3 Medical Service Industry Stocks Set to Tackle Workforce Challenges

Industry Overview - The Medical Services sector is rapidly evolving due to digital health advancements, value-based care adoption, and a focus on patient-centric solutions [1] - The global healthcare analytics market is projected to grow from $56.64 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 22.7% through 2035, benefiting payers, providers, and analytics vendors [1] - The industry includes various service providers such as pharmacy benefit managers, contract research organizations, and healthcare workforce solution providers, transitioning from volume-based to value-based care [3] Key Trends - The U.S. digital health market is expected to grow from $92.08 billion in 2025 to $248.11 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 11.6% [4] - The global big data in healthcare market is valued at $110.97 billion in 2025, projected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% from 2026 to 2035 [4] - Companies adopting AI technologies have seen a 50% reduction in treatment costs and over 50% improvement in patient outcomes [4] Workforce Challenges - A projected healthcare worker shortage of 100,000 by 2028, including a shortfall of 73,000 nursing assistants, is expected to elevate labor costs [2][5] - The WHO estimates a shortfall of 11 million physicians, particularly in low-income countries, emphasizing the need for workforce expansion [5] - Total hospital expenses increased by 5.1% in 2024, significantly outpacing the overall inflation rate of 2.9% [5] Company Highlights - Medpace Holdings (MEDP): Expected earnings growth rate of 17.2% in 2025, with revenues projected to rise by 18.7% from 2024 [19][20] - Enhabit, Inc. (EHAB): Anticipated earnings surge of 161.9% in 2025, with revenue growth of 2.3% [23][24] - Progyny (PGNY): Projected earnings increase of 9.8% in 2025, with revenues expected to grow by 9.2% [26][27] Performance Metrics - The Medical Services industry has gained 6.8% over the past year, in line with the Medical sector, but lagged behind the S&P 500's 19.3% increase [10] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 16.9X, compared to the S&P 500's 23.3X and the sector's 21.6X [14]