** Shares of Australian medical diagnostics company Sonic Healthcare SHL.AX gain as much as 1.23% to A$23.120, their highest level since September 5
** Shares mark their biggest intraday percentage gain since November 20
** Co reaffirms fiscal 2026 EBITDA outlook
** Brokerage Morningstar says the market is encouraged by SHL's "solid start to the year" and a "stronger implied bottom line"
** Morningstar raises SHL's fiscal 2026 EPS forecast by 2%, citing lower rental expenses, while keeping long-term estimates unchanged
** Stock up 8.3% this week, on track for best week since November 2024
** Stock down 14.6% this year, including the day's move
(Reporting by Roushni Nair in Bengaluru)
((Roushni.nair@thomsonreuters.com))