HSBC Lifts PT on Novartis AG (NVS) to $112 From $106

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) is one of the most profitable NYSE stocks to buy right now. HSBC lifted the price target on Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) to $112 from $106 on December 10 while maintaining a Reduce rating on the shares.

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The rating update came as part of the 2026 outlook for the pharma group, with the firm telling investors that it sees the sector as well-positioned to outperform in the coming year. This trend is expected to materialize “even more if AI panic kicks in”, according to the firm. HSBC added that while its preferred stocks are “growth bucket ideas”, “fallen angels and value could work as well.”

In a separate development, Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) announced on December 9 positive results from VAYHIT2, a Phase III trial evaluating ianalumab plus eltrombopag in patients living with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and previously treated with corticosteroids. The results showed that Ianalumab (9 mg/kg) plus eltrombopag managed to extend ITP disease control by 45%, based on the primary endpoint of time to treatment failure (TTF). This ascertains the length of time in which patients maintain safe platelet levels during and after the treatment period.

Management further reported that 62% of the patients who were treated with ianalumab plus eltrombopag attained sustained platelet response at six months compared to 39% with placebo plus eltrombopag. Ianalumab thus holds the potential to reduce the need for chronic treatment and provide durable disease control in ITP, administered as four once-monthly intravenous doses in the ITP setting.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) has plans to submit VAYHIT2 data from second-line ITP with results from the ongoing first-line ITP trial, VAYHIT1, to health authorities in 2027.

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) develops, markets, and manufactures a range of healthcare and pharmaceutical products. Its operations span the Innovative Medicines, Sandoz, and Corporate segments.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.