Australia implant ban 'excellent news' for Establishment Labs, says Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo analyst David Maris believes Australia's proposal to ban, suspend or impose strict restrictions on a number of textured implants from Allergan (AGN), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and other smaller manufacturers is "excellent news" for Establishment Labs Holdings (ESTA). The move by Australia's regulatory body Therapeutic Goods Administration will help solidify Establishment's reputation for safety as the company's Motiva brand is the only listed company without any restricted brands, Maris tells investors in a research note. Further, Australia is a highly regulated and developed market, so the ban could help shift market share in other geographies outside of the county as well, contends the analyst. Maris reiterates an Outperform rating on Establishment Labs with a $29 priced target. The stock closed yesterday up $1.54 to $22.44.