Release Date: November 13, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- American Shared Hospital Services (AMS, Financial) reported a 36% year-over-year revenue growth for the third quarter, driven by the Rhode Island acquisition and the new facility in Puebla, Mexico.
- The company ended the third quarter with a strong balance sheet, holding over $14.1 million in cash and equivalents.
- AMS successfully renewed and expanded five of its ten domestic Gamma Knife agreements over the last 18 months, indicating strong client relationships.
- The Rhode Island acquisition added three new revenue streams, showcasing effective capital deployment and strategic growth.
- AMS is expanding its international presence with new centers in Puebla, Mexico, and a joint venture in Guadalajara, Mexico, enhancing its growth prospects.
Negative Points
- The gross margin declined due to lower Gamma Knife treatment volumes and a change in revenue mix, impacting profitability.
- AMS recorded a small net loss of $207,000 for the quarter, compared to a net gain in the same quarter last year.
- The company faced challenges with seasonality and procedure volume fluctuations, affecting short-term margins.
- Increased operating costs from the Rhode Island acquisition and the new facility in Puebla, Mexico, contributed to an operating loss.
- The Gamma Knife segment experienced a decrease in revenue due to lower treatment volumes and downtime for equipment upgrades.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you elaborate on the startup costs and ramp-up period for new business locations in Rhode Island and Puebla?
A: Raymond Stachowiak, Executive Chairman and CEO, explained that the company incurred significant costs related to the Rhode Island acquisition, including legal and accounting fees. Additionally, integrating the Rhode Island Radiation Therapy Centers involved replacing outdated equipment and transitioning from high-cost temporary staffing to permanent employees. The Puebla facility, which started generating revenue in early July, has shown increasing revenue each month since opening.
Q: How has the Rhode Island acquisition impacted patient referrals and equipment utilization?
A: Stachowiak noted that replacing non-operational equipment, such as a CT simulator, has led to increased patient referrals from physicians who previously avoided the center due to equipment issues. The company is actively working to increase volumes and improve utilization.
Q: What marketing efforts are being made to increase awareness of the Rhode Island centers?
A: The company is leveraging its joint venture partners, who are major healthcare systems in Rhode Island, to enhance awareness and patient referrals. There is significant awareness of the company's activities in the state, including among healthcare leaders and the Health Service Council.
Q: What is the plan to address the challenges faced by the Gamma Knife segment?
A: Stachowiak acknowledged the third quarter challenges, including physician vacations and equipment upgrades, which affected treatment volumes. The company is focused on increasing awareness and engagement in the communities where Gamma Knife systems are located to overcome these issues.
Q: Given the stock's performance and cash position, is there consideration for a stock buyback program?
A: Stachowiak acknowledged the suggestion for a stock buyback but emphasized the company's focus on long-term growth and strategic investments. The idea of a buyback was noted but not committed to at this time.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
