ICON Receives ‘Buy’ Rating (GS, ICLR, PPDI)

Goldman Sachs

has released its report covering the Healthcare Services segment. Goldman (

) has chosen ICON

and PAREXEL as its top picks. ICON's CFO stated that he expects solid business wins in 1Q to be a “multi-quarter phenomenon’ He also said that current operating margin guidance of 12-12.5% is not representative of long-term goals. The CFO thinks 13% in 2011 is a realistic target. In other company news, Pharmaceutical Product Development Inc.

COO Bill Sharbaugh said that the company is in a period of sponsor rotation but is well positioned to secure new strategic deals in the near term. PPD’s long-term margin goals remain 50% gross margin and 20% operating margin. Goldman has retained its ‘Neutral’ rating for PPDI.