The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Space Exploration Technologies, Alphabet, Centene, DaVita and BrightSpring Health Services

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – June 23, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks and featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. SPCX, Alphabet GOOGL, Centene CNC, DaVita DVA and BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. BTSG.Here are highlights from Tuesday Analyst Blog:3 Medical Stocks to Bet On Amid Market Optimism Following SpaceX IPOThe stock markets are seeing a renewed interest from investors, especially retailers, following the debut of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. or SpaceX, which has been setting new records each day. The SpaceX IPO is the biggest ever IPO globally, raising an unprecedented $75 billion and beating the previous record of $29 billion set by Saudi oil firm Aramco in 2019.The frenzy around this IPO led to a 4x oversubscription, attracting nearly $300 billion. SPCX secured a place among the world’s 10 largest companies on the day of its debut — a coveted position that most companies take decades to achieve.The SpaceX IPO also made its owner, Elon Musk, the first and only trillionaire in the world. The second on the wealth list, Larry Page, co-founder of Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, trails him by nearly $900 billion.The S&P 500 Index is up nearly 1.5% since SpaceX IPO and has gained 9.7% so far this year. The plethora of upcoming large IPOs could continue to attract funds, likely pushing the index higher in the second half of 2026.Although funds are likely to flow primarily in the technology sector, a positive S&P 500 Index should help drive a broader rally across several sectors. The following three companies — Centene, DaVita and BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. — from the medical sector may benefit from a potential rally. Each of these companies currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and has a VGM score of A or B, reflecting strong upside potential. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.SpaceX & Upcoming IPOsThe SpaceX stock is already up 37% since its debut on June 11. Investors are dumping shares of other companies to become a part of this historic company. The strong optimism around the stock is unlikely to fizz out anytime soon.Several indices, including NASDAQ 100, have fast-tracked the inclusion of SPCX into their constituent list. The company will be added to MSCI and Russell Indices by June-end, and will be included in the NASDAQ 100 on July 6. Apart from investor optimism, these inclusions are likely to drive additional investment into SPCX, as several passive funds that track these indices will begin adding the stock to their portfolios.Following the SpaceX IPO, several other mega IPOs are slated to be launched in the second half of 2026, including AI giants — Anthropic and OpenAI. Alphabet is planning to raise approximately $80 billion through an equity sale soon. Alphabet plans to use the fund to support its AI-related capital expenditure.Sound Prospect in Medical SectorApart from space exploration companies, a small section of medical companies is focusing on developing space medicine. Companies such as Eli Lilly, Merck, and Bristol Myers Squibb are conducting drug-development experiments on the International Space Station, while Vaxxinity is focused on developing vaccines and biologics.However, these projects are unlikely to bring material impact to these companies anytime soon and should deliver results over the long term. Currently, the prospects of medical companies are being driven by the strong adoption of artificial intelligence and digital tools. The majority of large healthcare companies, as well as many smaller firms, are leveraging AI for drug development and integrating it into medical devices, thereby accelerating drug discovery and disease diagnosis.The U.S. healthcare sector appears positioned for a stronger second half of 2026, supported by accelerating innovation cycles, favorable regulatory momentum, AI adoption, rising specialty drug demand, migration toward outpatient care, hospital capex recovery, and improving valuation attractiveness versus technology stocks. Per a Business Insider article, UBS and Franklin Templeton recently turned bullish on healthcare, citing structural demand growth, demographic tailwinds, and improving earnings visibility.With a steady Fed rate, the accelerating capital spending by Hospitals is likely to continue in the second half of 2026, driving demand for robotic surgery, imaging, and advanced monitoring systems. Hospitals are also accelerating cloud migration and digital infrastructure modernization. The rising demand for cancer and rare-disease drugs is likely to drive Specialty pharmaceutical distribution. Moreover, growing home-healthcare demand is expanding direct-to-patient distribution opportunities.The opening of the Strait of Hormuz following a peace deal between the United States and Iran is likely to bring energy prices down and clear the supply glut, benefiting all industries, including the medical sector.The 5.8% decline so far this year in the Zacks Medical sector has led to attractive valuations. The sector has been trading at a discount to the S&P 500 Index since the beginning of 2025. The forward 12 month price-to-earnings (P/E F12M) ratio for the sector is 19.77X currently, below its five-year median of 20.45X.3 Medical Stocks to Bet on Right NowCentene, DaVita and BrightSpring Health Services have already surged so far this year amid these strong macro factors. Here, we discuss how the outlook for these companies is likely to evolve in the second half of 2026. While the Medical sector has declined 5.8% so far this year, these stocks have strongly outperformed the sector as well as the broader S&P 500 Index.CenteneShares of Centene have gained 48.3% so far this year. The company appears well-positioned for a stronger performance in the second half of 2026. The improving Medicaid margins, disciplined medical cost management, and favorable Medicare execution continue increasing profitability.Management raised the EPS guidance for 2026, following strong performance in the first quarter. Marketplace risk-adjustment benefits and AI-driven fraud detection initiatives could further support margin recovery, strengthening confidence in sustained earnings momentum.Centene currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and carries a VGM score of A. While the company’s sales are estimated to decline 1.9% year over year in 2026, earnings estimates reflect growth of 66.8%. Its earnings estimate for 2026 has improved 15.3% over the past 60 days. CNC’s earnings are likely to witness a CAGR of 37.1% over the next five year compared to the industry’s 18.5%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.DaVitaDaVita’s shares have surged 83% in the year-to-date period. Its second-half 2026 outlook remains favorable, supported by improving dialysis treatment volumes, productivity-driven labor efficiencies, and expanding Integrated Kidney Care operations. The company raised full-year earnings guidance as clinic transfers from competitor closures, AI-led operational optimization, and sustained cost discipline are expected to drive stronger profitability and reinforce its resilient cash-generation profile.DVA currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1 and carries a VGM score of A. The company’s sales and earnings estimates for 2026 suggest growth of 4.8% and 39.8%, respectively, compared to the year-ago period. Its earnings estimate for 2026 has improved 6.4% over the past 60 days. DVA’s earnings are likely to witness a CAGR of 20.2% over the next five year compared to the industry’s 12.4%.BrightSpring Health ServicesBrightSpring is entering the second half of 2026 with strong momentum driven by rapid specialty pharmacy growth, expanding infusion services, and accelerating provider-services demand. Margin expansion from operational efficiencies, successful integration of acquired home-health assets, and a stronger balance sheet following divestiture proceeds position the company to capitalize on rising home-based healthcare demand and deliver robust earnings growth. The company’s shares have risen 76.9% so far this year.BTSG currently flaunt a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM score of B. The company’s sales and earnings estimates for 2026 suggest growth of 16.6% and 67%, respectively, compared to the year-ago period. Its earnings estimate for 2026 has improved 10.6% over the past 60 days. BTSG’s earnings are likely to witness a CAGR of 46.5% over the next five year compared to the industry’s 15.5%.Free: Instant Access to Zacks' Market-Crushing StrategiesSince 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.Today you can tap into those powerful strategies – and the high-potential stocks they uncover – free. No strings attached.Get all the details here >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. 9339support@zacks.com                                      https://www.zacks.com                                                 Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks