Vi e w p o i n t | 23 Feb 2026 01:51:54 ET │ 14 pages US Equity Strategy Q4 Results Support Our Constructive Fundamental Case for '26 CITI'S TAKE We maintain a constructive fundamental outlook for 2026, supported by positive Q4 '25 earnings trends and an accelerating sales trajectory across market capitalizations. While '26 consensus estimates for the index remain largely unchanged, this is better than typical for this point in the year. Our above-consensus 2026 earnings projection of $320 is supported by o ...

This photograph shows European countries' flags waving in front of the European Parliament building in Strasbourg, eastern France, on June 6, 2024. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)LONDON — European stocks are expected to open flat to higher on Tuesday as investors assess the new global trading landscape after U.S. President Donald Trump's latest tariff move.The U.K.'s FTSE index is seen opening unchanged, Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 up around 0.25%, resp ...

Core Insights - Community Health Systems (CYH) reported a revenue of $3.11 billion for the quarter ended December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 4.9% [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the same period was $0, compared to -$0.42 a year ago, indicating a significant improvement [1] - The reported revenue was 1.18% below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.14 billion, while the EPS exceeded the consensus estimate of -$0.32 by 100% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Adjusted admissions were reported at 222,282, slightly below the average estimate of 222,396 from two analysts [4] - Patient days totaled 410,141, compared to the average estimate of 429,606.80 days [4] - The number of beds in service was 8,983, exceeding the average estimate of 8,679 [4] - The same-store occupancy rate was 49.6%, lower than the estimated 53.8% [4] - The total number of hospitals was 69, slightly below the average estimate of 70 [4] - Total admissions were 97,768, marginally below the average estimate of 97,799 [4] - Licensed beds were reported at 10,458, compared to the average estimate of 10,478 [4] Stock Performance - Shares of Community Health Systems have returned +9.9% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.3% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Group 1 - The company, Liaoning He Eye Hospital Group Co., Ltd., has announced a change in the special account for raised funds and the signing of a new tripartite supervision agreement for the management of these funds [1] - The company successfully raised a total of RMB 1,296.25 million through its initial public offering, with a net amount of RMB 1,164.31 million after deducting related expenses [2] - The new special account for the raised funds will be opened at CITIC Bank Shenyang Branch for the "He Eye New Optometry Center Project," and the remaining balance from the previous account will be transferred to this new account [3] Group 2 - The company has signed a new tripartite supervision agreement with CITIC Bank and its sponsor, Zhongyuan Securities, to ensure the proper management of the raised funds [4] - As of February 10, 2026, the amount stored in the new special account is RMB 187.21 million [4] - The tripartite agreement outlines the responsibilities of each party, including the requirement for the company to notify the sponsor of any withdrawals exceeding RMB 50 million or 20% of the net raised funds [7][8]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 finished with a gain of about 0.5%, while the Nasdaq increased by approximately 0.9% [5] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average's performance was less clear, with no significant insights drawn from its movement [5][6] Sector Performance - Information Technology was the strongest sector, gaining 1.6%, driven by strong performance from NVIDIA [8] - Other sectors such as Health Care, Consumer Discretionary, and Financials experienced declines [8] Notable Gainers - AppLovin saw a significant increase of about 13%, attributed to positive store leads data and the retraction of negative claims by a financial publisher [10][11] - Oracle's stock rose by approximately 9.6%, influenced by an upgrade from D.A. Davidson, which maintained its price target at $180 [13][14] - Tegna's shares increased by about 8.8% following support from President Trump regarding a proposed acquisition [15] Notable Decliners - Hims & Hers Health shares fell by 16%, with a peak decline of 29% during the session, due to a lawsuit from Novo Nordisk over alleged knockoffs of obesity medications [16] - Kindred Holdings experienced a drastic drop of 55% after the departure of key executives and disappointing third-quarter results, leading to a lowered full-year forecast [18] - Workday's shares decreased by 5%, with a significant decline of over 45% from the previous year, following the announcement of a new CEO [19]

Core Insights - Retail investors showed interest in five stocks driven by retail hype, earnings, AI buzz, and corporate news flow during the week of January 26 to January 30 [1] Microsoft (MSFT) - Despite negative sentiment, retail investors remained optimistic about MSFT's growth, with the stock trading around $433 to $435 per share, reflecting a 4.46% increase over the year but a 15.54% decline over the last six months [7] - The stock had a 52-week range of $344.79 to $555.45 and a solid quality ranking according to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings [7] SanDisk (SNDK) - Some retail investors suggested replacing MSFT with SNDK in the Magnificent 7 stocks, as SNDK's stock surged to around $539 to $546 per share, marking a staggering 1,398.06% increase over the year and 1,142.91% over the last six months [7] - The stock had a 52-week range of $27.90 to $546.75 and demonstrated a stronger price trend across all time frames according to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings [7] Meta Platforms (META) - Retail investors expressed regret for missing the upside in META, which traded around $730 to $739 per share, yielding a 7.47% return over the year and 6.20% over the last six months [7] - The stock had a 52-week range of $479.80 to $796.25 and showed a stronger price trend in the short, medium, and long terms, with a moderate value score according to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings [7] Apple (AAPL) - Retail investors criticized Apple for its presentation of iPhone sales numbers, with the stock trading around $258 to $260 per share, reflecting an 8.71% increase over the year and 23.55% over the last six months [7] - The stock had a 52-week range of $169.21 to $288.61 and maintained a stronger long-term price trend but a weaker short and medium-term trend, with a solid quality score according to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings [7] UnitedHealth (UNH) - Retail investors remained hopeful for a rebound in UNH calls, with the stock trading around $291 to $293 per share, showing a significant drop of 46.42% over the year but a 9.87% increase over the last six months [7] - The stock had a 52-week range of $234.60 to $606.36 and maintained a weaker price trend across all time frames, with a moderate value ranking according to Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings [7] Market Overview - The retail focus combined meme-driven narratives with earnings outlook and corporate news flow, as major indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq exhibited mixed market action during the week [8]

Core Insights - HCA Healthcare reported strong operational performance in 2025, achieving a record 47 million patient encounters and a 6.7% increase in revenue year-over-year [3][4] - The company is well-positioned for 2026 with a revenue guidance range of $76.5 billion to $80 billion and adjusted EBITDA expected between $15.55 billion and $16.45 billion [10][12] - HCA's strategic focus includes enhancing patient access through network expansion, improving operational efficiencies, and investing in technology and AI initiatives [1][20][80] Financial Performance - For 2025, net income attributable to HCA increased nearly 31%, with diluted earnings per share adjusted up by 29% [4][8] - The company achieved a consolidated adjusted EBITDA growth of 12.1% over the prior year, with a 90 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margin [8][9] - Capital expenditures totaled $4.9 billion for the year, with a significant share repurchase program of $10 billion authorized by the board [9][13] Volume and Admissions - Same facility equivalent admissions increased by 2.4%, with inpatient surgeries flat and outpatient surgical volume slightly down [6][8] - Emergency room visits increased by 50 basis points, reflecting solid demand across HCA's markets [6] - The payer mix showed a 3.5% increase in Medicare and a 2.2% increase in Medicaid admissions [6][62] Strategic Initiatives - HCA is enhancing its resiliency program, focusing on revenue integrity, cost efficiencies, and capacity management to navigate policy changes effectively [2][20] - The company plans to invest significantly in technology and digital innovation, particularly in AI, to improve operational efficiency and patient care [80][86] - HCA's outpatient facility development continues to expand, with approximately 100 new business units added in the past year [56][58] Policy Environment - The company is monitoring several policy matters, including the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits and Medicaid supplemental payment programs, which may impact financial performance [2][11] - HCA anticipates a decline in supplemental payment programs' net benefit between $250 million and $450 million due to changes in state programs [11][78] - The company expects an adverse impact on adjusted EBITDA of $600 million to $900 million related to health insurance exchange reforms [11][21] Future Outlook - HCA's 2026 guidance reflects expectations for stable margins and continued growth in equivalent admissions between 2% to 3% [10][11] - The company is committed to ongoing investments in high-acuity programs and expanding its network through new access points [10][12] - HCA's leadership emphasizes a cultural commitment to cost-effectiveness and operational excellence as part of its long-term strategy [35][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue increased by 6.7% compared to the prior year quarter, with net income attributable to HCA Healthcare rising almost 31% [4][11] - Diluted earnings per share as adjusted increased by 29%, and adjusted EBITDA grew around 11% versus the prior year period [4][11] - For the full year 2025, consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased by 12.1% over the prior year, with a 90 basis point improvement in adjusted EBITDA margins [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-facility admissions increased by 2.4%, and equivalent admissions increased by 2.5%, aligning with expectations of 2%-3% growth [9] - Inpatient surgeries were flat, while outpatient surgical volume decreased slightly [9] - ER visits increased by 50 basis points, with overall respiratory volumes having no material impact on year-over-year volume [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same facility total commercial equivalent admissions increased by 1.1% over the prior year, with Medicare increasing by 3.5% and Medicaid by 2.2% [9][10] - Same-facility net revenue per equivalent admission increased by 2.9% versus the prior year quarter [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on network expansion, workforce development, and clinical capabilities, which have contributed to positive outcomes across the HCA Healthcare system [5][6] - The Resiliency Program was strengthened in organizational capabilities, competitive positioning, and financial management, aiming to navigate policy dynamics effectively [6] - The company plans to invest significantly in technology and digital innovation strategies to deliver long-term value [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the core business, forecasting volumes in a long-term growth range of 2%-3% [6] - The company anticipates adverse impacts on adjusted EBITDA between $600 million and $900 million related to health insurance exchanges due to administrative reforms and the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits [14] - Management remains optimistic about operational performance and believes the company is well-positioned for continued progress in 2026 [16] Other Important Information - Capital expenditures totaled $1.5 billion in the quarter and $4.9 billion for the year, with a new $10 billion share repurchase program authorized by the board [11][15] - The quarterly dividend was increased from $0.72 to $0.78 per share [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the expense items and margin improvement opportunities for 2026? - Management indicated expectations for stable margins in 2026, with continued physician cost pressures anticipated [19][20] Question: Can you provide more detail on the resiliency programs and their impact? - The resiliency program focuses on revenue integrity, cost efficiencies, and capacity management, with a target of $400 million in incremental cost savings for 2026 [24][25] Question: What is the expected impact of the health insurance exchange headwinds on volume? - Management anticipates a 15%-20% decline in HIX volumes for 2026, with a significant portion migrating to uninsured status, leading to a decline in utilization [26][66] Question: Can you elaborate on the pause of Texas Medicaid supplemental payments? - The Texas Medicaid program is under review, and its potential reinstatement could impact the overall guidance for 2026 [96] Question: What are the expectations for growth in specialties and procedures in 2026? - Management noted reasonable demand for cardiac services and emphasized investments in emergency room services and outpatient facilities [88][89]

Core Insights - Centene Corporation (CNC) is expanding its supportive care services in Ohio through a partnership with Tuesday Health, launching on January 1, 2026, to provide structured palliative care for members with serious illnesses [1][4] Group 1: Partnership and Services - The program will offer eligible Buckeye members support from a diverse team including nurses, social workers, nurse practitioners, and physicians, aiming to manage symptoms and assist caregivers [2] - The initiative is designed to provide 24/7 access to clinicians, addressing issues early to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions [2][3] Group 2: Market Context and Strategy - The partnership is timely as Ohio faces increasing caregiver strain and a growing population with complex medical needs, with palliative care focusing on comfort and coordination [3] - This initiative aligns with CNC's value-based care strategy, particularly relevant for Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and dual-eligible populations that typically incur higher medical costs [4] Group 3: Future Implications - The Ohio rollout creates a scalable framework for potential expansion of similar partnerships across other states if performance metrics are met [5] - While the immediate financial impact may be limited, this initiative could enhance the company's role in whole-person care and its commitment to managing complex populations [5] Group 4: Stock Performance - Over the past three months, CNC shares have increased by 23.8%, contrasting with a 6.8% decline in the industry [6]

Core Insights - Two major American universities, Penn State Health and the University of Texas at Austin, received transformative donations of $50 million and $100 million respectively, aimed at reshaping their health care and academic missions [1] Penn State Health - The $50 million donation from Tom Golisano will name Penn State Health's Children's Hospital and support its expansion as a leading pediatric care center, marking the largest single philanthropic gift to Penn State Health since 1963 [2][4] - The new facility will be part of the Golisano Children's Alliance, connecting with nine other leading pediatric institutions to enhance resource sharing and access to pediatric care [3] - The donation will significantly enhance pediatric care, research, and community outreach across central Pennsylvania, with the Children's Hospital being the most comprehensive pediatric facility in the region [4] - Tom Golisano has a history of supporting children's hospitals, with the Golisano Foundation contributing to multiple facilities as part of the Golisano Children's Alliance [5] University of Texas at Austin - The University of Texas at Austin received a $100 million pledge from Tench and Simone Coxe to support the development of a world-class academic medical center, one of the largest gifts in the university's history [6] - This donation will facilitate a comprehensive health care initiative that integrates the university's medical infrastructure, including Dell Medical School and UT MD Anderson cancer care, into a patient-centered academic health system [7] - The Coxes' motivation for the donation stemmed from personal observations of healthcare gaps in the region, allowing university leaders flexibility in resource allocation for various needs [9] - The $2.5 billion medical center is expected to break ground in 2026 and open in 2030, focusing on complex conditions and expanding cancer services in the Austin area [10] Impact on Higher Education Philanthropy - These donations reflect a growing trend of significant philanthropic investments in university health care infrastructure, highlighting the role of academic medical centers in community service and research advancement [12] - Both universities aim to leverage these high-profile donations to inspire further contributions from other supporters, with the Coxes publicizing their gift to encourage broader participation [14] - As these institutions expand their health care missions, they join a trend of academic institutions investing heavily in medical research and patient care infrastructure, potentially influencing similar initiatives at other universities [15]