Fortune's World's Most Admired recognition is based on nine key attributes related to corporate reputation, including quality of products and services, innovation, long-term value and financial profile, social, environmental and community responsibility, and people management. Consulting firm Korn Ferry collaborated with Fortune to survey thousands of executives, directors and analysts who rated companies in their industry, analyzing nearly 700 companies. A company's score must rank in the top half of its i ...

Core Insights - The Zacks Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare industry is experiencing a significant shift towards digital healthcare, driven by rising demand for telemedicine and AI-powered services, particularly due to an aging global population and increasing healthcare costs [1][4][9]. Industry Overview - The industry includes companies providing outpatient care and home healthcare services, utilizing advanced medical technologies for diagnosis and treatment. The sector has shown steady growth post-pandemic, supported by innovation and the shift towards value-based care models [3][6]. - The global home healthcare market was valued at $390.24 billion in 2023, with an expected CAGR of approximately 7.9% from 2024 to 2030 [1]. Major Trends - **Aging Population**: The growing elderly population is a primary driver for home healthcare services, increasing the demand for chronic disease management and rehabilitation [4]. - **Cost Effectiveness**: Outpatient clinics offer cost-effective care, supported by financial incentives from health plans and government programs [5]. - **AI Integration**: AI is enhancing healthcare delivery, with outpatient companies utilizing automated systems for better patient outcomes and efficiency [7]. - **Technological Advancements**: Virtual assistants and chatbots are becoming integral in patient care, aiding in appointment scheduling and medication compliance [8]. Challenges - **Staffing Shortages**: The U.S. healthcare sector faces significant staffing shortages, particularly among home health aides, exacerbated by high burnout rates [10]. - **Tariff Impact**: New U.S. tariffs have increased costs for imported medical supplies, straining home healthcare providers and leading to operational challenges [11]. Market Performance - The industry has outperformed its sector but underperformed compared to the S&P 500, gaining 6.8% over the past year versus the S&P 500's 12.1% gain [14]. - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 19.8X, lower than the S&P 500's 22.3X [18]. Notable Companies - **Quest Diagnostics**: Expected revenue growth of 9.2% for 2025, with a strong return on equity (ROE) of 15.1% [22][23]. - **Encompass Health**: Anticipated revenue growth of 9.5% for 2025, with an ROE of 17.6% [25][26]. - **The Pennant Group**: Projected revenue growth of 23.3% for 2025, with an ROE of 10.7% [29][30]. - **DaVita**: Expected revenue growth of 5.2% for 2025, with a notably high ROE of 176.1% [33][34].