Company Participants HealWELL AI Inc. (AIDX) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call April 15, 2025 01:00 PM ET Eva Fong - Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Tyler Baba - Manager, Investor Relations Hammad Shabazi - Chairman and CEO Kim - Operator Q&A Moderator - Conference Call Q&A Facilitator Conference Call Participants Daniel Rosenberg - Analyst, Praradine Kevin - Analyst, Scosche Bank Michael Freeman - Analyst, Raymond James Rob Koff - Analyst, Ventum Kim Welcome to the Well Health Technologies Corp. Fourth quarte ...

Investment Rating - The report assigns an investment rating of AAA to Johnson & Johnson, AA to Lilly, and AA to Roche, among others [95]. Core Insights - The pharmaceutical industry has seen a marginal increase of 1% in the collective brand value of the top 25 brands in 2025, with the US contributing significantly [20][21]. - Johnson & Johnson remains the most valuable pharmaceutical brand with a brand value of USD 15.5 billion, reflecting a 16% increase [27][34]. - Lilly has experienced the fastest growth in brand value, rising 36% to USD 8 billion, primarily due to its successful weight-loss drugs [40][41]. - The medical devices sector has grown by 5%, with Medtronic now leading the market with a brand value of USD 7.4 billion [23][57]. - The healthcare services sector is under pressure, with a collective decline of 11% in brand value among the top brands, except for UnitedHealthcare, which saw a 14% increase [24][65]. Sector Overview - The pharmaceutical sector is stable, with ongoing consolidation through mergers and acquisitions, such as Amgen's acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics [21]. - Innovation is crucial, with brands like Novo Nordisk and Lilly achieving significant brand value increases through breakthrough drugs [22]. - The medical devices industry is expanding, driven by advancements in technology and patient outcomes [23]. - The US healthcare services sector faces challenges, with declining public sentiment and scrutiny affecting brand reputations [24][25]. Valuation Analysis - Johnson & Johnson's brand value growth is supported by strong sales of key drugs and a commitment to innovation, with plans to invest over USD 55 billion in the US [36]. - Lilly's strategic acquisitions and successful product launches have bolstered its market position [41][43]. - Bayer's brand value increased by 13% to USD 6.2 billion, driven by improved consumer trust [29]. - Novo Nordisk's brand value rose by 7% to USD 5.5 billion, supported by its successful diabetes treatments [30]. Brand Strength Analysis - Johnson & Johnson leads with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 83.5, reflecting strong brand equity [47]. - Bayer follows with a BSI of 82.2, benefiting from its consumer health products [52]. - Pfizer's BSI is 76.3, influenced by its role in the COVID-19 pandemic [54]. Medical Devices - Medtronic's brand value increased by 2% to USD 7.4 billion, driven by recovery in volume and new product introductions [57]. - Terumo experienced the highest growth in the sector, with a 52% increase in brand value to USD 2.3 billion [58]. - Philips leads in brand strength with a BSI of 87.8, benefiting from its consumer-facing electronics business [60]. Healthcare Services - UnitedHealthcare is the most valuable healthcare services brand, with a brand value of USD 54.2 billion and a BSI of 84.76 [65]. - The brand's growth is attributed to increased patient volumes in Medicare Advantage and Medicaid offerings [66]. - Other healthcare brands have seen significant declines, with Elevance Health and Aetna experiencing drops of 34% and 25%, respectively [70].

Group 1 - Wheaton City Council unanimously approved a drive-thru addition to the restaurant space at 811 E. Butterfield Rd, previously occupied by Chipotle [1] - The property spans 4.1 acres and includes two commercial buildings measuring 9,920 square feet and 13,438 square feet, housing multiple tenants such as Oberweis Dairy and Pearle Vision [2] - The site has 192 parking spaces, which will be reduced to 166 to accommodate the drive-thru, allowing for a counterclockwise traffic flow around the larger building with space for five cars in line [3]

Core Insights - Basel Medical Group Ltd has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Bethesda Medical Pte. Ltd, enhancing its strategic expansion in Singapore and Southeast Asia's healthcare market [1][4] - The acquisition is expected to be completed around April 30, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition of Bethesda Medical is a significant step in Basel Medical Group's growth strategy, allowing for a more comprehensive healthcare network [3][5] - Bethesda Medical specializes in diagnostic imaging and outpatient care, which complements Basel Medical Group's existing orthopedic services [3][5] Group 2: Strategic Synergies - The integration of Bethesda Medical's services will create a seamless referral system, improving patient access to specialized treatments and enhancing clinical outcomes [3][4] - The collaboration between Basel Medical Group and Bethesda Medical has evolved from strategic partnerships to full integration, enabling deeper synergies [2] Group 3: Market Positioning - Basel Medical Group aims to position itself as a key player in the evolving healthcare ecosystem in Southeast Asia by broadening its service offerings [4] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities in the private healthcare sector, driven by factors such as an aging population and increasing private insurance coverage [6]

Core Insights - The Ad Council and Alzheimer's Association launched new PSAs to raise awareness of early signs of Alzheimer's, particularly targeting Black Americans who are at a higher risk of developing the disease [1][2] - The campaign aims to encourage families to discuss potential signs of Alzheimer's earlier, as early detection is crucial for effective care and management [2][5] Campaign Details - The PSAs are part of the "Some Things Come with Age" campaign and focus on educating pre-care partners about the differences between normal aging and early signs of Alzheimer's [1][4] - Recent data indicates that 19% of Black Americans aged 65 and older are diagnosed with Alzheimer's, compared to 10% of white Americans, highlighting the need for targeted outreach [2][5] - The campaign includes resources available at 10signs.org, which provides information on early warning signs and tips for initiating conversations about cognitive health [7] Creative Approach - The creative content emphasizes familial love and the importance of recognizing subtle cognitive changes that may indicate Alzheimer's, such as difficulty completing familiar tasks [4][6] - A three-minute long-form video is included to further illustrate the relational bonds and the role of pre-care partners in recognizing early signs [4] Media and Outreach - The PSAs will be distributed nationally through donated media, with support from various platforms including LatiNation, Meta, and SiriusXM Media [6] - Research from the Ad Council shows that individuals aware of the campaign are three times more likely to understand the difference between aging signs and Alzheimer's signs [5] Background Information - The Alzheimer's Association is dedicated to Alzheimer's care, support, and research, aiming to accelerate global research and improve early detection and quality care [8] - The Ad Council has a long history of creating impactful social campaigns and collaborates with various organizations to address pressing health issues [9]

Leadership Updates - CVS Health announced the appointment of Brian Newman as executive vice president and chief financial officer designate, effective April 21, 2025, succeeding Tom Cowhey, who will transition to a strategic advisor role [5][9] - Amy Compton-Phillips, M.D., has been named executive vice president and chief medical officer, effective May 19, 2025, also reporting to CEO David Joyner [7][9] Financial Outlook - The company expects its financial results for the full year 2025 to meet or exceed previously issued guidance based on year-to-date results through February [2] Leadership Experience - Brian Newman previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of United Parcel Service, where he led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic [5][6] - Dr. Compton-Phillips was the chief physician executive of Press Ganey and has extensive experience in directing patient care programs and leading healthcare organizations [7][8] Company Overview - As of December 31, 2024, CVS Health operates over 9,000 retail pharmacy locations and more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics, serving approximately 90 million pharmacy benefits plan members [9][10] - The company also provides health insurance products to over 36 million people, including Medicare Advantage offerings and a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan [10]

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Membership growth from Q4'23 to Q4'24 was 13%, with revenue increasing by 7% to $371 million [11] - Annual revenue for 2024 reached $1.5 billion, representing an 18% year-over-year growth [11][22] - The fourth quarter medical margin was $7 million, a decrease year-over-year due to elevated utilization trends [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was a loss of $68 million, impacted by unfavorable out-of-period true-ups [12][25] - Full-year adjusted EBITDA loss was $167.2 million for 2024, compared to a loss of $85.5 million in the prior year [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - At-risk membership increased to 123,800, a 14% year-over-year rise [22] - Full-year medical margin decreased by approximately 37% year-over-year to $85.5 million, driven by elevated medical expenses [24] - PMPM (per member per month) capitated revenue increased by 2.5% year-over-year [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The macro environment in the Medicare sector is improving, with positive trends expected for 2025 [9][10] - The company anticipates a $30 to $35 PMPM incremental medical margin benefit from payer benefit design changes [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its business for near-term profitability and has reaffirmed its 2025 guidance on all metrics except for total members, which is slightly raised [9][11] - A growth strategy emphasizing profitable growth is in place, with expectations to achieve profitability in 2025 [14] - The company is enhancing its leadership team with key hires to support its strategic initiatives [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that early indicators for 2025 are showing positive trends, with improvements in benefit design and utilization [10] - The company is optimistic about achieving its targets due to early trends observed in the first few months of the year [14] - Management expressed confidence in the accuracy of data exiting 2024, supporting effective reserve management [26] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in field operations for 2025, including the introduction of the P3 Restore program aimed at reducing physician burnout [19] - The company has successfully remediated seven previously identified material weaknesses in internal controls [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing around reaching potential profitability - Management discussed the three major inputs for 2025 guidance, including a 7.5% revenue increase and a $16 PMPM improvement in medical costs [44][46] Question: Expectations for cash in 2025 - The company ended 2024 with $38.8 million in cash, with an additional $15 million received in early January, bringing the total to approximately $54 million [49] Question: Fourth quarter results and deviations from expectations - Management acknowledged that Q4 results were impacted by onetime negative items totaling about $17 million, which should be excluded from total Q4 EBITDA numbers [56] Question: Part D risk management - Management confirmed that about half of the Part D risk has been eliminated, with plans to address the remaining portion by January 1, 2026 [66] Question: Improving trends in utilization - Management noted slight improvements in utilization trends in Q4, with expectations that these trends will continue into Q1 of 2025 [73][75] Question: Seasonal dynamics and macro environment improvements - Management explained that the macro environment is improving due to benefit design changes and expected reductions in utilization [89]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Membership growth from Q4 2023 to Q4 2024 was 13% with revenue increasing by 7% to $371 million in Q4 2024, and annual revenue for 2024 reached $1.5 billion, representing an 18% year-over-year growth [9][17] - The fourth quarter medical margin was $7 million, a decrease year-over-year due to elevated utilization trends, while adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was a loss of $68 million [9][19] - Full year adjusted EBITDA loss was $167.2 million for 2024, compared to a loss of $85.5 million in the prior year, with a per member per month adjusted EBITDA loss of $147, a $45 change from the prior year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a full year medical margin of $85.5 million, a decrease of approximately 37% year-over-year, driven by elevated medical expenses, particularly Part D expenses [18] - Capitated revenue increased by 2.5% year-over-year on a per member per month basis [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that the macro environment in the Medicare sector is improving, with positive early indicators for 2025 and favorable payer bids in CMS's 2026 advance notice [7][8] - The company expects an incremental medical margin benefit of $30 to $35 per member per month from benefit design changes [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its business for near-term profitability, with programmatic initiatives representing over $130 million of adjusted EBITDA opportunity on schedule [6] - The growth strategy emphasizes deliberate and profitable growth, with expectations to achieve profitability in 2025 [10] - The company is enhancing its senior leadership team with key hires to support its strategic initiatives [8][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the meaningful progress towards long-term sustainable growth, with a focus on maintaining a strong control environment established in 2024 [20][21] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance for revenues between $1.35 billion and $1.5 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected to range from negative $35 million to positive $5 million [10][21] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in field operations for 2025 and introduced the P3 Restore program aimed at reducing physician burnout [13][14] - The company has successfully remediated seven previously identified material weaknesses in internal controls [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the timing around reaching potential profitability? - Management indicated that the guidance for 2025 includes a 7.5% increase in revenue year-over-year and a $16 PMPM improvement in medical costs, with operational efficiencies contributing to the profitability target [31][32] Question: What are the expectations for cash in 2025? - The company ended 2024 with a cash balance of $38.8 million, with an additional $15 million received in January 2025, bringing the effective starting cash position to about $54 million [35][36] Question: Did Q4 results come in line with expectations? - Management acknowledged that Q4 results were impacted by one-time negative items totaling about $17 million, which should be excluded from total Q4 EBITDA numbers [41] Question: What are the trends in utilization? - Management reported slight improvements in utilization trends, with decreases in MIDS per 1,000 and emergency department visits per 1,000, although unit costs remained elevated [25][56] Question: Can you elaborate on the improving trends in the Medicare environment? - Management highlighted that benefit design changes from 2024 to 2025 are expected to reduce utilization, contributing to a more favorable environment [69]

Core Insights - Comcast Business has launched new client services teams in Florida to enhance connectivity solutions for local enterprises [1][2][3] - The expansion targets communities including Clearwater, Lakeland, Kissimmee, Orlando, St. Petersburg, and Tampa [1][2] - The new teams will provide a range of technology solutions such as global secure networking, advanced cybersecurity, and unified communications [1][3] Company Commitment - Comcast Business emphasizes its commitment to empowering businesses of all sizes by providing exceptional connectivity and comprehensive cybersecurity solutions [3][4] - The company aims to build lasting relationships with local businesses and deliver tailored technology solutions to fuel growth and innovation [4] Client Impact - Community Health Centers, a recent client, operates over 16 locations in Central Florida and handles more than 217,000 visits annually [4] - Comcast Business provides robust connectivity services to these facilities, ensuring fast, reliable, and secure internet to support essential operations [4][5] - The tools provided by Comcast Business help clients maintain clear communication and manage records efficiently, enabling comprehensive care for thousands of patients [5] Service Offerings - Comcast Business offers a full suite of solutions including fast, reliable connectivity, secure networking solutions, and advanced cybersecurity [6] - The company has been recognized for its growth, innovation, and leadership in the technology solutions sector [6]