This story was originally published on Healthcare Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Healthcare Dive newsletter. CommonSpirit Health’s Trinity Health System and UPMC have signed a non-binding letter intent to pursue integration, the systems announced Wednesday. The proposed deal would merge Trinity’s three-hospital system — as well as its urgent care, behavioral health and physician office facilities — into UPMC’s network. The merger would offer UPMC an entrance into th ...

Core Insights - Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH) is recognized as one of the top defensive healthcare dividend stocks to invest in [1][2] - The company is expanding its U.S. distribution network with a new facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, aimed at modernizing its pharmaceutical distribution capabilities [3][4] Expansion Plans - On September 30, Cardinal Health announced plans to build a flagship forward distribution center in Indianapolis, which will utilize advanced automation and technology [3] - The new facility will support the distribution of over 70,000 pharmaceutical and specialty products across the U.S. daily [3] - The Indianapolis center is expected to be operational by fall 2027 and will create over 100 new jobs [4] Financial Performance - Cardinal Health has demonstrated financial consistency by increasing its dividend for 39 consecutive years [5] - The company currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.5107 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 1.33% as of October 14 [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the attractiveness of defensive dividend stocks in the US healthcare sector amidst recent market pressures and policy changes [1][2][3] Industry Overview - The S&P 500 healthcare sector has gained only 3.46% as of October 14, significantly lagging behind the broader market's nearly 14% return due to concerns over drug pricing policies, tariffs, and funding cuts [2] - Recent agreements, such as Pfizer's deal with President Trump to lower prescription drug prices, have provided some relief to the sector, leading to a rally in both US and European healthcare stocks [3] Company Highlights - **Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)** - Dividend yield is 0.74% as of October 14, with a stock price increase of over 4% since the start of 2025 [7] - Erste Group upgraded its rating from Hold to Buy on October 13, citing strong mid-year performance and an improved full-year outlook with projected revenue between $60 billion and $62 billion and earnings per share between $21.80 and $23.00 [8][9] - Eli Lilly has raised its dividend for 11 consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.50 per share [10] - **Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE:CAH)** - Dividend yield is 1.33% as of October 14, with plans to build a new distribution center in Indianapolis to modernize its pharmaceutical distribution network [11][12] - The company has increased its dividend for 39 consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $0.5107 per share [14] - **The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI)** - Dividend yield is 2.00% as of October 14, with Goldman Sachs initiating coverage with a Buy rating and a price target of $370 [15][16] - The company has raised its dividend for five consecutive years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.51 per share [18]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call on China's Inbound Tourism Industry Overview - The focus is on China's tourism industry, particularly the growth potential of inbound tourism, which is currently dominated by domestic and outbound demand but is expected to become a significant earnings driver in the next three years [1][4][63]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Inbound Tourism Growth**: Inbound tourism is projected to increase from 11% of China's tourism revenue to 18% within five years, with hotels expected to see the highest revenue exposure, reaching over 20% on average by 2030 [4][77]. - **Service Exports Performance**: China's service exports grew by 14% in the first eight months of 2025, with tourism service exports surging by 56% year-on-year, recovering to 150% of pre-COVID levels [3][39]. - **Infrastructure and Policy Support**: Investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and cultural experiences are enhancing the attractiveness of China as a leisure travel destination. The introduction of the K1 visa aims to attract young talent, further boosting business travel [2][19]. - **Market Dynamics**: The report highlights that low-tier cities are becoming increasingly attractive for inbound tourists, with cities like Hangzhou showing robust growth in inbound tourist numbers [3][4]. Financial Projections - **Revenue Exposure**: Hotels are expected to have the highest revenue exposure to inbound tourism, while OTAs, airlines, and duty-free sectors are projected to see 5-10% revenue exposure in five years [4][78]. - **Earnings Growth**: The report anticipates a 19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in inbound tourism spending in USD terms over the next decade, driven by increased visitation and longer stays [39][84]. Key Beneficiaries - **Top Stock Picks**: The report identifies ten stocks that could benefit from the growth in inbound tourism, with Trip.com (TCOM.O) ranked as the most attractive, followed by Air China (0753.HK), Shanghai Airport (600009.SS), and CTG Duty-Free (1880.HK) [5][11][70]. - **Segment Analysis**: OTAs are seen as key enablers for inbound tourism, with Trip.com positioned to benefit significantly due to its international operations [57][90]. Additional Insights - **Healthcare and Shopping**: The inbound healthcare sector is expanding, with significant demand for premium medical services. The retail sector is also experiencing growth, driven by rising consumer demand for premium goods and duty-free shopping [61][60]. - **Government Initiatives**: Recent government measures aim to support service consumption, with inbound travel identified as a key growth driver for the economy [12][25]. - **Challenges and Opportunities**: Despite trade frictions, China's economic ties with emerging markets are strengthening, presenting growth opportunities for inbound travel [25][30]. Conclusion - The outlook for China's inbound tourism is positive, with significant growth expected in the coming years. Key sectors such as hotels, OTAs, and airlines are poised to benefit from this trend, supported by government initiatives and changing consumer preferences.

Market Overview - Wall Street rebounded after a brief selloff due to renewed U.S.-China trade tensions, with investors optimistic about potential dialogue between the two nations [1][9] - Major indexes displayed resilience, supported by easing monetary policy, solid earnings, and investor confidence in economic stability [2] Investment Strategy - A relative price strength strategy is recommended, focusing on stocks that outperform their sectors despite market turbulence [4][5] - Stocks that have shown better performance than the S&P 500 over the last 1 to 3 months and have solid fundamentals are highlighted as having growth potential [6] Stock Recommendations - **United Natural Foods (UNFI)**: Leading distributor of natural and organic products, with a projected earnings growth of 167.6% for fiscal 2026 and a market cap of $2.5 billion. Shares increased by 102% over the past year [11][12] - **Teladoc Health (TDOC)**: Provides virtual healthcare services, with an expected EPS growth rate of 48.4% over the next 3 to 5 years. The company has a market cap of $6.5 billion and shares have decreased by 6.1% in the past year [13][14] - **Supernus Pharmaceuticals (SUPN)**: Develops treatments for CNS disorders, with a market cap of $2.7 billion and a projected earnings growth of 9.8% for 2025. Shares have risen by 46.8% in the last year [15][16] - **BRP Inc. (DOOO)**: A leader in powersports with a market cap of $4.8 billion, showing a 26.2% increase in earnings estimates for fiscal 2026. Shares gained 19.9% over the past year [17][18] Screening Parameters - Stocks selected based on relative price change over 12 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week, alongside positive earnings estimate revisions for the current quarter [8][10]

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Core Insights - Mercy has been awarded the Excellence in Patient Experience Award for the fourth consecutive year, recognized as the top large health system in the U.S. for patient experience by NRC Health [1][2][5] - The award is based on real-time patient feedback, with Mercy being one of only three health systems to receive this designation in 2025 [2][3] Company Overview - Mercy is one of the 15 largest health systems in the U.S., serving millions annually and recognized for its high-quality care and performance in Accountable Care Organizations [5] - The health system operates 55 acute care and specialty hospitals, over 1,000 physician practice locations, and employs more than 50,000 caregivers across multiple states [5] Patient Feedback and Engagement - Mercy collaborates with NRC Health to gather and respond to feedback from over 1.25 million patients each year, enhancing patient care and experience [4][5] - The feedback is utilized to improve services across various departments, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to patient care [3][4] Recognition and Commitment - NRC Health's award highlights the dedication of Mercy's entire team in improving patient care and experience, reflecting a commitment to listening to patients and their families [4] - Mercy's participation in NRC's Transparency program allows for sharing patient survey information, further enhancing accountability and service quality [4]

Core Insights - NRC Health has announced the recipients of its 2025 healthcare experience awards program, highlighting excellence in the healthcare sector [1] Group 1 - The awards program recognizes organizations that have demonstrated outstanding performance in healthcare experience [1] - NRC Health aims to promote best practices and innovations in the healthcare industry through these awards [1]

Core Viewpoint - A class action lawsuit has been filed against Molina Healthcare, Inc. regarding allegations of securities fraud and unlawful business practices [2][4]. Financial Performance - On July 7, 2025, Molina reported second quarter adjusted earnings of approximately $5.50 per share, which was below prior expectations due to medical cost pressures across all business lines [4]. - Molina cut its full year 2025 adjusted earnings per share guidance by 10.2% at the midpoint, revising it from at least $24.50 per share to a range of $21.50 to $22.50 per share [4]. - Following this announcement, Molina's stock price fell by $6.97 per share, or 2.9%, closing at $232.61 per share [4]. Subsequent Guidance Adjustments - On July 23, 2025, Molina further reduced its full-year 2025 earnings guidance, now expecting adjusted earnings to be no less than $19.00 per diluted share, representing a 13.6% cut from the previous guidance [5]. - The company's GAAP net income for the second quarter was reported at $4.75 per diluted share, an 8% decrease year over year [5]. - Molina also cut its full year 2025 GAAP net income guidance by 27% to $912 million, attributing the results to a challenging medical cost trend environment [5]. - Following this news, Molina's stock price dropped by $32.03 per share, or 16.84%, closing at $158.22 per share [5].

Core Viewpoint - Select Medical (SEM) shares have increased by 7.8% in the past four weeks, closing at $13.19, with a mean price target of $18 indicating a potential upside of 36.5% [1] Price Targets and Analyst Estimates - The mean estimate consists of six short-term price targets with a standard deviation of $2.9, where the lowest estimate is $14.00 (6.1% increase) and the highest is $21.00 (59.2% increase) [2] - A low standard deviation among price targets suggests a high degree of agreement among analysts regarding the stock's price movement [9] Earnings Estimates and Analyst Sentiment - Analysts are optimistic about SEM's earnings prospects, as indicated by a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions, which has shown a strong correlation with stock price movements [11] - Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased by 1.1%, with one estimate moving higher and no negative revisions [12] Zacks Rank and Investment Potential - SEM holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimates [13] - While consensus price targets may not be reliable for predicting the extent of gains, they can provide a directional guide for potential price movement [14]