Community Health Q3 Earnings Beat on Rising Same-Store Admissions

Core Insights - Community Health Systems, Inc. (CYH) reported adjusted earnings of $1.27 per share for Q3 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 32 cents and improving from a loss of 30 cents in the prior year [1][11] - Net operating revenues remained stable at $3.1 billion, exceeding the consensus mark by 3.2% [1][2] Financial Performance - The quarterly results were supported by reduced expenses, favorable changes in payor mix, and increased same-store admissions, although declines in patient days, occupancy rate, and adjusted admissions partially offset these positives [2] - Total operating expenses decreased by 13.7% year over year to $2.8 billion, primarily due to lower non-operating expenses, but were 2.6% higher than estimates [4] - Net income for the quarter was $171 million, a significant increase from a net loss of $355 million in the same period last year [6][11] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 8.4% year over year to $376 million, driven by increased non-patient revenues and higher reimbursement rates [6] Operational Metrics - As of the end of Q3, the hospital count was 70, down from 77 a year ago, with patient days decreasing by 9.3% year over year [3] - The average length of stay decreased by 2.3% to 4.2 days, while the occupancy rate slightly declined to 49.7% [3] - Adjusted admissions fell by 7.7% year over year, although same-store admissions increased by 1.3% [3] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - Cash and cash equivalents increased to $123 million from $37 million at the end of 2024, while total assets decreased to $13.2 billion from $14.1 billion [8] - Long-term debt decreased to $10.6 billion from $11.4 billion at the end of 2024 [8] - Operating cash flows for the first nine months of 2025 were $277 million, up from $264 million in the prior year [9] Future Guidance - The company anticipates net operating revenues between $12.4 billion and $12.6 billion for 2025, with adjusted EBITDA expected in the range of $1.5 billion to $1.55 billion [12] - Net income per share is projected to be between 80 cents and 90 cents for 2025 [12] - Capital expenditures are expected to be between $350 million and $400 million [13]