ATLANTA, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. ("Aveanna") (NASDAQ:AVAH) today announced that its management team will attend the Bank of America Securities 2025 Health Care Conference in Las Vegas on May 14, 2025. Management will host 1x1 investor meetings as well as a presentation at 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time on the same day, May 14, 2025. Interested investors and other parties may also listen to a simultaneous webcast of the presentation by logging onto the Investor Relations s ...

ATLANTA, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. ("Aveanna") (NASDAQ:AVAH) today announced that the company will release its first quarter results before the market open on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to be followed by a conference call at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on the same day. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-877-407-0789 or for international callers, 1-201-689-8562. A replay will be available three hours after the call and can be accessed by d ...

ATLANTA, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAH), a leading, diversified home care platform focused on providing care to medically complex, high-cost patient populations, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Thrive Skilled Pediatric Care ("Thrive SPC"). The transaction is expected to close in the second fiscal quarter of 2025, subject to customary regulatory approvals. Thrive SPC is one of the largest independent providers of pediatric h ...

Core Viewpoint - Aveanna Healthcare (AVAH) has demonstrated significant stock performance and financial improvement, with a 45.1% surge in shares recently, indicating strong market confidence in the company's growth strategies and operational execution [1][3]. Financial Performance - In the fourth quarter of 2024, Aveanna reported revenues of $519.9 million, an 8.6% increase year-over-year, and a gross margin of $171.7 million, reflecting a 15.7% rise [2]. - The company achieved a net income of $29.2 million for the quarter, a notable recovery from a net loss of $25.7 million in the same quarter of 2023 [2]. Year-to-Date Performance - Year-to-date, AVAH shares have increased by 19.7%, outperforming the Zacks Medical-Outpatient and Home Healthcare sector's growth of 3.9% and the S&P 500 Index's decline of 4% [3][4]. Strategic Initiatives - Aveanna's focus on expanding preferred payor agreements has led to a significant increase from 14 to 22 agreements in its Private Duty Services (PDS) segment, now accounting for approximately 50% of total managed care organization volumes [11]. - The company successfully secured government reimbursement rate increases in 2024, achieving double-digit improvements in key states, which has enhanced caregiver hiring and revenue growth [12]. Long-Term Growth Prospects - Aveanna's long-term growth strategy includes diversification across PDS, Home Health & Hospice, and Medical Solutions, with a focus on high-value partnerships to improve margins and efficiency [18]. - The global home healthcare market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.96% from 2024 to 2030, positioning Aveanna to benefit from the increasing demand for home-based care solutions [19]. Valuation and Investment Opportunity - Aveanna is currently trading at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.5X, significantly below the industry average of 2.73X, indicating a potential upside for value-focused investors [15]. - The company's sales growth is projected to be 4.1% in 2025 and 5.2% in 2026, with EPS growth expected to rise significantly, reaching 33.3% in 2025 and 75% in 2026 [22]. Challenges - A key challenge for Aveanna is the ongoing labor shortage in the healthcare sector, which affects the recruitment and retention of qualified caregivers and nurses [24]. - Wage pressures and competition for talent continue to pose challenges, despite the company's efforts to negotiate higher reimbursement rates to improve hiring trends [25].

Core Viewpoint - Aveanna Healthcare's stock has experienced a significant increase due to strong financial performance and positive investor sentiment, with a notable turnaround in net income and optimistic revenue projections for 2025 [2][4]. Company Performance - Aveanna Healthcare reported an 8.6% increase in quarterly revenue, achieving a net income of $29.2 million compared to a net loss in the previous year [2]. - The company is expected to post break-even quarterly earnings per share, reflecting a year-over-year change of +100%, with projected revenues of $498.92 million, up 4.2% from the year-ago quarter [3]. Future Outlook - Aveanna's projected revenue for 2025 is between $2.10 billion and $2.12 billion, indicating continued EBITDA improvement [2]. - The consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days, suggesting that the stock's price movement may depend on future earnings estimate revisions [4]. Industry Context - Aveanna operates within the Zacks Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare industry, which includes other companies like Quest Diagnostics [4]. - Quest Diagnostics has a consensus EPS estimate of $2.20 for its upcoming report, reflecting a +7.8% change from the previous year [5].

Group 1 - Aveanna Healthcare (AVAH) has shown a year-to-date return of approximately 12.5%, significantly outperforming the average gain of 2.4% in the Medical sector [4] - The Zacks Rank for Aveanna Healthcare is 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on earnings estimates and revisions, with a 60% increase in the consensus estimate for full-year earnings over the past quarter [3] - Aveanna Healthcare is part of the Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare industry, which has an average gain of 0.3% this year, further highlighting AVAH's strong performance [5] Group 2 - Equillium, Inc. (EQ) has also outperformed the Medical sector with a year-to-date return of 4.3% and holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [4][5] - The consensus estimate for Equillium's current year EPS has risen by 24.8% in the last three months, indicating improving analyst sentiment [5] - The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which includes Equillium, has seen a year-to-date increase of 5.8% [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2024 was approximately $520 million, representing an 8.6% increase over the prior year period [8] - Full year 2024 revenue was approximately $2.024 billion, a 6.8% increase over the prior year [9] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was $55.2 million, a 42.6% increase year-over-year, primarily due to improved payer rates and cost reduction efforts [8][9] - Full year 2024 adjusted EBITDA was $183.5 million, a 31.8% increase over the prior year [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private Duty Services (PDS) revenue for Q4 was approximately $422.2 million, a 10.1% increase, driven by a volume increase of 4% [28][29] - Home Health and Hospice segment revenue for Q4 was approximately $54.4 million, a 0.6% increase, with 76% of admissions being episodic [33][35] - Medical Solutions segment revenue for Q4 was $43.3 million, a 4.8% increase, with revenue per unique patient served at approximately $486, up 5.9% [36] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preferred payer agreements accounted for approximately 50% of total PDS Managed Care Organization (MCO) volumes, up from 47% in Q3 [16] - The company secured twelve private duty services state rate increases for the full year 2024, with significant improvements in Georgia and Massachusetts [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to execute its strategic transformation strategy focused on preferred payers and obtaining adequate rates from government partners [9][11] - Five primary strategic initiatives for 2025 include enhancing partnerships with government partners, identifying cost efficiencies, modernizing the medical solutions business, managing capital structure, and engaging employees [22][24] - The company anticipates a 2025 revenue range of $2.1 billion to $2.12 billion and an adjusted EBITDA range of $190 million [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the demand for home and community-based care remains strong, with ongoing efforts to address labor market challenges [10][11] - The company is optimistic about returning to a normalized growth rate in its business segments, supported by improved caregiver hiring and retention trends [12] - Management expressed confidence in achieving their strategic goals and highlighted the importance of aligning clinical capacity with preferred payers [19][21] Other Important Information - The company had liquidity of approximately $260 million at the end of Q4, with cash on hand of approximately $84 million [40] - The company expects to see continued cash flow benefits as top-line growth and cost management initiatives come to fruition in 2025 [43] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance on top-line growth and EBITDA margins - Management characterized their guidance as prudent, expecting continued momentum in 2025 with significant transformation [50][52] Question: M&A pipeline and focus areas - The company is focused on tuck-in M&A in home health and private duty services, with plans to remain within their capital structure [56][58] Question: PDS segment rate growth and gross margin progression - Management indicated confidence in PDS growth rates, with expectations for a return to a $10 to $10.50 spread per hour [62][66] Question: Medical solutions payer strategy and contract conversions - The company is aligning clinical capacity with preferred payers to improve clinical outcomes and cash collections [78][80] Question: Medicaid regulatory changes and policy discussions - Management expressed optimism about being a cost saver for government programs and maintaining strong dialogue with regulatory counterparts [88][90] Question: Revenue guidance for PDS revenue growth - Management expects 3% to 5% total revenue growth in the PDS segment, with a focus on increasing preferred payer agreements [108][110]

Core Insights - Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. reported a fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of five cents, a recovery from a loss of two cents in the previous year [1] - The company achieved sales of $519.9 million, representing an 8.6% year-over-year increase, surpassing the consensus estimate of $499.6 million [1] - The revenue growth was driven by increases in the Private Duty Services segment ($38.7 million), Medical Solutions segment ($2 million), and Home Health & Hospice segment ($0.3 million) [1] Financial Performance - Gross margin for the fourth quarter was $171.7 million, or 33% of revenue, compared to $148.4 million, or 31% a year ago [2] - Adjusted EBITDA was $55.2 million, or 10.6% of revenue, for the fourth quarter of 2024, up from $38.7 million, or 8.1% of revenue, for the fourth quarter of 2023 [3] - The company forecasts 2025 revenue between $2.10 billion and $2.12 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be between $190 million and $194 million [3] Strategic Initiatives - Strategic cost reductions have significantly contributed to profitability, along with the success of the preferred payor strategy and improvements in government rates [4] - The company anticipates continued organic volume growth, improved clinical outcomes, and enhanced profitability into 2025 [4] Market Reaction - Aveanna Healthcare Holdings' stock increased by 39.57%, reaching $5.23 at the time of publication [4]

Competition and Market Dynamics - The company faces intense competition in the home health, hospice, and durable medical equipment industries, with competitors potentially having greater financial resources [154]. - The company competes with non-profit organizations that can finance acquisitions on a tax-exempt basis, increasing competitive pressure [154]. - The company is at risk of losing market share due to the transition of Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries to managed care organizations and alternative payment models [170]. - Approximately 54% of all Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan in 2024, indicating a growing trend towards managed care [171]. - The healthcare industry is shifting towards value-based purchasing, which may negatively impact financial results if quality standards are not met [175]. Regulatory and Compliance Risks - The company is subject to various audits and scrutiny from CMS, which could result in recoupments of alleged overpayments and impact cash flows [160]. - The company faces challenges in maintaining reimbursement rates from Medicare and Medicaid, which are fixed payments established through federal and state legislation [172]. - The company is subject to extensive audits and investigations under various government programs, which could result in significant fines, penalties, and loss of participation in Medicare or Medicaid programs [273]. - The company is subject to ongoing investigations by various government agencies regarding compliance with Medicare and Medicaid billing practices [273]. - The company’s relationships with referring physicians must comply with the Stark Law, and failure to do so may result in violations and associated penalties [276]. Financial Performance and Revenue Sources - Substantial revenue is derived from Medicare and Medicaid, and changes in reimbursement rates could lead to significant revenue declines [162]. - The implementation of the new PDGM payment model has changed the payment structure from a 60-day to a 30-day period, potentially affecting reimbursement rates [165]. - The Consolidated Appropriations Act has extended the 2% sequestration of Medicare benefits, which could adversely impact the company's financial condition [168]. - The company’s profitability is largely dependent on managing the costs of providing services, with potential changes in reimbursement payments posing risks [163]. - Economic downturns may result in reduced payments and covered services from government payers, adversely affecting financial condition [210]. Cybersecurity and Technology Risks - Cybersecurity threats pose a risk to the company's information systems, potentially leading to significant operational disruptions and financial penalties [183]. - The company has implemented various controls to protect against cybersecurity threats, but vulnerabilities remain due to the complexity of its technology platform [186]. - Past incidents of cybersecurity breaches highlight the ongoing risks and potential adverse consequences for the company's operations and reputation [189]. - The company is developing an AI Use Policy to mitigate risks associated with the use of generative AI technologies, including potential leaks of sensitive information and flawed outputs [192]. Debt and Financial Leverage - As of December 28, 2024, the company had $1,474 million in principal amount outstanding under its Senior Secured Credit Facilities and approximately $138.0 million borrowing capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility [227]. - The high degree of leverage may restrict the company's access to borrowings and increase vulnerability to economic conditions, including recessions and inflation [228]. - The Senior Secured Credit Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility contain restrictive covenants that limit the company's ability to incur additional indebtedness and make acquisitions [229]. - If the company cannot extend the maturity dates of its debt facilities, it could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and cash flows [231]. Operational Challenges - Labor shortages and increased competition for qualified personnel may lead to higher recruitment and retention costs, impacting profitability [209]. - Delays in collection of patient accounts receivable could adversely affect the company's financial position and liquidity [178]. - The timing of payments under Medicare and Medicaid programs may be extended due to governmental budgetary constraints, affecting cash flow [181]. - A change in estimates of collectability or delays in accounts receivable could negatively impact results of operations and liquidity [182]. Strategic and Growth Considerations - The company regularly evaluates opportunities for strategic and accretive acquisitions but faces risks such as overpaying, losing key employees, and difficulties in integration [234]. - The company may encounter challenges in divesting businesses, which could affect profitability due to gains or losses on sales and stranded costs [237]. - Federal regulations, such as the "36 Month Rule," may impair the company's ability to consummate acquisitions or open new branch locations, potentially blocking new investments [238]. Legal and Compliance Costs - The company may incur substantial costs to comply with various data privacy regulations, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which could adversely affect its business operations [288]. - The company could face significant civil penalties, including up to $20,000 for each item or service furnished by an excluded person to a federal or state healthcare program beneficiary [291]. - The company is subject to various federal and state laws that govern employment practices, which could increase operational expenses and impact profitability [290]. Shareholder and Governance Issues - The Sponsors collectively own approximately 70.4% of the company's outstanding common stock as of December 28, 2024, which may influence business decisions and create conflicts of interest [296]. - Anti-takeover provisions in the company's governing documents may limit stockholder opportunities to receive a premium for their shares and affect stock price [306]. - The company does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, retaining all available funds to fund business growth [294]. Market and Economic Conditions - Adverse developments in federal government expenditures could lead to payment delays or reductions in Medicare and Medicaid funding, impacting cash flows [212]. - The U.S. Federal Reserve raised interest rates eleven times during 2022 and 2023, increasing borrowing costs on variable rate debt, with a potential negative impact on net income and cash flows [232]. - The company is sensitive to regional weather conditions, which could disrupt operations and affect patient volumes, with potential financial implications [252]. - The company believes it may be more vulnerable to public health catastrophes, which could lead to significant losses in consumer population and employee availability [253].

Aveanna Healthcare (AVAH) Q4 2024 Earnings Call March 13, 2025 10:00 AM ET Company Participants Debbie Stewart - Principal Accounting OfficerJeff Shaner - CEOMatt Buckhalter - CFO & Principal Financial OfficerMeghan Holtz - VP & Healthcare Services Equity ResearchMichael Murray - Equity Research AssociateBenjamin Rossi - Equity Research AssociateScott Fidel - Managing Director Conference Call Participants Kieran Ryan - Analyst Operator Good morning and welcome to Aviana Healthcare Holdings Fourth Quarter tw ...