KIRKLAND, Wash., March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kestra Medical Technologies, Ltd. (Nasdaq: KMTS), a leading wearable medical device and digital healthcare company, today announced it has been named a finalist in the “Deal of the Year” category for the 2026 GeekWire Awards. Now in its 15th year, the annual awards recognize companies and leaders shaping the Pacific Northwest technology ecosystem, where Kestra continues to expand its presence. The “Deal of the Year” category recognizes impactful transactio ...

Core Insights - WELL Health Technologies Corp. reported record financial results for FY2025, achieving $1.40 billion in revenue and over $200 million in Adjusted EBITDA, marking significant growth compared to the previous year [2][3][5] - The company is focused on building a healthier Canada through its digital healthcare infrastructure, which includes various subsidiaries like WELLSTAR and HEALWELL [2][4] Financial Performance - Annual revenue for 2025 was $1.40 billion, a 52% increase from $919.7 million in 2024, driven by acquisitions and organic growth [5][12] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 reached $203.7 million, up 336% from $46.7 million in 2024, with an Adjusted EBITDA margin of 14.5% [5][12] - Canadian Patient Services revenue increased by 39% to $444.3 million, with Adjusted EBITDA rising 43% to $58.1 million [3][5] Operational Highlights - WELL achieved record Operating Free Cash Flow Attributable to Shareholders of $58.2 million in 2025, a 19% increase from $48.9 million in 2024 [3][5] - The company completed 19 clinic acquisition transactions in 2025, adding approximately $112.6 million in annualized clinical revenue [4][12] - Canadian Patient Services visits increased to 4.3 million, a 37% rise over the previous year, supported by both acquisitions and organic growth [12] Future Outlook - For 2026, WELL expects revenue guidance between $1.55 billion and $1.65 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA projected in the range of $175 million to $185 million [3][11] - The company plans to continue focusing on higher-margin primary care and diagnostics assets through its acquisition pipeline [4][11] - WELLSTAR is expected to be spun out to unlock value for shareholders, with management emphasizing the importance of this subsidiary in the digital healthcare landscape [4][11]

Core Insights - Stryker Corporation (NYSE:SYK) is recognized as one of the 14 stocks on the verge of becoming Dividend Aristocrats [1] - The company launched its SmartHospital Platform, aimed at enhancing digital healthcare offerings by integrating hospital devices, data, and care teams [2][9] Digital Healthcare Expansion - The SmartHospital Platform is developed through Stryker's new Smart Care business, which focuses on aiding hospitals in their digital transformation [3] - The platform addresses challenges such as fragmented systems, staffing shortages, and increasing patient volumes, aiming to improve workflow and provide actionable insights [3] Platform Features - The SmartHospital Platform connects medical devices and data to facilitate better coordination among care teams during patient transport, treatment, and recovery [4] - It includes voice-activated communication tools like the Sync Badge to enhance information sharing and response efficiency among hospital staff [4] Technology Utilization - The platform employs the Engage middleware engine to prioritize alarms and notifications, reducing communication silos within hospitals [5] - It supports virtual nursing and monitoring, which can alleviate administrative burdens for bedside staff, utilizing ambient sensors, computer vision, AI, and contextual data to create a more responsive care environment [5][6]

Core Insights - Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) operates a consumer-first, digitally native healthcare platform that provides personalized care through telehealth, online pharmacy, and subscription services, focusing on chronic conditions like sexual health, hormone health, weight loss, dermatology, and mental health [1] Group 1: Business Model and Services - The company integrates licensed providers, proprietary technology, and cloud pharmacy infrastructure to support recurring treatment for various health conditions [1] - Recently, Hims & Hers has expanded into proactive and preventative care, launching Labs for data-driven testing and a multi-cancer early detection test in collaboration with GRAIL [2] - New offerings include menopause and perimenopause services on the Hers platform and exclusive oral testosterone treatments for men's health [2] Group 2: International Expansion - HIMS has entered Canada through the acquisition of Livewell and expanded its weight loss program to the U.K. [3] - The company announced plans to acquire Eucalyptus to enhance its presence in Europe and expand into Australia and Japan [3] Group 3: Market Performance and Valuation - Hims & Hers shares have decreased by 65.4% over the past year, underperforming the industry decline of 29.1% [6] - The forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio for HIMS is 1.3X, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.8X and its five-year median of 2.7X [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HIMS' 2026 earnings per share suggests flat performance compared to 2025 [8]

The partnership will expand accessibility to Alberta Health-covered care, providing residents with access to licensed Alberta physicians virtually, from the location of their choice, with no user fees.Rocket Doctor’s platform will be tailored to Lethbridge County residents, supporting a wide range of needs including urgent care, chronic condition management / primary care, and mental health services.This collaboration addresses critical primary and urgent care gaps in rural communities, particularly for res ...

Core Viewpoint - VEON Ltd. has announced the acquisition of Tabletki.ua for USD 160 million, enhancing its digital healthcare services in Ukraine [1][4]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Kyivstar Group Ltd., a subsidiary of VEON, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Tabletki.ua, a leading digital platform for accessing medicines in Ukraine [1]. - The transaction is valued at USD 160 million, payable in Ukrainian hryvna [1]. - The acquisition price corresponds to a price to LTM earnings ratio of 8.0X, based on unaudited management accounts showing LTM EBITDA of USD 24 million and LTM net profit of USD 20 million as of September 30, 2025 [5]. Group 2: Tabletki.ua Overview - Tabletki.ua is a widely used platform in Ukraine, trusted by millions for finding, comparing, and reserving medicines and healthcare products [2][3]. - The platform partners with over 14,000 pharmacies and facilitated an average of 14 million reservations per month in 2025 [3]. - The gross merchandise value (GMV) of bookings via Tabletki.ua reached UAH 45 billion (USD 1.06 billion) in FY2024 and UAH 57.3 billion (USD 1.19 billion) for the last twelve months ending September 30, 2025 [3]. Group 3: Strategic Implications - The acquisition strengthens Kyivstar's healthcare ecosystem, complementing its previous acquisition of the digital healthcare platform Helsi in 2022 [4]. - Kyivstar aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and convenience in Ukraine by leveraging its digital platform expertise alongside Tabletki.ua's market position [5]. - VEON and Kyivstar plan to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure, technology development, and strategic acquisitions [8].

Core Viewpoint - Kyivstar Group Ltd. has acquired 100% of Tabletki.ua for USD 160 million, enhancing its digital services portfolio in Ukraine's healthcare sector [1][2][3] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition was completed with a total consideration of USD 160 million, to be paid in Ukrainian hryvna [1] - Tabletki.ua is a leading digital marketplace in Ukraine for healthcare products, partnering with over 14,000 pharmacies [2][3] - The gross merchandise value (GMV) of bookings through Tabletki.ua was UAH 45 billion (USD 1,056 million) for FY2024 and UAH 57.3 billion (USD 1,191 million) for the last 12 months ending September 30, 2025 [3] Group 2: Financial Performance - Tabletki.ua generated LTM EBITDA of USD 24 million and LTM net profit of USD 20 million as of September 30, 2025 [4] - The acquisition price corresponds to a price to LTM earnings (PE) ratio of 8.0X [4] Group 3: Strategic Rationale - The acquisition aims to expand digital healthcare services to a wider customer base, leveraging Kyivstar's experience in digital business [3] - Kyivstar's portfolio includes various digital services such as the Helsi healthcare platform, Uklon ride-hailing, and Kyivstar TV [2] Group 4: Future Investments - Kyivstar, in partnership with VEON, plans to invest USD 1 billion in Ukraine from 2023 to 2027, focusing on infrastructure and technological development [6]

Core Insights - Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) has developed a scalable, software-driven platform that enhances its capabilities as usage increases, connecting consumers, licensed providers, fulfillment, and diagnostics into a unified system [1][7] - The company is expanding its service offerings, including weight loss and menopause care, through a digital workflow that integrates at-home testing and provider support, positioning data as central to proactive health management [2][7] - Hims & Hers is investing in AI and data infrastructure to strengthen its platform while pursuing international expansion, indicating a growth strategy focused on technology rather than physical presence [3][7] Financial Performance - Hims & Hers shares have increased by 12.7% over the past year, contrasting with a 2.7% decline in the industry [6] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate predicts a 77.8% increase in earnings per share for HIMS in 2025 compared to 2024 [8] - HIMS has a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 2.6X, which is lower than the industry average of 4.7X and its three-year median of 2.7X [10] Earnings Estimates - The current quarter's earnings estimate for HIMS is $0.04, with projections of $0.14 for the next quarter and $0.48 for the current year [11] - The earnings growth estimates indicate a year-over-year decline of 63.64% for the current quarter, but a projected growth of 77.78% for the next year [11]

Core Insights - Verizon Communications Inc. is increasingly focusing on the healthcare industry by delivering advanced connectivity, secure digital platforms, and intelligent technologies that enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency [1] - The company aims to extend quality healthcare services to remote areas where traditional access is limited [1] Digital Healthcare Solutions - Verizon's high-speed 5G and private network connectivity, secure cloud and edge computing platforms, and advanced cybersecurity services strengthen digital healthcare systems [2] - These services enable telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, real-time data sharing, and more efficient healthcare operations [2] Security Enhancements - The company has enhanced its healthcare security by adding new tools like the Security Management Program–Healthcare (SMP-H) and Partner Security Program (PSP) to improve compliance and protect patient data [3] - Verizon has improved its telehealth services through the BlueJeans telehealth platform by adding features like a Command Center dashboard and patient image capture [3] Strategic Partnerships - Verizon has partnered with several healthcare organizations, including AdventHealth, Tampa General Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic, to advance digital health solutions [4] - The company has also teamed up with Emory Healthcare, where its 5G technology powers a healthcare innovation lab to develop remote care [4] Innovation Centers - Verizon operates a Connected Healthcare Center to showcase real-world solutions such as virtual wards, wearable-enabled emergency services, team collaboration platforms, and virtual group consultations for patient care [5] - These initiatives enable Verizon to expand into the digital healthcare industry while creating opportunities for long-term growth and revenues [5] Competitive Landscape - Verizon faces competition from AT&T and T-Mobile in the digital health market [6][7] - AT&T is expanding its presence in digital health by using its 5G network and partnering with companies like Sovato for virtual care and remote patient monitoring [6] - T-Mobile is collaborating with CitrusBits to use 5G for connected healthcare and advanced medical training [7] Financial Performance - Verizon has gained 1.9% over the past year, while the industry has declined by 3.6% [8] - The company's shares currently trade at a price/earnings ratio of 8.09, lower than the industry average of 11.17 [11] - Earnings estimates for 2025 have declined by 0.4% to $4.68 per share, and for 2026, they have dropped by 1.4% to $4.81 over the past 60 days [12]

Kestra Medical Technologies FY Conference Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Kestra Medical Technologies (NasdaqGS:KMTS) - **Industry**: Medical Technology (MedTech) - **Market Focus**: Wearable medical devices, specifically the Cardiac Recovery Platform featuring the Assure wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) [3][4] Key Points and Arguments Market Opportunity - **Total Addressable Market (TAM)**: Approximately $10 billion in the U.S., with a larger market outside the U.S. [3] - **Current Market Penetration**: Estimated at $1 billion, indicating significant growth potential as the second entrant in a previously monopolized market [3] - **Patient Population**: About 850,000 patients diagnosed with low cardiac output annually, with only 120,000 currently served, highlighting underpenetration [11][12] Product and Technology - **Product**: Assure wearable cardioverter-defibrillator, designed for patients at risk of cardiac arrest, particularly post-myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure patients [4][5] - **Clinical Efficacy**: Achieved a 100% conversion rate for lethal ventricular arrhythmias in clinical trials, emphasizing the device's effectiveness [9] - **Wearability**: Median wear time reported at over 23 hours a day, addressing compliance issues common in the WCD space [11] Clinical and Regulatory Milestones - **FDA Approval**: PMA approved in late 2021, with a full commercial launch starting in August 2022 [7] - **Post-Approval Study**: Conducted on 21,000 patients, demonstrating safety and efficacy, with a low false alarm rate critical for patient compliance [15] Strategic Partnerships and Innovations - **Partnership with Biobeat Technologies**: Aimed at integrating cuffless blood pressure monitoring into the Assure platform, addressing the needs of hypertensive patients [17][18] - **R&D Focus**: Concentrating on diagnostic monitoring capabilities and addressing comorbidities prevalent in the patient population [31] Commercial Strategy - **Sales Force Expansion**: Increased from 100 to a target of 130 sales representatives by the end of the fiscal year, enhancing market penetration [28] - **Insurance Coverage**: Over 290 million covered lives, achieving 90% coverage in the U.S., which is crucial for business model viability [19] Financial Performance and Projections - **Gross Margin**: Achieved approximately 50% in the last quarter, with expectations to exceed 70% as the business scales [22][34] - **Revenue Growth**: Experiencing over 50% growth in recent quarters, with projections for continued growth driven by market expansion and improved insurance coverage [22][23] Market Dynamics - **Market Growth Rate**: Currently estimated at 11-12%, with potential for acceleration due to guideline changes and increased awareness among physicians [23][26] - **Competitive Landscape**: Kestra's entry has revitalized the market, prompting competitors to shift focus towards market development [26] Additional Important Insights - **Patient Compliance**: Addressing the challenge of getting patients to wear the device consistently is critical for the success of the WCD category [11] - **Market Development Activities**: Increased educational events to raise awareness and drive adoption among healthcare providers [39] - **Long-Term Vision**: Kestra aims to leverage its clinical data and innovative platform to drive significant growth in the MedTech space [24][37] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the conference, highlighting Kestra Medical Technologies' strategic positioning, product efficacy, market opportunities, and growth potential within the MedTech industry.