Yahoo Finance

Q & A Highlights

Q: Dave, congrats on the new role and Ken for all the hard work in turning the company around. How are you thinking about the operating leverage and margin profile on a longer-term basis? A: Thanks, Craig. As we step into 2025, our guidance contemplates roughly flat margin year-over-year due to rate pressure from a large payer. Moving into 2026, we expect to resume margin expansion and see a path to mid-to-high teens to 20% EBITDA margins. David Bourdon, Chief Financial Officer

Q: Can you touch on the backdrop for clinician growth, given the 12% year-over-year increase? A: The environment remains highly competitive for recruiting and retaining clinicians. We are pleased with our growth in 2024, driven by stable retention and strong recruiting, and expect similar dynamics in 2025. David Bourdon, Chief Financial Officer

Q: Dave, you noted rate improvements in 2026. Is this due to completed contracting or just expectations? A: We do most contracting annually, not locking in multi-year contracts. The 2026 rate improvement expectation is based on past performance and the absence of significant rate decreases from major payers. David Bourdon, Chief Financial Officer

Q: How are you thinking about the current M&A environment, especially with competitive valuations for mental health assets? A: While valuations remain high, the environment is better than two to three years ago. We are open to acquisitions that enhance our value proposition, focusing on earnings rather than revenue multiples. Kenneth Burdick, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer

Q: Can you provide insights on center-level costs, particularly labor versus non-labor costs? A: In 2024, cost per visit declined due to real estate consolidation benefits. However, in 2025, we expect costs to rise due to clinician compensation increases, despite some mitigation from operating leverage. David Bourdon, Chief Financial Officer

Q: Regarding G&A spending, is the fourth quarter level a good run rate for 2025? A: The fourth quarter included $5 million in special items, some recurring. In 2025, G&A will remain relatively flat, with payroll taxes decreasing after Q1, offset by other investments and normal business expenses. David Bourdon, Chief Financial Officer

Q: Are you seeing a shift among clinicians towards an employed model versus independent practice? A: While the employed model is preferred for creating a long-term home for clinicians, the majority of competitors still use 1099 models. We believe our model leads to better patient experiences. Kenneth Burdick, Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer

Q: With plans to add 25 to 30 de novos this year, is this a new trend due to return-to-office orders? A: The elevated number includes six delayed from last year. De novo decisions are driven by patient demand for in-person care and market growth goals, not just return-to-office trends. David Bourdon, Chief Financial Officer

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

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.