Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC Makes New $5.54 Million Investment in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS)

Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC purchased a new stake in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS - Free Report) in the fourth quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 56,891 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $5,536,000.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Human Investing LLC bought a new stake in shares of Novartis during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA purchased a new position in shares of Novartis in the fourth quarter valued at $27,000. Bellwether Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Novartis during the 4th quarter valued at about $38,000. Kestra Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Novartis in the 4th quarter worth approximately $47,000. Finally, Clearstead Trust LLC bought a new position in shares of Novartis during the fourth quarter valued at about $51,000. 13.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Novartis Stock Up 0.2%

NVS traded up $0.23 on Monday, reaching $108.93. 3,415,972 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,574,141. The company has a market cap of $230.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.53, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 0.60. Novartis AG has a 52-week low of $96.06 and a 52-week high of $120.92. The stock's 50 day moving average price is $110.25 and its 200-day moving average price is $105.84. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 1.04 and a quick ratio of 0.84.

Novartis (NYSE:NVS - Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, April 29th. The company reported $2.28 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.12 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $13.23 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.92 billion. Novartis had a net margin of 23.56% and a return on equity of 37.24%. The firm's revenue for the quarter was up 11.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.80 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Novartis AG will post 8.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Novartis Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, March 12th. Investors of record on Wednesday, March 12th were issued a dividend of $3.8695 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, March 12th. Novartis's payout ratio is currently 40.47%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Barclays reaffirmed an "underweight" rating on shares of Novartis in a report on Monday, February 3rd. BNP Paribas raised shares of Novartis to a "strong-buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday, April 15th. Morgan Stanley initiated coverage on shares of Novartis in a report on Wednesday, February 12th. They issued an "underweight" rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Novartis from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 4th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a "neutral" rating on shares of Novartis in a research report on Thursday, February 13th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating, one has given a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Novartis currently has an average rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $123.38.

Novartis Company Profile

Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.