Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter revenue increased by 4% to $1.5 billion compared to the prior year, driven by adjusted admissions growth of 2.7% and net patient service revenue per adjusted admission growth of 1.2% [12][14] - Adjusted EBITDA grew by 2.5% to $98 million, with growth impacted by an increase in payer claim denials compared to the first quarter of 2024 [15][18] - Total cash at the end of the first quarter was $495 million, with total debt outstanding at $1.1 billion, resulting in total available liquidity of $790 million [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Admissions grew by 7.6%, with inpatient surgery growth at 3.4% and outpatient surgeries declining by 2.3% [6][14] - Supply costs as a percentage of revenue declined by 60 basis points year over year, indicating improved supply chain efficiencies [8] - The growth rate of physician professional fees was 6%, down from 13% during the same period last year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is experiencing strong demand trends in its existing markets, with an average market growth rate of about 3% per year [40] - Exchange volume growth was significant, with admissions in the quarter growing by 40%, contributing to mid-single digits as a percentage of revenue [61] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its outpatient and acute care hospital footprint, supported by approximately $500 million in cash and a favorable lease-adjusted net leverage ratio of three times [5][10] - The company is actively pursuing M&A opportunities, with increased interest in its joint venture model from potential academic and non-profit partners [9][10] - The strategic focus includes operational excellence initiatives aimed at driving margin expansion over the next several years [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability of demand, attributing strong volume growth to operational improvements and the strength of the markets [40] - The company is optimistic about achieving its full-year 2025 financial guidance, reaffirming its outlook based on solid Q1 performance [18][19] - Management noted that while there are pressures from professional fees and payer behaviors, they expect underlying EBITDA growth to accelerate in the latter half of the year [15][72] Other Important Information - The company is in the final stages of recruiting a Chief Development Officer to support its focus on M&A activities [5] - The company’s credit rating was upgraded to B+ from B, reflecting improved net leverage and cash flow profile [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about seasonality and EBITDA decline - Management indicated that the sequential decline in EBITDA is not abnormal and attributed it to various seasonal factors, including the impact of flu season and timing of payments [23][25] Question: Follow-up on elevated denials - Management confirmed that the elevated denials are consistent with previous trends and noted a slowdown in payments even on clean claims [27][29] Question: Supply chain initiatives and opportunities - Management highlighted participation in a GPO and ongoing improvements in service line utilization as key areas for margin expansion [31][32] Question: Update on expansion initiatives - Management reported a growing pipeline for new market opportunities and emphasized the importance of being disciplined in evaluating potential acquisitions [45][47] Question: New Mexico DPP program approval timeline - Management expressed hope for approval by Q2, noting positive signs from discussions with elected officials [56][58] Question: Exchange volumes and payer mix - Management confirmed strong exchange growth, with admissions in Q1 growing significantly and operating in mid-single digits as a percentage of revenue [60][61]
Ardent Health Partners, Inc.(ARDT) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript