Novartis "hold"

21.04.06 - ING Financial Markets

LONDON, April 21 (newratings.com) - Analysts at ING Financial Markets maintain their "hold" rating on Novartis (NOVN). The 12-month target price is set to SFr76.

In a research note published this morning, the analysts mention that the company is expected to post its 1Q06 sales and EPS at $8,503 million and $0.747, respectively, when it reports its results on April 24. The ongoing integration of Eon and Hexal into the Sandoz division and the US Medicare part D are unlikely to have a significant impact on the company?s results, ING Financial Markets adds.