** Jefferies says Healius HLS.AX sees strong second half growth for its pathology business

** Analysts at Jefferies forecast for HLS' pathology business an EBIT margin of 1.1% in 1HFY25 and 4.6% 2HFY25

** The Aussie healthcare firm said on Friday it sees 1H25 EBIT for its pathology business broadly in line with 1H24, while anticipating an increase in pathology earnings in 2HFY25

** Company's 1HFY24 EBIT was A$6 million ($3.88 million) while Jefferies estimate was A$7 million

** Brokerage says HLS's elevated cost base continues to be an issue

** Brokerage cuts price target for co to A$1.45 from A$1.75; retains "hold" rating

** HLS down 18.4% so far this year as of last close, underperforming against a 3.7% gain on the ASX Health Care index .AXHJ

($1 = 1.5482 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Nikita Maria Jino in Bengaluru)

((Nikita.Jino@thomsonreuters.com;))