IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV) is one of the 10 best life sciences stocks to buy according to hedge funds. On February 19, Jailendra Singh from Truist Financial reiterated his Buy rating for IQVIA Holdings Inc. (NYSE:IQV). He lowered the price target on the stock from $290 to $274, which still offers an impressive upside potential of more than 65% despite the revision. IQVIA Holdings Inc. (IQV) Offers Impressive Upside Despite AI-Linked Threats Singh’s price target revision followed the company’s fourth ...

Core Viewpoint - Icon (ICLR) stock experienced a significant decline following the announcement of an internal investigation into its accounting practices, particularly concerning potential revenue recognition issues from 2023 to 2025 [1] Group 1: Internal Investigation - The internal investigation is focused on potential revenue recognition issues that may have led to an overstatement of revenue by less than 2% for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 [1] - As a result of the investigation, Icon has withdrawn its earnings guidance for 2025 [1] Group 2: Market Reaction - Following the news, Icon's stock plummeted, reflecting investor concerns regarding the implications of the accounting investigation [1] - The overall market sentiment was negative, with stocks falling for the week, including major companies [1]

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Core Insights - Medpace Holdings, Inc. reported a significant increase in revenue and net income for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, indicating strong business performance and growth potential. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q4 2025 increased by 32.0% to $708.5 million, compared to $536.6 million in Q4 2024. On a constant currency basis, revenue grew by 31.4% [2][3] - For the full year 2025, revenue rose by 20.0% to $2,530.2 million from $2,109.1 million in 2024, with a constant currency increase of 19.7% [7][9] - GAAP net income for Q4 2025 was $135.1 million, or $4.67 per diluted share, up from $117.0 million, or $3.67 per diluted share in Q4 2024. The net income margin was 19.1% for Q4 2025 compared to 21.8% in Q4 2024 [5][9] - Full year GAAP net income for 2025 was $451.1 million, or $15.28 per diluted share, compared to $404.4 million, or $12.63 per diluted share in 2024, resulting in a net income margin of 17.8% for 2025 versus 19.2% for 2024 [9][10] Operational Metrics - The backlog as of December 31, 2025, increased by 4.3% to $3,027.2 million from $2,902.2 million as of December 31, 2024. Net new business awards were $736.6 million, with a net book-to-bill ratio of 1.04x for Q4 2025 [3][8] - Total direct costs for Q4 2025 were $503.1 million, compared to $358.3 million in Q4 2024. SG&A expenses were $44.9 million in Q4 2025, slightly down from $45.4 million in Q4 2024 [4][8] EBITDA Analysis - EBITDA for Q4 2025 increased by 20.0% to $160.2 million, representing 22.6% of revenue, compared to $133.5 million, or 24.9% of revenue in Q4 2024. On a constant currency basis, EBITDA grew by 23.2% [6][10] - For the full year 2025, EBITDA rose by 16.1% to $557.7 million, or 22.0% of revenue, compared to $480.2 million, or 22.8% of revenue in 2024. On a constant currency basis, EBITDA increased by 17.6% [10][29] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - As of December 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $497.0 million, with the company generating $192.7 million in cash flow from operating activities during Q4 2025 [11] - The company repurchased 2,961,924 shares for a total of $912.9 million during the full year 2025, with $821.7 million remaining under its authorized share repurchase program as of December 31, 2025 [11] 2026 Financial Guidance - The company forecasts 2026 revenue in the range of $2.755 billion to $2.855 billion, representing growth of 8.9% to 12.8% over 2025 revenue. GAAP net income for 2026 is projected to be between $487.0 million and $511.0 million [13][29]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - Australia is recognized for its mature R&D ecosystem, established regulatory pathways, and cost-effective clinical trial environment for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT) products [4][5][6] - The country has over 160 ongoing industry CAGT trials, with a focus on oncology, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular conditions [9][12] - IQVIA is highlighted as a leading Contract Research Organization (CRO) in Australia, providing comprehensive support for CAGT products from pre-clinical to post-marketing stages [24][29] Summary by Sections Why Australia for CAGT Trials? - Australia offers a cost-effective and mature clinical research infrastructure, with high-quality data accepted by global regulators [5][6] - The regulatory framework allows for rapid trial initiation and approvals, with minimal documentation required [7][11] - The favorable AUD exchange rate and R&D tax incentives contribute to lower trial costs compared to the U.S. [7] Mature R&D Ecosystem - Australia hosts over 160 ongoing CAGT trials, with a robust clinical research infrastructure and experienced investigators [9][11] - The country has established treatment centers for complex therapies, including CAR-T, and offers end-to-end support from CDMO partners [10][11] Established and Favorable Regulatory Pathway - The Clinical Trial Notification (CTN) process allows for a fast regulatory start-up, typically taking around 7 to 10 days [14][17] - The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) does not evaluate clinical trial data under the CTN scheme, focusing instead on product safety [18] IQVIA, the Leading CRO in Australia - IQVIA provides a local presence with global capabilities, supporting CAGT trials through a network of sites and a dedicated study management team [26][28] - The organization has participated in the clinical development of 17 approved CAGT products, showcasing its expertise in the field [33] Global Reach and Local Impact - IQVIA's capabilities allow for seamless integration of new countries into multi-regional development plans for CAGT products [26][30] - The company offers a comprehensive strategy for commercialization, policy shaping, and stakeholder engagement [29]

White Paper Optimizing Early-Phase Clinical Trials for Rapid, Evidence- Based Decision Making Leveraging the rapidly evolving design and delivery strategies to safely accelerate molecule advancement ELIZABETH ALLEN, PhD, Vice-President, Early Phase Development Centre of Excellence, Scientific Strategy RAYMOND COOK, MD, Vice President, Medical Strategy for Early Phase Development JOANNE EMANUEL, Senior Director, Clinical Project Management, Early Phase JOCHEN ZESCHKY, Senior Therapeutic Strategy Lead Directo ...

Core Insights - Giverny Capital Asset Management's portfolio returned 0.01% in Q4 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's 2.66% return, and YTD returns were 12.58% compared to the Index's 17.88% [1] - The firm faced challenges due to underweighting in large technology companies and overweighting in smaller niche leaders, despite portfolio companies showing strong earnings growth [1] - The market's focus on AI investments has overshadowed the actual benefits of portfolio companies, which excel in capital returns [1] Company Focus: Medpace Holdings, Inc. - Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) was highlighted as a leading contributor, with a one-month return of 3.86% and a 52-week gain of 69.86% [2] - As of January 29, 2026, Medpace's stock closed at $593.07, with a market capitalization of $16.706 billion [2] - The stock experienced volatility due to fears of funding drying up for biopharmaceutical trials but rebounded as funding remained stable; the company also repurchased about 9% of its shares earlier in the year [3] Market Position and Financial Performance - Medpace Holdings, Inc. was held by 43 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, an increase from 42 in the previous quarter [4] - The company reported revenue of $659.9 million in Q3 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 23.7% [4] - Despite acknowledging Medpace's potential, the firm believes certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - ICON plc has announced a significant expansion of its oncology research capabilities through the opening of the Brian Moran Cancer Institute at Duly Health and Care in Illinois, enhancing support for oncology clinical trials and patient access to innovative cancer treatments [1] Company Summary - The new Brian Moran Cancer Institute is part of ICON plc's Accellacare Site Network, which aims to strengthen its oncology research capabilities [1] - The institute features 14 medical oncologists and three radiation oncologists, indicating a robust team dedicated to cancer treatment [1]

Core Viewpoint - The investment strategies have shown positive returns for the year, with a focus on long-term performance over short-term results [2][5]. Performance Summary - Large Cap Composite (Gross) returned -1.4% QTD, 8.5% YTD, and 10.4% annualized since inception [3][22]. - Small Cap Composite (Gross) returned 3.4% QTD, 10.3% YTD, and 8.3% annualized since inception [3][31]. - Focus Composite (Gross) returned 0.2% QTD, 7.5% YTD, and 14.3% annualized since inception [3][36]. - All Cap Composite (Gross) returned 1.5% QTD, 11.5% YTD, and 11.1% annualized since inception [3][53]. Market Environment - The current market resembles the late 1990s, with concerns about overvaluation and a focus on AI-related stocks [5][6][7]. - AI is seen as a transformative technology, similar to the Internet, but caution is advised regarding valuations [7][9]. Investment Strategy - The company emphasizes buying only those companies with stable values, often waiting for them to become discounted enough for investment [10][12]. - The portfolio has shifted towards more healthcare and insurance-related businesses, with a focus on smaller companies outside the top 10 largest market capitalizations [11][12]. Notable Holdings - Medpace (MEDP) has shown significant growth, with a stock price increase of over 73% for the year, driven by strong free cash flow and share repurchases [13][14]. - Ryan Specialty Holdings Inc. is highlighted for its robust growth and stable margins, despite facing a short-term pricing cycle [24][25][38]. - TransUnion is recognized for its strong operating margins and successful diversification beyond credit reports [26][38]. Performance Contributors and Detractors - Alphabet Inc. and Salesforce Inc. were significant contributors to performance, while CoStar Group and Microsoft Corporation were notable detractors [37][46]. - Fiserv Inc. was a material detractor due to downward guidance and strategic shifts in its business model [30][46]. Market Trends - The small-cap sector has lagged behind large-cap returns, presenting potential opportunities for investment as it is often overlooked [15]. - The dominance of large-cap stocks in market returns continues, with the top 10 S&P 500 stocks accounting for over 50% of its return in 2025 [16].

Group 1 - GreensKeeper Asset Management's Value Fund achieved a +4.0% gain in Q3 2025, with a year-to-date return of +0.2% net of fees and expenses [1] - The US dollar negatively impacted performance by -3.7% year-to-date [1] - The market rally in 2025 was primarily driven by AI, cryptocurrency, and speculative investments [1] Group 2 - ICON Public Limited Company (NASDAQ:ICLR) was highlighted as a significant stock, with a one-month return of 14.89% and a 52-week loss of 10.74% [2] - As of December 16, 2025, ICON's stock closed at $182.45 per share, with a market capitalization of $14.19 billion [2] - ICON was the second top contributor to the fund's performance in Q3 2025, with a return of +20.3% [3] - The company was initially purchased due to concerns over tariff exposures and potential reductions in pharmaceutical R&D investment, but the market's reaction was deemed excessively punitive [3] - Despite uncertainties regarding ICON's 2025 earnings, the company's strong execution track record and its role in pharmaceutical R&D were expected to help it navigate challenging conditions [3]