PACS Group, Inc.(US:PACS)2026-02-26 23:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q4 2025 was $1.36 billion, up approximately 12% year-over-year, while total revenue for the full year 2025 was $5.29 billion, representing a 29% increase over 2024 [23][24] - Net income for Q4 was $59.8 million, and for the full year, it was $191.5 million, with diluted earnings per share at $1.22 [23][24] - Adjusted EBITDAR for Q4 was $237.7 million, and adjusted EBITDA was $142.1 million, with full-year adjusted EBITDAR at $883.9 million and adjusted EBITDA at $505 million [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total occupancy for the year averaged 89.1%, with mature facilities averaging 94.9% occupancy, up from 94.4% the previous year [24][26] - Ramping facilities averaged 86.3% occupancy, down from over 93% in the prior year, reflecting the transition of facilities into ramping status [24][26] - New facilities averaged 81.1% occupancy compared to 82.8% in 2024, indicating ongoing stabilization efforts [25][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - PACS operates 321 facilities across 17 states, caring for over 31,700 patients daily, supported by over 47,000 team members [7][18] - The company has a total of 35,379 operating beds, including 32,854 skilled nursing beds and 2,525 assisted living beds [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue integrating and optimizing its expanded portfolio while investing in people and clinical capabilities [9][22] - PACS plans to pursue selective acquisitions and maintain a disciplined capital allocation strategy to support long-term shareholder value [8][9] - The company is positioned as a consolidator in the fragmented skilled nursing industry, focusing on quality care and operational excellence [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2026, expecting steady organic growth and disciplined execution [5][30] - The company anticipates revenue for 2026 to be in the range of $5.65 billion to $5.75 billion, representing nearly an 8% growth over 2025 [29][30] - Adjusted EBITDA for 2026 is expected to be between $555 million and $575 million, indicating a projected growth of almost 12% over 2025 [29][30] Other Important Information - The company maintains a strong balance sheet with a net leverage of approximately 0.3x, providing financial flexibility for growth strategies [8][28] - PACS has invested significantly in its administrator-in-training program to ensure a strong leadership pipeline [8][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on payer conversations and share gain opportunities - Management highlighted that as facilities improve quality metrics, they become attractive partners for insurers, leading to stronger contract negotiations [34][35] Question: Details on the M&A pipeline - The company expects to acquire about 5 facilities per quarter in 2026, focusing on underperforming assets [37] - The pipeline is robust, with a strategic approach to evaluating deals [38] Question: Potential for more de novo activity - While acquisitions remain the primary growth strategy, management acknowledged opportunities for de novo developments in certain states [41][42] Question: Observations on pricing in M&A opportunities - Management noted that while prices have increased due to inflation, they are starting to plateau, allowing for selective acquisitions [43][44]