Analysis of Two Health Care Stocks (HIMS, EKSO) with Potential Q1 2026 Crash Risks

This analysis is based on the Benzinga article published on January 2, 2026 [4], which highlighted two healthcare stocks with Q1 crash risks due to poor momentum. Crawling errors prevented direct access to the article’s exact stock names, but market data and related news identify HIMS (Hims & Hers Health) and EKSO (Ekso Bionics Holdings) as the most likely candidates.

HIMS has experienced significant downward momentum: a 3-month price decline of 43.81%, a 7-day losing streak [0], and high short interest (35.22% of float as of December 26, 2025) [1], indicating strong bearish investor sentiment. It also faces regulatory concerns [2] and a high valuation (P/E ratio 55.01x) [0].

EKSO’s performance is volatile: while it gained 48.72% over 5 days due to merger news, it dropped 9.62% on December 31, 2025, and 5.84% on January 2, 2026 [0]. It was downgraded to Neutral from Buy by H.C. Wainwright on January 1, 2026 [3], and has negative financials (net profit margin -70.74% [0]) plus a strategic shift away from its core bionics business [3].

• Momentum Alignment
  : Both stocks match the article’s focus on momentum risks—HIMS with sustained long-term declines and EKSO with volatile short-term swings.
• Short Interest Amplification
  : HIMS’s high short interest could amplify downward pressure if bearish sentiment persists, as short sellers may drive prices lower.
• Strategic Uncertainty
  : EKSO’s shift away from its core bionics business, coupled with the downgrade, may erode investor confidence despite temporary merger-related gains.

• HIMS
  : High short interest leading to increased volatility [1]; regulatory changes impacting its telehealth business [2]; unsustainable high valuation if growth slows [0].
• EKSO
  : Persistent negative profitability [0]; uncertainty around its new business direction (merger with Applied Digital’s cloud business) [3]; news-driven volatility [0].

• HIMS
  : Addressing regulatory concerns and sustaining growth could reverse downward momentum.
• EKSO
  : Successful integration with Applied Digital’s cloud business may improve financial performance, though this remains speculative.

The Benzinga article identified two healthcare stocks with Q1 2026 crash risks based on momentum weaknesses. HIMS and EKSO are the likely candidates, with risk factors including short interest, regulatory pressures, downgrades, and negative financials. Decision-makers should monitor further analyst reports, financial results, regulatory developments, and EKSO’s merger progress to assess evolving risks and potential recovery.