OPKO Health, Inc. has taken a significant step in its corporate trajectory by striking a deal with Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Inc.which is popularly known as Labcorp. The agreement entails the acquisition of select assets of BioReference Health, a subsidiary of OPKO Health, by Labcorp.
Closing the transaction is anticipated in the latter half of 2024, pending the fulfillment of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
The assets to be procured from OPKO Health currently contribute roughly $100 million in annual revenues.
This strategic move is poised to bolster OPKO Health’s presence in the biopharmaceutical domain.
Strategic Impetus Behind the Deal
Through this acquisition, Labcorp will integrate BioReference Health’s laboratory testing operations, focusing on clinical diagnostics and reproductive and women’s health across the United States, excluding New York and New Jersey. The deal encompasses patient service centers, specific customer contracts, and operational assets.
Nevertheless, BioReference Health will retain its oncology and urology diagnostic services nationwide, maintaining full-fledged operations in New York and New Jersey.
OPKO Health management anticipates that the transaction will streamline its laboratory services substantially while preserving its core functions. Additionally, the deal valued at $237.5 million is expected to enhance OPK’s liquidity position. This financial upliftment should equip the company to position BioReference Health for sustained growth and profitability.
Labcorp’s leadership foresees that the recent asset acquisition will enhance patient accessibility and convenience nationwide, promising improved health outcomes for individuals.
Industry Outlook & Potential
According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global biopharmaceuticals market reached $915.6 million in 2022 and is projected to hit $2,332.57 million by 2030, registering a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 12.4%. Factors fuelling this growth include the escalating demand for personalized medicine and precision therapeutics, as well as increasing emphasis on rare diseases and orphan drugs.
Given this market potential, the recent pact is anticipated to aid OPKO Health in revitalizing profitability in its clinical laboratory segment.
Marked Progress
In February, OPKO Health unveiled its fourth-quarter 2023 results, affirming BioReference Health’s commitment to executing cost-curbing initiatives and enhancing productivity through innovation in its high-value specialty testing segments. The endeavor to restore this segment to profitability encompassed ventures into new markets and the targeting of new customer demographics, such as pharmaceutical enterprises.
Financial Performance & Stock Movement
Over the past year, the company’s shares have depreciated by 16.9%, in contrast to the medical instruments industry’s 10.9% ascent and the S&P 500’s 27.7% growth.

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Zacks Rank & Promising Selections
Presently, OPKO Health holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
In the broader medical domain, a couple of notable stocks are DaVita Inc.and Cardinal Health, Inc.
DaVita, currently boasting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), has an anticipated long-term growth rate of 12.1%. DVA’s earnings outperformed expectations in each of the previous four quarters, with an average surprise of 35.6%. Explore today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
In the past year, DaVita witnessed a 67.9% increase, surpassing the medical outpatient and home healthcare industry’s 23.4% growth.
Cardinal Health, presently holding a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), exhibits an estimated long-term growth rate of 14.2%. CAH’s earnings exceeded estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with an average surprise of 15.6%.
Cardinal Health recorded a 45.4% rise, outperforming the medical dental supplies industry’s 12.8% growth over the past year.
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Labcorp (LH) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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