A question being asked across the country. How can I afford my prescription drugs. Prices are skyrocketing.It's a broken system and we need to make sure everyone is paying attention. With some specialty medications costing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per year and prescription drug prices in the US averaging nearly three times more than in other countries, driving people and employers to find a solution. It's such a desperate thing to think that you might not have your medication at all.>> ...

Core Viewpoint - CVS Health is experiencing a significant rebound, with shares rising 77% this year due to improved financial results, but still faces challenges in underperforming business segments [1][2]. Financial Performance - CVS Health reported a record revenue of $102.9 billion in the third quarter, a 7.8% increase compared to the same quarter in 2024 [4]. - Adjusted operating income reached $3.5 billion, reflecting a 35.8% year-over-year increase, with an operating margin of 3.4%, up from 2.7% the previous year [6]. - Non-GAAP earnings per share were $1.60, marking an almost 47% increase year-over-year [6]. Strategic Adjustments - The company is implementing a plan for at least $2 billion in cost savings, which includes store closures and workforce reductions [4]. - CVS plans to scale back its Medicare Advantage business and exit the Affordable Care Act's health insurance market, which are expected to improve profitability despite potentially lower overall revenue [8]. Valuation and Market Position - CVS Health's stock trades at 10.7 times forward earnings, significantly lower than the healthcare industry average of 17.1, making it an attractive investment opportunity [9]. - The company possesses a strong competitive advantage due to its extensive pharmacy network and long-term patient relationships [11]. Long-term Outlook - CVS is well-positioned to benefit from long-term trends such as an aging population, which is expected to increase healthcare spending [12]. - The stock offers a forward dividend yield of 3.4% with a reasonable cash payout ratio of 53.3%, appealing to long-term income seekers [13].

Core Insights - McKesson reported quarterly earnings of $9.86 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.92 per share, and up from $7.07 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of +10.54% [1][2] - The company posted revenues of $103.15 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.45%, compared to $93.65 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - McKesson's stock has increased approximately 47.7% year-to-date, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 15.1% [3] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $9.99, with expected revenues of $105.75 billion, and for the current fiscal year, the EPS estimate is $38.05 on revenues of $409.17 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for McKesson was favorable prior to the earnings release, resulting in a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) for the stock, indicating expected outperformance in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Medical - Dental Supplies industry, to which McKesson belongs, is currently ranked in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a positive outlook for stocks within this sector [8] - The performance of McKesson's stock may also be influenced by the overall industry outlook, as research indicates that the top 50% of Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by more than 2 to 1 [8]

Core Viewpoint - McKesson (MCK) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Rising earnings estimates for McKesson suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [5][10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7][9]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [9][10]. Recent Performance of McKesson - McKesson is expected to earn $38.05 per share for the fiscal year ending March 2026, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2.3% over the past three months [8].

Cigna will start doing away with prescription drug rebates in some of its health plans in 2027, a move it says will save patients money at the pharmacy counter https://t.co/uGWKBMccVk ...

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]

Core Points - Kroger Health, in collaboration with the Cardinal Health Foundation, is participating in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on October 25, allowing individuals to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at local pharmacies [1][2][3] - The initiative aims to promote safer environments and educate communities on medication safety, contributing to healthier living [3][4] Company Overview - Kroger Health serves over 17 million patients annually and operates more than 2,200 pharmacies across 35 states, along with telehealth services and in-person clinics [5] - The Cardinal Health Foundation focuses on advancing health equity and supports initiatives that foster healthier communities [6] Event Details - Drug take back events will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, with law enforcement present to accept various forms of medications [3][4] - Since 2018, Kroger Health has collected over 220,000 pounds of unwanted medications and served more than 86,000 visitors during these events [4]

Core Viewpoint - Johnson & Johnson is separating its orthopedics business into a standalone company named DePuy Synthes, allowing the company to concentrate on its pharmaceutical and MedTech segments [1][2]. Group 1: Business Separation - The orthopedics business generated over $9 billion in sales last year, and the split is intended to enable J&J to focus on higher-growth areas [2]. - The separation is expected to be completed within the next 18 to 24 months [2]. Group 2: Leadership and Market Performance - Namal Nawana, former CEO of Smith & Nephew, will lead the new orthopedics company [2]. - J&J reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings and reaffirmed its adjusted earnings guidance for the year, although shares slipped more than $2 to $188.74 in premarket trading [3]. - J&J's shares have increased over 30% so far this year [3].

Core Insights - Johnson & Johnson raised its full-year sales outlook due to gains in both its prescription-drug and medical-device businesses in the latest quarter [1] Company Performance - The company reported an increase in sales across its prescription-drug segment, contributing positively to the overall financial outlook [1] - Gains in the medical-device business also played a significant role in enhancing the company's sales projections for the year [1]

Core Insights - AstraZeneca (AZN) has signed a significant agreement with the Trump administration to reduce drug prices in the U.S., following a similar deal by Pfizer [1][8] - The agreement aligns with President Trump's Most Favored Nation (MFN) pricing proposal, allowing AstraZeneca to offer discounts of up to 80% on its prescription drugs [2][8] - In exchange for price reductions, AstraZeneca will receive a three-year exemption from import tariffs on pharmaceutical ingredients, contingent upon expanding its U.S. manufacturing [3][8] Investment and Manufacturing Plans - AstraZeneca plans to invest $50 billion over the next five years to enhance its U.S. research and production capabilities, including a $4.5 billion manufacturing facility in Virginia [3][4][8] - The new facility will focus on drug substances for weight management, metabolic therapies, and antibody drug conjugate (ADC) cancer drugs [4] Industry Context - The agreements with AstraZeneca and Pfizer address major concerns in the pharmaceutical sector regarding drug pricing and tariffs, potentially easing regulatory pressures [7] - Other large-cap pharmaceutical companies, such as AbbVie, Eli Lilly, and Johnson & Johnson, are also committing significant investments to U.S. manufacturing and R&D [9][10][11][12] - AstraZeneca's stock has increased by 29% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average rise of 7% [5]