Alignment Healthcare Inc (ALHC) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Record Membership Growth and ...

In This Article:

  • Health Plan Membership: 189,100 members, increased 59% year-over-year.

  • Q4 2024 Revenue: $701 million, grew approximately 51% year-over-year.

  • Full Year 2024 Revenue: $2.7 billion, 48% growth year-over-year.

  • Adjusted Gross Profit (Q4 2024): $88 million, with a consolidated MBR of 87.5%.

  • Adjusted Gross Profit (Full Year 2024): $303 million, MBR of 88.8%.

  • Adjusted EBITDA (Q4 2024): Positive $1 million, 400 basis points margin expansion year-over-year.

  • Adjusted EBITDA (Full Year 2024): Positive $1 million, 200 basis points margin expansion year-over-year.

  • SG&A (Full Year 2024): $371 million, adjusted SG&A $301 million, 23% increase year-over-year.

  • Cash and Investments: $471 million at year-end, including proceeds from convertible senior notes.

  • 2025 Guidance - Revenue: $3.72 billion to $3.78 billion.

  • 2025 Guidance - Adjusted Gross Profit: $415 million to $445 million.

  • 2025 Guidance - Adjusted EBITDA: $35 million to $60 million.

  • 2025 Guidance - Health Plan Membership: 227,000 to 233,000 members.

Release Date: February 27, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Alignment Healthcare Inc (NASDAQ:ALHC) achieved a 59% increase in health plan membership, surpassing initial guidance by over 25,000 members.

  • Total revenue for the fourth quarter of 2024 grew by approximately 51% year-over-year, reaching $701 million.

  • The company reported its first year of adjusted EBITDA profitability as a public company, with a positive adjusted EBITDA of $1 million.

  • ALHC's ex-California markets experienced over 100% growth, with Nevada achieving over 10,000 members.

  • The company is well-positioned for future growth, with 98% of members in plans rated 4 stars or above for the 2026 payment year, significantly outperforming the industry average.

Negative Points

  • The company faces challenges from the second phase-in of the V28 risk model changes, which could impact margins.

  • There is a modestly higher utilization volume expectation due to the mix of membership, which could affect profitability.

  • ALHC's adjusted SG&A expenses increased by 23% year-over-year, which may impact operating leverage.

  • The company anticipates changes in MBR seasonality due to the Inflation Reduction Act, potentially affecting financial performance.

  • ALHC's growth strategy involves significant investment in clinical resources, which could increase operational costs.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you explain the key assumptions behind the 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance and what factors might lead to achieving the high end versus the low end of the range? A: Robert Freeman, CFO, explained that the guidance reflects confidence in their 2024 performance and outlook for 2025. Key variables include the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on Part D, utilization rates, and membership growth. The low end of the range includes more conservative assumptions, particularly regarding Part D changes. Overall, they feel confident in their range, especially with 50% of members in year 1 or 2 cohorts.