0936 GMT - Novartis's first-quarter earnings are set to drop on year, as generic competition and its acquisition of Avidity hit margins, Bank of America analysts say in a research note. Bank of America expects the Swiss pharmaceutical company to report first-quarter core EPS of $2.07, down 10% on year at constant currency and short of consensus estimates of $2.13. The analysts say their forecast for Novartis's quarterly sales of $13.3 billion is in line with consensus estimates, but they anticipate worse generic pressure and the recently closed Avidity deal to dilute margins. Novartis seems likely to reiterate its full-year guidance and continue to signal an inflection point for growth in the second half, the analysts add. Shares rise 0.5%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 30, 2026 05:37 ET (09:37 GMT)

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