Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the health sector in low- and lower middle-income countries (LLMICs) but emphasizes the need for increased government health spending to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) [8]. Core Insights - The report outlines pathways for LLMICs to expand government health spending amidst fiscal constraints, declining external support, and rising competition for public resources [8]. - It highlights that government health expenditure (GHE) per capita in LLMICs doubled in real terms from US$24 in 2000 to US$46 in 2022, but growth has significantly slowed since 2009 [30][31]. - The report identifies institutional, technical, and operational challenges that hinder the mobilization of government financing for health [40][41]. Summary by Sections Part A: Heed the Signs - Government health spending per capita in LLMICs has slowed markedly, with annual increases dropping from nearly 6% (2000-2009) to just 2% (2009-2019) [64]. - In 2022, average government health spending was US$16 per capita in low-income countries (LICs) and US$60 in LLMICs, falling short of the US$70 and US$90 benchmarks needed for UHC [67]. - Nearly half of LLMICs are projected to face stagnation or declines in government health spending due to high debt obligations and competition for resources [68]. Part B: Mind the Returns - The report emphasizes the economic, social, and political returns of investing in health, which are often overlooked due to their complexity and preventive nature [33][35]. - It discusses how government decision-making is centralized, limiting the role of health ministries and leading to fragmented health sectors [34]. Part C: Raise the Game - The report suggests that countries can elevate health as a political priority through policy reforms and institutional changes [41][42]. - It outlines the importance of collaboration between ministries of health and finance to improve budget formulation and execution [41][44]. Part D: Shift the Course - The fiscal pivot pathways proposed in the report include political economy strategies and technical measures to enhance government health spending [40][48]. - The report stresses the need for sustained commitment to health investments despite the challenges posed by external pressures and internal constraints [48].

Core Insights - CVS Health's latest results indicate stable sales and adjusted profits, with upward adjustments to forecasts, but the stock is considered "cheap but risky" due to profit quality and high debt levels [2][15]. Financial Performance - In Q3 2025, CVS reported revenue of approximately $103 billion, an 8% increase year-over-year, with all segments contributing to growth [3]. - The adjusted EPS was around $1.60, a significant rise from the previous year, leading management to increase the full-year 2025 adjusted EPS forecast to the mid-$6 range [5]. - A $5.7 billion charge related to the Health Care Delivery segment resulted in a net loss for the quarter, affecting reported profit figures [4]. Valuation Metrics - CVS trades at a low Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio of about 0.2x compared to roughly 3x for the S&P 500, indicating undervaluation [12]. - The Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio is over 200x, primarily due to one-time charges, but falls into low double digits when based on future projections or adjusted earnings [8][9]. Profitability and Debt Concerns - CVS has managed annual sales growth of about 7-8% over the past three years, slightly better than the S&P 500 average, but profitability is currently weak with low operating profit margins [10][13]. - The company's total debt is in the low $80 billion range, with a debt-to-equity ratio in the mid-80% range, indicating a high level of debt compared to market value [13][11]. Investment Suitability - The stock is deemed suitable for investors willing to take risks, as it is undervalued but has weak overall financial health due to high debt and low profit margins [15][16]. - CVS is not considered a safe investment, having experienced significant declines during market corrections in the past [14][17].

Core Insights - CVS Health Corporation is a leading American healthcare company with a market cap of $104.6 billion, providing prescription medications, health services, and insurance solutions [1] - The company is set to announce its fiscal Q3 earnings for 2025 on October 29, 2025, with analysts projecting a profit of $1.36 per share, a 24.8% increase from the previous year [2] - CVS has shown strong performance, with a 42.8% gain over the past 52 weeks, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Index and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund [4] Financial Performance - Analysts expect CVS to report an EPS of $6.36 for the current year, reflecting a 17.3% increase from $5.42 in fiscal 2024, with further growth anticipated to $7.16 in fiscal 2026 [3] - CVS has consistently surpassed Wall Street's bottom-line estimates in the last four quarters [2] Recent Developments - On October 15, CVS Health shares rose 1.3% following the completion of its acquisition of select Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs assets, adding 63 stores and bringing over nine million former patients under CVS's care [5] - Wall Street analysts maintain a highly optimistic outlook on CVS stock, with a "Strong Buy" rating from 20 out of 25 analysts, and a mean price target of $85.26, indicating a 2.7% premium from current levels [6]

Core Insights - TELUS Corporation reported first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of C$0.26, remaining flat year over year [1] - Total operating revenues increased by 3% year over year to C$5,057 million, driven by strong revenue growth across all segments [1] - A new TELUS Health segment was introduced, previously part of TTech, and will now be reported alongside TTech (excluding Health) and TELUS Digital [1] Financial Performance - Operating revenues from contracts with customers were C$5,018 million, up 3% year over year [2] - The company added 218,000 net customers in the first quarter, an increase of 9,000, attributed to demand for premium bundled offerings [2] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased slightly by 1% year over year to C$1,841 million [14] Segment Results - TTech revenues rose 2% year over year to C$3,883 million, with operating revenues from contracts with customers increasing to C$3,838 million [3] - TELUS Health's operating revenues increased by 12% year over year to C$473 million, with health services revenues growing by 13% [10] - TELUS Digital's operating revenues increased by 4% to C$709 million, aided by a stronger U.S. dollar and euro [12] Revenue Breakdown - Mobile network revenues decreased by 1% year over year to C$1,732 million due to a decline in mobile phone ARPU [4] - Fixed data service revenues increased by 3% to C$1,192 million, supported by an expanding subscriber base [6] - Agriculture and consumer goods services revenues surged by 20% year over year to C$98 million, driven by business acquisitions and strong organic growth [8] Dividend and Cash Flow - The board declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.4163 per share, a 7% increase from the prior year [3] - Free cash flow increased by 22% to C$488 million, with cash generated from operating activities rising to C$1,077 million [15] 2025 Guidance - TELUS reaffirmed its financial targets for 2025, expecting 2-4% growth in TTech operating revenues [16] - TTech adjusted EBITDA is projected to grow by 3-5%, with free cash flow expected to reach nearly C$2.15 billion [17]