Synthomer Np Discussion Threads

[waldron] 14/11/2005 07:09

Syngenta to plant trees

RNS Number:0601U
Syngenta AG
14 November 2005


Media Release


Syngenta to plant forty thousand trees to celebrate its 5-year anniversary



Basel, Switzerland, 14 November 2005

Syngenta announced today it was celebrating its fifth anniversary by planting
tens of thousands of trees around the world. To launch the program, the company
will plant a tree for every employee, some 20,000 trees in all, in Africa.

Building on this national business units will also plant a tree for every
employee in support of specific environmental and social initiatives in their
country. In total, as many as 40,000 trees will be planted worldwide through
the anniversary recognition.

"Since our formation in 2000, Syngenta has flourished and our fifth anniversary
is an opportunity to celebrate," said Michael Pragnell, Syngenta Chief Executive
Officer. "This is our way of paying tribute to our employees who built the
company, and to symbolize our commitment to sustainable agriculture. It is also
a reminder of the meaning of the name Syngenta, derived from Greek and Latin
origins: together with people."

Syngenta was formed on 13 November 2000 from the merger of Novartis Agribusiness
and Zeneca Agrochemicals. It has been pioneering corporate social responsibility
programs particularly in the field of sustainable agriculture, soil
conservation, water quality, employee well-being and community involvement; all
of these are reflected in this initiative.

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in
over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in
New York (SYT). Further information is available at HTUwww.syngenta.comUTH.



Media Enquiries: Switzerland: Guy Wolff Tel: [phone]
USA: Sarah Hull Tel: [phone]
UK: Andrew Coker Tel: [phone]

Analysts/Investors: Switzerland: Jonathan Seabrook Tel: [phone]
Jennifer Gough Tel: [phone]
USA: Rhonda Chiger Tel: [phone]



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefor.




This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

NRAIIFIRLFLSLIE

[waldron] 10/11/2005 13:17

Deutsche Bank Ups Syngenta Target

Thursday, November 10, 2005 7:38:41 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1226 GMT [Dow Jones]--Deutsche Bank ups Syngenta (SYT) target to CHF175 from CHF150, citing prospects for increase in operating profit margin due to imminent product launches. New products should boost group EBIT by 45% over the next 5 years, bank says. Has at buy. Share +2.2% at CHF139.50. (MGE)

[waldron] 31/10/2005 07:38

New Fungicide

RNS Number:3613T
Syngenta AG
31 October 2005


Media Release


Syngenta presents new fungicide at British Crop Protection Congress


Basel, Switzerland, 31 October 2005

Today at the 2005 British Crop Protection Congress (BCPC), Syngenta presented
its new fungicide active ingredient to agricultural experts. Mandipropamid,
developed under the code 446, controls late blight in potatoes and tomatoes as
well as downy mildew in vines and a number of vegetable crops.


Mandipropamid, the first derivative of the chemical class of mandelamide
fungicides, sets a new standard in performance: locking rapidly and tightly to
the leaf's waxy layer, it provides a highly effective, weatherproof and
long-lasting barrier to diseases.


"Mandipropamid is a significant innovation. This new technology further
strengthens our leading fungicide portfolio, which offers growers a complete
range of solutions to control plant disease" said John Atkin, Chief Operating
Officer, Syngenta Crop Protection. "Mandipropamid is one of eight new crop
protection products planned for launch by 2012."


Mandipropamid is scheduled for launch in 2007 and will be offered as single
formulation as well as in spray programs with other Syngenta brands, including
Ridomil Gold(R), Shirlan(R), Quadris Max(R) and Bravo(R). This new compound will
be marketed globally and peak sales are expected to exceed $100 million
annually.


Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in
over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in
New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.


Media Enquiries: Switzerland: Guy Wolff Tel: [phone]
USA: Sarah Hull Tel: [phone]
UK: Andrew Coker Tel: [phone]



Analysts/Investors: Switzerland: Jonathan Seabrook Tel: [phone]
Jennifer Gough Tel: [phone]
USA: Rhonda Chiger Tel: [phone]


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefor.


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

NRAIIFFDIILLVIE

[ariane] 26/10/2005 07:59

Smith Barney Upgrades Syngenta To Buy

Wednesday, October 26, 2005 2:22:39 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0613 GMT [Dow Jones] Smith Barney upgrades Syngenta (SYT) to buy from hold, raises target to CHF160 from CHF130. Says price improvements achieved this year, the focused approach to the market, and the strong resultant cash flow are not fully priced in. Shares closed at CHF135. (HJS)

[grupo] 24/10/2005 14:49

Goldman Sachs Lifts Syngenta EPS Targets

Monday, October 24, 2005 9:08:33 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1257 GMT [Dow Jones]--Goldman Sachs increases Syngenta (SYT) EPS targets for 05 to $7.81 from $7.78, lifts 06 EPS to $8.24 from $8.12. after 3Q sales figures. Says however that investors with a defensive stance should prefer industrial gas stocks, such as Air Liquide (12007.FR) or Linde (LIN.XE). Keeps Syngenta at in line with CHF148 fair value. Trades -0.2% at CHF135.(SWZ)

[waldron] 21/10/2005 08:43

Swiss shares AFX at a glance outlookZURICH (AFX) - Share prices are expected to open lower after Wall Street ended sharply lower overnight with Syngenta (Virt-X: SYNN.VX - news) and Nobel Biocare (NOBE.SW - news) in focus after the two group's published Q3 results, dealers said.
In pre-bourse trading, the Swiss Market Index was 27.60 points lower at 6,857.80.
Yesterday, the Swiss Market Index closed 64.97 points higher at 6,885.4 points, and the Swiss Performance Index up 46.80 points at 5,234.28.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
TODAY'S PRESS
-Richemont to sell loss-making Lancel unit - report
COMPANY NEWS
-Syngenta Q3 sales reach upper-end of forecast range on new product sales
-Syngenta confirms FY EPS growth of over 15 pct, targets for 2006
-Syngenta Q3 crop protection sales 1.162 bln usd vs 1.145 bln
-Syngenta Q3 seeds sales 228 mln usd vs 216 mln
-Nobel Biocare Q3 net profit 23.2 mln eur, below expected
-Nobel Biocare Q3 EBIT 32.3 mln eur vs 24.8 mln
-Nobel Biocare Q3 net sales 108.3 mln eur vs 85.7 mln
-Nobel Biocare confident will reach fy financial growth, profitability goals
-'Swiss' sells stake in Loyalty Gate to UK's ICLP
MARKET NEWS/SENTIMENT
-Straumann cut to 'hold' vs 'buy' at Deutsche Bank (Xetra: 514000 - news)
-US stocks ended sharply lower Thursday, with the DJIA posting its biggest one-day loss in nearly four months. Swiss shares are expected to follow suit in early trade.
-Focus will be on Nobel Bicare whose Q3 net profit came in slightly below expectations while net sales and EBIT beat expectations as well as Syngenta whose third quarter sales came in at the upper end of expectations.
[e-mail]

[waldron] 21/10/2005 08:29

Syngenta LatAm Sales Robust -Morgan Stanley

Friday, October 21, 2005 3:07:43 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0649 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta's (SYT) sales in Latin America, the major concern for the market going into the quarter, were robust, says Morgan Stanley. "We believe that Syngenta is well placed to benefit from the improving market due to its strong portfolio and robust pipeline." Says current share price level doesn't reflect the company's potential. Keeps overweight rating with CHF150 target. Syngenta closed at CHF131.90. (SWZ)

[waldron] 21/10/2005 08:14

Syngenta 3Q Better Than Expected - Sarasin

Friday, October 21, 2005 1:52:27 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0539 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta's (SYT) 3Q sales figures are better than expected, says Bernd Pomrehn of Bank Sarasin. "The outlook statement is positive and its performance in Latin America is also better than expected", he says. Stock is likely to outperform overall market Friday, Pomrehn adds. Keeps stock at buy. Shares closed at CHF131.9. (GOM)

[waldron] 21/10/2005 08:11

Syngenta 3Q Sales 2% Above Consensus - UBS

Friday, October 21, 2005 2:52:34 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0632 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta's (SYT) 3Q sales were 7.5% ahead of UBS' cautious forecast and 2% ahead of overall consensus. "We believe the quality of these figures are great, given the robustness of Brazil despite all concerns." Says FY guidance now looks easy to beat and adds that it has underestimated so far the impact of the new high margin products, growing 39% in 3Q. Valuation looks cheap. Keeps buy rating with CHF177 target. Shares pre-market +1.4% at CHF133.75. (SWZ)

[waldron] 21/10/2005 08:00

Syngenta 3Q Positive, New Pdts Selling Well

Friday, October 21, 2005 2:37:26 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0616 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta (SYT) 3Q sales report very positive, says Sal. Oppenheim analyst Rahul Sen Gupta. Likes fact that sales rose in Latin America, and that new products are selling well. Among the few negatives figures are the ones showing a decline in high-margin fungicides. Gupta says lower crop protection sales in Europe are probably a result of unfavorable weather. Rates shares buy. Says $118 fair value is under review. Shares closed Thursday at CHF131.90. (AAG)

[waldron] 21/10/2005 07:18

Third Quarter 2005

RNS Number:9790S
Syngenta AG
21 October 2005



Media Release

Third Quarter Trading Statement 2005

Basel, Switzerland, 21 October 2005

Sales in the third quarter of 2005 increased by 2% to $1.39bn (2004: $1.36bn)
and at constant exchange rates (CER) by 1%. Sales for the first nine months were
11% higher (CER) at $6.8bn; excluding the impact of the US Seeds acquisitions,
which were first consolidated in the third quarter of 2004, sales rose 4%.

Crop Protection sales in the quarter increased by 1% (CER). Sales of new
products grew by 39% driven by the CALLISTO(R) range and ACTARA(R) / CRUISER(R);
total sales of new products for the first nine months reached $694m. Sales in
NAFTA continued to progress, albeit at a slower pace than in the first half. In
Europe, Africa and the Middle East sales were lower in Western Europe, more than
offsetting continued double digit growth in Eastern Europe. Sales in LATAM
benefited from an early start to the season in Brazil. Asia Pacific maintained
its steady performance with notable contributions from China, India and Japan.
All product lines increased sales with the exception of fungicides which were
lower due to a tightening of channel inventory in the US. Sales growth was
notable in insecticides driven by success in NAFTA and Brazil. Professional
Products, once again, delivered strong growth notably in Seed Treatment.

Seeds sales in the third quarter rose 5% (CER). Sales of Vegetables rebounded in
Europe following a late start to the season, offsetting lower sales in Flowers.
In Field Crops the corn and soybean franchise was further enhanced by a strong
performance in LATAM where market position was reinforced.

For the full year 2005 the company is on track to deliver its target of high
teens growth in earnings per share*. The company remains committed to its target
of high teens growth in earnings per share* for the year 2006.

*Fully diluted, before restructuring, impairment and IFRS 3 adjustment

Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2004 were approximately
$7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in over 90 countries.
Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).
Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

Media Enquiries: Switzerland: Guy Wolff Tel: [phone]
USA: Sarah Hull Tel: [phone]

Analysts/Investors: Switzerland: Jonathan Seabrook Tel: [phone]
Jennifer Gough Tel: [phone]
USA: Rhonda Chiger Tel: [phone]

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefore.

Unaudited Nine Months Product Line and Regional Sales

Syngenta 9 Months 2005 9 Months 2004 Actual(1) CER(1)(2)

$m $m % %
Crop Protection 5139 4849 + 6 + 3
Seeds 1637 1087 + 51 + 47
Total 6776 5936 + 14 + 11

Crop Protection
Product line
Selective herbicides 1640 1571 + 4 + 1
Non-selective herbicides 565 541 + 5 + 2
Fungicides 1423 1338 + 7 + 3
Insecticides 876 806 + 9 + 7
Professional products 620 560 + 9 + 7
Others 15 33 - 58 - 62
Total 5139 4849 + 6 + 3
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 1919 1885 + 2 - 3
NAFTA 1888 1675 + 13 + 11
Latin America 604 621 - 3 - 3
Asia Pacific 728 668 + 9 + 6
Total 5139 4849 + 6 + 3

Seeds
Product line
Field Crops 1129 597 + 89 + 85
Vegetables and Flowers 508 490 + 4 + 1
Total 1637 1087 + 51 + 47
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 638 586 + 9 + 3
NAFTA 849 381 + 123 + 122
Latin America 83 63 + 31 + 31
Asia Pacific 67 57 + 18 + 13
Total 1637 1087 + 51 + 47



(1) Product line variances take into account minor reclassifications made in 2005

(2) Growth at constant exchange rates

Unaudited Third Quarter Product Line and Regional Sales

Syngenta 3rd Quarter 2005 3rd Quarter 2004 Actual(1) CER(1)(2)

$m $m % %
Crop Protection 1162 1145 + 1 + 1
Seeds 228 216 + 6 + 5
Total 1390 1361 + 2 + 1

Crop Protection
Product line
Selective herbicides 289 281 + 3 + 3
Non-selective herbicides 174 165 + 6 + 4
Fungicides 222 290 - 23 - 24
Insecticides 275 209 + 33 + 32
Professional products 212 190 + 9 + 9
Others (10) 10 n/a n/a
Total 1162 1145 + 1 + 1
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 353 378 - 7 - 7
NAFTA 313 298 + 5 + 4
Latin America 297 284 + 4 + 4
Asia Pacific 199 185 + 8 + 6
Total 1162 1145 + 1 + 1

Seeds
Product line
Field Crops 96 93 + 3 + 2
Vegetables and Flowers 132 123 + 8 + 7
Total 228 216 + 6 + 5
Regional
Europe, Africa and Middle East 98 103 - 4 - 5
NAFTA 57 60 - 7 - 7
Latin America 50 36 + 38 + 38
Asia Pacific 23 17 + 38 + 32
Total 228 216 + 6 + 5



(1) Product line variances take into account minor reclassifications made in 2005

(2) Growth at constant exchange rates








This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

NRAEAKEFAEASFEE

[ariane] 19/10/2005 16:22

EARNINGS PREVIEW: Syngenta 3Q Sales Seen -1.5% At $1.35B

Wednesday, October 19, 2005 8:08:35 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1159 GMT [Dow Jones]--Syngenta (SYT) Friday is expected to post a 1.5% decline in 3Q sales to $1.35B from $1.37B as lower demand for its crop protection products in Southern America, notably Brazil hits demand. According to Dow Jones Newswires poll of 12 analysts, sales at the crop protection unit will decline to $1.13B, -3% from $1.16B while sales at the smaller seeds unit seen +4.3% to $217M from $208M. Eyes on FY guidance, comments about the ongoing planting season and weather conditions in Brazil, one of the key markets for Syngenta in the Southern Hemisphere. Trades -2.1% at CHF132.50.(SWZ)

[waldron] 17/10/2005 11:10

Syngenta's Global Product Rollout On Track

Monday, October 17, 2005 5:37:49 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0927 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta's (SYT) first registration for its new cereal herbicide Axial in the UK "confirms that the company is on schedule for the product's global rollout," says Lombard Odier Darier Hentsch. This also supports the long-term growth prospects as further registrations in other major markets are expected for the 2006 planting season. Lombard Odier adds the global cereal herbicide market growth will be primarily driven by growth in Eastern Europe. Keeps buy rating with CHF150 target. Trades flat at CHF135.90. (SWZ)

[waldron] 17/10/2005 07:06

regulatory approval for Axial

RNS Number:7375S
Syngenta AG
17 October 2005


Media Release


Syngenta obtains first regulatory approval for AxialTM


Basel, Switzerland, 17 October 2005

Syngenta announced today that its new cereal herbicide, Axial, has received its
first registration in the UK, one of the most important markets for cereals in
Europe. Further registrations in other major cereal markets are anticipated in
time for the 2006 season. Axial is expected to achieve peak global sales of at
least $150 million.

Axial provides outstanding control of a broad spectrum of grass weeds,
unprecedented crop safety in both wheat and barley, and flexible application
timing in both autumn and spring.

John Atkin, Chief Operating Officer, Syngenta Crop Protection, said: "This
registration further strengthens our broad product range for cereal farmers.
Axial will set new standards in grass weed control and is one of the eight
important products in our crop protection pipeline expected to be launched by
2012".

The global cereal herbicide market is estimated at close to $2.5 billion.


Syngenta is a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in
over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in
New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.



Media Enquiries: Switzerland: Guy Wolff Tel: [phone]
USA: Sarah Hull Tel: [phone]
UK: Andrew Coker Tel: [phone]

Analysts/Investors: Switzerland: Jonathan Seabrook Tel: [phone]
Jennifer Gough Tel: [phone]
USA: Rhonda Chiger Tel: [phone]



Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefore.




This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

NRAMRBFTMMMBMBA

[waldron] 17/10/2005 06:58

Syngenta Says Axial Herbicide Obtains U.K. Regulatory Approval
Oct. 17 (Bloomberg) -- Syngenta AG, the world's second- biggest crop chemical maker, said its cereal herbicide Axial has received regulatory approval in the U.K paving the way for registration in other markets in 2006.

Axial is expected to achieve peak global sales of at least $150 million, the Basel, Switzerland-based company said in an e- mailed statement today. Further registrations in other cereal markets are anticipated in for the 2006 season, Syngenta said without specifying.

The herbicide is used mainly for killing weeds that can harm the cultivation of wheat and barley. The global cereal herbicide market is estimated at about $2.5 billion.

[waldron] 12/10/2005 16:38

Syngenta Monsanto Read-Through Seen Mixed

Wednesday, October 12, 2005 10:25:12 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1408 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta's (SYT) read-through from Monsanto (MON) earnings mixed, says Sal Oppenheim. High seed sales of Monsanto seen positive for Syngenta, although not necessarily by a significant amount as Monsanto has a strong market position. Decline in herbicides "should be seen rather negatively." Says Syngenta investment case thus remains focused on long-term value with margin improvements driven by decreasing royalty payments. Keeps at buy. Shares trade -1.1% at CHF136.60. (HJS)

[waldron] 12/10/2005 15:36

Syngenta Dn Amid Brazil Foot & Mouth Disease

Wednesday, October 12, 2005 10:09:07 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1347 GMT [Dow Jones] Syngenta (SYT) -1.2% at CHF136.50, as concerns about the outbreak of the foot-and-mouth disease in Brazil outweigh the positive read through from Monsanto (MON) 4Q results, says Bank Sarasin's Bernd Pomrehn. Says market fears that cessation of meat exports from Brazil will result in lower demand for soybeans and agricultural products. (SWZ)

[waldron] 12/10/2005 10:12

Buy Syngenta, BASF As Brazilian Drought Ends

Wednesday, October 12, 2005 3:52:20 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0740 GMT [Dow Jones] Buy Syngenta (SYT) and BASF (BF) as the drought conditions in Brazil appear to have passed and a decent planting and early growing season is likely, says Deutsche Bank. "With the rest of LATAM holding up well, the market could be positively surprised by agrochemical performance in H2." Keeps buy rating for both, has a CHF150 price target for Syngenta, EUR66 target for BASF. Syngenta trades -1.6% at CHF135.90, BASF -1.1% at EUR62.22. (SWZ)

[waldron] 11/10/2005 09:12

AFX News Limited
Swiss shares close flat, off earlier highs on Wall St weakness UPDATE
10.10.2005, 01:18 PM

(Updates with full report)



ZURICH (AFX) - Shares closed flat, having handed back earlier gains after Wall Street turned negative.

At the close, the Swiss Market Index was 3.91 points higher at 6,950.86, and the Swiss Performance Index up 3.57 points at 5,297.15.

The euro eased against the Swiss franc to 1.5487 sfr, while the dollar firmed to 1.2849 sfr.

New SMI entrant Nobel Biocare was top gainer, up 10.75 sfr or 3.53 pct at 315 sfr, after JP Morgan initiated coverage with an 'overweight' rating and a price target of 382 sfr.

Syngenta was another top performer, up 2.65 sfr or 2.72 pct at 99.85 sfr, after a bullish article in US business magazine Barron's saying Syngenta shares offered better value that those of US rival Monsanto Co.

It also cited analysts as saying the stock -- which was the best performer on the SMI in 2004 but which has underperformed in 2005 so far -- could rise 30 pct over the next year.

Among drugmakers Novartis was up 0.45 at 66.75 but Roche was down 1.2 at 184.

Index heavyweight Nestle was down 4.75 at 377 sfr.

In the banking sector, UBS gained 0.1 at 111.8, and Credit Suisse was up 0.40 at 57.55.

Among insurers, Swiss Life climbed 1.8 to 190.9, with CEO Rolf Doerig saying in an interview the insurer is on track to meet its 2008 profit target of 1 bln sfr.

Zurich Financial was up 1.6 at 223.3, and Swiss Re was up 0.3 at 86.5.

[e-mail]

scs/lam

[ariane] 26/9/2005 07:07

Syngenta and COMPO alliance

RNS Number:7259R
Syngenta AG
26 September 2005


Media Release

Syngenta and COMPO in strategic alliance for consumer lawn and garden products

Basel, Switzerland, 26 September 2005

Syngenta announced today that it has entered a broad partnership agreement with
COMPO, one of Europe's leading suppliers of branded lawn and garden consumer
goods. The two companies will develop and market a comprehensive range of plant
protection and pest control products for the consumer lawn and garden market in
Europe, excluding Switzerland where both companies will continue to operate
independently.

The companies have also agreed to explore further cooperation opportunities in
markets outside Europe in order to co-promote and co-develop their respective
consumer lawn and garden businesses. Financial details of the agreement have not
been disclosed.

"Combining Syngenta's innovative plant protection portfolio with COMPO's leading
consumer brands will provide new and improved solutions for the lawn and garden
in this one billion dollar market in Europe" says Kris Sirchio, Head of Syngenta
Professional Products. "This alliance is a major step forward in the
implementation of our growth strategy".

"This cooperation is a breakthrough for COMPO and will ensure that we can best
meet consumers' changing needs", says Arnim Weyrich, General Manager of COMPO. "
We will be able to leverage our European consumer brands and retail
relationships further in order to reach a broader audience with a wider range of
lawn and garden solutions."

Syngenta is a world leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture
through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop
protection, and ranks third in the high value commercial seeds market. Sales in
2004 were approximately $7.3 billion. Syngenta employs some 20,000 people in
over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SYNN) and in
New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

COMPO's product range extends from potting soil through plant care products as
well as lawn and garden fertilizers to products for professional horticulture.
In 2004, COMPO, which has production facilities in several European countries,
employed 1,300 people and posted revenues of about EUR 525 million. COMPO is
part of K+S Group, the second largest provider of agricultural and specialty
fertilizers and the largest salt producer in Europe. The K+S Group posted
revenues of EUR 2,6 billion for 2004 and employs about 11,000 people. K+S is
listed on all German Stock Exchanges (SDF). Further information is available at
www.k+s.com.



Media Enquiries: Switzerland: Guy Wolff Tel: [phone]
USA: Sarah Hull Tel: [phone]
UK: Andrew Coker Tel: [phone]

Analysts/Investors: Switzerland: Jonathan Seabrook Tel: [phone]
Jennifer Gough Tel: [phone]
USA: Rhonda Chiger Tel: [phone]

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by
terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', '
prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such
statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially from these statements. We refer you to Syngenta's
publicly available filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for
information about these and other risks and uncertainties. Syngenta assumes no
obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results,
changed assumptions or other factors. This document does not constitute, or form
part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any
offer, to purchase or subscribe for any ordinary shares in Syngenta AG, or
Syngenta ADSs, nor shall it form the basis of, or be relied on in connection
with, any contract therefor.






This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END

NRAPUUUUBUPAUQQ

[waldron] 10/9/2005 06:02

Return reusable containers
09/09/2005 00:00:00
FWi
POTATO GROWERS must return any empty Nemathorin (fosthiazate) packaging, or there could be a shortage of supplies next season, Syngenta has warned.

Only three quarters of all 20kg Surefill containers sent out last year have been returned so far, said the firm's Garth Bretherton.

"Reusable packaging is a costly extra in the production process, compared to conventional disposable bags and boxes, but containers reduce the risk of environmental pollution and eliminate waste."

A grower with 50ha of potatoes could accumulate up to 75 Surefill containers, he noted.

Anyone with Surefill containers on farm should contact their distributor, then Syngenta will arrange collection, cleaning and refilling.

Providing containers are returned promptly, there will be no problem with Nemathorin supplies, Mr Bretherton added.

by Farmers Weekly staff (About this Author)

[waldron] 08/9/2005 15:16

CSFB Eyes Upside For Syngenta Target

Thursday, September 08, 2005 8:52:41 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



1239 GMT [Dow Jones]--CSFB sees potential upside for Syngenta (STY) target of CHF150 after visiting BASF (BF) and Bayer (BAY). Bayer highlights need for greater focus on inflating prices in crop protection, says CSFB, which is the bulk of Syngenta's earnings. Also, Bayer's high profitability in seeds shows what can be done with focus on technology and specific crops. Syngenta's increased US soy and corn share leave upside for EBIT margin forecast. BASF confident outlook statement for 05 margins suggests Latin America isn't further deteriorating. CSFB rates Syngenta at underweight. Shares -0.7% at CHF136.30. (KAB)

[grupo guitarlumber] 02/9/2005 11:29

Syngenta Shrs Not Seen Hit By Chairman News

Friday, September 02, 2005 3:01:39 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires



0645 GMT [Dow Jones]--Syngenta (SYT) shares not seen taking a big hit Friday from announcement that long-standing, active chairman Heinz Imhof will resign for health reasons. "It is positive that Syngenta obviously prepared for a smooth transition, however it is unfortunate that Imhof had to resign," says Bank Sarasin's Bernd Pomrehn. He rates shares at buy with CHF145. They closed at CHF135.80. (SWZ)