10 Best European Dividend Stocks To Buy

6. Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS)

Dividend Yield as of December 20: 3.85%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 24

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) is a global leader in healthcare, involved in developing, manufacturing, and marketing prescription medications. Novartis covers a wide range of therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, cardiovascular, and ophthalmology, with key treatments like Pluvicto for prostate cancer and Lutathera for neuroendocrine tumors. The company is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) reported strong Q3 results, continuing two years of consistent growth. Sales increased by 10%, core operating income rose 20% in constant currency, and core margins reached 40.1%, prompting the company to raise its annual guidance for the third time. Key innovations included Kisqali’s FDA approval and CHMP positive opinion for early breast cancer, Fabhalta’s accelerated approval for IgA nephropathy, and promising developments for Pluvicto and Scemblix. Product highlights showed robust growth: Entresto’s sales climbed 26% globally, Cosentyx grew 28% with significant momentum in new indications, Kesimpta expanded by 56% (adjusted), and Kisqali’s U.S. sales surged 50%, supported by a Category 1 NCCN recommendation.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS)’s strategic moves included investments in research and development, artificial intelligence, and pipeline expansions, alongside shareholder returns through dividends and a $15 billion buyback plan, which will conclude by the end of 2025. Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) continues to demonstrate strong financial performance, innovation, and market leadership, making it one of the best European stocks to consider.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS) stands out as a reliable choice for dividend-focused investors, offering a steady yield that has consistently grown over the years. Even though sales growth has been slow, the company is still super profitable and has been growing its dividends by an average of 4.26% annually, beating inflation. With its focus on innovation, strong finances, and undervalued stock price compared to competitors, Novartis is a smart choice long-term investment, with steady income and room for growth.

Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS)’s shares were held by 24 Wall Street funds at the end of the third quarter, compared to 30 funds in the preceding quarter. Jim Simons’ Renaissance Technologies is the leading stakeholder of the company, with 2.3 million shares worth $264.6 million.