Thank you very much. It's really a privilege to be and to be able to give this talk today. Um, but before I start, a quick show of hands.Who here has a smartphone. That's what I thought. Pretty much everyone here.Smartphones are omnipresent in the same way that we kind of, you know, all have a heart or a liver. But there are important differences between smartphones and organs that we need to keep in mind. When a smartphone breaks or malfunctions, it's an inconvenience. When it's an organ, it's an emergency ...

Market Performance - Major stock indices have rebounded from early session lows, with the Dow reaching a record intraday high [1] - The Nasdaq is up 137.73 points (0.6%) at 23,168.95, the S&P 500 is up 24.93 points (0.4%) at 6,957.23, and the Dow is up 42.42 points (0.1%) at 50,158.09 [2] Sector Performance - Oracle (ORCL) has surged by 9.3% following an upgrade from D.A. Davidson, contributing to the tech sector's strength [3] - Gold stocks have shown strong performance, with the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index increasing by 4.4% due to rising gold prices [6] - Networking and software stocks have also performed well, with the NYSE Arca Networking Index and the Dow Jones U.S. Software Index rising by 2.9% and 2.5%, respectively [6] - Brokerage and semiconductor stocks are experiencing considerable strength, while healthcare and transportation stocks have declined [7] Economic Indicators - The upcoming U.S. jobs report is expected to show an increase of 70,000 jobs in January, up from 50,000 in December, with the unemployment rate projected to remain at 4.4% [4] - Reports on retail sales and consumer price inflation are anticipated to influence interest rate outlooks [4] - Market analysts emphasize the importance of employment and inflation data in shaping market expectations regarding interest rates [5]

Core Viewpoint - Healthcare Triangle (HCTI) will implement a 1-for-60 reverse stock split to increase its share price and comply with Nasdaq's minimum bid price requirement of $1.00 [1] Group 1: Reverse Stock Split Details - The reverse stock split will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on February 10, 2026 [1] - HCTI's common stock will begin trading on a post-split basis on the Nasdaq Capital Market on the same date [1] - The reverse stock split was approved by stockholders during a special meeting held on February 2, 2026 [1] Group 2: Strategic Implications - The company anticipates that the reverse stock split will help increase the price per share of its common stock [1] - This action is part of HCTI's broader strategy to regain compliance with Nasdaq's listing requirements [1]

Group 1: Labor Market Shifts - The workplace is experiencing a shift with blue-collar jobs expected to gain prominence over white-collar jobs due to labor shortages and advancements in AI infrastructure [1] - Companies that adapt to these economic changes may find higher-paying job opportunities, particularly in blue-collar sectors [1] Group 2: Retail Workers - Nearly half of U.S. states increased their minimum wages in 2026, which is expected to benefit retail workers, especially new hires who are often minimum wage earners [2] - While the increase in minimum wage may not lead to significant income changes, it is a noteworthy development for the industry [2] Group 3: Construction Workers - The construction industry is facing a labor shortage, with about 20% of workers aged 55 or older, leading to challenges in filling positions as older workers retire [3] - The demand for construction services is anticipated to rise due to the AI boom, which will further exacerbate the shortage of skilled labor [3][4] Group 4: Data Scientists - The rise of artificial intelligence is creating new job opportunities, particularly for data scientists who are essential in managing data for AI models [5] - There is a growing demand for specialized data scientists with skills in managing large language models (LLMs) and machine learning, with most data scientists being under 35 years old, reducing competition from older generations [6] Group 5: Registered Nurses - Registered nurses are positioned to increase their earnings due to favorable conditions stemming from an aging population [7]

Market Overview - Major indices experienced a significant turnaround, with all major indices up at least 2% on the day, marking a notable recovery from previous declines [2][3] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached above 50,000 for the first time, gaining 1,200 points or approximately 2.5%, setting a record high [7] - The S&P 500 increased by over 130 points or 2%, marking its best day since May of the previous year [3][7] Sector Performance - The Russell 2000 saw a notable increase of 3.6%, indicating strong performance in small-cap stocks [8] - Information technology sector led the gains, rising by 4%, while industrials and financials also performed well [9] - Consumer discretionary sector declined by about 0.7%, with communication services being the biggest loser, down approximately 1.5% [9] Notable Stocks - Robinhood emerged as the top gainer in the S&P 500, with shares surging nearly 14%, attributed to its ties with the recovering crypto market [10][11] - Under Armour's stock rose over 19% after reporting a quarterly profit and slightly exceeding revenue estimates, with a year-to-date increase of about 50% [13] - Amazon shares fell by 5.6% following the announcement of a $200 billion investment plan for data centers and AI workloads [15][16] Company-Specific Developments - Bitcoin Treasury reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $2.4 billion, but analysts remain optimistic about its cash reserves allowing it to withstand further downturns [12] - Stellantis faced a significant decline of 24% in its stock price due to challenges related to its electric vehicle strategy and substantial charges linked to previous management decisions [19][20] Market Sentiment - The overall market sentiment appears to be shifting towards a "risk-on" approach, with investors showing renewed interest in equities and crypto assets [6] - Despite the positive day, software stocks continued to decline for the fourth consecutive week, indicating ongoing challenges in that sector [20]

Luigi Mangione will face murder and weapons charges in a Manhattan court in June for the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, three months before jury selection in his federal trial for crimes related to the same killing. https://t.co/GNRnJQLW7o ...

Core Insights - Centene Corporation (CNC) reported a fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted loss per share of $1.19, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.25 per share, compared to adjusted earnings of 80 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1][9] - Total revenues reached $49.7 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 21.9% and surpassing the consensus estimate by 3.1% [1][4] Revenue Breakdown - Medicaid revenues increased by 11% year over year to $23 billion, while Medicare revenues surged 75% year over year to $9.6 billion. Commercial revenues rose 24% year over year to $10.8 billion [3] - Premium revenues grew by 23.8% year over year to $44 billion, driven by higher premiums and membership in the PDP and Marketplace businesses, as well as Medicaid rate hikes, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $43.5 billion [4] Membership and Costs - Total membership declined by 3.4% year over year to 27.6 million, missing the consensus mark of 27.9 million, primarily due to decreases in Medicaid and Medicare memberships [5] - The health benefits ratio worsened by 470 basis points year over year to 94.3%, with operating expenses rising 26.7% year over year to $51.5 billion, largely due to increased medical costs, which escalated by 30.4% year over year [6][9] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, Centene had cash and cash equivalents of $17.9 billion, a 27.2% increase from the end of 2024. Total assets decreased by 6.9% to $76.7 billion, while long-term debt fell by 5.8% to $17.4 billion [7] - The company generated $5.1 billion in net cash from operations in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year [8] Full-Year Performance - For the full year 2025, total revenues amounted to $194.8 billion, a 19.4% increase from 2024, while adjusted EPS dropped 71% year over year to $2.08. Premium and service revenues reached $174.6 billion, up 20% year over year [11] 2026 Guidance - Management projects premium and service revenues for 2026 to be between $170 billion and $174 billion, indicating a potential decline of 1.5% from 2025. Total revenues are expected to range from $186.5 billion to $190.5 billion, suggesting a 3.2% decrease from 2025 [12] - Adjusted EPS is anticipated to exceed $3.00, representing a 44.2% increase from 2025, while GAAP EPS is expected to remain above $1.98 [12]

Core Insights - The fourth-quarter 2025 earnings season for the Medical sector is showing a broad-based recovery in operating trends, driven by factors such as stronger outpatient volumes, higher admissions, improved revenues per equivalent admission, rising utilization, premium rate hikes, and accelerating adoption of tech-enabled services [1][4][6] - However, escalating medical costs, driven by higher utilization intensity and increased salaries and benefits, are tempering margin expansion [1][5] Medical Sector Overview - The medical sector includes a wide range of services such as hospitals, physician services, nursing care facilities, health insurers, pharmaceutical firms, medical device makers, and outpatient and home healthcare providers [4] - The sector is benefiting from demographic trends like an aging population and increasing healthcare utilization, leading to consistent revenue growth across most verticals [4] Profitability Challenges - Near-term profitability is constrained due to elevated spending on digital platforms, automation, and clinical innovation, which have increased operating expenses [5] - Wage inflation and rising employee benefit costs are intensifying margin pressure, while softer government plan enrollment is affecting premium growth for insurers [5] Growth Drivers - Patient volumes have strengthened, with higher ambulatory visits, increased elective procedures, and rising specialty care utilization contributing to improved revenue per admission [7] - Technology-led transformation, including the adoption of artificial intelligence and automation, is enhancing clinical productivity and reducing inefficiencies [8] Stock Recommendations - Three stocks identified as well-positioned to beat earnings estimates this season are Tenet Healthcare Corporation (THC), Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), and Option Care Health, Inc. (OPCH) [2][10] - Tenet Healthcare is experiencing a favorable payer mix and rising demand for ambulatory care, with an Earnings ESP of +2.72% and a Zacks Rank 3 [12] - Universal Health Services is expected to benefit from strong performance in Acute Care and Behavioral Health, with an Earnings ESP of +8.33% and a Zacks Rank 2 [15] - Option Care Health is seeing growth from commercial and government payers, with an Earnings ESP of +1.54% and a Zacks Rank 3 [17] Earnings Estimates - The consensus estimate for fourth-quarter revenues in the medical sector is $5.45 billion, indicating a 7.5% year-over-year growth, while the EPS estimate is $4.08, reflecting an 18.6% increase from the previous year [13] - Universal Health's fourth-quarter earnings are expected to be $5.91 per share, indicating a 20.1% year-over-year growth, with revenues projected at $4.48 billion, a 9% increase [15]

Group 1 - U.S. stock futures are higher, with Dow futures gaining approximately 100 points [1] - Molina Healthcare reported a quarterly loss of $2.75 per share, missing the Street estimate of earnings at 33 cents [1] - Molina Healthcare's quarterly revenue was $11.38 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $10.86 billion [1] - Molina Healthcare shares fell 29.4% to $124.90 in pre-market trading [1]

Company Overview - SPACSphere Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company formed to effect a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities [2] - The company may pursue acquisition opportunities across various industries but will focus on sectors where it has core competencies, such as digital assets, technology, and healthcare [2] Initial Public Offering (IPO) Details - The company announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 15,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, with trading expected to begin on February 6, 2026, under the ticker symbol "SSACU" [1] - Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share, one-half of one redeemable warrant, and one right to receive one-fifth of one Class A ordinary share upon the consummation of an initial business combination [1] - The offering includes a 45-day option for underwriters to purchase up to an additional 2,250,000 units to cover over-allotments [4] - The offering is expected to close on February 9, 2026, subject to customary closing conditions [4] Management Team - The management team is led by Bala Padmakumar as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, and Soumen Das as Chief Financial Officer and Director [3] - The Board includes Kathleen Cuocolo, Magnus Ryde, and Mark Platshon [3] - Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP serves as legal advisor to the company, while D. Boral Capital LLC acts as the sole book-running manager for the offering [3]