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Healthcare Stocks Earnings Due on Aug 6: EVHC, THC, BKD

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The Q2 earnings season is in its last leg with results from 381 S&P 500 members (as of Aug 2) already out which collectively account for 82.7% of the index’s total market capitalization.

Per the latest Earnings Preview, total earnings for these 381 companies increased 25% year over year on 10.4% higher revenues. Out of those that reported, 80.1% beat EPS estimates while 73.8% surpassed revenue estimates.

The Medical sector, earnings grew 15.1%, higher than 13.8% growth recorded in the first quarter. Revenue increase of 7.2% remained stable compared with the first quarter.

Demand for healthcare related products and services due to increase in baby boomers population is likely to drive the industry’s top-line.  Further, a shift is being witnessed in the industry from inpatient care setting to home health-care, which has led to a decline in admissions for the hospital industry. It has nevertheless driven demand for home health-care workers — from nurses to aides and caregivers. Consequently, the companies providing services in this area stand to gain. A recent article from CNBC mentioned that nearly 10,000 seniors turn 65 in the United States, and the majority of them are hoping to age in their own homes.

“The demand for home care and hospice continues to grow as we see a graying of the U.S. population," said Bill Dombi, president of the National Association for Home Care and Hospice. Dombi further added that both younger and older patients are pivoting ever more toward in-home care

Moreover, prevalence of high deductible plans has kept patients away from hospitals until it is absolutely urgent or necessary to avail hospital services. These high deductible plans burn a hole in the patients’ pockets before they can seek relief from their health insurance cover. This has also led to a decline in admissions in the hospital industry.

While the hospital industry continues to face dwindling admission, high labor cost is another concern. Shortage of skilled nurses have led to a spike in personnel cost. Admissions have been suffering due to lack of adequate number of nurses required to take care of patients.

Let’s take a look at a few major Healthcare stocks scheduled to release second quarterly numbers on Aug 6:

Envision Healthcare Corp. EVHC is likely to witness an increase in revenues from its Physician Services segment (which contributes nearly 84% of the company’s revenues), driven by growth from acquisitions, organic sources, same contract revenues and net new contracts.