The Zacks Medical - Dental Supplies industry in the Medical sector is likely to continue its upward momentum in 2026, backed by persistent innovation, an aging population with increasing healthcare needs and normalized orders following significant destocking since COVID-19.In 2026, the industry is likely to see continued adoption of digital services and AI-enabled assessment tools that enhance patient experience and reduce administrative burdens for physicians. These services support faster response times t ...

Industry Overview - The Zacks Medical - Dental Supplies industry is experiencing weakness due to rising U.S. tariffs on trading partners, particularly China, which are expected to impact sales through 2025 [1] - Demand for elective procedures in the U.S. is declining, affecting sales across various product lines, including CAD/CAM and imaging products [2] - The global dental industry is projected to reach $610.4 billion with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2032, indicating long-term growth potential despite current challenges [2] Major Trends - The aging population in the U.S. is a significant driver for the dental equipment market, with 55.8 million people aged 65 and above reported in 2020 [5] - Technological innovations such as CAD/CAM systems and AI diagnostics are enhancing treatment efficacy and expanding product use [6] - There is a growing emphasis on preventive care, leading to increased consumption of preventive dental products [6] - Trends towards minimally invasive and cosmetic dentistry are expanding market segments for specialized dental consumables [7] - Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific, are experiencing faster growth rates due to rising healthcare expenditure and improved access to care [8] Economic Impact - U.S. tariffs have significantly increased costs on essential imported dental items, with tariffs ranging from 10% to over 50%, leading to higher operational costs for manufacturers and distributors [10] - The industry is gradually shifting supply chains towards domestic production to mitigate tariff exposure, while dental associations are advocating for tariff exemptions [10] Industry Performance - The Zacks Medical Dental Supplies industry has underperformed compared to the broader sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 0.4% over the past year [13] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 16.05X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.7X and the sector's 18.4X [16] Company Insights - West Pharmaceutical is expected to sustain growth momentum through 2025, with projected revenues between $3.04 billion and $3.06 billion, reflecting an organic growth of 3-3.75% [22] - McKesson is experiencing strong operational momentum, with a projected revenue gain of 13.3% for fiscal 2025 [31] - Cardinal Health anticipates adjusted EPS in the range of $8.05-$8.15 for fiscal 2025, despite facing pricing pressures and inflationary impacts [37] - Cooper Companies expects revenue growth of approximately 5.7% for 2025, supported by strong demand in both CooperVision and CooperSurgical segments [43]