pediatrix(US:MD)2025-05-06 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter results exceeded expectations, driven by same unit revenue growth of over 6% and NICU days increasing by 2% [3][4] - Adjusted EBITDA was just over $49 million, significantly above expectations, leading to an increase in the full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA outlook from $215 million - $235 million to $220 million - $240 million [4][12] - Consolidated revenue decreased by just over 7%, primarily due to non-same unit activity declining by about $63 million, partially offset by strong same unit growth [8][9] - Practice level operating expenses reflected favorable impacts from cost management initiatives, with salary growth decelerating significantly year over year [4][9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong volumes in hospital-based services contributed to the overall growth, with NICU days increasing by 2% and modest growth in maternal fetal medicine [3][4] - Same unit pricing was up over 4.6%, driven by favorable payer mix shifts and modest improvement in contract administrative fees [8][9] - Practice level SW and B expenses declined year over year, although increased on a same unit basis due to higher incentive compensation and salary increases [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The accounts receivable DSO was just under 48 days, flat compared to the previous quarter but down over four days year over year, indicating improved cash collections [11][12] - The company ended the quarter with cash of $99 million and net debt of $512 million, reflecting net leverage of just over 2.2 times using the midpoint of the updated adjusted EBITDA outlook for 2025 [11][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on methodically reinvigorating relationships with hospital and health system partners and aims to be the employer of choice for clinicians [5][6] - The strategic focus is on core areas such as neonatology and maternal fetal medicine, with plans to acquire several NICU, MFM, and OB Hospitalist operations [5][6][43] - The management emphasizes the importance of being a reliable partner for hospitals, which is expected to drive growth opportunities [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains cautious about the uncertain healthcare environment and economy, which influences their conservative guidance [16][19] - The company is actively monitoring changes in the economy and potential impacts on family expansion decisions, but does not see specific concerns at this time [17][18] - The management is confident in the company's ability to navigate challenges and believes that their strong balance sheet will provide opportunities for acquisitions [44][46] Other Important Information - Depreciation and amortization expense declined to $5.3 million compared to $10.3 million in the prior year, primarily due to practice dispositions [10] - Interest income on cash balances contributed to strong performance in investments and other income, which is expected to remain favorable [48] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updated thoughts on guidance - Management stated that initial guidance was conservative due to uncertainty, but first quarter results exceeded expectations, prompting an upward revision [16] Question: Concerns regarding economic conditions - Management noted that there are many changes in the economy and administration, leading to a more difficult economic environment [18][19] Question: Hospital contracted subsidies - Subsidies have always been part of the business and continue to be a normal aspect of partnerships with hospitals [24][25] Question: Seasonality expectations - Management does not foresee any changes in seasonality for 2025 and is not concerned about changes affecting the numbers [27][28] Question: Collections and DSO - Management indicated that there are no concerns regarding DSO or accounts receivable, and collections are improving [29][30] Question: Potential hospital contract wins - Management believes that focusing on strong partnerships and reliability will lead to growth opportunities in hospital contracts [35][36] Question: Update on divestitures and acquisitions - Management is comfortable with the current portfolio and sees favorable conditions for acquisitions, indicating potential opportunities in the market [43][44]