The latest Market Talks covering the Health Care sector. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.
0655 ET - bioMerieux's strong balance sheet and net cash position provides the pharmaceutical company with merger and acquisition opportunities, Baader analyst Anas Patel writes in a note. Its first-quarter performance indicates a challenging demand environment this year and Baader has lowered its estimates for the company. "Despite short-term challenges, the long-term outlook remains stable, with no indications of structural disruption," Patel says. The French pharmaceutical company remains Baader's top choice in the testing section as competitors Qiagen and DiaSorin will likely be constrained as well due to a less severe respiratory season and the impact of the war in the Middle East. Shares are down 2.7% at 71.30 euros and 35% lower over the year to date. (julia.nasser@wsj.com)
0639 ET - Bausch + Lomb should benefit from other currencies having strengthened in 1Q. RBC's Douglas Miehm says in a report that just like 4Q, "FX should serve as a net tailwind for BLCO in 1Q/26, supported by broad currency strength versus the USD." At the overall level for the company, Miehm notes that revenue excluding U.S. accounted for about half of 2025 revenue. He estimates that the eye-health company should see a foreign-exchange benefit of about $40 million, up from $37 million in the previous quarter. "We believe FX will be a net tailwind for BLCO driven by the observed strength in most currencies relative to the USD in 1Q,"he adds. (adriano.marchese@wsj.com)
2118 ET - Malaysia's healthcare sector earnings outlook appears bullish in the long term, driven by the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, an ageing population, and greater health awareness, CIMB Securities analyst Chun Sung Oong says in a note. He remains positive on KPJ Healthcare and IHH Healthcare, supported by ongoing bed expansion and advancements in medical treatments that should lift revenues. The expiry of Bank Negara Malaysia's cap on medical insurance premium hikes by end-2026 could also provide further upside, he reckons. CIMB maintains an overweight rating on the sector, and pegs KPJ Healthcare as its top pick, given its clear expansion roadmap, domestic-focused model, and stronger balance sheet. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)
2106 ET - IHH Healthcare could see a decent growth trajectory into 2026, driven mainly by Malaysia and India markets, TA Securities analyst Tan Kong Jin says in a note. In Malaysia, revenue is forecast to grow 12.3%, supported by higher day care volumes, medical tourism and bed expansion, while margins are set to improve on cost discipline, he says. India operations could recover as integration between Fortis and Gleneagles units improves efficiency and margins, he reckons. Singapore market should stabilize by 2H, supported by the ramp-up of ambulatory care centers, medical tourism growth, and the expansion of Mount Elizabeth hospital, he adds. TA Securities maintains a buy rating on IHH and keeps the target price at 10.30 ringgit. Shares are unchanged at 8.85 ringgit.(yingxian.wong@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 24, 2026 12:20 ET (16:20 GMT)
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