Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:PBH) is among the cheap healthcare stocks to buy heading into 2026. As of December 7, Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:PBH) is a ‘Buy’ or equivalent, with the majority of the analysts bullish on the stock. With a consensus 1-year median price target of $80, the stock has an upside of nearly 32%. According to TheFly, Susan Anderson from Canaccord trimmed the price target on Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:PBH) to $88 from $100, while keeping a ‘Buy’ ra ...

Brandes Investment Partners, an asset management company, released its third-quarter 2025 investor letter for its “Brandes Small Cap Value Fund”. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund returned 11.16% (Class I Shares) in the quarter compared to its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Index’s 12.39% gain, and the Russell 2000 Value Index’s12.60% return. In addition, please check the fund’s top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Brandes Small Cap V ...

Core Insights - OraSure Technologies reported a quarterly loss of $0.13 per share, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.16, representing an earnings surprise of +18.75% [1] - The company posted revenues of $27.09 million for the quarter ended September 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.05% and down from $39.92 million year-over-year [2] - OraSure shares have declined approximately 28.8% year-to-date, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 15.1% [3] Financial Performance - Over the last four quarters, OraSure has surpassed consensus EPS estimates only once [2] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is -$0.15 on revenues of $31.22 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is -$0.67 on revenues of $121.53 million [7] Market Outlook - The company's stock is currently rated Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] - The Medical - Products industry, to which OraSure belongs, is currently ranked in the bottom 40% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may negatively impact stock performance [8]

Group 1: Market Overview - U.S. equities experienced a rally in Q3 2025, driven by the Federal Reserve's first rate cut of the year, strong corporate earnings, and broadening market participation [1] - The enthusiasm for AI led to significant gains in the technology sector, while small-cap stocks outperformed as capital shifted into undervalued market segments [1] - Ariel Fund achieved a return of +12.39% in Q3 2025, outperforming the Russell 2500 Value Index (+8.17%) but lagging behind the Russell 2000 Value Index (+12.60%) [1] Group 2: Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:PBH) Performance - Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. reported a one-month return of -0.60% and a 52-week decline of 14.31%, with shares closing at $62.59 and a market capitalization of $3.08 billion on October 23, 2025 [2] - The company faced challenges due to mixed earnings results and a downward revision to full-year guidance, with sales impacted by limited inventory in the eye care segment [3] - Despite these challenges, the announced acquisition of Pillar5, a leading sterile ophthalmic manufacturer, is expected to strengthen supply over time [3] Group 3: Financial Insights and Hedge Fund Interest - In Q1 2026, Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. reported revenue of $249.5 million, down from $267.1 million in the prior year's quarter [4] - The company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 19 hedge fund portfolios holding its shares at the end of Q2 2025, down from 23 in the previous quarter [4] - While acknowledging the potential of Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. as an investment, the company believes certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Market Overview - U.S. equities saw significant gains in Q3, driven by the Federal Reserve's first rate cut of the year, strong corporate earnings growth, and increased market participation [2] - Investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence contributed to substantial gains in technology stocks, particularly among the "Magnificent Seven" [2] - Small-cap stocks outperformed as capital shifted into undervalued market segments, despite ongoing concerns about tariffs, inflation, and labor market softness [2] Company Highlights - Resideo Technologies, Inc. (REZI) was the top contributor in Q3, with organic revenue, EBITDA, and adjusted EPS exceeding expectations, and a positive outlook supported by demand for smart home solutions [3] - Barrick Mining Corporation (B) experienced a rise in shares due to strong financial results and rising gold prices, alongside a strategic divestiture of its Hemlo Gold Mine for $1.09 billion [4] - ZimVie, Inc. (ZIMV) advanced following an announcement of its acquisition by ARCHIMED, expected to close by year-end [5] - Mosaic Co. (MOS) was the biggest detractor from performance due to an earnings miss, with pressures from lower volumes and rising production costs, although phosphate markets are expected to remain tight through 2025 [6] - Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (PBH) declined after mixed earnings results and a downward revision to guidance, but plans to strengthen supply through an acquisition of Pillar5 [7] - Schlumberger Limited (SLB) traded lower due to a challenging macroeconomic environment, with pressures from OPEC+ supply increases and geopolitical uncertainty impacting oil prices [8] New Positions and Exits - New positions included Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG), which faced pressure due to a delay in closing its $13.4 billion acquisition of AssuredPartners, but is expected to benefit from stronger synergies [10] - Fiserv, Inc. (FI) was also purchased, seen as a leading provider of payment processing and financial services technology, with a recent stock pullback providing an attractive entry point [11] - Exited positions included ZimVie, Inc., Core Laboratories, Inc. (CLB), and Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (BIO) to pursue more compelling opportunities [12] Economic Outlook - As Q4 approaches, U.S. markets are balancing elevated valuations against emerging macroeconomic headwinds, with the Federal Reserve's rate cut providing some support [13] - Investor sentiment remains positive, driven by AI momentum, although risks related to market concentration and policy uncertainty may lead to increased volatility [14] - There is a belief that small-cap equities may outperform large caps over the next two years, with small caps trading at historically attractive levels [14]

Core Insights - Heartland Advisors reported a strong performance for small-cap stocks in Q3 2025, with the Russell 2000® Index increasing by 12.39%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 8.12% rise [1] - The Heartland Value Plus Fund returned 8.51% in Q3 2025, lagging behind the Russell 2000® Value Index, which gained 12.60% [1] Company-Specific Insights - Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. (NYSE:PBH) was highlighted as a significant detractor in the Heartland Value Plus Fund's performance due to missed earnings forecasts and lowered EPS estimates related to supply chain issues in its eye care segment [3] - The stock of Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. experienced a one-month return of -3.13% and a 52-week decline of 12.96%, closing at $61.00 per share with a market capitalization of $3.002 billion on October 10, 2025 [2] - In Q1 2026, Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. reported revenue of $249.5 million, down from $267.1 million in the previous year, indicating potential challenges in maintaining revenue growth [4] Hedge Fund Interest - Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. was held by 19 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, a decrease from 23 in the previous quarter, suggesting a decline in interest among hedge funds [4]

Core Insights - Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. is focusing on growth in its eye care business despite operational challenges in 2025 [1] - The acquisition of Pillar5 Pharma aims to resolve supply constraints and support long-term expansion in the eye care segment [2] - The company reported a 6.6% year-over-year revenue decline in Q1 2026 but showed momentum in other segments, including international OTC healthcare growth [3] Group 1: Company Strategy - Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. is taking strategic steps to secure growth in its eye care business amid operational challenges in 2025 [1] - The acquisition of Pillar5 Pharma is intended to address previous supply constraints and ensure reliable production for the Clear Eyes brand [2] Group 2: Financial Performance - The company experienced a 6.6% year-over-year revenue decline in Q1 2026 [3] - Despite the revenue decline, there was momentum in other business segments, including international OTC healthcare growth and improved gross margins [3] Group 3: Leadership Perspective - CEO Ron Lombardi emphasized that integrating Pillar5's capabilities strengthens the Clear Eyes franchise and enhances overall business resilience [3]

Core Viewpoint - AdaptHealth Corp. reported quarterly earnings of $0.01 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.15 per share, representing a significant earnings surprise of -93.33% compared to $0.21 per share a year ago [1][2] Financial Performance - The company posted revenues of $800.37 million for the quarter ended June 2025, which was 0.52% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and a decrease from $805.97 million year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, AdaptHealth has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates two times [2] Stock Performance - Since the beginning of the year, AdaptHealth shares have declined by approximately 4.3%, contrasting with the S&P 500's gain of 7.6% [3] - The current status of estimate revisions has resulted in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] Future Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.33 on revenues of $801.8 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $1.05 on revenues of $3.24 billion [7] - The outlook for the Medical - Products industry, to which AdaptHealth belongs, is currently in the bottom 38% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting potential challenges ahead [8]

Core Viewpoint - Thermo Fisher (TMO) is currently facing significant macroeconomic challenges, competitive pressures, and currency fluctuations that are negatively impacting its top-line growth, leading to a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell) [1] Group 1: Macroeconomic and Competitive Challenges - Difficult macroeconomic conditions are disrupting economic activity, global supply chains, and labor markets, creating a challenging business environment for Thermo Fisher [2] - International conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions between China and Taiwan, have increased global cybersecurity risks [2] - The company is experiencing margin pressure, with gross margin and operating margin contracting by 5 basis points and 2 basis points, respectively, in Q1 2025 [3] - A projected 22.4% increase in adjusted operating expenses for 2025 indicates ongoing financial strain [3] - The competitive landscape is tough, with various manufacturers and third-party distributors posing challenges due to changing technology and customer demands [5] Group 2: International Revenue and Currency Risks - International markets are a substantial revenue source for Thermo Fisher, but they are subject to exchange rate fluctuations that can impact reported revenues and profitability [4] - As international sales grow, the exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations is expected to have a more significant effect on financial results [4] Group 3: Growth Strategies and Acquisitions - The company is pursuing growth through strategic acquisitions, including the $4.1 billion acquisition of Solventum's Purification & Filtration business, which is expected to enhance capabilities in biologics development and manufacturing [6] - The acquisition is projected to deliver $125 million in adjusted operating income benefits over the next five years through revenue synergies and cost efficiencies [6] - Strategic alliances, such as collaboration with the Chan Zuckerberg Institute for Advanced Biological Imaging and a 10-year virtual power purchasing agreement with X-ELIO, are part of the company's expansion strategy [7] Group 4: Stock Performance and Market Outlook - Over the past year, TMO shares have declined by 27.3%, compared to a 12.8% decline in the industry [8] - Despite current challenges, the company's focus on strategic acquisitions and partnerships, along with favorable end market performance, is expected to help the stock gain momentum in the future [8]

Core Insights - Amedisys is expected to benefit from valuable partnerships and acquisitions that will generate significant synergies in the upcoming quarters, while facing challenges from a dull macroeconomic environment and competitive pressures [2][4][6] Company Performance - Amedisys shares have increased by 5.9% over the past year, outperforming the industry growth of 3.4% and the S&P 500's growth of 11% [3] - The company has a market capitalization of $3.18 billion and an earnings yield of 5.1%, which is higher than the industry's 4.2% [3] Strategic Initiatives - Amedisys is expanding its business through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, including participation in a new Medicare alternative payment model aimed at supporting dementia patients [4] - The company has introduced advanced molecular testing in collaboration with Patient Choice Laboratories to enhance diagnostic accuracy and speed [4] Clinical Quality - Amedisys has achieved an average Quality of Patient Care star rating of 4.18, with 88% of its care centers receiving 4 stars or higher, and 11 centers achieving a perfect 5-star rating [5][7] - The Patient Satisfaction star average stands at 4.02, exceeding the industry average [5] Market Challenges - The company faces macroeconomic pressures, including high labor costs due to inflation, which are expected to persist through 2025 [6] - Amedisys operates in a fragmented market with intense competition from local and hospital-owned providers, impacting its growth potential [8] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Amedisys' 2025 earnings per share has decreased by 0.4% to $4.90, while the revenue estimate is projected at $2.46 billion, reflecting a 4.6% increase from the previous year [9]