6		-1		82		-761		-866
Net income		3 156										3 794		4 482
Attributable to:
Shareholders of Novartis AG		3 156										3 794		4 479
Non-controlling interests		0										0		3
Basic EPS (USD) 6		1.65										1.99		2.28
The following are adjustments to arrive at core gross profit
Cost of goods sold		-3 459		694						21		-2 744		-2 503
The following are adjustments to arrive at core operating income
Selling, general and administration		-3 140						1		2		-3 137		-3 057
Research and development		-2 740		81				5		-50		-2 704		-2 302
Other income		478						-129		-236		113		79
Other expense		-428				34		117		122		-155		-227
The following are adjustments to arrive at core income before taxes
Other financial income and expense		-50								54		4		46
1  Amortization of intangible assets: cost of goods sold includes the amortization of currently marketed products intangible assets; research and development includes the amortization of scientific infrastructure and technologies intangible assets
2  Impairments: other expense includes impairment charges related to property, plant and equipment
3  Acquisition or divestment of businesses and related items, including integration charges: selling, general and administration, research and development, other income and other expense include integration cost charges; other income and other expense include also transitional services fee income and expenses related to the Sandoz distribution and adjustments to provisions; other income includes also a tax settlement income
4  Other items: costs of goods sold, selling, general and administration, other income and other expense include restructuring releases of provisions and charges related to the company-wide rationalization of manufacturing sites and other net restructuring charges and related items; costs of goods sold and research and development include contingent consideration adjustments; other income and other expense include fair value adjustments on financial assets; other income also includes divestment gains, fair value adjustments on contingent consideration receivable and other items; other financial income and expense includes the impact of IAS Standards 29 “Financial Reporting in Hyperinflationary Economies” for subsidiaries operating in hyperinflationary economies
5  Taxes on the adjustments between IFRS Accounting Standards and core results, for each item included in the adjustment, take into account the tax rate that will finally be applicable to the item based on the jurisdiction where the adjustment will finally have a tax impact. Generally, this results in amortization and impairment of intangible assets other than goodwill and acquisition-related restructuring and integration items having a full tax impact. There is usually a tax impact on other items, although not always for items arising from legal settlements in certain jurisdictions. Other items include adjustments for the tax effects of intercompany transactions, including effects of adjusting deferred income taxes resulting from temporary differences on intercompany inventory transactions arising from the elimination of unrealized profit on consolidation when the seller and buyer subsidiaries are subject to different tax rates. Due to these factors and the differing effective tax rates in the various jurisdictions, the tax on the total adjustments of USD 716 million to arrive at the core results before tax amounts to a tax expense of USD 78 million and the average tax rate on the total adjustments was 10.9% since the estimated full year core tax charge of 16.7% has been applied to the pre-tax income of the period.
6  Core earnings per share (EPS) is calculated by dividing core net income attributable to shareholders of Novartis AG by the weighted average number of shares outstanding used in the basic EPS calculation in the reporting period.

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Non-IFRS measure Free cash flow

The following table is a reconciliation of the three major categories of the IFRS Accounting Standards consolidated statements of cash flows to the non-IFRS measure free cash flow:

First quarter

		Q1 2026						Q1 2025
(USD millions)		IFRS Accounting Standards cash flow		Adjustments		Free cash flow		IFRS Accounting Standards cash flow		Adjustments		Free cash flow
Net cash flows from operating activities		3 676				3 676		3 645				3 645
Net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities 1		-11 736		11 390		-346		330		-584		-254
Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities 2		3 579		-3 579		0		-8 548		8 548		0
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow						3 330						3 391
1  With the exception of purchases of property, plant and equipment, all net cash flows (used in)/from investing activities are excluded from the free cash flow.
2  Net cash flows from/(used in) financing activities are excluded from the free cash flow.

The following table is a summary of the non-IFRS measure free cash flow:

First quarter

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Operating income		4 235		4 663
Reversal of non-cash items and other adjustments
Depreciation, amortization and impairments		1 208		1 195
Change in provisions and other non-current liabilities		70		182
Other		134		281
Operating income adjusted for non-cash items		5 647		6 321
Interest received		83		122
Interest paid and other financial payments		-213		-253
Income taxes paid		-787		-540
Payments out of provisions and other net cash movements in non-current liabilities		-267		-237
Change in inventories and trade receivables less trade payables		-652		-1 160
Change in other operating cash flow items		-135		-608
Net cash flows from operating activities		3 676		3 645
Purchases of property, plant and equipment		-346		-254
Non-IFRS measure free cash flow		3 330		3 391

36

Additional information

Net debt

Condensed consolidated changes in net debt

First quarter

(USD millions)		Q1 2026		Q1 2025
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		-4 558		-4 393
Change in marketable securities, time deposits, financial debts and derivatives financial instruments		-11 582		-1 737
Change in net debt		-16 140		-6 130
Net debt at January 1		-21 947		-16 141
Net debt at March 31		-38 087		-22 271

Components of net debt

(USD millions)		Mar 31, 2026		Dec 31, 2025		Mar 31, 2025
Non-current financial debts		-37 447		-27 935		-21 666
Current financial debts and derivative financial instruments		-7 617		-5 602		-7 801
Total financial debts		-45 064		-33 537		-29 467
Less liquidity
Cash and cash equivalents		6 877		11 435		7 066
Marketable securities, time deposits and derivative financial instruments		100		155		130
Total liquidity		6 977		11 590		7 196
Net debt at end of period		-38 087		-21 947		-22 271

Share information

		Mar 31, 2026		Mar 31, 2025
Number of shares outstanding		1 908 091 965		1 959 253 908
Registered share price (CHF)		120.86		97.84
ADR price (USD)		152.75		111.48
Market capitalization (USD billions) 1		288.5		218.0
Market capitalization (CHF billions) 1		230.6		191.7
1  Market capitalization is calculated based on the number of shares outstanding (excluding treasury shares). Market capitalization in USD is based on the market capitalization in CHF converted at the quarter end CHF/USD exchange rate.

37

Effects of currency fluctuations

Principal currency translation rates

(USD per unit)		Average rates Q1 2026		Average rates Q1 2025		Period-end rates Mar 31, 2026		Period-end rates Mar 31, 2025
1 CHF		1.277		1.112		1.251		1.137
1 CNY		0.144		0.137		0.145		0.138
1 EUR		1.171		1.052		1.147		1.084
1 GBP		1.348		1.259		1.321		1.297
100 JPY		0.638		0.656		0.626		0.671
100 RUB		1.274		1.074		1.227		1.177

Currency impact on key figures

The following table provides a summary of the currency impact on key Company figures due to their conversion into US dollars, the Company’s reporting currency, of the financial data from entities reporting in non-US dollars. Constant currency (cc) calculations apply the exchange rates of the prior year period to the current period financial data for entities reporting in non-US dollars.

First quarter

		Change in USD % Q1 2026		Change in constant currencies % Q1 2026		Percentage point currency impact Q1 2026
Net sales to third parties		-1		-5		4
Operating income		-9		-11		2
Net income		-13		-13		0
Basic earnings per share (USD)		-10		-11		1
Core operating income		-12		-14		2
Core net income		-15		-17		2
Core basic earnings per share (USD)		-13		-15		2

38

Disclaimer

This communication contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that can generally be identified by words such as “expected,” “anticipated,” “can,” “will,” “continue,” “ongoing,” “growth,” “launch,” “expanded,” “deliver,” “accelerate,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “priority,” “potential,” “momentum,” “on track,” “look forward,” or similar expressions, or by express or implied discussions regarding: potential new products, potential new indications for existing products, potential product launches or potential future revenues from any such products; or results of ongoing clinical trials; potential future, pending or announced transactions; potential future sales or earnings; strategy, plans, expectations or intentions, including discussions regarding our continued investment into new R&D capabilities and manufacturing; our capital structure. You should not place undue reliance on these statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs and expectations of management regarding future events and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. There can be no guarantee that the investigational or approved products described in this communication will be submitted or approved for sale or for any additional indications or labeling in any market, or at any particular time. Nor can there be any guarantee that such products will be commercially successful in the future. Neither can there be any guarantee that the expected benefits or synergies from the transactions described in this communication will be achieved in the expected timeframe, or at all. In particular, our expectations could be affected by, among other things, uncertainties concerning: global healthcare cost containment, including ongoing government, payer and general public pricing and reimbursement pressures and requirements for increased pricing transparency; the success of key products, commercial priorities and strategy; the research and development of new products, including clinical trial results and additional analysis of existing clinical data; our ability to obtain or maintain proprietary intellectual property protection, including the ultimate extent of the impact on Novartis of the loss of patent protection and exclusivity on key products; our ability to realize the strategic benefits, operational efficiencies or opportunities expected from our external business opportunities; the development or adoption of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, and new business models; the implementation of our new IT projects and systems; potential significant breaches of information security or disruptions of our information technology systems; actual or potential legal proceedings, including regulatory actions or delays or government regulation related to the products and pipeline products described in this communication; safety, quality, data integrity, or manufacturing issues; our performance on and ability to comply with environmental, social and governance measures and requirements; major macroeconomic and geo- and socio-political developments, including the impact of any potential tariffs on our products or the impact of war in certain parts of the world; future global exchange rates; future demand for our products; and other risks and factors referred to in Novartis AG’s most recently filed Form 20-F and in subsequent reports filed with, or furnished to, the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Novartis is providing the information in this communication as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All product names appearing in italics are trademarks owned by or licensed to Novartis.

About Novartis

Novartis is an innovative medicines company. Every day, we work to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Our medicines reach more than 300 million people worldwide.

Reimagine medicine with us: Visit us at https://www.novartis.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Novartis will conduct a conference call with investors to discuss this news release today at 14:00 Central European time and 8:00 Eastern Time. A simultaneous webcast of the call for investors and other interested parties may be accessed by visiting the Novartis website. A replay will be available after the live webcast by visiting https://www.novartis.com/investors/event-calendar.

Important dates

July 21, 2026

Second quarter & half year 2026 results

October 27, 2026

Third quarter & nine months 2026 results

November 18-19, 2026

Meet Novartis Management 2026 (London, UK)

39

FAQ

How did Novartis (NVS) perform financially in Q1 2026?

Novartis reported softer Q1 2026 results, with net sales of USD 13.1 billion, down 1% reported and 5% at constant currency. Operating income fell 9% to USD 4.2 billion and net income declined 13% to USD 3.2 billion, while free cash flow stayed strong at USD 3.3 billion.

Which Novartis (NVS) drugs drove growth in the first quarter of 2026?

Growth was led by priority brands. Kisqali sales rose 55% at constant currency to USD 1.5 billion. Pluvicto, Kesimpta, Scemblix, Leqvio and Fabhalta also delivered strong double‑digit constant‑currency increases, reflecting expanding indications, greater patient uptake and broader international access.

What pressured Novartis (NVS) sales and earnings in Q1 2026?

US generic competition and pricing weighed on results. Entresto sales fell 46% at constant currency to USD 1.3 billion, while Promacta/Revolade and Tasigna dropped 68% and 61% respectively. These declines more than offset strong volume contributions from newer, higher‑growth medicines.

How did Novartis’ Q1 2026 acquisition activity affect its balance sheet?

Novartis completed the roughly USD 12.0 billion acquisition of Avidity Biosciences, adding substantial intangible assets and goodwill. This, together with dividends and buybacks, increased net debt to USD 38.1 billion at March 31, 2026, compared with USD 21.9 billion at December 31, 2025.

What guidance did Novartis (NVS) provide for full-year 2026?

Novartis reaffirmed its 2026 outlook, stating net sales are expected to grow in the low single‑digit range at constant currency. Core operating income is expected to decline by a low single‑digit percentage, reflecting generic headwinds, higher R&D investment and the evolving product mix.

How strong was Novartis (NVS) cash generation in the first quarter of 2026?

Cash generation remained solid. Net cash flows from operating activities were USD 3.7 billion, slightly above the prior year, supported by working‑capital movements. Free cash flow was USD 3.3 billion, only 2% lower than Q1 2025 despite reduced earnings and higher R&D spending.

What is Novartis’ capital return and leverage position after Q1 2026?

Novartis repurchased 10.4 million shares for USD 1.6 billion and paid a gross dividend of USD 9.1 billion. These outflows, plus the Avidity acquisition, lifted total financial debt to USD 45.1 billion and raised the debt‑to‑equity ratio from 0.72:1 to 1.16:1.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

2 documents

Press Releases

• EX-99 99.1 FINANCIAL REPORT Q1 2026 104.2 KB
• EX-99 99.2 CONDENSED FINANCIAL REPORT 853.3 KB