We are in the tail end of the Q4 reporting cycle, which is on track to witness the highest growth momentum in the last two years. As of Feb 17, 2017, 411 S&P 500 members, accounting for 88.4% of the index’s total market capitalization, have reported results, according to the latest Earnings Preview Their performance point to total earnings growth of 8% on 4.9% higher revenues. The beat ratio is strong with 68.9% companies surpassing bottom-line expectations and 54.7% outperforming on the top line.

Meanwhile, the earnings growth momentum is expected to ramp up in the future quarters. As per our report, total earnings for the S&P 500 companies will grow 7.4% year over year on 3.9% higher revenues. Notably, estimates for the current period (1Q17) are also looking up.

Healthcare, under the Medical umbrella, is one of the seven sectors in the S&P 500 group. So far, 83.3% of the total Medical sector companies have reported fourth-quarter results. The beat ratio is strong with 80.0% companies surpassing bottom-line expectations and 53.3% outperforming on the revenue front.

Here we take a sneak peek at two healthcare stocks scheduled to report fourth-quarter figures on Feb 21:

HealthSouth Corporation (HLS - Free Report) is the one of the nation's largest providers of outpatient surgery and rehabilitative healthcare services. The company provides these services through its national network of inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, outpatient surgery centers, diagnostic centers, occupational medicine centers, medical centers and other healthcare facilities.

Last quarter, HealthSouth beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 8.33%. This time, the company is unlikely to come up with a beat. HealthSouth has an Earnings ESP of -3.18% as the Most Accurate estimate of 61 cents per share is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents. Further, the company has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). We caution against Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.

HealthSouth Corporation Price and EPS Surprise

HealthSouth Corporation Price and EPS Surprise | HealthSouth Corporation Quote

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. (SCAI - Free Report) operates surgical facilities, including surgery centers, surgical hospitals, and hospital surgery departments. It serves customers throughout the United States. Surgical Care Affiliates Inc. is based in United States.

Last quarter, Surgical Care Affiliates missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 17.5%. This time again, the company is unlikely to come up with a beat. Surgical Care Affiliates carries a Zacks Rank #4. On top of this, it has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% as the Most Accurate estimate is the same as the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents per share. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Surgical Care Affiliates, Inc. Quote