Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q2 increased by 12% to $1.46 billion, while adjusted EBITDA rose by 17.2% to $318.6 million [13][7] - Total discharges for Q2 increased by 7.2%, with same-store discharges growing by 4.7% [7][13] - Net revenue per discharge increased by 4.2%, benefiting from a decrease in bad debt expense to 2% [13][14] - Adjusted free cash flow increased by 30.5% to approximately $186 million, bringing year-to-date adjusted free cash flow to approximately $408 million, a 31.7% increase from 2024 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Neurological conditions and stroke discharges grew by 126.7% in Q2 [8] - The discharge community rate was 84.8%, with discharge to acute and SNF rates at 8.5% and 5.8% respectively, outperforming industry averages [8][11] - The company opened a new 60-bed hospital in Fort Myers, Florida, and added 26 beds to an existing hospital in Q2 [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for inpatient rehabilitation services is significantly underserved, particularly as the U.S. population ages, with the Medicare beneficiary population projected to grow substantially [10] - The average age of Medicare beneficiaries is 77 years, with the population aged 65 and older growing at a CAGR of approximately 3% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open five additional hospitals and add 30 to 50 beds to existing hospitals by the end of the year [9] - The company is increasing its 2025 guidance for net operating revenue to between $5.88 billion and $5.98 billion, and adjusted EBITDA to between $1.22 billion and $1.25 billion [18] - The company continues to focus on treating complex medical conditions and developing best-in-class clinical protocols [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the demand for inpatient rehabilitation services remains considerably underserved, with a focus on treating patients with complex medical conditions [10] - The company is optimistic about future growth, citing favorable demographic trends and an increase in Medicare reimbursement rates [12][10] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 232,000 shares for $24.7 million and announced an increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.19 per share [17] - The company has a favorable leverage and liquidity position, with net leverage at two times and approximately $100 million in unrestricted cash [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the occupancy rates and comfort levels for single bedroom facilities? - Management indicated that occupancy in Q2 was 76.6%, up 210 basis points year-over-year, and that stabilization above 80% would prompt consideration for future bed expansions [22][24] Question: What is the company's stance on quality ratings and initiatives? - Management stated that any changes in quality initiatives did not make it into the final rule and expressed willingness to support quality measurements that are agreed upon by the industry [27][28] Question: How does the company share quality results with stakeholders? - Management shares quality metrics such as discharge community rates and patient satisfaction scores with joint ventures and referring physicians [32][34] Question: What is the story behind the increase in managed care pricing assumptions? - The increase is attributed to growth in the VA Community Care Network, which now comprises almost 18% of the managed care business and pays at Medicare CMG rates [38] Question: What are the expectations for EBITDA in the second half of the year? - Management expects to incur most preopening and ramp-up costs in the second half, with guidance reflecting potential increases in bad debt and other costs [42] Question: How is the company addressing benefits expense growth? - Management noted that benefits expense per FTE increased by 18%, driven by high dollar medical claims, and indicated that strategies are in place to manage these costs [100] Question: What is the outlook for outpatient visits and pricing? - Outpatient visits increased by 8% quarter-over-quarter, attributed to a good book of business in remaining facilities, despite a reduction in the overall footprint [124]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2025 increased by 10.6% to $1.46 billion, while adjusted EBITDA rose by 14.9% to $313.6 million [16] - Total discharges grew by 6.3%, with same-store discharges increasing by 4.4% [8][16] - Net revenue per discharge increased by 3.9%, driven by a favorable payer mix [16][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a discharge community rate of 84%, with a discharge to acute rate of 8.9% and a discharge to skilled nursing facility (SNF) rate of 6.4% [9] - Annualized RN turnover decreased to 20.1% from 20.4%, and therapist turnover fell to 6.3% from 7.7% [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The demand for inpatient rehabilitation services remains strong, with plans to open six de novo hospitals and add 300 beds in 2025 [11][12] - The company anticipates adding approximately 120 beds to existing hospitals in both 2026 and 2027 due to strong volumes and occupancy levels [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is increasing its 2025 guidance based on strong Q1 results, with net operating revenue expected to be between $5.85 billion and $5.925 billion [20] - The company continues to invest in capacity additions to meet the growing demand for inpatient rehabilitation services, particularly as the U.S. population ages [12][13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the demand for services is not expected to fluctuate with economic conditions, as patients are nondiscretionary [95] - The company is closely monitoring the payer mix and does not anticipate the recent trends to become the new normal [25][121] Other Important Information - The company opened a new 40-bed joint venture hospital in Athens, Georgia, and plans to open additional facilities throughout the year [11] - The company has a strong pipeline of de novo projects, with 10 hospitals and 500 beds expected to open beyond 2025 [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about the increase in Medicare fee-for-service discharges - Management confirmed that the increase was not due to strategic actions but rather a surprising shift in payer mix, with Medicare fee-for-service growing faster than Medicare Advantage [24][25] Question: Discussion on employee metrics and hiring plans - Management stated that they remain committed to maintaining an employee per occupied bed (EPOB) ratio of 3.4 and are actively hiring to meet demand [30][32] Question: Concerns regarding supply costs and construction expenses - Management indicated that they do not foresee significant near-term risks related to construction costs or supply chain issues [40][41] Question: Clarification on Medicaid supplemental payments - Management noted that Medicaid supplemental payments are not a significant concern for the company compared to acute care hospitals [45] Question: Insights on labor efficiency and sustainability - Management expressed optimism about maintaining low contract labor levels and improving labor efficiency, although they cautioned that one quarter's performance does not establish a trend [51][52] Question: Discussion on capacity expansion and growth strategy - Management confirmed that they are accelerating their growth strategy through bed expansions and are focused on maintaining high-quality patient outcomes [62][64] Question: Inquiry about the impact of economic conditions on demand - Management reassured that demand for services remains stable regardless of economic fluctuations, as patients require care regardless of economic status [95]