Ardent Health Q2 2026 profit falls, cash flow jumps
Ardent Health reported second quarter 2026 revenue of $1.62 billion, down 1.4% year-over-year, as net patient service revenue per adjusted admission fell 3.9% after a prior-year benefit from the New Mexico state directed payment program.
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Ardent Health reported second quarter 2026 revenue of $1.62 billion, down 1.4% year-over-year, as net patient service revenue per adjusted admission fell 3.9% after a prior-year benefit from the New Mexico state directed payment program. Net income attributable to Ardent was $17 million or $0.12 per diluted share, compared with $73 million or $0.52, and Adjusted EBITDA declined to $115 million, a 32.3% decrease. Adjusted admissions grew 2.5% while total surgeries fell 2.9%.
Operating cash flow strengthened to $197 million, up 67% from $117 million, contributing to cash of $724 million, total debt of $1.1 billion, a net leverage ratio of 0.8x and lease-adjusted net leverage of 2.6x as of June 30, 2026. Available liquidity was $992 million, and the company repurchased 1.4 million shares for $13 million, with $34 million remaining under its authorization.
For full-year 2026, Ardent reaffirmed total revenue guidance of $6.4–$6.7 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $485–$535 million, while lowering net income attributable guidance to $110–$163 million and diluted EPS guidance to $0.78–$1.15. Targets for adjusted admissions growth of 1.5–2.5% and capital expenditures of $225–$265 million were maintained.
Positive
- Operating cash flow rose 67% to $197 million in Q2 2026, supporting balance-sheet strength with available liquidity of $992 million and lease-adjusted net leverage of 2.6x.
- 2026 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance were reaffirmed at $6.4–$6.7 billion and $485–$535 million, indicating expectations for stable sales and core profitability despite near-term pressures.
Negative
- Net income attributable to Ardent dropped to $17 million ($0.12 diluted EPS) from $73 million ($0.52) in Q2 2025, while Adjusted EBITDA fell 32.3% to $115 million.
- 2026 net income and EPS guidance were cut, with net income attributable now forecast at $110–$163 million and diluted EPS at $0.78–$1.15, below prior ranges.
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Earnings Snapshot
For full-year 2026, Ardent reaffirmed total revenue guidance of $6.4–$6.7 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $485–$535 million, while lowering net income attributable guidance to $110–$163 million and diluted EPS guidance to $0.78–$1.15.
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