pediatrix(US:MD) ZACKS·2026-01-02 17:25Core Insights - Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. (MD) is positioned for growth due to increased collection activity, improved patient acuity, higher contract administrative fees, a favorable payor mix, and strategic acquisitions [1][10] - MD's shares have increased by 55.2% over the past six months, significantly outperforming the industry average of 6.7% [1][10] Company Overview - Pediatrix Medical has a market capitalization of $1.8 billion and offers various physician services in newborn, maternal-fetal, radiology, pediatric cardiology, and other pediatric subspecialties [2] - The company's forward P/E ratio is 10.35X, which is lower than the industry average of 17.93X, and it holds a Value Score of B [2] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MD's 2025 earnings is $2.07 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 37.1% [3] - The revenue consensus for 2025 is projected at $1.9 billion, with MD having beaten earnings estimates in the past four quarters by an average surprise of 35.4% [3] Growth Drivers - MD is experiencing growth in same-unit revenues and pricing, supported by an improved payer mix, solid revenue cycle management (RCM) cash collections, increased patient acuity, and higher administrative fees from hospital contracts [4] - In Q3 2025, same-unit revenues from net reimbursement-related factors rose by 7.6% year-over-year [5] Financial Performance - MD has raised its adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 to a range of $270-$290 million, up from the previous range of $245 million to $255 million [5] - Total operating expenses decreased by 11% year-over-year in Q3 2025, with projections suggesting a nearly 19.5% decline in 2025 due to lower practice salaries and benefits [5] Strategic Initiatives - The company is expanding its telehealth services to enhance healthcare access and improve patient outcomes [6] - MD is actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions in core service lines, having acquired several practices for $19.2 million in September 2025 [7] Cash Flow and Share Repurchase - Net cash generated from operations in Q3 2025 was $138.1 million, an increase from $95.7 million a year ago [8] - In August 2025, MD authorized a $250 million share repurchase program and repurchased $20.9 million worth of shares in Q3 2025 [8] Debt Situation - As of September 30, 2025, MD had a net debt of $602.5 million, significantly higher than its cash balance of $340.1 million, which may pressure interest expenses [11] - The total debt-to-EBITDA ratio stands at 8.1%, well above the industry average of 2.4%, limiting financial flexibility [11]