LALPATHLAB

** Citi Research upgrades Dr Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS to “buy” from “sell”, raises PT to 1,650 rupees from 1,450 rupees

** Brokerage says India’s diagnostics sector moved past COVID-era price wars to more rational competition

** Says diagnostics firm has maintained pricing discipline with no broad hikes despite competition from standalone labs/hospitals

** Expects co to deliver ~10–12% organic revenue growth during FY26-28, driven by core market gains, tier-3/4 cities expansion, richer mix of specialty offerings

** Says margins should remain strong at 28–29%, supported by operating leverage, cost control, supply chain efficiencies

** Robust, debt-free balance sheet supports growth, acquisitions; recent stock correction makes valuations attractive - Citi

** Stock last down 1.8% to 1321 rupees in broader weak market; down 10.9% YTD

(Reporting by Aleef Jahan in Bengaluru)

((aleefjahan.cs@thomsonreuters.com))

Jan 30 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal Path Labs DLPA.NS reported a lower third-quarter profit on Friday after taking a one-time charge linked to India’s new labour code, despite strong demand for its bundled test packages.

Consolidated net profit fell to 905 million rupees ($9.85 million) in the quarter ended December 31, from 967 million rupees a year earlier.

The country's largest diagnostics firm by revenue took up a one-time charge worth 301 million rupees linked to India's new labour codes.

India's new labour codes - the country's biggest overhaul of workers' laws in decades - have dragged profits of large corporates, including those of Godrej Consumer Products GOCP.NS, Wipro WIPR.NS and Infosys INFY.NS.

Excluding the charge, profit rose nearly 12% to 1.54 billion rupees.

Dr. Lal, which operates about 300 clinical labs across India, saw an 7.8% rise in sample volume in the reported quarter, taking its total revenue from operations nearly 11% higher to 65.98 billion rupees.

Rising focus on preventive healthcare, coupled with diagnostics chains such as Dr Lal PathLabs expanding into smaller cities, has boosted demand for medical tests, particularly in urban markets.

The company also gained from strong uptake of its bundled test packages, which group screenings for multiple conditions, including diabetes and thyroid disorders, into a single offering.

($1 = 91.8890 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)

((Kashish.Tandon@thomsonreuters.com; 8800437922;))

Oct 24 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• LAL PATHLABS - CONSIDER ISSUANCE OF BONUS SHARES

Source text: ID:nBSE2R2BZF

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

((Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com;;))

** India reducing tax on all medicines from 12% to 5% is a positive move for pharma firms, enabling lower prices and boosting margins by 1%–2%, CLSA notes

** CLSA identifies Torrent Pharma TORP.NS, Abbott India ABOT.NS, Cipla CIPL.NS, Zydus ZYDU.NS, Lupin LUPN.NS and Sun Pharma SUN.NS as key beneficiaries

** All shares currently trading flat

** Medical equipment such as diagnostic kits, blood glucose monitors, surgical devices and bandages will be taxed at 5% from 12% earlier

** CLSA says cut will be positive for diagnostics chains like Dr Lal Pathlabs DLPA.NS, also marginally positive for hospital chains; CLSA's top pick is Apollo Hospitals APLH.NS

** DLPA, APLH rise 1.2% and 1.8%, respectively

** YTD, all stocks rise except Lupin and Sun, which have fallen ~18% and 16.7%, respectively vs pharma index's .NIPHARM 6.5% decline

(Reporting by Urvi Dugar)

((UrviManoj.Dugar@thomsonreuters.com))

** Shares of diagnostic services provider Dr Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS rise 4% to 2,900 rupees

** Co's fourth-quarter net profit jumps 83.2% y/y to 1.55 billion rupees (about $18 million), beating avg estimate of 1.02 billion rupees, per data compiled by LSEG

** DLPA sees strong demand for bundled test offerings, amid rising health and wellness awareness in India

** DLPA's quarterly revenue rises 10.5% y/y to 6.03 bln rupees, led by 9.5% y/y rise in sample volume

** Stock sees fifth straight session of gains

** Including session's gains, DLPA up 25.5% in the last 12 months

(Reporting by Ananta Agarwal in Bengaluru)

((Ananta.Agarwal@thomsonreuters.com))

April 15 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• DR. LAL PATHLABS LTD - LAUNCHES ADVANCED TEST FOR AMYLOIDOSIS

Source text: ID:nNSEsZfqN

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

((reuters.briefs@thomsonreuters.com;))

** Shares of Metropolis Healthcare Ltd METP.NS rise 4.4% to 1,813.75 rupees

** Medical diagnostics firm reported a 15.5% rise in Q3 profit on higher sales of costlier tests after market hours on Tuesday; rev up 10%

** METP and larger rival Dr Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS rated "Hold", while analysts rate smaller rival Vijaya Diagnostic VIJA.NS "Buy" - LSEG

** Stock trims YTD losses to 12.8%, but trails DLPA's ~7% loss and VIJA's 11% climb this year

(Reporting by Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru)

((Nandan.Mandayam@thomsonreuters.com; Mobile: +91 9591011727;))

** Shares of Dr. Lal Pathlabs DLPA.NS rise 3.5% to 2,86.1 rupees

** The diagnostics firm posted a 19% rise in Q3 consol net profit to 967 mln rupees ($11.2 mln); rev from ops up 11% Y/Y

** Profit aided by strong volume growth through expansion in core markets and in newer regions of west and south

** More than 812,000 shares change hands, 3.3x its 30-day avg

** 20 analysts covering the stock on avg have a "hold" rating; median PT is 3,310 rupees - LSEG data

** Stock gained 16% in 2024

($1 = 86.5700 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Ashna Teresa Britto in Bengaluru)

((AshnaTeresa.Britto@thomsonreuters.com ; ( +91 8078332441))

Dec 19 (Reuters) - Max India Ltd MAII.NS:

• ANTARA SENIOR CARE ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC COLLABORATION WITH DR. LAL PATHLABS

• PARTNERSHIP TO JOINTLY OFFER DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES TO SENIORS

Source text: ID:nBSEb848Lc

Further company coverage: MAII.NS

((Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com;;))

Oct 23 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS, India's top diagnostics firm by revenue, reported a bigger-than-expected second-quarter profit on Wednesday, driven by continued demand and a rising awareness for health and wellness.

The company's consolidated net profit increased 18% year-over-year to 1.29 billion rupees ($15.4 million), increasing for the sixth quarter in a row.

That beat analysts' estimates of 1.26 billion rupees, according to estimates compiled by LSEG.

The company, which operates about 300 labs in India, said the number of samples it tested climbed 10% and that it is building back volumes.

Analysts said awareness regarding health and wellness is rising in the country and, along with Dr. Lal PathLabs' expansion into smaller cities, is boosting demand for medical tests. They also said the company is expected to benefit from price hikes.

However, Dr. Lal PathLabs did not specify if it raised prices of its tests.

The company's revenue from operations increased 10% to 6.6 billion rupees, beating analysts' estimates of 6 billion rupees.

Rival Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS is yet to report its September quarter results.

($1 = 84.0490 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)

((Kashish.Tandon@thomsonreuters.com; 8800437922;))

** Shares of pathology services provider Dr. Lal Pathlabs DLPA.NS close up 0.4% at 3,311 rupees

** Nomura flags relatively fewer dengue cases in Jan-Sept, particularly in Delhi NCR which accounted for almost a third of DLPA's FY24 revenue

** Number of dengue cases in Delhi in the period was less than half of last year, Nomura said, citing news channel ABP live

** DLPA Q2 earnings due on Wednesday; Nomura expects Q2 revenue to rise 10.5% Y/Y, slower than the 11.3% growth in Q1

** Historically, co's Q2 rev growth is higher than Q1, brokerage says

** Nomura rates DLPA 'buy' with Sept 2025 TP of 3,720 rupees

** Stock up ~29% YTD

(Reporting by Vijay Malkar)

((VijayDattaram.Malkar@thomsonreuters.com;))

Sept 19 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• LAL PATHLABS - KENYA UNIT HAS BEEN DISSOLVED

Source text for Eikon: [ID:]

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

((Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com;))

Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• LAL PATHLABS- VED PRAKASH GOEL DESIGNATED AS GROUP CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Source text for Eikon: ID:nNSEbMbNht

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

BENGALURU, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS reported first-quarter profit above expectations on Wednesday on strong demand for its medical tests in smaller cities and towns amidst rising awareness for health and wellness in India.

Shares of the diagnostic firm rose as much as 6% to hit the day's highest, before closing up 3.4%.

Consolidated net profit rose 28% to 1.06 billion rupees (around $13 million) for the quarter ended June 30, beating analysts' estimate of 992.7 million rupees, per LSEG.

"Tier 3 and Tier 4 towns continue to show higher compounded growth within the network," Dr. Lal PathLabs Chief Executive Officer-designate Shankha Banerjee said.

The company, which operates about 300 labs in the country said its number of samples tested climbed 9.3%.

This drove its total revenue from operations up 11% to 6.02 billion rupees.

Rival Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS is set to report its June quarter results on Saturday.

($1 = 83.9410 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee)

((Kashish.Tandon@thomsonreuters.com; 8800437922;))

** Shares of Thyrocare Technologies THYO.NS gain 10% in heavy trading, set for third straight session of gain

** Diagnostics firm reported ~40% Y/Y climb in Q1 consol net profit on strong testing demand; rev from ops climbed 16% Y/Y

** Trading volume more than 8x the 30-day moving average

** Stock up 11% YTD vs bigger rival Dr. Lal PathLabs' DLPA.NS ~17% rise

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon in Bengaluru)

((kashish.tandon@thomsonreuters.com))

** Shares of Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS up 6.04% to 2,489.8 rupees - its highest since early Feb.

** At least eight brokerages up TPs on stock post Friday's Q4 profit rise, including Nomura - LSEG

** Stock settled 5.2% higher in the previous session

** Nomura upgrades rating on stock to "Buy" from "Neutral" reflecting improved growth visibility, limited downside risks in valuation of stock

** Raises FY25-26 earnings estimates by 6%-8% on higher rev, gross margin and operating leverage

** Morgan Stanley keeps TP of 2,681 rupees and rating "Overweight" unchanged

** Prefers DLPA for its strong execution record, remains cautious on patient growth and tests/patients trajectory

** Analysts avg rating on stock is "Hold", their median PT on stock is 2,600 rupees

** Stock down 3.4% YTD

(Reporting by Manvi Pant in Bengaluru)

((Manvi.Pant@thomsonreuters.com; +918447554364;))

BENGALURU, May 10 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS, India's biggest diagnostics firm by revenue, posted a bigger profit for the fourth straight quarter on Thursday, led by the addition of more labs and increased demand for medical tests.

The company's consolidated net profit jumped 49% year-on-year to 845 million rupees ($10.1 million) in the fourth quarter.

Its shares climbed as much as 7.8% after the results before trimming some gains to trade up about 6%. Rival Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS was up about 2% and Thyrocare Technologies THYO.NS gained about 1%.

Analysts expect Indian diagnostic firms to benefit from geographic expansions and price hikes.

"We're expanding our reach in core markets by strengthening our presence in Tier 3 and Tier 4 towns," Dr. Lal PathLabs Chief Executive Officer-designate Shankha Banerjee said.

The number of samples tested grew 8.5% during the quarter, and was up roughly 10% for the fiscal year.

The company, which operates more than 280 labs in India, said total revenue climbed by 11% to 5.45 billion rupees.

Thyrocare is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter results next week.

($1 = 83.4872 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon and Nandan Mandayam in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)

((Kashish.Tandon@thomsonreuters.com; 8800437922;))

** Shares of Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS rise as much as 7.4% to 1,933.50 rupees, highest since May 18, 2022

** Diagnostic services co says revenue grew ~15% Y/Y in Q4FY24

** Adds, EBITDA margins show consistent upward trend both Q/Q and Y/Y, driven by higher volumes, price increase

** Stock on track to gain for fifth straight session

** More than 1.6 mln shares traded as of 10:51 a.m. IST, 5.6x their 30-day moving avg; busiest day yet since Feb. 6

** Mean rating of 13 analysts is "hold"; median PT 1,670 rupees, while bigger peer Dr. Lal Pathlabs DLPA.NS is "sell" - LSEG data

** METP last up 4.3%, adding to YTD gains of ~11.9%; DLPA down 8%

(Reporting by Meenakshi Maidas in Bengaluru)

((meenakshi.maidas@thomsonreuters.com;))

April 1 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• GOT ASSESSMENT ORDER WHEREIN DEDUCTION CLAIMED ON ACCOUNT OF ESOP EXPENSES OF 326.6 MILLION RUPEES DISALLOWED

Source text for Eikon: ID:nNSE6yZLrB

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

((Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com;;))

** Dr. Lal PathLabs' shares DLPA.NS jump 5% to 2,236 rupees

** Stock set for its steepest pct rise since early Nov

** Kotak Institutional Equities double upgrades to "add" from "sell", lifts fair value to 2,360 rupees from 1,975 rupees

** Brokerage expects improvement in pricing trends for diagnostics and views new CEO appointment as a positive

** Stock tumbled ~13% in 9 sessions since CEO left on March. 4; but has clawed back losses to ~9% since a new CEO was named on March 17

** Still, Kotak's new FV is 3.8% discount to analysts' median PT, per LSEG data

** Analysts avg rating on DLPA is "sell", while it is "hold" for peers Dr. Reddy's Labs REDY.NS and Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS

(Reporting by Manvi Pant in Bengaluru)

((Manvi.Pant@thomsonreuters.com; +918447554364;))

** Shares of diagnostic services provider Dr. Lal Pathlabs DLPA.NS edge up 0.4%

** UBS analysts say co has potential to beat management's EBITDA margin guidance of 26%-27%

** Believes it would reinvest any additional margins into growth opportunities

** DLPA currently has 9 bln rupees in cash; UBS estimates co to report 33% CAGR to 28 bln rupees by FY28

** "Believe Lal Pathlabs has potential to increase EBITDA margin 250-300 basis points in same period if it maintains current rate of investment" - UBS

** Also expects steady pricing environment to aid in steady margins and revenue growth

** UBS maintains "buy" rating and target price at 2,900 rupees
** Avg recommendation on stock is a "sell;" the median TP is 2,452 rupees as per LSEG data

** DLPA is up nearly 3% so far this week, set to snap four straight weeks of losses

(Reporting by Anisha Ajith in Bengaluru)

((anisha.ajith@thomsonreuters.com))

March 18 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• DR. LAL PATHLABS - GETS TAX DEMAND OF 26.3 MILLION RUPEES

Source text for Eikon: ID:nBSE3Ww5CL

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

((Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com;))

March 17 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• APPROVED THE RE-DESIGNATION OF SHANKHA BANERJEE BY APPOINTING HIM AS CEO WITH EFFECT FROM MAY 21, 2024.

Source text for Eikon: ID: nNSE6BBmpx

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

((Reuters.Briefs@thomsonreuters.com;))

** Shares of Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS fall 1.7% to 2,294.1 rupees

** Co said Bharath U resigns as chief executive officer

** CEO added that he will take up external assignment post resignation

** Seventeen analysts covering the stock on avg have a "Sell" rating; median PT is 2,452.5 rupees - LSEG data

** DLPA trading below its 50-day, 100-day and 200-day simple moving averages since Feb.

** Stock down ~11% so far this quarter; set to snap three consecutive quarterly gains if trend holds

(Reporting by Ashna Teresa Britto in Bengaluru)

((AshnaTeresa.Britto@thomsonreuters.com ; ( +91 8078332441))

BENGALURU, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS, India's biggest diagnostics firm by revenue, posted a higher profit for the third straight quarter on Thursday, due to more diagnostics and tests in the monsoon and winter seasons as well as an increase in COVID cases.

The company's consolidated net profit jumped 54% year-over-year to 813 million rupees (nearly $10 million) in the third quarter.

Its total revenue climbed by 10% to 5.39 billion rupees

The October-December quarter encompasses the tail end of the monsoon as well as winter, which brings with them ailments such as influenza and stomach flu.

Moreover, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases towards the end of December also boosted the demand for tests.

That benefited Dr. Lal PathLabs and its rivals, including Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS and Thyrocare Technologies THYO.NS.

Thyrocare's results are due later in the day, and Metropolis will report its results on Friday.

The stock prices of all three companies were little changed on the day.

Dr. Lal PathLabs's shares climbed 14% in 2023, sandwiched between Metropolis' 26% rise and Thyrocare's 4% bump.

($1 = 82.9746 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Varun Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza)

((varunvyas.hebbalalu@thomsonreuters.com;))

** Shares of Indian diagnostic firms including Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS, Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS and Thyrocare Technologies THYO.NS rise over 4%

** METP hits its peak since April 5, 2022, and THYO achieves its highest level since Dec. 22, 2022

** DLPA posts biggest intraday gain since Nov. 3

** Between 2020 and 2021, diagnostic firms in India made profits from testing for Coronavirus infection among millions of patients; since India eased pandemic curbs, profits have waned

** India reports 594 new daily cases of COVID, up about 151% from a week ago - Health Ministry data

** "During the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic companies emerged as major beneficiaries, benefiting from the surge in demand for COVID testing. Alongside this, there was an increase in the demand for various medical supplies, including devices, injections, oximeters, and more," says Abdulkader Puranwala, assistant vice president, ICICI Securities

(Reporting by Navamya Ganesh Acharya and Rama Venkat in Bengaluru)

((Navamya.GaneshAcharya@thomsonreuters.com; +91 8805175330 ;))

Nov 2 (Reuters) - Dr. Lal PathLabs Ltd DLPA.NS:

• SEPT-QUARTER CONSOL NET PROFIT 1.09 BILLION RUPEES VERSUS PROFIT 717 MILLION RUPEES YEAR AGO

• SEPT-QUARTER CONSOL REVENUE FROM OPERATIONS 6.01 BILLION RUPEES VERSUS 5.34 BILLION RUPEES YEAR AGO

Further company coverage: DLPA.NS

((Reutersbriefs@thomsonreuters.com;))

BENGALURU, July 27 (Reuters) - Indian medical diagnostics firm Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS on Thursday beat estimates to report its first rise in profit in seven quarters, as demand for non-COVID health testing more than offset rising costs.

The company, which is the biggest Indian diagnostics firm by revenue, posted a 43.2% jump in consolidated net profit to 826 million rupees ($10.08 million) in the quarter ended June 30.

Analysts, on average, had estimated a profit of 712.5 million rupees, according to Refinitiv data.

The rise in profit comes at a time when the medical diagnostics sector has been facing weakness, as waning COVID-19 fears erase windfall gains it made during the pandemic.

Sustained demand for lab testing outpaced higher costs, with employee benefit expenses climbing over 8%, raising total spends by 2% to 4.38 billion rupees.

Revenue from operations rose more than 7% to 5.41 billion rupees, led by a 9.7% growth in the company's non-COVID business.

Margins on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation expanded to 27% from 23% a year earlier.

Executive Chairman Arvind Lal said in a statement that the company plans to expand to Tier-3 and 4 cities, in spite of analysts flagging margin pressure on a growing non-metro portfolio.

The Gurugram-based company, which competes with rivals like Thyrocare Technologies THYO.NS, Metropolis Healthcare METP.NS and Vijaya Diagnostic Centre VIJA.NS, is the first to report earnings in the sector.

Shares of Dr. Lal PathLabs closed up 3.2%.

($1 = 81.9225 Indian rupees)

(Reporting by Hritam Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema)

((Hritam.Mukherjee@thomsonreuters.com; Twitter: @MukherjeeHritam;))

** Shares of medical diagnostics firm Dr. Lal PathLabs DLPA.NS rise as much as 2.63% to 2,300 rupees

** Co plans to consistently open 14-15 centres per annum to add new customers - JM Financial

** Adds, 65% of DLPA's revenue comes from its centres in India outside Delhi-NCR, which has increased significantly over the years

** Majority of DLPA's investment made to upgrade digital infrastructure to elevate patient experience, offer customised solutions, prevent new-age cyber-attacks - JM Financial

** Brokerage believes co "remains a strong franchise with sturdy return ratios"; maintains "buy" rating with TP of 2,525 rupees

** Share price remains above 50-day, 100-day and 200-day exponential moving averages since June 27, suggesting bullish trend

** Five of 20 analysts have "buy" or "strong buy" rating, 3 have "hold" while 12 rate it at "sell" or "strong sell"; median PT is 1,842.50 rupees - Refinitiv data

(Reporting by Ashish Chandra in Bengaluru)

((ashish.chandra@thomsonreuters.com (+91 7982114624))