EAGLE, Idaho, Sept. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Pennant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: PNTG), the parent company of the Pennant group of affiliated home health, hospice, home care and senior living companies, announced today that effective September 1, 2025, it has acquired a premier home health agency and outpatient therapy operation in Wyoming. Both businesses, which will continue operating as Healing Hearts Home Health and Healing Hearts Outpatient Therapy, will serve communities in Gillette and Moorcroft, ex ...

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Aug. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NOVA LEAP HEALTH CORP. (TSXV: NLH) ("Nova Leap" or "the Company"), a growing home health care organization, is pleased to announce the release of record financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. All amounts are in United States dollars unless otherwise specified. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES During the quarter, Nova Leap achieved the following eight financial records: Nova Leap Q2 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 was approximately $590 million, representing a 16.8% increase over the prior year period [5][22] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $88.3 million, reflecting a 93.6% increase compared to the prior year, primarily due to improved rate environment and cost savings initiatives [5][22] - Consolidated gross margin was $210.8 million or 35.8% [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Private Duty Services revenue was approximately $486 million, a 19.2% increase, driven by a volume increase of 6.9% [23] - Home Health and Hospice revenue for the quarter was approximately $60.1 million, a 10% increase, with 74.5% of admissions being episodic [26] - Medical Solutions revenue was $43.4 million, a 2.2% increase, with gross margins at approximately 45.6% [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Preferred payer agreements accounted for approximately 55% of total private duty services MCO volumes [11] - The episodic payer mix was 74.5%, with total episodic volume growth of 6.9% compared to the prior year [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing partnerships with government partners and preferred payers to create additional capacity and growth [19] - The strategic plan includes modernizing the Medical Solutions business and managing capital structure while producing positive free cash flow [19] - The company aims to increase the number of private duty service preferred payer agreements from 22 to 30 by the end of 2025 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the demand for home and community-based care, indicating that the industry does not have a demand problem [6] - The company anticipates 2025 revenue to exceed $2.3 billion and adjusted EBITDA to exceed $270 million, reflecting a strong outlook despite regulatory challenges [20][34] - Management highlighted the importance of aligning caregiver capacity with preferred payers to improve clinical and financial outcomes [29] Other Important Information - The company has achieved 10 rate enhancements year to date in the private duty services segment [10] - The integration of the Thrive Skilled Pediatrics acquisition is on target and expected to be accretive to 2025 results [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you walk us through the $53 million increase in guidance for EBITDA? - Management indicated that the increase is based on strong rate outlook and improved volume in the PDS business, with good visibility into 2025 [38][40] Question: Are you seeing an increase in the number of caregivers due to wage rate increases? - Management confirmed that there has been a continued uplift in caregiver hiring, with 11 million hours recorded in Q2 for the PDS segment [53][55] Question: How do you characterize HCBS positioning amid broader budgetary headwinds? - Management noted that while rate enhancements have been more muted, the value of home care is recognized by state governors, and they continue to advocate for necessary rate increases [72][74] Question: What is the potential impact of proposed cuts to home health on episodic rates? - Management expressed disappointment in the proposed cuts, emphasizing that such policies are harmful to seniors and rural healthcare, while affirming that Aviana is well-positioned regardless of the outcome [78][82] Question: How much demand remains for getting patients out of hospitals? - Management indicated that there is still significant demand, with many preferred payers seeking more coverage and services from Aviana [88][90]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated net service revenue for Q2 2025 was $266.1 million, reflecting a sequential increase of $6.2 million or 2.4% and a year-over-year growth of $5.5 million or 2.1% [21] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $26.9 million, an increase of $300,000 or 0.7% sequentially and $1.7 million or 6.7% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 10.1%, up 40 basis points from the prior year [21][20] - Adjusted free cash flow year-to-date totaled $27.8 million, representing a 51.9% free cash flow conversion rate [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Home Health revenue was $205.9 million, showing sequential growth of $5.3 million or 2.6%, but down $4.3 million or 2% year-over-year [21] - Home Health adjusted EBITDA totaled $39.3 million, reflecting a sequential increase of $1 million or 2.6% [22] - Hospice revenue reached $60.2 million, with sequential growth of $900,000 or 1.5% and a year-over-year increase of $9.8 million or 19.4% [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Home Health admissions were up 1.3% year-over-year, with a normalized growth of 2% when accounting for closed branches [10] - Non-Medicare admissions increased by 5.2% year-over-year, primarily within payer innovation contracts [11] - Hospice segment experienced total admissions growth of 8.7% year-over-year, with same-store growth of 5.7% [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on mitigating the impact of proposed cuts from CMS by evaluating operational levers, including advanced visit per episode management [7][10] - A de novo strategy is being implemented, with plans to open 10 new locations in areas with strong growth potential [13] - The company aims to maintain competitive wage rates to recruit and retain skilled workforce amid a highly competitive labor market [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns over CMS's proposed cuts, which could compromise access to home health care services and pressure provider sustainability [16][17] - The company believes it is well-positioned to outperform smaller competitors due to its scalable operating model and investments in technology [18] - Management remains confident in the full-year outlook, updating revenue guidance to a range of $1.06 billion to $1.073 billion [27] Other Important Information - The CEO announced plans to step down in July 2026, emphasizing the need for new leadership to elevate the company [29][30] - The company has successfully reduced overall bank debt by $10.5 million during the quarter [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company thinking about mitigating the negative impact of the proposed home nursing rule? - Management indicated that various operational levers are being considered, including the advanced PPE initiative, which will be piloted in the coming weeks [34] Question: Can you provide details on the recent payer disruption and its impact? - The company successfully renegotiated a national payer contract, achieving a low double-digit increase in per visit rates, and has since regained a significant portion of the lost census [36][37] Question: What are the longer-term leverage targets before pivoting to M&A or heavier investments? - Management stated that while specific leverage targets have not been provided, the focus remains on deleveraging the balance sheet before considering M&A activities [52] Question: Can you elaborate on the pilot programs and what success will look like? - The pilot programs will focus on operationalizing advanced visit per episode management, with success gauged by the ability to free up capacity and direct it to additional patient loads [62][64]

Core Insights - Extendicare Inc. reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, with significant growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, driven by strategic acquisitions and increased demand for services [3][8][15]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 increased by $35.0 million to $383.4 million, representing an 11.4% growth when excluding out-of-period LTC funding from Q2 2024 [15][29]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose by $5.3 million or 15.4% to $39.8 million, reflecting growth in home health care and long-term care segments [8][15]. - Net earnings increased by $6.0 million to $31.9 million, supported by higher adjusted EBITDA and other income [15][30]. Strategic Acquisitions - The company completed the acquisition of Closing the Gap for approximately $75.1 million, expected to add 1.1 million service hours to the home health care segment [3][10]. - The acquisition of nine LTC homes from Revera for $41.3 million was finalized, enhancing the company's long-term care portfolio [6][15]. - The sale of three LTC projects to Axium JV generated net cash proceeds of $56.3 million, resulting in a gain of $11.1 million [4][15]. Operational Highlights - Home health care average daily volume (ADV) increased by 10.9% to 33,310 in Q2 2025 [8][23]. - Long-term care average occupancy rose to 98.3%, up 50 basis points from the previous year [19][20]. - The number of third-party and joint venture beds serviced by SGP reached approximately 149,300, a 5.9% increase from the prior year [24]. Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, Extendicare had cash and cash equivalents of $72.6 million, with access to an additional $152.2 million under its revolving facility [26]. - The company increased its senior secured credit facility to $375.0 million, enhancing liquidity for future growth [3][8]. Dividend Declaration - The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.042 per share for August 2025, payable on September 15, 2025 [31].

Core Insights - Extendicare Inc. reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, with significant growth in revenue and adjusted EBITDA, driven by strategic acquisitions and increased demand for services [3][8][14]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 increased by $35.0 million to $383.4 million, representing an 11.4% growth when excluding out-of-period funding from Q2 2024 [14]. - Adjusted EBITDA rose by $5.3 million or 15.4% to $39.8 million, reflecting growth in home health care and improvements in long-term care [8][14]. - Net earnings increased by $6.0 million to $31.9 million, supported by higher adjusted EBITDA and other income [14][21]. Acquisitions and Transactions - The company completed the acquisition of Closing the Gap for approximately $75.1 million, expected to add 1.1 million service hours to the home health care segment [3][9]. - Extendicare acquired nine long-term care homes from Revera for approximately $41.3 million, enhancing its portfolio [6][14]. - The sale of three long-term care projects to Axium JV generated net cash proceeds of $56.3 million, resulting in a gain of $11.1 million [4][14]. Operational Highlights - Home health care average daily volume (ADV) increased to 33,310, a 10.9% rise from Q2 2024 [8][22]. - Long-term care average occupancy improved to 98.3%, up 50 basis points from the previous year [17]. - The number of third-party and joint venture beds serviced by SGP reached approximately 149,300, a 5.9% increase from the prior year [23]. Strategic Initiatives - The Ontario government announced a new capital funding policy for long-term care homes, providing greater funding flexibility for redevelopment projects [5]. - Extendicare is advancing 18 redevelopment projects to align with the new funding program [5]. Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, Extendicare had cash and cash equivalents of $72.6 million, with access to an additional $152.2 million under its revolving facility [25]. - The company increased its senior secured credit facility to $375.0 million, enhancing its liquidity position [3][8]. Dividend Declaration - The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.042 per share for August 2025, payable on September 15, 2025 [30].

Company Overview - Amedisys Inc. provides home health and hospice services across the U.S., catering to the growing chronic, co-morbid, and aging population [13] - The company offers clinically focused programs for chronic conditions such as diabetes and coronary artery disease, along with various rehabilitative programs [13] Zacks Rank and Style Scores - Amedisys holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) and has a VGM Score of A, indicating a strong overall rating [14] - The Value Style Score for Amedisys is B, supported by attractive valuation metrics, including a forward P/E ratio of 19.74 [14] - Recent upward revisions in earnings estimates by three analysts have increased the Zacks Consensus Estimate by $0.09 to $5.00 per share for fiscal 2025 [14] Investment Potential - Amedisys is highlighted as a stock to watch due to its solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, making it a candidate for investors' short lists [15]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - BrightSpring's total revenue for Q2 2025 was $3,100,000,000, representing a 29% year-over-year growth [7][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $143,000,000, also reflecting a 29% increase compared to the same period last year [8][29] - The EBITDA margin remained flat at 4.5% compared to Q2 2024 [8][30] - The company has increased its 2025 revenue guidance to a range of $12,200,000,000 to $12,600,000, indicating a growth of 21.1% to 25.1% over 2024 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pharmacy Solutions revenue grew 32% year-over-year to $2,800,000,000, with adjusted EBITDA also increasing by 32% [7][12] - Provider Services revenue was $358,000,000, marking an 11% growth year-over-year, with home health care revenue growing 17% [28][15] - Specialty and Infusion business revenue grew 39% year-over-year, driven by strong service levels and patient satisfaction [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average daily census in home health care grew 6% year-over-year to over 30,000, with hospice census growth of 10% [16] - Specialty scripts grew 38% in Q2, supported by both brand and generic drug growth [12][13] - The company reported a 99.99% dispense accuracy in home and community pharmacy services [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - BrightSpring is focused on disciplined growth, leveraging scale and best practices while investing in areas that enhance care services [6][10] - The company aims to improve operational efficiencies and patient outcomes through continuous improvement initiatives [10][24] - BrightSpring is committed to maintaining high-quality services and expanding its market presence in home health, hospice, and specialty pharmacy [10][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about continued growth in the second half of 2025, driven by strong performance across all business segments [50][51] - The company anticipates favorable rate developments in hospice and home health services, which could enhance revenue [51][62] - Management highlighted the importance of ongoing investments in technology and operational improvements to sustain growth [50][52] Other Important Information - The Community Living divestiture is expected to close in Q4 2025, which will impact future financial reporting [6][9] - The company has a strong cash flow outlook, expecting to deliver over $300,000,000 in annual operating cash flow in 2025 [31] - BrightSpring's net debt outstanding was approximately $2,500,000,000, with a leverage ratio of 3.6 times [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the infusion performance in the quarter and expectations for growth? - Management noted that the infusion business had its best quarter in a long time, with expectations for continued growth driven by new leadership and operational efficiencies [35][38] Question: What factors contributed to the increase in full-year guidance? - Management indicated that continued momentum across the company, particularly in the provider segment, and structural factors like the number of operational days contributed to the raised guidance [47][49] Question: Can you provide insights on the growth in the home health business? - Management stated that the home health rule would not have a material impact on the business, and they expect future rate support to improve as they grow into the market [59][62] Question: How sustainable is the growth in specialty pharmacy? - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of growth in specialty pharmacy, attributing it to strong service levels and ongoing investments [66][69] Question: What is the outlook for generics and their impact on revenue growth? - Management highlighted the importance of driving generic utilization and the investments made in clinical liaison teams to support this growth [85][88]

Core Insights - Amedisys reported strong quarterly earnings, exceeding market expectations for both revenue and adjusted profitability despite merger-related costs impacting GAAP results [1][5] - GAAP revenue reached $621.9 million, surpassing the consensus estimate of $611.99 million, while Non-GAAP EPS was $1.54, exceeding the forecast of $1.36 [1][2] Financial Performance - GAAP revenue grew by 5.2% year-over-year from $591.2 million in Q2 2024 [2][5] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 10.4% compared to Q2 2024, indicating improved operational efficiency [2][5] - Non-GAAP net income rose to $51.4 million from $43.5 million in Q2 2024, reflecting strong core operations [5] - GAAP net income fell to $28.1 million, a decrease of 13% from $32.3 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to $26.3 million in merger-related expenses [2][6] Operational Highlights - Amedisys operates a national network of 519 care centers, serving nearly half a million patients annually across 38 states and Washington, D.C. [3] - The company focuses on regulatory compliance, high-quality clinical care, and strategic partnerships, with approximately 70-74% of revenue derived from Medicare [4] - The average home health quality rating is 4.18 out of 5 stars, indicating a commitment to clinical excellence [4] Cash Flow and Collections - The "days revenue outstanding" metric improved significantly, dropping to 40.9 days from 52.1 days in Q2 2024, indicating faster payment collections [7] - Cash from operations increased to $67.2 million compared to $52.3 million in Q2 2024, with ending cash and equivalents at $337.3 million as of June 30, 2025 [7] Future Outlook - Company leadership did not provide forward financial guidance for the upcoming quarter or fiscal 2025 due to the pending merger with UnitedHealth Group [9] - Significant regulatory and completion risks associated with the merger were highlighted, impacting future growth prospects [9][10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has outperformed its initial guidance of approximately 8% top-line and EBITDA growth, with pharmacy being a significant contributor to this outperformance [7][10] - From 2018 to 2020, the company achieved revenue growth of 18% and EBITDA growth of 13%, indicating a consistent performance over the years [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The specialty pharmacy business has seen outsized growth, although it has the lowest margins within the company's portfolio [59] - The home health care segment, which includes home health, hospice, and primary care, is expected to continue growing at an outsized rate compared to the market [53][56] - The rehab business is also projected to grow at double-digit rates, driven by specific payer relationships [54] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focused on serving senior populations, which are experiencing significant growth, and aims to provide comprehensive services to meet their needs [16][20] - The limited distribution drugs (LDDs) in the oncology space are ramping faster than expected, contributing positively to the growth profile [41][44] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to a strategy of leading on volume through high-quality services, which is expected to drive outsized growth [13][14] - There is a strong focus on technology and best practices across all business lines to enhance efficiency and effectiveness [10][11] - The company is actively pursuing accretive tuck-in M&A opportunities to enhance its growth profile [30][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that the current operating environment is favorable, with no significant market news impacting the company [4] - The company is optimistic about its ability to achieve long-term growth rates, supported by quality services and strategic expansions [56][57] - Management is cautious about potential impacts from legislative changes, particularly regarding drug pricing, but remains confident in navigating these challenges [47][51] Other Important Information - The company announced the divestiture of its community living business, which was deemed a better fit for a different buyer, allowing the company to focus on its core health services [36][38] - The company has a robust pipeline for M&A, with a focus on small tuck-in acquisitions that enhance its service offerings [30][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide context for the confusion in the market yesterday? - Management indicated that there was no significant market news affecting the company, attributing the confusion to a secondary transaction announcement [4] Question: What is KKR's current ownership percentage post-secondary transaction? - KKR's ownership will decrease from 53% to just over 44% if the green shoe is fully executed [6] Question: How should we think about the company's growth trajectory moving forward? - The company aims to maintain its growth trajectory by focusing on quality services and expanding its primary care and rehab businesses [56][57] Question: What are the company's plans regarding alternative payment models? - The company is currently focused on upside-only models and is cautious about taking on risk, aiming to capture value without significant exposure [26][27] Question: What is the rationale behind the community living business divestiture? - The divestiture allows the company to concentrate on its core health services, which align better with its strategic focus [36][38] Question: How does the company plan to address margin pressures? - Management is focused on improving margins in specific areas, particularly long-term care pharmacy and home infusion pharmacy, through operational improvements [62][63]