The Swiss-based drugmaker missed consensus expectations on both earnings and sales in the first quarter, the results were hurt by a historically weak cough and cold season. Novartis’ cornerstone innovative medicines division turned in with sales +4%. Stock is currently pegged to underperform the broader market and our 18-month projections reflect below-average upside potential. But as said in the chart, a "buy and hold" strategy give a 3.50% dividend yield in CHF.