Collaboration to help providers improve performance in critical RCM functions PITTSBURGH, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Penguin Ai, a health care artificial intelligence (AI) company, announced today a collaboration with FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN), a global business advisory firm, to help healthcare providers strengthen revenue cycle performance and reduce administrative burden. By integrating Penguin Ai's platform into FTI Consulting's revenue cycle management (RCM) transformation work, the collabora ...

Summary of Waystar FY Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Waystar (NasdaqGS:WAY) - **Industry**: Healthcare technology, specifically focused on revenue cycle management - **Business Model**: Cloud-native software platform assisting healthcare providers in interactions with insurance companies and patients to enhance payment efficiency and accuracy [8][9][10] Key Highlights - **Client Base**: Serves over 1 million providers, including 17 of the top 20 hospitals in the U.S., reaching approximately 50% of the U.S. patient population [8][9] - **Financial Performance**: Achieved six consecutive quarters of revenue and EBITDA beats above analyst consensus; updated full-year 2025 guidance reflects $1.09 billion in revenue, indicating a 12% year-over-year growth [10][12] - **Profitability**: Maintains over 40% Adjusted EBITDA margins, positioning itself as a "Rule of 50" business [12][13] Revenue Cycle Management Insights - **Process Overview**: Waystar's platform automates the revenue cycle from front-end patient eligibility verification to back-end claims processing, significantly reducing manual tasks and inefficiencies [24][27][29] - **Claims Processing**: Processes 6 billion insurance claims annually, representing nearly $2 trillion in gross claim charges, with a first-pass claim acceptance rate of nearly 99% [27][29] - **AI Integration**: Utilizes AI to enhance efficiency in claims processing, including automated appeal letters for denied claims, which improves turnaround time and accuracy [28][62] Market Trends and Growth Drivers - **Utilization Trends**: Historical growth in patient visits is modeled at 1%-2% annually; current trends indicate higher utilization due to increased patient engagement in high-deductible health plans [46][47] - **Cross-Selling Opportunities**: Significant potential to cross-sell solutions between Waystar and Iodine clients, with a 35% overlap in client bases [90][91] - **AI Adoption**: Over 30% of year-to-date bookings have come from new AI solutions, indicating strong market demand for AI-driven capabilities [64][70] Financial Outlook - **Growth Projections**: Long-term organic revenue growth target remains in the low double digits; year-to-date growth is approximately 14% [88][89] - **Capital Structure**: Strong free cash flow conversion exceeding 80% of Adjusted EBITDA, providing flexibility for future investments and capital allocation [99][103] Additional Insights - **Client Retention**: High gross revenue retention rate of 97%, with opportunities to enhance client relationships through AI integration [78] - **Market Positioning**: Waystar aims to leverage proprietary data to train AI models, positioning itself as a leader in the revenue cycle management space [61][65] This summary encapsulates the key points discussed during the Waystar FY conference call, highlighting the company's performance, market position, and future growth strategies.

Core Insights - Waystar Holding Corp. is recognized as a leading digital health stock, with Mizuho Securities raising its target price from $48 to $50 following strong Q3 earnings, driven by high demand for its revenue cycle management solutions [1][2] - The company's Q3 report indicated a 12% revenue increase to $268.7 million, with adjusted EBITDA at $112.7 million, reflecting a 42% margin, attributed to steady transaction volume and client adoption [2] - Management has raised full-year revenue targets to between $1.085 billion and $1.093 billion, and adjusted EBITDA targets to between $451 million and $455 million, indicating confidence in future growth [2] Company Overview - Waystar Holding Corp. specializes in healthcare payments and revenue cycle technology, providing cloud-based software for hospitals, physician groups, and care organizations to manage claims processing, billing, and patient financial interactions [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - CareCloud reported Q3 2025 revenue of $31.1 million, a 9% increase from the same period last year, with GAAP EPS improving by $0.08 year-over-year to $0.04 [6][31] - Adjusted EBITDA increased 13% to $7.7 million, demonstrating operating leverage in the business model [6][31] - Full-year revenue guidance was raised to $117-$119 million, up from the previous guidance of $111-$114 million [5][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - CareCloud Wellness generated approximately $900,000 in revenue for Q3 and about $2.6 million for the first nine months of 2025 [30] - The MedSphere acquisition contributed approximately $3.4 million in revenue for Q3, enhancing CareCloud's capabilities in the hospital market [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is now positioned to serve community hospitals, regional systems, and critical access hospitals, expanding its market reach significantly [8][9] - The acquisition of MapApp allows CareCloud to provide benchmarking and performance analytics, enhancing its competitive position in the hospital finance sector [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - CareCloud is transitioning from an ambulatory-first company to one that serves the entire care continuum, integrating inpatient EHR and revenue cycle management [8][9] - The company aims to build an integrated AI-enabled platform that meets the needs of both ambulatory and hospital segments, focusing on operational efficiency and long-term growth [21][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's trajectory, highlighting the strategic acquisitions of MedSphere and MapApp as pivotal for future growth [5][13] - The focus remains on profitability, cash flow, and delivering long-term shareholder value, with expectations for continued operational efficiency [32][33] Other Important Information - The company has made significant progress in integrating AI across its platform, with the upcoming launch of the Agentic AI Front Desk Solution expected to enhance patient communication and operational efficiency [16][17] - CareCloud's cash flow from operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $19.9 million, compared to $15.4 million in the same period last year [30][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans to win new customers and grow sales in the hospital space - Management highlighted the importance of the MedSphere and MapApp acquisitions in establishing credibility and expanding sales opportunities within the hospital market [36][37] Question: Rollout of new AI offerings - The company discussed the evolving AI landscape and its competitive advantages in operational execution and compliance within healthcare [40][42] Question: Competitive landscape and M&A expectations - Management noted that AI is driving M&A conversations, with sellers recognizing the need to integrate AI into their platforms to meet market expectations [48][49] Question: Potential for acquisitions to achieve company margins - Management stated that the goal is to achieve an operating cash flow margin of about 30% or greater for the recent acquisitions, with strong upselling and cross-selling opportunities [58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q3 2025 was $100.1 million, representing a 21% year-over-year increase [8][26] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $15.3 million, more than double compared to Q3 last year [9][28] - Cash collections in Q3 were exceptional, reaching 124% of testing services revenue [21][28] - The company raised its 2025 revenue guidance to $372-$376 million and adjusted EBITDA guidance to $35-$39 million [9][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Testing services revenue was $72.2 million, a 19% increase year-over-year, with approximately 50,300 tests delivered, up 13% [9][27] - Patient and digital solutions revenue was approximately $15.4 million, reflecting a 30% growth compared to last year [21][27] - Lab products revenue reached $12.5 million, up 22% year-over-year, driven by NGS transplant test kits and PCR-based rapid HLA typing kits [22][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that transplant volumes across all three solid organs remained relatively flat year-over-year, with a slight increase of about 1% [41] - Kidney transplant volumes did not accelerate as anticipated, attributed to media scrutiny affecting transplant practices [42] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on solution selling, aiming to provide end-to-end care for transplant patients through innovative diagnostics and digital tools [5][6] - Recent appointments to the Board of Directors and executive team are expected to enhance the company's strategic direction and customer engagement [6][7] - The launch of HistoMap Kidney is part of the strategy to bridge diagnostics and patient outcomes, addressing unmet needs in transplant care [11][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth strategy, emphasizing the importance of patient-centric solutions [5][25] - The company anticipates continued growth in kidney transplant numbers over the next two to three years, despite current market challenges [42] - Management highlighted the transformative impact of revenue cycle management initiatives on cash collections and operational efficiency [20][28] Other Important Information - The company achieved a gross profit margin of 70.9%, an increase of 190 basis points [28] - The company has no debt and closed the quarter with $194.2 million in cash and cash equivalents [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: How should we think about the durability of ASPs moving forward? - Management indicated that strong cash collections on historical claims will increase base ASP, with a 5% increase observed over the last six months [33] Question: What are the expectations for Epic Aura integrations? - The company anticipates going live with about 40 centers in 2026, expecting a 10% uplift in volume post-integration [34][35] Question: Were there any prior period collections in the quarter? - Yes, approximately $5.9 million in cash collections exceeded historical claims [36] Question: What are the overall trends in transplant volume? - Management noted that transplant volumes have remained flat year-over-year, with expectations for growth in kidney transplants over the next few years [41][42] Question: Can you provide insight into the delta in patient testing frequency at centers with protocols? - Since the reinitiation of kidney surveillance protocols, growth in kidney volume has been nearly 20% year-over-year [49]

Company Overview - Waystar provides a cloud-based software platform for healthcare payments, including solutions for financial clearance, patient financial care, claims and payment management, denial prevention and recovery, revenue capture, and analytics [4][10] - The company serves healthcare organizations as its primary customers, targeting providers seeking to optimize revenue cycle management and payment processes [5] - Waystar was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Lehi, Utah, operating in the technology sector with approximately 1,500 employees [8] Financial Performance - As of October 16, 2025, Waystar's stock price was $36.81, with a market capitalization of $7.06 billion [3] - The company reported a total revenue of $1.01 billion and a net income of $85.94 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [3] - In Q2, Waystar's sales rose 15% year over year to $270.7 million, and the company expects to reach $1 billion in revenue for the year, up from $944 million in 2024 [10] Investment Insights - Capricorn Fund Managers Ltd established a new position in Waystar, acquiring 505,122 shares valued at approximately $19.15 million, which accounts for 6.4% of the fund's 13F reportable assets under management [1][2] - Waystar is now the largest holding by reported market value in Capricorn Fund Managers' portfolio [2] - The consistent sales growth and a forward price-to-earnings ratio of about 25 make Waystar an attractive long-term investment [11]

Core Insights - LBMC Physician Business Solutions (PBS) is expanding into the Memphis market through a partnership with Physician Data Services (PDS) [1][5] - Shade Robinson, founder of PDS, joins PBS as Partner and Memphis Market Leader, bringing extensive experience in revenue cycle management [1][2][3] Company Overview - PDS, founded in 1991, has established a strong reputation in revenue cycle management and credentialing for healthcare providers in the Mid-South [2] - Robinson has led PDS for nearly 35 years, known for operational excellence and strong client relationships [2] Strategic Implications - The partnership enhances LBMC's regional footprint and service capabilities in the Southeast, particularly in Memphis [3][5] - Robinson's role will focus on Memphis market strategy and business development, leveraging her expertise in billing, auditing, and compliance [3][4] Organizational Benefits - Joining LBMC allows PDS to access expanded resources, technologies, and talent, enhancing value for clients [4] - The transaction reinforces LBMC's commitment to supporting healthcare providers with expertise in operational efficiency and compliance [5] LBMC Overview - LBMC is the largest Tennessee-based professional services firm, serving over 11,000 clients across various industries [6] - The firm utilizes advanced business intelligence and AI technologies to drive growth and efficiency for its clients [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 2025 reached $271 million, representing a 15% year-over-year growth with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 42% [10][24] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was $113 million, an increase of 20% year-over-year, driven by revenue growth and a shift to higher margin provider solutions [26][30] - The company raised its full-year revenue guidance to a range of $1.03 billion to $1.042 billion, reflecting a 10% year-over-year growth [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription revenue increased to $131 million, up 17% year-over-year, while volume-based revenue reached $138 million, a 14% increase year-over-year [25] - The number of clients generating more than $100,000 in trailing twelve-month revenue increased to 1,268, a 14% year-over-year growth [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong demand for its AI-powered software platform as providers face margin pressures and workforce shortages [10][12] - Waystar's net revenue retention rate was 115%, benefiting from rapid onboarding of clients affected by a competitor's cyber event [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The acquisition of Iodine Software is expected to expand Waystar's total addressable market by over 15% and enhance its product roadmap [6][7] - Waystar aims to lead in the revenue cycle management space by leveraging AI to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens for healthcare providers [20][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's resilience against potential Medicaid funding cuts, estimating less than a 1% impact on revenue from a hypothetical 15% reduction in Medicaid funding [12][85] - The demand environment remains robust, with providers prioritizing technology that enhances efficiency and cash flow [51][52] Other Important Information - Waystar was recognized as the best overall healthcare payments solution provider by MedTech Breakthrough and named one of the U.S. News Best Companies to Work For [22][23] - The company has established a strong governance structure with the addition of two new independent board members [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of client migration post-cyber attack on Q2 revenue - Management indicated that the year-over-year benefit from client migration had normalized by Q2, with no significant impact noted [34][36] Question: Recurring nature of volume-based revenue from large clients - Management expects that volume-based revenue from newly onboarded large clients will transition to subscription revenue as contracts mature [45][46] Question: Drivers behind the sequential increase in subscription revenue - The increase in subscription revenue was attributed to strong performance in provider solutions, which comprise a significant portion of total revenue [50][55] Question: Volume growth and digital payment penetration - Management noted that higher utilization in the healthcare system and the adoption of digital payment solutions contributed to volume growth, with a good mix from both patient payment and provider solutions [58][61] Question: Competitive landscape and client demand - Management reported strong win rates against competitors and noted an increase in client demand for AI-driven solutions [106]

Healthcare Industry Challenges - 40% of hospitals operate at a negative margin due to broken revenue cycle processes [1] - Healthcare administration has increased 30-fold in the past three decades, while clinicians have barely doubled, indicating growing complexity [11][12] - 20% of the GDP is attributed to the healthcare system, with a large proportion being the administration of healthcare [9] Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) & AI Opportunity - Revenue cycle management (RCM) refers to the financial process of the patient's journey within the healthcare system [3] - AI has a big opportunity to shift resources from bureaucracy towards clinical care by addressing inefficiencies in RCM [16] - Ensemble Health Partners estimates a large amount of the cost associated with healthcare is related to friction in communication between payers, providers, and patients [14] Ensemble Health Partners' Approach - Ensemble Health Partners is an end-to-end RCM organization with 14,000 employees, providing a unique lens into inefficiencies throughout the entire process [2][3] - Ensemble Health Partners uses its EIQ platform to bring together multiple data formats within a single platform to address the challenges of unstructured data scattered across systems [33][34] - Ensemble Health Partners has seen a 40% reduction in time in the clinical appeal process by using GenAI [30] - Ensemble Health Partners aims to build a smarter, more coordinated system to reduce waste in the overall revenue cycle process [37]

Core Viewpoint - MDaudit is set to acquire Streamline Health Solutions in a cash transaction valued at approximately $37.4 million, which includes debt, aiming to enhance financial performance and billing compliance in healthcare organizations [2][3]. Company Overview - MDaudit is a cloud-based platform focused on continuous risk monitoring, helping healthcare organizations minimize billing risks and maximize revenues [2][12]. - Streamline Health Solutions provides solutions that enable healthcare providers to improve financial performance and address revenue leakage [13]. Merger Details - The acquisition will involve MDaudit purchasing all outstanding shares of Streamline stock for $5.34 per share, representing a premium of 138% over Streamline's closing price on May 28, 2025 [3][7]. - The merger is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025, after which Streamline will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of MDaudit and its stock will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq [8]. Strategic Rationale - The merger aims to combine Streamline's pre-bill integrity solutions with MDaudit's billing compliance and revenue integrity platform, enhancing the ability to unify data silos and improve revenue cycle management [4][5]. - Both companies share a vision of improving financial stability for healthcare organizations, which is increasingly important given the financial pressures faced by health systems [5][6]. Financial Implications - The combined entity will support healthcare organizations with an aggregate Net Patient Revenue exceeding $300 billion, providing enhanced visibility and actionable insights across the revenue cycle [1][4].