UHS(US:UHS)2025-10-28 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted net income attributable to UHS of $5.69 per share, a 53% increase from Q3 2024 [5][12] - Revenue growth for Q3 2025 was 13.4% year-over-year [5] - The midpoint of 2025 adjusted EPS guidance was increased by 6% to $21.80 per diluted share from $20.50 [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the acute care segment, same facility adjusted admissions increased by 2.0% year-over-year, with net revenues increasing by 12.8% [13][15] - Behavioral health segment same-facility net revenues increased by 9.3% on a reported basis, driven by a 7.9% increase in revenue per adjusted patient day [16] - Operating expenses per adjusted admission in acute care increased by 4.0% year-over-year, while same-facility EBITDA margin increased by 190 basis points to 15.8% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company recognized approximately $90 million of net benefit from the District of Columbia Supplemental Medicaid Program during Q3 2025 [12][19] - The projected full-year net benefit from various approved Medicaid programs for 2025 is $1.3 billion [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on expanding its outpatient services, with 45 outpatient access points and plans to open 10 step-in programs this year [9][10] - The next acute care hospital opening is scheduled for spring 2026 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with significant community interest [8] - The company aims to prioritize excess free cash flow for share buybacks and dividends in the absence of compelling acquisition opportunities [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for the Cedar Hill facility due to community support and demand for services [7][8] - The company expects further volume improvements in the behavioral health segment, targeting 2%-3% growth in adjusted patient days [17][64] - Management noted that while labor tightness persists, hiring trends have improved steadily throughout the year [17][52] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately 36% of its outstanding shares since 2019 and paid approximately $340 million in dividends [18] - The Board of Directors authorized a new $1.5 billion increase to the stock repurchase program, bringing total authorization to $1.759 billion [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on pending Medicaid approvals in Florida and Nevada - Management estimates a potential $47 million annual benefit from Florida and approximately $30 million from Nevada, pending CMS approval [24] Question: 2025 guidance increase breakdown - The guidance increase is primarily due to $140 million of increased DPP, with $90 million recorded in Q3 and $25 million expected in Q4, offset by malpractice reserve increases and legal settlements [31] Question: Performance of West Henderson and Cedar Hill - West Henderson has been performing well with positive EBITDA since opening, while Cedar Hill is expected to break even in Q4 and improve in 2026 [40][41] Question: Trends in surgical volumes - Outpatient surgical trends increased slightly, with cardiology services performing particularly well [45][94] Question: Behavioral health supply-demand dynamics - Management noted labor scarcity in some markets but believes that increased focus on outpatient services will help capture more demand [52][76] Question: Capital allocation and leverage ratios - The company intends to continue share repurchases and is comfortable with current leverage ratios, prioritizing investments with compelling returns [100][66]