Health Care Roundup: Market Talk

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.

0929 ET - AstraZeneca has a strong research-and-development engine that is still running despite recent setbacks, which bodes well for the U.K. drugmaker's long-term outlook, Bernstein analysts say in a research note. Shares in AstraZeneca have been under pressure lately and some investors are debating whether its current woes are comparable to what Swiss peer Roche experienced between 2022 and 2025, when it was punished by the market after a series of disappointing trials, the analysts say. The breadth and depth of AstraZeneca's drug pipeline means those fears seem misplaced and the U.K. company is unlikely to share Roche's fate, the analysts add. Bernstein trims its target price on AstraZeneca to 198 pounds from 200 pounds. Shares rise 1% to 120.80 pounds. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)

2318 ET - Top Glove's earnings have likely peaked and could trend lower toward normalized levels in the coming quarters, says CIMB Securities analyst Chun Sung Oong in a note. While glove prices could remain elevated, they have already eased from their June peak, he reckons. Higher labor costs and a 39% increase in natural gas tariffs could also weigh on earnings. Oong raises Top Glove FY2027-FY2028 core net profit estimates by 1%-19%, after its FY2026 earnings beat estimates. CIMB raises Top Glove's target price to 0.70 ringgit from 0.63 ringgit, but keeps a reduce rating, citing an unfavorable industry outlook amid persistent global oversupply and intense competition from Chinese manufacturers. Shares are 1.7% higher at 0.89 ringgit. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)

2116 ET - Top Glove could post sequentially weaker fiscal 1Q earnings, as pricing power fades, natural gas costs rise, and tax benefits diminish, says Hong Leong IB analyst Chee Kok Siang in a note. Average selling prices are expected to decline from 4Q FY2026 levels, which were boosted by delayed shipments carrying higher May prices. Price increases in October and November may provide some support, but are unlikely to drive margins as strongly as in recent quarters amid a more balanced supply of nitrile rubber, he reckons. Chee raises Top Glove's FY2027-FY2028 earnings estimates by 4.1%-52.8% after its FY2026 earnings beat and raises the target price to 0.73 ringgit from 0.68 ringgit. However, Chee downgrades the stock's rating to sell from hold given concerns over structural oversupply. Shares are 5.7% higher at 0.93 ringgit. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)

2105 ET - Top Glove's improved earnings prospects are likely more than reflected in its share price following the recent rally, despite a more positive outlook for average selling prices, Maybank IB analyst Wong Wei Sum says in a note. Management guided higher average selling prices trend for October and November as Chinese glove makers show greater discipline and demand and supply become more balanced, she notes. Cost efficiencies should also support sustainable pretax margins of around 8%-12%, she says. However, potential minimum-wage increases could raise production costs. Wong raises Top Glove's FY2027-FY2028 earnings estimates by 113%-116%, as FY2026 earnings beat expectations. Maybank raises Top Glove's target price to 0.73 ringgit from 0.71 ringgit, while maintaining a sell rating. Shares are 2.3% higher at 0.90 ringgit. (yingxian.wong@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 07, 2026 12:20 ET (16:20 GMT)