Today's Health Winners and Losers

Shares of Myriad Genetics(MYGN Quote) were among the best-performing health-related stocks Tuesday, rising 8% after the maker of medical tests posted better-than-expected second-quarter results.

The company reported a loss of $8 million, or 22 cents a share, on sales of $27.3 million for the December quarter. Analysts polled by Thomson First Call expected a bigger loss of 32 cents a share, with sales of $26.7 million. During the year-ago quarter, the company had a loss of $10 million, or 33 cents a share, on sales of $19.6 million. The "second quarter was particularly strong, with record revenues, strong profit margins and a significant reduction in our net loss," the company said. Shares were trading up $1.60 to $22.68.

Sybron Dental Specialties(SYD Quote) fell 7% after the maker of dental products posted first-quarter results that fell below expectations. The company earned $14.5 million, or 35 cents a share, on sales of $158 million. Excluding stock-based compensation costs, the company earned 39 cents a share for the quarter ended Dec. 31. Analysts expected earnings of 43 cents a share and sales of $163 million.

"Sales were slightly lower than our expectations due to minor shortfalls in a few professional dental product lines," the company said. "In addition, sales growth in the specialty products segment was slightly lower than expected due to the softness we experienced in our dental implant business." During the year-earlier quarter, the company earned $15 million, or 37 cents a share, on sales of $149 million.

Looking ahead, Sybron Dental sees second-quarter earnings of 43 cents to 48 cents a share, or 49 cents to 54 cents a share excluding stock-based compensation costs. The company predicts sales of $175 million to $180 million. Analysts project earnings, excluding stock-based compensation expense, of 52 cents a share, with sales of $179 million. Shares were trading down $2.76 to $39.26.