NHC Reports 2023 Year End Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) reported a 5.1% increase in net operating revenues for 2023 compared to 2022, with adjusted net income rising by 47.2%. GAAP diluted earnings per share also showed significant growth. The company's financial performance improved notably, excluding certain one-time items and facility closures.

Financial Analyst

The reported increase in net operating revenues of 5.1% for National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) is a positive indicator of the company's growth, particularly when considering the exclusion of government stimulus income and the impact of ceasing operations in several facilities. This growth is reflective of an improving operational efficiency and possibly an increase in demand for senior health care services. The significant rise in adjusted net income by 47.2% suggests a robust underlying financial performance, which is critical for investor confidence. The increase in both GAAP and adjusted diluted earnings per share further underscores the company's profitability enhancement over the year.

However, it is important to consider the role that non-GAAP adjustments play in these figures, as they can often provide a more accurate representation of a company's operational performance by excluding one-time events or non-cash expenses. The substantial difference between GAAP and non-GAAP earnings indicates that such adjustments have had a notable impact on NHC's financials and investors should analyze the nature of these adjustments to fully understand the company's financial health.

Market Research Analyst

The senior health care industry is experiencing growth due to demographic trends, such as an aging population, which likely contributes to the increased demand for NHC's services. The 11.3% same-facility net operating revenue growth indicates that NHC is capitalizing on this trend effectively, which is a strong sign for potential investors. Moreover, the company's ability to improve its financials after ceasing operations in select facilities suggests strategic decision-making in optimizing its portfolio of services.

Investors should also consider the broader market implications of NHC's financial performance. A strong earnings report from a leading company in the senior health care sector could signal positive trends for other companies within the industry. It may also attract more investments into the sector as a whole, potentially leading to increased competition and innovation.

Economist

From an economic perspective, the reported financial results of NHC may have broader implications on the health care sector and the economy. The company's growth amidst the exclusion of stimulus income suggests resilience to external economic factors, which can be reassuring in times of economic uncertainty. The health care sector is often considered non-cyclical, meaning it is less sensitive to economic downturns, as the demand for health care services remains relatively constant. NHC's performance could therefore be a bellwether for the stability of the health care market.

Furthermore, the increase in earnings and operational efficiency could lead to potential job creation and investments in health care infrastructure. However, it is essential to monitor how changes in health care policies and regulations might impact the sector's long-term growth and profitability.

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- National HealthCare Corporation (NYSE American: NHC), the nation's oldest publicly traded senior health care company, announced today net operating revenues and grant income for the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled $1,141,544,000 compared to $1,085,738,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of 5.1%. Excluding the government stimulus income and the seven skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in which we ceased operations in September 2022, same-facility net operating revenues increased 11.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the 2022 year.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, the reported GAAP net income attributable to NHC was $66,798,000 compared to $22,445,000 for the 2022 year. Excluding the unrealized gains and losses in our marketable equity securities portfolio and other non-GAAP adjustments, adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $54,934,000 compared to $37,323,000 for the 2022 year ^(*), an increase of 47.2%. GAAP diluted earnings per share were $4.34 compared to $1.45 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $3.55 compared to $2.42 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively ^(*).

For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the reported GAAP net income attributable to NHC was $28,406,000 compared to $6,353,000 for the same period in 2022. Excluding the unrealized gains and losses in our marketable equity securities portfolio and other non-GAAP adjustments, adjusted net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2023 was $15,955,000 compared to $11,046,000 for the same period in 2022 ^(*), an increase of 44.4%. The GAAP diluted earnings per share were $1.83 compared to $0.41 for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $1.03 compared to $0.72 for the quarters ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively ^(*).

(*) - See the tables below that provide a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP items.

About NHC

NHC affiliates operate for themselves and third parties 68 skilled nursing facilities with 8,732 beds. NHC affiliates also operate 26 assisted living communities with 1,501 units, five independent living communities with 475 units, three behavioral health hospitals, 35 homecare agencies, and 30 hospice agencies. NHC’s other services include Alzheimer’s and memory care units, pharmacy services, a rehabilitation services company, and providing management and accounting services to third party post-acute operators. Other information about the company can be found on our web site at www.nhccare.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Presentation

The Company is providing certain non-GAAP financial measures as the Company believes that these figures are helpful in allowing investors to more accurately assess the ongoing nature of the Company’s operations and measure the Company’s performance more consistently across periods. Therefore, the Company believes this information is meaningful in addition to the information contained in the GAAP presentation of financial information. The presentation of this additional non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. NHC cautions investors that any forward-looking statements made involve risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. The risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in reports filed by NHC with the S.E.C., including Forms 8-K, 10-Q, and 10-K. All forward-looking statements represent NHC’s best judgment as of the date of this release.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
	Three Months Ended								Years Ended
	December 31								December 31
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Revenues and grant income:
Net patient revenues	$	282,997			$	252,424			$	1,087,614			$	1,029,085
Other revenues		17,917				11,612				53,930				45,196
Government stimulus income		-				517				-				11,457
Net operating revenues and grant income		300,914				264,553				1,141,544				1,085,738
Costs and expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits		186,562				167,341				712,344				686,169
Other operating		70,970				67,365				288,183				285,644
Facility rent		11,438				10,207				41,525				40,977
Depreciation and amortization		11,768				10,478				42,034				40,489
Interest		56				112				324				563
Total costs and expenses		280,794				255,503				1,084,410				1,053,842
Income from operations		20,120				9,050				57,134				31,896
Non-operating income		4,544				2,690				16,660				11,141
Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable equity securities		12,001				(4,327	)			14,944				(15,806	)
Income before income taxes		36,665				7,413				88,738				27,231
Income tax provision		(8,700	)			(1,839	)			(23,450	)			(7,254	)
Net income		27,965				5,574				65,288				19,977
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest		441				779				1,510				2,468
Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation	$	28,406			$	6,353			$	66,798			$	22,445
Net income per common share
Basic	$	1.86			$	0.41			$	4.36			$	1.46
Diluted	$	1.83			$	0.41			$	4.34			$	1.45
Weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic		15,306,253				15,326,680				15,310,142				15,410,222
Diluted		15,486,573				15,358,488				15,377,343				15,447,211
Dividends declared per common share	$	0.59			$	0.57			$	2.34			$	2.26
Balance Sheet Data	Dec 31,				Dec 31,
(in thousands)		2023				2022
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities	$	223,620			$	182,589
Restricted cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities		167,971				158,067
Current assets		406,235				353,932
Property and equipment, net		493,329				506,532
Total assets		1,310,796				1,275,450
Current liabilities		214,476				197,887
Stockholders' equity		910,480				877,514

Selected Operating Statistics
	Three Months Ended								Years Ended
	December 31								December 31
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Skilled Nursing Per Diems:
Medicare	$	579.84			$	544.11			$	559.07			$	541.23
Managed Care		478.51				482.99				464.89				439.07
Medicaid		268.58				236.86				253.95				232.22
Private Pay and Other		290.85				265.55				282.14				267.50
Average Skilled Nursing Per Diem	$	337.57			$	310.82			$	324.53			$	304.04		(1)
Skilled Nursing Patient Days:
Medicare		79,025				82,965				318,253				341,926
Managed Care		62,031				51,003				242,023				214,826
Medicaid		288,538				284,208				1,140,612				1,204,139
Private Pay and Other		170,916				157,174				663,195				646,651
Total Skilled Nursing Patient Days		600,510				575,350				2,364,083				2,407,542		(1)
(1) For the year ended December 31, 2022, the skilled nursing per diems and patient days listed above include the seven skilled nursing facilities that were located in Massachusetts and New Hampshire through August 31, 2022. NHC exited these seven skilled nursing facilities on September 1, 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2022, the exited Massachusetts and New Hampshire skilled nursing facilities had an average skilled nursing per diem of $294.55 and 140,105 total patient days.
The tables below provide reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP items (in thousands, except per share amounts):
	Three Months Ended								Years Ended
	December 31								December 31
		2023				2022				2023				2022
Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation	$	28,406			$	6,353			$	66,798			$	22,445
Non-GAAP adjustments
Unrealized (gains)/losses on marketable equity securities		(12,001	)			4,327				(14,944	)			15,806
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(6,230	)			-				(6,230	)			-
Operating results for newly opened operations not at full capacity (2)		742				1,383				2,359				5,416
Impairment/(recovery) of assets		-				-				-				(3,728	)
Stock-based compensation expense		663				632				2,782				2,612
Income tax (benefit)/provision on non-GAAP adjustments		4,375				(1,649	)			4,169				(5,228	)
Non-GAAP Net income	$	15,955			$	11,046			$	54,934			$	37,323
GAAP diluted earnings per share	$	1.83			$	0.41			$	4.34			$	1.45
Non-GAAP adjustments
Unrealized (gains)/losses on marketable equity securities		(0.57	)			0.21				(0.72	)			0.76
Gain on sale of property and equipment		(0.30	)							(0.30	)
Operating results for newly opened operations not at full capacity (2)		0.04				0.07				0.10				0.26
Impairment/(recovery) of assets		-								-				(0.18	)
Stock-based compensation expense		0.03				0.03				0.13				0.13
Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share	$	1.03			$	0.72			$	3.55			$	2.42
(2) The newly opened operations not at full capacity for the 2023 periods presented consisted of operations opened from 2021 through 2023. This consisted of two behavioral health hospitals, two homecare agencies, and two hospice agencies. The newly opened operations for the 2022 periods presented consisted of operations opened from 2020 through 2022. This consisted of two behavioral health hospitals, one homecare agency, and one hospice agency.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240216747110/en/

Brian F. Kidd, SVP/CFO

Phone: (615) 890-2020

Source: National HealthCare Corporation

FAQ

What were NHC's net operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023?

NHC's net operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, totaled $1,141,544,000.

What was the percentage increase in NHC's net operating revenues for 2023 compared to 2022?

NHC's net operating revenues increased by 5.1% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2022.

How did NHC's adjusted net income change from 2022 to 2023?

NHC's adjusted net income for the year ended December 31, 2023, increased by 47.2% compared to 2022.

What were NHC's GAAP diluted earnings per share for the year ended December 31, 2023?

NHC's GAAP diluted earnings per share were $4.34 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

What was the adjusted diluted earnings per share for NHC in 2023?

NHC's adjusted diluted earnings per share were $3.55 for the year ended December 31, 2023.