Core Insights - DaVita Inc. (DVA) is set to report its second-quarter 2025 results on August 5, with previous earnings per share (EPS) of $2.00 exceeding estimates by 14.3% [1] - The company has shown a mixed performance over the last four quarters, beating estimates three times and missing once, with an average earnings surprise of 3.6% [1] Factors Influencing Performance - DaVita's performance in the first quarter of 2025 was bolstered by strong sales of phosphate binders, which are essential for dialysis patients [2] - The transition of phosphate binders from Medicare Part D to the dialysis benefit by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to continue benefiting DaVita's revenues [2] - However, the company is facing challenges with new patient starts due to supply constraints in peritoneal dialysis solutions, which may negatively impact volume growth in 2025 [3][16] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DaVita's second-quarter 2025 revenues is $3.30 billion, reflecting a 3.5% increase from the previous year [4] - The consensus estimate for EPS is $2.70, indicating a 4.3% rise from the prior-year period [4] Earnings Prediction - DaVita is predicted to beat earnings estimates, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +6.67% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5][6] Share Price Performance - Over the past three months, DaVita's shares have increased by 1.1%, outperforming the Medical - Outpatient and Home Healthcare sector's decline of 2.8% [7] - The company's shares have also outperformed the Zacks Medical sector's decrease of 1.6%, but lagged behind the S&P 500's growth of 13.9% [7] Valuation Metrics - DaVita's forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 0.8X, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.6X [11] - The company is trading at a discount compared to peers like Encompass Health and Elanco Animal Health, which have P/S ratios of 1.8X and 1.5X, respectively [12] Long-Term Investment Outlook - Management anticipates variability in drug mix, particularly with iron-based binders, which could impact operating income from phosphate binders, projected to be at the upper end of $0 to $50 million for the year [15] - Despite challenges, DaVita's core business strength and financial stability present a favorable long-term investment opportunity [17][18]

Core Viewpoint - DaVita Inc. is set to report its first-quarter 2025 results, with expectations of revenue growth driven by improved revenue cycle operations, despite challenges in patient admissions and treatment volume [1][2][4]. Financial Performance - In the last reported quarter, DaVita's EPS was $2.24, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.4%, with an average earnings surprise of 5.4% over the trailing four quarters [1]. - For Q1 2025, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is $3.21 billion, reflecting a 4.6% increase from the prior year, while the EPS estimate is $1.75, indicating a 26.5% decline year-over-year [5]. Operational Factors - Management highlighted that innovation in revenue cycle operations has led to higher revenue per treatment, which has helped offset slower treatment volume recovery [2]. - DaVita has closed three of four acquisitions in Latin America, with the final acquisition in Brazil expected to close mid-2025, contributing to future growth [3][17]. Challenges - The company is facing elevated mortality and mistreatment rates, and new patient starts have been negatively impacted by supply constraints in peritoneal dialysis solutions [4]. - The temporary closure of Baxter's North Cove facility due to Hurricane Helene has further hindered new patient admissions, which is expected to affect volume growth in 2025 [4][19]. Market Performance - Over the past three months, DaVita's shares have declined by 17%, underperforming its sector and peers [8][10]. - The company's forward price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 0.8X, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.8X, indicating a potential undervaluation relative to expected sales growth [11][12]. Long-Term Outlook - The transition of oral drugs to the dialysis benefit under Medicare is expected to expand patient access and drive long-term revenue growth [13][16]. - Proposed updates to the Medicare ESRD payment system could increase reimbursement rates by 2.1% in 2025, aiding in patient coverage expansion [18]. Investment Considerations - DaVita's strong core business and financial stability suggest potential for future gains, but the current valuation indicates it may be prudent to hold rather than add new positions [20][21].