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You can reject marketing cookies by pressing "Deny Optional," but we still use essential, performance, and functional cookies. ZacksTrade and Zacks. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. OK Cancel. The fourth-quarter earnings cycle is here, with quite a few healthcare companies having reported results. Early reports indicate several key growth drivers at play, including increased patient volumes, utilization, admissions, patient days and rate hikes, as well as growing demand for commercial healthcare plans and technology-enabled offerings.
However, rising medical costs due to increased utilization and occupancy have partly offset the positives. Based on our exclusive research and unique market insight, we present four stocks β Amgen Inc. See the Zacks Earnings Calendar to stay ahead of market-making news. Before delving into the specifics of what could have impacted fourth-quarter performance, let's examine the sector forecasts. The healthcare space is a part of the broader Zacks Medical sector one of the 16 broad Zacks sectors within the Zacks Industry.
According to the latest Earnings Trends report dated Jan. The healthcare sector is vast and complex, covering hospitals, medical services, nursing homes, health insurance, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and outpatient and home healthcare. A growing aging population and rising demand for healthcare products and services continue to drive sales for industry players.
However, investments in technology and innovation have likely pressured profit margins in the short term. Higher salaries and benefits have also increased overall costs for healthcare companies. Additionally, some HMO companies are expected to have seen a decline in Medicaid and Medicare memberships due to redeterminations. The patient volumes likely rose in the fourth quarter, driven by more visits and surgeries.
