Fitch Ratings forecasts low single-digit growth for most companies in the U.S. healthcare sector in 2013, though Fitch’s overall credit for 2013 is stable.
This encompasses issuers in the branded and generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, diagnostic and life science, healthcare provider, medical device, and healthcare services segments of the U.S. healthcare industry.
Factors supporting growth generally across the industry include the aging population and higher rates of chronic disease, growing demand in emerging markets, and new product launches.
Positive trends are, however, lessened by weak economic conditions and the fiscal cliff, which mean lower payments for the industry.
While Fitch views the Affordable Care Act as positive, there are too many unknowns for it to predict the impact it will have at this point in time.
Furthermore, healthcare entitlement reforms will be central to any U.S. deficit reduction plans in 2013. These reforms have the potential to threaten future healthcare industry profitability.
Source:
http://healthcare.dmagazine.com/2012/12/04/fitch-ratings-fiscal-cliff-weakens-healthcare-industry-growth/