PG
PACS Group, Inc. (PACS)·Q2 2024 Earnings Summary
Executive Summary
- Revenue increased to $981.8M (+29.1% YoY, +5% QoQ), with strong occupancy at 91% and higher average Medicare and Medicaid daily rates; GAAP EPS was -$0.07 due to $90.9M IPO-related stock-based compensation recognized in Q2 .
- Adjusted EBITDA grew to $99.7M (+77% YoY vs Q2 2023), and Adjusted EBITDA margin expanded QoQ to 10.16% on disciplined operations and acuity capture .
- Bold catalyst: guidance raised for FY2024 revenue to $3.85B–$3.95B and Adjusted EBITDA to $370M–$380M, reflecting robust acquisition pipeline and strong rate environment. Strong Medicaid rate increases in several states and continued PDPM acuity capture support the outlook .
- Consensus estimates: Wall Street consensus from S&P Global for Q2 2024 was unavailable at time of analysis due to SPGI request limits; estimate comparisons cannot be presented (see Estimates Context) [GetEstimates error].
What Went Well and What Went Wrong
What Went Well
- Elevated clinical quality and occupancy: 165 facilities achieved 4- or 5-star CMS Quality Measures ratings; total occupancy remained high at 91% in Q2, with ramping and mature cohorts at ~94% .
- Revenue growth and rate improvement: Revenue rose 29.1% YoY to $981.8M; average Medicare daily rate rose 9.5% YoY; average Medicaid daily rate rose 3.5% YoY in Q2, underpinning revenue per patient day improvements .
- Strategic expansion and real estate optionality: 28 facilities added post quarter-end across four new states; JV purchased real estate of 37 facilities; 31 purchase options provide future EBITDA capture from internalizing rent .
- Management quote: “We had another strong quarter, again highlighted by 165 of our facilities having a 4 or 5 star CMS Quality Measures rating… a key driver of our revenue growth” — Jason Murray, CEO .
What Went Wrong
- GAAP loss driven by stock comp: Q2 GAAP net loss of -$10.9M and EPS of -$0.07 were driven by $90.9M stock-based compensation tied to the April IPO; run-rate SBC is ~$4M/month going forward .
- Skilled mix compression: Skilled mix by revenue fell to 51.2% from 58.0% YoY; skilled mix by nursing patient days declined to 29.2% from 34.7%, reflecting payor mix shifts as new facilities ramp .
- New facility occupancy lag: New facilities’ occupancy was 84.2% (down from 88.3% YoY), indicative of ramp cycle dynamics and integration timeline .
Financial Results
Guidance Changes
Earnings Call Themes & Trends
Management Commentary
- “We had another strong quarter…165 of our facilities having a 4 or 5 star CMS Quality Measures rating…this is a key driver of our revenue growth…29.1% or $221.2 million” — Jason Murray, CEO .
- “Average daily Medicare rates increased by 9.5%…and our average Medicaid rates…3.5%…due to state reimbursement increases and/or participation in supplemental…programs” — Jason Murray .
- “Total facility occupancy was 91%…ramping and mature facility occupancy increased…while new facilities ended the quarter with 84.2% occupancy” — Derick Apt, CFO .
- “Earnings per share for the quarter was negative $0.07…driven by…stock compensation expenses of $90.9 million associated with the restricted stock units granted at the time of our IPO” — Derick Apt .
- “We are updating our guidance…annual revenue…$3.85–$3.95 billion…adjusted EBITDA…$370–$380 million” — Derick Apt .
Q&A Highlights
- M&A pipeline robust; internal governors include real estate involvement, balance sheet, and human capital readiness; pacing flexible with a baseline view of ~20 buildings/year, opportunistically higher as quality assets emerge .
- Near-term EBITDA contribution from Q3 acquisitions minimal; EBITDA uptick driven by mature/ramping cohorts maintaining high occupancy and rising RPPD; seasonality potentially stronger in winter months .
- Embedded EBITDA trajectory: new buildings ramp from ~0–3% EBITDA margin toward high single-digit in 18–36 months and low-teens at maturity; recent 28-facility acquisition expected to reach 2–3% margins by late 2025 .
- Medicaid rates: visibility improving with July increases in KY and CO and another in OH; LT modeling assumes ~2–2.5% growth; case mix index states allow acuity-driven rate control .
- Stock-based comp run-rate: ~+$4M/month post-IPO, with ~$80M immediate vesting recognized in Q2; guidance excludes timing-sensitive CA WQIP supplemental revenue .
- Purchase options: fixed-price options over 3–4 years enable internalization of rent to drive EBITDA; JV real estate approach optimized post stabilization .
Estimates Context
- S&P Global consensus for Q2 2024 (revenue, EPS, EBITDA) was unavailable due to SPGI daily request limit; as a result, we cannot present actual vs consensus comparisons for Q2. We will update when SPGI data access is restored.
Key Takeaways for Investors
- Guidance raise is the key catalyst: FY2024 revenue increased to $3.85B–$3.95B and Adjusted EBITDA to $370M–$380M, signaling confidence in acquisitions and rate environment .
- Quality-led growth strategy is working: 165 facilities at 4/5-star CMS QM ratings and sustained ~91% occupancy underpin revenue and margin resilience despite payor mix shifts .
- Near-term GAAP optics impacted by IPO SBC: $90.9M SBC drove Q2 GAAP loss; Adjusted EBITDA growth and margin expansion (to 10.16%) highlight underlying operating strength .
- Ramping/mature cohorts drive margin and cash: operating performance is concentrated in higher-occupancy cohorts; new facilities are expected to reach low single-digit margins over ~12–24 months, adding embedded EBITDA for 2025 .
- Rate tailwinds: PDPM acuity capture and state Medicaid increases (KY, CO, OH) support RPPD and earnings trajectory in H2; guidance conservatively excludes timing-sensitive CA supplemental payments .
- Real estate optionality offers incremental upside: 31 purchase options and growing owned/JV real estate base create EBITDA opportunities via rent internalization over the next 3–4 years .
- Trading lens: absent consensus comparisons, focus on execution vs raised guidance, occupancy stability into seasonally stronger H2, and pace of integration of 28+ new facilities; watch SBC run-rate and payor mix trajectory .