Bausch & Lomb Faces Challenges as Newly Public Firm, Though Market Not Appreciating Long-Term Value

Newly spun off Bausch & Lomb had a mixed first quarter, with growth and margin under pressure from inflation, pandemic restrictions in China, and currency changes. Though we have tempered our near-term expectations, there was little in the earnings release that leads us to review our longer-term forecasts, and our $25.50 fair value estimate and narrow-moat rating are unchanged. Notwithstanding challenges over the most recent quarter, there were some positive developments, such as lighter restrictions in China going into effect recently, and approvals in new markets for key products Vyzulta (ocular hypertension), Lumify (redness), and Infuse (daily contact lens).