Ryman Healthcare Ltd (RHCGF) (H1 2025) Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges with Strategic Growth

Despite financial setbacks, Ryman Healthcare Ltd (RHCGF) focuses on strategic initiatives and operational improvements to drive future growth.

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3 days ago
Summary
  • Net Profit Before Tax and Fair Value Movements: Loss of $79.8 million, down $17.8 million from the prior half.
  • Cash Flow from Existing Operations: Negative $7.8 million, down $24.8 million from the first half of '24.
  • Cash Flow from Developments: Negative $44.7 million, improved by $132 million compared to the first half of '24.
  • Retirement Village Units: Over 9,500 units.
  • Aged Care Beds: Over 4,600 beds.
  • Retirement Unit Occupancy: Averaged 87.9% for the period.
  • Aged Care Occupancy: 91.7% across the portfolio, with mature centers at 96%.
  • Gross Resale Margin: 26.6%, down 3 points from last year.
  • Debt: Increased by $50 million to $2.56 billion at the half year.
  • Interest Coverage Ratio: Reported at 1.7 times for September '24.
  • Revenue from Aged Care: Up 13% to $240.7 million.
  • Employee Costs: Increased by 12% to $247.3 million.
  • Interest Costs: Increased by $10.8 million to $92.9 million.
  • Free Cash Flow: Negative $52.5 million, an improvement of $107.7 million from the first half of '24.
  • Capital Expenditure Guidance: Expected to be $625 million to $675 million, down from previous guidance.
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Release Date: November 27, 2024

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Ryman Healthcare Ltd (RHCGF, Financial) achieved record settlements of 827 ORAs and $651 million in gross receipts, marking the highest level in the last three years.
  • The company delivered 667 retirement units and aged care beds in the first half, including significant new facilities in New Zealand.
  • Ryman Healthcare Ltd (RHCGF) has implemented a new pricing structure for RV units, which is expected to create significant long-term value for shareholders.
  • The company has achieved $18 million in annualized savings in non-village operating expenses, with a target to achieve similar savings by the end of FY26.
  • Ryman Healthcare Ltd (RHCGF) maintains a strong brand reputation, being acknowledged as best in class across three separate cohorts in New Zealand.

Negative Points

  • Ryman Healthcare Ltd (RHCGF) reported a net loss before tax and fair value movements of $79.8 million, down $17.8 million from the prior half.
  • Cash flow from existing operations was negative at $7.8 million, a decrease of $24.8 million compared to the first half of '24.
  • The company's debt increased by $50 million to $2.56 billion, with gearing remaining above the target range of 30% to 35%.
  • Occupancy rates for aged care and retirement units have slightly decreased, with aged care occupancy at 91.7% and retirement unit occupancy at 87.9%.
  • Ryman Healthcare Ltd (RHCGF) has not declared a dividend for this period, with plans to review the dividend policy in FY26.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Can you clarify the fair value movement in the restated balance sheet? Is it primarily due to the increase in DMF from 20% to 30%?
A: The increase in valuation is due to several factors, including the DMF adjustment to 30%, moderated discount rates, and growth rates. The net impact from these changes on the DMF is about $90 million, with additional valuation from new developments contributing to the overall $280 million increase.

Q: With the changes in interest capitalization, can you explain the current debt structure and how much is not backed by active development?
A: We need to review the numbers, but we aim to ensure that cash flow from existing operations is positive to avoid increasing debt. We see a path to reducing debt to under $2 billion over the next two to three years, focusing on recycling in-flight projects and improving cash flow.

Q: Are there any more accounting changes or restatements expected in the future?
A: While we can't say definitively that all changes are complete, the main outstanding issue is the capitalization of overheads, which is a work in progress. We aim to finalize this by the full year, but most major changes have been addressed.

Q: How is the construction cost inflation in Victoria affecting your projects and margins?
A: While construction inflation has moderated from the COVID period, it remains a factor in Australia. We are seeing some impact, but it's more pronounced in specific regions like the Mornington Peninsula due to local taxes.

Q: With the Board refresh, has dual listing in Australia been considered?
A: Currently, our focus is on the ongoing transformation and operational improvements. While dual listing might be considered in the future, it is not a priority at this moment.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.