Latest news with #CON
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CON or MEDP: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now?
Investors looking for stocks in the Medical Services sector might want to consider either Concentra Group (CON) or Medpace (MEDP). But which of these two stocks is more attractive to value investors? We'll need to take a closer look to find out. The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank emphasizes companies with positive estimate revision trends, and our Style Scores highlight stocks with specific traits. Concentra Group and Medpace are sporting Zacks Ranks of #2 (Buy) and #3 (Hold), respectively, right now. The Zacks Rank favors stocks that have recently seen positive revisions to their earnings estimates, so investors should rest assured that CON has an improving earnings outlook. But this is only part of the picture for value investors. Value investors also tend to look at a number of traditional, tried-and-true figures to help them find stocks that they believe are undervalued at their current share price levels. Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use. CON currently has a forward P/E ratio of 16.25, while MEDP has a forward P/E of 23.32. We also note that CON has a PEG ratio of 2.08. This figure is similar to the commonly-used P/E ratio, with the PEG ratio also factoring in a company's expected earnings growth rate. MEDP currently has a PEG ratio of 5.35. Another notable valuation metric for CON is its P/B ratio of 9.04. The P/B ratio is used to compare a stock's market value with its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, MEDP has a P/B of 14.36. Based on these metrics and many more, CON holds a Value grade of B, while MEDP has a Value grade of C. CON sticks out from MEDP in both our Zacks Rank and Style Scores models, so value investors will likely feel that CON is the better option right now. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Concentra Group Holdings Parent, Inc. (CON) : Free Stock Analysis Report Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Journals
09-06-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Navigating the shifting certificate of need landscape: What healthcare leaders need to know
As certificate of need (CON) laws continue to evolve across the United States, healthcare executives are facing a regulatory landscape that is in rapid flux. These changes are opening the door to new growth opportunities — but also intensifying competition, escalating real estate costs, and increasing pressure on strategic planning. Historically, CON laws were implemented to regulate healthcare facility development, control costs, and prevent unnecessary duplication of services. But today, many states — including Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, Vermont, and Connecticut — have either significantly reformed or are actively reconsidering their CON programs. The result is a nationwide trend toward deregulation that is already reshaping how healthcare systems expand, compete, and invest in physical infrastructure. National trends driving market transformation Several consistent themes are emerging as states loosen or repeal CON requirements: Full or partial CON repeals are clearing the way for new market entrants and increased competition. Accelerated facility development, particularly in high-growth and suburban regions. Escalating real estate costs as health systems and providers rush to secure strategic locations. Evolution of delivery models, with a growing focus on outpatient care, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialized facilities closer to patients. For leading health systems, these shifts present an opportunity to expand access and modernize service delivery. But for others, particularly in rural or highly saturated markets, the threat of being outpaced — or outspent — is very real. Strategic approaches to navigating CON reform To maintain a competitive edge, healthcare providers must act decisively. That means reassessing growth strategies, tightening execution, and rethinking how real estate supports long-term organizational goals. Based on trends across multiple markets, four strategies are emerging as critical: 1. Market planning and opportunity analysis Use predictive analytics, demographic trends, and competitive intelligence to identify growth markets and underserved populations. Health systems that move quickly to assess and prioritize expansion zones will be positioned to lead. 2. Real estate acquisition and adaptive controls Secure high-priority sites before demand drives up costs. In parallel, evaluate ownership models, ground leases, and control structures — such as purchase options and restrictive covenants — to ensure long-term flexibility and protection. 3. Prototype facility development Scalable, standardized facility designs allow providers to quickly deploy urgent care, imaging centers, ASCs, and other outpatient assets. With streamlined designs and pre-approved plans, systems can reduce time to market while maintaining operational consistency. 4. Strategic capital planning and partnerships Rising interest rates and capital constraints are prompting systems to reexamine their funding models. Third-party partnerships, developer relationships, and creative joint ventures can reduce financial risk and enhance speed to execution. Preparing for the future The shift in CON policy is no longer theoretical. It is happening now, and healthcare leaders must be ready. Strategic market assessments, sound real estate planning, and agile capital deployment will define the next wave of growth in healthcare. Is your health system positioned to adapt? To explore this topic further, download our white paper: ' Certificate of Need (CON): The Evolving Landscape – Is Your Health System Prepared? ' Additionally, access our best practice guide for actionable insights into facility development, market planning, and real estate acquisition: ' The Impact of Evolving CON Legislation on Healthcare Systems' Real Estate Strategies ' Or connect with our team to discuss how these reforms may impact your market and your real estate strategy. Realty Trust Group, LLC (RTG) is a national leader in providing comprehensive real estate solutions for the healthcare industry. Since 1998, we have worked alongside healthcare leaders to leverage real estate as a strategic asset helping to save money, manage risks, create physician alignment, and increase market share. For more information about RTG, visit Facebook, and LinkedIn, or call 865-521-0630.
Business Upturn
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO Meet Nigeria First Lady to Underscore Their Long-Term Commitment to Transform Patient Care Landscape in the Country
By Business Wire Published on May 26, 2025, 15:07 IST Abuja, Nigeria & Mumbai, Maharashtra, India: Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany underscored their commitment to build healthcare capacity, support girl education and break infertility stigma in Nigeria during their high-level meeting with H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The discussion was led by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BOT and Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej expressed, 'It was a privilege to meet my dear sister H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and officially appoint her to be the Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother'. During our meeting, we discussed the beginning of our long-term partnership and underscored our commitment towards building healthcare capacity and transforming patient care landscape by providing scholarships for local Nigerian doctors in 42 critical and underserved specialties. We also discussed about addressing critical social and health issues in the country including breaking the infertility stigma and supporting girl education.' 'It gives me great pleasure to share that till today, 63 scholarships have been provided for doctors in Nigeria and affirm our commitment towards enhancing healthcare delivery by providing scholarships for local doctors in Nigeria,' Dr. Rasha Kelej added. H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ambassador of 'Merck Foundation More Than a Mother' expressed, 'It is a pleasure to welcome and meet the Chairman and CEO of Merck Foundation in our country. I am truly pleased to learn about their impactful and highly beneficial programs, particularly Educating Linda program to support girl education and scholarship program for advancing healthcare capacity. It is encouraging to know that Merck Foundation has provided 63 scholarships to our local doctors in critical medical specialties. I am fully committed to scaling up all their programs to benefit our people.' Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation BOT shared, 'It was a great pleasure to meet H.E. Senator OLUREMI TINUBU, CON, The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to reinforce our shared commitment to advancing healthcare capacity in Nigeria and across Africa. Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity across Africa, Asia and other developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patientcare landscape through our scholarships program. Till today, we have provided more than 2270 scholarships for young doctors from 53 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties.' Merck Foundation has provided 63 scholarships for Nigerian doctors, out of which 8 scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology, Sexual & Reproductive Medicine, Biotechnology of Human Assisted Reproduction and Embryology and Women's Health. Moreover, 38 scholarships have been provided for Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management. After completion of the course, these doctors will be able to establish diabetes or hypertension clinics in their Health Centre or Hospital with the aim to help prevent and manage the disease in their own communities. Additionally, 17 scholarships have been provided for other critical and underserved specialties like Oncology Research, Clinical Psychiatry, Dermatology in Clinical Practice, Pain Management, Respiratory Medicine, Care of the Older Person, Critical Care, Rheumatology, and more. Moreover, As a part of their 'Educating Linda' program, Merck Foundation has also sponsored the education of 20 high performing but underprivileged Nigerian schoolgirls. Merck Foundation has also conducted three edition of Online Health Media Training for the Nigerian journalists, to emphasize on the important role that media plays to influence society to create a cultural shift with the aim to address wide range of social and health issues such as: Breaking Infertility Stigma, Supporting Girl Education, Women Empowerment, Ending Child Marriage, Ending FGM, and/ or Stopping GBV at all levels; to underscore the importance of Empowering Girls and Women in Education and to understand the social and psychological impact of infertility stigma and other social issues like GBV, Child Marriage, FGM etc. over women and their families and communities. Moreover, to raise awareness of early detection and prevention of Diabetes and Hypertension. Merck Foundation in partnership with The First Lady of Nigeria has also launched their 8 important Merck Foundation Awards for Media, Musicians & Singers, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, and students & new potential talents in these fields. 'I invite the young Nigerian talents to share their creative and inspiring work with us. We have celebrated many winners from Nigeria in the previous years and look forward to celebrating winners this year too,' concluded Senator Dr. Kelej. Details of the Awards: Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: Media representatives and media students are invited to showcase their work to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to raise awareness about one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to address one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 'More Than a Mother' 2025: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to address one or more of the following social issues: Breaking Infertility Stigma and Women Empowerment. Submission deadline: 30th September 2025. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 'Diabetes & Hypertension' 2025: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 'Diabetes & Hypertension' 2025: All Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Film Awards 'Diabetes & Hypertension' 2025: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle, raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Merck Foundation Song Awards 'Diabetes & Hypertension' 2025: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2025. Entries for the above awards can be submitted to us at: [email protected] For information on the awards, please visit our website: Click on the link below to Download Merck Foundation App Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! Facebook: Merck FoundationX: @MerckFoundationYouTube: MerckFoundationInstagram: Merck FoundationThreads: Merck FoundationFlickr: Merck Foundation Website: The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, Threads and Flickr. The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Business Wire is an American company that disseminates full-text press releases from thousands of companies and organizations worldwide to news media, financial markets, disclosure systems, investors, information web sites, databases, bloggers, social networks and other audiences.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Micro-hospital Certificate of Need bill dies in committee
Mar. 27—dbeard @ MORGANTOWN — A bill to exempt micro-hospitals from the Certificate of Need process died in the House Health Committee on Thursday. The original HB 3487 aimed to eliminate CON requirements for construction or acquisition of a small format or micro-hospital owned by a system with one or more existing licensed hospitals in the state. The version the committee took up and killed opened it up to anyone wishing to build a micro-hospital. The new facility would have to be located to increase care capacity without jeopardizing any nearby critical access hospitals. It could include up to 25 inpatient beds, up to 25 emergency room beds, a CT scanner, an MRI scanner and other services. The cost could not exceed $100 million. Committee counsel pointed out micro-hospitals are not defined in current code — the bill would set aside a new exception for small-format hospitals that are subject to CON. Lead sponsor Wayne Clark, R-Jefferson, said again that the Eastern Panhandle lacks access to care. He added that micro-hospitals tend to be built in high-density suburban areas like the panhandle, rather than rural areas. "We're going to give our citizens more access to healthcare, " he said. Delegate Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, opposed the bill, agreeing that all West Virginians need better access to healthcare. But Mon Health System built a small-format hospital in Marion and is breaking ground on one in Harrison, and went through CON for both. A major problem, she said, is inability to recruit staff. But there is a process in place and noting hinders a health system from applying. As we reported following the initial committee hearing on the bill, Mon Health System /Vandalia North and the West Virginia Hospital Association both opposed the bill. A voice vote followed the debate, with a few votes for the bill and the louder majority against it.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hospital Association, Mon Health oppose new micro-hospital Certificate of Need bill
Mar. 26—dbeard @ MORGANTOWN — While the governor's bill to repeal the Certificate of Need process died in February, some delegates are making a stab at doing away with CON for what they term micro-hospitals. And as with the prior bill, the West Virginia Hospital Association and Mon Health oppose this one. The House Health Committee held its informational hearing on HB 3487 on Tuesday. It would eliminate from CON requirements construction or acquisition of a small format or micro-hospital owned by a system with one or more existing licensed hospitals in the state. The new facility would have to be located to increase care capacity without jeopardizing any nearby critical access hospitals. It could include up to 25 in-patient beds, up to 25 emergency room beds (there was confusion if the bill meant 25 total or 50 beds total, and the bill sponsor wasn't sure but guessed 50), a CT scanner, an MRI scanner and other services. The cost could not exceed $100 million. Lead sponsor Wayne Clark, R-Jefferson, said this is the third year they've tried to move this bill. The Eastern Panhandle has a bed shortage, with just WVU Medicine's critical access Jefferson Medical Center and WVUM's 160-bed Berkeley Medical Center serving 250, 000 people. "Many of us that live in border states have to go out of state for our services, " he said. In his area, the go to Maryland and Virginia. The bill, he said, would expand local care, bring more providers into the state, and keep money in the state that's going elsewhere. Jim Kaufman, president and CEO of the WVHA, explained their opposition. The effect of the bill, he said, would be to eliminate CON altogether. Under legislation passed two years ago, a company could build a micro-hospital then immediately expand to 1, 000 beds without a CON. The average critical access hospital (located in a rural area either more than 35 miles from the nearest hospital or more than 15 miles in areas with mountainous terrain or only secondary roads ; maintain no more than 25 inpatient beds that can be used for either inpatient or swing-bed services ; and furnish 24-hour emergency care services seven days a week) provides 90 % of its services on an outpatient basis and can expand those services without a CON, he said. The sometimes testy questioning by Eastern Panhandle delegates focused on beds versus services. The delegate maintained that the bill will expand care in the panhandle. Kaufman maintained that systems must make business decisions based on various factors. They could expand services without beds — as WVUM is planning at Jefferson, without affecting federally established critical access status. They could add beds to a critical access hospital and lose the increased Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements in exchange for volume. Or they could — as Mon Health did in Marion and Harrison counties — obtain CONs to build new small-format hospitals. Or they could build another critical access hospital. Part of the decision, he said. Would hinge on the payer makeup — how much money comes from the government and how much from commercial insurance. The panhandle delegates argued that more facilities is better. Kaufman countered that existing facilities have a responsibility to remain economically viable in order to go on offering care. Mon Health comments Asked for thoughts on this bill, David Goldberg, president and CEO of Mon Health System and Davis Health System — Vandalia Health Northern Region, and executive vice president of Vandalia Health, told The Dominion Post, "A small-format hospital — some say micro-hospital — is a hospital. It meets all Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) licensure requirements, state rules and regulations, and life safety standards expected of a hospital. "We have a successful demonstration model with Mon Marion Neighborhood Hospital and the soon-to-be-opened Mon Harrison Neighborhood Hospital, " he said. "Both went through the CON process and faced no opposition or issues in receiving state approval. No one should be exempt from following the state process. Apply and prove the feasibility and need. "We did, demonstrating to both the community we serve and the state the need and the justified rationale for its approval, " Goldberg said. "Mon Marion Neighborhood Hospital is recognized by Becker's Healthcare as the fastest ER in the state and among the top 10 in the country. We have had no infections or hospital-acquired conditions since opening and served 15, 000 ER patients in 2024. We support maintaining the laws as written, and this form of hospital should be held to the same standards as those applied by the federal government for a licensed hospital." WVU Medicine did not wish to comment at this time. HB 3487 on the committee's Thursday agenda for markup and passage for recommendation to the full House. It would need to pass out of the House to the Senate by April 2, Crossover Day, the 50th day of the session. when bills need to leave their house of origin.
