-- 加拿大皇家银行资本市场（RBC Capital Markets）周二发布的一份报告指出，IQVIA (IQV) 第一季度营收和每股收益均超出预期，进一步巩固了合同研究组织（CRO）复苏的预期。 报告称：“我们认为目前的形势是积极的”，并指出： 有机增长加速、人工智能（AI）的利好以及前瞻性需求指标中高个位数的增长。 报告还指出，商业业务增长改善，部分原因是患者解决方案和分析咨询业务的强劲表现。 报告称，这反映出大型制药公司正在将资金投入到成功概率最高的后期研发项目中。 报告补充道，人工智能赋能的产品也越来越受欢迎，客户选择 IQVIA 来构建人工智能就绪的数据基础，并在分析咨询领域建立记录。 加拿大皇家银行维持对 IQVIA 的“跑赢大盘”评级和 221 美元的目标价。
Price: $177.38, Change: $+0.96, Percent Change: +0.54%
Iran said Wednesday that its ports remain fully ready to support commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and nearby regional waters, according to Iran's official news agency, Islamic Republic News Agency.Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization issued an official message to commercial vessels present in the Strait of Hormuz and in regional waters, IRNA reported.The PMO said that Iran can provide maritime services, technical support, and medical assistance to commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz, according to IRNA News.Progress in negotiations between Washington and Tehran prompted US President Donald Trump to pause the military's "Project Freedom" operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the PMO did not immediately respond to' request for comment.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)
Sun Life Financial (SLF.TO) Wednesday after trade reported higher first-quarter underlying earnings and a $0.04 dividend increase. The lifeco also intends to renew its share buyback program.Underlying net earnings edged up to $1.05 billion, or $1.89 per share, from $1.045 billion or $1.82, in the prior year period. Analysts polled by Factset had expected $1.89 per share. Sun Life said underlying earnings were boosted by strong performance in Asia reflecting business growth in Hong Kong, and Canada from higher fee income driven by higher assets under management (AUM).Underlying return on equity (ROE) advanced from 17.7% to 18.6%.Sun Life said assets under management (AUM) rose by $23 billion year over year, to $1,578 billion.The company will pay the higher dividend of $0.96 per share, on June 30, to shareholders of record on May 27.Sun Life separately said it intends to renew its share buyback program, and buy back up to 10-million shares from May 29, for one year. The normal course issuer bid is also subject to OSFI approval."This quarter we delivered strong growth in our protection businesses led by Asia, Canada and U.S. Health and Risk Solutions," said Kevin Strain, Sun Life chief executive. "We also added further scale to our asset management platform, deploying over $2.4 billion in capital for the buy-ups of BGO and Crescent Capital and announcing our intention to acquire Bell Partners, a leading U.S. multifamily real estate investment manager and vertically integrated property management business."Sun Life Financial was last seen down US$0.09 to US$73.01, in after-hours New York trading. It closed down $0.12 to $99.53, on the Toronto Stock Exchange.