LifeCare Holdings, Inc. Announces Third Quarter Results

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- LifeCare Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") today announced its operating results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.  As previously announced, the Company completed the acquisition of seven long term acute care hospitals, which operate 335 beds, from HealthSouth Corporation on August 1, 2011.  Additionally, the Company opened a 40-bed transitional care unit in one of its hospitals located in Pittsburgh, Pa. on September 11, 2011.  The recent acquisition and the opening of the new transitional care unit represent a 35% increase in the licensed bed capacity of the Company. The Company's consolidated financial statements include the operating results for the acquired hospitals since the date of acquisition, as well as the start-up costs and operating results of the new transitional care unit.

Phillip B. Douglas, Chairman and CEO of the Company, commented, "The integration of the HealthSouth hospitals into our Company over the last two months has gone extremely well.  The addition of these hospitals, as well as the opening of the transitional care unit in Pittsburgh, will position our Company for growth over the next several quarters.  We are optimistic that the results will be consistent with our expectations."

Three Months Ended September 30, 2011

Net Revenues

Our net patient service revenue of $102.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, increased $17.1 million, or 20.0%, from $85.5 million in the comparable period in 2010. Patient days in the 2011 period increased 10,722, or 19.1%, from the same period in 2010, while admissions were 378, or 19.0%, greater than the same period in 2010.  On a same store basis, patient days decreased by 384, or 0.7%, while admissions were essentially flat, as compared to the same period in 2010.  

The increase of $17.1 million in net patient service revenues was attributable to an increase of $16.1 million from the recently acquired hospitals and an increase of $1.0 million on a same store basis.  The net increase on a same store basis was comprised of a favorable variance of $1.2 million attributable to an increase in net patient service revenue on a per patient day basis and a net increase of $0.3 million attributable to a decrease in adjustments related to changes in estimates and settlements on cost reports filed with the Medicare program, offset by an unfavorable variance of $0.5 million as the result of the decrease in patient days. During the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we recorded reductions in net patient service revenue of $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, related to changes in estimates and settlements on cost reports filed with the Medicare program.

Our net patient service revenue per patient day during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, was $1,533 and $1,521, respectively. However, exclusive of the cost report reimbursement adjustments and results of the recently acquired hospitals, net patient service revenue per patient day for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, was $1,551 and $1,530, respectively, or an increase of 1.4%, primarily a result of marginal increases in reimbursement from Medicare and Medicare replacement payors during the period.

Expenses

Total expenses increased by $28.5 million to $115.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to the addition of the recently acquired hospitals. Excluding the operational results of these acquired hospitals, total expenses increased $13.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010.  

The remaining $13.4 million increase in expenses was primarily attributable to an increase of $8.4 million in net interest expense, $2.2 million of expenses associated with the acquisition of the new hospitals and $0.5 million in start-up expenses associated with the opening of a new 40-bed transitional care unit. The increase in net interest expense was the result of the higher margin rate associated with the new senior secured credit agreement and interest on the additional borrowing related to the purchase of the additional hospitals. Salary, wages and benefits increased by $1.5 million during the 2011 period, excluding the impact of the recently acquired hospitals and the new transitional care unit. This increase was primarily attributable to higher employee healthcare costs during the period and annual inflationary increases.

Net Earnings

We reported a net loss of $13.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to a net loss of $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2010.  The difference between the 2011 and 2010 periods was primarily attributable to the increase in net interest expense and the expenses associated with the acquisition, as previously discussed.

Credit Agreement EBITDA

For the quarter ended September 30, 2011, adjusted EBITDA as defined in our senior secured credit facility, which we refer to as Credit Agreement EBITDA, was $7.1 million, on a pro forma basis. Credit Agreement EBITDA reflects the elimination of start-up costs and certain other non-recurring/operational expenditures as defined in our credit agreement.  As of September 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants contained in our senior secured credit facility.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011

Net Revenues

Our net patient service revenue of $293.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, increased $22.4 million, or 8.3%, from the comparable period in 2010. Patient days in the 2011 period were 13,368, or 7.7%, greater than the same period in 2010, while admissions were 424, or 7.0%, more than the same period in 2010.  On a same store basis, patient days increased by 2,262, or 1.3%, and admissions increased by 45, or 0.7%, as compared to the same period in 2010.  

The increase of $22.4 million in net patient service revenues was attributable to an increase of $16.1 million from the recently acquired hospitals and an increase of $6.3 million on a same store basis. The net increase on a same store basis was comprised of a favorable variance of $3.6 million as the result of the increase in patient days and a net increase of $2.8 million attributable to a decrease in adjustments related to changes in estimates and settlements on cost reports filed with the Medicare program, offset by an unfavorable variance of $0.1 million attributable to a decrease in net patient service revenue on a per patient day basis. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, we recorded reductions in net patient service revenue of $1.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively, related to changes in estimates and settlements on cost reports filed with the Medicare program.

Our net patient service revenue per patient day was $1,571 and $1,563, for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. However, exclusive of the cost report reimbursement adjustments and the results of the recently acquired hospitals, net patient service revenue per patient day for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, was $1,586 for both periods.

Expenses

Total expenses increased by $48.3 million to $315.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010.  A portion of this increase was attributable to the addition of the recently acquired hospitals.  Excluding the operational results of these acquired hospitals, total expenses increased $33.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010.  

The $33.2 million increase in expenses was primarily attributable to an increase of $19.6 million in net interest expense, a $2.8 million loss related to the write-off of deferred financing cost as a result of the refinancing of the senior secured credit facility during the period, $2.8 million of expenses associated with the acquisition of the new hospitals and $0.6 million in start-up expenses associated with the opening of a new 40-bed transitional care unit. The remaining $7.4 million increase in expenses was principally attributable to an increase of $6.7 million in salary, wages and benefits during the 2011 period, excluding the impact of the recently acquired hospitals and the new transitional care unit. This increase was the result of an increase of $1.8 million in employee healthcare cost during the period, the increase in patient days during the period and other annual inflationary increases. The $19.6 million increase in net interest expense was the result of the higher margin rate associated with the new senior secured credit agreement and interest on the additional borrowing related to the purchase of the new hospitals.

Net Earnings

We reported a net loss of $21.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, as compared to net income of $4.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  The difference between the 2011 and 2010 periods was primarily attributable to the increase in net interest expense, the loss related to the write-off of deferred financing cost as a result of the refinancing of the senior secured credit facility and the expenses associated with the acquisition, as previously discussed.

Credit Agreement EBITDA

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, adjusted EBITDA as defined in our senior secured credit facility, which we refer to as Credit Agreement EBITDA, was $36.5 million, on a pro forma basis. Credit Agreement EBITDA reflects the elimination of start-up costs and certain other non-recurring/operational expenditures as defined in our credit agreement.  

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At September 30, 2011, our outstanding indebtedness consisted of $119.3 million aggregate principal amount of senior subordinated notes due 2013 and a $309.8 million senior secured term loan facility that is scheduled to mature in 2016. At September 30, 2011, the weighted average interest rate applicable to the $309.8 million under our term loan facility was 13.50%.

As a result of the impending maturities and increasingly more restrictive covenant requirements under our previous senior secured credit facility, we completed a refinancing of our previous senior secured credit facility with a new senior secured credit facility that consisted of an initial $257.5 million senior secured term loan (subject to paid-in-kind interest options as discussed below) and a new $30.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility on February 1, 2011 (the "Credit Agreement").  The proceeds of this new Credit Agreement along with cash on hand were utilized to pay off our previous senior secured credit facility, revolving credit facility and the fees and expenses associated with the new Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement also imposes certain financial covenants on us including: minimum cumulative consolidated EBITDA requirements beginning with the first fiscal quarter of 2011 through the end of the third fiscal quarter of 2011; a maximum ratio of 6.0x consolidated EBITDA to total senior secured indebtedness tested quarterly on a trailing 12 month basis, beginning on the last day of the fourth quarter of 2011; and a minimum ratio of 1.25x consolidated EBITDA to consolidated cash interest expense, tested quarterly on a trailing 12 month basis beginning on the last day of the fourth fiscal quarter of 2011. The maximum leverage ratio is scheduled to adjust to 5.75x beginning with the trailing four quarter period ending June 30, 2012.

The term loan and revolving credit facility under the Credit Agreement have scheduled maturity dates of February 1, 2016, and February 1, 2015, respectively. However, if our outstanding senior subordinated notes are not refinanced, purchased or defeased in full by May 15, 2013, then the term loan and the then outstanding balance under the revolving credit facility will be due in full on May 15, 2013.

Borrowings under the term loan facility of the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) an alternate base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., (2) the federal funds rate in effect on such date plus 1/2 of 1% and (3) the LIBOR rate for a one month interest period plus 1% or (b) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the cost of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for the relevant interest period adjusted for certain additional costs. The applicable margin percentage is 12.25% for term loans that are alternate base rate loans and 13.25% for term loans based on the LIBOR rate. For the term loans, we may, in our discretion, elect for the relevant interest period (a) to pay the entire amount of interest in cash or (b) to pay 5.50% of such interest "in-kind" by adding such interest to the outstanding principal of the term loans as of the applicable interest payment date. The applicable margin percentage for revolving loans is 6.75% for alternate base loans and 7.75% for LIBOR loans.

We may not be able to continue to satisfy the covenant requirements in subsequent periods. In the event we are unable to comply with the covenants under the Credit Agreement, an event of default may occur. If we are unable to obtain waivers or amendments to cure such event of default, the lenders would be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the Credit Agreement, terminating our access to our revolving credit facility and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. Acceleration under the Credit Agreement would further create a cross-default under our senior subordinated notes indenture. Such acceleration would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

We are continuing to pursue operational and strategic objectives that may result in profitability and lower total indebtedness in order to remain in compliance with the financial covenants under the Credit Agreement. These objectives include, among other items, increasing the occupancy levels of our hospitals, reducing administrative and operating expenses, and reducing days of net patient service revenue in accounts receivable. We also continue to seek opportunities to refinance our senior subordinated notes and explore various strategic transactions, such as an acquisition, as a means to reduce our leverage and strengthen our operating and financial conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding, among other items, operations, proposed regulations and their possible effect on the Company's results.  Such statements are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans.  Furthermore, actual results may differ materially from those experienced or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks relating to operating in a regulated environment, implementing our business plan, maintaining relationships with physicians in our markets, availability of sufficient nurses and therapists, competition, retaining key management, ability to service our debt requirements, litigation matters and availability of insurance.  Further information about factors that could affect the Company's financial and other results is included in our Form 10-K as filed on March 30, 2011, which can be viewed on the SEC's website.  Many of the factors that will determine the Company's future results are beyond the ability of management to control or predict.  As a result, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's views only as the date hereof.  The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Credit Agreement EBITDA is used in the calculations of the minimum cumulative consolidated EBITDA requirements that are included in the covenants contained in our existing senior secured credit agreement. Credit Agreement EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance computed in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for operating income, net income, cash flows from operations or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in conformity with GAAP, or as measures of profitability or liquidity.  In addition the calculation of Credit Agreement EBITDA is susceptible to varying interpretations and calculation, and the amounts presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.  Credit Agreement EBITDA may not be indicative of historical operating results, and we do not mean for it to be predictive of future results of operations or cash flows.  For the trailing-twelve month period ended September 30, 2011, Credit Agreement EBITDA on a pro forma basis was $45.8 million.

LifeCare, based in Plano, Texas, currently operates 27 long-term acute care hospitals located in ten states. Long-term acute care hospitals specialize in the treatment of medically complex patients who typically require extended hospitalization. For more information on LifeCare, visit our website at www.lifecare-hospitals.com.

SOURCE LifeCare Holdings, Inc.

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