SCHEDULE: Novartis Discloses 3.7% Passive Stake in Precision Bio

Novartis Pharma AG and its parent Novartis AG have disclosed a 3.7% passive beneficial ownership stake in Precision Biosciences Inc. through an amended Schedule 13G filing.

Summary

• Novartis Pharma AG and its publicly-owned parent, Novartis AG, collectively reported beneficial ownership of 413,581 shares of Precision Biosciences Inc. common stock.
• This ownership represents 3.7% of Precision Biosciences' outstanding common stock.
• The percentage is based on 11,088,234 outstanding shares of Common Stock, as reported in Precision Biosciences' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2025.
• The filing is an Amendment No. 2 to a Schedule 13G, indicating a change from a previous filing.
• Novartis Pharma AG and Novartis AG share both voting and dispositive power over the 413,581 shares.
• The securities were not acquired and are not held for the purpose of changing or influencing control of Precision Biosciences, confirming a passive investment intent.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The filing is a routine disclosure of passive beneficial ownership and does not inherently convey positive or negative sentiment about the company's performance or prospects. It simply states a factual ownership position.

Positives

• A major pharmaceutical company, Novartis, holds a stake in Precision Biosciences, which could be viewed as a vote of confidence or strategic alignment, although the filing itself does not explicitly state this as a positive.

Negatives

• The filing does not contain any explicitly stated negative information regarding Precision Biosciences' operations or financial performance.

Risks

• The filing does not detail specific risks related to Precision Biosciences' business operations or financial health, as it is a beneficial ownership disclosure.

Future Outlook

The filing is a disclosure of passive beneficial ownership and does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding Precision Biosciences' future operations or financial performance.

Industry Context

This filing indicates a passive investment by a major global pharmaceutical company, Novartis, in a biotechnology firm, Precision Biosciences. Such investments are common in the life sciences sector, often preceding or accompanying strategic collaborations, although this filing explicitly states the investment is not for control purposes.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• NA

Related Party Transactions

• Novartis Pharma AG is a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Novartis AG, and both are reporting persons for the same beneficial ownership stake.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Provides transparency regarding a significant, albeit passive, institutional ownership stake in the company.
• Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Creditors: No direct impact is indicated by this passive ownership disclosure.

Next Steps

• NA

Key Dates

Keywords

Precision Biosciences, Novartis, Schedule 13G, Beneficial Ownership, Common Stock, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, SEC Filing, Investment