Zacks Research Upgrades Bausch Health Cos (NYSE:BHC) to “Hold”

Bausch Health Cos (NYSE:BHC) was upgraded by analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a note issued to investors on Thursday,Zacks.com reports. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Bausch Health Cos’ Q4 2026 earnings at $1.16 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $4.24 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $0.84 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.91 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $1.07 EPS, Q4 2027 earnings at $1.02 EPS, FY2027 earnings at $3.84 EPS, Q1 2028 earnings at $0.65 EPS, Q2 2028 earnings at $0.86 EPS and FY2028 earnings at $3.04 EPS.

Several other research firms have also weighed in on BHC. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Bausch Health Cos to a “hold” rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 22nd. Weiss Ratings upgraded Bausch Health Cos from a “sell (d-)” rating to a “sell (d)” rating in a research note on Friday, July 31st. Wall Street Zen raised Bausch Health Cos from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a report on Saturday, August 1st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on Bausch Health Cos from $10.00 to $9.00 and set a “sector perform” rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, April 27th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bausch Health Cos currently has a consensus rating of “Reduce” and a consensus price target of $8.00.

Bausch Health Cos Price Performance

BHC stock opened at $6.42 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 54.68. Bausch Health Cos has a 52-week low of $4.33 and a 52-week high of $8.00. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $5.36 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.46. The company has a market capitalization of $2.40 billion, a PE ratio of -2.17 and a beta of 0.38.

Bausch Health Cos (NYSE:BHC) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, July 29th. The company reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.96 by $0.30. The company had revenue of $2.83 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.59 billion. Bausch Health Cos had a negative net margin of 10.12% and a negative return on equity of 561.95%. Analysts predict that Bausch Health Cos will post 4.35 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Transactions at Bausch Health Cos

In related news, insider Aimee J. Lenar sold 36,827 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $7.03, for a total value of $258,893.81. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 334,853 shares in the company, valued at $2,354,016.59. This trade represents a 9.91% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. The transaction was executed under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. 20.67% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BHC. Public Employees Retirement System of Ohio acquired a new position in shares of Bausch Health Cos during the second quarter valued at $2,565,000. Bank of America Corp DE bought a new stake in shares of Bausch Health Cos during the second quarter valued at about $2,816,000. Paulson & CO. Inc. acquired a new stake in Bausch Health Cos in the second quarter worth about $361,151,000. Man Group plc acquired a new stake in Bausch Health Cos in the second quarter worth about $7,157,000. Finally, Biglari Capital CORP. bought a new position in Bausch Health Cos in the 2nd quarter valued at about $202,475,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.65% of the company’s stock.

Key Bausch Health Cos News

Here are the key news stories impacting Bausch Health Cos this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Upgraded to Buy: BHC was raised to Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reflecting improved expectations for the company’s earnings and potentially supporting further near-term gains. Bausch Upgraded to Buy
• Positive Sentiment: Higher earnings estimates: Zacks analysts raised forecasts across multiple periods, including FY2027 EPS to $3.84 from $3.59 and FY2028 EPS to $3.04 from $3.02. Estimates for several 2027 and 2028 quarters were also increased, reinforcing the view that earnings momentum could drive the stock higher. Rising Earnings Estimates
• Positive Sentiment: Bausch + Lomb growth thesis: An investment analysis highlighted 9% year-over-year revenue growth in the second quarter, margin expansion and strong operating cash flow. Growth in premium intraocular lenses and branded pharmaceuticals could improve product mix, EBITDA and cash generation while supporting deleveraging. Bausch Plus Lomb Analysis
• Neutral Sentiment: Despite the estimate increases, Zacks Research continues to rate BHC Strong Sell. The broader analyst consensus is “Reduce,” with an average price target of $8, indicating limited upside relative to current trading levels.
• Negative Sentiment: Insider Aimee Lenar sold 36,827 shares worth approximately $258,894 under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan. Although the scheduled nature reduces its significance, the transaction cut her direct holding by 9.91%. Insider Share Sale

Bausch Health Cos Company Profile

Bausch Health Cos Inc, formerly known as Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, is a global specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Laval, Quebec, Canada. The company operates through two primary segments: Ophthalmology, led by its Bausch + Lomb franchise, and Diversified Brands, which encompasses prescription dermatology, gastrointestinal, neurology and branded pharmaceutical products. Bausch Health develops, manufactures and markets a range of therapeutic and over-the-counter offerings designed to address conditions such as cataracts, dry eye, glaucoma, acne, rosacea, migraine and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Ophthalmology segment under the Bausch + Lomb name provides products for eye health, including prescription drops, contact lens care solutions, intraocular lenses, surgical instruments and diagnostic devices.