Q2 2024 Premier Inc Earnings Call

Operator: Good morning, and welcome to Premier's fiscal 2024 second quarter conference call. All participants will be in listen-only mode.

Good morning, and welcome to Premier's fiscal 'twenty 'twenty, four second quarter conference call.

All participants will be in listen only mode.

Operator: Did you need assistance? Please signal a conference specialist by pressing the star key, followed by zero. After today's presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask questions. To ask a question, you may press the star key, then 1 on your telephone keypad.

Did you need assistance. Please didn't only conference specialist by pressing the star key followed by zero.

After todays presentation, there will be an opportunity to ask question.

You ask a question you May press Star then one on your telephone keypad.

Operator: To withdraw your question, please press star then 2. Please note this event is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to... Ben Krasinski, Senior Director of Investor Relations. Please go ahead. Thank you, and welcome to Premier's Fiscal 2024 Second Quarter Conference Call. Our speakers this morning are Mike Alkire, Premier's President and CEO, and Craig McKasson, our Chief Administrative and Financial Officer.

To withdraw your question. Please press Star then two.

Please note this event is being recorded.

I would now like to turn the conference over to you.

Ben Krasinski senior director of Investor Relations.

Please go ahead.

Thank you and welcome to Premier's fiscal 2024 second quarter Conference call. Our speakers. This morning are Mike Al Khair, Premier's, President and CEO, and Craig Mckesson, our chief administrative and financial Officer.

Ben Krasinski: Before we get started, I want to remind everyone that our earnings release and the supplemental presentation accompanying this call are available in the investor section of our website at investors.premierinc.com. Please be advised that management's remarks today contain certain forward-looking statements, such as statements regarding our strategies, plans, prospects, expectations, future performance, and actual results could differ materially from those discussed today. These forward-looking statements speak as of today, and we undertake no obligation to update them.

Before we get started I want to remind everyone that our earnings release and the supplemental presentation accompanying this call are available in the investors section of our website at investors Don Premier Inc. Dot com.

Please be advised that managements remarks today contain certain forward looking statements such as statements regarding our strategies plans prospects expectations future performance and actual results could differ materially from those discussed today. These forward looking statements speak as of today and we undertake no obligation.

To update them.

Ben Krasinski: Factors that might affect future results are discussed in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Form 10-K and our Form 10-Q for the quarter, which we expect to file soon. We encourage you to review these detailed safe harbor and risk factor disclosures. Also, during this presentation, we will refer to adjusted and other non-GAAP financial measures, including free cash flow, to evaluate our business.

Factors that might affect future results are discussed in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent Form 10-K, and our Form 10-Q for the quarter, which we expect to file soon we encourage you to review these detailed safe harbor and risk factor disclosures.

Also during this presentation, we will refer to adjusted and other non-GAAP financial measures, including free cash flow to evaluate our business.

Ben Krasinski: Information on why we use these measures, in addition to GAAP financial measures, and reconciliations of these measures to our GAAP financial measures is included in our earnings release and in the appendix of the supplemental presentation accompanying this call. Information on our non-GAAP financial measures will also be included in our Form 10-2 for the quarter and our earnings Form 8-K, both of which we expect to furnish to the SEC soon. I will now turn the call over to Mike Alkire. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today.

Information on why we use these measures in addition to GAAP financial measures and reconciliations of these measures to our GAAP financial measures are included in our earnings release and in the appendix of the supplemental presentation accompanying this call information on our non-GAAP financial measures will also be included in our.

Form 10-Q for the quarter and our earnings form 8-K, both of which we expect to furnish to the SEC.

I will now turn the call over to Mike O'hare.

Good morning, everyone and thank you for joining us today.

Michael J. Alkire: We are excited to share several updates with you, including that our Board of Directors has concluded its review of strategic alternatives and approved a new $1 billion share repurchase authorization. Over the past several months, together with our board, we have thoroughly identified, reviewed, and explored options to maximize value for Premier stockholders. You may recall that, as part of this process, we divested our non-healthcare GPO operations in July 2023. This transaction unlocks substantial value for stockholders and enhances the company's focus on our differentiated healthcare business. The board subsequently considered opportunities for deploying capital resources, including the proceeds from this divestiture, to accelerate returns to stockholders. With this in mind, we will implement a $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction as part of the new share repurchase authorization. We are exiting the Strategic Alternatives Review process with a clear picture of our future strategic mission.

We are excited to share several updates with you.

<unk> that our board of Directors has concluded its review of strategic alternatives.

And approved a new $1 billion share repurchase authorization.

Over the past several months together with our board we are thoroughly identified reviewed and explored options to maximize value for premier stockholders.

You may recall that as part of this process, we divested our non health care G. P O operations in July 2023.

This transaction unlocks substantial value for stockholders and enhance the company's focus on our differentiated health care businesses.

The board subsequently considered opportunities for deploying capital resources, including the proceeds from this divestiture.

To accelerate returns to stockholders.

With this in mind, we will implement a $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction as part of the new share repurchase authorization.

We are exiting the strategic alternatives review process with a clear picture of our future strategic vision.

Michael J. Alkire: That includes a disciplined focus on our key strategies that differentiate us in the market. When we think about our capabilities that are key to our mission and vision, what we know is this: Premier is an essential enabler of high-quality, cost-effective healthcare.

That includes a disciplined focus on our key strategies that differentiate us in the market.

When we think about our capabilities that are key to our emission ambition. What we know is this.

Premier isn't essential enabler of high quality cost effective health care.

Michael J. Alkire: Our provider-led, technology-enabled strategies deliver unique enterprise solutions for better provider performance and a Smarter Healthcare Supply Chain. We continue to see technology and artificial intelligence as key enablers to our vision and capabilities that set us apart from the competition. This includes the expansion of the use cases beyond providers and into life sciences, medical device, and payer-adjacent markets.

Our provider led technology enabled strategies deliver unique enterprise solutions for better provider performance.

And a smarter health care supply chain.

We continue to see technology and artificial intelligence as key enablers to our vision and capabilities that set us apart from the competition.

This includes the expansion of the use cases beyond providers and into life Sciences medical device and payer adjacent markets.

Michael J. Alkire: Moreover, as the health care industry continues to grapple with challenges, including labor shortages, supply chain disruption, and an aging population, Premier is an essential partner now more than ever. We remain committed to a disciplined approach to execution that we expect to deliver value for our stockholders, members, and other customers. Consistent with this, management and the board looked at ways to enhance our focus on our differentiated data, technology, and wide-scale network to best serve our members and other customers. As a result, in consultation with management, the board authorized Premier to seek partners for certain other assets.

Moreover, as the health care industry continues to grapple with challenges, including labor shortages and supply chain disruption and an aging population premier is an essential partner now more than ever.

We remain committed to a disciplined approach to execution that we expect to deliver value for our stockholders members and other customers.

Consistent with this management and the board looked at ways to enhance our focus on our differentiated data technology and wide scaled network to best serve our members and other customers.

As a result in consultation with management the board authorized premier to seek partners for certain other assets.

Michael J. Alkire: We believe these are meaningful businesses that will thrive with the right partners creating more value for the customers they serve, while also affording Premier the opportunity to narrow its operational focus. Assets under consideration include, first, Contigo Health, our direct-to-employer business. While we expect the provider-sponsored health plan and employer markets to continue to progress, we believe an outside partner will allow for continued advancement of the business through a broader capability set and increased scale. Thank you.

We believe these are meaningful businesses that will thrive with the right partners, creating more value for the customers. They serve while also affording premier the opportunity to narrow our operational focus.

Assets under consideration include first critical health, our direct to employer business, while we expect the provider sponsored health plan and employer markets to continue to progress. We believe an outside partner will allow for continued advancement of the business through a broader capability set.

And increased scale.

Second.

Michael J. Alkire: S2S Global, our direct sourcing business, which was a strategic investment to augment our GPO offering and provide additional optionality for commodity purchases for our member healthcare providers. We believe a committed partner with alignment to our membership could provide the resources necessary to further broaden and scale this business and continue to support our commitment to the supply chain resiliency initiative, while removing the operational and working capital requirements for Premier. We are excited about the future as we execute on the strategies that set us apart in the market, including streamlining all aspects of the supply chain and leveraging our unique data, technologies, and AI capabilities to support provider performance, improvement, and growth in adjacent markets. Before I turn it over to Craig, I want to express our appreciation for our stockholders, customers, and employees' patience as we diligently explored strategic alternatives.

Globally, our direct sourcing business, which was a strategic investment to augment our GPO offering it provide additional optionality for commodity purchases for our member health care providers.

We believe a committed partner with alignment tour membership could provide the resources necessary to further broaden its scale this business and continue to support our commitment to supply chain resiliency initiatives.

Removing the operational and working capital requirements for Premier.

We are excited about the future as we execute on the strategies that set up a part of the market.

Including streamlining all aspects of the supply chain and leveraging our unique data technologies and AI capabilities to support provider performance improvement and growth in adjacent markets.

Before I turn it over to Craig I want to express our appreciation for our stockholders customers and employees patients as we diligently explore strategic alternatives.

Michael J. Alkire: I'm excited about our recently announced 10-year GPO agreement with Tufts Medicine that expands our relationship to include co-management of their people, processes, and technologies to drive efficiencies and contain costs. I'm also incredibly proud that Premier was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of America's greatest workplaces for diversity. True to our mission to improve the health of communities, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and are so thrilled to be recognized nationally for our efforts. I will now turn the call over to our Chief Administrative and Financial Officer, Craig McKesson, for a detailed review of our results and our financial guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year. Thanks, Mike.

I'm excited about our recently announced 10 year GPO agreement with Pops, a medicine that expands our relationship to include co management other people processes and technologies to drive efficiencies and containing costs.

I'm also incredibly proud that premier was recently recognized by Newsweek.

One of America's greatest workplaces for diversity.

True to our mission to improve the health of communities, we are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce.

And are so thrilled to be recognized nationally for our efforts.

I will now turn the call over to our chief administrative and financial Officer, Greg Mckesson for a detailed review of our results and our financial guidance for the remainder of the fiscal year.

Thanks, Mike I first want to Echo your sentiment about our excitement to exit the strategic alternatives review process in a position of strength with an eye towards executing with discipline on our core health care businesses let.

Craig S. McKasson: I first want to echo your sentiment about our excitement to exit the Strategic Alternatives Review process in a position of strength, with an eye towards executing with discipline on our core healthcare business. Let me first share our fiscal year 2024 second quarter results. While total net revenue declined from the prior year period, we did meet our expectations for profitability as a result of ongoing discipline in actively managing our business. In our supply chain services segment, and as expected, net administrative fees revenue was impacted by an increase in the aggregate blended member fee share to the mid-50% level.

Let me first share our fiscal year 2024 second quarter results.

While total net revenue declined from the prior year period, we did meet our expectations for profitability as a result of ongoing discipline and actively managing our business.

In our supply chain services segment and as expected net administrative fees revenue was impacted by an increase in the aggregate blended member fee share to the mid 50% level.

Craig S. McKasson: This impact was partially offset by continued growth in member purchasing. In our direct sourcing business, we continue to experience the impact of excess market supply and members' and other customers' inventory levels, which has contributed to lower demand and pricing in the current year period, resulting in a decline in product revenue. Before moving on, I wanted to provide some operational updates on our strategies to create more resiliency in the healthcare supply chain. As part of our initiatives to bring more manufacturing on and near shore, our domestic gown manufacturing partner began producing products in Tennessee earlier this year.

This impact was partially offset by continued growth in member purchasing.

And our direct sourcing business, we continued to experience the impact of excess market supply and members and other customers inventory levels, which has contributed to lower demand and pricing in the current year period, resulting in a decline in products revenue.

Before moving on I wanted to provide some operational updates on our strategies to create more resiliency in the health care supply chain.

As part of our initiatives to bring more manufacturing on and near shore, our domestic gown manufacturing partner began producing products in Tennessee earlier this year.

Craig S. McKasson: In addition, we expect to launch our Domestic Love program in the second half of fiscal 2024. Lastly, we added five additional vital medications to our Drug Shortage Resiliency Program, which now offers members access to over 150 drugs in short supply. In our performance services segment, revenue was impacted by a decrease in contributions from enterprise license agreements compared to the prior year period. However, we remain enthusiastic about market opportunities that validate the need for our solutions. For example, we continue to drive growth in our consulting services business as healthcare providers are leveraging Premier to drive clinical and margin improvement. We also continue to make progress in our adjacent markets businesses, which grew over 29% in aggregate. Notably, in our Applied Sciences business, we recently announced our partnership with TFS Health Science, where Premier's AI will help accelerate research through innovative ways to integrate real-world evidence into clinical trials. In addition, we are seeing market validation that our technology-enabled margin improvement solutions continue to save providers considerable time and money. Recently, Henry Ford Health reported that Premier's digital invoicing and payables platform eliminated the need for manual handling of nearly 100,000 paper invoices over a six-month period.

In addition, we expect to launch our domestic glove program in the second half of fiscal 2024.

Lastly, we added five additional vital medications to our drug shortage resiliency program, which now offers members access to over 150 drugs in short supply.

In our performance services segment revenue was impacted by a decrease in contributions from enterprise license agreements compared to the prior year period.

However, we remain enthusiastic about market opportunities that validate the need for our solutions for.

For example, we continue to drive growth in our consulting services business as health care providers are leveraging premier to drive clinical and margin improvement.

We also continue to make progress in our adjacent market businesses, which grew over 29% in aggregate.

Notably in our applied Sciences business, we recently announced our partnership with TFS Health Science.

We're premieres AI will help accelerate research through innovative ways to integrate real world evidence into clinical trials.

In addition, we are seeing market validation that our technology enabled margin improvement solutions continue to say providers considerable time and money.

Recently, Henry Ford Health reported that Premier's digital invoicing and payables platform has eliminated the need for manual handling of nearly 100000 paper invoices over a six month period.

Craig S. McKasson: Turning to profitability, Gap Net Income was $52.9 million for the quarter. Total adjusted EBITDA was impacted by the following factors. First, performance services adjusted EBITDA decreased mainly due to lower revenue and incremental headcount to support growth in our consulting services and adjacent markets business. And second, supply chain services adjusted EBITDA declined mainly due to a decrease in revenue and an increase in expenses in support of our GPO and supply chain co-management businesses. This decrease was partially offset by a higher profit margin in our direct sourcing business due to lower logistics and product costs compared to the prior year period. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share each declined, primarily driven by the same factors that impacted Adjusted EBITDA. The decreases were partially offset by higher interest income.

Turning to profitability GAAP net income was $52 9 million for the quarter.

Total adjusted EBITDA was impacted by the following factors.

First performance services adjusted EBITDA decreased mainly due to lower revenue.

And incremental head count to support growth in our consulting services and adjacent markets businesses.

And second supply chain services adjusted EBITDA declined mainly due to a decrease in revenue and an increase in expenses in support of our GPO and supply chain co management businesses.

This decrease was partially offset by a higher profit margin than our direct sourcing business due to lower logistics and products costs compared to the prior year period.

Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share each declined primarily driven by the same factors that impacted adjusted EBITDA. The decreases were partially offset by higher interest income.

Craig S. McKasson: From a liquidity and balance sheet perspective, cash flow from operations for the first six months of fiscal 2024 of $35.4 million decreased from 196.7 million in the prior year period. The change was primarily due to $138.5 million in tax payments in the current year period from the sale of our non-healthcare GPO operation. Cash was impacted to a lesser extent by lower net revenue and was partially offset by a reduction in inventory purchases.

From a liquidity and balance sheet perspective cash flow from operations for the first six months of fiscal 2024 of $35 4 million decreased from $196 7 million in the prior year period.

The change was primarily due to $138 5 million in tax payments in the current year period from the sale of our non health care GPO operations.

Cash was impacted to a lesser extent by lower net revenue and was partially offset by a reduction in inventory purchases.

Craig S. McKasson: And lower fiscal 2023 performance-related compensation payments during the fiscal first quarter compared to fiscal 2022 payments in the prior year period. Pre-cash flow for the first six months of fiscal 2024, an outflow of $63.3 million decreased from an inflow of $109.6 million in the prior year period, primarily due to the same factors that impacted cash flow from operations, including the aforementioned $138.5 million in tax payments, as well as an increase in capitalized software purchases related to the advancement of our supply chain technology automation. Looking forward and excluding the impact of tax payments related to the sale of our non-healthcare GPO operations, we expect fiscal 2024 free cash flow to approximate 45 to 55 percent of adjusted EBITDA for the full year.

And lower fiscal 2023 performance related compensation payments during the fiscal first quarter compared to the fiscal 2022 payments in the prior year period.

Free cash flow for the first six months of fiscal 2024, an outflow of $63 3 million.

Decreased from an inflow of $109 6 million in the prior year period, primarily due to the same factors that impacted cash flow from operations, including the aforementioned $138 5 million and tax payments as well as an increase in capitalized software purchases.

<unk> to the advancement of our supply chain technology automation.

Looking forward and excluding the impact of tax payments related to the sale of our non health care GPO operations, we expect fiscal 2020 for free cash flow to approximate 45% to 55% of adjusted EBITDA for the full year.

Craig S. McKasson: Cash and cash equivalents totaled $371.1 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $89.8 million as of June 30, 2023. The increase was driven by the sale of our non-healthcare GPO operations, net of the previously mentioned tax payment. As of December 31st, we have received a total of $629.8 million in proceeds, and we now expect the final purchase price to be up to $740 million as we continue to work through member consents and the true-up period that ends in February. As we stated last quarter, we used a portion of these net proceeds to pay down our 5-year, $1 billion revolving credit facility and continue to have no outstanding balance as of the end of the second quarter.

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $371 1 million as of December 31, 2023, compared with $89 8 million as of June 32023.

The increase was driven by the sale of our non health care GPO operations net of the previously mentioned tax payments.

As of December 30, <unk>, we have received a total of $629 8 million in proceeds and we now expect the final purchase price to be up to $740 million as we continue to work through member consents and the true up period that ends in February.

As we stated last quarter, we used a portion of these net proceeds to pay down our five year $1 billion revolving credit facility and continue to have no outstanding balance as of the end of the second quarter.

Craig S. McKasson: With respect to capital deployment, we will remain disciplined and focused on taking a balanced approach. As Mike mentioned, to accelerate returns to stockholders, our board has approved a new $1 billion share repurchase authorization through June 30, 2025, including the implementation of a $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction. This will augment our quarterly cash dividend, which totaled $51.1 million during the first six months of fiscal 2024. In addition, our board recently declared a dividend of 21 cents per share payable on March 15th, 2024 to stockholders of record as of March 1st.

With respect to capital deployment, we will remain disciplined and focused on taking a balanced approach.

As Mike mentioned to accelerate returns to stockholders. Our board has approved a new $1 billion share repurchase authorization through June 32025, including the implementation of a $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction.

This will augment our quarterly cash dividend, which totaled $51 1 million during the first six months of fiscal 2024.

In addition, our board recently declared a dividend of 21 cents per share payable on March 15th 2024 to stockholders of record as of March one.

Craig S. McKasson: We will also continue to evaluate opportunities to invest in organic growth and potential acquisitions to strengthen, enhance, or complement our existing capabilities and differentiate our offerings in the marketplace. Turning to our outlook for the remainder of the year, as a result of the conclusion of our strategic alternatives review process, we are now providing formal fiscal 2024 guidance. Our guidance incorporates certain key assumptions related to the market and our business, and it does not incorporate the impact of any future share repurchases following the $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction or any significant acquisitions or divestitures that we may undertake. With these key assumptions in mind, our specific fiscal 2024 full-year guidance ranges are as follows. Supply chain services segment revenue of $840 to $880 million, comprised of net administrative fees revenue of $588 to $603 million.

We will also continue to evaluate opportunities to invest in organic growth and potential acquisitions to strengthen enhance or complement our existing capabilities and differentiate our offerings in the marketplace.

Turning to our outlook for the remainder of the year as a result of the conclusion of our strategic alternatives review process. We are now providing formal fiscal 2024 guidance our guidance incorporates certain key assumptions related to the market and our business and it does not incorporate the impact.

Of any future share repurchases following the $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction.

Or any significant acquisitions or divestitures that we may undertake.

With these key assumptions in mind, our specific fiscal 2020 for full year guidance ranges are as follows.

Supply chain services segment revenue of $842 $880 million comprised of net administrative fees revenue of $588 million to $603 million.

Craig S. McKasson: Direct sourcing products revenue of $207 to $222 million, and software, license, other services, and support revenue of $45 to $55 million. Performance Services Segment Net Revenue of $425 to $445 million. Together, these produce total net revenue of $1.265 to $1.325 billion.

Direct sourcing products revenue of $207 million to $222 million.

And software license other services and support revenue up $45 million to $55 million.

Performance services segment, net revenue of $425 million to $445 million.

Together. These produced total net revenue of 1.265 to $1 $3 billion to $5 billion.

Craig S. McKasson: We expect adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of $405 to $425 million and adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.06 to $2.18, which includes an estimated $0.09 to $0.10 impact from the $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction. Our guidance is also based on the following assumptions and expectations regarding our GPO business. We continue to anticipate aggregate blended member fee share will be in the mid 50% range for fiscal 2024 on a full year basis, and we expect continued growth in member purchasing driven by further penetration of existing members. In addition, we are assuming that patient utilization remains generally stable with flat to low single-digit growth.

We expect to just adjusted EBITDA to be in the range of 405 to 425 million and.

And adjusted earnings per share to be in the range of $2 <unk>.

To $2 18, which includes an estimated nine to 10 cent impact from the $400 million accelerated share repurchase transaction.

Our guidance is also based on the following assumptions and expectations.

In our GPO business, we continue to anticipate aggregate blended member fee share will be in the mid 50% range for fiscal 2024 on a full year basis.

And we expect continued growth in member purchasing driven by further penetration of existing members spent.

In addition, we are assuming that patient utilization remains generally stable with flat to low single digit growth but.

Craig S. McKasson: But to the extent that utilization or member participation in our GPO is higher or lower than we expect, these could represent potential headwinds or tailwinds to our expectations. In our direct sourcing products business, we believe we have finally reached the lower end of our more normalized quarterly run rate for this business. As a result, we expect flat to nominal sequential improvement in product revenue on a quarterly basis as pricing and demand continue to normalize, and we realize incremental contributions from the ongoing ramp of our domestic gown and glove initiatives in the second half of fiscal 2024. In our performance services business, we anticipate revenue growth of approximately 20% in our adjacent markets, comprised of our life sciences, clinical decision support, remitra, and contigo health businesses.

But to the extent that utilization or member participation in our G P O or higher or lower than we expect these could represent potential headwinds or tailwind to our expectations.

And our direct sourcing products business. We believe we have finally reached the lower end of our more normalized quarterly run rate for this business. As a result, we expect flat to nominal sequential improvement in products revenue on a quarterly basis as pricing and demand continue to normalize.

And we realized incremental contributions from the ongoing ramp of our domestic gown and glove initiatives in the second half of fiscal 2024.

In our performance services business, we anticipate revenue growth of approximately 20% in our adjacent markets comprised of our life Sciences clinical decision support remit truck and contango help businesses with.

Craig S. McKasson: With respect to Contigo Health, revenue contributions represented around 40% of our aggregate adjacent markets revenue in fiscal 2023. Due to a combination of slower growth this year and higher growth in certain of our other adjacent markets businesses, we expect Contigo Health revenue will represent approximately one-third of our aggregate adjacent markets revenue in fiscal 2024. Consistent with prior years, due to the timing and magnitude of enterprise license agreements and certain consulting arrangements, there may be periodic variability in the recognition of revenue and profitability associated with these engagements between quarters.

With respect to continue go health revenue contributions represented around 40% of our aggregate adjacent markets revenue in fiscal 2023.

Due to a combination of slower growth this year and higher growth in certain of our other adjacent markets businesses. We expect continue go health revenue will represent approximately one third of our aggregate adjacent markets in fiscal 2024.

Consistent with prior years due to the timing and magnitude of enterprise license agreements and certain consulting arrangements. There may be periodic variability in the recognition of the revenue and profitability associated with these engagements between quarters.

Operator: In closing, we remain committed to and confident in the disciplined execution of our strategy and the value creation opportunities ahead. We are encouraged by recent projects and customer engagements and are excited to continue to share our strategy and value proposition with new and existing customers. We continue to operate with a strong financial foundation supported by significant cash flow and a flexible balance sheet, which provides us the ability to continue to return capital to stockholders while also investing in future growth. We appreciate your time today and will now open the call for questions. We will now begin the question and answer session. To ask a question, you may press star, then 1 on your telephone keypad. If you are using a speakerphone, you will need to pick up your handset before pressing the keys.

In closing, we remain committed to and confident in the disciplined execution of our strategy and the value creation opportunities ahead. We are encouraged by recent projects and customer engagements and are excited to continue to share our strategy and value proposition with new.

New and existing customers, we continue to operate with a strong financial foundation supported by significant cash flow and a flexible balance sheet, which provides us the ability to continue to return capital to stockholders, while also investing in future growth.

We appreciate your time today, and we'll now open the call for questions.

We will now begin the question and answer session.

You asked a question you May press Star then one on your telephone keypad.

If you are using a speakerphone you will need to pick up your handset before pressing the key.

Stephanie J. Demko: To withdraw your question, please press star then Q. At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble the roster. Our first question comes from Stephanie Davis of Barclays. Please go ahead. Hey guys, thanks for taking my question and congratulations on finally ending the strategic review. So I have one on the review process and one on the core business.

To withdraw your question. Please press Star then two.

At this time, we will pause momentarily to assemble the roster.

Our first question comes from Stephanie Davis of Barclays. Please go ahead.

Our first question comes from Stephanie Davis of Barclays. Please go ahead.

Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question and congrats on finally on being good strategic our view.

So I have one on the review process on one on the core baseball.

Michael J. Alkire: Starting the review, my... What made the direct sourcing business in Contigo really stand out to you as the two assets that made the most sense to monetize? And I'm going to assume you've explored some of these sales venues during your strategic review process. Do you have any broad stroke thoughts on the timeline for these processes or kind of how this will play out? Yeah, so thanks for the question, Stephanie. The board obviously considered a broad range of potential options....

Steinberg.

Right.

What do you mean, the direct sourcing business.

Really stand out to you that the two assets that made the most sense to monetize.

Yes.

And I'm going to assume even scored 70 sale then you during your strategic review process.

You have any broad strokes thoughts on timeline for these processes or kind of how this will play out.

Yeah. So thanks for the question Stephanie the board considered obviously, a broad range of potential options and strategic alternatives.

Michael J. Alkire: And, you know, while we can't get really into any specifics of the processes of the board's deliberations, you know, just rest assured that we conducted a very thorough review to determine the best path forward for the company, for Premier's stockholders, and for our other stakeholders. So starting with that, you know, I think that as the process went on, it just became apparent there was a bit of interest in the S2S and our Contigo Health Assistant. And it made a lot of sense for us to, you know, be public that, with the right partners, we really believe that those assets can grow in partnership with, you know, Premier and its membership. And that's, you know, that was really the driver was to, you know.

And while we can't get really into any specifics of the processes of the board's deliberations.

Just rest assured that we conducted a very thorough review to determine the best path forward for the company.

For Premier.

<unk> holders and our other stakeholders, so starting with that I think that.

As the process went on.

It just became apparent there was.

Bit of interest in the <unk> and the and our continued go help assets.

And it made a lot of sense for us to be public that with the right partners, we really believe that those assets.

Can grow and partnership with Premier and its membership and that's you know that.

That was really the driver was.

Craig S. McKasson: Make sure that as we were thinking about the future of this organization, that we, you know, had a couple of those areas that were not necessarily core to our, you know, our capabilities, but that we really wanted to find strong partnerships to continue to. Yeah, this is Craig Stephanie. The only thing I would add is that as we looked at those two businesses and think about the scale, the resources, and the expertise that other partners can bring to actually take those to the next level, we have a strong belief that both of those businesses have a bright future. But with a partner to help take them to the next level, they stood out versus our differentiated core businesses that already have scale within our. And Craig, there I have you.

Make sure that as we were thinking about the future of this organization that we have.

I had a couple of those areas that were not necessarily core.

Our capabilities that we really wanted to find strong partnerships to continue the growth of those assets.

Yes. This is Craig Stephanie the only thing I would add is that as we look at that as we looked at those two businesses and we think about the scale the resources and the expertise that other partners can bring to actually take those to the next level.

I have a strong belief both of those businesses have a bright future.

But with the with a partner to help take them to the next level they stood out versus our.

Differentiated core businesses that already have scale within our institution.

And just add Craig that I have you and me asking more about the core business.

Craig S. McKasson: Let me ask you more about the core business. You cut your assumptions pretty heavily for performance services, but if I scrub out last year's tough comp, it actually doesn't look like performance services had a bad first half at all. So why change the outlook so much? And how much of that is reflective of the current environment or maybe the ongoing strategic review process they can attempt to sell versus broader market fitch or conservative? Yeah, it's a good question, Stephanie.

You cut your assumption pretty heavily pharma services, the bikes scrub out last year's tough comp.

It actually doesn't look like performance services had a bad first half at all so why change the outlook, how much and how much of that is reflected that.

A minor amount or maybe longer.

On the strategic review process, making Wow birthdays.

Broader market states work.

Yes, it's a good question Stephanie Thank you and first of all I would agree that when you take out last year's tough comp we do feel good about the first half that we had in performance services, particularly with certain aspects of our business.

Craig S. McKasson: Thank you. And first of all, I would agree that when you take out last year's tough competition, we do feel good about the first half that we had in performance service. Particularly with certain aspects of our, As we look forward and the full year guidance that we put out, as I indicated in my prepared remarks, we are not seeing the growth in Contigo Health that we had anticipated for the start of the year, and I provided some preliminary directional perspective, and so that's certainly been a haircut, and I talked about sort of it shrinking relative to the rest of our adjacent markets businesses in my prepared remarks. Secondarily, I would say with what's happening in the market, I do think it has been somewhat influenced, but not totally, by our strategic alternative review process.

As we look forward.

And the full year guidance that we put out as I indicated in my prepared remarks, we are not seeing the growth in <unk> health that we had anticipated when we.

Started the year and I provided some preliminary directional perspective, and so that's certainly been a haircut and I talked about sort of it is shrinking relative to the rest of our adjacent market businesses in my prepared remarks, secondarily I would say with what's happening in the market I do think it has been somewhat influenced but not.

Totally by our strategic alternative review process I think the prospects for enterprise licenses in our performance services segment, we've tapered some of those expectations from what we were thinking we would see earlier in the year, we still feel good about the pipeline, but we are seeing those continuing to take a long time to get over the finish line in certain cases.

Craig S. McKasson: I think the prospects for enterprise licenses in our performance services segment have tapered some of those expectations from what we were thinking we would see earlier in the year. We still feel good about the pipeline, but we are seeing those continuing to take a long time to get over the finish line in certain cases, and so we have factored that into the full year guidance that we established. And as you know, given the profitability of those license agreements, that does flow through to the adjusted EBITDA line. These are helpful.

And so we have factored that into the full year guidance that we established and as you know given the profitability of those license agreements that does flow through to the adjusted EBITDA line as well.

Super helpful.

Stephanie J. Demko: Congratulations on being done, guys. Thank you. The next question comes from Richard Close of Pianacore Genuity.

Being dumb Guy.

Thank you Stephanie.

The next question comes from Richard close of Canaccord Genuity. Please go ahead.

Richard Close: Please go ahead. Yeah, thanks for the question. Craig, I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about just the quarterly cadence, how we should think about the third and fourth quarters, maybe from the supply chain and performance services, if there's any nuances we should be aware of. Sure. Thank you for the question. I think if you think about our supply chain services business, I would expect a slight, we would anticipate a slight step up from a sequential standpoint in the third quarter at this point, and then kind of relatively flat across the third and the fourth quarters. As I mentioned, we do expect some, not tremendous, but slight, step up in the direct sourcing business given that we have sort of hit the bottom rung. And I know that I've said that in the past, but we truly do believe we've hit sort of the low end.

Yeah. Thanks for the question Craig.

Wondering if you could talk a little bit about.

The quarterly cadence, how we should think about the third and fourth quarters maybe from.

The supply chain and performance services, if there's any nuances we should be aware of.

Sure. Thank you for the question I think if you think about our supply chain services business.

I would expect a slight.

We would anticipate a slight step up from a sequential standpoint in the third quarter at this point and then kind of relatively flat across the third and the fourth quarters.

As I mentioned, we do expect some not tremendous but slight step up in the direct sourcing business given that we had sort of hit the bottom rung and I know that I've said that in the past, but we truly do believe we've hit sort of the low end of.

The watermark for direct sourcing so we would expect a slight step up sequentially and then sort of flat across the third and fourth quarters as we move forward relative to our performance services business I think broadly thinking about where we came in in the second quarter sort of repeating itself as we continue through the back half of the year is.

Craig S. McKasson: I would expect a slight step up sequentially and then sort of flat across the third and fourth quarters as we move forward. Relative to our performance services business, I think broadly thinking about where we came in in the second quarter sort of repeating itself as we continue through the back half of the year is the best way to think about that. We do have some gap closure plans that we're hoping will help Q4 to step up slightly. But overall, I would think that the Q2 level is sort of where we would anticipate the rest of the year.

The best way to think about that we do have some gap closure plans that we're hoping will help Q4 to step up slightly but overall I would think sort of the Q2 level of that sort of where we would anticipate the rest of the year playing out.

Okay and as a follow up just.

Craig S. McKasson: Okay, and as a follow-up just on Contigo, were the TRPN assets that you bought, I guess a year and a half ago, or I'm not sure the timing, that's going as well, you know, potentially with the divestiture? Yes, it would be the entire Contigo Health business, which would be the TPA business, the COE business that we provide, and the WRAP Network components tied. And then with the revenue information that you gave for Contigo. Was the revenue associated with the TRPN assets fully in, I don't remember, was that fully in the 2023 fiscal numbers? No, the asset was acquired in the October time frame of fiscal 2023, so it would have been about eight plus months in fiscal 23 and then a full year.

There you go.

Are the ones at the TRP in assets.

Yeah, Bob I guess, a year and a half ago or I'm not sure the timing that's going as well.

It's actually with the divestiture, yes, it would be the entire contango health business, which would be the tpa business. The Coa business that we provide and the rap network components tied to TRP and that's correct.

With the revenue.

<unk>.

Information that you gave for contango.

What is the revenue associated with the T. L. P N S.

Fully in.

I don't remember was that fully in the 2020.

Remember the asset was acquired in the October timeframe of fiscal 2023, so it would've been about.

Eight eight plus months in 'twenty, three and then a full year in fiscal 2024.

Kevin Caliendo: Okay, thank you. Thank you. The next question comes from Kevin Caliendo of UBS. Please go ahead.

Okay. Thank you.

Thank you.

Yeah.

The next question comes from Kevin <unk> of UBS. Please go ahead.

Kevin Caliendo: Thanks. Thanks for taking my question. When we think about Contigo and STS and how this actually works on a functional level, is there any sort of revenue dissynergies from not fully owning these businesses, meaning is there any other parts of your business that could be affected by not having these companies as part of your offering?

Thanks, Thanks for taking my question.

When we think about contango and S T S.

This actually works on a functional level is there any.

Sort of revenue dis synergies from not fully owning these businesses, meaning is there any other.

Any other.

Parts of your business that could be affected by not having these companies as part of your offering I don't know if theres bundling or any other kind of revenue synergies. That's the first question and then the second question is.

Kevin Caliendo: I don't know if there's bundling or any other kind of revenue synergies. That's the first question. And then the second question is: more on the ASR and the repo. And how do you expect to finance it?

More on the ASR and the repo and how do you expect to finance.

Kevin Caliendo: I mean, you have 371 million in cash now, and you are expecting free cash flow, but I can't imagine that you want to drain all of your cash for an ASR. So, just if you can just take us through sort of how to think about financing the ASR and the repo going forward. Sure, this is Craig.

$371 million of cash now.

Free cash flow, but I can't imagine that you Wanna drained all of your cash burn ASR. So just if you can just take us through sort of how to think.

About financing the ASR and the repo going forward.

Craig S. McKasson: Thanks for the questions, Kevin. First of all, with respect to revenue dis-synergies, I would not expect material dis-synergies as a result, looking for potential partnerships. I think the only thing, and I wouldn't expect this, but I would highlight it, is that with our S2S business, it is a contracted GPO supplier, so we do receive GPO administrative fees on S2S purchases. We would certainly anticipate that to continue, even if there were another provider that had a controlling or full ownership of that business. However, I'd be remiss not to say if they chose not to do a GPO contract, then yes, that would be a place, but I can't imagine that actually occurring.

Sure. This is Craig thanks for the questions. Kevin first of all with respect to revenue dis synergies would not expect material dis synergies as a result of these businesses and looking for potential partnerships I think the only thing and wouldn't expect this but I would highlight is that with our <unk> business. It is a contracted GP.

Oh supplier. So we do receive GPO administrative fees on <unk> purchases, we would certainly anticipate that to continue even if there were another provider that had a controlling or full ownership of that business. However, I'd be remiss not to say if they chose not to do a GPO contract then yes that would be in place.

But I can't envision that actually occurring.

Craig S. McKasson: Relative to Contigo Health, there really aren't any direct dis-energies that would apply at all to that business. So that's the first question. The second question relative to the ASR is that, our expectations and anticipation is that we will use cash to finance the $400 million accelerated share repurchase. There is some potential, given the timing of the funding, that we may have a very short-term bridge of utilizing our credit facility just to do the initial funding when that launches here in a couple of days, but we would expect to pay that down pretty promptly. And then as we look forward, moving forward into the remainder of the authorization, obviously subject to market conditions and other criteria, when we make the assessment whether to do that, and we would factor in free cash flow that we have at that point, to the extent that we have done any transactions that generated cash flow relative to Contigo Health S2S, and then to the extent that it made sense from a capital allocation standpoint, we could utilize our credit facility for additional repurchase Thank you so much.

To continue go health out there really arent any direct dis synergies that would apply at all for that business.

So that's the first question the second question relative to the ASR our expectations in anticipation is that we will use cash to finance the $400 million accelerated share repurchase there is some potential given the timing of the funding that we may have a very short term bridge of utilizing our credit facility just to do the.

Initial funding when that launches here in a couple of days, but we would expect to pay that down pretty promptly.

And then as we look forward.

Moving forward into the remainder of the authorization, obviously subject to market conditions and other criteria.

When we make the assessment whether to do that and we would factor in free cash flow that we have at that point to the extent that we had done any transactions that generated cash flow relative.

Relative to continue go health S. U S and then to the extent that it made sense from a capital allocation standpoint, we could utilize our credit facility for additional repurchases in fiscal 2025 as well.

Fantastic guys. Thank you so much thank you.

Kevin Caliendo: Thank you. The next question comes from Ellen Lutz of Bank of America; please go ahead. Good morning, and thanks for taking the questions.

The next question comes from Allen Lutz Bank of America. Please go ahead.

Good morning, and thanks for taking the questions. Craig you mentioned that maybe some of the softness in contango was driven by the strategic Group review do you think that the strategic review impacted any other parts of the business and do you think the closing up the review could drive any improvement outside T go and then separately.

Ellen Lutz: Craig, you mentioned that maybe some of the softness in Contigo was driven by the strategic review. Do you think that the strategic review impacted any other parts of the business? And then separately, you mentioned free cash conversion, 45 to 55 percent, but also said that S2S was pretty work and capital intensive. How do we think about what the conversion rate would look like on free cash flow, excluding S2S and Contigo?

Free cash conversion of 45% to 55%, but also said that as to as to US was pretty working capital intensive how should we think about what the conversion rate would look like on free cash flow, excluding <unk> and <unk>.

Craig S. McKasson: Thanks. Yeah, so first of all, relative to market dynamics, just to clarify, I wasn't being specific. Tego, I was talking about the performance services segment overall. I will say broadly that the strategic alternative view has certainly had customers at certain points across all of our businesses kind of have questions about what the future holds. And so, as we did indicate in our remarks, we are excited now that that is behind us and being able to go out and have conversations with customers about the business moving forward. Relative to Contigo and S2S, we're also excited about the opportunity to talk about what the future potential is with a very strong partner alongside us to actually take those businesses, with more expertise and resources, to the next level.

Yeah. So first of all relative to market dynamics I just to clarify I wasn't being specific to <unk> I was talking about the performance services segment overall.

I will say broadly that I think that the strategic alternative review has certainly had customers at certain points across all of our businesses kind of have questions about what the future holds and so as we did indicate in our remarks. We are excited now having that behind us and being able to go out and have conversations with customers about the business.

Moving forward relative to continue go and ask to US. We're also excited about the opportunity to talk about what the future potential is with a very strong partner alongside us to actually take those businesses with more expertise and resources to the next level. So we do feel good about what the future may be relative to that.

Craig S. McKasson: So we do feel good about what the future may be relative to that. As far as free cashflow conversion, at this point, given that those are still included in our guidance, that is the perspective that we're providing in terms of free cashflow conversion to the extent that we get to a place where we would actually put those as held for sale and need to update our guidance further into fiscal 2024.

As far as free cash flow conversion.

At this point given that those are still included in our guidance that is the perspective that we're providing in terms of free cash flow conversion to the extent that we get to a place that we would actually put those as held for sale and need to update our guidance further into fiscal 2020 for we would certainly provide a revised perspective.

Craig S. McKasson: We would certainly provide a revised perspective on the conversion of the EBITDA that we would have at that point in time. But overall, we would expect a slight improvement given some of the working capital requirements in the S. Great, thank you. The next question comes from Eric Coldwell of Baird. Please go ahead. Thanks. I have three questions.

On the conversion of the EBITDA, we would have at that point in time.

But overall, we would expect slight improvement given some of the <unk>.

Working capital requirements and the <unk> business.

Great. Thank you. Thank you.

The next question comes from Eric Coldwell of Baird. Please go ahead.

Thanks.

I have I have three questions first one on the remaining 600 billion of repo post ASR, what determines if and when.

Eric W. Coldwell: First one on the remaining 600 million of repo post ASR. What determines if and when or how likely you'd be in the market? And, would you anticipate any open market activity before the ASR completes? Or, you know, typically we think of companies getting through that process before getting back to the market. I'm just curious about...

Or how likely you'd be in the market and.

Would you anticipate any open market activity before the ASR completes or tip.

Typically we think of companies getting through that process before getting back to the market I'm just curious on <unk>.

Craig S. McKasson: Determinations of if and when and then potential timing for the next round. Sure. Thanks, Eric. This is Craig.

Determinations of if and when and then potential timing for the next round sure. Thanks. Erik This is Craig. So first of all we do not expect to be in the market, while the accelerated share repurchase. The first 400 is taking place. So so your perspective is correct on that we'll let the $400 million take place we do anticipate.

Craig S. McKasson: So, first of all, we do not expect to be in the market while the accelerated share repurchase, the first 400, is taking place. So, your perspective is correct on that. We'll let the 400 million take place.

Craig S. McKasson: We do anticipate that it could likely be through and complete in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. So I think that. The thinking is that when we come out and provide our fourth-quarter earnings release in August would be the time that we would provide an update relative to expectations at that time for the remaining $600 million and a determination at that point, again, based on capital needs, market conditions, all the things that we'll have to see, you know, ongoing trading volume once we've taken the $400 million out, et cetera, how we might and if we And I think that that would likely either be through the open market or potentially another accelerated share repurchase, but that is to be determined at that point.

That likely could take us.

Through.

And complete in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, so I think that one.

The thinking is that when we come out and provide our fourth quarter earnings release in August would be the time that we would provide an update relative to expectations at that time for the remaining $600 million and a determination at that point again based on capital needs market conditions all of the things that we'll have to see.

Ongoing trading volume once we've taken the 400 million out et cetera.

How we might and if we would implement a further share repurchase at that point and I think that that would likely either be through open market or potentially another accelerated share repurchase but that is to be determined at that time.

Craig S. McKasson: Thanks. Thanks, Craig. Next question is on the direct sourcing product business. Would the partnerships on gowns and gloves be included in this consideration of finding a partner or would those be held independently, or is that a TBD? Generally, I would say, obviously, it does depend on the nature of the negotiations we will likely have with certain partners, but by definition today, Eric, those are independent, and so there is not a requirement that the domestic manufacturing partnerships that we have for gowns and certainly for generic drugs and for masks would go into the transaction.

Thanks. Thanks, Greg next question is on the direct sourcing product business.

With the.

Partnerships on <unk>.

<unk> and gloves be included in this consideration.

Ration of finding a partner or would those be held independently or is that TBD.

Generally I would say obviously it does depend based on the nature of the negotiations.

We'll likely have with certain partners, but by definition today, Eric those are independent and so there is not a requirement that the domestic.

Manufacturing partnerships that we have for gallons.

And certainly for generic drugs and for mass would go into the.

Transaction.

Craig S. McKasson: Okay. And then sourcing profitability. I know that business is very determined by gross margin performance, and you did mention gross margin perked up. Revenue, obviously, has been a bit more challenged. Typically, think of that business as hovering in the low to mid-single-digit EBITDA range. Was it in that zip code here in 2Q?

Okay, and then sourcing profitability.

I know that business is very determined by the gross margin performance and you you didn't mentioned gross margin perked up revenue, obviously, it's been a bit more challenged tips.

Typically think of that business is hovering in the low to mid single digit EBITDA range was was it in that Zip code.

Craig S. McKasson: Low single-digit. That's correct. Yeah. Okay. And then, last one. Maybe I have four, actually.

<unk> low single digit that's correct, yes, Okay and then.

Last one maybe I have four actually.

Eric W. Coldwell: This is the most complex, so bear with me. If I did the math correctly on Contigo, it looks like it did $40,000,000, $41,000,000 of revenue last year. You're targeting about $40,000,000, maybe a tad over $40,000,000 this year. So, Contigo is flat.

This is the most complex so bear with me if ive done the math correctly on <unk>. It looks like it did $40 $41 million of revenue last year, you were targeting about 40, maybe a tad over $40 million. This year. So can T go flat.

Eric W. Coldwell: Yet adjacent markets, given the near 30% first half growth, to get to 20% for the full year, have to be around 10% in the second half on average per quarter. So that's about a $10 million quarterly decrease on average if I've done this right. My question is... Is the second half reduction in adjacent market revenue because Contigo was higher in the first half and now lower in the second half? Or is it because ELAs, your enterprise license agreements, are much lower in the second half than they were in the first half, even though 2Q was down quarter over quarter? Is it those things in some combination of other items?

Yes adjacent markets given the near 30% first half growth to get to 20% for the full year has to be around 10% in the second half on average per quarter. So that's about a $10 million quarterly decrease on average if again if I've done this.

<unk>.

My question is.

Is the second half reduction in adjacent market revenue.

Because <unk> was higher in the first half and now lower in the second half.

Is it because elas enterprise license agreements are much lower in the second half than they were in the first half even though.

<unk> was down quarter over quarter is that those things and some combat a combination of other items I'm just trying to get a sense on why adjacent markets growth and and absolute dollars are your lower here in the second half.

Craig S. McKasson: I'm just trying to get a sense of why adjacent market growth and absolute dollars are here, lower here in the second half. Yeah, there's a lot to unpack there, Eric. So I need to process that a little bit, but... Yeah, I probably do, too, to be fair. That's a long question. But generally, at a broad level, what I would say is we don't expect a significant step back in adjacent markets. First of all, your commentary around Contigo is accurate in terms of the levels of performance based on my commentary.

Yes, Theres a lot to unpack there Eric.

Need to process that a little bit, but yeah, I, probably two two to be fair. That's a long question, but generally at a broad level. What I would say is we don't expect a significant step back in adjacent markets first of all your commentary around to Chico's accurate in terms of sort of the levels of performance based on my commentary, we don't expect a.

Craig S. McKasson: We don't expect a significant step back in adjacent markets in the back half of the year. I will say we had a strong first half, particularly with our Applied Sciences business in the second quarter. So it's not growing at the clip that it might have on a normal basis, but it's not stepping back at that level.

Difficult step back in adjacent markets in the back half of the year I will say, we had a strong first half, particularly with our applied sciences business in the second quarter.

So it is not growing at the clip that it might have on a normal basis, but it's not stepping back at that level. We are seeing as I mentioned in my commentary around performance services.

Eric W. Coldwell: We are seeing, as I mentioned in my commentary around performance services... You know, we're not being as aggressive, quite candidly, on enterprise licenses and the level of conversion that we're going to see on those in the second half of the year from an overall cadence standpoint. Okay. Thanks very much for all the questions.

We're not being as aggressive quite candidly on enterprise licenses and the level of conversion that we're going to see on those in the second half of the year from an overall cadence standpoint for this segment.

Okay.

Thanks, very much for all the questions I appreciate it Greg Thanks, Sir.

The next question comes from Jeff Johnson of Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Hi, Thank you guys through the question and congratulations on the end of their review.

Jessica Tassin: I appreciate it, Craig. The next question comes from Jessica Tassin of Piper Sandler. Please go ahead.

Yeah, I was hoping you could just remind us what what is the share back rate expected to be in the health care GPO exiting FY 'twenty four and then in FY 'twenty five would you guys expect to be kind of in line with the market for the full year such that.

Craig S. McKasson: Hi, thank you guys for the question. And congratulations on the end of the review. I was so yeah, I was hoping you could just remind us what the share back rate expected to be in the healthcare GPO exiting FY 24. And then in FY 25, would you guys expect to be kind of in line with the market for the full year such that, you know, competitive takeaways or new customer ads could potentially accelerate? Sure, Jessica. This is Craig.

You know, our competitive takeaways or new customer adds could potentially accelerate.

Sure Jessica this is Craig so as as we indicated in my remarks, we expect the <unk>.

Fee share right across the GPO to be in the mid 50% range for fiscal 2024, we arent providing perspective on fiscal 2025 or moving forward, but as we have said publicly to the extent that the market dynamics that we've been experiencing continue if we do see further consolidation in the marketplace, which has.

Jessica Tassin: So, as I indicated in my remarks, we expect the fee share rate across the GPO to be in the mid-50% range for fiscal 2024. We aren't providing perspectives yet on fiscal 2025 or moving forward, but as we have said publicly, to the extent that the market dynamics that we've been experiencing continue, if we do see further consolidation in the marketplace, which has affected it at times, we could see pressure and an increase in administrative fee share above that mid-50% level, but until we have better visibility into that as we get into our planning for fiscal 2025, at this point, we're I got it. That's helpful, and that's fair, I think. So my next question is just, I don't mean to harp on this one, but just hoping to understand what led you guys to conclude that Contigo is non-core and just interested kind of in timing. Did that decision occur towards the end of the strategic review? I was wondering just why it was impossible to execute on a partnership or potentially a sale earlier in the review process? Hey Jessica, this is Mike.

Effective at times.

We could see pressure and increase in administrative fee share above that mid 50% level, but but until we have better visibility to that as we get into our planning for fiscal 2025.

At this point, we're not providing specific guidance about where we expect that to be.

Got it that's helpful and that they are I think so.

My next question is just I don't mean to harp on this one but just hoping to understand what led you guys to conclude the contango.

Non core and just interested kind of in timing did.

Did that decision occurred towards the end of the strategic review.

Wondering just by it was impossible to execute on our partnership or potentially a sale.

Earlier in the review process that Hey, Jessica This is Mike. So obviously there were a lot of conversations that were happening in.

And the strategic review process.

I will tell you there's a number of reasons why we decided to announce.

The contango.

<unk> potential.

Michael J. Alkire: So obviously, there were a lot of conversations that were happening in the strategic review process. I will tell you there are a number of reasons why we decided to announce The Contigo, you know... Looking for potential partners.

I was looking for potential partners.

I think the number one was that I think is.

The process continues to evolve.

It just became more apparent to us that there was a lot of interest in that.

Michael J. Alkire: I think that number one was that, you know, I think as the process continued to evolve, it just became more apparent to us that there was a lot of interest in that asset. And obviously, we believe that we would like to find a partner that, collectively with us, can take that capability to a much different, higher level to help our health care systems as they're moving more towards that sort of payer space. So I would just tell you that it was a little bit of timing, but there was a lot going on in that process. And you know, I think the team and the board just felt it was really time to move out of the strategic evaluation process.

And that asset.

And obviously, we believe that we would like to find a partner that collectively with us can take that case.

Capability to a much different higher level to help our health care systems as they're moving more towards that sort of paved lighter space. So I would just tell you that it was.

<unk> timing, but there was a lot going on in that process and it.

I think the team and the board just felt it was really time to move out of the strategic evaluation process.

Okay got it that's helpful. And then my last question is just obviously hospital operating margins ended 2023 strong and it seems like momentum is accelerating just hoping for kind of an updated perspective on where premier expects to participate in that strength and over what timeframe is there.

Jessica Tassin: Okay, I got it. That's helpful. And then my last question is just obviously hospital operating margins ended 2023 strong and seems like momentum is accelerating. Just hoping for kind of an updated perspective on where Premier expects to participate in that strength and over what time frame is there, you know, a lag that we should be anticipating? Thank you, guys. Thank you. So a couple of things. First of all, at the end of the calendar year, we saw inpatient volumes going up 1.4% and outpatient volumes going up 1.6%. So that was the last quarter of the calendar year.

You know a lag that we should be anticipating. Thank you guys. Thank you. So a couple of things first of all at the end of.

Yeah.

The calendar year, we saw.

Inpatient volumes going up one, 4% and outpatient volumes going up one 6%. So that was the last quarter of the calendar year.

As you would expect.

Obviously, it's a bit of a tailwind obviously for our supply chain capabilities.

Having said that there are three significant issues that are affecting health care right. Now one is the continual labor labor issue.

Michael J. Alkire: So as you'd expect, you know, that obviously is a bit of a tailwind for our supply chain capability. Having said that, there are three significant issues that are affecting health care right now. One is the continuing labor issue.

And we think we're incredibly well positioned to deal with the labor issue. So if you think about our technologies to help our health care systems use labor efficiently.

If you think about AI and machine learning capabilities that can help our healthcare systems move.

Move processes that have been manual to more technology enabled we believe we're at a great spot to really support health care systems as they're struggling through with the labor issue. The second overall trend is this proliferation of advanced technology, AI and machine learning and we do think our strategy.

Michael J. Alkire: And we think we're incredibly well-positioned to deal with the labor issues. So if you think about our technologies to help our healthcare systems use labor efficiently, if you think about our AI and machine learning capabilities that can help our healthcare system, Moving processes that have been manual to more technology-enabled, we believe we're at a great spot to really support healthcare systems that are struggling with the labor issue. The second overall trend is this proliferation of advanced technology, AI, and machine learning.

We are focusing on prior authorization on HCC scores to very very unique.

<unk> in the market using AI and machine learning.

Leveraging the electronic medical record, we do think those are differentiated capabilities that can show demonstratable.

Michael J. Alkire: And we do think our strategy of focusing on prior authorization, on HCC scores, two very, very unique offerings in the market using AI machine learning, leveraging the electronic medical record, we do think those are differentiated capabilities that can show demonstrable value to healthcare systems as they're moving from manual to technology-enabled processes. And then finally, in that realm, we do believe this idea of technology-led work with our pharmaceutical companies to identify patients for trials. We do think it is very unique for us.

Value to health care systems, as they're moving from manual to technology enabled processes and then finally in.

In that realm, we do believe this idea of technology led.

Uh huh.

Work with our.

Pharmaceutical companies to identify patients for trials, we do think thats very unique for us. So that's number two and then the final is really just helping our health care systems create more scale in.

So as they're thinking about ways to continue to bend their cost curves, we're creating shared services capabilities and other offerings that really can sort of help them bend that cost curve and of course those are all aligned along our supply chain and our clinical decision support capabilities.

Michael J. Alkire: So that's number two. And then the final is really just helping our health care systems create more scale. And, you know, as they're thinking about ways to continue to bend their cost curves, we're creating shared services capabilities and other offerings that really can sort of help them bend that cost curve. And, of course, those are all aligned along our supply chain and our clinical decision support. Got it. Thanks again.

Got it thanks again, thank you.

The next question comes from Bill Sutherland of the Benchmark Company. Please go ahead.

Thank you good morning, guys.

I had.

Great good move.

Tim will trouble with the math here as you talked about the rest of the year for performance services.

Bill Sutherland: The next question comes from Bill Sutherland of The Benchmark Company. Please go ahead. Thank you. Good morning, guys.

Sequentially.

In line with.

Where you came in for the first half I think that's what you have Matt maybe if you could just clarify that because it just didn't seem to add up based on the full year at least in terms of revenue and up.

Craig S. McKasson: I have, Craig, a little problem with the math here as you talked about the rest of the year for performance services being sequentially kind of in line with, I think that is where you came in for the first half. I think that is what you meant. Maybe if you could just clarify that because it just didn't seem to add up based on the full year, at least in terms of revenue. Wanted your thoughts on Adjusted EBITDA as well, if you could provide that. Sure, Bill. So, generally, we would expect Q3 and Q4 to march along with, kind of broadly where Q2 came out, although, as I indicated, there are some gap closure expectations of Houston, Dave Mobley, and Dot Morse overall expectations. For the most part, I'll say relatively consistent with how the revenue cadence for the fiscal year is playing out when we think about pay. Okay. Yeah, okay. And then, um, as you guys think about the partnership between Contigo and S2S. Can you give us a little more color on kind of what that shape might be?

I wanted your thoughts on adjusted EBITDA as well if you if you can provide that.

Sure Bill So, yes, I did say that generally we.

Would expect Q3 and Q4 to March along with with.

Kind of broadly where Q2 came out although as I indicated there is some gap closure expectations for contango that we need to achieve in order to be on that on that expert expectation levels. So from a topline standpoint that is how we are expecting the year to play out obviously, we have.

Lots of things to do between now and the end of the year to make sure that happens, but broadly that's sort of how we're thinking about it.

From a revenue standpoint from an adjusted EBITDA perspective.

Overall expectations would be.

For the most part I'll say relatively consistent with how the revenue cadence for the for the fiscal year is playing out when we think about performance services overall.

Okay.

Yeah, Okay and then the.

And.

Since you guys think about the partnering.

Yeah for contango in distress.

Can you give us a little more color on kind of what that shape might be would it be.

Craig S. McKasson: Would it be one where there's a majority interest on their part or any, you know, just kind of cares about the control aspect of this and then the investment side of it? Thanks. Sure, this is Craig.

One where there's.

Majority.

Interest on their part or.

And just kind of curious about the control aspect of this and that.

And then the investment side of it thanks.

Sure. This is Craig. So obviously, we will go through the process, but certainly our expectation would be that majority control.

Craig S. McKasson: So obviously, we'll go through the process, but certainly, our expectation would be that majority control and leadership of. The question is whether and to what extent we maintain an ownership interest to further the partnership, but the expectation is that a majority of all of the ownership of those two businesses. Go. Organizations that have more scale, resources, and expertise. Take care. Thank you. And did you, Craig, I'm sorry, you finished up.

And leadership of these two businesses would move to somebody else. The question is whether and to what extent, we maintain an ownership interest to.

To further the partnership but the expectation is that a majority to all of the ownership of those two businesses would go to organizations that have more scale resources and expertise to take those businesses forward.

And did you Okay I'm sorry, you were going to show up thank you.

Bill Sutherland: Thank you. But I wanted to clarify your question about investment. I'm not sure what you meant by investment. Well, you kind of explained it. I mean, if you're taking them, all are majority states, then that's, that's obviously, I'm going to require a direct investment. Okay, that clarifies that.

I wanted to clarify your question about investment I wasn't I'm not sure what you meant by investment.

Well.

Did you kind of explained it I mean.

Taking them.

All or a.

A majority stake and that's right that's obviously.

I'm going to require a direct investment so.

Eric Percher: Thank you. I appreciate it. The next question comes from Eric Percher of Nefron Research. Please go ahead.

Okay that clarifies that.

Thank you I appreciate it. Thank you thanks Bill.

The next question comes from Eric Percher Nephron Research. Please go ahead.

Craig S. McKasson: Thank you. I want to just get a little bit more specific on the contribution from sourcing and Contigo. And what I'll ask precisely is if tomorrow you saw these move to a partner and there was no further investment contribution at sourcing losses at Contigo, would this be immaterial to EBITDA? Or could it be potentially positive negative material? I would say it would be slightly accretive to EBITDA, but not at a tremendously material level. But it would net-net, the two of those; it would be accretive.

Thank you.

I wanted to just get a little bit more specific on the.

The contribution from sourcing and contango and what I'll ask.

Precisely if tomorrow you saw these move to a partner and there was no further investment.

Contribution that sourcing Loseke contango would this be immaterial to EBITDA or could it be potentially positive negative material.

I would say it would be slightly accretive to EBITDA, but not at a tremendously material level, but it would net net the two of those it would be accretive to EBITDA.

Craig S. McKasson: Okay, that's helpful. And then, Craig, I wanted to ask you, if we look at the businesses and try to look through some of the pressures or challenges or dislocation from the process, could you speak to what you think the natural growth rate is in the businesses that you expect to own and not partner in? And specifically, I'm not asking relative to 25, but if you just think about 23 and 24 and what these coders should have done, where do you fall out?

Okay. That's that's helpful and then Craig I wanted to ask you.

If we look at the businesses and try to look through some of the pressures or challenges or.

Dislocation from the process could you speak to what you think the natural growth rate is in the businesses that you expect to own and not partner in <unk>.

Specifically, if not asking relative to 'twenty five, but if you just think of about $23 24, and what these could or should have run where do you fall out.

Craig S. McKasson: Yeah, I mean, relative to GPO, I think we've talked about if you look at it, independent of the fee share changes that we've talked about, that business generally grows at a low to mid single digit level on an overall gross growth basis. But with the fee share pressure, and and dynamic that we've been transparently talking about for for quite a while now, we expect that business for 23 to 24 into 24 being a, you know, mid single digit declining decline in terms of the top line because of the change in fee shares that we've seen on that side of the business. From a performance services standpoint, I think the underlying growth assumption that we've really talked about has been in our core provider technology that is more of a low stretching to mid single digit growth business in that part of the market, the adjacent markets businesses that we've talked about, again, excluding Catego, would be more of the 30 to 40% type growth businesses year over year that we've talked about contigo has negatively impacted that with some of the growth that we've seen there, which is why we're, That's helpful.

Yeah, I mean relative to the GPO I think we've talked about if you look at it independent of the fee share changes that we've talked about that business generally grows at a low to mid single digit level on an overall gross growth basis, but with the fee share pressure.

And dynamic that we've been transparently talking about for quite a while now we expect that business for 'twenty three to 'twenty into 'twenty for being a.

Mid single digit declining decline in terms of the top line because of the change in fee shared that we've seen on that side of the business from a performance services standpoint, I think the underlying growth assumption that we've really talked about has been in our core provider technology that is more of a low.

Stretching to mid single digit growth business in that part of the market the adjacent market businesses that we've talked about.

Again, excluding <unk> would be more of the 30% to 40% type growth business as year over year that we've talked about contango has negatively impacted that with some of the growth that we've seen there which is why we are at the 20%.

That's helpful and last question would be what will determine if you move these potential.

Craig S. McKasson: And last question: what will determine if you move these potential partnerships to discontinued operations? Yeah, we'll be evaluating, obviously, internally and with our independent auditors, all of the criteria that are required for health for sale classification. And as soon as we have a more formalized plan around the expectations for those, we would anticipate and likely expect that that's where we'll... Thank you for all that. Thank you, Eric. This concludes our question and answer session and Premier's fiscal 2024 second quarter conference call. Thank you for attending today's presentation, and you may now disconnect. BF-WATCH TV 2021

Potential partnerships to discontinued ops.

Yes, we'll be evaluating obviously internally and with our independent auditors all of the criteria that are required for held for sale classification.

And as soon as we have a more.

Formalized plan around the expectations for those we would anticipate.

And likely expect that that's where we'll wind up.

Thank you for all that.

Thank you Eric Thank you.

This concludes our question and answer session and Premier.

2024 second quarter conference call.

Thank you for attending today's presentation and you may now disconnect.

Yeah.

Yeah.

[music].