Sector Update: Consumer Stocks Decline Late Afternoon

October 9 – Goldman Sachs pointed out that India's implementation of a 30% profit margin cap on non-scheduled anticancer drugs (link) will have limited impact on hospitals. The report states that, based on preliminary discussions with hospital chain groups, such drugs account for less than 5% of hospital revenue and 2% to 2.5% of operating profit. The report adds that hospitals can offset the losses by slightly adjusting service charges, such as administration fees. According to a government notice, an expert committee will finalize the list of drugs to be brought under regulation. Driven by the anticipated price cap, the share prices of Max Healthcare MAXE.NS, Apollo Hospitals APLH.NS, and Fortis Healthcare FOHE.NS rose by 1.6% to 2.5%. Previously, since September 30, these stocks had collectively declined by 11% to 11.5%. Year-to-date, FOHE and MAXE are down 11.7% and 14.8%, respectively, while APLH has risen by 11%. (To assist non-English speakers, Reuters provides automated translations of its reports into several other languages. Due to potential errors or missing context in automated translations, Reuters does not guarantee the accuracy of automatic translation texts and offers them solely for readers’ convenience. Reuters accepts no responsibility for any damage or loss caused by using these automated translation features.)

UBS has downgraded Nidec's rating from "Buy" to "Neutral" and lowered its target price from 2,800 yen to 2,400 yen, citing a more challenging market environment.