ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zynex, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZYXI), an innovative medical technology company specializing in the manufacture and sale of non-invasive medical devices for pain management, rehabilitation, and patient monitoring, today announced the Company received an update from Tricare that the temporary payment suspension will continue."As we previously announced, we were notified of a temporary suspension of payments from our largest insurance customer, Tricare," said Thomas Sandgaa ...

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].

Company Leadership Change - Zynex, Inc. announced the appointment of Steven Dyson as Chief Executive Officer, effective August 18, 2025 [1] - Thomas Sandgaard, the founder and Chairman of the Board since 1996, will continue to be actively involved in the company [2] Executive Experience - Steven Dyson brings over 25 years of experience in the medical technology sector, with a strong background in private equity and leadership roles in various healthcare companies [3] - His previous experience includes significant roles in companies such as KCI, Rodenstock, Healthium Medtech, Unilabs, and Neuraxpharm [3] Strategic Focus - The company aims to refocus its business strategy towards a more optimized payer mix and to return to a strong growth trajectory under Dyson's leadership [5] - Dyson expressed enthusiasm about leading Zynex and emphasized the strong foundation built by Sandgaard [5] Company Overview - Zynex develops, manufactures, markets, and sells medical devices for pain management and rehabilitation, as well as non-invasive monitoring systems for hospitals [10]

Core Insights - BrightSpring Health Services (BTSG) achieved an all-time high stock price of $25.57 on June 9, reflecting a remarkable 120% increase over the past year, contrasting with declines in the broader medical sector [1][8] - The company outperformed competitors Amedisys (AMED) and Option Care Health (OPCH), which saw stock increases of 2.7% and 12.2%, respectively [2][8] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, BrightSpring reported a 14% year-over-year revenue growth and a 111% increase in adjusted EPS, both exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates [6][8] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 19%, supporting management's confidence in achieving continued double-digit growth in revenues and EBITDA for the full year [6] Quality Metrics - Over 80% of BrightSpring's Home Health branches are rated 4 stars or higher, with a declining 60-day hospitalization rate and patient satisfaction around 90% [7][8] - In Hospice services, the company provides 50% more visits and time with patients than the national average, achieving all-time high quality scores [7] - Rehabilitation services reported that 52% of catastrophic neuro event patients regained independence, while Personal Care achieved a satisfaction score of 4.6 out of 5 [7] Valuation - BrightSpring's stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.32, lower than the industry average of 0.39 and below competitors like Amedisys (1.23X) and OPCH (0.90X) [11][12] - Despite being above its one-year median of 0.24X, the stock remains undervalued compared to peers, indicating improved investor sentiment [12] Future Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BrightSpring's 2025 earnings suggests an 82.1% year-over-year improvement [9] - Current estimates for Q1 2025 earnings are 0.22, with projections for the next year at 1.02 [10]

Core Insights - The Ensign Group Inc. (ENSG) has expanded its operations by acquiring three skilled nursing facilities in Idaho and California, effective June 1, 2025 [1][8] - The acquisitions align with ENSG's strategy of targeted acquisitions and leasing, which will reduce capital expenses and enhance revenue generation [2][8] - The company’s skilled services segment saw a revenue increase of 15.9% year-over-year to $1.1 billion in Q1 2025, driven by higher occupancy rates and improved patient days [3] Acquisition Details - The acquired facilities include Ironwood Rehabilitation and Care Center (80 beds) and Lakeside Rehabilitation and Care Center (100 beds) in Coeur d'Alene, ID, and Toluca Lake Transitional Care (52 beds) in North Hollywood, CA [1][8] - The Idaho properties will operate under a triple-net lease agreement with a third-party landlord [2][8] - These acquisitions bring ENSG's total operational count to 347 healthcare facilities across 17 states [2][8] Growth Strategy - ENSG's interest in both well-performing and underperforming facilities indicates a strong belief in its operational turnaround capabilities [4] - The company aims to acquire more real estate assets and senior living operations in the long term [4] Stock Performance - Over the past year, ENSG shares have increased by 22.2%, outperforming the industry growth of 13.5% [5]

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today June 2nd:Encompass Health (EHC) : This integrated healthcare service provider which offers facility-based patient care through its network of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals, carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4.4% over the last 60 days.Encompass Health has a PEG ratio of 2.46 compared with 2.47 for the industry. ...

Core Insights - Encompass Health Corporation (EHC) has inaugurated the Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Myers in partnership with Lee Health, marking a significant expansion in Florida's healthcare landscape [1][5] - The new facility is equipped with 60 beds and offers advanced rehabilitation services, including tailored therapies for patients recovering from various conditions [3][4] - EHC's overall strategy includes increasing its facility count, which has reached 168 hospitals, contributing to a projected revenue growth of 9.6% in 2025 [7] Group 1: Facility and Services - The Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Myers features modern amenities such as a therapy gym, dialysis unit, and private patient rooms, aimed at enhancing patient recovery [3] - Patients will receive at least three hours of intensive therapy five days a week, along with 24-hour nursing support, which is expected to improve health outcomes in the region [4] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Expansion - The partnership with Lee Health is part of EHC's strategy to strengthen its presence in Florida, with the Fort Myers hospital being its 22nd facility in the state [5] - EHC has plans for further expansion, including a new 50-bed rehabilitation hospital in Apollo Beach, FL [5] Group 3: Financial Performance - EHC reported a 10.6% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, with management estimating operating revenues between $5.85 billion and $5.925 billion for the year [7] - The company's share price has increased by 42.6% over the past year, significantly outperforming the industry average of 5.7% [8]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market remains strong despite concerns over credit downgrade and fiscal outlook, with major indexes finishing higher due to optimism from U.S.-China trade talks [1] - A temporary 90-day pause in tariffs and an agreement to lower mutual tariffs to 10% have positively influenced market sentiment [1] - The S&P 500 has closed higher in 16 of the past 19 trading days, indicating a strong performance [1] Inflation and Economic Indicators - Easing inflation indicators, with both CPI and PPI showing signs of cooling, have contributed to market buoyancy [2] - Despite Moody's downgrade raising long-term concerns about debt, the focus remains on near-term growth momentum and improving global trade relations [2] Investment Strategy - A relative price strength strategy is recommended, focusing on stocks that outperform the broader market [2][4] - Stocks that are underperforming on fundamental factors should be avoided, while those outperforming their sectors in price should be selected for better returns [5] Stock Recommendations - Recommended stocks based on relative price strength include Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD), Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM), EverQuote, Inc. (EVER), and Encompass Health Corp. (EHC) [3] Screening Parameters - Stocks should be screened based on relative price change over 12 weeks, 4 weeks, and 1 week, as well as positive current-quarter estimate revisions [8] - Only Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks that have historically outperformed the S&P 500 are considered [9] Company Highlights - **Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (GLDD)**: Market cap of $760.8 million, with a 34.8% upward revision in 2025 earnings estimates and a 15.6% increase in shares over the past year [11][10] - **Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM)**: Unique grocery model with a market cap of $1.5 billion, showing a 35.5% growth in 2025 earnings estimates and a 115.4% increase in shares over the past year [12][13] - **EverQuote, Inc. (EVER)**: Market cap of $867 million, with a 33% growth in 2025 earnings estimates, but shares have decreased by 3.5% in the past year [13][14] - **Encompass Health Corp. (EHC)**: Market cap not specified, with a 13.1% growth in 2025 earnings estimates and a 41.2% increase in shares over the past year [15]

Encompass Health (EHC) 2025 Conference Summary Company Overview - Encompass Health is the largest operator of inpatient rehabilitation facilities in the United States [1] Key Points and Arguments Volume Growth and Capacity - Encompass Health has a long-term target for discharge growth of 6% to 8% annually, with total discharge growth exceeding 6% for the last eleven quarters [6][8] - The company reported a first-quarter discharge growth of 10% in the previous year, influenced by an extra day due to leap year and the quarter ending on Easter Sunday [7] - In 2025, Encompass Health plans to open seven new hospitals, with five openings occurring after September, which will affect growth rates [8] - The expected breakdown for discharge growth is approximately two-thirds from same-store growth and one-third from new store growth [8] Occupancy Rates and Bed Expansion - The occupancy rate reached 78.8%, the highest ever recorded, reflecting a systematic increase in private room availability [10] - The percentage of private rooms in the portfolio increased from 40% in 2020 to 56% by the end of Q1 2025, enhancing occupancy levels [12] - Bed expansions are projected to yield high returns, with internal rates of return (IRR) exceeding 30% [13][14] - The company plans to add approximately 120 beds to existing hospitals in 2026 and 2027 [14] Joint Ventures and Market Strategy - Joint ventures (JVs) account for about 40% of Encompass Health's business, with a robust pipeline of potential partnerships [26] - JVs provide advantages such as faster ramp-up times and management fees, enhancing financial returns [27][28] - The company employs a data-driven approach to identify markets for new facilities, considering demographics, competition, and local healthcare needs [19] Medicare Advantage and Payer Mix - The Medicare Advantage payer mix has increased from under 9% in 2018 to approximately 30% in Q1 2025, with ongoing efforts to improve this further [35] - The reimbursement gap between Medicare Advantage and fee-for-service has narrowed from over 25% to less than 2% [36] - The conversion rate for Medicare Advantage referrals to admissions is currently about half that of fee-for-service, indicating significant growth potential [42] Regulatory Environment and Risks - Encompass Health does not foresee immediate risks from potential Medicare cuts, as IRFs represent less than 2% of overall Medicare expenditures [50] - The company is subject to frequent audits and maintains a low bad debt expense of around 2% [51] - There has been no recent discussion regarding the home health transfer policy, which had previously raised concerns [54] Cost Management and Financial Strategy - Construction costs for new facilities are approximately $1.2 million per bed, with bed expansions costing between $800,000 and $850,000 per bed [58] - The company has not observed upward pressure on construction or supply costs, benefiting from reduced demand among contractors [60] - Encompass Health repurchased $32 million of its stock in Q1 2025, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders while expanding capacity [64] Additional Important Insights - The aging demographic is a significant driver of growth, with projections indicating that one in five Americans will be over 65 by 2030 [17][18] - The company emphasizes its value proposition in treating complex medical conditions, which resonates with Medicare Advantage plans [40] - Encompass Health's strategic focus on expanding its capacity and improving payer mix positions it well for future growth opportunities [63]

Encompass Health Corporation (EHC) recently unveiled early-stage plans to build a new 50-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Apollo Beach, FL. This standalone facility will be located in the Waterset master-planned community and will offer advanced rehabilitation services for patients recovering from serious medical conditions, including strokes, spinal injuries, amputations, complex orthopedic cases and brain injuries.This project marks an expansion of Encompass Health’s footprint in Florida, aligning ...