The healthcare sector is expected to experience a significant increase in initial public offerings (IPOs) and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) by 2025, according to Jefferies' annual healthcare report.
A survey conducted by the investment bank reveals that a majority of institutional and private investors, along with healthcare executives, anticipate a strong uptick in transactional activity within the industry. Recent high-profile deals, such as Johnson & Johnson's acquisition of Shockwave Medical for $13.1 billion and KKR's investment in Cotiviti, a healthcare technology firm, further support this optimism.
Despite a moderate global M&A landscape in recent months, 72% of survey respondents expect heightened activity specifically in the healthcare sector by 2025. The report also highlights growing confidence among companies considering public offerings, with 64% of those surveyed predicting an increase in IPOs. Additionally, 20% of respondents foresee equity financing and IPOs dominating the transactional landscape, which is the highest expectation since Jefferies initiated the survey in 2018. This surge in confidence is attributed to a notable increase in investment activity towards the end of the year, indicating a turning point for the sector.
The report also discusses the impact of weight-loss drugs, with 47% of respondents indicating that their influence will be significant and enduring in the long term. This is a notable rise from 33% the previous year. The sales performance of Novo Nordisk's obesity treatment, Wegovy, has exceeded forecasts, contributing to a growing market that analysts estimate could reach approximately $150 billion by the early 2030s. Currently, demand for these treatments is outpacing supply, further fueling optimism within the healthcare sector.
Market forecasts are generally positive, with two-thirds of respondents believing that the FTSE 100 index will rise by the end of 2025. This optimism is even more pronounced in the healthcare sector, where 73% expect the MSCI World Healthcare index to show gains. Despite geopolitical risks and fluctuating market conditions, investor confidence in the sector's resilience and growth potential remains strong.
As the healthcare sector prepares for a potential increase in IPOs and M&A activity, geopolitical risks have emerged as the primary concern for investors, surpassing financing difficulties. North America continues to dominate the transaction landscape, while Europe has seen a decline in its attractiveness to investors. The UK, however, remains a stable market, suggesting regional opportunities within the healthcare space.
The anticipated growth in healthcare IPOs and M&A activity aligns with broader trends in the financial markets, where investor confidence is gradually returning. The healthcare sector is viewed as a promising area for investment, driven by innovation, demographic shifts, and an increasing focus on health and wellness. As companies navigate the complexities of the market, the outlook for 2025 appears increasingly favorable, setting the stage for a transformative period in the healthcare industry.