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FINWIRES

Research Alert: CFRA Maintains Hold Opinion On Shares Of Kimberly-clark Corp

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-- CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:

We lower our 12-month price target by $6 to $104, 14x our 2026 EPS estimate (from 16x), a discount to its 19x five-year average forward multiple, reflecting integration risks stemming from the acquisition of Kenvue Inc. (KVUE 17 ***). We lower our 2026 EPS estimate to $7.45 from $7.56 and keep 2027's at $6.31. Following Q1 results, we maintain our Hold rating, reflecting a balanced assessment of operational momentum, with adjusted EPS of $1.97 beating the $1.95 consensus estimate, against a conservative full-year outlook. Management maintained organic sales growth guidance despite the Q1 beat, disappointing investors that expected an upward revision. Operating margin contracted 60 bps as higher operational and raw material costs offset productivity gains. Additionally, the KVUE acquisition introduces integration risks, having received shareholder approval but still pending regulatory approval. At current levels, we see balanced risk/reward and would become more constructive if management raised guidance.

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Mining & Metals

Bausch Health Q1 Adjusted Earnings, Revenue, Advance, Beating Estimates

Bausch Health (BHC.TO) up 3.6% in after-hours New York trade, after the company on Wednesday said its first-quarter adjusted earnings and revenue both rose, beating estimates.Adjusted net income, which excludes most one-time items, rose to US$296 million, or US$0.78 per share, from US$220 million, or US$0.59, in the prior-year period. Analysts polled by FactSet had expected US$0.67 per share.Consolidated revenue jumped 12% to US$2.52 billion, beating the US$2.4 billion FactSet forecast.Bausch Health maintained its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance of US$5.25 billion to US$5.4 billion and adjusted EBITDA of US$2.875 billion to US$2.95 billion, both excluding Bausch + Lomb."Our first quarter performance marks twelve consecutive periods of year-over-year growth in revenue, adjusted EBITDA for Bausch Health excluding Bausch + Lomb, reflecting strategic execution and disciplined accountability across our organization. We continue to invest in our pipeline, including the advancement of larsucosterol to treat alcohol-associated hepatitis, while pursuing business development opportunities aligned with our strategic priorities. With this momentum, we reaffirm our full-year 2026 outlook and remain focused on driving sustainable performance and shareholder value," said chief executive Thomas Appio.Bausch Health shares were last seen up US$0.20, to US$5.79 in after-hours trade. They closed down $0.11 to $7.66 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

$BHC$BHC.TO
Research

Research Alert: CFRA Raises Opinion On Shares Of Penske Automotive Group To Hold From Sell

CFRA, an independent research provider, has providedwith the following research alert. Analysts at CFRA have summarized their opinion as follows:We increase our 12-month target by $25 to $170, based on a 2027 P/E of 11.8x, a premium to the stock's 10-year forward P/E of 9.8x. We lower our EPS estimates to $13.40 from $13.85 for 2026 and to $14.35 from $15.00 for 2027. However, we are raising our price target and our rating to Hold from Sell. This morning, PAG posted Q1 adjusted EPS of $3.05 vs. $3.59 (-15%), ahead of the $2.88 consensus. The beat was driven by a stronger-than-expected top line, as revenue fell 1.1% to $7.86B ($150M ahead of consensus) and gross margin contracted 10 bps to 16.5% (10 bps short of consensus). While we continue to view the stock's valuation as full and prefer other names in the auto dealership space, currency has provided a significant earnings tailwind for PAG given its significant international exposure, allowing it to exceed Street expectations. Additionally, the company continues to return cash to shareholders in the form of buybacks and dividends, helping support EPS amid demand-related headwinds.

$PAG
Mining & Metals

Earnings Flash (CS.TO) Capstone 2026 Production Guidance of 200,000-230,000 Tonnes Copper and C1 Cash Costs Guidance of US$2.45-$2.75 Per Payable Pound Unchanged

$CS.TO