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U.S. Physical Therapy Reports Year-End 2017 Earnings

March 8, 2018 8:00 AM

Raises Dividend and Provides 2018 Earnings Guidance

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. ("USPH" or the “Company”) (NYSE: USPH), a national operator of outpatient physical therapy clinics, today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017.

For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2017, USPH’s Operating Results increased 16.9% to $6.2 million as compared to $5.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2016. Operating Results, a non-generally accepted accounting principles (“non-GAAP”) measure, is defined as net income attributable to common shareholders prior to interest expense – mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests – change in redemption value and costs related to restatement of financials, both net of tax, and the tax benefit of revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). Diluted earnings per share from Operating Results was $0.49 in the 2017 fourth quarter and $0.42 in the 2016 fourth quarter. For the year ended December 31, 2017, Operating Results increased 7.7% to $26.2 million as compared to $24.3 million in 2016. Diluted earnings per share from Operating Results was $2.08 in 2017 as compared to $1.94 in 2016.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2017, USPH’s net income attributable to its shareholders, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), was $7.3 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, as compared to $5.2 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, for the 2016 period. For the year ended December 31, 2017, USPH’s net income attributable to its shareholders, in accordance with GAAP, was $22.3 million, or $1.76 per diluted share, as compared to $20.6 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, for the 2016 year. Included in the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 is a tax benefit of $4.3 million related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the TCJA. See schedule on page 12 for a computation of diluted earnings per share and a reconciliation of net income attributable to USPH shareholders to Operating Results.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2016

Year 2017 Compared to Year 2016

Other Financial Measures

For the fourth quarter of 2017 the Company's Adjusted EBITDA increased by 19.2% to $15.0 million from $12.6 million in the comparable 2016 quarter. For the year 2017, the Company's Adjusted EBITDA grew by 8.3% to $57.9 million from $53.5 million in 2016. See definition and explanation of Adjusted EBITDA in the schedule on pages 12 and 13.

Balance Sheet Change - Redeemable Non-Controlling Interests

Effective December 31, 2017, the Company entered into amendments to its acquired limited partnership agreements replacing the mandatory redemption feature. No monetary consideration was paid to the partners to amend the agreements. The amended Partnership Agreements provide that, upon certain events, the Company has a call right (the “Call Right”) and the selling entity has a put right (the “Put Right”) for the purchase and sale of the limited partnership interest held by the partner. Once triggered, the Put Right and the Call Right do not expire, even upon an individual partner’s death, and contain no mandatory redemption feature. The purchase price of the partner’s limited partnership interest upon the exercise of either the Put Right or the Call Right is calculated per the original terms of the respective agreements. The Company accounted for the amendment of its Partnership Agreements as an extinguishment of the outstanding Seller Entity Interests classified as liabilities through the issuance of new Seller Entity Interests classified in temporary equity. Pursuant to ASC 470-50-40-2, the Company removed the outstanding liability-classified Seller Entity Interests at their carrying amounts, recognized the new temporary-equity-classified Seller Entity Interests at their fair value, and recorded no gain or loss on extinguishment, as management believes the redemption value (i.e. the carrying amount) and fair value are the same. In summary, the redemption values of the mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interest (previously classified as liabilities) were reclassified as redeemable non-controlling interest (temporary equity) at fair value on the December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet. The remaining balance of $327,000 in the line item – Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests – relates to one partnership agreement that was not amended as the non-controlling interest was purchased by the Company in January 2018.

Management’s Comments

Chris Reading, Chief Executive Officer, said, “I am proud of our entire team for their focus and persistence allowing us to finish the year on a nice up-note in a variety of key areas. Revenue, patient visits, and same store growth were strong in the final quarter, while we made continued progress on our cost and operational realignment initiatives. Finally and importantly, we produced another very good year from a development perspective, organically within some of our strongest partnerships, and through acquisition in great states and new markets where we see continued opportunity for growth and expansion.”

Larry McAfee, Chief Financial Officer, noted, “Despite making five acquisitions in 2017 for total consideration of $41.3 million and paying $10.1 million in dividends to shareholders, U.S. Physical Therapy’s net debt increased by only $7.1 million as net cash flow from operations was strong. Net debt, that is debt less cash, as of year-end 2017 was $38.8 million as compared to $57.9 million in adjusted EBITDA for the past 12 months.“

U.S. Physical Therapy Declares Quarterly Dividend

U.S. Physical Therapy is increasing its quarterly dividend by 15%. The Company’s first quarterly dividend of this year for $0.23 per share will be paid on April 13, 2018 to shareholders of record as of March 21, 2018. U.S. Physical Therapy began paying quarterly dividends in 2011 and has increased the dividend amount every year since.

Management Provides 2018 Earnings Guidance

Management currently expects the Company’s earnings from Operating Results for the year 2017 to be in the range of $29.5 million to $30.9 million or $2.34 to $2.44 in diluted earnings per share. This earnings range is based on an assumed annual corporate tax rate of approximately 28%. Please note that management’s guidance range represents projected earnings from existing operations excluding potential future acquisitions. The annual guidance figures will not be updated unless there is a material development that causes management to believe that earnings will be significantly outside the given range.

Fourth Quarter and Year End 2017 Conference Call

U.S. Physical Therapy's Management will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, 9:30 a.m. Central Time, on Thursday, March 8, 2018 to discuss the Company's Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2017 results. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing 1-888-335-5539 or 973-582-2857 and entering reservation number 5473838 approximately 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. To listen to the live call via web-cast, go to the Company's website at www.usph.com at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The conference call will be archived and can be accessed until May 8, 2018.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are considered to be forward-looking within the meaning under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements contain forward-looking information relating to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of our Company. These statements (often using words such as “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “appear”, “should” and similar words) involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those we expect. Included among such statements may be those relating to new clinics, availability of personnel and the reimbursement environment. The forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks, uncertainties, and factors, which include, but are not limited to:

Many factors are beyond our control. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Please see our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for more information on these factors. Our forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we are under no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, regardless of the reason the statement is no longer applicable.

About U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

Founded in 1990, U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. operates 580 outpatient physical therapy clinics in 41 states. The Company's clinics provide preventative and post-operative care for a variety of orthopedic-related disorders and sports-related injuries, treatment for neurologically-related injuries and rehabilitation of injured workers. In addition to owning and operating clinics, the Company manages 32 physical therapy facilities for unaffiliated third parties, including hospitals and physician groups. The Company also provides onsite services for clients’ employees including injury prevention, rehabilitation, ergonomic assessments and performance optimization.

More information about U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. is available at www.usph.com. The information included on that website is not incorporated into this press release.

U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended For the Year Ended

December 31,

2017

December 31,

2016

December 31,

2017

December 31,

2016

Net patient revenues $ 101,642 $ 88,946 $ 389,226 $ 348,839
Other revenues 7,561 1,918 24,825 7,707
Net revenues 109,203 90,864 414,051 356,546
Clinic operating costs:
Salaries and related costs 62,155 51,986 237,067 198,495
Rent, clinic supplies, contract labor and other 21,376 18,930 82,096 71,868
Provision for doubtful accounts 956 1,078 3,672 4,040
Closure costs 572 77 599 131
Total clinic operating costs 85,059 72,071 323,434 274,534
Gross profit 24,144 18,793 90,617 82,012
Corporate office costs 10,182 7,839 35,889 32,479
Operating income 13,962 10,954 54,728 49,533
Interest and other income, net 30 31 88 93
Interest expense:

Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests - change in

redemption value

(5,055 ) (113 ) (12,894 ) (6,169 )
Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests - earnings allocable (1,689 ) (911 ) (6,055 ) (4,057 )
Debt and other (539 ) (298 ) (2,111 ) (1,252 )
Total interest expense (7,283 ) (1,322 ) (21,060 ) (11,478 )
Income before taxes 6,709 9,663 33,756 38,148
(Benefit) Provision for income taxes (1,997 ) 3,153 6,032 11,880
Net income 8,706 6,510 27,724 26,268

Less: net income attributable to non-controlling interests and redeemable

non-controlling interests

(1,357 ) (1,263 ) (5,468 ) (5,717 )
Net income attributable to USPH shareholders $ 7,349 $ 5,247 $ 22,256 $ 20,551
Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to USPH shareholders $ 0.57 $ 0.42 1.76 $ 1.64
Shares used in computation - basic and diluted 12,593 12,519 12,570 12,500
Dividends declared per common share $ 0.20 $ 0.17 $ 0.80 $ 0.68
U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

December 31,

2017

December 31,

2016

ASSETS (unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 21,933 $ 20,047
Patient accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,273 and $1,792, respectively 44,707 38,840
Accounts receivable - other 5,655 2,649
Other current assets 4,786 4,428
Total current assets 77,081 65,964
Fixed assets:
Furniture and equipment 51,100 48,426
Leasehold improvements 29,760 26,765
Fixed assets, gross 80,860 75,191
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 60,475 56,018
Fixed assets, net 20,385 19,173
Goodwill 271,338 226,806
Other identifiable intangible assets, net 48,954 38,060
Other assets 1,224 1,228
Total assets $ 418,982 $ 351,231

LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS, USPH SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

AND NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable - trade $ 2,165 $ 1,634
Accrued expenses 33,342 21,756
Current portion of notes payable 4,044 1,227
Total current liabilities 39,551 24,617
Notes payable, net of current portion 2,728 4,596
Revolving line of credit 54,000 46,000
Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests 327 69,190
Deferred taxes 10,875 15,736
Deferred rent 2,116 1,575
Other long-term liabilities 743 829
Total liabilities 110,340 162,543
Redeemable non-controlling interests 102,572 -
Commitments and contingencies
U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. ("USPH") shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding - -

Common stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized, 14,809,299 and 14,732,699 shares issued,

respectively

148 147
Additional paid-in capital 73,940 68,687
Retained earnings 162,406 150,342
Treasury stock at cost, 2,214,737 shares (31,628 ) (31,628 )
Total USPH shareholders' equity 204,866 187,548
Non-controlling interests 1,204 1,140
Total USPH shareholders' equity and non-controlling interests 206,070 188,688

Total liabilities, redeemable non-controlling interests, USPH shareholders' equity and non-controlling

interests

$ 418,982 $ 351,231
U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(unaudited)
Year Ended

December 31,

2017

December 31,

2016

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income including non-controlling interests $ 27,724 $ 26,268

Adjustments to reconcile net income including non-controlling interests to net cash provided by operating

activities:

Depreciation and amortization 9,710 8,779
Provision for doubtful accounts 3,672 4,040
Equity-based awards compensation expense 5,032 4,962
Deferred income tax (4,550 ) 2,979
Other 621 152
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in patient accounts receivable (3,447 ) (3,275 )
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable - other (3,022 ) (400 )
Increase in other assets 2,086 (1,399 )
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses 6,665 2,994
Increase in mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests 11,579 5,598
Increase in other liabilities 456 352
Net cash provided by operating activities 56,526 51,050
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of fixed assets (7,095 ) (8,260 )
Purchase of businesses, net of cash acquired (36,682 ) (23,623 )
Acquisitions of non-controlling interests, net of sale 121 (670 )
Proceeds on sale of fixed assets, net 81 61
Net cash used in investing activities (43,575 ) (32,492 )
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Distributions to non-controlling interests (5,572 ) (5,718 )
Cash dividends paid to shareholders - funded (10,066 ) (8,510 )
Proceeds from revolving line of credit 93,000 168,000
Payments on revolving line of credit (85,000 ) (166,000 )
Payments to settle mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests (2,361 ) (1,262 )
Principal payments on notes payable (1,227 ) (800 )
Other 161 1
Net cash used in financing activities (11,065 ) (14,289 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 1,886 4,269
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period 20,047 15,778
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period $ 21,933 $ 20,047
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Cash paid during the period for:

Income taxes $ 8,543 $ 10,584
Interest $ 2,113 $ 784
Non-cash investing and financing transactions during the period:
Purchase of business - seller financing portion $ 2,150 $ 1,000
Acquisition of non-controlling interest - seller financing portion $ - $ 387
Payment to settle redeemable non-controlling interest - financing portion $ - $ 127
Receivable from sale of non-controlling interests $ - $ (138 )

U. S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

OPERATING RESULTS AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

The following tables reconcile net income attributable to USPH shareholders calculated in accordance with GAAP to Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA. Management believes providing Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA to investors is useful information for comparing the Company's period-to-period results.

Operating Results is defined as USPH’s net income attributable to common shareholders prior to interest expense – mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests – change in redemption value and costs related to the restatement of financial statements, both net of tax, and the tax benefit of revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to the TCJA,. Management uses Operating Results, which eliminates this current non-cash item that can be subject to volatility and unusual costs, as one of the principal measures to evaluate and monitor financial performance period over period. Management believes that Operating Results is useful information for investors to use in comparing the Company's period-to-period results as well as for comparing with other similar businesses since most do not have mandatorily redeemable instruments and therefore have different liability and equity structures.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest income, interest expense – mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interests – change in redemption value, interest expense – debt and other, taxes, depreciation, amortization and equity-based awards compensation expense. Management believes reporting Adjusted EBITDA is useful information for investors in comparing the Company’s period-to-period results as well as comparing with similar businesses which report adjusted EBITDA as defined by their company.

Operating Results and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of financial performance under GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to, or substitute for, net income attributable to USPH shareholders presented in the consolidated financial statements.

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2017 2016
Computation of earnings per share - USPH shareholders:
Net income attributable to USPH shareholders $ 7,349 $ 5,247 $ 22,256 $ 20,551
Charges to additional paid-in capital:
Revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest (206 ) - (206 ) -
Tax effect at statutory rate (federal and state) of 39.25% 80 - 80 -
$ 7,223 $ 5,247 $ 22,130 $ 20,551
Basic and diluted net income attributable to USPH shareholders per share $ 0.57 $ 0.42 $ 1.76 $ 1.64
Adjustments:
Tax benefit - revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities (4,325 ) - (4,325 ) -
Interest expense MRNCI * - change in redemption value 5,055 113 12,894 6,169
Costs related to restatement of financials - legal and accounting 200 - 670 -
Revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest 206 - 206 -
Tax effect at statutory rate (federal and state) of 39.25% (2,143 ) (44 ) (5,405 ) (2,421 )
Operating results $ 6,216 $ 5,316 $ 26,170 $ 24,299
Basic and diluted operating results per share $ 0.49 $ 0.42 $ 2.08 $ 1.94
Shares used in computation:
Basic and diluted 12,593 12,519 12,570 12,500

* Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interest

Three Months Ended

December 31,

Year Ended December 31,
2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income attributable to USPH shareholders $ 7,349 $ 5,247 $ 22,256 $ 20,551
Adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization 2,441 2,570 9,710 8,779
Interest income (30 ) (31 ) (88 ) (93 )
Interest expense MRNCI * - change in redemption value 5,055 113 12,894 6,169
Interest expense - debt and other 539 298 2,111 1,252
Provision for income taxes (1,997 ) 3,153 6,032 11,880
Equity-based awards compensation expense 1,622 1,214 5,032 4,962
Adjusted EBITDA $ 14,979 $ 12,564 $ 57,947 $ 53,500

* Mandatorily redeemable non-controlling interest

U.S. PHYSICAL THERAPY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

RECAP OF CLINIC COUNT

March 31, 2016 512
June 30, 2016 516
September 30, 2016 524
December 31, 2016 540
March 31, 2017 558
June 30, 2017 566
September 30, 2017 569
December 31, 2017 578

U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

Larry McAfee, 713-297-7000

Chief Financial Officer

or

Chris Reading, 713-297-7000

Chief Executive Officer

or

Three Part Advisors

Joe Noyons, 817-778-8424

Source: U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

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