Could Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) Outperform Novartis (NVS) as CAR-T Safety Concerns Shake the Sector?

Could Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) Outperform Novartis (NVS) as CAR-T Safety Concerns Shake the Sector?

Thu, September 10, 2026 at 12:34 AM GMT+3 4 min read

The pharmaceutical sector was hit with major pipeline news on September 1 when Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) paused eight clinical trials of rap-cel, its experimental CAR-T cell therapy targeting autoimmune and neurological disorders. The suspension, effective August 24, followed three patient deaths caused by severe, life-threatening immune reactions (immune effector cell-associated hemophagocytic syndrome). Novartis is currently conducting a safety review alongside independent monitoring boards. Following the news, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) voluntarily paused trials for its competing CAR-T treatment, zola-cel, as a precautionary measure after detecting transient inflammatory side effects.

Financial Comparison: Reaffirming vs. Raising Guidance

Looking at Q2 2026 earnings, Bristol Myers Squibb is currently demonstrating stronger financial momentum. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) reported total revenue of $13.0 billion, up 6% year over year, driven by a 15% increase in its Growth Portfolio to $7.6 billion, led by Opdivo, Qvantig, Reblozyl, and Camzyos. Non-GAAP EPS reached $2.04, while net income totaled $3.3 billion, or $4.2 billion on a non-GAAP basis. The company also raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance from approximately $46.0–$47.5 billion to $49.0–$50.0 billion and increased its non-GAAP EPS outlook to $6.75–$7.00.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS), meanwhile, reported Q2 net sales of $14.4 billion, up 3% in U.S. dollars and 1% at constant currencies, supported by Kisqali and Kesimpta, which grew 43% and 32% at constant currencies, respectively. However, generic competition reduced growth by 14 percentage points, while core operating income remained flat at $5.9 billion and GAAP net income fell 19% to $3.3 billion. Novartis reaffirmed rather than raised its full-year guidance, calling for low single-digit sales growth and a low single-digit decline in core operating income.

Overall, Bristol Myers stands out as the stronger financial story this quarter, with its Growth Portfolio offsetting legacy patent-cliff pressures and supporting a guidance increase, while Novartis continues to contend with generic erosion weighing on earnings.

Bull and Bear Cases

Novartis' bull case rests on strong double-digit growth from high-margin blockbusters such as Kisqali, Kesimpta, and Scemblix, supporting robust Q2 free cash flow of $5.6 billion. However, CAR-T safety setbacks could threaten a key pipeline platform, while intense generic competition has already reduced top-line growth by 14 percentage points.

For Bristol Myers Squibb, accelerating growth in its Growth Portfolio is driving double-digit revenue expansion and supporting the company's raised full-year outlook. The bear case includes ongoing CAR-T trial holds, a 120-basis-point decline in gross margin to 71.3%, and persistent generic pressures across the Legacy Portfolio, which declined 4%.

Insider Monkey's Hedge Fund Data Analysis

Institutional sentiment showed shifting conviction across the two companies during Q2 2026. Novartis saw its hedge fund holders increase from 31 to 38 funds, with Ken Fisher's Fisher Asset Management holding the largest position at 15.52 million shares valued at $2.43 billion, reflecting a 12% increase, while Rajiv Jain's GQG Partners reduced its stake by 13% to 2.15 million shares valued at $337 million.

Bristol Myers Squibb, meanwhile, saw its hedge fund holders decline from 83 to 74 funds. Cliff Asness's AQR Capital Management cut its position by 8% to 27.35 million shares valued at $1.58 billion, while Richard Pzena's Pzena Investment Management trimmed its stake by 1% to 17.01 million shares valued at $980 million.

Conclusion & What Investors Should Watch Next

While both companies face regulatory scrutiny over their autoimmune CAR-T programs, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY) currently offers the stronger operational narrative thanks to a guidance raise backed by its Growth Portfolio. Investors should watch whether independent safety reviews allow CAR-T trial resumptions, how BMY manages upcoming patent cliffs, and if Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) can offset generic pressure in upcoming quarters.

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