We reiterate our Neutral rating on Health Management Associates (HMA). Its second-quarter 2012 earnings per share of 21 cents matched the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Adjusted earnings exclude 5 cents per share for a swap arrangement and mark-to-market orientation. Net income at Health Management declined 24% year over year to $36.9 million (or 14 cents per share).
Net revenues were $1,472 million in the second quarter versus $1,225 million a year ago, up 20.2%. Net revenues from same hospital (continuing operations) increased 6.1% to $1,299 million.
On same hospital basis, occupancy dipped to 40.3% in the second quarter from 42.7% in the prior-year quarter. Same hospital admissions and adjusted admissions also declined 4.0% and 0.2%, respectively, while surgeries and emergency room visits increased 2.9% and 3.8%, respectively.
For 2012, Health Management maintains its forecast for earnings in the band of 80 cents and 90 cents per share. The forecast excludes about $98 million (or 25 cents per share). The effect is from mark-to-market orientation and interest rate swap as well as Medicare and Medicaid HCIT incentive payments in the range of $90 million to $120 million.
Health Management expects same hospital admissions to decline in the range of 1% to 3% for 2012 whereas the same hospital adjusted admissions growth is expected to be in the range of -1% to 1%.
Health Management is engaged in ownership and operation of general acute care hospitals in non-urban communities across the U.S. The company is an active acquirer of underperforming hospitals with a turnaround potential in high-growth markets. Health Management’s competitors, in niche markets may include Community Health Systems (CYH) and LifepointHospitals (LPNT).
Health Management benefits from a gradual growth in admissions, largely due to improvement in Emergency Room, sustained physician recruitment and service development. Moreover, it is well placed to expand margins from continuing operations and drive above-industry average earnings growth. While the debt burden remains sizeable, we are somewhat comforted that bad debt is no longer an area of looming concern. Our Neutral recommendation is supported by a short-term Zacks #3 Rank (Hold).
COMMNTY HLTH SY (CYH): Free Stock Analysis Report
HEALTH MGT ASSC (HMA): Free Stock Analysis Report
LIFEPOINT HOSP (LPNT): Free Stock Analysis Report
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