Is Bausch Health stock a buy right now?
Bausch Health Companies Inc. (BHC), a diversified healthcare firm based in Laval, Quebec, currently trades at about $5.20 USD per share with an average daily volume of 2.53 million shares. Despite a challenging year marked by a 37% decline in share price, Bausch Health has recently delivered encouraging operational progress: for full-year 2024, revenue grew 10% to $9.63 billion and adjusted EBITDA climbed 10%. Notable segment strength includes the Solta Medical division, up 34% in Q4, and new product approvals like Thermage FLX from Health Canada, which further support the company’s innovation-driven recovery. The recent large investment by well-known activist Carl Icahn indicates considerable institutional interest and may catalyze further strategic transformation. While the stock’s technical indicators remain mixed and reflect a cautious medium-term stance, sentiment among analysts is gradually improving. In a dynamic pharmaceutical sector where innovation and diversification are critical, Bausch Health stands out for its resilience and ongoing turnaround efforts. The consensus target price—reflecting the view of over 32 national and international banks—is set at $7.16, suggesting significant room for recovery should recent momentum be sustained. Given these factors, investors seeking quality healthcare exposure may wish to keep a close watch on Bausch Health’s evolution.
- Seven consecutive quarters of year-over-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth.
- Strong Q4 performance: Solta Medical revenue up 34%, supporting portfolio diversification.
- Recent Health Canada clearance for Thermage FLX enhances aesthetic business prospects.
- Low price-to-sales ratio of 0.21 may signal deep fundamental value.
- Significant institutional interest after Carl Icahn's 34% stake acquisition.
- Continued negative GAAP earnings in 2024 reflects ongoing financial restructuring.
- Share price remains below long-term averages with technical signals still mixed.
- What is Bausch Health?
- How much is Bausch Health stock?
- Our full analysis on Bausch Health </b>stock
- How to buy Bausch Health stock in Canada?
- Our 7 tips for buying Bausch Health stock
- The latest news about Bausch Health
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Bausch Health’s performance for more than three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us to interpret market trends and identify promising investment opportunities. Our analyses are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. In line with our ethical standards, we have never received, and will never accept, compensation from Bausch Health.
What is Bausch Health?
Indicator | Value | Analysis |
---|---|---|
🏳️ Nationality | Canada | Headquartered in Laval, Bausch Health is a Canadian-based global pharmaceutical company. |
💼 Market | NYSE | Listed on the New York Stock Exchange; accessible to Canadian and U.S. investors. |
🏛️ ISIN code | CA0717341071 | Unique identifier for Bausch Health shares on global financial markets. |
👤 CEO | Thomas J. Appio | CEO since 2022, focusing on multi-segment growth and operational turnaround. |
🏢 Market cap | $1.92 billion USD | Relatively small for the sector, highlighting recent share price declines and turnaround risk. |
📈 Revenue | $9.63 billion USD (2024 full year) | Double-digit annual growth shows resilience and strong performance in core segments. |
💹 EBITDA | $3.31 billion USD (2024) | Healthy EBITDA margin indicates significant operating profitability and earnings quality. |
📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | N/A (negative EPS) | No P/E due to annual net loss; profitability remains a key concern for investors. |
How much is Bausch Health stock?
The price of Bausch Health stock is falling this week. As of now, BHC shares trade at $5.20, down 5.54% in the past 24 hours and 6.58% lower over the past week. The company’s market capitalization stands at $1.92 billion, with an average daily volume of 2.53 million shares over the last three months. Bausch Health’s P/E ratio is not available due to recent negative earnings, and there is no dividend yield offered at this time. The stock’s beta of 0.43 indicates lower volatility than the broader market. This relatively stable profile may appeal to Canadian investors seeking exposure to healthcare, though recent price declines suggest careful monitoring is warranted.
Compare the best brokers in Canada!Compare brokersOur full analysis on Bausch Health stock
Having thoroughly examined Bausch Health's latest financials, historical performance over the past three years, and synthesized numerous data points—including financial indicators, technical momentum, and peer group analysis—via proprietary quantitative models, our attention is firmly drawn to this stock’s risk/reward profile in the specialty pharmaceuticals sector. Significant shifts in Bausch Health’s fundamentals and recent top-tier market interest call for a closer look at both the operational turnaround and the technical levels currently emerging. So, why might Bausch Health stock once again become a strategic entry point into the healthcare innovation space in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
While Bausch Health (NYSE: BHC) has seen pronounced volatility, recent developments suggest the stock is approaching a potentially compelling inflection point for value-driven investors. Following a year-to-date decline of -32.79% and a one-year drop of -37.03%, BHC is currently trading at $5.20—considerably below its 52-week high of $9.85 and only marginally above its 52-week low of $3.96. This retracement is even more striking given the acceleration in revenues and margin expansion witnessed across its core segments in 2024.
Notably, the recent economic stake taken by renowned activist investor Carl Icahn (approximately 34%) has re-energized sentiment around the stock, increasing institutional scrutiny and putting the spotlight on operational efficiencies and strategic realignment. In tandem, Health Canada’s green light for Thermage FLX should reinforce the company’s positioning in the high-growth, high-margin aesthetic device market—one of the most promising subsectors in healthcare.
From a macro standpoint, defensive healthcare names are increasingly attractive as volatility rises across cyclicals and growth slows in other industries, making Bausch Health’s sectoral placement especially relevant for Canadian and international portfolios heading into 2025.
Technical Analysis
Bausch Health’s technical landscape is a study in contrasts, with both near-term pressure and the groundwork for a possible reversal. The current price of $5.20 positions BHC below all major moving averages (20-day EMA at $5.36, 50-day EMA at $6.04, 100-day EMA at $6.60, 200-day EMA at $6.84), signaling residual medium-term bearishness. Momentum oscillators are mixed: the 14-day RSI registers a neutral 47.46, suggesting neither overbought nor oversold conditions, while the MACD at -0.32 confirms the absence of immediate upward acceleration.
Interestingly, the stochastic indicator is flashing an overbought reading (96.56), which—when short-term support levels at $5.19, $5.26, and $5.35 are maintained—could imply that selling may soon be exhausted, preparing the ground for a technical rebound. ADX at 25.42 reflects moderate trend strength, setting the stage for buyers to assert themselves should fundamentals improve. In summary, the tight clustering of current price action above key technical supports offers nimble traders and patient investors alike a clear reference framework for risk management and opportunistic accumulation.
Fundamental Analysis
Bausch Health’s 2024 operational results highlight a resurgent growth narrative, underpinned by double-digit increases in both revenue and EBITDA. Full-year revenues grew 10% to $9.63 billion (8% organic), and adjusted EBITDA expanded by 10% to $3.31 billion—marking the seventh consecutive quarter with positive year-over-year growth. The company’s diversified platform is central to this performance:
- Bausch + Lomb contributed 45% of segment revenue, advancing 16% YoY.
- Salix (gastroenterology, particularly Xifaxan®) drove 4% annual growth with a robust 16% surge in Q4.
- Solta Medical surged 27% in 2024, and an exceptional 34% in Q4, propelled by international demand and innovation pipelines.
- International and diversified units, while facing pockets of volatility, demonstrated steady progress and resilience.
Despite reporting a GAAP net loss of $46 million for the year, the company generated $93 million in net income in Q4, pointing to improving core profitability trends. At current valuations, key ratios signal an undervalued asset: price/sales stands at a remarkably low 0.21, and the forward P/E ratio is only 1.29—levels rarely available in established mid-cap healthcare names. The EV/EBITDA multiple of 7.96 is at a meaningful discount to sector comparables and historical averages, providing a tangible margin of safety for long-term repositioning.
Structural strengths further reinforce the thesis:
- Innovation pipeline: The successful rollout of Thermage FLX and strong growth in aesthetic and specialty pharma products highlight R&D vitality.
- Brand leadership: Bausch + Lomb enjoys global recognition in vision care and surgical markets.
- Market positioning: The company’s presence in non-cyclical healthcare segments offers sustainable cash flow and buffers returns through economic cycles.
Volume and Liquidity
Average daily trading volume stands at roughly 2.53 million shares, ensuring robust liquidity and minimal execution risk for institutional and retail participants alike. The market capitalization of $1.92 billion provides enough float for active trading dynamics, while the relatively modest share price amplifies the impact of positive catalysts and attracts tactical buyers seeking dynamic valuation reratings.
Renewed interest from notable investors, combined with healthy trading activity, suggests confidence in the likelihood of near-term developments favorable to shareholder value. Consistency in trading volumes further establishes BHC as a reliable participant in the North American specialty pharma arena, keeping bid-ask spreads narrow and facilitating quick portfolio adjustments.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Several elements underpin the case for optimism around Bausch Health in 2025 and beyond:
- Product innovation and regulatory milestones: Recent approval of Thermage FLX by Health Canada is poised to accelerate international market penetration and margin accretion in the aesthetics segment, historically a high-growth vector.
- Activist engagement: Carl Icahn’s acquisition of a sizable economic interest paves the way for constructive shareholder engagement, possible cost-cutting, and renewed focus on value-creating strategic moves.
- Operational momentum: Seven consecutive quarters of revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth clearly reflect management’s disciplined execution and strategic clarity.
- Geographic and segment diversification: Revenue stability and growth from core platforms (Bausch + Lomb, Salix) shield the company from localized pressures and foster long-term resilience.
- Industry tailwinds: Secular demand for healthcare, vision care, and non-invasive aesthetic procedures is expected to accelerate globally. In a climate where regulatory and demographic trends drive healthcare consumption, Bausch Health’s offerings are well aligned for steady, long-term uptake.
- Potential for value-unlocking events: Ongoing asset rationalizations, innovative partnerships, further product launches, or even M&A activity catalyzed by activist involvement could precipitate swift reratings from current multiples.
Investment Strategies
Bausch Health’s current technical configuration and improving underlying business trends suggest multiple strategies may merit consideration:
- Short-term positioning: With price consolidating above strong support zones ($5.19–$5.35), tactical entries could leverage low-risk setups ahead of anticipated positive news on the regulatory or strategic front. Intraday and swing traders may find attractive setups as technical momentum aligns with bullish catalysts.
- Medium-term perspectives: Upcoming quarterly releases and additional product rollouts may act as immediate valuation triggers. Consensus analyst target prices ($8.25) and calculated premium projections ($7.16) indicate possible upside of 35–60%, reinforcing the case for accumulation as fundamental trends unfold.
- Long-term investment: For those seeking portfolio exposure to the global healthcare innovation cycle, Bausch Health offers compelling value at present levels. The convergence of strong revenue growth, operational discipline, new products, and the engagement of seasoned activist investors augurs well for a multi-year rerating cycle, especially if debt metrics and profitability continue to improve.
Ideal entry scenarios may be found while the stock remains near its technical lows, optimizing longer-term risk/reward as catalysts build.
Is It the Right Time to Buy Bausch Health?
A comprehensive review reveals that Bausch Health embodies several characteristics synonymous with value and turnaround plays at attractive entry points:
- A marked disconnect between negative sentiment (and technical weakness) and accelerating fundamental improvement;
- Serial revenue and EBITDA growth, driven by innovation, international expansion, and flagship assets like Bausch + Lomb, Salix, and Solta Medical;
- Compelling valuation multiples, with price/sales and forward P/E ratios deeply discounted relative to both the sector and historical norms;
- Robust liquidity and increasing institutional interest, underscoring a market environment receptive to positive surprises;
- Clear external catalysts, from new product launches to activist strategic engagement, enhancing the probability of significant value-unlocking events in the near term.
While no investment is ever without risk, the convergence of strong operational momentum, strategic product development, and discounted valuation strongly suggests that Bausch Health may be entering a new bullish phase. The fundamentals justify renewed interest at current levels, and the blend of technical and fundamental factors seems to represent an excellent opportunity for those looking to capitalize on a potentially transformative period for this Canadian diversified healthcare leader.
For investors with an eye for quality turnarounds and innovation-driven growth, Bausch Health stands out as a name to watch—one poised for renewed conviction as the healthcare sector continues its march forward.
How to buy Bausch Health stock in Canada?
Buying Bausch Health Companies Inc. (BHC) stock online is a straightforward and secure process for Canadian investors when using a regulated brokerage platform. Whether you’re aiming for long-term ownership or prefer active trading, you can choose between buying shares outright (spot buying) or trading them as Contracts for Difference (CFDs). Both methods have their unique advantages and risks, making it important to understand which suits your goals best. For a detailed side-by-side look at the most competitive brokers for buying Bausch Health stock in Canada, be sure to check out our comparison further down the page.
Spot Buying
A cash purchase of Bausch Health stock means you are buying shares outright on the stock market and becoming a direct shareholder. This method is ideal for investors seeking long-term exposure to potential value appreciation and voting rights. Most Canadian brokers charge a fixed commission per order, typically ranging from $5 to $10 CAD, regardless of the number of shares.
Example
Suppose the current Bausch Health share price is $5.20 USD, and you invest $1,000 CAD (approximately $725 USD as of recent exchange rates). With a brokerage fee of about $5 CAD, you can purchase roughly 139 shares ($725 ÷ $5.20 = 139.4, rounded down to 139).
✔️ Gain Scenario: If the share price rises by 10% to $5.72 USD, your shares are now worth about $794 (139 × $5.72).
Result: +$72 gross gain in USD terms (~+10%), before any exchange rate impacts or taxes.
Trading via CFD
CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on Bausch Health’s stock price movements—up or down—without owning the underlying shares. CFDs are flexible instruments that enable both long (buy) and short (sell) positions, and they grant access to leverage, amplifying both potential returns and risks. Instead of traditional commission fees, brokers charge a spread (the difference between buy and sell prices) and may apply overnight financing charges if you hold positions after market close.
Example
With a $1,000 CAD deposit, you open a CFD position on Bausch Health shares using 5x leverage, giving you exposure to $5,000 worth of stock.
✔️ Gain Scenario: If the stock price rises by 8%, your position earns 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +$400 gain on your $1,000 deposit, before accounting for spreads and any overnight fees.
Final Advice
Before investing, it’s essential to compare brokers’ fees, trading platforms, research tools, and available account types, as these can directly impact your returns and experience. The most suitable method—spot buying or CFD trading—depends entirely on your investment strategy, risk tolerance, and timeframe. To help you make an informed decision, our comprehensive broker comparison is available further down this page. Take your time to assess your objectives and choose the path that aligns with your financial goals.
Our 7 tips for buying Bausch Health stock
📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Bausch Health |
---|---|
Analyze the market | Review the recent 37% price decline and negative medium-term technical indicators for Bausch Health; focus on understanding why fundamentals have improved—such as 10% revenue growth and strong Q4 segment performance—despite the bearish technical trend. |
Choose the right trading platform | Select a Canadian broker that provides direct access to the NYSE, low commissions, and advanced research tools so you can monitor BHC in US dollars and take advantage of real-time data. |
Define your investment budget | Allocate only a portion of your portfolio to Bausch Health, considering its historical volatility, high debt levels, and potential for further price swings; diversification within the healthcare sector is recommended. |
Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Given Bausch Health's demonstrated revenue growth and strategic investments in products like Thermage FLX, consider a long-term approach while remaining agile if the company shows signs of turnaround in fundamentals and sentiment. |
Monitor news and financial results | Pay close attention to Bausch Health’s quarterly earnings, product launches, and any developments linked to major investors like Carl Icahn, as these events can significantly impact the stock’s momentum and outlook. |
Use risk management tools | Utilize stop-loss and trailing stop orders to protect capital, especially as Bausch Health trades below key moving averages and the technical picture remains mixed; this helps mitigate losses from sudden downward movements. |
Sell at the right time | Consider taking profits if the stock reaches resistance levels (such as $5.50 or $5.66) or if upcoming news leads to a spike in price; reassess your position if technical indicators or financial results shift the risk/reward balance unfavourably. |
The latest news about Bausch Health
Bausch Health secured Health Canada’s clearance for Thermage FLX, expanding its Canadian medical aesthetics portfolio. This recent regulatory approval of Thermage FLX, an advanced radiofrequency device for non-invasive skin tightening, reinforces Bausch Health’s position within the high-growth Canadian aesthetic devices market. The clearance not only enables direct targeting of Canadian clinics and consumers—with potential for rapid revenue contribution—but also underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and local market adaptation. With Canada as Bausch Health’s global headquarters, positive local regulatory decisions carry extra weight for both national operations and investor perception.
Seven consecutive quarters of year-over-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA growth highlight operational resilience and strong segment momentum. Reporting a 10% annual revenue increase and segment highlights such as a 34% Q4 growth in Solta Medical and a 16% increase in the Salix segment’s Xifaxan sales, Bausch Health is demonstrating the effectiveness of its strategic focus on specialties with notable Canadian market presence. This track record of growth, particularly in high-value categories relevant to Canadian healthcare providers and patients, signals healthy underlying business drivers despite recent share price volatility.
The entry of Carl Icahn, with an approximate 34% stake, signals renewed activist interest and potential positive strategic shifts. Icahn’s significant economic interest in Bausch Health, confirmed during the past week, is seen as a constructive signal by Canadian financial circles. Known for catalyzing value-unlocking changes, Icahn’s involvement can lead to sharpened corporate discipline, strategic asset reviews, or governance reforms. His history of engagement with Canadian and international firms often aligns with improved shareholder outcomes, bolstering medium-term confidence despite current technical challenges.
Bausch Health remains a key Canadian employer and innovator, with headquarters in Laval and approximately 20,700 staff globally. For Canadian investors, Bausch Health’s status as a homegrown multinational—anchored in Québec—includes benefits such as local research investment, high-value employment, and strategic collaborations in the national pharma and medtech sectors. This local economic footprint increases the stock’s relevance for Canadian institutional and retail investors alike, particularly amid ongoing debates about fostering domestic healthcare innovation and global competitiveness.
Recent analyst consensus maintains a “hold” rating with an $8.25 target, suggesting significant upside from current levels. Despite recent declines, the analyst-sourced consensus target implies a potential price rebound of nearly 60%, based on improving fundamentals and catalysts such as product launches and activist engagement. While the technical outlook remains cautious and broader market conditions create headwinds, professional analysts continue to recognize Bausch Health’s underlying potential and value proposition within the context of the Canadian equity landscape.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Bausch Health stock?
Bausch Health stock does not currently pay a dividend. The last dividend was distributed in November 2010, and there have been no further payouts since. Investors should note that the company currently focuses on reinvesting earnings to support growth and manage financial obligations rather than returning capital via dividends, which is a common strategy in the pharmaceutical sector when prioritizing expansion and product innovation.
What is the forecast for Bausch Health stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the latest share price of $5.20, the projected values are: $6.76 at the end of 2025, $7.80 at the end of 2026, and $10.40 at the end of 2027. This optimistic outlook is supported by the company’s continued revenue growth, strong performance in its Solta Medical and Salix segments, and new product approvals—factors which could help Bausch Health regain positive momentum if sustained.
Should I sell my Bausch Health shares?
Holding on to Bausch Health shares could be worthwhile, given the company’s demonstrated resilience and ongoing revenue growth despite recent price declines. The low Price/Sales ratio suggests an undervalued stock relative to sector peers, and strategic investments in high-growth segments have delivered improving financial results. With a diversified business model and notable investor interest, holding may be appropriate for those with a medium- to long-term perspective.
Are Bausch Health shares eligible for Canadian registered accounts or subject to any special taxation?
Yes, Bausch Health shares are eligible for inclusion in Canadian registered accounts such as RRSPs and TFSAs. Since Bausch Health is a Canadian company, capital gains realized within these accounts are sheltered from tax, and there is currently no dividend to trigger withholding tax. Investors should be aware that any profits made outside registered accounts are subject to standard Canadian capital gains rules.
What is the latest dividend for Bausch Health stock?
Bausch Health stock does not currently pay a dividend. The last dividend was distributed in November 2010, and there have been no further payouts since. Investors should note that the company currently focuses on reinvesting earnings to support growth and manage financial obligations rather than returning capital via dividends, which is a common strategy in the pharmaceutical sector when prioritizing expansion and product innovation.
What is the forecast for Bausch Health stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the latest share price of $5.20, the projected values are: $6.76 at the end of 2025, $7.80 at the end of 2026, and $10.40 at the end of 2027. This optimistic outlook is supported by the company’s continued revenue growth, strong performance in its Solta Medical and Salix segments, and new product approvals—factors which could help Bausch Health regain positive momentum if sustained.
Should I sell my Bausch Health shares?
Holding on to Bausch Health shares could be worthwhile, given the company’s demonstrated resilience and ongoing revenue growth despite recent price declines. The low Price/Sales ratio suggests an undervalued stock relative to sector peers, and strategic investments in high-growth segments have delivered improving financial results. With a diversified business model and notable investor interest, holding may be appropriate for those with a medium- to long-term perspective.
Are Bausch Health shares eligible for Canadian registered accounts or subject to any special taxation?
Yes, Bausch Health shares are eligible for inclusion in Canadian registered accounts such as RRSPs and TFSAs. Since Bausch Health is a Canadian company, capital gains realized within these accounts are sheltered from tax, and there is currently no dividend to trigger withholding tax. Investors should be aware that any profits made outside registered accounts are subject to standard Canadian capital gains rules.