EAGLE, Idaho, Oct. 02, 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 on October 1, 2025, it acquired certain operations from UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (“UnitedHealth”). The operations were divested pursuant to UnitedHealth’s and Amedisys Inc.’s (“Amedisys”) antitrust settlement with the United States Justice Department. Pennant is purchasing diveste ...

Summary of The Pennant Group Conference Call Company Overview - The Pennant Group operates in the home health, hospice, and senior living sectors, primarily on the West Coast and in some Midwest states, with operations across 14 states [8][10][12]. Recent Acquisition - The company is acquiring assets from Amedisys as part of the Optum transaction, specifically in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, which will enhance its presence in the Southeast [10][11]. - The acquisition is expected to close in early Q4 2025, with a court order mandating closure within the first few weeks of October [11]. Business Model and Differentiation - The Pennant Group emphasizes a local leadership model, investing in local leaders to drive operations and decision-making [13][14]. - The company has programs like the CEO in Training program, which allows Executive Directors to become CEOs, fostering an entrepreneurial environment [13][14]. - The focus is on accountability and peer support among local leaders to drive results [14][15]. Growth Strategy - The company is disciplined in its acquisition strategy, prioritizing locations with strong leadership and operational support [15][16]. - It is agnostic regarding service lines, willing to invest in home health, hospice, or senior living opportunities based on leadership availability [17][18]. Operational Challenges and Strategies - The company is preparing for a potential 6.5% cut in reimbursement rates from CMS, emphasizing the need for efficiency and local accountability [33][34]. - Local teams are expected to adapt by reallocating resources and focusing on profitable service lines [34][37]. - The company is actively lobbying against the proposed cuts, emphasizing the importance of home health in the healthcare system [35][36]. Joint Ventures and Partnerships - The Pennant Group is exploring joint ventures as a strategy for market entry and growth, leveraging the reputation and resources of established healthcare systems [28][29][30]. - A joint venture with the University of Tennessee Medical Center will be part of the Tennessee operations [30]. Medicaid Exposure - Approximately 25% to 30% of revenue comes from Medicaid or waiver programs, with the company monitoring changes in Medicaid benefits closely [52][53]. Future Outlook - The company believes that opportunities for consolidation may arise due to potential distress in the industry from reimbursement cuts [39][41]. - The leadership is confident in their ability to maintain strong cash flows and continue investing in growth despite regulatory challenges [40][42]. Key Takeaways - The Pennant Group has a robust operational model focused on local leadership and accountability, which has proven effective in various market conditions [55][56]. - The company is well-positioned to adapt to regulatory changes and capitalize on potential acquisition opportunities in a challenging environment [37][41].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported Q2 2025 revenue of $219.5 million, an increase of $50.8 million or 30.1% year-over-year, and adjusted EBITDA of $16.4 million, up $3.2 million or 24.5% from the prior year quarter [7][32][10] - GAAP diluted earnings per share for the quarter was $0.20, while adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.27 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Home Health and Hospice segment, revenue reached $166 million, an increase of $40.7 million or 32.5%, with adjusted EBITDA of $25.5 million, up $5.9 million or 29.9% year-over-year [15] - Hospice revenue was $73.8 million, an increase of $14.4 million or 24.3%, with hospice admissions up 14.7% and average daily census up 21.4% [16] - Home health revenue grew to $79.2 million, an increase of $17.6 million or 28.5%, with total home health admissions increasing 26.1% [19] - Senior Living segment revenue improved to $53.5 million, an increase of $10 million or 23.1%, with same store occupancy exceeding 80% [24][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates full-year revenue in the range of $852.8 million to $887.6 million, with adjusted earnings per share expected between $1.09 and $1.15 [13][32] - The proposed 2026 Home Health Rule suggests a net reduction of 6.4% in aggregate payments to home health agencies, which could impact the company's revenue [21][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leadership development, clinical excellence, employee engagement, margin improvement, and growth as key focus areas for continuous improvement [7] - The acquisition of divested assets from Amedisys and UnitedHealth Group is seen as a significant opportunity to expand operations in attractive markets, particularly in Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia [12][29] - The company is committed to adapting its operations to the changing regulatory environment and believes in the essential role of home health services in the healthcare continuum [23][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about the proposed home health rule, stating it could negatively affect access to care for vulnerable patients and increase overall healthcare spending [22][23] - Despite challenges, management remains optimistic about the company's growth trajectory, citing strong performance across various segments and a healthy balance sheet [10][13] Other Important Information - The company has a strong focus on operational efficiency and has implemented various initiatives to improve clinical quality and financial performance [20][24] - The company is actively preparing for the integration of newly acquired assets and has invested in leadership and operational training to ensure a smooth transition [58][70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Tennessee market and payer landscape - Management highlighted the unique opportunities in the Tennessee market, emphasizing the potential for building a care continuum and the presence of quality providers [41][43] Question: Impact of proposed clawback on capitated relationships - Management acknowledged that adjustments from Medicare rate changes could affect both traditional and capitated contracts, but emphasized the company's diversified business model [46][48] Question: Sustainability of revenue per occupied bed in senior living - Management indicated that while they anticipate mid-single-digit growth in revenue per occupied bed, they are encouraged by recent occupancy growth [54][56] Question: Preparations for the Amedisys acquisition - Management detailed investments in leadership and resources to ensure a successful transition and operational efficiency post-acquisition [57][58] Question: Balancing M&A versus market share growth amid regulatory changes - Management expressed confidence that disruptions in the market could create opportunities for growth, emphasizing a strategic approach to acquisitions [59][62]